Capture to CAD

Scan and reverse-engineer physical parts

Choose around the hardest surface, smallest critical feature and the work required after the scan.

Editorial workshop scene for this buying route

Ask before buying

  • What is the smallest feature the CAD model must retain?
  • Are the parts dark, polished or repetitive?
  • Who will clean the mesh and rebuild editable geometry?

Workshop checklist

  • Test a representative part before buying.
  • Check computer, platform and export requirements.
  • Verify critical dimensions with a known reference.

Starting shortlist

Machines worth comparing

Compare these machines

This is a researched starting point, not a universal ranking. Check the limitations, then test your hardest real job.

MetroX product view by Revopoint

3D scanner

Verified

Revopoint

MetroX

MetroX pairs blue-laser modes with full-field scanning for mechanical parts and surfaces that challenge infrared-only scanners.

  • metal parts
  • small objects
  • reverse engineering
Reference price$999
View machine
CR-Scan Otter product view by Creality

3D scanner

Verified

Creality

CR-Scan Otter

CR-Scan Otter uses four lenses to cover small components, people and medium-size objects with one handheld scanner.

  • small objects
  • car parts
  • body scanning
Reference price$899
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EINSTAR VEGA product view by EINSTAR

3D scanner

Verified

EINSTAR

EINSTAR VEGA

EINSTAR VEGA handles capture and processing on the scanner itself, so field work is not tied to a laptop.

  • car parts
  • large objects
  • outdoor scanning
Reference price$1,999
View machine
Fox product view by 3DMakerpro

3D scanner

Verified

3DMakerpro

Fox

At 210 g, 3DMakerpro Fox is a low-cost NIR scanner for medium objects and 3D-printing workflows.

  • medium objects
  • 3D printing
  • body scanning
Reference price$249
View machine

Your market

Check buying options

Choose your market to show approved destinations. Availability and final price are confirmed by the seller.

Revopoint

MetroX

  • AmazonMarketplace fallback
    Search Amazon USUS storefront; stock and delivery ZIP are confirmed by Amazon.Link checked 2026-10-05.As an Amazon Associate, Maker Machines Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Creality

CR-Scan Otter

  • AmazonMarketplace fallback
    Check price on Amazon USUS storefront; stock and delivery ZIP are confirmed by Amazon.Link checked 2026-10-05.As an Amazon Associate, Maker Machines Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

EINSTAR

EINSTAR VEGA

  • AmazonMarketplace fallback
    Check price on Amazon USUS storefront; stock and delivery ZIP are confirmed by Amazon.Link checked 2026-10-05.As an Amazon Associate, Maker Machines Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

3DMakerpro

Fox

  • AliExpressBudget alternative
    View Fox on AliExpressUS destination; confirm seller, stock, tax, duties and delivery before ordering.Link checked 2026-10-05.

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Go deeper

Related buying guides

Learn the workflow