In 2017, a substantial wave of innovation emerged in the world of 3D technology. Among the several advancements, the handheld 3D scanner managed to cement its place as one of the most transformative innovations of the year. The ability to capture three-dimensional data with the simple sweep of a handheld device provided impressive opportunities for several sectors, paving the way for an exciting new age of digital exploration.

The Realism of 3D Scanning

The handheld 3D scanner is essentially a device equipped with multiple cameras and sensors, processing real-world objects or environments to collect data on its shape and, sometimes, its appearance. Its principle is much like a science fiction tool: producing a 3D digital model by simply pointing the device at the object. But in 2017, this Sci-Fi fantasy became a user-friendly reality. This year ushered in an area of 3D scanning that went beyond the laboratory and niche professional use.

The scanner captures a physical object’s exact size and shape into the computer world while also retrieving detailed textures and color. The versatility and convenience handheld 3D scanners offered in 2017 were unparalleled - from modeling and design work, reverse engineering, cultural heritage preservation, body scanning for custom clothes, or even scanning crime scenes for forensics.

Disrupting Traditional Methods

Before the assimilation of handheld 3D scanning technology, 3D modeling was often a time-consuming, challenging process that required specific expertise. Traditional 3D data acquisition relies on lengthy measurements, laborious manual modeling, or expensive rig setups. The advent of handheld 3D scanners in 2017 began to render these processes obsolete by presenting a much simpler, accessible, and efficient alternative.

Furthermore, handheld 3D scanners accentuated their relevance in 2017 by not being limited to rigid, perfectly shaped objects. They provided revolutionary capabilities, such as scanning organic and irregular shapes, often hard to replicate with traditional 3D modeling techniques. This aspect opened up new avenues for creative exploration and digitization of the physical world.

The 2017 Focus on Accessibility and Affordability

Delving deeper into transformative handheld 3D scanners of 2017, one cannot ignore how they redefined affordability and accessibility. While early-stage 3D scanning was dominated by large, expensive pieces of industrial kit, this wasn't the case anymore. Offering performance often surpassing much larger and more expensive counterparts, handheld 3D scanners really broke the mold in 2017.

Major companies in 2017 started launching affordable models targeted at the amateur and hobbyist market. This pricing revolution was undoubtedly a game-changer. With the technology moving away from large organizations towards individual consumers and small business owners, handheld 3D scanners in 2017 truly established themselves as revolutionary.

To add an extra feather to their cap, handheld 3D scanners also began to integrate with popular hardware. Tablets, smartphones, and drones, for example, accommodated this technology, raising the bar for 3D scanning compatibility. It's no surprise that 2017 was marked by the proliferation of handheld 3D scanners across various industries due to their flexibility and adaptability.

Noteworthy 3D Scanner Releases of 2017

Several handheld 3D scanners earned rating rankings this year, and certain makes and models grabbed attention. The Artec Eva, for example, gave professionals a high precision scanner capable of reproducing intricate details. For hobbyists and casual users, the XYZPrinting 3D Scanner offered a balance between affordability and performance.

In the same vein, the EinScan-Pro+ from Shining 3D received acclaim for not only offering both handheld and stationary 3D scan capabilities but also for its decent pricing that attracted small businesses. Another pivotal launch of 2017 was Occipital’s Structure Sensor, which converted iPads into powerful 3D scanners.

These handheld 3D scanners represent the tangible advancements experienced in 2017, setting the stage for further developments and adoption of this technology in the future.

As we look back at its remarkable impact, the growth and influence of handheld 3D scanners in 2017 exceeded expectations, representing the start of a significant shift in the role of 3D technology in our lives. Innovation does not exist within a vacuum. It marks the first ripple of changes to come, with handheld 3D scanners continuing to revolutionize a multitude of sectors, showcasing the extraordinary ways in which this technology will continue to transform our world.