Choose the ASCAND configuration your workflow actually needs
ASCAND is a connected capture-to-processing system, not a row of competing scanner models. Begin with the core structured-capture workflow. Then assess the object, the intended result and the capture environment before adding an optional extension.
The Laser, Macro and Turntable extensions solve different problems. None is a universal upgrade, and a longer component list does not automatically produce a better model. Platform access is a separate decision that supports processing after capture.
Compare roles—not unlike feature lists
The ASCAND 3D Scanning System is the complete starting point that connects structured physical capture with browser-based processing.
The Vision Capture Kit supports the stable relationship between the smartphone, object and coded turntable. The coded turntable provides controlled rotation and machine-readable orientation references within that capture process.
The Laser, Macro and Turntable extensions change a particular part of the capture setup. They are optional responses to different object or evidence needs.
3D-Scan.Online receives applicable capture material, coordinates reconstruction, presents results for inspection and makes available outputs accessible for download. Access plans define the current commercial conditions for using those services.
These roles complement one another. Comparing them as though each were a complete alternative scanner would hide the decision that matters: which complete workflow and optional adaptation fit the object you intend to capture?
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Match the configuration to the problem you need to solve
| Your need | Relevant path | What it changes | What it does not solve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Begin with structured object capture | ASCAND 3D Scanning System with vision capture | Establishes a steady-camera, controlled-rotation workflow connected to online processing | It does not make every material, geometry or view reconstructable |
| Add complementary observed geometry | Laser Extension Kit with a verified Laser or Combo workflow | Introduces laser-line observations derived through calibrated triangulation | It does not remove calibration, visibility, surface, occlusion or safety constraints |
| Use more of the image area for an appropriate smaller object | Macro Expansion Kit | Adds the smaller Mini-9 capture configuration on the standard coded turntable | It does not turn the system into a microscope or guarantee a minimum feature size |
| Give an appropriate larger object more physical support area | Turntable Extension | Enlarges the platform supporting the object while the coded turntable remains in the rotation system | It does not automatically enlarge framing, optical visibility, payload or scan volume |
| Select the period and conditions of online use | Current 3D-Scan.Online access option | Defines the applicable access duration and commercial terms | It does not determine which physical capture configuration the object needs |
ASCAND 3D Scanning System
Laser Extension Kit
Macro Expansion Kit
Turntable Extension
Access Plans
Begin with controlled vision capture
The fixed-camera vision workflow is the clearest conceptual starting point for ASCAND. The smartphone remains steady while the object rotates on the coded turntable. This produces an ordered sequence of observations without requiring the user to walk around the object with a handheld device.
Controlled motion does not remove the need for careful capture. The object still has to remain stable, fit within the usable view, present observable surfaces and receive suitable lighting. Its geometry and material influence what the camera can see and what reconstruction can infer from the captured evidence.
The coded band is part of this structured acquisition logic; it is not decorative. It helps associate captured frames with turntable orientation. The result is a controlled capture path that can be understood, taught and repeated—but not a guarantee that every object will produce a complete model.
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Understand the coded turntable
Assess object suitability
Add an extension only when it addresses the limiting factor
Laser Extension Kit
Choose the Laser Extension Kit when a verified laser-assisted workflow can add useful geometric observations. A projected laser line is observed as the object rotates, and geometry is derived through calibrated triangulation. Laser evidence may complement vision evidence in a Combo workflow.
It is not LiDAR, a handheld scanner or industrial metrology. It does not make hidden surfaces visible or remove alignment, calibration, surface and outlier constraints. Current safety instructions and kit compatibility must be verified before use.
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Macro Expansion Kit
Choose the Macro Expansion Kit when an appropriate smaller object occupies too little of the useful image area in the standard configuration. The Mini-9 setup mounts a smaller capture surface on the standard coded turntable while preserving the fixed-camera, controlled-rotation principle.
Here, “macro” describes a smaller-object configuration. It does not promise microscopy, metrology, a particular minimum object size or guaranteed recovery of very fine features. Framing, focus, surface and visibility still matter.
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Turntable Extension
Choose the Turntable Extension when an appropriate object needs a larger, stable physical support area. The extension enlarges the platform while the original coded turntable remains part of the rotation system.
Support area is not the same as scan volume. A larger platform does not automatically solve camera framing, object clearance, weight, stability, visibility or lighting. Verify the current dimensions, load conditions and compatibility before ordering.
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Compare Vision, Laser and Combo
Check the object before choosing hardware
Begin with the object and the intended use of the result:
- Support footprint: Does the object sit securely on the available platform?
- Overall size and clearance: Can it rotate safely without contacting the capture station?
- Framing: Can the necessary object area remain within the usable camera view?
- Stability: Will the object remain still relative to the platform throughout capture?
- Visibility: Which surfaces are visible, hidden or strongly occluded?
- Geometry: Does the object provide observable shape and surface information?
- Material and finish: Are reflections, transparency or low visual texture likely to make capture more difficult?
- Lighting: Can the object be illuminated evenly without unstable shadows or glare?
- Desired output: Do you need a visual model, geometric reference, point cloud, mesh or downstream 3D-print preparation?
- Post-processing: What inspection, cleanup, scaling or editing may still be required?
Do not choose an extension from object diameter alone. Identify the limiting factor first: support area, image coverage, evidence type, visibility or another capture condition.
Object suitability guide
Capabilities and limitations
View verified examples
Hardware choice and platform access are separate decisions
ASCAND hardware structures the physical capture. 3D-Scan.Online manages the browser-facing project, processing, result review and available downloads. Changing an access plan does not change how an object is physically supported or observed; adding a hardware extension does not, by itself, define platform entitlement.
The documented access concepts are 1-Year Access and Lifetime Access. Their current prices, included services, activation, renewal, transfer, limitations and legal meaning must be taken from the verified live offer and applicable terms.
Older material may refer to a former credit system. Do not treat those references as evidence of the current offer. Equally, do not infer that processing is free or unlimited merely because current access is not described through credits.
Choose the physical configuration from the object and workflow. Choose access from the verified period, services and conditions under which you expect to use the platform.
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Compare access options
Example decision paths
These examples illustrate the reasoning process; they are not guaranteed prescriptions.
A first structured scan
Begin with the complete ASCAND system and a suitable, stable object. Learn the vision workflow before adding complexity. This makes capture conditions and results easier to interpret.
An appropriate smaller object
If the object is stable and otherwise suitable but occupies too little of the image area, evaluate the Macro Expansion Kit. Confirm focus, framing and current compatibility.
An appropriate object needing more support
If the object can be framed and rotated safely but its support footprint exceeds the standard platform, evaluate the Turntable Extension. Confirm payload, clearance and stability.
A project evaluating complementary laser evidence
If the project can benefit from calibrated laser-line observations, evaluate the Laser Extension Kit and the documented Laser or Combo workflow. Resolve safety, calibration and visibility requirements first.
ASCAND for Makers
ASCAND for Education
ASCAND for Museums
Verify the current offer before ordering
This comparison explains product roles and decision logic. Before purchasing, verify the current commercial specification for the exact item and market:
- Product and package names
- Included components and required separately supplied items
- Compatibility with the current ASCAND configuration
- Physical dimensions, clearances and load conditions
- Supported phones, holders, power and control requirements
- Laser classification, safety instructions and operating requirements
- Installation, alignment and calibration responsibilities
- Current price, currency, tax and availability
- Delivery, returns, warranty and support
- Platform access included with hardware, if any
- Applicable terms, privacy information and institutional-use conditions
Start with the core workflow, then extend with purpose
If you are new to ASCAND, begin with the complete system and a suitable object. If you already know the constraint you need to address, use the object assessment to distinguish support, framing, visibility and evidence needs before selecting an extension.