Creality CR-Scan Ferret 3D Scanner

1. Introduction

The CR-Scan Ferret is a revolutionary 3D scanner offering versatility and convenience. It can be used with a mobile app or desktop software to produce high-quality 3D models under various lighting conditions. The scanner features a proprietary depth calculation chip, reducing computational load on mobile phones and PCs for a smoother scanning experience. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for on-the-go use. The CR-Scan Ferret can scan objects ranging from large furniture to small figurines with high precision and supports color scanning via a high-resolution RGB camera. The resulting models are ready for 3D printing without further processing.

Key Features:

• Compact Design
• Dual Mode Scanning
• ASIC Chipset
• Full Color Scanning
• Easy Operation
• Outdoor Scanning

2. Specification

3. Packing List

The package includes:

• CR-Scan Ferret
• Snail gimbal
• Rechargeable handle
• USB cable for computer
• USB cable for smartphone & rechargeable handle
• Mobile phone clip
• Allen wrench
• Portable bag

4. Hardware Connection

Follow these steps to connect the hardware:

1. Connect the CR-Scan Ferret to the snail gimbal.
2. Attach the rechargeable handle to the snail gimbal.
3. Connect the USB cable from the scanner to the rechargeable handle.
4. Connect the USB cable from the rechargeable handle to the mobile phone or computer.
5. Mount the assembled unit onto a tripod (optional).

Smartphone Connection: Ensure D1 (USB Type-C) connects to the CR-Scan Ferret, D2 (USB Type-C) connects to the Android phone, and D3 (USB Type-A) connects to the rechargeable handle.

Computer Connection: Connect the CR-Scan Ferret to a USB 3.0 or higher port on your computer. USB 2.0 may not provide sufficient operating current.

5. APP & Software Installation

System Requirements:

• Computer: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), 8GB RAM, USB 3.0, 8th gen Intel Core i5 CPU or higher.
• Android: Android 10.0 or higher, 8GB RAM, USB 3.0 smartphone.

Note: USB 3.0 is highly recommended for optimal performance.

Software & Firmware Link: https://www.creality.com/pages/download-cr-scan-ferret

6. Operation Guide

Scan Objects

Objects suitable for scanning are categorized by size:

• Large objects: >50cm
• Medium objects: 20cm < object < 50cm
• Small objects: <20cm
• Face
• Body

Feature Type

• Geometry: Ideal for objects with intricate geometric details and irregular shapes. Not recommended for objects with many flat surfaces or circles. Suitable for plaster portraits and handmade items.
• Texture: Best for objects with rich texture and color. Not ideal for solid colors or repetitive textures. Recommended for objects with wood grain texture.

Note: Texture mode is useful for scanning objects when markers can be applied to the surface.

Objects not recommended for scanning without preparation: Reflective (metal, plated surfaces), translucent, and transparent objects (e.g., glass cups, glasses). These may require dusting (e.g., with liquid foundation, flour, or dry cleaning shampoo). Avoid scanning objects that deform easily (e.g., soft bags, animals).

Optimization Mode

• Fast: Faster scanning with lower accuracy compared to Hi-Quality mode.
• Hi-Quality: Provides higher-precision data capture. Processing time for point cloud fusion and meshing is longer.

Color Map

• Map/Color: The final model includes color information (exportable in .PLY and .OBJ formats).
• No map/No Color: The final model is solid color, capturing only shape information.

Android Gestures:

• Single finger rotation: Rotate the view with one finger.
• Two-finger press and move (with haptic feedback): Pan the view with two fingers.
• Two-finger zoom: Zoom in or out with two fingers.

Export/Share

• Click the export icon to save the 3D model in .PLY, .OBJ, or .STL format.
• Click the share icon to share scanning results after optimization.

7. Tips

1. Scan targets: Suitable objects include faces, parts, sculptures, cultural relics, garage kits, toys, and shoes. Unsuitable objects include super-large objects (walls, rooms), micro parts (jewelry), and ductile objects. Special treatment is needed for transparent objects, metals, and high-reflective objects.
2. Target size: Typical size is 5cm×5cm×5cm to 150cm×150cm×150cm. Experienced users can scan larger or smaller objects.
3. Scan distance: Maintain an optimal distance from the target as prompted.
4. Scan background: Minimize background objects in the depth camera's view, focusing on the target.
5. Tracking lost: If tracking is lost, re-aim the scanner at the previously scanned part of the target as prompted.
6. Exposure: Adjust exposure to avoid red (overexposure) or blue (underexposure) parts in the IR image for better model quality.
7. High-quality model: Use Hi-Quality mode, move slowly, maintain correct distance, adjust exposure, scan until all parts are green on the quality map, and set lower resolution for point cloud optimization.

8. FAQs

1. Scanner power: The scanner can be powered directly by a USB 3.0 Type-C port on a mobile phone. However, this consumes significant power; using the charging handle is recommended for stable power.
2. Avoiding tracking loss: Return the scanner to the previous correct position and hold for 2 seconds to reacquire the image.
3. Scanning frame rate: The scanner provides 30fps depth images and theoretically supports 30fps scanning. Actual rate depends on the processing power of the connected device (phone or PC). Lower frame rates may occur on less powerful devices.
4. System configuration: For mobile phones, use devices with USB 3.0 and 8GB+ RAM (e.g., Samsung S22, S23). For computers, use i5 or higher with USB 3.0.
5. USB 2.0 support: The scanner supports USB 2.0, but scanning frame rate and accuracy will be reduced due to lower data transmission rates.
6. Charging handle duration: The charging handle supports over two hours of continuous scanning. It can handle 20-30 small/medium objects within 5 minutes each.
7. Restoring connection: If the mobile phone scanner disconnects, reconnect the USB cable to the rechargeable battery handle.
8. Android disconnection: Some Android systems may disable OTG connections after a period of inactivity (e.g., 10 minutes). Re-enable the OTG switch in the Android system settings to reconnect.
9. Scanning effect influences: Thin, narrow, or hole-filled models, reflective or transparent parts, and surrounding objects can affect scan quality. Remove obstacles and rescan if necessary.
10. Scanning frame rate limitations: Low computer/mobile phone configuration and the lack of a USB 3.0 interface can limit the scanning frame rate.
11. "Few point clouds" issue: This may be caused by incorrect exposure time. Cancel automatic exposure and adjust manually.
12. USB 2.0 detection with USB 3.0: If a USB 3.0 device is plugged in slowly, only the common pins may be detected, leading to recognition as USB 2.0. Plug in the USB 3.0 device quickly.
13. "Invalid data" warning: This can occur if scan object settings are incorrect (e.g., using the large object setting for medium objects on a turntable). Rescan using the appropriate setting, aim at prominent textures, or slow down scanning speed.