How is ASCAND different from the myriad of Photogrammetry Apps?
Many Apps – Same Algorithms – developed for something Else
Photogrammetry was originally developed for large-scale aerial and terrestrial mapping applications.
Its primary use cases included Cartography & Topographic Mapping (Used for creating maps from aerial and satellite images), Surveying & Geospatial Analysis (Used in land surveying, infrastructure planning, and environmental studies), Archaeology & Cultural Heritage (Documenting historical sites and artifacts with minimal physical contact), and Military & Intelligence (Aerial reconnaissance and battlefield mapping).
Because photogrammetry relies on identifying visual features across multiple images, it was well-suited for scanning large landscapes where intensive post-processing and long computation times were not an issue. However, its reliance on good lighting, sharp textures, and high-quality overlapping images makes it less ideal for precision-focused applications like 3D printing, where watertight, outlier-free meshes are critical.
ASCAND’s advanced algorithms were designed from the ground up and go way beyond traditional photogrammetry, which struggles with shiny, tiny, black, or transparent objects due to its reliance on feature extraction.
ASCAND handles these challenges without markers or manual intervention, delivering clean, accurate results — all in one streamlined platform.
How is ASCAND different from Hardware 3D Scanners?
Multi Technology – Never outdated – Always improving
Traditional 3D scanners are quickly outdated due to the limitations of the components they were originally designed for. They are also expensive to buy and fix because of the proprietary hardware components used.
This is especially bad if you want to get started on a budget getting your “feet wet”, then expand into something less “DIY”, and finally look into a professional solution delivering all the bells and whistles you can expect from the $1000++ investment traditional vendors require.
ASCAND’s capabilities grow with every phone upgrade, with every increase of cloud computing power, and with every upgrade we roll out.
Due to it’s unique architecture the model resolution can be freely set from 1mm to 0.1mm limited only by computing time and power
Automated Processing
ASCAND streamlines the entire 3D scanning workflow—from capture to mesh—without the need for manual adjustments. It automatically detects and applies optimal boundary boxes, removes outliers, and fills holes.
All in the background. This hands-free process saves time and eliminates guesswork, delivering high-quality, ready-to-use 3D models with unmatched ease and consistency.
Working through these processes manually means mastering several complex tools and techniques: Outlier Removal in CloudCompare, KNN or Radius-based Normal Estimation in PCL or Open3D, Poisson Surface Reconstruction in MeshLab, Voxel-Based Hole Filling in Blender, Automatic Hole Filling in Meshmixer, Taubin Smoothing in MeshLab, and Manifold Check and Repair in Netfabb. Each step demands time, expertise, and familiarity with specialized software, making automated workflows or guided solutions invaluable for repeatable efficiency and precision.
3D Print Ready Meshes
Made by Makers for Makers, ASCAND delivers 3D-print-ready models without the usual software juggling. Our automated pipeline produces watertight meshes that won’t clog your printer nozzle—no manual hole-filling or endless trial-and-error. Yet, if you enjoy fine-tuning, ASCAND gives you the freedom to export files and work with your favorite tools.
One For All
Traditional feature detection relies on identifying unique points on an object’s surface, which often fails with shiny, transparent, or textureless items. ASCAND replaces this with a unified, non-disruptive optical marker system that ensures consistent tracking and accuracy without altering the object’s appearance. This fine-granular approach enhances precision across complex surfaces, eliminates the need for manual marker placement, and ensures seamless, high-quality scans every time—making it ideal for demanding 3D printing and design workflows.
Optionally combining optical scanning with laser triangulation brings together the strengths of both technologies, resulting in highly accurate and versatile 3D scans.
Optical scanning excels at capturing detailed textures and color data, making it ideal for visually rich models.
Laser triangulation, on the other hand, provides precise measurements by calculating distances through laser reflections, ensuring accurate dimensions even on complex surfaces.
Together, these technologies create scans that are not only visually detailed but also dimensionally precise, meeting the demands of industries from manufacturing to digital content creation.
This hybrid approach allows for superior handling of challenging objects such as shiny, transparent, or intricate surfaces that typically hinder traditional photogrammetry. The laser ensures accurate geometry capture, while the optical system enhances detail and texture. By combining these methods, ASCAND eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments, delivering clean, watertight meshes ready for 3D printing, design, and engineering workflows—all in one streamlined platform.
Portable
The ASCAND VISION box is as compact as a spool of filament, but true portability means more than just fitting in a backpack. ASCAND equips you with everything you need to capture reliable, high-quality scans anywhere—even in complex environments with challenging backgrounds and lighting. Just bring your battery-powered turntable and phone, and you’re ready to scan on the go.
FAST!
ASCAND usually delivers your first 3D printable draft in under 360 seconds—fast, reliable, and hardware-independent. Our GPU-powered cloud handles all processing, so you can scan anywhere without needing high-end equipment.
Need ultra-fine resolution below 0.5mm, multi-scan merging, or laser precision? Just add a few more minutes for even more exceptional results.
4D Precision
Dimensional accuracy is essential for 3D printing, design, and measurement—where traditional photogrammetry often falls short. ASCAND’s advanced calibration ensures precise, highly detailed scans with true-to-life accuracy. Seamlessly combine multiple scans for full top and bottom perspectives with ease.
Seamless 3D Model Export for Any Workflow
ASCAND empowers creators, designers, and engineers with unparalleled flexibility by supporting exports to a broad range of industry-standard 3D model formats. Whether you’re working in gaming, animation, 3D printing, AR/VR, or digital fabrication, ASCAND ensures seamless integration into your preferred tools and platforms..
ASCAND makes it easy to export in the format that best suits your project, removing barriers to workflow integration. Whether you need high-resolution scans for digital art, physics-based simulations, or precise 3D printing, ASCAND delivers the right format for every use case.
✅ STL (.stl) – The industry-standard format for 3D printing and CAD modeling.
✅ PLY (.ply) – High-quality point cloud and mesh preservation.
✅ Collada (.dae, .dae.png) – Versatile for game engines and interactive 3D applications.
✅ Blender (.blender) – Directly compatible with Blender for detailed editing.
✅ FBX (.fbx, .png) – Optimized for animation, VR, and game development pipelines.
✅ OBJ (.obj, .mtl, .png) – Widely used for 3D rendering, modeling, and texturing.
✅ X3D (.x3d, .png) – Ideal for web-based 3D visualization and interactive media.
✅ GLB/GLTF (.gltf, .png) – Web-friendly format for AR, VR, and real-time 3D experiences.
✅ 3MF (.3mf) – Precision-focused format for 3D printing and manufacturing.
✅ AMF (.amf) – Advanced format for additive manufacturing with material definitions.
✅ CTM (.ctm) – Compressed format for efficient mesh storage and rendering.
✅ 3DS (.3ds) – Legacy format for compatibility with older modeling tools.
✅ ASC (.asc) – Common in geospatial applications and laser scanning workflows.
✅ XYZ (.xyz) – Raw point cloud format for engineering and CAD applications.
No Subscriptions – Just pay for what you want
Unlike many platforms, ASCAND doesn’t lock you into expensive subscriptions just for that one crucial 3D scan. Your credits are yours to keep—forever—ready whenever you need them, hassle-free. Don’t love your scan? No problem. You only use credits when you’re satisfied. Plus, you can download and keep all your files indefinitely. Even if you cancel, your data stays with you, always in your control. And to top it off, for every $/€ you spend on ASCAND packages, you’ll receive 1 free credit—because we believe in giving you more value, not more restrictions.
Draft – 1 Credit
Draft Resolution is ideal for quick, standard 3D printer meshes. With processing times under 5 minutes, it’s perfect for testing your 3D scan environment before committing to higher detail. This fast and efficient option helps you validate your setup and make adjustments without long wait times.
Standard – 2 Credits
Standard Resolution offers the perfect balance between detail and processing time. Delivering model accuracy down to 0.2mm, it’s the go-to choice for most detailed 3D prints, providing high-quality results without excessive processing overhead.
Detail – 3 Credits
Detail Resolution is designed for maximum precision, capturing details as fine as 0.1mm. This level of detail exceeds what standard 3D printer nozzles can achieve, making it ideal for intricate models that demand the highest accuracy and clarity.
Properly Applying the Magic Sleeve Tape
The Block Code Tape printed on the Magic Sleeve Tape is designed to overlap, but proper alignment is crucial. It is VERY IMPORTANT to apply it Left-Over-Right, ensuring the solid black stripe remains on the LOWER side of the sleeve.
Once attached correctly, your Block Code Tape should look like it is shown on the image.
Unboxing the ASCAND 3D-Capture:VISION Kit
2 Minute video on how to unbox and set up
Watch a 2 minute quick unboxing video to learn how easy and fast it is to set up the ASCAND VISION Kit.
Creating perfect VISION 3D Scan Videos
Follow some easey rules to get the best results
Watch a 3 minute quick tuturial telling everything you need to know about creating these perfect 3D VISION scan videos that put high quality 3D models into your ASCAND dashboard. Without a laser and only relying on Computer Vision and AI.
Unboxing the ASCAND 3D-Capture: Laser Expansion Kit
How to add a Laser Module to your Setup
Discover the next level of precision in 3D scanning with the ASCAND Laser Expansion Kit! Watch as we unbox this must-have upgrade for your ASCAND 3D-Capture system.
Creating perfect LASER 3D Scan Videos
Adding a Laser Spin to your Scan VIdeos in 3 Minutes
Watch a 3 minute quick tuturial telling everything you need to know about creating these perfect 3D LASER scan videos that put high quality 3D models into your ASCAND dashboard.
Calibrating your 3D Scan Capture Setup
Fine Tune the Setup for your Phone
Your ASCAND 3D Capture Kit is pre-calibrated for a standard phone setup, but doing a personal calibration can give you that extra edge in performance tailored to your unique setup. Here’s how.
Using the MACRO Kit to 3D Scan Very Small Objects
How to add the Macro Kit (aka the “MINI”) For Tiny Jobs
The MACRO Table boosts the resolution of your 3D models. It comes with a smaller version of the Magic Sleeve and its ring. The best part? All its 3D printable components are available for free download on our website.
Unboxing the ASCAND MAX30 Expansion Kit
Go Big with the MAX30 and the MAX40 Turn Table Extension
The MAX30 expansion features a larger 300mm turntable, enabling you to scan bigger objects with ease and efficiency, perfect for makers, educators, and professionals looking to expand their 3D scanning capabilities.