EinScan EinScan

Handheld 3D Scanners From SHINING 3D

Backed by almost 20 years of experience our team has developed a range of cost-efficient handheld 3D scanners for every use case. Whether you choose a portable 3D scanner from the EinScan H or the EinScan Pro series, you’re getting a smooth, plug-and-play experience and exceptional customer service.

SHINING 3D’s handheld 3D scanning solutions all come with our comprehensive EXScan software. You’ll be able to automatically align your scans, post-process the data with intuitive tools, and more. Seamlessly export your 3D captures to your favorite 3D software, such as Fusion 360, Meshmixer, ZBrush, and other popular suites.

EinScan Pro HD

  • Great for the art industry
  • Impressive high resolution for fine detail
  • Handles dark and contrasting metal surface
  • Optional Color Pack & Industrial Pack add-ons
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EinScan Pro 2X

  • Extremely versatile
  • Great for small to medium objects
  • Optional full-color camera add-on
  • Lightweight and compact
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EinScan HX

  • Great for reverse engineering
  • Hybrid blue laser & LED light source
  • Built in full-color camera
  • Portable and easy operation
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EinScan H2

  • Great for medical based applications
  • Infrared & structured hybrid light source
  • Built in full-color camera
  • Portable and easy operation
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Not sure which EinScan handheld 3D scanner to go for?

The best handheld 3D scanner is the one that fits your use case. Use our product selector (no email required) to help figure out the right balance between specs and price.

If you’re more of an explorer, take your time and look at dozens of user case studies and stories for inspiration. SHINING 3D users all around the world are using their handheld 3D scanners for Art & Heritage, Design, Healthcare, Manufacturing & Reverse Engineering, and Research & Education applications.

How do handheld 3D scanners work?

Most handheld 3D scanners either use structured light or laser triangulation technologies. Often, these technologies are paired with photogrammetry. Let’s take a quick look at how these 3D scanning technologies work.

Structured light 3D scanning

In this case, the handheld 3D scanner projects a pattern of light onto the object. Its camera then takes a picture of the object. That way, the 3D scanning software is able to compare the original pattern to the projected one, as it deforms when it hits the object’s surfaces.

Laser 3D scanning

Similarly to the structured light method, the 3D handheld scanner projects laser lines onto the object. The software then calculates how much time it takes for the laser to bounce back to the 3D scanner, and from what angle.

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry involves taking several overlapping pictures of an object from different angles. The software then compares each photo and is able to determine the object’s geometry. In handheld 3D scanning, photogrammetry can be used for two reasons:

  • To increase accuracy: When used with markers, the photogrammetry module identifies the location of each marker to provide a sort of “skeleton” to then fill in with laser or structured light scanning.
  • To capture colors: Photogrammetry cameras on handheld 3D scanners are often used to capture colors, also referred to as “textures”. The software creates a texture map, which it wraps around the 3D model.

Why choose our handheld 3D scanners?

At SHINING 3D, we believe that 3D scanners should be in every engineer and designer’s toolkit. That’s why we reinject over half of our revenue back into our R&D department. This enables our engineers to continuously optimize our products and quickly act on your feedback.

We’ve been developing industrial 3D scanners for metrological use cases since 2006. Our goal is to make the latest 3D scanning technologies accessible to all, without sacrificing performance, user experience, or safety.

Whichever your budget and whatever your use case, there’s a SHINING 3D scanner for you.

Need help finding the right handheld 3D scanner?

Our application engineers are here to help.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback by filling in our contact form.

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Compare our Portable 3D Scanners by Speed, Accuracy, Resolution, and More

Choosing a handheld 3D scanner isn’t always straightforward. There are so many factors that come into play: object size, accuracy, resolution, light source, ...

Are you stuck between different models? Check our EinScan handheld 3D scanner comparison table below to get a clearer picture.

Handheld 3D Scanner EinScan Pro 2X EinScan Pro HD EinScan H2 EinScan HX
Light Source White LED White LED White LED, Infrared ray Blue LED, Blue laser
Volumetric accuracy 0.1 mm + 0.3 mm/m 0.05 mm + 0.3 mm/m 0.05 mm + 0.1 mm/m (white light mode)
0.1mm +0.3 mm/m (IR mode)
0.04+0.06 mm/m (laser mode)
Resolution 0.2 mm 0.2 mm 0.2 mm 0.25mm
Scanning Speed 1,500,000 points/s 3,000,000 points/s 1,200,000 points/s, white light mode
1,060,000 points/s, IR mode
1,200,000 points/s
Object size 3 cm - 100 cm 3 cm - 300 cm 30 cm - 300 cm 30 cm - 300 cm
Fixed scan mode Yes (w/ Industrial pack) Yes (w/ Industrial pack) No No
Color acquisition Yes (w/ color pack) Yes (w/ color pack) Yes Yes (except laser scan mode)

How to interpret our handheld 3D scanner comparison table

Some specifications are measured and/or explained differently from one manufacturer to another. Here is what we mean by:

  • Light source: This is the type of light that the 3D scanner projects onto the object. All EinScan solutions use structured light technology; the EinScan HX hybrid 3D scanner also offers laser triangulation.
  • Volumetric accuracy: The bigger the object, the less accurate the scan will be. If we take the EinScan H as an example, each additional meter in object size means a decrease in accuracy of 0.1 millimeters.
  • Resolution: We are referring to point distance, also known as point-to-point distance. The smaller the point distance, the higher the resolution.
  • Scanning speed: Here, the 3D scanning speed is expressed in millions of points per second. The more points acquired per second, the less you’ll have to scan over the same area.
  • Object size: This is the recommended minimum and maximum size for the objects you want to 3D scan.
  • Fixed scan mode: Some handheld 3D scanners can be used as stationary 3D scanners. This means that you can use them with a tripod and automatic turntable, for example.
  • Color acquisition: You can capture your object’s geometry, and you can capture the object’s colors. The EinScan H/HX series have a built-in camera to do this, while the EinScan 2X, 2X Plus, and Pro HD require an add-on.

Handheld 3D Scanner Reviews

Find out what leading industry media and other users think about our handheld 3D scanners.

EinScan HX Reviews

“From a user perspective, the EinScan HX showcases how Shining 3D is maturing. The software is improving, as is the interface, particularly the color-based feedback. It’s versatile enough to cover quite a few bases, while the results speak for themselves.”

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“Regarding Shining 3D as a whole, we’ve seen a real evolution in their products over the years. Their 3D scan- ners – or at least those we’ve tested – have always offered great value, and now more than ever with the EinScan HX. We noticed improvements on all fronts: hardware, software, and versatility.”

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EinScan H Reviews

EinScan Pro 2X Series Reviews

“SHINING 3D has built a reputation for affordable, high-performance 3D scanning devices. We get to grips with its latest device, which offers flexibility and affordability, and comes with some very helpful, easy-to-use software.”

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“The EinScan Pro 2X Plus is quite a unique offer on the market at the time of writing this review. It is affordable, offers modularity (with three scanning modes), and provides a professional-grade performance.”

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“It’s intuitive, it’s fun and it’s simply good at what it does. If you’re looking at a scanner for your business or workplace that offers professional workflows at a reasonable price, this machine may have everything you need.”

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EinScan Pro HD Reviews

SHINING 3D Scanner Community

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Handheld 3D Scanner FAQ

What is a handheld 3D scanner?

A handheld 3D scanner is a portable 3D scanning solution. Handheld options offer more versatility when scanning large objects or fitting into narrow spaces.

How much does a handheld 3D scanner cost?

The cost of a handheld 3D scanner can depend on factors such as features, accuracy, software, and overall quality. Handheld 3D scanner prices typically range from several hundred dollars to over 20,000 dollars.

How to buy a 3D handheld scanner?

If you’d like more information about our 3D scanners, reach out to our Sales team. They’ll put you in touch with a vendor in your country or region.

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