Today were taking a look at the latest CR SCAN Otter from Creality. This versatile high precision handheld 3D scanner, stands out for its ability to scan a wide range of objects from small to large, and along with capturing clean high detailed models it’s also able to capture the colors.
Key Specs
- Up to 0.02mm Accuracy
- Innovative Four-lens Stereo Vision
- Anti-shaking for smooth scanning
- 24-Bit Full-Color Scanning
- Objects between 10-2000mm
- Scan Black/Metal Objects without Spraying
- Solid Metal Build
- High Quality Scans
- Export as OBJ, STL PLY
Unboxing
So, the scanner comes well packaged in a semi rigid zippered case which is great for storage and transport. Inside the case we have the user manual that has information on setup, the software and how to start the first scan.
We have a black scanning mat that can be placed under small objects, a calibration board for calibrating the scanner, a lanyard that attaches to the scanner, small and larger reflective marker dots, two USB C adapters, a cleaning cloth, and a shoulder strap for the case.
In the bottom of the case there’s a small Owl test model that we will scan later on. The data cable that is about 2.1 meters in length. A USB C cable that’s used together with the data cable when using a USB2.0 connection. And the last item is the Otter scanner.
Specs
Taking a closer look at the scanner it’s well-built and a fan less design with an all metal casing giving it a solid feel. At the front the scanner it has a set of long focal lens for scanning small items and a set of short focal lens with a wide FOV for scanning large objects, this allows it to cover a huge range of scanning applications from 10mm cubed to 2000mm cubed. There’s also the separate RGB camera to capture the colors of a model, and this has 2 built in LEDS either side, to help when even in low light to precisely capture texture and color of objects.
The scanner has a precision up to 0.02mm which produces detailed scans that are sharp and clear. We have scanning speed up to 20fps and it’s equipped with anti-shake ‘One Shot 3D’ imagining technology for smooth and stabilized scanning. It tracks really well, and recovers quickly if tracking is lost during a scan.
At the back a ring light indicator, around the edge of the touch panel helps with real-time scanning distance changing colors to let you know when you’re in range. And the touch buttons are used to start and pause a scan or to adjust the exposure.
Towards the bottom there’s a neatly designed recessed connection port for where the data cable is plugged in. And on the underside a small rubber plug covers a tripod mount which is handy if you want to add a small tripod for a handle.
Setup
The setup of the scanner is super easy, at the bottom of the scanner is a small tab to attach the lanyard, and as it’s a high precision device we want to use this to prevent any accidents. Next the data cable is plugged into the back of the scanner and the small screw is tighten to secure.
Now if you’re using a computer with a USB 3.0 port the other end of the data cable is plug straight in to a Computer. And it’s ready to go.
Otherwise for use with USB 2.0 ports, the included USB-C cable is also plugged in along the data cable and then both ends are connected to a PC
Software
With the scanner setup next is to install the software. The latest Creality Scan application is used to capture, edit and process the scan data.
Opening the software we see some basic information on the scanning process to help you get started, which is really good for beginners. And we can also get more info by clicking on the scanner model.
Before getting started with any scanning it’s recommended to go through the calibration. It’s a simple process that’s completed with the software using the included calibration board. The scanner is moved around from different heights and angles as prompted on screen and this only take a few minutes to complete.
With the scanner ready click on new project, then we have a few different options to select the object type, scanning size, feature tracking, accuracy, and if we’re using a turn table.
The Distance range meter helps us position the scanner so we know how far to hold it from the object, and what’s great is at the back of the scanner a colored light around the buttons will change color to match the distance meter, so at a quick glance it helps us keep distance in the correct range.
On the right side are basic commands to start a new scan, start and pause a scan and this can also be operated from the touch panel on the back of the scanner. There’s complete the scan, undo and redo, clear and exclude base, and a few options for the scanning modes. It’s all in a user friendly layout which makes it easy to get started scanning, Well look at some of the other features during the following scans.
First Scan – Owl
For the first scan we’re scanning the included test Owl model. The owl is placed onto a turn table base that’s manually turned, and the scanner is hand held and using these together makes it easy to scan all around the model. With the scan complete we can quickly process the data with the one click process option, this will use default setting to process the raw scan data into pointcloud, then into a mesh, and add captured colors. For a quick test scan the default one click processing works well we have a nice looking scanned model of the owl.
On the left hand side we can also back track from the color, to the mesh model, point cloud and all the way back to the raw data and re process or edit with different settings if needed.
So we’re going to take this exported STL of the owl model and open it in Creality Print. With the file sliced its ready to be sent to the 3d printer. The finished print turned out well and it’s a great way to quickly make a duplicate of a model. It’s a fairly quick and easy process to go from a 3D scan to a physical 3D Print.
Fuel Pump Scan
The next scan is of a mechanical fuel pump, it’s a combination of capturing 2 scans with the turntable manually rotated. The scanning speed is fairly quick and easy with steady movements and I find the tracking to work really well. Once the scans are completed, they are merged and processed.
What’s interesting is to compare these results with those from the older generation Lizard scanner, as the advancements in the newer Otter model reveal a dramatic improvement in scan quality. The difference is like night and day when viewed side by side.
Pipe Scan and CAD
For the next scan we’re creating a 3d model of a pipe to use as a reference in Cad software. Once the scan is complete its export from Creality Scan as an STL and imported into CAD software. This process enables us to design and create an adapter from the 3D scan model. And with the scanned model in CAD, we can easily design parts and verify the size and fit or 3D print a part before proceeding with machining or fabrication.
Gearbox Scan
Using a similar approach to the previous scans for a larger item, we are using the scanner handheld while placing a car gearbox on a heavy-duty turntable. This setup makes it quick and easy to capture and scan around the gearbox ensuring no details are missed. The final scan turned out really well with a nice detailed model.
Sneaker Scan
And for the final scan of a sneaker, it involves two scans, one capturing the top side of the sneaker and the other focusing on the underside. These scans are merged together to create highly detailed model. The result is an impressive 3D model of the sneaker, with exceptional quality and accuracy. Every contour, texture and underside grip of the sneaker was nicely captured, the final model not only looks great but also serves as a precise digital replica of the physical sneaker.
Final Thoughts
The CR Scan Otter from Creality is a truly impressive 3D scanner that delivers exceptional performance and results. With its solid build quality, silent operation along with user friendly software with its fast one click or manual processing makes it ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users.
If you’re looking to create 3D models of objects this scanner is the perfect tool for product design, reverse engineering, and custom part creation.
Overall the CR Scan Otter, is a powerful, efficient, and high-quality device that’s sure to impress with its accurate and detailed 3D scans.
Product Links
Watch the detailed review video here : https://youtu.be/lZeghPb2AqY
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