Calibry Mini 3D Scanner Review: Specs, Features, Software

Hi everyone! Today, we will tell you about the new device released by Thor3D - Calibry Mini. Designed for scanning small objects, it’s a more accurate version of the Thor3D Calibry model.

Read on to learn about new smart features of the scanner.

About Thor3D

The Moscow-based company Thor3D has been developing 3D scanners since 2015. In five years, it has presented four models, including one of the world's first 3D scanning devices, the wireless Drake (the very first one was the Thor3D scanner that came out in 2015 by the same manufacturer). 

Source: facebook.com

The idea of creating handheld scanners with original functionality remains dominant, so the core of the product line in summer 2020 is the Calibry and new Calibry Mini scanners — compact devices with a color touch screen.

Technical specs

Source: thor3dscanner.com 

• Display: 4” built-in LCD
• Light source: Blue LED
• Multi-core processing: Yes
• Field of view: Min 86 x 115 mm; Max 144 x 192 mm
• Depth of view: 180–300 mm
• Point resolution: Up to 0.15 mm
• Frame rate: 25–30 fps
• Acquisition speed: 1M points/sec
• Accuracy: Up to 0.07 mm
• Software: Yes, included in the price
• Applications: Jewelry, education, reverse engineering
• Weight (kg): 0.9
• Price: $6,990.00

Overview

Visually, the new model of the handheld 3D scanner Calibry Mini is almost identical to its predecessor, Thor3D Calibry. The scanner can be operated with one hand. Due to the weight and size of the scanner, some users will have to support the bottom of the device with their free hand. "Mini" in the model's name indicates not the size of the scanner but its scope of application: the new product by Thor3D is designed for working with small objects, with a recommended length of 2–30 cm.

Source: thor3dscanner.com 

The main feature of the Calibry Mini that sets this 3D scanner apart from most competitors is the 4-inch touchscreen on the side facing the operator. This solution significantly improves the ergonomics of the device. When using a handheld scanner, the operator moves away from the computer to which the device is connected. With the Calibry Mini, you don't have to look back at the computer to make sure the model was scanned without gaps.

The depth of view of the Calibry Mini is 180 to 300 mm. The maximum field of view of the blue-LED 3D scanner is 144 x 192 mm. The Calibry Mini scans up to 1 million points per second at 25–30 fps. The point resolution of the device is 0.15 mm, the scanning accuracy being 0.07 mm at 1 m. According to the manufacturer, the 3D scanner is optimized for digitizing shiny and dark surfaces.

Source: thor3dscanner.com 

Since the machine is meant to capture color and texture, the manufacturer specifies three main scenarios for using the 3D scanner. The first involves medical institutions. The Calibry Mini 3D scanner is intended to digitize parts of the human body, such as auriculas or feet. The resulting scans can be used by medical institutions to make implants or other devices (hearing aids, orthopedic insoles).

The second method of use relates to museums and archaeological expeditions. The 3D scanner is quite fast, even in color, so it is ideal for streaming digitizing of numerous small artifacts. The third way is to use the scanner at schools and other educational institutions. Since the Calibry Mini comes with proprietary software and unlimited keys, one 3D scanner can be easily connected to any number of computers in the classroom.

What’s in the box

Since the Calibry Mini is the conceptual successor to the Thor3D Calibry, let's look at its packaging using the example of the previous model. The box with the scanner contains a power unit, cables for connecting the device to a computer, a power injector, and a user manual.

Preparing for work

One of the peculiarities of the Calibry Mini 3D scanner is its ease of use. The device operates on the plug-and-play principle. The user connects the scanner with the computer through the power injector and plugs in the power cable. The machine is ready to use.

Software

To operate the scanner, you can use the proprietary Calibry Nest program. It is a free piece of comprehensive software, one part of which is preinstalled on the scanner — the other part must be installed on your computer with Windows. The desktop version of the Calibry Nest is fairly straightforward. The software allows for minimal processing of a scan, sufficient for consequent export to another application.

Scan examples

Source: thor3dscanner.com

At the time of this review, the Calibry Mini handheld 3D scanner has been announced but not yet gone on sale. Therefore, there were no use cases of this device. To assess the capabilities of the Calibry Mini, you can examine the 3D scans published on the official website.

Calibry Mini vs Calibry

Admittedly, “Mini” is hardly the best choice for a scanner name, since it doesn't reflect the positioning accuracy of the model. Users associate such a designation with budget-friendly modifications of top-end devices. As far as the Calibry scanners are concerned, the price for the Mini version, when announced, was almost one thousand dollars higher than that of the standard one. It would make more sense if the modification were called "Precision" or say, "HD."

When choosing between the Calibry Mini and Calibry, remember that these models are quite similar in terms of design but completely different when it comes to application. The Mini version will allow you to scan tiny objects as well as selected areas of large objects with increased accuracy. The standard Calibry is designed for digitizing objects the size of a person or an entire car.

Compare the specs:

Pros and cons

Let's summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of the Calibry Mini.

Pros:

• Capture of color and texture;
• High accuracy;
• Convenient user interface;
• Quick setup.

Cons:

• Controversial ergonomics;
• Expensive.

Bottom line

Source: thor3dscanner.com 

The Calibry Mini handheld 3D scanner is a specific tool for scanning small objects or selected areas of larger objects where extra accuracy is required. Data from both scanners (the original and Mini) can be combined in a single project, giving the coverage of the Calibry for the entire object and the accuracy of the Calibry Mini for areas where it's needed.

The device will be of interest to specialists who regularly work with small objects inconvenient to digitize with static scanners. The most apparent application is scanning parts of the human body (foot, hand, nose, ear). The Calibry Mini can also be used in museums and at archaeological sites. When dealing with a large number of small objects, it will be convenient for the operator to use the scanner along with a turntable, which can be purchased separately.

To sum up, the idea of ​​using the famous Calibry model as the basis for a niche product is a great way to expand the product line. The scanner provides high resolution and allows capturing color and texture without additional devices or paid functions.

Pre-order the Calibry Mini from Top 3D Shop and be among the first to get the new accurate and user-friendly scanner. Only original equipment with an official warranty and technical support.