Creality Launches Consumer 3D Scanner on Kickstarter

3D scanning is useful for both engineers and artists. Engineers can scan mechanical components to reproduce or reverse-engineer them. Artists can scan their sculptures to create duplicates. Even marketers benefit from the ability to upload 3D models of products to e-commerce sites. But 3D scanning was difficult and expensive, requiring either expertise or a large budget. Now Creality, everyone's favorite budget 3D printer manufacturer, is launching an affordable consumer 3D scanner on Kickstarter.

The Creality CR-Scan Lizard Kickstarter campaign still has two weeks left, but it has already raised almost 3 million dollars in funding. That massive number proves how excited people are about a capable consumer 3D scanner entering the market. While the CR-Scan Lizard is not the first 3D scanner to hit this market segment, it does have the Creality name behind it and respectable specifications. Most importantly, Creality designed the CR-Scan Lizard with ease-of-use in mind.

Creality claims that the CR-Scan Lizard can capture objects with up to 0.05mm accuracy, without requiring markers. It can scan in a variety of light levels and can capture black objects. Users can operate it in handheld mode to scan large objects or with a turntable to pick up fine details on smaller items. It scans using near-infrared light, which isn't harmful to human eyes and which works well in differing lighting conditions.

As is the case with most other 3D scanners, the Creality CR-Scan Lizard creates a point cloud. But the included CR Studio software can convert that point cloud into an optimized solid model with a single click. Its automated algorithms eliminate the laborious process of cleaning up scans, making the CR-Scan Lizard perfect for hobbyists and small businesses. And by connecting your smartphone or a DSLR camera to the scanner, you can even generate full-color 3D models.

If you want to get your hands on a Creality CR-Scan Lizard 3D scanner, the Kickstarter campaign will be live until March 12th. Early birds can get a complete scanner with turntable, tripod, and carrying case for $384. Backers should receive rewards in April of 2022.