Reasonably objective - the Calibry Mini

Reasonably objective - the Calibry Mini

In the next episode of our popular series "Reasonably Objectively", we would like to present you an interesting, but underrated 3D scanner from Thor 3D-Calibri Mini. Calibry Mini is the younger brother of the quite popular Calibra scanner, which was warmly received by users thanks to its low price in relation to the quality of scans and the ability to scan large objects measuring up to 10m.

Calibry Mini

Unlike its older brother, the Calibra Mini - as the name suggests, it is designed to scan small objects in the range of 10 to 30-40 cm. The device works on the basis of a blue LED, thanks to which we are able to obtain an accuracy of 0.07 mm, which in a given price range places it on a high position.

However, before we move on to the technical specifications, let's start traditionally with the description of the scanner itself and the transport packaging. The device is delivered in a thick cardboard box that contains the proper transport packaging. The Calibry Mini and its accessories are housed in a sturdy cardboard box with a plastic handle. The inside of the carton is filled with stiff foam, in which there are perfectly matched pockets for the scanner and accessories. The calibration plate, included in the set, is placed on the bottom of the transport packaging in a soft protective foam. The calibration plate itself is much smaller than that of the basic 3D scanner.

Software

The Calibry Nest software is necessary for the scanner to work and can be downloaded from the support site. The application itself is light and weighs only about 70 MB, and the installation takes only a few minutes and does not require any additional calibration of the computer connected to the device. After the software is installed, the welcome screen appears on the built-in display. To connect the scanner to a computer, all you need is one USB 3.0 cable going to the adapter from which the power cables are led out and a 5-meter cable connected directly to the scanner. Calibry Nest offers everything you need for both time and post-scan acquisition and visualization. In addition to the basic editing tools in the next iteration of its program, Thor 3D added to the application solutions known from other programs for advanced mesh editing - tools for bridging defects and creating color "geodetic" scans. This is not a common solution among other manufacturers of this type of equipment, so it is worth emphasizing.

As for the appearance and ergonomics of the Calibra Mini scanner, nothing has changed compared to its big brother. It is still a very well-made and ergonomic scanner that fits perfectly in the hands and does not cause any stress during work.

Okay, but what about the possibilities? So these are very good for the price offered. The very fact that the device uses blue LED light puts it higher on the shelf than it is. Thanks to the use of blue light, we are able to achieve a scan accuracy of 0.07 mm. This allows you to reproduce small and complex objects with amazing accuracy.

Application

As the name suggests, the scanner is designed to scan small objects, so the spectrum of applications is narrow. This does not mean, however, that the possibilities of using the Calibra Mini in various industries are minimal. On the contrary - in every company where quality and precision in scanning is needed, it will find its place. In order not to sound groundless, below you will find illustrations of several sample scans made with this device.

Photo 1. Laptop battery case.

Photo 2. Holder in the feeder.

Photo 3. Small engine cover.

Despite the obviously overwhelming association that the Calibry Mini will only be used for scanning technical objects, it should be remembered that the manufacturer also took into account other applications, i.e. prosthetics and orthotics in general, as well as protection of cultural goods and education. In the settings of the Calibry Nest software you will find profiles that allow you to scan parts of the body, thanks to which we can obtain a very good reproduction of various parts, e.g. hand, foot, mouth, nose, ear, which is worth its weight in gold when using a 3D scan in prosthetics.

Photo 4. Foot scan.

Photo 5. Scan of the nose with a colored texture.

Photo 6. Scan of the auricle.

It should also be mentioned that the scanner has a built-in texture acquisition camera with adjustable photo taking frequency and editing tools such as adjusting the brightness and sharpness of photos in the RGB palette. This allows for a well-reproduced skin tone, thanks to which we can carry out, for example, comparative tests of skin changes over time.

Returning, however, to the price-quality issue, some conclusions can be drawn that may encourage the purchase of the Calibry Mini scanner.

The digitization of the analogue process is a cost-reducing factor - by eliminating the traditional process of creating dentures.

Speaking of efficiency, the use of a 3D scan allows you to increase work efficiency in many areas, including in medicine. Medical professionals who use 3D scanning as a method are able to increase patient intake without compromising the quality of visits, while accepting more patients in less time with the same (or even greater) precision.

To sum up, the Calibry Mini scanner is an exceptionally successful device which, thanks to high precision and accuracy of scanning and the ability to capture colored textures, can be an ideal tool for highly specialized employees of any industry. Moreover, the affordable price in relation to the quality makes the scanner well above its segment.

We cordially invite you to familiarize yourself with our offer of 3D scanners and 3D printers.