3DMakerpro specializes within the manufacturing of high-precision 3D scanners. Based in 2015 and primarily based in Shenzhen, the corporate employs a crew of 100 R&D workers and has established a 3D scanning portfolio which incorporates the Whale, Mole, and Lynx fashions.
On this article we assessment the 3DMakerpro Seal, the most recent addition to the portfolio.
The 3DMakerpro Seal is a transportable, pocket-sized 3D scanner focused in direction of entry-level customers seeking to obtain high-quality 3D scans at a low price. Marketed as providing a powerful 0.01mm accuracy and 0.05mm decision, the Seal boasts as much as 5x the decision of comparable 3D scanners available on the market.
With costs beginning at simply $699, the Seal is an reasonably priced entry into the 3D scanning market and might be bought on the official 3DMakerpro on-line retailer.
Key options of the Seal
Regardless of its low price-point, the Seal is marketed as that includes high-quality 3D scanning capabilities. With a reported 0.01mm accuracy and 0.05mm decision, 3DMakerpro’s latest 3D scanner additionally incorporates anti-shake optical lenses. This permits for higher outcomes and a extra steady 3D scanning expertise.
The Seal’s 24-bit Excessive-Definition Colour Texture Digital camera incorporates a high-quality CMOS picture sensor, facilitating the seize of advantageous object particulars. Furthermore, with full-color capabilities, the Seal can seize as much as 16,777,216 colours, enabling life-like mannequin texture scanning.
The Seal can also be notable in that it employs a blue mild when scanning, versus extra standard LED or NIR mild sources. The blue mild possesses a shorter wavelength of 400 to 500 nanometers. This reportedly permits 5x extra element than comparable 3D scanners. The blue mild’s shorter wavelengths additionally encounter much less diffraction, permitting for sharper focus throughout larger distances, leading to increased precision and finer element.
Because of the Seal’s AI visible monitoring expertise, no markers are wanted in the course of the 3D scanning course of. This could pose issues when making an attempt to align a number of scans of components which are symmetrical or possess giant flat surfaces. Nevertheless, these issues might be solved with the handbook alignment device.
Customers can conduct 3D scans in a number of modes, together with Turntable Mode, Handheld Mode, and a mixed Turntable + Handheld Mode.
Pocket-sized 3D scanning
With a glossy, minimalist design, the Seal options an all-aluminum-alloy physique, giving it a strong, high-quality really feel.
A key function of the Seal is its compact measurement. Measuring 110mm x 60mm x 35mm and weighing simply 200 grams, the Seal is moveable and best for individuals who wish to 3D scan on the go.
Furthermore, the 3D scanner’s blue mild faces restricted interference from environmental components, making the Seal well-suited to make use of in a variety of indoor and out of doors areas.
General, our Seal 3D scanner was nicely packaged and was delivered with none harm or lacking components. Our bundle included the telescopic tripod and multi-axis turntable non-compulsory add-ons. These parts, which might be bought from the 3DMakerpro on-line retailer, expedited the 3D scanning course of and enabled 3D scanning in ‘desk mode.’
The Seal’s packaging and included equipment. Images by 3D Printing Business.
Calibration and setup course of
3DMakerpro provides its personal proprietary software program, JMStudio, to be used with the Seal 3D scanner. This software program is free, and might be simply put in on-line right here. IOS and Android JMStudio apps are additionally obtainable, permitting customers to regulate their 3D scans with smartphones and pill units.
We discovered JMStudio to be particularly simple to make use of, with the software program that includes a easy and easy consumer interface (UI). Minimal manipulation and setup are wanted to realize good outcomes, permitting customers to begin 3D scanning straight out of the field. No handbook calibration is required, with the Seal rapidly connecting to JMStudio.
JMStudio provides three modes: Straightforward Scan, Desk Scan, and Edit Mode. Straightforward Scan permits customers to 3D scan a mannequin freehand, while Desk Scan employs the turntable and tripod to realize 360° scans of fashions from a set angle. By way of Edit Mode, customers can align 3D scans, and full meshes for exporting in OBJ, STL, or PLY file codecs.
The included ‘working distance indicator’ highlights the best 3D scanner and object place in actual time. This device was discovered to be significantly helpful in attaining optimum 3D scans, and dashing up the 3D scanning course of.
We have been additionally impressed by the tutorial which is out there when loading up the software program for the primary time. This function would definitely be useful for entry-level customers and people unfamiliar with 3D scanning.
Nevertheless, the simplicity of JMStudio is just not best for extra superior customers. Extra mesh cleansing and alignment choices could possibly be added to JMStudio, as it may be unclear which scans are being auto-aligned and which aren’t.
The JMStudio consumer interface overview and 3D scanning display. Photos by 3D Printing Business
Benchmarking the Seal
To evaluate the flexibility of the Seal, our crew performed the 3DPI 3D scanning benchmarking tile take a look at. This mannequin encompasses a vary of geometric shapes on each side, materials textures, and colours that may typically pose challenges for 3D scanners.
The Seal skilled some minor issues with this benchmarking take a look at. Our crew discovered that the Seal 3D scanner would lose monitoring close to the sting of the tile, making it tough to scan each the entrance and rear of the 3DPI benchmark collectively. It needs to be famous that the processing energy of the PC may have contributed to this. Consequently, we scanned the entrance and rear faces of the tile individually.
On the entrance of the 3DPI benchmark, a lot of the complicated geometry 3D scans got here out nicely, with the Seal providing good sturdiness for a variety of object shapes and depths. What’s extra, the reflective mirror piece, which poses issues for many 3D scanners, was efficiently captured by the Seal. The carpet texture and sandpaper materials have been additionally efficiently scanned to a excessive commonplace.
Different supplies, such because the tyre and clear PETG have been much less profitable. Most 3D scanners battle to scan clear supplies, as there is no such thing as a clearly outlined floor for the sunshine to replicate from.
The Seal 3D scanner additionally achieved good outcomes on the geometries on the rear of the benchmark tile. The underside D, I, and “sq. snake” geometries have been all scanned to a excessive stage of accuracy and element, all being good representations of the actual mannequin.
The 3DPI tile and 3D scan outcomes, together with D, I, and “sq. snake” underside geometries. Picture and Photos by 3D Printing Business.
To find out the 3D scanning accuracy of the Seal, our crew then performed a 3D scan of a 15mm x 20mm x 25mm cuboid block. The outcomes have been then in contrast in opposition to the identified dimensions of the half. Utilizing the turntable mode, the Seal achieved superb outcomes on this take a look at. 0.02 mm accuracy was achieved on the X and Z axes, with -0.16 mm on the Y axis.
3D scanned reference block. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
Utility exams
Our crew additionally performed a variety of utility exams to evaluate real-world use-cases of the Seal.
To evaluate the Seal’s capability to 3D scan fashions with advantageous particulars, a 3D printed white statue was scanned. This 3D scan was performed freehand by means of JMStudio’s Straightforward Scan mode.
The outcomes of this scan have been very spectacular, demonstrating high-definition accuracy and efficiently exhibiting the 3D printed layer traces of the mannequin. Two 3D scans have been performed, which supplied sufficient knowledge to efficiently full the mannequin to commonplace. The Seal didn’t lose monitoring whereas scanning, and the JMStudio auto-align device labored completely with no issues.
3D printed statue and scanned outcomes. Images and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
We subsequent tasked the Seal with a 3D scan of pliers, a tougher object that comprises a mix of metallic and rubber supplies. After a number of unsuccessful 3D scans, scanning spray was added to the metallic finish of the pliers to make sure that frames could possibly be captured with out dropping monitor.
The restrictions of the Seal when scanning metallic and glossy objects was obvious on this take a look at, with the 3D scanner typically duplicating the plier head or creating noise fragments from mirrored mild. Nevertheless, after making use of spray to the metallic, we achieved correct and detailed outcomes.
Pliers object and 3D scan outcome. Picture and picture by 3D Printing Business.
We subsequent produced a 3D scan of a motorbike indicator that includes clear plastic and a strong black casing. This was take a look at of the Seal’s capability to 3D scan each clear and black plastics, and showcase of the scanners used for reverse engineering functions. Bike indicator 3D scans could possibly be used to create different designs, whereas sustaining the required becoming dimensions and wire size.
As soon as once more, scanning spray was required because the Seal struggled with each the clear and black surfaces. The profitable scans included restricted deformations, however included some noise fragments which couldn’t be eliminated in JMStudio. Furthermore, the auto alignment function inaccurately fused the three scans. This required handbook intervention to rectify.
On this take a look at, the Seal demonstrated good dimensional accuracy. The 3D scan possessed a minor discrepancy of -0.053mm, solely marginally smaller than the precise object’s dimensions.
Bike indicator object and 3D scans. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
Subsequent we scanned an e-scooter entrance suspension element, possessing difficult chrome metallic surfaces and a fancy coil geometry. The mannequin was scanned 4 instances, and as soon as once more required spray to be utilized to the shiny surfaces. JMStudio incessantly misplaced monitor of the coil part, with the auto align device failing to precisely be a part of the 3D scans.
Finally, the ultimate scan didn’t separate your entire coil from the middle physique. Nevertheless, the coil sample got here out nicely, with restricted noise fragments. The scanned leg top part of the element possessed a 0.104mm discrepancy to the precise object, a disappointing outcome considerably bigger than the earlier 3D scans.
E-scooter suspension element and 3D scan outcomes. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
A motorbike deal with bar finish protector was additionally 3D scanned with the Seal. This element is created from metal and possesses a shiny black end. Ideally, the 3D scan accuracy of this half’s screw threads can be excessive sufficient to permit a practical half to be 3D printed.
Scanned utilizing Turntable Mode, the spray was once more required to counteract the thing’s shiny end. The screw threads and allen key port sadly didn’t comprise sufficient element to supply performance. As such, the mannequin must be additional processed on a CAD software program to be made relevant.
Deal with bar finish mount object and 3D scan outcome. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
Subsequent, a bicycle derailleur mech containing a number of complicated and small geometries was 3D scanned. With a black and silver end, this object consists of a number of small springs and jockey wheels. These small hidden particulars provide take a look at of the Seal’s blue mild depth. Spray once more needed to be utilized to the components black, metallic, and reflective surfaces.
The Seal efficiently maintained monitoring whereas scanning the derailleur. The components have been scanned in segments, with the auto align function stitching these 3D scans collectively rapidly and successfully.
Nevertheless, the Seal was unable to retrieve body knowledge from all depths of the half, with the spring unable to be recognized. Nothing could possibly be carried out to beat this, which means these outcomes have been in the end under common. Moreover, water was wanted to scrub away the spray. This limits the Seal’s functions away from electrical parts that can’t be washed.
Derailleur object and 3D scan outcomes. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
A damaged motorbike clutch basket possessing a singular geometry was additionally 3D scanned by the Seal. Though 3DMakerpro doesn’t advocate the Seal to be used with mechanical parts, this take a look at provides good perception into the processing of bigger metallic objects. Spray was required to counteract the components’ shiny metallic floor.
This half in the end highlighted the primary weaknesses of the Seal, with the clutch basket arms duplicating because of its lack of options and symmetrical sample. As such, reference markers needed to be added to enhance the outcomes. Furthermore, each auto and handbook alignment instruments struggled with this half. We imagine JMStudio’s alignment function would profit from extra instruments, comparable to cursor-based half manipulation generally present in different CAD software program.
Clutch basket object and 3D scan outcomes. Picture and pictures by 3D Printing Business.
Lastly, a 3D scan of a Native American clay sculpture mannequin was performed. That includes a variety of colours and textures, this mannequin supplied take a look at of the Seal’s marketed texture mapping, and multi-color capabilities.
The Seal labored nicely throughout this take a look at, simply 3D scanning as much as 1300 frames with restricted monitoring points. The auto-alignment device additionally labored nicely right here, with this 3D scan attaining a excessive stage of element. Having simply exported the 3D scan as an STL file, we 3D printed the mannequin in PLA, with the top outcome being a near-perfect illustration of the unique mannequin.
Native American sculpture 3D scan outcomes and 3D printed mannequin. Photos by 3D Printing Business.
Nevertheless, we failed to realize a full textured mannequin from the 3D scan utilizing the feel mapping function, because of object measurement limitations in JMStudio. It’s price noting that this perform could have been additional restricted by the computational processing energy of the PC, with rendering taking a considerable period of time to finish.
Native American sculpture scans merged and texture mapping points. Photos by 3D Printing Business.
These outcomes spotlight the power of the Seal as being in small to medium sized objects comparable to toy figures or statues, as marketed by 3DMakerpro.
Remaining verdict
The Seal 3D scanner is a perfect choice for entry-level customers. The setup course of may be very intuitive, and the JMStudio software program is simple to navigate. Whereas best for these new to 3D scanning, this poses limitations for extra skilled customers looking for superior performance.
Our testing confirmed 3DMakerpro’s claims that the Seal can produce prime quality and correct outcomes. We efficiently achieved 0.02mm accuracy, near the corporate’s marketed 0.01mm 3D scanning accuracy.
Though restricted for bigger objects, the Seal’s texture mapping function is efficient throughout the software program limits. Spectacular colourful outcomes with outlined textures might be visualized in JMStudio, providing nice potential for 3D scanning small fashions and collectible figurines. As such, the Seal is very nicely suited to hobbyist, toy growth, and gaming functions.
The Seal struggled to detect black objects and metallic surfaces, resulting in frequent use of dry shampoo spray to seize mandatory knowledge. Nevertheless, this can be a limitation present in most 3D scanners available on the market. The Seal’s auto-tracking additionally confronted challenges when scanning symmetrical fashions, whereas the blue mild’s brief wavelength struggled to acquire geometrical knowledge behind crevices and overhangs.
JMStudio software program didn’t constantly produce correct scan mergers, typically requiring the 3D Printing Business crew to conduct alignment manually. This course of was fairly tedious, and was not 100% correct. We additionally encountered various software program bugs and crashes, impeding the 3D scanning course of.
Finally, regardless of these limitations, the Seal 3D scanner is definitely able to producing correct 3D scans with good high quality and reproducing fashions with complicated geometries and advantageous particulars. The Seal’s affordability and user-friendly setup make it an accessible choice for these new to 3D scanning. What’s extra, the Seal is very nicely suited to these throughout the hobbyist market seeking to scan, design, and 3D print small-scale fashions.
Technical specs of the Seal 3D scanner
| Accuracy | 0.01mm |
| Decision | 0.05mm |
| Colour-scanning | 24-bit coloration |
| Work distance | 180 – 200mm |
| Body fee | 10fps |
| 3D Scanner measurement | 110mm x 60mm x 35mm |
| Weight | 254g |
| Output file sort | .obj, .stl, .ply |
| Mild supply | Blue mild supply |
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Featured picture reveals the 3DMakerpro Seal 3D scanner. Picture by 3D Printing Business.