This portable 3D scanner turns small and medium physical objects into accurate three-dimensional models for further design, analysis or making of copies. It is intended for educational institutions, where it is used when studying the basics of digitising objects, computer modelling and the processing of digital data, and it is equally suitable for use outside the school, at home or in personal projects. The scanner is applied in courses of mechatronics, computer design, engineering graphics and the STEM field. Work with the device is organised by a teacher or a laboratory assistant, and students work under supervision; the recommended age of learners is from 10 years, that is pupils of grade 5 and above.
The scanner is built on structured light with two infrared projectors and a colour sensor matrix, and its body is made of impact-resistant plastic. It scans objects from 5 cm to 30 cm in size with no restriction on the material of the surface, the maximum object size for scanning being 30 × 30 × 30 cm and the minimum detail recognised being 2 mm. Scanning accuracy per frame is 0.1 mm, linear resolution is 0.3 pixel, frame depth ranges from 100 to 500 mm and the scanning rate is 15 frames per second. Almost all surface materials are suitable for scanning, apart from very transparent or very dark ones. Data are transferred to a personal computer over a wired USB connection, where the supplied software builds the three-dimensional model and shows a preview on the screen; the scanner is powered from the computer USB port, so a separate power source is not required. Results are saved in STL, OBJ and PLY formats, which open in typical three-dimensional graphics editors and in slicers for printing: STL for three-dimensional printing, OBJ for editing in 3D graphics programs and PLY when surface colour data have to be preserved.
The set includes the portable scanner equipped with binocular optics and infrared illumination — 1 pc, a USB connecting cable for attachment to a personal computer — 1 pc, a support stand (holder) that fixes the scanner in a set position during scanning — 1 pc, a software package for controlling the scanning process and creating the 3D model of an object — 1 set, the passport with the warranty coupon — 1 pc, and individual transport packaging — 1 pc. The scanner is ready for work straight out of the packaging and needs no assembly.
During work the scanner stands on a table on the support stand from the set, and it suits an individual student workplace as well as demonstration by the teacher. The object is placed on a neutral white or grey surface at a distance of 25–35 cm from the lens in a well-lit room without direct sunlight; where the room light is insufficient, additional LED lighting is switched on. The lens is wiped with a soft dry cloth before each use and is not touched with bare hands, since traces of moisture and grease cause glare and distortion of the results. The scanner is not immersed in liquid, is not used near strong magnetic fields, and is not used on hot objects, the working temperature of an object being 60 °C. Operating conditions are the premises of an educational institution at an air temperature from +5 to +40 °C and relative humidity from 40 to 60 % without condensate. Marking and operating documentation are in Ukrainian, and the marking carries the trade mark, the model and a place for the inventory number. The service life is 5 years and the warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale.
