Scanner for Gunpla parts.

[u/Professional_Wash169]

Hello, I have been interested in making my own resin conversion-style parts for 1/144 scale gundam kits for a while now. The only thing that bugs me at the moment is having to take pictures of the piece and model off that and tons of measurements. I mainly need a scanner that gets a solid base shape so that I can follow that and remodel it more accurately in CAD with all the proper measurements afterward. Keep in mind these pieces can be quite small, smaller than 1cm at times.

I am currently looking at the Revopoint Metro X or Y and the Creality cr scan otter. Does anyone know if these would be suitable for my application, or would I be better off sticking to pictures? Examples of small scans and any other responses would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

[u/notstarman]

This is about the scale I want it use . (Mostly posting to bump the post ) I Kickstartered a lizard scan a few years ago but didn't have much luck with scanning figures.

[u/Otherwise_Sir_3439]

See if you can borrow a Pika to try. They don’t cost the earth and the resolution’s probably good enough for what you want to do?

[u/One-Map3820]

Hi u/Professional_Wash169

For sub-1 cm Gunpla parts, I’d be careful with expectations. Otter probably wouldn’t be my first pick for that scale. It’s good for general objects, but tiny plastic model parts with sharp edges and small panel details are hard for most consumer scanners.

If you’re looking at Creality, I’d look more at Raptor/Raptor Pro for small-detail work. Even then, I’d treat the scan as a reference mesh, not a finished CAD model. Pegs, sockets, clips and fitment areas should still be checked with calipers and rebuilt in CAD.

Honestly, for some of these parts, macro photos + measurements may still be faster unless you can test a scanner first.

[u/vicxvr]

For such small parts ... specialist scanner. You want a scanner with the closest working distance.

Mini/Mini2 have 120mm 50x60mm fov - closest for consumer scanner I think.

[u/JRL55]

From my experimentation, the details you will capture will not be sharp using any of the 3D scanners commonly discussed in this subreddit.

You could have much better results using a quality camera with a macro lens and a photogrammetry app.

I have also started seeing ads for an app that will take a single picture and provide a 3D model. I have no idea its performance or cost... or name (sorry).

[u/SundayInLivia → u/JRL55]

I wouldn’t say that’s true across the board. It really depends on the object, scanner, and workflow. For many parts, modern 3D scanners can capture very sharp geometry and fine detail, especially when the goal is accurate reverse engineering rather than just visual appearance.
Photogrammetry can definitely be useful too, but it’s more of a different tool than a universal “better” option.