3D scanners and 3D pens — how to choose and what they are for
Handheld or portable scanner, reverse engineering, 3D pens — what each is for and what to look for.
2026-02-10 · 3DHub.ge
A 3D scanner turns a physical object into a digital 3D model. It is a different tool from a printer, and choosing one depends on what you plan to scan.
What a 3D scanner is used for
- Reverse engineering: copying or modifying an existing part when you have no drawing.
- Restoring a damaged part: scanning an old or broken part and reprinting it.
- Art and heritage: digital copies of sculptures and artifacts.
- Body scanning: prosthetics, personalised items.
Handheld vs portable vs stationary
A handheld scanner is the most flexible — you hold it and move around the object. Good for medium and large objects.
Portable scanners are light and work well in the field.
A stationary (turntable) system rotates a small object automatically — more accurate on small details.
What to look for
- Accuracy: how fine the detail it captures (given in microns or mm).
- Object size: some scanners are built for small items, others for large.
- Surface: shiny and transparent surfaces are hard — a special spray is often needed.
- Software: a scanner is only as good as its software.
The 3D pen — a separate tool
A 3D pen is neither a printer nor a scanner. It "draws" by hand with molten filament in the air or on a surface. Great for creative fun, for kids (with supervision) and for quick repairs of small prints. Do not expect precision — it is an art tool, not a production one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I scan with a 3D scanner and print directly?
Almost always there is an intermediate step — cleaning up the scan in software (filling holes, trimming). After that the model is ready to print.
Why can it not scan shiny surfaces?
Most scanners work with light, and shiny or transparent surfaces reflect or transmit it. The fix is a matte scanning spray that temporarily coats the surface.
Is a 3D pen safe for a child?
The pen extrudes molten plastic and the tip is hot, so adult supervision is needed. There are low-temperature models that use PCL material — those are safer.