Elegoo M1 Ultra 3D Scanner review

Elegoo, a company renowned for its hobbyist 3D printers, is making strides in the 3D scanning industry with their latest hardware: the M1 Ultra scanner. This premium device boasts a design and manufacturing quality that puts it in competition with established 3D scanning manufacturers such as Creality. The M1 Ultra combines blue laser and infrared structured-light scanning capabilities, offering five scanning configurations suitable for various objects, from small mechanical components to larger structures and even human subjects.

The scanner provides exceptional accuracy, with a top precision of 0.02mm in its blue laser mode. Some standout features include full wireless operation, a 3-inch touchscreen, and a swappable battery. Upon testing the M1 Ultra, it became apparent that the quality of design and build exceeded expectations. The scanner features a beautifully finished, well-balanced design with a rubberized grip for comfortable maneuvering around objects. While a longer grip would be ideal, the overall physical design is excellent.

The scanner connects via either wired USB or wireless connection, with a convenient slide switch to quickly toggle between the two. This connection links the scanner to the software, which guides users through the scanning process, even in the first-generation software. The most critical aspect is scan quality, as the M1 Ultra produces detailed, dimensionally accurate models that can be exported for 3D printing or imported and edited within Blender.

During the testing process, one of the most surprising aspects was the speed of scanning and the difference between the initial scanning preview in the software and the processed model. The M1 Ultra's Elegoo Scan software, being an early release, performed surprisingly well, with no freezes or glitches during testing. Scan processing typically took a couple of minutes, depending on complexity and size, and editing or removing unwanted geometry was straightforward.

Wireless scanning on a scanner of this price is impressive, and connecting to the scanner over Wi-Fi proved easy. The live preview on the scanner's touchscreen made it simpler to move around larger objects. However, certain materials, such as glossy black plastic and highly reflective surfaces, still require scanning spray for optimal results.

The scanner's ease of use, speed, and quality make it an excellent option for small businesses, makers, enthusiasts, and other 3D professionals seeking a high-quality 3D scanner at a reasonable price.

Priced at $1,699 in the US, £1,399 in the UK, and €1,699, the Elegoo M1 Ultra is available through the official website. With its premium design and build quality, this first-generation 3D scanner demonstrates that Elegoo has made significant progress in the 3D scanning market.