The ScanTech iReal 2S 3D scanner is a professional imaging device that brings 3D scanning to a whole new level. Read on to find out the features, specs and quality of scan to expect from this scanner.
ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner Overview
The iReal 2S 3D scanner is a professional 3D scanner that features dual-light laser technology. The scanner uses both blue LED light and infrared light to capture tiny textural details in objects.
This 3D scanner has a large scan area of up to 400 x 330 mm. The device can capture high-definition textures thanks to its smart alignment system and an automatic processing algorithm. The color scanner can easily capture a broad range of colors in both Blue and Red mode thanks to its inbuilt interference light technology.
In the Red Mode, you can use the scanner to capture details of human faces and eyes.
The iReal 2S is a high-resolution scanner that can be used in 3D body scanning, VR showcase, motion graphics and other applications. See how accurate the scanner is with the Deadpool bust below:
Unboxing the ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner
Here are the items you will receive in your package:
- iReal 2S 3D scanner
- User manual
- USB cable
- HD Cameras
- Calibration plate
ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner Specs
| Accuracy | Up to 0.1 mm (Blue light); Up to 0.15 mm (Infrared light) |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0 |
| Display | No |
| Manufacturer | Scantech |
| Manufacturer country | China |
| Weight kg | 910g |
| Technology | Blue light, Infrared light |
| Color reproduction | 24 bit |
| Frame rate | 15 fps |
| Output formats | OBJ, STL, PLY, ASC, SK |
| Resolution | 0.2 ~ 3 mm (Blue light); 0.5 ~ 3 mm (Infrared light) |
| Scanning area | 200 x 135 mm ~ 400 x 270 mm (Blue light); 200 x 165 mm ~ 400 x 330 mm (Infrared light) |
| Stand-off distance | 400 mm |
| Working range | 300 ~ 600 mm |
| Texture / Colors | Yes |
ScanTech iReal 2S Scanner Features
Design
The 3D scanner looks stylish in the white color. This scanner weighs just 0.910 kg (2 lb.) and is excellent for use in an office, workshop, school or home setting.
Controls
You can control the scanner through a USB-tethered computer.
The scanner produces a smart intermittent light signal that indicates where the scanning process has reached.
After completing the scan, the scanner software will generate the models in different file formats, e.g., SK, ASC, PLY, STL and OBJ. These files are compatible with most 3D printers.
Scan Accuracy
The iReal 2S 3D scanner has an accuracy of 100 microns (blue light) and 150 microns (infrared light).
The scanner’s point distance when scanning in blue light mode is 0.2 to 3 mm. On the other hand, the point distance when working in red mode is 0.5 to 3 mm. At this point distance, the scanner can pick even fibers and tiny hairs with great accuracy,
When working in the blue light mode, the iReal 2S 3D scanner produces 24-bit color images with an alignment accuracy of 0.2 mm/m. On the other hand, the red mode has an alignment accuracy of 0.25 mm/m.
The 3D scanner combines both geometric and texture alignments to be able to scan irregular objects without the need of using markers.
Scan Volume
The 3D scanner has different scan ranges for the blue light and the infrared. The blue light scan range is between 200 x 135 mm to 400 x 270 mm. On the other hand, the infrared scan area ranges from 200 x 165 mm to 400 x 330mm.
When using the scanner, you should maintain a working range of 300 to 600 mm. For the best results, the recommended scanning range is 400 mm.
ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner Review
The ScanTech iReal 2S is easy to setup and get started with. The USB-dongle included in the package has the software required for the initial setup. To set up the scanner, connect the USB dongle to a high-speed USB 3.0 outlet on your PC and follow the setup instructions.
When the software starts running, it will take you through the calibration process. A calibration plate is included in the package, which you can use to get the device working to the right accuracy and resolution. After the setup, you will be ready for your first scans.
Using the ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner
The iReal 2S has both blue light and infrared scanning. These two use a structured light approach but are intended for different uses.
Before we continue further, the3D scanner can capture details in three ways; texture geometry features and registration markers.
If you want to capture details of an item whose color is fairly uniform but with complex geometry, then it’s best to use geometry features.
If the item you want to capture has a good variation of color and texture across the form of a part, the texture method will be ideal.
Finally, if you have used a 3D scanner before, you are probably familiar with registration markers. These small, reflective dots can be set to be used together with any of the two methods already mentioned.
You may have to experiment with different capture methods to find the one suitable for your particular case.
Blue Light vs. Infrared Scanning
Let’s take a look at the capability of the iReal 2S Scanner when using the Blue Light and Infrared modes.
Blue Light
Blue light scanning is an upgrade of white light scanners that have been popular at the professional entry level scanning market
With blue light, there is less interference from ambient light. Moreover, blue light has narrower wavelengths. Therefore, there is less scatter of light off your objects, which means cleaner and crispier scans.
In the blue light mode, the scanner has a lighting option, which can reduce shadows and be able to scan deeper into hollow objects.
Infrared Light
Infrared scanning is majorly beneficial when it comes to scanning organic objects, for example, the human body.
Infrared scanning has many use cases in today’s world. For example, a team may need to scan objects while accounting for human skin and hair, e.g., during the creation of customized medial prosthesis.
Infrared scanning is suitable for scanning of the human body for various reasons. To begin, the light is invisible. Therefore, you can scan around the eyes without the subject having to close them.
Moreover, infrared light scans hair pretty well, unlike is the case with traditional white light scanners.
When you set the iReal 2S 3D scanner to Red mode, the default settings for scanning the human body will be loaded. The default settings are a good starting point to help you test how the system works.
You can customize the settings for even better results. For example, you can define the tracking method, scan resolution, whether or not texture maps should be captured at the same time as physical form and so on.
After selecting your preferred settings, you can save them as a preset for easy use in your subsequent scans.
How to Scan with the ScanTech iReal 2S 3D Scanner
After calibrating the scanner and defining the settings, it’s time to start scanning. Hit “Next” for the main working window to be revealed. You’ll be presented with a scan viewing window with a range meter to the left. The range meter will show your distance to the object as you go about scanning.
Hit the button on the front of the unit to start the scanning process. A preview of your scan will be shown on the camera as well as the scanner screen. If you like the preview, hit the button again to start the scanning process.
Depending on your scan settings, you will see the texture and geometry start to appear on the screen as you move around or rotate your object. Try keeping a distance of about 400 mm for the best scan capture.
After finishing scanning, click the button again to stop the process. You can then look at your data to see whether there are any gaps or additional data required. Depending on how complex your object is, the scanner may be able to pick up positions and let you add it in. Otherwise, you may need to do multiple scans and then combine them in the scanning software.
Post Processing & Export
After your scan is complete, you have to go through some post-processing tasks. To begin, trim away any excess points captured in the scan. When only the necessary points have remained, you can end the scan and start turning it into polygons. At this point, you can remove singular or clusters of points that you may have missed.
If the scan capture texture together with the scan points, you can increase the saturation/contrast/brightness to be able to see the points clearly. After removing all the unnecessary points, you can then proceed to export your data in the format you want. (STL, OBJ, and more0.
ScanTech iReal 2S Price
The price of the ScanTech iReal 2S 3D scanner is just below $10,000 (check here for the current price). The price is reasonable given the features, capability and design of the unit.
Our Verdict
The ScanTech iReal 2S is a great professional 3D scanner. While the software is not very sophisticated, it does the job right.
The ability of the scanner to use both blue light and infrared light also caught our attention. With this scanner, you can capture both organic forms as well as hard surfaces, without the need for multiple devices.
We especially love the infrared light capability, which enables the scanner to capture human or animal targets quickly and without making them uncomfortable. The data captured can be used in many workloads.
