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HandySCAN BLACK vs. MetraSCAN BLACK - Which 3D scanner is worthwhile?

A man uses HandySCAN BLACK to scan an object.
Photo: Picryl. HandySCAN BLACK in use.

You are thinking about investing in a 3D scanner and are now and are now comparing the models on the market? Then you've come to the right place.

After comparing the Artec Eva and Scoobe3D scanners, today you can learn all about Creaform's mobile 3D scanners. Make up your mind about the HandySCAN BLACK and the MetraSCAN BLACK.

The comparison of technical data is important here. In addition, you will get details about prices, accuracy and mobility. Afterwards, you can make a well-informed decision for a 3D scanner that best suits you and your project.

HandySCAN BLACK:

The HandySCAN BLACK is a portable 3D scanner from Creaform. It allows you to measure physical objects in 3D - you can rotate the object during the scan to scan hidden areas. It is particularly suitable for design, manufacturing and measurement.

Here are the most important technical specifications:

Technologies:

Laser triangulation

Resolution:

0.025 mm

Accuracy:

Up to 0.035 mm

Scannable materials:

Matte and most reflective surfaces with targets (markers)

Minimum object size:

0.05 m (recommended 0.05 - 4 m)

Additional required hardware:

Powerful computer,
USB 3.0 cable

Output formats:

.dae, .fbx, .ma, .obj, .ply, .stl, .txt, .wrl, .x3d, .x3dz, .zpr, .3mf

Dimensions:

79 x 142 x 288 mm

Weight:

0,94 kg

Power supply:

Power supply unit, included in the scope of delivery

Price:

From approx. €20,500 (without accessories)

MetraSCAN BLACK:

The second 3D scanner in this comparison - the MetraSCAN BLACK - is an optical CMM scanner from Creaform. This means it is a non-contact and portable coordinate measuring machine. The scanner is specially designed for manufacturing and offers high measuring accuracy.

Here are the most important technical specifications:

Technologies:

Laser triangulation

Resolution:

Up to 0.025 mm

Accuracy:

Up to 0.035 mm

Scannable materials:

Matte and most reflective surfaces with targets

Minimum object size:

0.2 m (recommended 0.2 - 6 m)

Additional required hardware:

Measuring probe, C-track & powerful computer

Output formats:

.dae, .fbx, .ma, .obj, .stl, .txt, .wrl, .x3d, .zpr, .3mf

Dimensions:

289 x 235 x 296 mm (scanner only)

Weight:

1.49 kg (scanner only)

Power supply:

Power supply unit (included in the scope of delivery)

Price:

From approx. €20,500 (without accessories)

Now that you have an overview of the technical specifications of both scanners, it's time for the detailed comparison.

1. Price

Three piles of coins, next to them is a calculator to show the price

The basic versions of these scanners cost around €20,500 without any accessories and belong to the higher price range of scanners available on the market. In addition to the basic versions, there are more advanced ones that come with a higher cost. In addition, taxes, shipping, import costs, laptop, training and other options are not included in the price and increase it even more.

Nevertheless, there are much more expensive 3D scanners, such as the Artec Ray or Faro Focus M70 with a price tag of €56,000. If this is too expensive for a professional 3D scanner, then read the blog post about the two less expensive 3D scanners Artec Eva and Scoobe3D.

2. User-friendliness

A woman sits contentedly in front of her user-friendly laptop

Both 3D scanners are designed for professional use and, therefore, require experience. A lot of time is needed at the beginning to familiarise yourself with the help of training. This applies to both the HandySCAN BLACK and the MetraSCAN BLACK.

Among other things, the training courses specifically cover measurement technology as well as software and data processing. For specialists in the manufacturing industry, the VXelements software is used to record the data - it is intuitive and easy to use. This software is also compatible with your tablet or smartphone.

3. Mobility

A businessman uses a mobile device on the road to illustrate mobility while a tram passes in the background.

Creaform describes both 3D scanners as mobile. Note that with the HandySCAN BLACK you do not need any extra equipment, but you do need targets. You can learn more about this by reading "5. pre-treatment". In addition, the scanner is operated with an included power supply unit, which limits mobility.

The MetraSCAN BLACK on its own is too big to fit in your pocket. It is also 1.5 times heavier than the HandySCAN BLACK. Long periods of use with a 1.5 kg device in your hand can be exhausting.

In addition, you need the measuring probe, the C-track and also targets to achieve maximum precision. This means extra work and thus also limited mobility. The portable work station together with the Self-Power-Kit enables you to use the scanner far away from power sources, but also means more transport effort.

One example of a very mobile 3D scanner is the portable Scoobe3D. It has the shape of a smartphone and an integrated battery that is charged via USB C. Since you don't need a computer when scanning with the Scoobe3D, you can use it anywhere you want.

4. Accuracy and Resolution

A close-up of a leaf, where you can see every fiber, to show the accuracy and resolution

Again, both 3D scanners are comparably precise and are in the upper class. They achieve a resolution of up to 0.025 mm and an accuracy of up to 0.035 m. As already mentioned, there are also more expensive versions with an even higher accuracy of up to 0.025 mm.

5. Pre-treatment

Colorful spray cans to illustrate the pretreatment of objects for the 3D scan

Important for the successful scanning of reflective surfaces is the necessary attachment of targets on the scan objects. For both scanners, this applies to objects with reflective and matte surfaces.

The MetraSCAN BLACK is particularly suitable for the production area, as neither granite or steel tables nor special measuring devices are required. Note that both 3D scanners can only scan most reflective materials - not all of them. For example, transparent surfaces such as bottles or glass are problematic.

6. Post-processing

A laptop on which a 3D model from mechanical engineering is processed in CAD

As already mentioned with the User-friendliness, both the HandySCAN BLACK and the MetraSCAN BLACK require the VXelements software for post-processing. For usable 3D models you need a computer and VXmodelwhich is already integrated in the software. This makes it easy for you to use it immediately in any CAD or 3D printing software.

7. Conclusion

As you can see, the two 3D scanners from Creaform are relatively similar. Especially with regard to the laser triangulation technology, the use of targets for scanning and the price.

Here is a summary of the most important points:

 HandyScan BLACKMetraSCAN BLACK
TechnologyLaser triangulationLaser triangulation
Resolution0.025 mmUp to 0.025 mm
AccuracyUp to 0.035 mmUp to 0.035 mm
Scannable materialsMatte and most reflective surfacesMatte and most reflective surfaces
WorkloadPre-treatment by attaching targets; post-processing with the help of the VXelements software.Pre-treatment by attaching targets; post-processing with the help of the VXelements software.
Minimum object size0.05 m (recommended 0.05 - 4 m)0.2 m (recommended 0.2 - 6 m)
MobilityPartially mobile; used by specialists Partially mobile, additional accessories such as measuring probe, C-track & targets; used by specialists
Application areas/ industryDesign & manufacturing industry, measurementsManufacturing industry
PriceFrom €20,500From €20,500
 HandyScan BLACKMetraSCAN BLACK
TechnologyLaser triangulationLaser triangulation
Resolution0.025 mmUp to 0.025 mm
AccuracyUp to 0.035 mmUp to 0.035 mm
Scannable materialsMatte and most reflective surfacesMatte and most reflective surfaces
Work effortPre-treatment by attaching targets; post-treatment with the help of the VXelements software.Pre-treatment by attaching targets; post-treatment with the help of the VXelements software.
Minimum object size0.05 m (recommended 0.05 - 4 m)0.2 m (recommended 0.2 - 6 m)
MobilityPartially mobile; used by specialists Partially mobile, additional accessories such as measuring probe, C-track & targets; used by specialists
Application areas/ industryDesign & Manufacturing Industry, MeasurementsManufacturing sector
PriceFrom €20,500From €20,500

HandySCAN BLACK:

The HandySCAN BLACK is especially recommended if you are using your 3D scanner in the design or manufacturing industry for measurements and need an outstanding accuracy.

The form factor is more mobile than the MetraSCAN BLACK. However, it is indispensable to provide the scan object with targets beforehand. For accurate results, it is recommended that a specialist operates the machine or that training courses are attended beforehand.

The quality has its price: When you buy this scanner, you can expect to pay over €20,500.

MetraSCAN BLACK:

If you need the 3D scanner specifically for the manufacturing industry, the MetraSCAN BLACK is an excellent option. Because it's designed for this specific sector, you get a highly accurate resolution and accuracy. Through the targets you can also scan most shiny and reflective surfaces.

However, the mobility is limited due to the size, the weight and the required accessories and the necessary know-how is also a prerequisite here. Due to further necessary purchases, the price of the scanner of €20,500 increases even more than that of the HandySCAN BLACK.

More scanner comparisons

Not convinced about the two 3D scanners? Then take a look at the detailed comparison of the Artec Eva and Scoobe3D scanners.

I want you to find the scanner that perfectly suits your field of application! To do this, it is essential to compare devices from different manufacturers.

To make this process easier for you, we have created a scanner comparison with technical data of more than 30 popular 3D scanners. You can get it here for free:

The cover picture to our scanner comparison, in which more than 30 different scanners are compared.
The title page for the scanner comparison with the inscription "the 31 best 3D scanner

FREE TABLE

The 37 best 3D scanners

Find the common 3D scanners at a glance with their respective core features. So you can evaluate 3D scanners before buying. Compare and find the right 3D scanner for you and your applications.

Note: All information in the above article has been given to the best of my knowledge and belief. However, no guarantee or liability for the correctness or topicality of the data can be assumed. Additional information can be found on the respective websites of the manufacturers.

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