3DMakerPro · 3D Scanners
Seal 3D scanner review: blue-light detail for small objects under $700
A palm-sized blue-light scanner (sold by NOVA3D, made by 3DMakerPro) that captured a test block within 0.02 mm. Great on matte objects; shiny, black and symmetrical parts need spray and markers.
Very good
Best for Scanning small matte objects: figurines, sculptures, small parts
List price$649
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The Seal is a strong small-object scanner for the money: blue structured light picked up layer lines on a printed statue, and 3D Printing Industry measured 0.02 mm deviation on a test block. It struggles with chrome, black plastic and symmetrical parts, and its software is simple. For figurines, small parts and sculptures, at $649 it is excellent value.
What we like
- Blue structured light captures fine detail; layer lines visible on prints
- Measured 0.02 mm deviation on a 15 × 20 × 25 mm test block (X and Z)
- Markerless visual tracking on feature-rich objects
- 24-bit colour camera with flash
- Half price on the NOVA3D store: $649 vs $1,299 list
What could be better
- Shiny metal, black and transparent parts needed scanning spray
- Symmetrical objects confused tracking; duplicated features appeared
- Auto-align was inconsistent on complex multi-scan jobs
- JMStudio software is basic for advanced users; texture mapping size limits
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Speed and tracking + 25% Accuracy and detail + 20% Software and ease of use + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The Seal is a small handheld 3D scanner made by 3DMakerPro and sold through NOVA3D’s store, with the same JMStudio software and specs as 3DMakerPro’s own version. Its selling point is blue structured light: shorter-wavelength light that, in theory, resolves finer detail than the infrared light used by many budget scanners.
On the NOVA3D store it costs $649 at the time of writing (list $1,299).
Technical overview
- Blue light, 400–500 nm, encoded structured light.
- Up to 0.01 mm accuracy and 0.05 mm resolution (manufacturer figures).
- 10 frames per second.
- 24-bit colour camera with a flash LED.
- 110 × 60 × 35 mm, all-aluminium body.
- JMStudio for Windows and macOS, plus phone apps.
Test results
3D Printing Industry ran the most thorough test we found:
| Object | Result |
|---|---|
| 15 × 20 × 25 mm cuboid (turntable) | 0.02 mm deviation on X and Z, −0.16 mm on Y |
| White 3D-printed statue (handheld) | No tracking loss, auto-align worked, layer lines captured |
| Clay sculpture | Up to 1,300 frames, printed copy “near-perfect” |
| Benchmark tile | Tracking lost near the edge; scanned front and back separately |
| Pliers (shiny metal) | Duplicated head and noise until sprayed, then accurate |
| E-scooter suspension (chrome) | Tracking lost on the coil, 0.104 mm deviation: “disappointing” |
| Motorcycle clutch basket | Symmetrical arms duplicated; needed reference markers |
The pattern: on matte, feature-rich objects it is excellent. On chrome, black and symmetrical objects, it needs spray, markers and patience.
What testers complain about
- Spray needed on black and metallic surfaces (common to most scanners at this price, the reviewer notes).
- Auto-merge inconsistent; manual alignment tedious.
- JMStudio is simple, which is good for beginners but limiting for advanced users; texture mapping is limited by object size; some crashes.
- The blue light is bright, so human subjects should close their eyes.
Seal vs the rivals
- vs Revopoint INSPIRE 2 ($439): cheaper, lighter, and its infrared laser mode copes with more surfaces, but it needs a strong PC for laser mode. The Seal’s blue light gives sharper detail on small matte objects. See Seal vs INSPIRE 2.
- vs Revopoint POP 3 Plus ($526): similar price, infrared, better for medium objects and faces.
- vs EINSTAR 2 ($899): blue lasers handle shiny and dark parts better, at a higher price.
Price and value
At $649, the Seal is good value for anyone scanning small objects for printing or digital art. If you scan car parts or chrome, spend more on a laser scanner.
Final thoughts
The Seal punches above its price on detail. Keep scanning spray and markers nearby for hard surfaces, and it will reward you with very clean small-object scans. Note that the main independent test dates from early 2024, so later firmware may behave differently.
Sources
Full specifications
| Technology | Blue light (400–500 nm) encoded structured light |
|---|---|
| Accuracy (claimed) | Up to 0.01 mm |
| Resolution | Up to 0.05 mm |
| Speed | 10 fps |
| Colour | 24-bit camera with flash LED |
| Size | 110 × 60 × 35 mm |
| Software | JMStudio (Windows 10/11 64-bit, macOS 12/13); OBJ, STL, PLY, ASC |
| Price | $649 on the NOVA3D store (list $1,299) |
| Released | 2024 |
Ready to buy?
Seal 3D Scanner (NOVA3D store)
List price $649. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
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Seal 3D Scanner (NOVA3D store) compared
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