Faro Freestyle 2 review – handheld 3D scanner

Capture 3D data quickly

Today we are going to review the Faro Freestyle 2 3D scanner. . This 3D scanner is a highly versatile device used across a number of applications such as reverse engineering, crime scene evaluation and history preservation. This device is famous for effectively capturing crime scenes. But don’t get me wrong, it is not the only field it is preferred to use. 

As you may have guessed, this is not the first Faro Freestyle 3D scanner. Before the current model, Faro has released 3 predecessors:

• Freestyle3D
• Freestyle3D X
• Freestyle 3D Objects

Apart from being more advanced and up to date in today’s current 3D world climate, the Faro 2 freestyle excels further than its predecessors but being able to capture more 3D data at a wider range, more portabile, and as well as new technology making 3D scanning much more efficient.

In addition to this, it has many other useful features. Apart from its ease of use and accuracy, it is also lightweight with a wireless, compact design. This allows the user its user to easily capture 3D data in even the most  confined spaces.

As mentioned before, due to its ergonomic construction, It can be operated with one hand – giving the user freedom of movement.

What does the Freestyle 2 3D scanner have to offer us?

In the longest range (which is 10 m) Freestyle 2 is capable of 15 mm accuracy. When it comes to portability and inherent technology, this scanner outperforms previous models. It offers instant real-time visualizations with photorealistic scene documentation both in and outdoors.

The old Freestlye3D tripod shaped scanner

Also, they replaced the tripod look with a T-shape. This device is much more versatile, compact, and comfortable. It is lightweight and wireless. It doesn’t require targets and you can scan larger places, that might come handy sometimes. Thanks to its new features it can be used at more challenging places like reconstructions or crime and accident scenes.

Faro Freestyle’s 3D objects can be within the range of 0.4 to 10 meters. As we have already mentioned it is not limited to indoor usage. It can be used outdoors, such as in accidents, where we have the ability to scan larger objects like cars inside and out, or we can capture inside scenes.

Crashed Toyota with doors open

Freestyle 2 3D scanner uses integrated LED flesh as a light source. The exposure time is specified between 0.1 and 7 ms. It can be used day or nighttime, but it was originally designed for normally illuminated spaces. According to the official specifications, it works properly between 10,000 and 45,000 lux. So we can use it at night, but we’ll get the most out of it during daylight.

Besides, thanks to the built-in haptic feedback technology, we receive an alert when an adjustment is required, thus ensuring high-quality results.

FARO Freestyle 2 Handheld Scanner | Dive into the Applications

The scanning process is much simpler with the Freestyle 2 scanner than it used to be in the earlier versions as it does not require a laptop, computer, or tablet. It however requires a phone, which is a better option, but not the best in this price range. This makes the scanning smoother, and we can monitor our scan in real-time. The whole process is even easier by the fact that there is no need for calibration and there are literally no cables in our way. Eliminating these restrictions makes it easier for us to calculate the white balance and on-site compensation.

Faro Freestyle 2 3D scanner with some settings

It uses an infrared laser that projects a grid of 100 x 100 invisible dots onto the target, interpreted by two cameras built into the horizontal lobe of the device. Photorealistic images can be made in conjunction with the color capture camera.

There is a proprietary tracking engine that allows the users to move naturally during the work. The training mode provides us with integrated educational videos and a live display of data recording quality. These features make it possible even for untrained officers, workers, or other users to make their work easier.

Technical specs

In this section, we examine the features of the Freestyle 2 3D scanner and its system requirements. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not specified what phones are required for the scanning process, hence the PC requirements will be shown.

Competitors worth to mention

As for the Faro Freestyle 2 scanner price, there is no specific number yet. It is estimated between $10,000 and $50,000, which may vary by specification, country, and resellers. We made a little research, and you can request a quote or ask for help at Faro, or Laserscanning Europe. Some competitors might offer a good alternative for Freestyle 2.

EinScan 2X Plus has a scanner, which costs $ 6,899. According to your need, you can improve it to capture texture. Still, here you are tied to your laptop and the quality is not the best, but if you are interested in a cheap option, this might be the one.

HandySCAN Black from Creaform is a more serious machine, with a price range of $50,000 – $100,000, which is expensive. It offers really good quality, but it is wired, and you may still need targets.

Lastly, our absolute favorite, Artec Leo, worth the time to compare with other scanners.  It’s wireless, easy to scan with, professional, and provides high quality. You don’t even need a phone. The screen is built into the system where you can monitor your scan. It has a 256 GB SSD inside. You don’t just get the scanner, there is a whole computer inside it. It provides you with the best quality scanning, and for $25,800 it is a really good value for its price. It doesn’t require targets. It can be used in areas like reverse engineering, design, manufacturing, healthcare, science, education, or art, and it has many more useful features to help us and to provide us with the best possible outcome.