FreeScan Combo vs Combo+: Which Metrology Workflow Fits?
FreeScan Combo and FreeScan Combo+ share the same published laser accuracy, volumetric accuracy, fine-scan mode, deep-pocket line, infrared mode, and compact 620 g body. Choose Combo for localized inspection at moderate throughput; choose Combo+ when its 50-line capture, larger field of view, and faster acquisition remove a recurring coverage bottleneck.
The names make these scanners sound like two accuracy grades. They are not. SHINING 3D publishes the same best-case laser accuracy and volumetric accuracy for both models. The main choice is how much surface each pass can cover and how quickly the operator can collect it.
What is different between FreeScan Combo and FreeScan Combo+?
FreeScan Combo uses 26 crossed laser lines and a maximum 520 x 510 mm field of view. Combo+ expands the high-speed mode to 50 lines, a 600 x 600 mm field of view, and up to 3,600,000 points per second. Their published laser accuracy and fine-detail modes remain the same.
| Decision variable | FreeScan Combo | FreeScan Combo+ |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed blue-laser mode | 26 crossed lines | 50 crossed lines |
| Maximum field of view | 520 x 510 mm | 600 x 600 mm |
| Maximum laser scan speed | Up to 1,860,000 points/s | Up to 3,600,000 points/s |
| Fine scan | 7 parallel laser lines | 7 parallel laser lines |
| Deep-pocket capture | 1 blue laser line | 1 blue laser line |
| Markerless mode | Infrared VCSEL | Infrared VCSEL |
| Published laser accuracy | Up to 0.02 mm | Up to 0.02 mm |
| Published volumetric accuracy | 0.02 + 0.033 mm/m | 0.02 + 0.033 mm/m |
| Scanner weight | 620 g | 620 g |
Specifications are manufacturer-published maximums or best-case values and depend on scan mode, setup, surface, calibration, environment, and processing choices. Confirm the current specification and suitability for the required tolerance before purchase.
Which FreeScan Combo model fits the inspection workload?
Choose from the recurring part mix, required coverage, and inspection cadence, not the larger model name. Combo is the practical fit for localized features and moderate scan volume. Combo+ becomes easier to justify when operators repeatedly cover broad surfaces, process many parts, or need shorter acquisition windows between production events.
FreeScan Combo is usually the better fit when:
- the measurement area is localized on machined, cast, molded, or fabricated components;
- seven-line fine scan and the single deep-pocket line do most of the important work;
- inspection cadence is moderate and high-speed coverage is not the limiting step;
- the team wants the lower-cost path into the same published laser accuracy class.
FreeScan Combo+ earns attention when:
- large castings, dies, fixtures, weldments, or vehicle panels dominate the workload;
- the operator must cover broad surfaces before a press, cell, or machine returns to service;
- higher capture speed reduces labor, exposure time, or production interruption;
- the 600 x 600 mm field of view helps maintain efficient tracking over larger regions.
A sales comparison should therefore include representative part dimensions, surface finish, smallest relevant feature, tolerance band, inspection frequency, and the time currently spent on data acquisition. Without those inputs, the speed difference is just a brochure number.
How should reflective machined parts be scanned?
Start with the blue-laser mode, controlled ambient light, a stable marker layout, and a clean calibrated scanner. Blue laser improves capture on many dark or reflective surfaces, but it does not eliminate every surface problem. Test the actual alloy, finish, geometry, and cleanliness before approving spray or changing the inspection method.
The FreeScan Combo series provides three useful capture paths:
- High-speed crossed lines for broad surface coverage.
- Seven parallel lines for fine features and tighter point spacing.
- One laser line for narrow recesses and deep pockets where a wide pattern cannot maintain line of sight.
Infrared VCSEL mode can reduce marker preparation on feature-rich geometry, but markerless convenience should not be confused with validated measurement performance. If the task is dimensional inspection, verify the chosen mode against the tolerance, feature size, datum plan, and repeatability requirement.
What makes a FreeScan Combo result usable for inspection?
A dense point cloud is not an inspection result. A defensible workflow connects calibration status, environmental controls, datum strategy, scan coverage, alignment method, software settings, uncertainty, and acceptance criteria. Validate the complete process on representative parts before using a color map or dimensional report to release production hardware.
- Define the decision. State the feature, tolerance, datum reference frame, sampling requirement, and acceptance rule.
- Control the setup. Stabilize the part, verify temperature needs, calibrate as required, and keep the scanner within its working range.
- Select the capture mode. Use high-speed lines for coverage, fine scan for critical detail, and the single line for occluded recesses.
- Plan overlap and tracking. Avoid weak marker geometry, abrupt orientation changes, and long featureless regions that can degrade registration.
- Inspect raw coverage. Identify holes, edge noise, motion artifacts, glare, and uncertain regions before meshing.
- Align to the inspection intent. A best fit can hide a datum-related problem. Use the alignment method required by the drawing and quality plan.
- Verify the result. Repeat representative scans and compare critical results with an appropriate reference method.
- Preserve evidence. Record the scanner, calibration state, software version, mode, point spacing, alignment, operator, environment, and report revision.
NIST explains that metrological traceability is a property of a measurement result established through a documented, unbroken calibration chain with stated uncertainties. Owning a scanner with a published accuracy figure does not by itself make every result traceable. The result must be supported by the complete measurement process.
For more workflow detail, see the industrial 3D scanning and inspection workflow, review the FreeScan Combo machined-part quality-control guide, browse the SHINING 3D industrial scanner portfolio, or compare current configurations on the FreeScan Combo Series product page.
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeScan Combo+ more accurate than FreeScan Combo?
No. SHINING 3D publishes the same laser accuracy of up to 0.02 mm and the same volumetric accuracy of 0.02 + 0.033 mm/m for both models. Combo+ primarily increases coverage and capture speed through 50 crossed laser lines and a larger maximum field of view.
Does FreeScan Combo need markers?
The blue-laser modes use markers for tracking. The infrared VCSEL mode supports markerless scanning on feature-rich objects. For dimensional inspection, validate the selected mode, tracking method, and complete workflow against the required tolerance and repeatability.
Can FreeScan Combo scan reflective metal?
Its blue-laser modes are designed to improve capture on many dark and reflective surfaces. Actual results still depend on alloy, finish, geometry, cleanliness, ambient light, and required detail. Test the representative part and use scanning spray only when the material and process explicitly allow it.
When is FreeScan Combo+ worth the price difference?
Combo+ is easier to justify when its 50-line mode, 600 x 600 mm maximum field of view, and higher published scan speed reduce recurring labor or production interruption. For localized inspection at moderate volume, Combo may deliver the required measurement capability with a lower equipment investment.
How should the final choice be verified?
Run the decision against a representative part and acceptance requirement. Confirm surface capture, critical feature coverage, datum alignment, repeatability, processing time, report output, operator effort, and the workstation needed for the expected data volume. The right model is the one that closes the documented workflow gap without buying unused throughput.
Get a FreeScan Combo or Combo+ recommendation for your parts
Sources
- SHINING 3D FreeScan Combo Series product specifications
- SHINING 3D FreeScan Combo+ scan-parameter documentation
- SHINING 3D FreeScan Combo Series system requirements
- NIST metrological traceability policy and guidance
Â