Shining 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner Review

Shining is one of the pioneers of 3D scanning technology. Founded in 2004, the company has become one of the best 3D scanner manufacturers in the world.

Some of the well-known 3D scanners from the company include the EinScan Pro 2X Plus, the EinScan Pro and the EinScan Pro+.

In this review, we’ll look at the 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus.

Shining 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus Review

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The Shining 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus is one of the best 3D scanners for professional use. The 3D scanner is especially useful in applications such as engineering, VR, design art, education, and healthcare.

Like is the case with 3D printers, 3D scanners are getting cheaper over time thanks to evolutions in 3D scanning technology. Apart from getting affordable, the devices are becoming easier to use and can capture high-quality 3D images.

EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner Specs

The capability of the EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner differs depending on the mode being used. Below is an overview of the technical specifications.

Recommended PC Configuration

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner is an impressive machine that straight-out works. The scanner easily picks up complicated geometries and quickly renders them to the powerful ExScan Pro software. With this scanner, you can reverse-engineer parts, scan people, and do so much more.

However, we encounter an issue with the meshing software. Sometimes, we noticed that the software did not fill in un-scanned areas correctly. However, this should not be a problem is you will be using the scanner in a professional setting, as you will most likely finish the scan off in a CAD program.

Another area where the scanner struggled was with lattice structures, hair, some types of fabrics and other standard structures that are typically tricky for 3D scanners to scan. However, these limitations are not really with the Pro 2X Plus but with the limitation of the scanning technology.

Of course, there are various ways in which you can solve these problems.

EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner Features

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus has better specs than the original EinScan Pro 2X. For example, the scanner is more accurate and its scanning speed has greatly improved. In Handled HD mode, the scanning speed is 1,100,000 points/s while in Fixed Scan, the scanner achieves less than 0.5s Single Scan.

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus also has a higher working distance, point distance, and single scan range. Therefore, it is more versatile than the basic 2X model.

According to Shining 3D, the basic 2X model and the Pro 2X Plus have the same depth of field, volumetric accuracy, and scanning accuracy.

Another feature that sets the EinScan Pro 2X Plus apart from the Basic 2X is that the former is compatible with HD Prime Pack.

Below is an overview of the features of the EinScan Pro 2X Plus.

Captures Detail

The Einscan Pro 2X Plus captures fine details of scanned objects. The scanner has an accuracy of 0.04mm in the Fixed Scan mode, and a minimum of 0.2 mm in  HD and Rapid Scan modes.  In these two scan modes, the scanner generates high-resolution 3D data.

You can further improve the accuracy and speed of the scanner by purchasing the HD Prime Pack.

Versatile

The scanner has three different modes: Fixed Scan (with or without a turntable), Handheld HD Scan, and Handheld Rapid Scan.

You can use the equipment to scan small and medium-sized objects (from 30 x 30x 30 mm up to 4 meters in length).

This scanner also has different alignment models, including manual alignment, turntable coded targets alignment, markers alignment, and feature alignment.

Portable

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus is compact and lightweight. Therefore, it is quite versatile.

The 3D scanner weighs about 1 kg. and, therefore, you can take it anywhere with you to scan your objects.

Modular Design

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus features a modular design. Therefore, you only need to pay for the tools you will be using, and not worry about paying extra for features you won’t be using.

You can buy the scanner together with various optional packs, which can improve its performance and enhance your 3D scanning experience.

For example, there is the Color Pack, which allows the scanner to capture full-color textures together with an object’s geometry.

There is also the Industrial Pack, which comes with a turntable and tripod that can be used to automate the scanning process.

Finally, there is the HD Prime Pack, which improves the scanning speed by 30% and improves the capture details. You will definitely want this pack if you are undertaking projects or applications involving cultural heritage restoration, archiving, and preservation.

In a nutshell, you can customize the EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner depending on your needs.

ExScan Pro Software

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus has a new 3D scanning software known as ExScan Pro. This software features an intuitive user interface and workflow.

One of the major features of the software is the Operation Mode. In this function, you can increase the scanning speed during operation. Moreover, you can set the resolution.

The ExScan Pro software is compatible with different file formats, including P3, ASC, PLY, OBJ and STL.

Another software that the scanner comes with is the Solid Edge SHINING 3D Edition. This software has incredible design tools that allow you to do various thigs, including simulation, synchronous modeling, convergent modeling, generative design, and reverse engineering. In a nutshell, this software is a versatile CAD tool in a single platform.

Documentation and Support

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner has a thorough manual. In the user guide, you will learn all the processes and functions of the machine.

There are also a number of videos that explain how to get the scanner up and running and how it generally works.

If you are stuck with your machine, you can reach out to Shining 3D for more support. There is also an active Facebook group (EinScan Experts) where you can get support from other users of the scanner.

What’s in the Box?

One of the things we love about the EinScan Pro 2X Plus is its modular design. For example, if you will only be using the scanner to get the geometries of objects, you won’t need the optional Color Pack, which will allow the device to also scan the texture.

On the same note, if you will not be scanning small, detailed objects, then the Industrial Pack won’t really be necessary. The pack comes with a turntable and tripod.

Finally, if you won’t be looking for super high-quality detailed scans, then the HD Prime Pack won’t be necessary.

You can always purchase one pack and upgrade your scanner with another as you need.

Below is an overview of what is available in each pack:

EinScan e Pro 2X Plus

• Scanner body
• Dongle
• USD drive
• Phone screen mount
• Maker remover
• Cable clip
• Power adapter
• Power cable
• Calibration board
• Calibration board support

HD Prime Pack (Optional)

• HD Prime module

Color Pack (Optional)

• Color module

Industrial Pack (Optional)

• Scanner head support
• Tripod
• Power adapter
• Power cable
• USB cable
• Turntable

EinScan Pro 2X Plus Review: Software

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus comes with ExScan Pro software. This program can output P3, 3MF, ASC, PLY, OBJ, and STL file formats.

To run the software, you will need a powerful machine. We recommend an Intel i7-8700 processor with Nvidia GTX1060or high display card. The computer should also have 32GB or memory and over 4GB of display memory.

Pre-Scanning Your Objects

The ExScan Pro has a clear interface and is easy to navigate. There is also a ‘Help Mode’ that you can use to get familiar with all its functions. Also, should you run into issues with using the software, you can use the ‘TeamViewer’ mode, which allows a customer service rep to remotely access your computer to offer support.

The 3D scanning software provides helpful information about the tasks you have done. For example, you can see when was your last calibration, which mode you are scanning in, and the device that is connected.

When you start the software, you have an option of either beginning a new project or continue to work on a previous one.

From there, you can select how you want to alight the scan. You can align the scan through using features, markers or a hybrid of the two. Finally, if you have the texture camera plugged in, you can select whether you’d like a texture scan or a non-texture scan.

Another thing you can select when you start the software is the resolution and detail you’d like. If you choose a higher detail, keep in mind that the scan will take more time and the device will use more of your computer’s graphics memory.

The Scanning Process

When you start scanning, the software will let you pick the bright sensitivity and also show the data you collect as you go. To get a glimpse of what to expect, you can preview the scan before starting.

As you scan, the ExScan Pro will inform you when you are too near or too far from the object. This information is provided through a color scale of red to blue. You will also get notified if the tracking is lost.

During the scan, you can adjust the brightness with plus and minus buttons on the scanner. If the camera image on the software is showing too dark, you can add the brightness by pressing the plus button. If the image is too bright, you can press the minus button to reduce the brightness.

You can do as many pass-throughs as you need to gather all the necessary data. You can also remove any unnecessary data at any time.

When you scan with marketers, they will be shown in the software as red dots while the scan will be green. If you scan the same object multiple times, the older scans will be shown as grey.

When you have finished scanning, you can select and deselect data to be removed. For example, if your scanning is misaligned, you can manually fix this in the software by selecting various points on the scan.

If you are satisfied with your scan, you can generate point clouds. You can prioritize either quality or speed on the software. If you prioritize quality, the scan will take more time to complete.

Post-Processing

The next step is post-processing.

ExScan Pro does not have all the post-processing tools you will need. However, the few available options are super helpful. For example, you can smooth the scan, sharpen it, or simplify it so that it uses less data.

You can also fill the holes in the mesh manually or let the software automatically do it for you. If you used markers when scanning, leave the software to automatically fill in those small circles.

The software also allows you to automatically upload your file to get it 3D printed by an external service. This option streamlines the workflow and makes your work easier.

Overall, ExScan Pro is easy to use, and has various options for smoothing out various imperfections that your scans may have. However, the features of the software are just basic. You may want to get a more powerful software for post processing.

If you have a CAD software such as AutoCAD, you can use it together with ExScan Pro. This may be necessary depending on the on what you plan to do with the scan.

Scanning

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner captures fine details. In Fixed Scan mode, the scanner has an accuracy of 0.04mm. In Handheld HD Scan and Handheld Rapid Scan model, the scanned can process up to 1,500,000 points per second (30 fps), while the scanning accuracy reaches up to 0.05mm. This ensures that you get high-resolution 3D data.

You can increase the accuracy and speed of the 3D scanner by purchasing the HD Prime Pack.

Calibration

Calibrating the EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner is very simple. You will only have to recalibrate when you are changing the scanning mode and realize it is becoming less accurate.

You can also recalibrate if the machine has experienced some bumps (perhaps during transportation) or when you are plugging in the texture camera.

Apart from the above situations, you will only need to calibrate the scanner once every 15 days.

The ExScan Pro software has instructions on how to calibrate the scanner. Basically, you need to hold it over the calibration board and pull it away upwards at a 90° angle five times, ensuring that you are also moving the board around each time.

Sometimes, the calibration may fail. For example, if the lens isn’t clear or if there are scratches on the board, the calibration may not be successful.

If you realize that the scanner is not picking adequate data (e.g., you are getting notifications of lost tracking while scanning), you can run an accuracy test to make sure everything is as should be.

Markers

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus has various markers. You can stick the markers on the objects that you are scanning so that the scanner knows where it is. This is optional, just in case you don’t want to use just the features of the object.

If you are using the scanner in Handheld HD Scan mode, you have to use the markers. However, for other modes, the markers are optional.

In the Handheld Rapid Scan mode, you can also go for a hybrid alignment. This alignment uses both markers and features.

The markers are easy to use. However, peeling them off and sticking them on is very time consuming.  You need to use a lot of markers to ensure that there are always at least four in the camera at any time.

Reflective Surface

There are some surfaces that can be quite tricky to scan. For example, metals are difficult to scan since they are reflective. On the same note, scanning hair can be tricky since it tends to be shiny.

To scan reflective or shiny surfaces, you will need to use various sprays or coating materials that can reduce the shine. For instance, you can apply dry shampoo on hair to dull it. You will need to use a lot of shampoo to dull the hair so that it can be scanned.

Depending on the materials that you want to dull, you can use Helling 3D Laser Scanning Spray. This spray is specially designed for 3D scanning and is easy to remove.

However, despite spraying, some surfaces will still prove difficult to scan. You’ll have to consider various workarounds to be able to scan them.

Scanning People

You can use the EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner to scan people. However, the process is tricky since people usually move and their hair is shiny. As a result, scanning a person is a little more time-consuming than scanning an object.

When scanning a person, you are likely to get notifications indicating that the tracking was lost. However, there are various ways in which you can avoid this. For example, you can stick markers on someone’s face and the back of the head. Take note that sticking the markers is time-consuming and not as easy as it sounds.

When scanning a person, the subject has to stay still. This can be difficult given that the LED projector will be flashing on their face.

While the EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner is fast, it takes some time to complete a full head scan. Also, to scan hair, you will need to apply dry shampoo on it. After this, the scanner will be able to pick the hair.

If you will be using texture camera to scan, do not use white dry shampoo on the hair. Instead, use a colored one (e.g., light brown, dark brown, or blonde shades).

For the best experience when using the handheld scanning mode, you should download the AnyDesk app on your phone and sync it with your PC. The scanner has a phone screen mount that you can hook your phone on and use to monitor the scan rather than having to look back or check your PC screen all the time.

This scan below has been meshed in the non-watertight mode and there are some areas that are missing. This shows that ExScan Pro wasn’t able to identify those areas that are missing. These missing areas can be filled using the manual fill tool (shown in green). The areas that have already been manually filled are shown in red.

The Manual Fill tool is good but not 100% accurate. For example, the tool allows you to pick from three different fill options: Flat, Tangent, and Curvature. However, the fills don’t always get the curves right.

If you will be post-processing the scan using a different software, this is not an issue. However, if you will be solely using ExScan for post processing, you will find it limited.

Still on the image, in Rapid Scan mode, the EinScan Pro 2X Plus struggled to pick the sweater material of the subject. To avoid this problem, before you start scanning, check that the subject is not wearing shiny or reflective material.

If you are planning to do a texture scan, male sure you spray some dry shampoo on any shiny or reflective materials.

Scanning Objects

The scanner also struggles to get data for objects that are very dark. If you want to scan an object that is very dark, simply sprinkle it with dry shampoo. From there, the scanner will detect the object.

Moving on, we used the Fixed Scan mode to re-engineer this turbin part. The scanner struggled to get data from the deepest sections of the object as well as the hollow areas. However, after some adjustments, we were able to make some of the creases better than others.

With the gathered 3D data, we used the Prusa MK3S and a PLA spool to print the part. Here is how it turned out.

Overall, while the scanning was a little tedious and the machine struggled to get data in the hollow parts, the results were impressive. Of course, the part would have had smoother edges if we’d used a different 3D printer.

Our Verdict

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner is certainly easy to use though not cheap.

What We Like

• The ExScan Pro software required by the scanner is powerful and easy to use
• The scanner provides good value when you consider the price to quality ratio
• You only have to pay for the features that you need
• Is versatile, i.e., offer both handheld and fixed modes
• Excellent support from Shining 3D
• There’s an active community of users that share their 3D scanning knowledge
• The machine scans very well

Issues We Noticed

• Like is the case with most 3D scanners, the EinScan Pro 2X Plus struggles with scanning dark surfaces, shiny surfaces, and hair
• Sometimes, the meshing software misses the mark
• The software takes a lot of computing power. Therefore, you need a powerful computer to use it. Moreover, you will have to be patient during the scanning process.

Final Thoughts

The EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner is intuitive and good at its job. Moreover, it offers professional workflows that streamline the whole process.

Thanks to the modular design, you can decide and invest only on the features you will want. This means you get better value for your money.

The ExScan Pro software is powerful and has some post-processing tools. However, the tools are only good for the most basic post processing operations. You will definitely need a different software for more serious post processing.

This 3D scanner is solid, and can easily scan both objects and people. The device collects sufficient data for most objects. However, shiny or reflective objects will need to be dulled first to be picked by the scanner.

We’d recommend the EinScan e Pro 2X 3D scanner for a business that offers professional workflows. This scanner is priced reasonable and has everything you need.

Where to Buy Shining 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D Scanner

The Shining 3D EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner is available at Top3DShop and Amazon.

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