As objectively - Shining 3D EinScan-SP

As objectively - Shining 3D EinScan-SP

The aim of this article is to present one of the most popular and at the same time one of the cheapest 3D scanners available on the market - EinScan-SP by Shining 3D.

Shining 3D is a company established in 2004, which in recent years has gained the status of a leader in the 3D printing and scanning industry on Asian and European markets. The company is headquartered in Hangzhou. For many years, the company has dominated the digitization industry markets, constantly expanding the range of devices it produces. From the budget SE desktop scanner to the FreeScan X7 and HX laser metrology scanners.

The EinScan line of desk scanners (SE and SP) is based on data acquisition of the scanned object using white structured light. The principle of this type of scanning has been described in one of our previous articles, but let's briefly remind you what it is about; The scanner projector projects a unique pattern on the scanned object contained in the light beam, which deforms in a specific way on the object. This deformation is recorded by sensors installed in the device, which allows the scanner software to calculate the 3D surface topology and create a 3D mesh based on it.

Shining 3D scanners

Shining 3D offers two relatively similar products based on the same structural architecture: a fixed sensor that is simultaneously a projector, a rigid arm, and an automatic turntable. For approx. PLN 5,800.00 net EinScan-SE (Elite) and EinScan-SP (Platinum) for approx. PLN 11,000 net, the SP version, despite the higher price, is twice as fast as its predecessor. EinScan-SE also provides a smaller 3D scanning volume, only 200 x 200 x 200 mm for automatic 3D scanning using a rotary table and 700 x 700 x 700 mm for manual 3D scanning. The EinScan SP, on the other hand, offers 300x300x300 mm and 1200x1200x1200 mm scanning volumes, respectively.

Shining 3D EinScan-SP is delivered in a thick shipping carton which includes an additional packaging. The carton in which the scanner is packed is an aesthetic packaging equipped with a plastic transport handle. The product and its accessories are well protected, but if you intend to carry your EinScan-SP frequently, it would be wise to invest in a rigid transport case. Some manufacturers offer such a suitcase at the purchase price, but with the price and quality of the device, it is difficult to blame Shining 3D for the lack of this accessory. Inside the package, each element is placed in a pocket that is perfectly matched to it, cut in thick foam, and the elements of the set are additionally wrapped in a thick protective foil.

The scanner itself is small, compact and only needs to be mounted on a tripod arm. It should be noted that the Shining 3D company took great care of users by placing a grip in the scanner that allows it to be mounted on almost all photographic tripods available on the market.

The EinScan-SP package contains a shortened user's manual printed in the form of a small brochure written in English, which in simple and accessible words describes how to connect the device to be able to start working with it. Detailed illustrations help you assemble the various parts of the 3D scanner and connect three cables in minutes.

The EinScan-SP scanner, after unpacking, gives the impression of a solid and accurately made device, and the combination of plastic and metal elements gives the feeling of communing with equipment from a higher price shelf.

Installation of the EinScan-SP scanner is quick, intuitive and simple. Just attach the scanner to the plastic holder and then attach it directly to the frame. The automatic turntable can simply be placed in the space provided on the frame. Then connect it to the sensor via the USB socket.

Two additional cables are led out of the scanner: a power cable that should be plugged into a wall socket and an additional USB cable that connects directly to the computer. Note that EinScan-SP only requires one USB port on the computer. This is a huge competitive advantage as other products often require up to three or four. No warm-up time is required to use the EinScan-SP - after connecting the 3D scanner and starting the software, you can start 3D scanning.

The EinScan software is fairly efficient and easy to use, but has a few weaknesses. First of all, let's start with the positive aspects: the software is very intuitive to use, even for beginners. The first menu allows the user to select the 3D scanner model (in our case EinScan-SP), and then select the mode - using a turntable or scanning mode on a tripod. In our work, we usually use a rotary table so that we have always been able to use the full power of the device to achieve the highest quality.

The main configuration options are to find the best lighting for a specific object type or use case. Choose the best by. matching us, and the software will optimize the scan settings itself. In the main window, intuitively placed buttons provide access to options such as: scanning, scanner settings, mesh reprocessing, saving and exporting scan results.

One of the weaknesses of the scanner is the inability to work with the scanner software without being connected to the computer. This can be annoying because working with the scanner is not the most time-consuming stage of the work - mesh and optimization export usually takes longer.

The scanner allows you to save the results of your work in many popular formats, ranging from .ASC through .STL, .PLY, .OBJ, .P3 and .3MF. Shining3D's software also allowed for the export of scanned objects directly to the Sketchfabb platform.

Overall, in this price range it is very difficult to find a device that can scan as well as the EinScan SP. After updating the software, the experience of working with this device becomes even better and more effective.

The Shining 3D EinScan-SP 3D scanner is a very good product - inexpensive but powerful. It will be perfect for small and medium-sized companies, such as design and architecture studios. In addition, even conservators and museum employees could benefit a lot from working with the EinScan-SP scanner. Additionally, it can be a great solution for light reverse engineering or prototyping work.