XYZ 3D Scanner
XYZ 3D Scanner
The XYZ 3D scanner is priced lowly and comes very handy. It weighs just around 198 grams or 0.4 pounds. Its scanning capability goes far as scanning someone’s head and any objects that measure at 60 x 60 x 30 cm. When saved, it can have the format such as .obj or .stl both of which are friendly for 3D printing. It is also easy to use with its plug-and-play setup. Unfortunately however, XYZ 3D scanner is compatible only with Windows 8.1 and up Operating Software. MAC users will have to wait for the unit to be available in OS X.
Setting Up
Just as the 3D scanner comes very convenient to carry, setting it up is equally hassle-free, although the instructions that come with it are a bit confusing (XYZ comes from Taiwan), analyzing how it works is as easy as basic logic. It connects through USB 3.0 port. Once it is plugged into your computer and installed its software, it is ready for scanning.
Compatibility
The compatibility has an issue and XYZ has been clear about this from the beginning. On the instructions or notes that you get from the box is a reminder that it does not work with computers or laptops that use built-in RealSense cameras as this conflicts with your scanner. Moreover, the 3D scanner from XYZ works great only if you have Intel chips that are fourth-generation or later.
The scanner’s camera requires enough power in order for it to function normally. So before making any scanning, ensure that its USB port (the portion where you see its lightning bolt) is sufficiently powered.
Once you found this perfect combination or magic formula, 3D scanner’s results are truly fantastic considering its low cost. True, the XYZ 3D scanner does not use a cutting-edge technology but its overall package is not bad. The details may fall short, its approximations for volume and shape, it is definitely manageable.
Easy to Use
With XYZ 3D scanner, scanning made easy. After setting up the handheld scanner, you can get started with scanning using only one hand. The device must be held horizontally at around 27.55 inch away from the object you are scanning, then you move your scanner around the object to capture its images in various angles. After that, the captured images are saved and they are read for 3D printing.
But though scanning should be easy, it does pose some issues to some especially to those who are right-handed as the device itself is designed to be held by a left hand. Right-handed individuals can still scan with it using “fingers up” position. Then you have the issues of “freezes” if your hand makes any movements—which are naturally made by non-dominant hand. If your hand is not steady while scanning, the preview screen freezes, making scanning further useless. You have to try from the start again.
Scanning a person’s head is possible, but a tad difficult even when you have an assistant. The person’s head you are scanning should remain still, lest, it will not capture perfect images. There are also times when the handheld scanner’s wire gets in your way while scanning or the scanner itself will not recognize the entire head.
You can scan almost anything with XYZ 3D scanner, regardless of the object’s size and shape, thanks to its dual scan modes—Head and object. These modes enable you to produce best results if you are scanning to create 3D portraits or to replicate objects.
Even if you are new to 3D scanning, you will not have much difficulty with XYZ 3D scanner as the whole process is streamlined. And since it is handheld and handy, it can be clipped onto your laptop.
The maximum scanning volume this scanner can do is 2m x 2m x2m while its minimum is 0.1m x 0.1m x0.1m. The depth of its image capabilities is 640 x 480, while the size of its color image is 1080p.
Fine Formats
Scanned images are saved in .stl or .obj output formats. The .stl formats are widely supported among mainstream 3D design apps, including Google SketchUp. .Stl formats are also supported by add-ons such as editing, beautifying and sharing with online communities like Thingiverse.
RealSense 3D Camera Technology
In order for cheap scanners to create best quality of outputs, they engage the services of RealSense 3D camera technology and Intel. XYZ 3D scanner’s built-in RealSense 3D camera creates full-color and highly accurate images. This makes it very convenient and easy for hobbyists or professionals to capture objects at their full or original intensity and brightness.
The RealSense 3D camera utilizes advanced-depth sensing technology, allowing you to produce optimal quality of replicas. Of course, there may still be issues on the capture image, this is why, XYZware software allows you to edit or enhance your captured images. And when you are done with scanning and or editing your captured images, you can print them using any of XYZ 3D printers, to which the scanners are fully integrated.
The Not So Good Side
With its resolution, XYZ 3D scanner is not impressively high compared with others. However, if you factor in its price, then XYZ 3D scanner is already a good bargain. It captures up to 30fps at 1mm resolution, which does not make it a really powerful 3D entry-level scanner. Though it is handy as it is compact and can be held by one hand, scanning an object or a head does not come easy as mentioned earlier.
In addition, although XYZ 3D scanner will work with any computers or laptops that use Windows 8.1 and later, it does not work outright as the computers need to have a 4th generation Intel processor. This makes compatibility a bit of a problem as your computer or laptop should have more than its minimum requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, XYZ 3D scanner is a fine entry-level scanner with its low price, convenience and resolution. It takes much of patience in order to fully enjoy its functionality but once you found the right combination, then you would enjoy scanning.
