3D Printing & Scanning

How to shop for 3D printing and scanning gear online

Filament: tolerance, then material. Good 1.75mm filament holds a diameter tolerance of about plus or minus 0.02mm; wider variation causes under- and over-extrusion. PLA is the easiest to print and fine for display pieces and prototypes, but it softens around 55 to 60C, so it warps in a hot car. PETG is tougher and more heat tolerant but strings more. TPU is flexible and needs a direct-drive extruder for reliable results. Silk, matte and multicolor PLAs look great but are often slightly weaker than plain PLA.

Moisture is the hidden variable. Most filaments absorb water from the air, and wet filament pops, strings and prints brittle. Check that spools arrive vacuum-sealed with desiccant, store them in a dry box, and budget for a filament dryer if you print PETG or TPU often.

Spool compatibility. If you use an automatic material system, confirm spool width and whether cardboard spools need an adapter ring. Spool weight is usually 1kg; check before comparing per-spool prices, since some cheaper listings use 750g or 800g. Bundle pricing often requires buying several spools, so price per kilogram is the fair comparison.

3D scanners: match the tech to the object. Structured-light scanners handle medium objects and skin; blue laser line scanners are more accurate on small mechanical parts; large-object scanners use tracking so you can capture car panels without markers. Compare stated accuracy (in millimeters) and point distance (resolution), and check the minimum and maximum scan volume. Dark, shiny or transparent surfaces usually need scanning spray. Factor in your computer: high-resolution scans need a decent GPU and plenty of RAM to process.

Software and returns. Scanner software determines how much cleanup you do; check whether measurement or inspection features cost extra. Revopoint does not refund software, and shipping fees and taxes are not refunded after shipment. Revopoint offers a 30-day return or exchange with all original accessories, so test thoroughly in that window.

Regional stores and shipping. Several 3D printing brands run separate storefronts by country with different prices and policies. Buy from the store that serves your country to avoid duties and warranty confusion.

Budget tiers. Budget filament runs roughly $13 to $20 per kilogram. Entry handheld scanners start in the low hundreds; metrology-grade blue laser units with inspection software run into the thousands.

Which brand fits which buyer

• 3D printing hobbyists who want to scan objects and reprint or modify them: Revopoint 3D Technologies.
• Small engineering shops doing reverse engineering or quality inspection on a budget: Revopoint 3D Technologies.
• High-volume FDM hobbyists chasing a low per-kilogram price on PLA and PETG: Eryone, confirming policies before ordering.
• Thinker X400 owners needing replacement nozzles, fans or boards: Eryone.