OpenScan

06/05/2026

Bad exposure = bad scans. The fix takes 5 seconds if you know how to read the histogram. New blog post up on http://openscan.blog. We cover what to look for, why ETTR works, and how to dial it in with the OpenScan3 firmware.

--> https://openscan.eu/blogs/news/understanding-and-using-the-histogram-to-improve-scan-quality

Choosing the right exposure/shutter speed is important for successful 3D scans with photogrammetry. The histogram is a simple tool that helps you find the right settings for your scan object and environment. In short: what you are aiming for is an image that is not over- or underexposed, which can b...

28/04/2026

Not the fun part of this project: prices on parts and kits go up on May 7. We've kept them stable since 2022, but component costs, shipping, and tariffs have moved enough that we can't hold the line any longer.
If you've been meaning to order, doing so before May 7 locks in current pricing. And if you believe in open hardware and open-source software Patreon is a great way to support the project directly.

17/04/2026

OpenScan3 Beta — What’s New
- 2–3× faster captures (0.7s per image with IMX519)
- 64MP Arducam Hawkeye support
- On-device focus stacking
- QR code WiFi setup
-Setup wizard with blackshield, Mini v2 & Midi presets
- Live photogrammetry feature preview (surface quality overlay)
- Built-in histogram for exposure control
- Endstops & angle clamping
- Seamless OpenScan Cloud integration
- Polished UI with tooltips throughout
Coming soon: Python SDK, DSLR support, in-browser 3D mesh tools.
Available now and more details on openscan.blog

17/04/2026

OpenScan3 Beta — What's New

- 2–3× faster captures (0.7s per image with IMX519)
- 64MP Arducam Hawkeye support
- On-device focus stacking
- QR code WiFi setup
-Setup wizard with blackshield, Mini v2 & Midi presets
- Live photogrammetry feature preview (surface quality overlay)
- Built-in histogram for exposure control
- Endstops & angle clamping
- Seamless OpenScan Cloud integration
- Polished UI with tooltips throughout

Coming soon: Python SDK, DSLR support, in-browser 3D mesh tools.

Available now and more details on https://openscan.eu/blogs/news

01/04/2026

Introducing OpenScan Halo: Planet-scale photogrammetry

For years, OpenScan has focused on affordable 3D scanning for smaller objects.
Today, we are ready to take the next logical step.

Meet OpenScan Halo: a photogrammetry rig made of multiple synchronized belts around the Earth, designed to deliver 100% scan coverage, 24/7.

No turntable needed, passive rotation provided by existing planetary motion.
Improved occlusion handling through orbital belt redundancy.
Affordable 3D scanning for the masses. All of them.
Seamless metadata synchronization across all longitudes
Multi-hemisphere capture for improved underside coverage.
Cloud, fog and haze processing in the OpenScanCloud.
Early internal tests have shown promising results for terrain, buildings, coastlines, and other medium-sized planetary features.

We are currently exploring strategic partnerships with rocket-owning billionaires.

More details: https://halo.openscan.eu/

23/02/2026

New Multi-Camera 3D Scanning Rig in the making - after only 4 (part-time) weeks in development, the first prototype already produces some nice data. Based on Raspberry P*s + Arducam IMX519, this might be the start of something beautiful :)

03/02/2026

OpenScan3 – A completely rewritten firmware laying the foundation for the future of open-source 3D scanning. Pure Python, FastAPI backend, modular architecture, and a proper REST API. This blog post gives an overview of the core design decisions and what's changed from OpenScan2. Feedback and contributions welcome!

About this post This is the first post in a small series about the architecture of OpenScan3. The idea is to explain some core design decisions and concepts.This post is written by me, Elias (esto), not by Thomas. I work on the OpenScan3 firmware and spend a lot of time developing and maintaining th...

26/01/2026

3D scanning shiny objects with photogrammetry? Absolutely possible with a little bit of surface preparation thanks to orange and the build-in cross polarisation of the OpenScan Mini.

19/12/2025

OpenScan Mini - #14 Sliding Shelf Insert 🪛

Our customer had this drawer slide bracket duplicated, as the parts can break during installation. We scanned the bracket without any issues using the OpenScan Mini and printed the required number of copies. Now it slides again.



🌩️ Music Credits: "Catharsis" by walterpeitz
💿 https://freesound.org/s/822727/

12/12/2025