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3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova

3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova
3D Scanner Shining3D FreeScan UE Nova

FreeScan UE Nova is a wireless handheld metrology-grade 3D scanner built for large-scale industrial measurement. With the largest field of view in its class — 2 600 × 2 200 mm — and 50 blue laser lines capturing 4 600 000 points/s, it delivers rapid, high-accuracy digitisation of excavators, turbine blades, rail cars, and other oversized components. Weighing just 1.6 kg, UE Nova operates fully wirelessly with hot-swappable batteries and Shining 3D's patented Video Photogrammetry (VPG), achieving volumetric accuracy of 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m — no coded markers required.

Operator scanning a rail transit car with FreeScan UE Nova, showing the 2.6 × 2.2 m field of view overlay in an industrial hall
Quick Specs — FreeScan UE Nova
Field of View (FOV) Up to 2 600 × 2 200 mm
Scan Speed 4 600 000 points/s
Volumetric Accuracy (VPG) 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m
Net Weight 1.6 kg

Largest field of view for large-scale industrial scanning

Where conventional handheld scanners require multiple passes to cover a single panel, FreeScan UE Nova captures an area of 2 600 × 2 200 mm in a single frame at a maximum scanning distance of 2 600 mm. This dramatically reduces scan time on heavy equipment — think excavator booms, ship hull sections, or rail vehicle body shells — while maintaining point accuracy of 0.072 mm.

The 50 parallel blue laser lines are inherently less sensitive to ambient light and surface reflectivity than infrared alternatives. Dark castings, polished sheet metal, and painted composites are all captured without spray or surface preparation in most cases.

Three selectable working ranges

UE Nova's software offers three working-range modes to match the task at hand:

  • Near (300–800 mm) — for detailed work in tight or confined spaces
  • Standard (600–1 500 mm) — general-purpose scanning, balancing speed and detail
  • Far (1 200–2 600 mm) — fast coverage of expansive surfaces and very large components
Technician scanning inside a large cylindrical structure using FreeScan UE Nova, with Near, Standard and Far mode selection interface displayed

Switching between ranges is handled in the FreeScan software with a single click — no recalibration needed. This flexibility means you can scan an entire fuselage in Far mode, then switch to Near mode for fastener holes and weld joints, all in one session.


Wireless freedom with built-in computing modules

UE Nova integrates its processing hardware directly into the scanner body. Paired with a Wi-Fi 6 router (included in the package), it transmits scan data in real time at high frame rates — no tethering cable, no cart, no range limits dictated by fibre-optic length.

Wireless FreeScan UE Nova projecting blue laser lines onto a large industrial pressure vessel during scanning

Hot-swappable batteries provide approximately 1 hour of continuous operation per charge. Carry a spare battery, swap in seconds, and maintain uninterrupted scanning throughout the shift. A wired fibre-optic connection is also available for fixed-station setups that require zero-latency data transfer.


Video Photogrammetry (VPG) — marker-free volumetric accuracy

Shining 3D's patented Video Photogrammetry system eliminates the need for coded markers. Using a calibration rod and video-based real-time marker verification, VPG delivers volumetric accuracy of 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m with a photogrammetry working distance of up to 3.5 m.

Engineer performing outdoor VPG photogrammetry measurement along a wind turbine blade with FreeScan UE Nova on tripod

Why does volumetric accuracy matter? It measures how measurement error accumulates across the entire scanning volume — not just at a single point. For large components like turbine blades, automotive body panels, or ship propellers, volumetric accuracy is the metric that determines whether your inspection data is trustworthy at scale.

Tech Tip: For very large objects (>3 m), placing a few reference markers along the scan path still improves accuracy. VPG handles most scenarios without markers, but markers remain the gold standard for mission-critical aerospace or energy inspections where every micron counts.

Industrial applications — from heavy machinery to heritage conservation

Construction machinery and heavy equipment

The wide FOV and wireless portability make UE Nova the natural choice for scanning excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy machinery. Engineers use the captured data for simulation analysis, wear detection, and reverse engineering of legacy components. The blue laser handles dark-painted surfaces and reflective hydraulic cylinders with equal reliability.

Engineer using FreeScan UE Nova handheld scanner to measure industrial piping and valves in a factory environment without markers

Automotive industry

Body panel quality control, surface deviation analysis, and sheet-metal hole inspection all benefit from the combination of high laser line count and material versatility. UE Nova captures both flat surfaces and complex curvatures in a single pass, reducing inspection cycle time significantly.

Civil aviation, energy, and wind power

Turbine blades, pipeline sections, and aircraft fuselage panels demand accurate measurement over large areas. The wireless design allows operators to walk freely around a wind turbine blade or scaffold around a jet engine nacelle. VPG ensures dimensional fidelity across the entire span.

Rail transit and marine

UE Nova measures complete rail vehicle bodies, ship hull frames, and propeller assemblies. The Far working range (up to 2 600 mm) covers large flat surfaces quickly, while the Near range captures rivet holes, welds, and bracket details.

Cultural heritage and artifacts

At just 1.6 kg, the scanner is comfortable for extended sessions. Conservators and artists use it to digitise sculptures, architectural elements, and fragile artifacts with high accuracy and without physical contact.


Metrological certification and traceability

FreeScan UE Nova calibration procedure inside Shining 3D ISO 17025 accredited accuracy laboratory with ILAC-MRA and CNAS certification badges

Every FreeScan UE Nova unit is verified against VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3 and ISO 10360 in Shining 3D's own accuracy laboratory, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Calibration certificates with full international traceability are provided. Additional quality accreditations include ILAC-MRA, CNAS, and PTB certification for the integrated inspection module.

Expert Verdict: FreeScan UE Nova occupies a unique position in the handheld metrology scanner market. Its 2 600 × 2 200 mm field of view is genuinely unmatched — most competitors top out around 1 000 × 800 mm. The wireless architecture with built-in computing eliminates the laptop cart that slows down field work, and VPG removes the time-consuming step of placing coded markers. For teams scanning heavy equipment, energy infrastructure, or transport vehicles, UE Nova represents a measurable productivity gain. The trade-off is battery life (approximately 1 hour per charge), but hot-swapping mitigates this in practice.

FreeScan software — included free of charge

The dedicated FreeScan software suite is provided at no additional cost and includes:

  • Intelligent Mesh Resolution — automatically adjusts mesh density based on surface curvature for detailed feature capture
  • Intelligent Boundary Detection — precise measurement of round holes, rectangular holes, and slots
  • PTB-Certified Inspection Module — full-size part inspection verified by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
  • Real-Time Marker Quality Monitoring — live verification of marker quality during VPG photogrammetry
  • Data Quality Indicator — visual feedback (yellow = insufficient data, blue = sufficient) guiding the operator in real time
  • Laser Line Colour Indication — red (too close), green (optimal), blue (too far)
  • Cutting Plane Storage — save and reuse cutting planes for repeated inspections of similar parts

Compatible third-party software

Workflow Compatible Software
Reverse Engineering EXModel (Shining 3D), Geomagic Design X
Inspection Geomagic Control X, PolyWorks Inspector, SHINING3D Inspect (PTB-certified)

System requirements

Operating System Windows 10/11 Pro (64-bit); Windows 11 Professional 22H2 recommended
Display Resolutions 1920×1080 @ 100 %/125 %; 3840×2160 @ 100 %/200 %; 3840×1080 @ 100 %/125 %/150 %; 2560×1080 @ 100 %/125 %/150 %
Free Disk Space Minimum 15 GB on system drive and installation drive

Technical specifications of the FreeScan UE Nova

Scanning performance

Accuracy 0.072 mm
Volumetric Accuracy with VPG 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m
Flexible FOV Up to 2 600 × 2 200 mm
Resolution 0.5 ~ 10 mm
Scan Speed 4 600 000 points/s
Depth of Field 2 300 mm (300 ~ 2 600 mm)

Photogrammetry and scanning modes

Video Photogrammetry (VPG) Included (no coded markers required)
FOV Indicator of VPG Included
High-Speed Scan Included
Detailed Scan Included (support near mode)

Connectivity and physical

Connection Wireless & Wired mode (fibre optic)
Net Weight 1.6 kg

Certifications and compliance

Certifications CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE, KC, FDA, UKCA, IP50, TELEC, TiSAX
Acceptance Test VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3, ISO 10360 (certificated in ISO 17025 certificated accuracy lab)

Frequently Asked Questions — FreeScan UE Nova

What is the field of view and maximum scanning distance of FreeScan UE Nova?

FreeScan UE Nova provides an extra-large field of view of 2 600 × 2 200 mm and a maximum scanning distance of 2 600 mm, making it well suited for scanning heavy equipment, vehicles, and large infrastructure components.

Does FreeScan UE Nova require coded markers for scanning?

No. UE Nova uses Shining 3D's patented Video Photogrammetry (VPG) technology to scan most parts without coded markers. For very large surfaces, optional reference markers may improve accuracy, but they are not mandatory for standard workflows.

Can FreeScan UE Nova be used outdoors?

Yes. The scanner uses blue laser technology with low sensitivity to ambient light and surface reflectivity. Included lens filters further enhance outdoor performance, making it suitable for field work on construction sites, wind farms, and other open environments.

How long does the battery last in wireless mode?

Each battery provides approximately 1 hour of continuous wireless scanning. The batteries are hot-swappable, so you can replace them without powering down or interrupting your scan session.

What metrological standards does FreeScan UE Nova comply with?

The scanner is verified against VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3 and ISO 10360 in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited accuracy laboratory. It holds CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE, KC, FDA, UKCA, IP50, TELEC, and TiSAX certifications. Calibration certificates with full international traceability are provided.

What software is compatible with FreeScan UE Nova?

The free FreeScan software covers data acquisition and inspection. For reverse engineering, the scanner exports to EXModel and Geomagic Design X. For dimensional inspection, it integrates with Geomagic Control X, PolyWorks Inspector, and SHINING3D Inspect (PTB-certified).


Why choose EXPERT3D?

EXPERT3D has been supplying 3D scanning and additive manufacturing technology to professionals across Spain and Europe since 2012. Our team provides technical consultation before purchase, hands-on training, and ongoing after-sales support for every product we sell. Whether you need help selecting the right scanner for your application or require calibration verification down the line, we are here to help. Contact us for a personalised quote on the FreeScan UE Nova — competitive pricing and expert guidance included.

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