EinScan-SE – affordable 3D scanner for business and home

In this review we take a look at the Einscan-SE desktop 3D scanner and its main features. We will dwell in detail on where it can be used. We will understand how to assemble and set up the equipment for work.

Overview of the Shining 3D scanner EinScan-SE

The EinScan-SE is a desktop 3D scanner from Chinese manufacturer Shining 3D, which added to the EinScan family of 3D scanners in 2017. This updated version of the EinScan-S with Plug-and-Play technology has become an important player in the entry-level 3D scanner market. The versatile and fast scanner works great when paired with a 3D printer and can be used both at home and in the office.

Dimensions, mm 570x210x210
Weight, kg 2.5
Texture capture yes
Scanning area 70 x 70 x 70 cm
USB 3.0 interface
Light source white light
Number of cameras 2
Image size 200×150 mm
Camera resolution 1.3 MP
Distance to the object 290-480 mm
Distance to the point 0.17-0.2 mm
Speed of scanning fixed <8 sec, auto <2 min
Accuracy, mkm 100
Color scanning yes
Price 111 637 rubles
System requirements (recommended):

OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, 64 bit, macOS 10.15 and higher.
Connection: one USB 2.0 or 3.x port.
RAM: 8 GB or more.
Video card: preferably Nvidia, >1GB VRAM.
Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent or more powerful.

Description

EinScan-SE is a compact entry level desktop 3D scanner that can be taken with you if needed due to its light weight and size.

The design is simple and unobtrusive: the scanner body, the stand and the turntable are made of black matte plastic. The scanning head has two cameras with 1.3 MP resolution with texture support, and a projector to light the object being scanned is placed between them.

The scanner is based on the technology of structured light (white light), which is safe for eyes, and therefore it can be used in educational establishments without any fear.

The scanning quality is quite high: the accuracy of 0.1 mm is sufficient for a large range of tasks. The scanner also recognizes a wide range of colors and textures.

The Einscan-SE has two scanning modes: manual and automatic. The automatic scanning mode uses a turntable that can scan objects from 3 cm up to 20 cm in size.

IMPORTANT: the weight of objects placed on the turntable must not exceed 5 kg.

The maximum scanning area in manual mode is 70 × 70 × 70 cm. In this case, the scanning head is mounted on the bracket (purchased separately) and the object to be scanned is rotated manually. The resulting images are fused into a 3D model in Einscan, where you can remove unnecessary parts and perform basic processing of the 3D model.

TIP: When you rotate the object manually, you should move the scanned part by a maximum of 60 degrees.

Scanning time depends on many factors. For example, in manual mode, one picture is taken in 8 seconds (monochrome). If you want to get a model in color, it will take 30 seconds. The time needed for the 360° auto scanning will depend on the number of steps up to full rotation: minimum 8, maximum 180 steps. The higher the number, the longer it takes to scan the object and therefore the more detailed the final result. The optimum time-to-detail ratio is achieved with a step parameter in the range of 16 to 64.

Main features

Advantages:

• Safe: visible white light, not a laser beam, is used for scanning.
• High scanning speed: It takes only 8 seconds for the EinScan-SE to take one picture. Full 360-degree scanning in automatic mode using a turntable takes less than 2 minutes.
• Quality: The 3D scanner captures even the tiniest detail with high resolution and 0.1 mm accuracy.
• Optimized for 3D printing: EinScan-SE has no problem connecting to most desktop 3D printers using API technology.
• Easy to use: easy to install, configure and operate. In addition, the software has an interesting auto-alignment feature and one-click scanning capability.

Disadvantages:

• Sensitive to indoor lighting. In bright sunlight, it may not be able to make out the topography and texture of an object.
• Not all objects can be scanned. If you want to scan transparent or glossy (shiny) surfaces you will need to use additional means (matting spray, baby powder, etc.) so that the scanner can recognize the contours.

Accessories

The scope of delivery of the EinScan-SE 3D scanner includes:

• scanner head – 1 pc;
• 360° rotating table for scanning – 1 pc;
• stand for connecting the scanner head and rotary table – 1 pc;
• scanner head holder – 1 pc;
• calibration board – 1 pc;
• Calibration board holder – 1 pc;
• power adapter – 1 pc;
• power cord – 1 pc;
• USB cord – 2 pcs;
• user manual – 1 pc.

Everything is neatly packed in a small box measuring 57 × 21 × 21 cm. The weight of the packaged scanner is 5 kg, while the scanner itself weighs half as much. From this we can conclude that all components of the product are well protected and will withstand long distance transportation.

Who needs it?

Educational sector

The use of a three-dimensional scanner at lessons in educational institutions carries a number of positive moments, such as

Development of spatial thinking skills.

Experience in working with different programs.
A tool for keeping the students’ attention and increasing their motivation during art, technology, programming and construction lessons.
More productive, modern and engaging lessons.
In art schools and comprehensive schools the 3D-scanner EinScan-SE can be used for digitizing statues, own projects, creating virtual catalogs and portfolios, 3D-archiving.

Souvenir and Advertising Industry

A 3D scanner will be indispensable for creating personalized souvenirs or souvenirs and gifts according to your individual wishes. Nowadays when mass production has flooded the shelves of stores all over the world, the original gifts are especially valued.

With the EinScan-SE 3D scanner you can create three-dimensional models with further refinement and customization of character figures, jewelry, statuettes, cups and awards, corporate symbols.

Creating three-dimensional catalogs

The Internet has expanded the limits of our world, and now buying things in online stores is an everyday occurrence. Three-dimensional images of goods help customers to assess the product and make the right choice.

The creation of three-dimensional catalogs is especially relevant for such types of goods as:

• footwear;
• jewelry, costume jewelry and accessories;
• souvenirs;
• gadgets.

Scanning examples

Creation of an original cup for pens at the technology lesson
Equipment: EinScan-SE 3D scanner, Einstart-C 3D printer.

Step 1: making a sculpture

Any kind of character can be created from clay: an animal or a cartoon character. One of the students sculpted a cartoon character.

Step 2: Scanning the sculpture

Once the clay model had been sculpted, it needed to be digitized. For this, the students used the EinScan-SE desktop 3D scanner.

Step 3: modifying the model

In this step, the resulting 3D model is loaded into a 3D modeling program. In this particular case, the student used Autodesk’s 123D Design program to transform the cartoon character into a pen cup by adding a base and creating a void inside the figure by cutting off the top.

Step 4: Print the project

Finally the 3D model was sent to the slicer and printed on the Einstart-C 3D printer.

Creation of custom steering wheel of Zhejiang University of Technology team’s race car

Racing is one of the most intense competitions. It requires maximum concentration. Nothing should distract the racer from the track. That’s why it’s important that the steering wheel should fit the rider’s hands perfectly, in other words, that it should feel like a perfect fit. Using the EinScan-SE 3D scanner, the students were able to create a steering wheel model that fits the rider’s hands perfectly.

Step 1: A regular plasticine was used to make a mold of the rider’s hands.

Step 2: The mold was scanned.

Step 3: a 3D model was made from the data obtained.

Step 4: the elements were printed on a 3D printer and fitted to the steering wheel.

Creating motorcycle models for the collection

A collector from Japan, Hisa-San scans motorcycle miniature parts using the EinScan-SE 3D scanner. He uses Blender to build his dream motorcycle models from these parts.

Software used

The software for the Shining 3D scanner EinScan-SE is available in Windows (Win7, Win8, Win10 64-bit) and Mac versions. A computer with an Intel i5 dual-core processor, 8 GB RAM and an Nvidia graphics card with at least 1 GB of graphics memory is required for stable operation.

The software, called, as well as the scanner itself, EinScan, can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer, where the latest versions are posted. The installation is very fast, taking literally a few minutes.

The interface of the program is not overloaded and is intuitive. Each step is accompanied by prompts that will help a newcomer who has no experience using a 3D scanner learn how to use the program.

Instructions for initial setup and preparation

Assembly and Connection

The scanner is shipped unassembled. It should be easy to assemble. The scanner head is inserted into the scanner holder. The stand is equipped with a turntable, and the scanner holder, which, in turn, is secured to the stand with a latch.

The scanner is connected to the mains with a power cord, and to the PC and the turntable with a USB cord.

Calibration

It is necessary to download the software from the official site of the company and install it on your computer. After that, you can start the calibration process of the scanner:

Start the scanning software and choose the calibration menu.

Fasten the calibration board in the holder and calibrate your scanner following the system’s step-by-step instructions. It is important to place the holder with the board exactly in the middle and not to move it during the whole calibration process.

Step 1. Place the calibration board as shown in Figure A.

Step 2. Place the calibration board as shown in picture B.

Step 3. Place the calibration board as shown in figure C.

When the process is complete, the calibration window will automatically close, giving way to the scan mode selection page.

Cases where calibration is necessary:

• Before using the scanner for the first time or after it has been idle for a long time.
• If there is a lot of vibration during transportation.
• Frequent errors during scanning.
• Scanning quality has deteriorated significantly.
• The scanner is set up and ready for use.

The Einscan-SE 3D scanner can be used by a wide range of people, including amateurs with no technical training. All processes – assembly, setup and operation – are simple and straightforward. The use of safe white light makes it possible to use this model in educational institutions, at home, in the office. An excellent solution for education, design and art, marketing.