How to 3D Scan Small Objects-Toucan Vs. Seal

When mastering how to 3D scan small objects, the choice between the Toucan and Seal depends on whether you prioritize versatile mobility or high-fidelity detail. The Toucan is a standalone, wireless scanner offering a flexible dual-lens system capable of capturing objects of varying sizes without a PC. Conversely, the Seal is a wired, desktop device specialized for high-precision close-up work. This comparison details their specifications, applications, and scanning results to help you objectively determine which device aligns with your workflow.

Scanning Results Comparison

To better understand how to 3D scan small objects, we compared the scanning performance of Toucan and Seal on a complex bronze figure, revealing their respective advantages and limitations.

a) Overall Performance: Geometry vs. Texture

The first result shows a clear split in focus. The Toucan excels in capturing the physical structure of the bronze figure, prioritizing a solid geometric model. In contrast, the Seal focuses on texture, aiming to replicate the visual surface of the object. While Toucan provides a more stable shape, Seal tries to capture the "feel" of the material, demonstrating that your choice depends on whether you need a perfect 3D form or a realistic visual model.

b) Details Contrast: Overcoming Reflectivity and Thin Parts

When scanning the fine bird ornament on the lid, the difference is striking. The Seal struggles with the metallic reflection and the thinness of the bird, often “swallowing” these details entirely. The Toucan, however, uses a unique imaging system where 7 photos are generated into one frame of point cloud. This allows it to scan thin and reflective objects much more accurately, successfully capturing the bird ornament that the Seal missed.

c) Color Imaging Contrast: Realistic Luster vs. Yellow Haze

In terms of visual fidelity, the Seal is the clear winner. It realistically restores the 24-bit color and metallic luster of the original bronze, making the digital model look like the real object. The Toucan’s color imaging is less effective here, resulting in a hazy, monochromatic yellow finish. For creators who need high-definition textures for digital archives, the Seal’s 0.01mm accuracy and superior color mapping are essential.

d) Integrality Comparison: Model Completeness

Finally, we looked at how complete the models were straight out of the scanner. The Seal left several gaps and missing segments (holes) in the mesh, particularly in complex areas. The Toucan provided a much more integral and watertight model, capturing the entire figure without data loss. For those looking for the most efficient way how to 3D scan small objects without extensive post-repair, the Toucan’s ability to deliver a complete “one-pass” model is a major advantage.

Toucan: The Versatile All-in-One Solution

Untethered Operation

The Toucan distinguishes itself with a fully integrated “All-in-One” architecture. Unlike tethered devices that require a constant PC connection, Toucan operates as a standalone computer featuring an 8-core 2.4 GHz processor and 256 GB of built-in storage. This design completely eliminates the need for a laptop, utilizing a 6600 mAh battery and Wi-Fi 6 to offer a cable-free experience. This mobility is essential for users working in complex environments, allowing for seamless scanning from outdoor sites to crowded workshops without hardware restrictions.

Robust Laser Precision

Powered by Blue Laser Structured Light, the Toucan delivers robust performance even in challenging lighting conditions. This advanced light source allows for a professional single-frame accuracy of up to 0.03mm. By combining this precision with a dual-lens imaging system, Toucan ensures that geometric data is captured with high fidelity, making it a reliable tool for reverse engineering and quality control where exact measurements are critical.

Wide Size Range

What makes Toucan truly unique is its massive dynamic range. When creators ask how to 3D scan small objects alongside large-scale projects without switching devices, Toucan provides the answer. It supports a typical object size range of 15mm to 4000mm, transitioning seamlessly from digitizing small mechanical parts to large furniture or vehicles. With 0.03mm resolution, it maintains the necessary detail for smaller items while retaining the efficiency needed for substantial volumetric scanning.

Seal: The Master of Desktop Precision

0.01mm Accuracy

The Seal is specifically engineered for high-fidelity tasks, utilizing a Blue LED light source. Because blue light has a shorter wavelength, it captures intricate details with reduced interference compared to standard infrared sources. This allows the Seal to achieve an industrial-grade accuracy of 0.01mm and a resolution of 0.05mm. For users dealing with minute components—such as dental parts, coins, or intricate jewelry—this level of precision ensures that the digital mesh is a near-perfect geometric replica of the physical object.

Vivid Textures & Stability

Beyond geometry, Seal excels in visual presentation. It supports 24-bit color texture, delivering photo-realistic 3D models that preserve the authentic hue and surface details of the original item. To ensure these details remain sharp during handheld operation, the device is equipped with advanced Anti-Shaking Lenses. This optical stabilization technology actively compensates for minor hand movements, preventing motion blur and ensuring that every frame remains crisp and clear, even when focusing on microscopic textures.

Desktop Ecosystem

The entire ecosystem is designed to solve the specific challenge of how to 3D scan small objects effectively. Optimized for a typical object size range of 10mm to 300mm, Seal fits perfectly into desktop workflows with versatile accessories. Users can attach the Smart Grip to connect a smartphone for portable, screen-equipped scanning, or utilize the Multi-axis Turntable to automate the process. This combination of specialized optics and intelligent accessories ensures that even complex miniature geometries are digitized comprehensively from every angle.

Toucan Application Scenarios: From Massive to Miniature

Automotive & Industrial

In the automotive and industrial sectors, Toucan proves that size is no barrier. With a massive scanning range spanning from 15mm to 4000mm, a single device can digitize everything from a full-sized vehicle chassis down to a tiny dashboard phone mount. By utilizing the "Geometric Mode," the scanner efficiently tracks the natural shape of these objects without needing markers. Whether you are reverse-engineering a large car bumper or figuring out how to 3D scan small objects like mechanical clips, Toucan’s versatile range covers the entire spectrum without the need to switch devices.

Creative Arts & Human Digitization

For the entertainment and creative industries, Toucan offers a blend of speed and safety. It is ideal for digitizing rapid prototypes, hand-sculpted models, and intricate garage kits. Furthermore, it excels at creating digital human avatars. The device uses a Class 1 laser, which is entirely safe for human eyes, making the scanning process comfortable for models. Its wide scanning range and high-speed capture allow creators to generate lifelike 3D character assets or data for 3D printing figurines efficiently, bridging the gap between physical art and digital design.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

In the field of cultural heritage protection, Toucan is an invaluable tool for preservation. Its non-contact scanning method ensures that fragile artifacts are protected from physical damage. The device features advanced dual-lens imaging technology, where seven photos are generated into one frame of point cloud. This results in a highly restored digital replica of ancient relics, perfect for digital storage and online public appreciation. With both long-range and short-range scanning modes, researchers can seamlessly switch between capturing large statues and small pottery fragments, satisfying the diverse needs of historical digitization.

Seal Application Scenarios: Precision on Your Desktop

Gaming & Animation

In the gaming and entertainment industry, the Seal acts as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds. It is the ideal tool for digitizing high-detail assets, such as resin garage kits, hand-sculpted clay character models, or intricate props. With its industrial-grade 0.01mm accuracy and 0.05mm resolution, Seal captures every subtle texture and geometric nuance, allowing 3D artists to generate hyper-realistic models for game development or animation without having to model everything from scratch.

Custom Fashion & Jewelry Design 

For fashion and jewelry design, precision is paramount. Seal provides the perfect answer for designers learning how to 3D scan small objects like custom rings, pendants, or even measuring wrist curvature for bespoke bracelets. To maximize this potential, the workflow is enhanced by Geomagic Wrap for 3DMakerpro. This professional software allows users to process the scan data deeply—offering advanced tools for denoising, smoothing, and auto-surfacing. It transforms raw point clouds into perfect, watertight 3D models ready for manufacturing or rapid prototyping.

Education & STEM

Finally, in the education sector, Seal serves as an accessible gateway to STEM learning. Its ultra-lightweight design (254g) and compact size make it perfect for use in classrooms or at home. By allowing students to digitize their own toys or DIY creations, it sparks curiosity and broadens their horizons regarding 3D technology. With its high cost-performance ratio, Seal enables schools and parents to provide professional-grade technology that is safe, easy to use, and educational, inspiring the next generation of engineers and digital artists.

A Complementary Duo

If your workflow demands freedom and versatility—the ability to walk around a car, scan a person in seconds, or capture objects of varying sizes without cables—the Toucan is your indispensable field partner. Conversely, if your work requires you to sit at a desk and focus on microscopic perfection—solving the puzzle of how to 3D scan small objects with 0.01mm accuracy and photo-realistic color—the Seal is the expert you need. For many professional studios and serious creators, the best solution isn't choosing just one, but integrating both devices to unlock limitless creative potential.