OpenScan

17/06/2026

3d scan of small seed with openscan mini + hawkeye camera

15/06/2026

Community based 3D Scanning benchmark (45mm miniature)

The goal is to include as many 3D scanners as possible (with multiple scan results from different users) to get some real world data for the various devices. There is a larger and more technical benchmark (ScanBench) available too and I will update the results too.

See all the details and limitations here 3D Scan Benchmark Repo on Github

I post more details in r/OpenScan

A note on transparency: I have been developing open-source 3d scanners for multiple years and till this day, I am hesitant to claim any accuracy (as this would require a proper/expensive lab). Therefore I created this scanning benchmark to show real world results from various users. This is the opposite approach

If you'd want to contribute, feel free to reach out and I'll provide a figurine free of charge (or support by buying one of the miniatures here: https://openscan.eu/products/openscan-benchy

It would be a great help if you can share this experiment to other places to encourage more users to participate as several manufacturers seem to block my request to contribute an official reference scan with their devices!

PS: with the next iteration, I will add the specs of the scanner to each image :)

13/06/2026

I just updated the 3D Scan Benchmark Repo on Github https://github.com/OpenScanEu/OpenScanBenchy/ to include the 15cm ScanBench (https://makerworld.com/de/models/1893084-scanbench-the-benchy-for-3d-scanners). I also automated most of the pipeline, so it is much easier to add a new scan now.

The goal is to include as many 3D scanners as possible (with multiple scan results from different users) to get some real world data for the various devices.

Download + print the model and share your 3d scan result (and optional but highly appreciated scan details like time/prep/...)

02/06/2026

OpenScan is in Brussels this week, exhibiting with our partner JTC at the Summer Reception of the State Government of Saxony-Anhalt showcasing open-source 3D scanning as part of Halle (Saale)’s digital transformation, alongside speakers including Minister-President Sven Schulze and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Open hardware belongs in the conversation on digital sovereignty.

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 :)