SHINING 3D Einstar 2: Wireless 3D Scanner with Blue Laser and Infrared
The SHINING 3D Einstar 2 is a handheld wireless 3D scanner that combines 17 blue laser lines for fine detail with a VCSEL infrared projector for large objects and full-body scanning. According to SHINING 3D, it achieves 0.05 mm resolution and up to 4,800,000 points per second, weighing just 420 g with a swappable battery that lasts up to 3 hours.
It's aimed at 3D printing enthusiasts who want to scan a bit of everything: replacement parts, car components, figurines, or even a full person. What sets it apart is having both laser and infrared in a single body, plus built-in Wi-Fi with no extra accessories needed. The trade-off is that all processing runs on your computer. Among the SHINING 3D scanners we carry, this is the entry point.
Key Highlights
-
Two scanning modes: Laser HD with 17 parallel blue lines, and IR Rapid with VCSEL infrared.
-
Resolution: 0.05–10 mm in laser mode and 0.2–10 mm in infrared mode.
-
Speed: up to 2,500,000 points/s in laser mode and 4,800,000 points/s in infrared mode.
-
Cable-free: built-in Wi-Fi with no hub or adapter required, plus USB-C for environments with interference.
-
Software: EXStar Hub, compatible with Windows 11 and macOS.
What Can You Use It For?
Scan anything you want to modify, repair, or replicate on your 3D printer:
-
Cars and motorcycles: a gear knob, a broken trim panel, or the dashboard recess where you want to fit a custom mount. Scan it, design on top, and print a perfect fit.
-
Large interiors: use infrared to scan the inside of a van and design custom camper furniture around it.
-
People and cosplay: busts, figurines, or your own head for a helmet that actually fits.
-
Reverse engineering: a clip that's no longer available or a discontinued spare part. Scan it, clean up the mesh, and reprint it.
The Technology, Straight Up
In Laser HD mode, the scanner projects 17 blue lines while two 2 MP cameras read how they deform across the surface. It works at distances of 100–600 mm with a capture area of up to 490 × 580 mm. This is your go-to mode for fine detail, metal, and black plastic. One catch: laser mode aligns using markers, so you'll need to apply tracking dots.
In IR Rapid mode, the infrared covers up to 1170 × 1385 mm at distances of 160–1400 mm, with alignment by geometry, texture, markers, or a combination. My rule of thumb: small, dark, or shiny objects — laser with markers; anything larger than a shoebox or a person — infrared.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Einstar 2 |
| Light Source |
17 parallel blue laser lines / VCSEL infrared |
| Resolution |
Laser 0.05 – 10 mm / IR 0.2 – 10 mm |
| Speed |
Laser 2,500,000 pts/s / IR 4,800,000 pts/s |
| Working Distance |
Laser 100 – 600 mm / IR 160 – 1400 mm |
| Maximum Field of View |
Laser 490 × 580 mm / IR 1170 × 1385 mm |
| Minimum Scan Volume |
Laser 10 × 10 × 10 mm / IR 50 × 50 × 50 mm |
| Alignment |
Laser: markers / IR: geometry, texture, markers, hybrid |
| Cameras |
3D 2 × 2 MP / texture 2.3 MP |
| Output Formats |
STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, ASC |
| Maximum Ambient Light |
Laser 110,000 lux / IR 70,000 lux |
| Laser Class |
Class 2 |
| Connectivity |
Built-in Wi-Fi / USB Type-C |
| Battery |
5500 mAh swappable, up to 3 hrs, PD 3.0 60W fast charging |
| Dimensions |
130 × 37 × 61 mm |
| Weight |
420 g with battery / 348 g without battery |
| Operating Temperature |
-10 to 40 °C |
| Certifications |
CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE, FDA, SRRC, IP50 |
What Computer Do You Need?
The scanner itself does no processing — your computer handles everything. Here are SHINING 3D's recommended specs:
-
Windows 11 22H2 64-bit, Intel Core i7-13700H or higher, NVIDIA RTX 3060 Laptop or higher with 6 GB VRAM, 32 GB DDR5 dual-channel RAM minimum (64 GB recommended), and USB 3.0.
-
macOS Tahoe 26.2: minimum MacBook Pro M1 or MacBook M3 with 16 GB; recommended M3 Max or Ultra with 24 GB or more.
From scan to printer
- Calibrate using the included plate and choose your mode: laser with markers for fine detail, infrared for larger objects.
- Scan by moving around the object and process the mesh in EXStar Hub.
- Export as STL or 3MF and, if the part needs to fit with another, refine it in CAD software.
- Print: fine details on a resin 3D printer using our resins, large functional parts in filament. No printer? We offer a custom 3D printing service.
Which one to choose? Einstar 2 vs. other scanners
-
If you want laser without sticking markers and 5 MP color: Einstar Rockit, same body and battery.
-
If you want to scan without a PC and infrared is enough: Einstar Vega, with a built-in screen and onboard processing.
-
If you want both laser and infrared without relying on a PC: EinScan Rigil Lite, or the Rigil Lite 32 GB if you plan to scan full vehicles.
-
If you're just starting out and mainly want to scan figures and people, using your phone as a screen: Creality Otter Lite, infrared only.
-
If you focus on small parts and don't need laser: Creality CR-Scan Otter, wired.
-
If you want blue laser and don't mind a cable: Creality CR-Scan Raptor.
-
If you need a published volumetric accuracy figure for professional work: Creality RaptorX.
Browse all of them in our 3D scanners collection. One heads-up: if your PC is underpowered and you're not planning to upgrade, look for a 3D scanner with lower system requirements — this one will push your hardware hard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Einstar 2 worth it?
Yes, if you need to scan very different types of objects and have a powerful PC. It gives you laser for small parts and metal, plus infrared for cars and people, all wireless. If you're only scanning people, the laser is overkill; if you never want to deal with markers, the Rockit is the better fit.
Einstar 2 vs. Creality Otter — which should I get?
Go with the Einstar 2 if you need blue laser for metal and dark-colored parts, plus built-in Wi-Fi. The CR-Scan Otter and Otter Lite are infrared only — simpler and less demanding on your PC. Watch out when comparing specs: Creality publishes accuracy figures while SHINING 3D publishes resolution, and they don't measure the same thing.
Can I use it to scan objects and then 3D print them?
Absolutely — that's exactly what it's designed for. It exports STL and 3MF files that any slicer can open. For parts that need to fit with something else, it's standard practice to run the mesh through CAD software to fine-tune dimensions or holes before printing in resin or filament.
Does it need scanning spray for black or shiny objects?
No — according to SHINING 3D, laser mode reads black and reflective objects without spray. That said, laser mode aligns using markers, so you'll need to stick them directly on the part or around it. Mirror-chrome surfaces are tough for any scanner, so take your time with those.
Does it work without a computer? What specs do I need?
No, it requires a PC. All processing runs on your computer through EXStar Hub, and it's demanding: SHINING 3D recommends at minimum an i7-13700H, an RTX 3060 Laptop with 6 GB VRAM, and 32 GB RAM — 64 GB preferred. If you need a standalone wireless scanner, check out the Vega or the Rigil Lite instead.
Does it work on Mac?
Yes. EXStar Hub supports macOS Tahoe 26.2. You'll need at least a MacBook Pro M1 or MacBook M3 with 16 GB of RAM, though SHINING 3D recommends an M3 Max or Ultra with 24 GB or more for best results.
What accuracy does the Einstar 2 offer?
SHINING 3D doesn't publish a volumetric accuracy figure for this model. What they do specify is resolution: down to 0.05 mm in laser mode and 0.2 mm in infrared mode. For capturing and reprinting parts, that's what matters — just keep in mind this isn't a metrology or quality-control instrument.
Can I scan people?
Yes, using infrared mode, which is eye-safe. SHINING 3D states a full body scan takes around 60 seconds. Laser mode is Class 2, so keep it aimed at objects only — never point it at anyone's face.
What's in the box?
Scanner, carry case, calibration board with universal stand, battery, battery charging dock with cable, power adapter, USB Type-C cable, and 3 mm and 6 mm markers. A computer and any CAD software are not included.
What file formats does it export?
STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, and ASC. For 3D printing, STL or 3MF work with any slicer. If you want to keep color data for rendering, web use, or augmented reality, go with OBJ or PLY. ASC is a point cloud format, useful if you're bringing the scan into engineering or CAD software.
