EinScan scanners follow a consistent setup and workflow logic across the range, but each model has distinct calibration procedures, scan modes, and software interfaces. This tutorial covers the complete workflow from unboxing to final mesh export, with model-specific guidance for the desktop SE and SP, the entry-level handheld Einstar, and the industrial HX. It applies to anyone setting up an EinScan scanner for the first time or establishing a repeatable production workflow.
Before You Start: System Requirements and Environment
Before connecting any EinScan scanner, confirm your system meets the hardware requirements. EinScan scanners process significant volumes of point data in real time, and an underpowered machine will produce sluggish software response, dropped frames, and unreliable registration.
Minimum GPU requirement. The EinScan Einstar specifically requires a computer with an NVIDIA graphics card. As a general rule, all EinScan models perform significantly better with a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or equivalent) rather than integrated graphics. A GPU with at least 4GB VRAM is recommended for smooth real-time visualisation.
RAM. 16GB minimum for desktop scanning. 32GB is recommended for handheld scanning sessions that accumulate large point clouds from multiple scans.
USB connectivity. Most EinScan scanners connect via USB 3.0. Confirm the host computer has a USB 3.0 port. Using a USB 2.0 port or a hub may cause dropped connections and data errors.
Scanning environment. Avoid direct sunlight falling on the scan target. Structured-light scanners are sensitive to strong ambient light, particularly for the SE, SP, and Pro models. The HX in laser mode is more tolerant of ambient light. A consistent, diffuse indoor lighting environment produces the most reliable results.
EinScan SE and SP: Desktop Turntable Setup
The SE and SP are desktop scanners that use an automated turntable for their Auto Scan mode. They are the most accessible starting point for users new to structured-light scanning.
Physical Setup
Place the scanner unit on a stable, vibration-free surface. The turntable connects to the scanner head via a cable and sits in front of it. The distance between the scanner lens and the turntable centre is fixed: use the alignment guides or measurement marks shown in the setup guide to position them correctly. Incorrect standoff distance affects scan quality and calibration accuracy.
Connect the scanner to the computer via USB 3.0. Connect the power supply. Launch EinScan software before connecting the scanner if the installation guide recommends this order for your model variant.
Calibration
Calibration is required at first use and whenever the scanner is moved, the temperature changes significantly, or the image quality appears to have degraded.
Place the calibration board on the turntable in the orientation shown in the software. The board has a coded pattern that the scanner recognises. Follow the on-screen prompts: the turntable will rotate through several positions and the scanner will capture images at each. The software validates each position and indicates whether the capture is successful.
A complete calibration sequence typically takes two to three minutes. If the software reports a calibration failure, check that the calibration board is clean, positioned correctly, and fully within the scan field. Avoid shadows across the board during calibration.
Scanning in Auto Mode
Auto Scan mode rotates the turntable through a set number of positions (8 or 16 steps, depending on the setting) and captures a scan at each. Place the object on the turntable and ensure it is stable. Objects that can topple or slide during rotation will produce misaligned frames.
For objects that are featureless on the turntable face (flat bases, cylindrical parts), the scanner uses the turntable coded targets as the alignment reference. For objects with visible surface features, feature alignment works reliably and produces cleaner results.
The maximum object size in Auto Scan mode for the SE is approximately 200 x 200 x 200mm. The SP handles a somewhat larger scan volume. Objects larger than the auto scan envelope should be scanned in Fixed Scan mode, which requires manual repositioning and is covered in the next section.
Scanning in Fixed Scan Mode
Fixed Scan mode removes the turntable rotation and captures individual frames that you align manually. This enables scanning of larger objects (up to approximately 700 x 700 x 700mm) and objects that cannot be placed on a turntable.
Position the scanner head above or in front of the object and capture a series of overlapping scans from different angles. The software aligns each new frame to the growing point cloud. Ensure sufficient overlap between frames: 30% to 50% overlap produces reliable automatic alignment. Minimal overlap causes registration failures.
For objects with few surface features, stick reference markers (included in the scanner kit) to the object surface in irregular positions. The software uses the marker pattern for alignment rather than surface geometry.
EinScan Einstar: Entry-Level Handheld Setup
The Einstar is a handheld scanner designed for accessible, portable scanning without the scanning spray requirement that earlier models imposed on dark or hair-covered objects.
Physical Setup
The Einstar connects to the host computer via USB-C. Confirm you have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or better port for best performance. The scanner ships with a carrying case, silicone protective cover, positioning markers, and a USB-C cable. The Exstar scanning software is provided digitally.
Install Exstar software before connecting the scanner. Register the scanner serial number when prompted. The Einstar does not require a separate power supply; it draws power from the USB connection.
Calibration
The Einstar performs calibration using the included calibration board. Place the board on a flat surface with consistent lighting. Follow the Exstar on-screen prompts to complete the calibration sequence. The process takes approximately two minutes and should be performed at initial setup and after any session where accuracy seems degraded.
Scanning Workflow
Hold the Einstar at the working distance shown in the software's real-time feedback display. The distance indicator turns green when you are in the optimal scanning range. Scan by moving the device smoothly across and around the object, keeping the movement consistent and avoiding sudden rotations.
The Exstar software displays the captured point cloud in real time as you scan. Watch for gaps (indicated by missing regions on the on-screen model) and revisit them during the session. Once coverage is complete, stop scanning and allow the software to process and register the full point cloud.
The Einstar handles dark surfaces and hair without scanning spray, which is its primary advantage over earlier structured-light-only EinScan models. For extremely reflective metallic surfaces, light spray application still improves results.
Export from Exstar
Exstar exports watertight, ready-to-print meshes in STL and OBJ format. For reverse engineering workflows that will continue in CAD software, STL is the most compatible format for import.
EinScan H and HX: Hybrid Handheld Setup
The EinScan H and EinScan HX are the most capable handheld models in the range, designed for professional and industrial applications.
Physical Setup and Connection
The H and HX are heavier than the Einstar: they house more complex optical systems and require steady hand movement. Both connect via USB-C to the host computer or to the included workstation pack depending on configuration. Install the Exscan Pro software before connecting.
The HX ships with a calibration board and a marker sheets roll. Apply reference markers (coded circular targets) to the surface of parts that will be scanned in marker alignment mode. For freeform organic surfaces with sufficient visible features, feature alignment eliminates the need for markers.
Calibration
The H and HX calibration procedure is more involved than the desktop scanners. The calibration board is larger and requires the operator to move the scanner through a series of orientations relative to the board, following on-screen guidance. A complete calibration takes approximately five minutes and covers multiple distances and angles to characterise the scanner's geometric model fully.
Calibrate at the start of each day of use and after any temperature change of more than 5–8°C. Thermal expansion of the scanner housing affects calibration accuracy at this precision level.
Selecting Scan Mode on the HX
The HX offers two scan modes selectable in software: LED mode and laser mode.
LED mode is the standard structured-light mode using blue LED projection. Use this for most surfaces: plastics, ceramics, painted metal, wood, composites, and organic shapes.
Laser mode uses seven blue laser crosspoints for challenging surfaces: highly reflective metal, dark anodised aluminium, chrome, glossy black, and any surface where LED scanning produces noise or dropouts. Laser mode achieves 0.04mm accuracy and a minimum point distance of 0.05mm. Note that laser safety precautions apply: avoid directing the scanner beam at eyes during laser mode operation.
Alignment Mode Selection
Four alignment modes are available on the Pro series and HX. Choosing the right one for the part geometry determines registration quality.
Feature alignment uses visible surface geometry (edges, curves, bosses) for registration. It works well on complex organic shapes with no featureless flat regions. It requires no markers and is the cleanest workflow for suitable parts.
Marker alignment uses coded circular targets adhered to the part or surrounding fixture. It is the most reliable alignment mode for prismatic or featureless parts (flat plates, cylindrical shafts, simple housings) and for very large parts where feature overlap between scan frames is limited.
Turntable coded targets combines turntable rotation with coded target detection for bench scanning of medium to large parts. It is particularly useful for the transition between handheld scanning and controlled turntable scanning.
Manual alignment is a fallback mode where the operator manually selects matching points on overlapping scan frames. Use only when other alignment modes fail.
Point Cloud Processing and Mesh Generation
Once scanning is complete, the raw point cloud data requires processing before it becomes a usable mesh. This workflow is common across all EinScan models.
Removing Unwanted Data
Review the captured point cloud and delete scan data that captures surrounding surfaces, fixtures, or the turntable surface that should not be part of the final mesh. Use the selection and deletion tools in EinScan or Exscan software to isolate the object of interest.
Global Optimisation
Run the global optimisation (sometimes called "Global Registration" or "Point Cloud Optimisation" depending on the software version). This step refines the alignment of all frames against each other simultaneously, correcting accumulated small errors from sequential frame-to-frame alignment. For large scan sessions with many frames, this step significantly improves mesh quality.
Mesh Generation
Generate the mesh at an appropriate resolution for the intended use. Higher resolution captures more surface detail but creates larger files and longer processing times. For reverse engineering workflows, medium-high resolution is usually appropriate. For visual reference and display, medium resolution reduces file size without significant visible loss.
Hole Filling
Scan coverage is rarely 100% of the surface. The software will identify holes in the mesh and offer automatic filling options. For reverse engineering, fill small holes automatically. Leave large holes unfilled and note the regions for rescan if critical geometry is missing rather than filling with software-generated bridging geometry that may not accurately represent the physical surface.
STL Export
Export the final mesh as STL for CAD import. If colour texture was captured (available on models with built-in colour cameras, including the HX), export as OBJ to preserve colour data. OBJ files are larger but retain the texture information needed for visualisation and heritage documentation applications.
For the full reverse engineering CAD workflow that follows mesh generation, see the best 3D scanners for reverse engineering article. For inspection-specific processing using Geomagic Control X, see 3D scanning for quality inspection.
Common Issues and Solutions
Scan dropouts on dark surfaces. Apply scanning spray (a temporary matte coating) or switch to laser mode on the HX. Ensure even lighting. Avoid scanning in direct sunlight.
Frame misalignment or "double surfaces." Slow the scanning movement. Increase overlap between frames. For featureless parts, add reference markers. Run global optimisation after capture.
Software not recognising the scanner. Confirm USB 3.0 or better connection. Try a different USB port directly on the computer (not via a hub). Reinstall the driver software. Ensure the scanner was powered and connected in the correct sequence per the installation guide.
Calibration failure. Clean the calibration board. Ensure it is fully flat on a stable surface. Maintain even lighting across the calibration board. Avoid shadows. Re-run the calibration sequence.
Excessive noise on metallic surfaces. Apply scanning spray. Switch to laser mode on the HX. Increase scan distance slightly within the acceptable range.
Getting Support From EnviroLaser3D
EnviroLaser3D has stocked and supported EinScan scanners for nearly four decades in the technology and printing business. Our Nepean showroom provides hands-on demonstration of EinScan models, and our team can advise on scanner selection, setup, and workflow configuration for your specific application.
Visit the full EinScan scanner collection for current pricing and availability. See our about page to learn more about our team and Ottawa showroom location. For architecture and engineering scanning applications, our architecture and engineering 3D printing guide covers how 3D scanning integrates with the design-to-print workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to calibrate my EinScan scanner every time I use it?
Calibrate the SE and SP at first use and when you notice accuracy degradation. The H and HX should be calibrated at the start of each day of use and after significant temperature changes. Calibration takes two to five minutes and directly affects scan accuracy. Do not skip it to save time.
What is the best scan mode for a small machined metal part?
For a small precision metal part on the SE or SP, use Auto Scan mode with scanning spray applied to the surface. The turntable rotation provides consistent coverage. For the HX, use laser mode without spray for metallic or reflective surfaces. Feature alignment works well for parts with visible geometry; use marker targets on featureless prismatic parts.
Can I scan a large assembly with the EinScan SP?
The SP Fixed Scan mode handles objects up to approximately 700 x 700 x 700mm by capturing individual overlapping frames manually. For objects larger than this, a handheld scanner (Pro 2X, Pro HD, or HX) is required. Apply reference markers to the assembly surface for reliable registration across widely separated scan positions.
How many reference markers do I need to use?
Use at least five visible reference markers in each scan frame when using marker alignment. Distribute them irregularly across the surface: even spacing or symmetrical placement confuses the registration algorithm. Marker sheets included with EinScan scanners provide pre-coded markers with unique patterns to eliminate duplicate detection.
What is global optimisation and when should I run it?
Global optimisation refines the alignment of all captured frames against each other simultaneously. It corrects small accumulated alignment errors from sequential frame-by-frame registration and produces a smoother, more accurate final point cloud. Run it after all scanning frames are captured, before mesh generation. For large scan sessions with many frames, it makes a significant quality difference.
How do I scan transparent or translucent objects?
Transparent and translucent surfaces refract structured light rather than reflecting it, producing poor scan data. Apply scanning spray to create a matte, opaque coating before scanning. This is the standard approach for glass, acrylic, and similar materials. Remove the spray (most scanning sprays are water-soluble and evaporate) after scanning.
What is the difference between EinScan H and EinScan HX?
Both the H and HX use a hybrid light source combining LED structured light with a second light source for challenging surfaces. The H uses infrared as its second source, making it particularly suited to human and face scanning. The HX uses blue laser as its second source, giving it better performance on metallic and dark industrial surfaces and higher accuracy (0.04mm in laser mode). For engineering and manufacturing applications, the HX is the more appropriate choice.
Can I use my EinScan scanner without the included software?
The scanning hardware communicates exclusively through EinScan's proprietary software (EXStar or Exscan Pro depending on model). You cannot bypass the native software for data capture. However, the exported STL and OBJ files work with any downstream CAD, mesh processing, or inspection software, regardless of brand.