Matter and Form's Three 3D Scanner Is Shockingly Easy to Operate

As a chronic tinkerer, I’ve always wished there was a simple, efficient, and effective way to get a full-resolution 3D model of a part without spending hundreds of hours learning 3D modeling or thousands of dollars on a high-resolution 3D scanner. This is the problem Matter and Form wanted to solve with the Three, a 3D scanner that claims to be simple, intuitive, and inexpensive.

It’s important to emphasize that 3D scanners are not the end-all, be-all of creating 3D models. They are a tool to be put into the arsenal of a 3D modeler, but you shouldn’t expect perfect results from a scanner with zero touch-ups. The Matter and Form Three is small and affordable, mostly self-contained with onboard processors and internet connectivity. It requires a laptop with a browser to connect to the scanner over a local internet connection, and costs $2,399 MSRP but is often on sale for $1,499, which includes the scanner, a motorized turntable, calibration equipment, a tripod, and a carrying case.

Easy Setup

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The Three is incredibly simple to set up and has a robust series of tutorials that explain nearly every aspect of its operation. Besides more advanced settings hidden in the menus, every part of the calibration and operation is detailed within the interface and can be adjusted quickly.

The most impressive part of the scanning is the lack of prep needed. While other scanners might require tracking points, the Three can be operational within minutes after you’ve started it up, waited for the system to initialize, and connected to the computer. This can be done by connecting the scanner to your device wirelessly with the included antenna, connecting it to your router via an Ethernet cable, or connecting directly to your device via Ethernet. The first two methods will allow wireless connection to the scanner with any device, while the third will only allow connection to the device the scanner is plugged into.

The application for the scanner runs entirely in-browser, accessed through an IPv4 address that’s displayed through the scanner’s projector. Once you’ve connected, the website looks simple and sleek, with prominent tutorials and an intuitive interface.