SHINING 3D Launches EinScan Trak Scanner with Optical Tracking and Markerless Workflow

SHINING 3D has introduced the EinScan Trak 3D Tracking System, a multi-mode laser scanning setup designed to eliminate the tedious step of applying adhesive reflective target markers directly to scanned items. Built to bridge the gap between large-surface scanning and fine-detail capture, the system combines an optical tracking station with a detachable, wireless handheld unit.

Dual-Component Architecture and Markerless Tracking

Traditional 3D scanning often requires sticking dozens of retroreflective markers onto an object to help the scanner orient itself in space. For delicate vehicle paintwork, vintage restorations, or historic artefacts, surface markers are often impractical or strictly forbidden. The EinScan Trak resolves this by tracking the scanner hardware rather than the target object.

The system consists of a tripod-mounted optical tracker camera and a spherical scanner module. The tracker follows retroreflective markers integrated into the housing of the scanner module as it moves around the workpiece. Because positioning is handled externally, objects can be captured without physical prep work. For tight spaces, deep cavities, or benchtop parts, the spherical module contains a detachable handheld laser unit. This secondary unit operates independently, aligning scans via geometry or traditional markers when working with uniform, featureless parts. Both scanning modes import directly into a single project file, eliminating the need to align separate datasets manually across software packages.

Laser Projection and Technical Specifications

The system utilizes three distinct laser projection modes to manage varying geometry and speed requirements:

• Crossed laser lines (19 pairs): Serves as the high-speed default for sweeping over broad surface areas.
• Parallel laser lines (7 lines): Reduces capture speed to deliver sharper edge definition for high-tolerance mechanical parts.
• Single laser line: Focuses intensity to reach into deep holes, narrow channels, and recessed internal features.

On the performance front, the EinScan Trak captures up to 2,630,000 points per second with resolutions reaching down to 0.05 mm. Operators can toggle Local Resolution settings during a scan, applying fine detail strictly to critical areas without inflating the file size of simpler surrounding geometry. The unit also features an integrated 5 MP texture camera to capture full-colour data alongside 3D coordinates.

Field Mobility and Software Pipeline

Built using a carbon-fibre chassis, the scanner is designed for mobile deployment. It communicates with the host computer over dedicated Wi-Fi 6 with an operational range of up to four metres from the tracking camera. For projects exceeding this envelope, a feature called Hybrid Leapfrog allows operators to move the tracker station mid-scan while preserving coordinate continuity using four reference positioning markers.

Power is supplied via hot-swappable batteries, offering up to 5.5 hours of operation in tracking mode and 3.5 hours in standalone handheld mode. The optical hardware is rated for outdoor environments up to 110,000 lux and handles reflective bare metal or high-gloss black surfaces without needing matte scanning spray.

Data captured by the system streams into SHINING 3D’s companion software suite. The unit includes a one-year licence for EXMeasure, which provides basic inspection, dimensioning, and color-map comparisons. Advanced reverse engineering, auto-surfacing, and direct CAD export require the separate EXModel software package. SHINING 3D has not published fixed retail pricing, requiring direct inquiries for quotes.

What This Means for South African Makers

For South African engineering shops, automotive aftermarket fabricators, and custom restoration specialists, surface prep and marker placement represent major labour costs on custom projects. A system that captures large vehicle panels and precise mounting bracket geometry in one pass streamlines reverse engineering workflows considerably.

Furthermore, local heritage conservation teams digitising museum items or field teams working on outdoor mining equipment benefit from direct colour capture and outdoor-rated laser hardware that handles harsh glare and unconditioned shop environments without pre-treating surfaces.

DC3D’s Take

Integrating an optical tracking rig with a detachable handheld unit is a sensible approach to tackling multi-scale 3D scanning. The ability to scan large structures without applying hundreds of targets saves significant workshop time, and keeping fine-detail handheld scans in the exact same software project prevents orientation errors during CAD modelling.

However, fixed optical tracking systems represent a substantial capital investment intended primarily for commercial workshops, print farms doing heavy reverse engineering, and industrial quality control. Makers focused exclusively on small parts or occasional hobbyist scans will still find standard handheld or desktop turn-table scanners far more practical and cost-effective.