US-based B9 Creations just launched a new desktop 3D scanner with the speed and accuracy to tackle tough scan jobs of intricate jewelry, including heirloom replication, gemstone scanning, jewelry repair, and link replication.

B9 Scan 500 ($17,955) is B9 Creations’ second 3D scanner replacing the B9 Scan 350 from 2018, but they’ve been in the resin 3D printer business since 2005. Their high-resolution printers are popular among jewelry makers and dental professionals for their 0.015 – 0.025 mm resolution. So, it’s no surprise that the company branched out to 3D scanning since it’s often the first step in their customers’ process.

Through the end of February 2022, B9 Creations is offering $3,000 off the B9 Scan 500 as part of its AGTA trade show promotion, even if you’re not attending.

The B9 Scan 500, with its 1.3 megapixels camera, promises to replicate models within a 5-micron accuracy in about five minutes, while making the scanning process entirely automatic, yet customizable.

Comparing the new Scan 500 to the older Scan 350, you find the same camera resolution and scanning area. New on the Scan 500 is a complete redesign, new blue light capacity, and a higher (0.005 mm) accuracy than the Scan 350 (0.015 mm).

The Scan 500 uses structured LED light technology instead of laser technology. The 3D scanning range of this technology is limited to a few meters. Structured light technology uses light triangulation by projecting a pattern of light onto the object. Since the patterns can only be projected from one vantage point at a time, multiple 3D scans have to be combined to form a complete 360° model mesh. B9 circumvents this constraint with its motorized turntable rotating the object so 3D scans are stitched together automatically.

B9 Creations’ blue structured light technology is designed to perform well in changing ambient lighting conditions. Since the sensor works with narrowband blue light, interfering ambient light can be filtered out during image acquisition.

The scanner itself is bundled with Leios 2, the widely used software that enables you to edit your 3D scan. In the Leios software you can make desired changes, improvements, replicas, or customizations, as well as smooth surfaces, reconstruct damage, along with a range of other features for reverse engineering.