In this guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of 3D model editing and 3D space scanning software. With the rapid advancements in technology, selecting the right software can be overwhelming, especially when considering their unique features, advantages, and pricing structures. To simplify your decision-making process, we've compiled a comprehensive overview of some of the leading software options available today.
Handheld 3D Scanner Software
1.Geomagic Wrap for 3DMakerpro
Geomagic Wrap is an intuitive and lightweight solution designed to seamlessly integrate 3D scanning technology into your familiar CAD environment. It is available in Lite and Basic versions:
Lite Version: This entry-level package supports a variety of formats (STL, OBJ, PLY, XYZ, PTS) and is equipped with essential features such as world coordinate system alignment, basic point cloud editing, polygon repair, and 3D measurement tools. It's perfect for users who are just starting.
Price: $399.00
Essential Version: This more advanced option builds on the Lite version by adding powerful tools for advanced point cloud editing, model cross-sectioning, accuracy analysis, and the ability to export to neutral CAD formats (STEP, IGES). It also includes automatic feature detection and extraction, 3D curve drawing, and rapid polygon-to-CAD conversion.
Both versions come with a lifetime license and free updates, making them a cost-effective choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Price: $1,999.00
2.Blender:
Blender is a robust, free, and open-source 3D creation tool that has gained immense popularity in the creative community. It encompasses a wide array of functionalities, including modeling, rendering, animation, video editing, and game resource creation. Advanced users can take advantage of Blender's Python scripting API to customize the application and develop specialized tools tailored to their needs. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures a consistent experience across major operating systems, and its high-quality architecture allows for efficient workflows. Blender is also supported by an active community that offers resources and plugins, enhancing its capabilities even further.
Price: Free, support donations of $5-$500
3.FlexScan3D:
FlexScan3D is designed to work seamlessly with all Polyga professional scanners, offering an extensive suite of post-processing tools for aligning and merging scan data into complete digital 3D models. It allows users to efficiently process, align, and merge multiple scans, creating accurate 3D representations of objects. The software supports a variety of export formats, including PLY, OBJ, STL, ASC, and FBX. The Standard Edition includes additional features for 3D measurement and deviation analysis, enabling quick mesh alignment and tolerance comparisons using color maps. With interactive hole-filling capabilities and advanced positioning tools, FlexScan3D is ideal for precise modeling tasks.
Price: Free
4.MeshLab:
MeshLab is a powerful open-source system specifically designed for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. It offers a wide range of features, including 3D data alignment, reconstruction, and the conversion of point cloud data into a single-surface triangular mesh. MeshLab excels in color and texture mapping capabilities and provides essential cleaning functions to remove topological errors, duplicate vertices, and unwanted regions from meshes and point clouds. Users can simplify, refine, remesh, measure, and calculate various geometric properties, such as curvature and local vertex density, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced users.
Price: Free
5.EXModel:
EXModel is a comprehensive tool that streamlines the CAD modeling process from 3D scanning to manufacturing. Available in both Basic and Pro versions, it allows users to transfer mesh data to EXModel with a single click, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. Key features include mesh editing, primitive extraction, constrained 2D sketching, and 3D sketching with surface filling. Its free-form modeling and automatic surface processing capabilities make it suitable for complex design tasks, while hybrid modeling options provide flexibility for various projects.
Price: $495.00-$4,300.00, free trail.
6.Geomagic Design X
Geomagic Design X is a powerful, all-in-one software solution for professional 3D scanning and photogrammetry. It offers an extensive range of tools for measurement, 3D modeling, reverse engineering, and inspection. Users benefit from solid and surface modeling tools, alignment functionalities, and user-friendly wizards that simplify complex tasks. This software is ideal for engineers and designers looking to integrate 3D scanning into their workflows.
Price: Go version $1,900, Plus version $2,090, Pro version needs contact for pricing.
Spatial 3D Scanner Software:
1.Ray Studio
RayStudio is a free software developed by 3DMakerpro for the Eagle LiDAR scanner. It can automatically or semi-automatically perform point cloud stitching, denoising, filtering, and other processing to generate high-quality raw point cloud data. It can also perform point cloud analysis, color point cloud, Gaussian splashing, panoramic stitching, and other operations.
Price: Free, but upload to website needs $8.99-479.99
2.Leica Cyclone 3DR
Leica Cyclone 3DR is a robust software solution that leverages automation and AI classification tools to transform point cloud data into accessible 3D models and actionable deliverables. It supports the import of point clouds, generates 3D meshes, and creates accurate 2D and 3D models. With seamless integration for LGSx and CAD connectivity, it accommodates most industry formats, including BIM (IFC, RVT, FBX, BCF). The PRO software package includes specialized tools tailored for the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), surveying, and manufacturing industries, along with online documentation, tutorials, and e-learning courses.
Price: $4,500-$10,500.00
3.OpenMVG
OpenMVG is designed for processing 3D models scanned by mobile devices, offering rapid texture enhancement and support for various scanning types, including translucent objects and full-body scans. The software allows users to disable the waterproof grid and supports the export of USD, USDZ, and COLMAP 16-bit PNG formats, making it versatile for different applications.
Price: Free
4.Polycam
Polycam is a paid 3D tool that enables users to generate 3D models from 2D images and create immersive 3D scenes using a Gaussian sputtering tool. It features comprehensive measuring capabilities, custom 3D texture creation, and the ability to generate models using drone images. Users can upload and share their 3D models within a community, scan rooms for detailed floor plans, and create 360-degree panoramas, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Price: Free version, and Pro version $17.99/M or $99.99/Y, with a 7-day free trial.
5.PIX4D matic
PIX4Dmatic is a sophisticated photogrammetry software solution designed for professional drone and ground mapping. It processes thousands of images efficiently, cutting processing time in half while maintaining survey-grade accuracy. The software automates workflows, eliminating the need for segmentation and merging. It supports LiDAR and RGB image processing exported by PIX4Dcatch, generates dense point clouds, and offers various export formats, including .laz and .las (1.2 and 1.4). Users can create orthomosaics and digital surface models (DSM) while easily exporting to PIX4Dsurvey software.
Price: Monthly subscription $330 / month, Yearly subscription 275/ month, 3-Year Subscription $138/ month, Perpetual 6,590 / one-time.
6.3DF Zephyr
3DF Zephyr is a cutting-edge photogrammetry software solution from 3Dflow that automatically reconstructs 3D models from photographs. It allows users to measure various elements, generate profiles, paths, and contour maps, and export data in the most suitable file formats. Its applications span architecture, industrial surveying, and urban monitoring, making it a valuable tool for professionals in these fields.
Price: Free version, Lite version €199.00 + VAT, Monthly subscription €250.00 + VAT, Perpetual version€4200.00 + VAT.
We hope this guide helps you find the software that best suits your needs. We particularly recommend Geomagic Wrap for 3DMakerpro and Ray Studio, both from 3DMakerpro, for their outstanding cost-performance ratio and user-friendly features. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, these tools can significantly enhance your 3D scanning and modeling experience.
