A Complete Buyer’s Guide Based on the Artec 3D Scanner Range
Choosing the right 3D scanner for 3D printing is no longer just a technical decision — it’s an operational one.
For engineers, designers, and manufacturers, 3D scanning has become a critical part of modern 3D printing workflows, enabling faster reverse engineering, better part fitment, reduced rework, and more confident production outcomes.
This guide is written specifically around the Artec 3D scanner range, which spans:
- ultra-high-precision desktop scanners for small parts,
- professional handheld scanners for general scan-to-print workflows,
- and long-range laser scanners for very large assets and environments.
Rather than listing generic specs, this article is designed to help you:
- understand how 3D scanning improves real-world 3D printing workflows
- identify which Artec scanner suits your application
- evaluate accuracy, resolution, speed, software, cost, and support
- make an informed buying decision before investing
If you’re searching for “the best 3D scanner for 3D printing”, the correct answer depends on what you’re scanning, how accurate it needs to be, and how the scanner fits into your workflow — and this guide will show you exactly how to decide.
How 3D Scanning Improves 3D Printing Workflows
At its core, 3D scanning removes one of the biggest inefficiencies in 3D printing:
the gap between a physical object and a printable digital model.
Instead of:
- manually measuring complex parts,
- rebuilding geometry from scratch in CAD,
- guessing tolerances,
- or running multiple failed prints,
3D scanning allows you to capture real-world geometry accurately, convert it into a printable digital file, and move directly into production.
A typical scan-to-print workflow
- Scan the physical object
- Align and clean the scan data
- Generate a watertight mesh
- Export to STL / OBJ / PLY
- Slice and print
- (Optional) Scan the printed part to verify accuracy or fit
This workflow is used daily across industries such as:
- Prosthetics & orthotics – scanning limbs and body parts for custom-fit devices
- Automotive & motorsport – reverse engineering brackets, housings, and interior components
- Manufacturing & maintenance – reproducing worn, broken, or obsolete parts
- Product design & prototyping – capturing hand-made or organic forms
- Cultural heritage & art – preserving and reproducing detailed artefacts
Artec scanners are widely used in these industries because they balance accuracy, speed, and ease of use, making them suitable for production environments, not just one-off projects.
The 5 Biggest Mistakes When Choosing a 3D Scanner for 3D Printing
Even experienced engineers and designers can make costly mistakes when selecting a 3D scanner for 3D printing. These are the most common pitfalls — and the real-world impact they have on scan-to-print workflows.
1. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Lower-cost scanners often introduce noise, tracking issues, and poor mesh quality, leading to longer cleanup times and failed prints. The time lost fixing scan data can quickly outweigh any upfront savings.
2. Buying a Scanner That Doesn’t Match Typical Object Size
Using a scanner outside its optimal size range reduces effective resolution and accuracy. This often results in slow scanning, inconsistent results, and parts that don’t print or fit as expected.
3. Underestimating the Importance of Software
Weak scanning software can make alignment, mesh cleanup, and STL export slow and unreliable. Poor software turns even good scan data into a bottleneck in the 3D printing workflow.
4. Ignoring Support, Training, and Long-Term Ownership
A lack of local support and training can cause downtime, slow adoption, and stalled workflows. When issues arise, limited assistance can turn a productivity tool into a liability.
5. Skipping a Real-World Demo Before Buying
Spec sheets don’t show how a scanner performs on real geometry. Without testing on actual parts, buyers risk investing in a system that doesn’t suit their application or workflow.
Choosing The Right 3D Scanner – Start With Your Application
Before comparing models or price points, the most important question to answer is:
What type of object are you scanning for 3D printing?
Different object sizes and use cases demand very different scanning approaches.
Small, intricate objects
Examples
- jewellery
- dental models
- electronic housings
- precision mechanical components
- detailed miniatures
What matters most
- extremely high accuracy
- very high resolution
- stable, repeatable scanning
Best-suited Artec scanners
- Artec Micro II – automated desktop scanning with micron-level accuracy
- Artec Spider II – handheld blue-light scanner for fine detail and sharp geometry
These scanners are commonly used in dental labs, precision engineering, and electronics manufacturing, where microns matter and first-print success is critical.
Medium-sized parts (most common scan-to-print use case)
Examples
- automotive parts
- housings and enclosures
- tools and fixtures
- consumer product prototypes
What matters most
- balance of accuracy and speed
- ability to scan complex geometry
- flexibility across many part types
Best-suited Artec scanners
- Artec Eva – proven, general-purpose handheld scanner
- Artec Leo – fully wireless handheld scanner with onboard processing
These scanners form the backbone of most professional scan-to-print workflows because they handle the widest variety of parts with minimal setup.
Large objects and assemblies
Examples
- large panels or moulds
- furniture and sculptures
- machinery components
- large-format 3D prints
What matters most
- large scan coverage
- portability
- stable tracking over long distances
Best-suited Artec scanners
- Artec Leo – ideal for large industrial parts and onsite scanning
- Artec Ray II – for very large assets or environments
Accuracy vs Resolution: What You Actually Need for 3D Printing
One of the most misunderstood aspects of choosing a 3D scanner is the difference between accuracy and resolution.
- Accuracy determines how close the scan is to real-world dimensions
- Resolution determines how much surface detail is captured
For example:
- Visual models → resolution may matter more
- Functional parts that must fit or assemble → accuracy matters more
How this relates to Artec scanners
- Artec Micro II delivers ultra-high accuracy for very small parts
- Artec Spider II excels at capturing sharp edges and fine geometry
- Artec Eva and Leo deliver accuracy more than sufficient for most functional printed parts
Choosing a scanner with unnecessarily high accuracy can increase cost without adding real value — while choosing one with insufficient accuracy can lead to failed prints and rework.
Scanner Volume & Coverage: Why Size Matters
Scanner volume refers not just to the size of objects you can scan, but how efficiently you can scan them.
Desktop scanners (small volume, maximum precision)
- Best for small parts
- Automated, repeatable scanning
- Limited to objects that fit the scan chamber
Artec Micro II is ideal when:
- part size is small
- repeatability is critical
- ultra-high precision is required
Handheld scanners (medium to large coverage)
- Highly flexible
- Can scan objects larger than the scanner itself
- Suitable for varied part sizes
Artec Eva and Leo are ideal when:
- object size varies
- parts are awkward or irregular
- scanning needs to happen on the shop floor or onsite
Long-range scanners (very large coverage)
- Capture large assets and environments
- Used when handheld scanning becomes impractical
Artec Ray II is suited to:
- very large assemblies
- large-format printing workflows
- industrial environments
Why Software Matters as Much as Hardware
A common mistake when choosing a 3D scanner for 3D printing is focusing only on hardware specifications.
In reality, the scanner is only half the system.
The quality of your results depends just as much on:
- scan alignment
- noise removal
- hole filling
- mesh quality
- export reliability
Artec Studio software
Artec scanners are designed to work with Artec Studio, one of the most mature professional scanning platforms available.
For engineers and designers, this matters because Artec Studio:
- automatically aligns complex scans
- generates watertight meshes suitable for direct printing
- handles difficult geometry with minimal manual work
- exports clean STL, OBJ, and PLY files
- integrates with downstream CAD and slicing workflows
Practical benefit: less time fixing scan data, fewer failed prints, faster time to production.
Common Industries Using Artec Scanners for 3D Printing
Artec scanners are widely used across:
- Medical & healthcare – prosthetics, orthotics, surgical models
- Automotive & motorsport – reverse engineering and rapid prototyping
- Manufacturing – spare parts, tooling, jigs and fixtures
- Product design – capturing organic or hand-made forms
- Education & R&D – teaching digital manufacturing workflows
- Cultural heritage – digitisation and reproduction of artefacts
This breadth of use reinforces that Artec scanners are proven in demanding, real-world environments.
Artec 3D Scanners Comparison Table – How To Choose The Right One
Artec 3D Scanner Comparison Table (Scan-to-Print Focus)
Indicative pricing below is in AUD, excluding GST. Final pricing varies based on configuration, software, training, and support.
| Artec Model | Scanner Type | Best For | Typical Object Size | Accuracy/ Detail | Scan Coverage | Portability | Warranty | Indicative Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro II | Desktop structured light | Ultra-snall precision parts | Small (cm-scale) | Ultra-high (micron-level) | Fixed desktop volume | Fixed | 2 years | 〜 $38,000 – $45,000 |
| Spider II | Handheld blue-light | Fine details & sharp geometry | Small – Medium | Very high | Medium | Handheld | 2 years | 〜 $32,000 – $38,000 |
| Eva | Handheld structured light | General-purpose scanning | Medium | High | Medium – Large | Handheld | 2 years | 〜 $28,000 – $33,000 |
| Leo | Wireless handheld structured light | Large parts & shop floor use | Medium – Large | High | Large | Fully portable | 2 years | 〜 $42,000 – $ 48,0000 |
| Ray II | Long – range laser | Very large assets & environments | Large | High (long-range) | Up to 130m | Tripod | 1 year | 〜 $110,000 – $140,000 |
Brand, Support, Warranty & Reseller Considerations
When investing in professional 3D scanning technology, who you buy from matters.
Important questions to ask:
- Is the brand globally established?
- Are software and firmware actively updated?
- Is local training available?
- Is technical support accessible by phone?
- Are technicians available in Australia?
Why this matters for Artec scanners
Artec 3D is a globally established brand used across engineering, manufacturing, medical, and research sectors.
When purchased through an established Australian distributor like Invenio3D, buyers gain:
- local technical support
- onboarding and training
- workflow consultation
- long-term service and support
This significantly reduces implementation risk for businesses integrating scanning into production workflows.
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Frequently Asked Questions (For Engineers & Designers)
What accuracy do I need for scan-to-print?
If the printed part must fit or assemble with other components, aim for sub-0.1 mm accuracy. For visual models, lower accuracy may be acceptable.
Can I print directly from scan data?
Yes. Many workflows print directly from cleaned mesh data without converting to CAD.
How long does scan-to-print take?
Scanning usually takes minutes. Cleanup typically takes 10–30 minutes, often faster than manual CAD reconstruction.
Can multiple team members use the scanner?
Yes. Artec scanners are designed for shared environments and are widely used in workshops and labs.
What’s the biggest mistake when buying a scanner?
Choosing based on price alone, or selecting a scanner that doesn’t match typical object size or accuracy requirements.
Book a 3D Scanning Demo (Australia)
The best way to choose the right 3D scanner is to see your own parts scanned.
At Invenio3D, we:
- demonstrate the full Artec range
- scan your real components
- show the complete scan-to-print workflow
recommend the right scanner for your application