3D Systems’ iSense 3D Scanner Now Available for Pre-order

As 3D printing begins to take off on a consumer level, the desire to have an easy, cheap, reliable way to 3D scan objects on the go, will also gain in popularity. Afterall, who wouldn’t want to have the ability to capture an unexpected moment in 3D, and have the option of forever remembering that moment with a 3D print.

Back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 3D Systems unveiled their latest gadget within the 3D scanning space, the iSense 3D scanner. Unlike the bulkier Sense scanner, the new iSense is extremely compact and connects to the camera of an iPad. Such a scanner will provide an easier, more convenient way for those interested in the technology to bring it along with them on the go, without much of a hassle.

The specification of the iSense scanner are as follows:

• Supported Operating System: iOS 7 and later
• Operating Range: Min: 0.4 m, Max: 3.5m
• Field of View: Horizontal: 58°, Vertical: 45°
• Color Image Size: QVGA (320 x 240)
• Image Throughput: 30 fps
• Battery Life: 1000+ hours standby, 3-4 hours active scan time
• Scanner Weight: 99.2 grams
• Scanner Size: 119.2mm x 27.9mm x 29mm
• Scan Volume Min: 0.2m x 0.2m x 0.2m
• Scan Volume Max: 3m x 3m x 3m
• Compatibility: iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display, and iPad 4 with Retina display

The iSense is powered by 3D Systems’ proprietary Sense 3D scanning software, and allows users to scan an object or person within a matter of seconds by moving the scanner around that object/person. Unlike other scanners, which require placing an object into or on top of a scanner, this device gives the user total freedom and control. The iSense can capture 3D images of objects as small as a single shoe, or as large as a car, quite accurately, and via the Sense 3D scanning software, allows the user to easily edit their scans on their iPad.  The scans can then be uploaded directly to a 3D printer and printed out without any additional steps.

The iSense scanner will begin shipping sometime in the second half of July, and cost $499. Currently pre-orders can be placed at the Cubify website. Let us know what you think about this new 3D scanner, and if you intend to purchase it or not, at the iSense scanner forum thread on 3DPB.com.  Check out the video below to see the scanner in action.