Imagine being able to quickly scan almost any 3D object with a device the size of a large book, no power required and weighing about 2 kg! This is no longer an imagination thanks to the new Drake wireless 3D scanner.
Thor3D Drake is a small, handheld wireless 3D scanner manufactured by the Russian company, Thor3D. The company produces some of the best 3D scanners for 3D printing.
Thor3D Drake 3D Scanner Review
The Thor3D Drake is a handheld 3D scanner that can scan any objects from 1 cm to 8 m. After scanning, the captured data is then be transferred to a computer using Wi-Fi or USB for further editing, before being 3D printed.
The wireless handheld 3D scanner can be used anywhere – indoors, on the road, on the street, and even in space, thanks to its rechargeable, replaceable battery.
The 3D scanner is powered by a computer system with multi-core processor and a high-definition 7-inch sensor-display. Through the display, you can observe image scan results in real time during the scanning process. The scanner’s battery can last 90 minutes of continuous use. This is enough time for you to scan any item.
Thor3D scanner uses special algorithms and patented mathematical formulas to easily capture scan images of even the most challenging surfaces.
Drake Lenses: From Coins to Plane
Thor3D Scanner has removable lenses that can be interchanged, depending on the object you want to scan. The three interchangeable lenses are:
- Drake Mini. This lens is designed for digitizing small objects (from 0.5-1 cm). With this lens, you get the maximum resolution (up to 0.15 mm) when scanning small objects and an accuracy level of 40 microns.
- Drake Midi. This lens is designed for scanning medium-sized objects up to 1 m long, e.g., human body parts. The lens has a maximum accuracy of 70 microns.
- Drake Maxi. With this lens, you can quickly scan any object measuring up to 8 m (e.g. a person). The lens has and accuracy of up to 150 microns and offers the maximum field and depth of view.
Check the video below to see the 3D scanner in action:
Two Scan Modes
The Thor3D Drake has two scanning modes, i.e., with and without markers.
3D Scanning with Markers
3D scanning with markers allows you to digitize any object, including those with complex geometry, with incredible accuracy.
Using markers when 3D scanning is beneficial for various reasons. To begin, the “marks” prevent the device from losing orientation during the scanning process. This helps to make the scanning process faster.
Moreover, the markers help to prevent geometric inaccuracies and provide guaranteed reliable operation of algorithms. The end result is an extremely accurate 3D printed model.
Scanning without Markers
Scanning without markers is recommended for projects where accuracy is not critical. For example, very large objects are scanned in this way for their further transformation into many times smaller mini-models. In addition, without markers, a person and objects with a lot of geometry can be scanned.
Thor3D Suit
The creators of Drake have made sure that working with a 3D scanner is as simple and productive as possible. That is why, by default, each device is equipped with a set of specialized software; Thor3D Suit. This software includes two programs at once.
Firmware
The first program is built into the scanner and automatically starts when the device is turned on. The software collects 3D data as quickly and easily as possible. It also allows you to control the scanning process using the touch screen.
While the software only has a few buttons and settings, you still achieve brilliant results in the process of digitizing.
Among the useful functions of the built-in software are starting and stopping the scanning process, deleting unnecessary files from the hard disk, entering the preview mode, choosing a mode for working with or without markers, flexible adjustment of texture brightness and noise suppression level.
Advanced users can adjust the sensitivity as they see fit, depending on the brightness of the ambient light.
The Installed Program
The software installed on a computer or laptop has even more amazing capabilities. The main task of Thor3D Suit is to edit and finalize the model after transferring files. The software works in two modes and is designed for both relative beginners and sophisticated users.
- Simple Mode
This mode has only 4 buttons. Therefore, inexperienced users will not get confused in complex settings. The mode is recommended for cases where you need to digitize a large number of objects of the same type for subsequent printing on a 3D printer. In such a case, you can configure all the parameters once and then start the process with one button when importing a 3D model from the scanner. Editing and finalization is done automatically.
- Advanced Mode
This option opens up more extensive possibilities of the software. The mode is recommended for a true 3D printing fanatic. Here, you can combine digitized frames, work with textures, minimize noise, and simplify the model.
If necessary, you can use the built-in tools to remove unnecessary geometry elements, soften geometry in certain areas or throughout the model as a whole, adjust the sharpness or remove markers from the scan. Other features of the program include filling holes on any surface, creating sealed models, and exporting in 4 popular formats.
Thor3D Suit software is available in 6 languages and is sold with an unlimited number of licenses.
