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This article is sponsored by Revopoint.
Every scan showcased in the article was created by the 3DVF team.
Back in 2022, the Revopoint brand launched the MINI, a 3D scanner tailored for small objects. Two years later, Revopoint introduces the MINI 2, a new & improved version at an affordable price. MINI 2 is suitable for freelancers, studios not wanting to invest large sums of money, as well as prosumers. They product is already available, and you can save money thanks to the launch promotion!
- Global: Revopoint MINI 2: Blue Light High-Precision 3D Scanner
- US:Revopoint MINI 2: Blue Light High-Precision 3D Scanner
But what can this Revopoint MINI 2 really achieve? You’ll find the answer in the article. Before diving into technical details and the workflow, let’s get straight to the point and let’s start this showcase with scans that we were able to create with the product!
Revopoint MINI 2: samples and use cases
Like its predecessor, the MINI, the Revopoint MINI 2 is designed to scan small objects (ranging from 1 to 30cm/0.4 to 12 inches in size), although you can still use it outside this range as you get more skilled.
It produces true-to-scale 3D models, which means scans can be used to take measurements, and 3D printed scans will have the same size as the real objects. The 3D models can be used in standard 3D software. They can also be used on online platforms like Sketchfab, if you want to show your scans on a website or sell them.
One of the big advantages of the technique used, structured light, is speed: the process is faster than photogrammetry (3D scanning from photos), which means that you can quickly check that there were no issues during the scan.
The Revopoint MINI 2 targets different audiences. Artists and studios will appreciate its low cost and compact size. The scanner is easy to store and to take on-site if necessary (for example on a movie set), thanks to the included carrying case. You can use it to digitize small props, figurines, costume elements, etc.
For people working in the heritage, sience or research fields, the MINI 2 can be used to scan artifacts of small to medium size. The fact that the scan is to scale is very useful: for example, you can take measurements without having to handle the subject again and again. It should also be noted that printable 3D models can be generated. These can be useful to create replicas or to be handled by visitors in a museum.
If you’re working as a designer, the Revopoint MINI 2 can be used for reverse engineering or to check the quality of a part.
The Revopoint MINI 2 can also be used for healthcare: specific scanners for this field are available, but they are very exensive. The MINI 2 allows for precise scans at a lower cost. For example to digitize a dental mold, an ear canal mold.
MINI 2: workflow
Let’s dive into the overall workflow. The MINI 2 relies on structured light: the projection of a pattern in blue light allows the scanner to measure each detail on a surface. At the front of the device, there is both a projection system and cameras that capture the deformations of the pattern on the subject. A RGB camera can be used to create a texture if needed.
To create a scan, you will have to go through 5 basic steps:
- Prepare the object if necessary: for reflective, transparent, dark subjects, it is recommended to apply scanning spray, or another substance with the same effect, such as talcum powder (more details below). Without such preparation, these subjects will be difficult or impossible to scan.
- You then have to position the scanner at the right distance from the object (between 120 and 250mm), and adjust the exposure automatically or manually.
- You can now start scanning. You can pause and restart the scan if needed.
- Once the scan is complete, you can scart thepost-processing. You can choose to use the one-click reconstruction mode or the advanced mode. We recommend the latter option, which gives better results: you can then generate the point cloud, the mesh, and export your scan. Various cleaning tools will allow you to eliminate any defects and artifacts, simplify the mesh, or merge several scans.
- The software can export 3D models in various formats: PLY, OBJ, STL.
The use of blue light allows the MINI 2 to achieve precision and accuracy of up to 0.02mm and 0.05mm (as a reminder, precision is the difference between successive measurements, accuracy is the difference between the measurement and the true value). These are laboratory values for a single frame: in practice, the results will highly depend on how you scan the objects, as certain best practices need to be followed. Some tips are also given below.
The MINI 2 can be used placed on the included tripod while the subject is placed on the included turntable. It can also be moved by hand.
Like other Revopoint scanners, the MINI 2 offers multiple capture modes. In particular, a marker system is included if your subject is very symmetrical or has many flat surfaces.
The scanner works connected to a computer or smartphone, tethered or wirelessly (in the latter case, it still needs to be connected to an external battery: a portable battery for smartphones will do just fine). It is compatible with Windows 10/11, Android, iOS, macOS. If you scan with a smartphone, it is possible and even recommended to transfer projects to a computer before processing them: the results will be processed faster and will be more detailed.
It is worth noting that this MINI 2 captures up to 16FPS and has a 9-axis UMI: these elements improve tracking, especially if you scan by hand.
Limitations?
Obviously, like any 3D scanner, the MINI 2 has a few limitations.
For example, the subject should be static (meaning, the shape should remain the same; turning an object is ok, though). Also, since the scanner uses visible light, it is intended for indoor use.
It is not recommended to use it to scan humans: the flashing blue light can bother the subject. If you want to scan humans, the Revopoint RANGE 2 or the Revopoint MIRACO are ideal.
Finally, it is possible to create textured models (like the dinosaur above), but the MINI 2 truly excels when it comes to creating geometry, not high-resolution textures.
Tips & tricks: how to get started
Let’s be clear: a 3D scanner is not as easy to use as a photocopier. So here are some tips for your first steps to go smoothly, but also to progress towards more advanced uses.
- Start with simple subjects.
Obviously, when unboxing a 3D scanner like the MINI 2, one is tempted to immediately test it on complex subjects.
However, we really advise you to start with simple subjects, such as the included bust and clear, matte objects, with geometric elements on the surface. This way, you will easily get good results, and learn to use the hardware and software. You can then move on to more complex subjects.
- Spray, spray, spray.
The blue light used by the MINI 2 allows you to capture finer details than other wavelengths, but it can be tricky to use on dark or reflective surfaces.
We therefore highly recommend using scanning spray, or a coating/powder that can create a matte surface.
Here are a few suggestions:- Spray: AESUB provides a whole range of 3D scan spray: Orange and Blue (the colors are those of the caps) are available at an affordable price and are easy to use. They spray a substance that will sublimate over time, leaving little or no residue (in practice and according to our tests, a white residue can sometimes remain, especially if the spray is applied too generously, but you’ll be able to clean it using clear water).
- Paint: regular, white, matte paint will do just fine in many cases.
Primer paint for scale models is also a good product. Water-based paint (yes, the one you used as a kid) works well: the coating might not be as even, but this paint is cheap and easy to clean. - Cornstarch/rice: these powders are both very fine and inexpensive. By mixing them with rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, you will create a solution that can be painted with a brush or sprayed on the object. After the 3D scan is done, removing the residue should be pretty easy.
- The official Revopoint forum suggests other options, such as zinc oxide, which we have not tested.
Note: please use caution with some of these techniques. For example, avoid using rubbing alcohol/isopropyl alcohol near a flame, in a well-ventilated room.
- Use the advanced mode.
When post-processing the scan, one-click reconstruction is a tempting choice, but we recommend avoiding it, unless you’re short on time: the advanced mode will allow you to get finer, more detailed scans, and more control.
Also, don’t hesitate to use the merging tool included in the software, as it is very useful for subjects that are difficult to scan in one go.
- Add elements around the subject.
If the subject is very small or symmetrical, the scanner may have difficulty tracking it from one frame to the next, and successive frames will be poorly aligned. In such a situation, we therefore recommend adding elements around the object: you can 3D print disks with bumps and patterns online, but you can also simply add pieces of modeling clay on the turntable or even on the object itself. Of course, this means these elements will be captured as well, but thanks to Revo Scan, the included software, you’ll be able to remove them in just a few clicks.
- Use markers.
Revo Scan includes a “marker” scanning mode, which is very useful for objects with large, relatively flat areas. In other words, it will be especially useful for designers & reverse engineering. Using this mode, tracking is based on reflective dots. Included with the scanner, you’ll find reflective stickers, as well as a turntable topper and a mat with reflective dots. - Use third-party tools.
The scanner comes with dedicated software, but feel free to also yse your favorite tools, for example when artifacts must be removed. If you’re new to 3D scanning, Meshmixer (no longer updated, but free and easy to use) is a good starting point: it is very practical to use for smoothing, removing defects, preparing model before 3D printing it. CloudCompare, free and open-source, is also very powerful and includes advanced cleaning and meshing tools.
Advanced tips
After taking your first steps, you will probably want to use the MINI 2 in trickier situations. Here are some additional tips.
- Try the Single Shot mode.
While the default mode captures multiple frames per second, it is possible to use a “single shot” mode, which allows you to scan frame by frame. This mode is useful, among other things, for very tiny objects with file details: a piece of jewelry, a coin, a very small figurine. By capturing fewer frames, the “single shot” mode avoids averaging effects between them, and this can provide finer details. We therefore recommend comparing the modes and experimenting, while also varying the number of frames (if it is too low, you will have noise on the model). - Think outside the box.
Do not hesitate to experiment. For example, we were not satisfied with the results we got when scanning a coin using the regular scanning mode: we then tried to improve the process step by step, first by using the “single shot” mode, then by varying the angle between the scanner and the coin. Since the spray was quite thick, and as we had difficulty obtaining a uniform layer with the starch, we finally tried a completely different approach: we molded the coin with silicone (Wagnersil 26 LE), then we created a plaster replica of the coin. Since the plaster is light and not reflective, it can be scanned as it is. This approach seems to give nice results.
Center: Single Shot
Right: Single Shot on a plaster mold of the coin, not the coin itself.
- Go to the official forum.
One last piece of advice, do not hesitate to explore the official forum. You will find advice, tips, scan examples, answers to your questions, advanced techniques: this is the best way to get help if needed and to improve your scans.
Save money, buy the Revopoint MINI 2 now!
To learn more about this scanner, and to buy the Revopoint MINI 2, visit the official store. The product is currently on promotion, so don’t wait!
