From Big to Small: How the Toucan Scanner is Redefining 3D Scanning 

Not long ago, anyone interested in 3D scanning had to accept a few trade-offs. If you wanted to capture a model of an object, you needed your scanner, a computer or smartphone and a tangle of cables to connect them. Scanning wasn’t exactly something you could do on the fly: it was a setup. That’s what makes the new Toucan 3D scanner from 3DMakerpro such a refreshing step forward. By building a microcomputer directly into the device, along with a quality AMOLED screen, it delivers a truly all-in-one, cable-free experience. Now, you can scan, process and review an object directly on the scanner itself. 

This shift might sound simple, but for anyone who has wrestled with clunky setups, it’s a game changer. The Toucan is about more than just convenience, though. It’s about reimagining what 3D scanning can be, both for everyday makers and for professionals who rely on accuracy in their work. 

The Toucan scanner is designed to be user friendly.

Solving Old Problems in New Ways

The Toucan was designed to meet two longstanding challenges in 3D scanning: accessibility and adaptability. Older models often struggled with thin objects, and many required long workflows that discouraged experimentation. The Toucan addresses both. Its high-power blue area laser system improves adaptability across materials, so even tricky items can be captured in detail. And with multiple scanning modes: continuous, photo and marker scan, the process becomes more flexible depending on the object at hand. 

Perhaps the most exciting feature is versatility in scale. With two interchangeable modes, users can switch from capturing small, intricate pieces to scanning larger items without changing devices. Whether you want to archive a delicate collectible or digitize a bulky prototype, the Toucan makes it possible. 

Who Will Use It?

The Toucan’s design reflects the needs of a wide spectrum of users. 

• Hobbyists and makers will appreciate its simplicity and freedom from extra hardware. For them, the Toucan is a tool to replicate favorite objects, prepare models for 3D printing or even reverse engineer broken parts that need replacing. It also opens possibilities for sharing creations online and building communities around scanned designs. 

• Educators are finding 3D scanning to be a powerful teaching aid. From K–12 classrooms to university labs, scanners make learning hands-on and exciting, especially in STEM and STEAM programs. The market for educational scanners is booming and expected to jump from $748.6 million in 2024 to $2.16 billion by 2033. Affordable, durable and engaging, the Toucan is positioned to become a classroom favorite. 

• Prosumers and small businesses, including artists, designers and engineers, need more than just ease of use. They look for precision and integration with professional tools. The Toucan supports CAD workflows, saving time in prototyping, reverse engineering, and quality control. Paired with an upcoming motorized turntable, it will even offer professional-grade scanning accuracy.

The scanner has a durable metal casing.

Emerging Applications

Beyond these groups, the Toucan is stepping into emerging applications. In e-commerce for example, 3D product visuals are increasingly expected. A quick scan can provide a 360-degree view or AR “try before you buy” experience that helps reduce returns and boost customer trust and reduce returns. 

In the world of AR/VR and the metaverse, digitizing physical objects is becoming essential. Game studios, filmmakers, and simulation designers need fast, reliable ways to capture assets. The Toucan offers them an accessible way to turn everyday items into digital twins ready for immersive environments. 

Setting a New Standard

This is the company’s first all-in-one scanner, and it’s clear they wanted to set it apart. While some competitors stick with lower-power NIR lasers and plastic housing, the Toucan relies on a robust full metal body and its advanced blue area laser system. The difference is not just in performance, but in feel: the Toucan looks and behaves like a premium tool. 

The Toucan is a step toward making scanning more portable, versatile and user-friendly. By removing cables, adding power directly into the device and allowing users to scan objects both big and small, it has the potential to broaden who uses 3D scanning and what they do with it. If you’re interested in the Toucan scanner, you can purchase it for the early bird price of $999, or, starting October 23, for the full retail price of $1999. You can discover more about the device HERE. 

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*All Photo Credits: 3DMakerpro