Simple Scanning Manual
A simplified handbook written specifically for beginners. Learn how to get clean results from your hardware.
Your Scanner Hardware Guide
Manufacturers make a wide range of scanners designed for different experience levels and object sizes. Choosing the right one makes scanning easy:
Sermoon Series (Industrial and High Accuracy)
Sermoon X1
Features a huge scanning range using both cross laser lines and near infrared structured light to capture micro objects up to large scale items.
Sermoon S1
An industrial grade scanner with a hybrid light system built specifically for high speed scanning projects and reverse engineering tasks.
Sermoon P1
A high accuracy all in one scanning unit that features multi line blue laser modes and near infrared light to capture tiny details.
Raptor Series (High Accuracy and Hybrid Light)
CR Scan Raptor / Raptor Pro
Combines multiple blue laser lines with near infrared light allowing it to scan various object sizes without the need for scanning sprays.
RaptorX
An advanced version designed for high precision measurements and shape capturing across medium and large objects.
Otter Series (Versatile and Dual Lens)
CR Scan Otter
Uses four lens stereo vision and two sets of focal lenses to capture everything from tiny objects to large vehicles in full color.
Otter Lite / Basic
An affordable variant of the standard Otter offering most of the same great features for hobbyists and small studios.
Ferret Series (Entry Level and Mobile)
CR Scan Ferret Pro
A compact lightweight wireless scanner designed for easy handheld scanning and outdoor projects.
CR Scan Ferret SE
An entry level wired and budget friendly model built for everyday beginners to start scanning.
How Light Affects Your Scans
To make a great scan, you need to understand how your scanner sees light. Scanners work by casting patterns of light onto an object. The cameras inside watch how these patterns bend and change over the shape of the object to build a digital copy in your software.
Bright outdoor sunlight is the biggest challenge for standard scanners. Because the sun is incredibly bright, it shoots out a massive amount of light that completely washes out the patterns projected by your scanner. This blinds the scanner. When this happens, your scanner cannot see its own light patterns, causing your software to lose tracking or miss parts of the object entirely.
To scan successfully outdoors, you must choose the right gear for your environment. Laser scanners use highly focused, thin beams of laser light. These lasers are strong enough to cut through bright sunlight, allowing you to scan outside on sunny days without any issues.
Scanners that use standard project light or infrared light are much more sensitive to the sun. If you are using one of these scanners, you should scan outdoors during times when the sun is not as intense. This includes early morning, late afternoon, or when the sky is cloudy and overcast. Cloudy days act like a giant shade screen, making it much easier for your scanner to see.
The Three Ways Scanners Track Where They Are
1. Shape Tracking
Geometry Mode
Shape tracking uses the natural curves, bumps, and edges of your object to know where the scanner is positioned. As you move the scanner around, the software matches unique features like sharp corners, hollow areas, or rough surfaces to connect the pieces of your scan. This is perfect for organic things like carved stone statues, wooden logs, and complex toys.
However, shape tracking can easily get lost on very smooth, simple, or repetitive objects. If you try to scan a smooth round ball, a flat table, or a simple plastic pipe, the scanner cannot find any unique features to lock onto. It will feel like it is looking at the exact same spot, causing your scan to fail or distort.
2. Color and Pattern Tracking
Texture Mode
Color tracking uses the visual designs, labels, and color patterns on your object to stay on track. This works by capturing hidden, small, grey pictures of your object in the background while you scan. The software matches the colorful details on the surface to help position the scan.
This mode is extremely helpful when your object is physically flat or smooth, but is covered in high contrast drawings, text, or patterns. The scanner combines the color information with the flat shape to prevent the scan from slipping. If your object is already full of curves and physical details, you can turn color tracking off and rely solely on shape tracking to save computer processing power.
3. Sticker Tracking
Marker Mode
Sticker tracking is the most reliable way to scan, especially for smooth or shiny industrial parts. You stick small, reflective, round sticker dots directly onto or around your object. The scanner lights up these dots, making them shine brightly on the scanner cameras.
Because the stickers are glued directly onto the object, the coordinate system is locked to the item itself. This means that if the object moves or vibrates during scanning, your scan will not ruin. The scanner and the object move as one, keeping the scan perfect. To use this mode, the scanner must always see at least four sticker dots at any given moment.
How to Prep Shiny and Dark Objects
The Magic of Vanishing Chalk Spray
Some objects are naturally very difficult to scan. Shiny chrome, glass, mirrors, and polished metals bounce the scanner light away in all directions instead of reflecting it back to the cameras. Dark, matte black surfaces absorb the light, making them look invisible to the scanner.
You can fix this instantly using specialized vanishing chalk spray. Spray a thin, even layer of this white chalk spray onto the shiny or dark surface from about fifteen centimeters away. It turns the surface into a flat, dusty white coat that scans perfectly. The best part is that this special spray automatically evaporates and disappears completely within a few hours, leaving absolutely no residue or mess to clean up.
Simple Scanning Tips and Tricks
Keep your scanner at the perfect distance. If you get too close, the light patterns go out of focus and the scanner loses track. If you get too far, the light fades away. Always watch the distance indicator on your screen to keep it in the optimal green zone.
When cleaning up your scan model in the software, use manual select tools to erase unwanted parts like the floor or the turntable. Be careful when selecting areas so that you do not accidentally erase parts on the back side of your model. Avoid using automatic hole filling features on complex hollow shapes, as the software might get confused and try to close up open areas that are meant to be empty.
Pro Physical Techniques and Track Recovery
Move Steadily Like a Paintbrush
When scanning, your physical movements are just as important as your hardware. You should move the scanner in slow, smooth, sweeping motions, almost like you are painting the object with light. Avoid any rapid, jerky, or sudden movements, as these will instantly break the software tracking.
Maintain a steady walking pace around the object. Taking quick steps or shaking your hands will cause the frames to misalign, which results in doubled edges and blurry models. If you are scanning outdoors, even small movements of the object caused by the wind can ruin your scan alignment. Ensure your target is placed on a completely stable surface and block any wind to prevent errors.
How to Smoothly Recover Lost Tracking
If your scanner screen goes blank or says tracking lost, do not panic. Simply pause your scanning session immediately. Next, physically move the scanner back to a part of the object that you have already scanned successfully. Choose an area that has plenty of unique curves or colorful details.
Hold the scanner completely still at the correct distance over this previously scanned spot. The software will recognize the shape, align its coordinate grid, and resume scanning smoothly. Once you see the green light on screen, you can unpause and continue your scan path.