FreeScan UE Nova
From $17,999.00
View FreeScan UE Nova
FreeScan UE Nova vs UE Pro2 for Large Parts
| Planning item | FreeScan UE Nova | FreeScan UE Pro2 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Wide-area large-part capture | Portable high-detail metrology |
| Maximum field of view | 2600 x 2200 mm | 600 x 550 mm |
| Published scan accuracy | 0.072 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Published volumetric accuracy with VPG | 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m | 0.02 + 0.015 mm/m |
| Maximum scan speed | 4,600,000 points/s | 3,460,000 points/s |
| Included software | FreeScan Trak Software | FreeScan Software |
| Current platform guidance | Windows 11 Pro 22H2, 64-bit; macOS not listed | Windows 11 Pro 22H2, 64-bit; macOS not listed |
Large-part scanning becomes expensive when the operator spends more time repositioning, rebuilding alignment, or rescanning missed geometry than collecting useful data. FreeScan UE Nova and FreeScan UE Pro2 approach that problem from different directions.
The FreeScan UE Nova large-part scanner from SKYLAB3D uses an extra-wide field of view and long working range to cover broad surfaces. The FreeScan UE Pro2 portable metrology scanner from SKYLAB3D trades that reach for finer point spacing, tighter published accuracy, and a lighter handheld package. The right choice depends on the part envelope, smallest required feature, tolerance band, access, and expected inspection output.
Start with the part, not the scanner price
| Production condition | Start with | Reason | Verify before purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck body, railcar, vessel section, or very large casting | FreeScan UE Nova | Up to 2600 x 2200 mm field of view and working distance up to 2600 mm reduce passes across broad surfaces | Required local detail, marker plan, access, and volumetric acceptance |
| Die, mold, medium casting, or machined assembly with fine features | FreeScan UE Pro2 | 0.02 mm published scan accuracy, fine-scan mode, and point spacing down to 0.01 mm support tighter local detail | Part size, accumulated error, photogrammetry plan, and feature accessibility |
| Mixed program with large surfaces and small critical features | Application test required | The broadest coverage and the finest local result come from different hardware strengths | Run both workflows on the same part and inspect the same characteristics |
Send the part envelope and tolerance before choosing
Include overall dimensions, material and finish, smallest required feature, tolerance band, datum scheme, indoor or field conditions, and the final inspection or CAD deliverable. SKYLAB3D can use those details to plan a controlled comparison.
Compare the published hardware around the job
| Specification | FreeScan UE Nova | FreeScan UE Pro2 | Planning meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum field of view | 2600 x 2200 mm | 600 x 550 mm | Nova covers large surfaces with fewer passes; Pro2 works closer to the part |
| Working range | 300 to 2600 mm across Near, Standard, and Far modes | 300 mm in 50-line and 7-line modes; 200 mm in single-line mode | Nova gives more standoff flexibility around large assets |
| Published scan accuracy | 0.072 mm | 0.02 mm | Pro2 is the stronger starting point for smaller tolerances, subject to a complete uncertainty study |
| Published volumetric accuracy with VPG | 0.072 + 0.012 mm/m | 0.02 + 0.015 mm/m | Use the actual part length and acceptance requirement in the evaluation |
| Maximum scan speed | 4,600,000 points/s | 3,460,000 points/s | Point rate alone does not predict total cycle time |
| Resolution or point spacing | 0.5 to 10 mm resolution | 0.01 to 10 mm point distance | Pro2 can preserve smaller local features; Nova prioritizes broad coverage |
| Scanner weight | 1.6 kg | 0.95 kg | Consider scan duration, reach, battery changes, and operator posture |
| Connection | Wireless or wired fiber-optic mode | Wireless or wired mode | Test the intended router, cable route, and jobsite interference |
These numbers describe different instruments under defined manufacturer test conditions. They do not prove that a scan will meet a drawing tolerance on a production part. Fixturing, surface condition, reference strategy, temperature, operator method, alignment, software, and the acceptance rule remain part of the measurement result.
Both have VPG, but the scanning workflow is different
Both systems use integrated video photogrammetry to control scale over a larger working volume without a separate coded-target photo session. That shared feature does not make them interchangeable.
FreeScan UE Nova uses its own wide-area capture system, a calibration rod, and marker-supported scanning to cover large geometry from greater distance. FreeScan UE Pro2 combines 50-line fast scanning, seven-line fine scanning, and a single line for recessed features. Its photogrammetry mode supports larger assemblies, while the closer working distance and finer point spacing remain useful when the part contains edges, pockets, ribs, and local details that must be evaluated separately.
For either scanner, document marker spacing, the number of visible markers, photogrammetry coverage, global-marker optimization, and the alignment used in the final inspection. Repeating the same workflow on the same part is more useful than comparing point counts in isolation.
The included software is part of the decision
FreeScan UE Nova includes FreeScan Trak Software. It handles device setup, scan capture, intelligent resolution, marker-data quality review, mesh processing, and the integrated inspection module described on the current manufacturer page.
FreeScan UE Pro2 includes FreeScan Software through the supplied hardware dongle. It supports device control, live mesh display, reusable scanning templates, data-quality visualization, feature recognition, mesh generation, basic measurement, and a quick on-site inspection workflow.
Shining 3D Inspect, PolyWorks Inspector, Geomagic Control X, EXModel Pro, and other downstream applications can extend inspection or reverse-engineering work. They are separate unless the SKYLAB3D quote or configured bundle says they are included. Confirm CAD formats, GD&T tools, report templates, automation, and license terms before purchase.
Plan a Windows workstation for either system
Current official guidance for both scanners lists Windows 11 Professional 22H2, 64-bit, with an NVIDIA discrete GPU. macOS is not listed as supported for either system, so buyers should not plan a native Mac workflow.
| Component | Recommended baseline | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Professional 22H2, 64-bit | macOS is not listed as supported |
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H or above | Higher CPU performance improves processing speed |
| Memory | 64 GB DDR5 dual-channel or above | Large scans can require more working memory |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU or above | A discrete NVIDIA GPU is required by current guidance |
| Video memory | 8 GB or above | Confirm the exact GPU, not only the computer model name |
| Interface | USB 3.0; verify Ethernet and router needs for the selected workflow | Test the complete connection path before deployment |
These are current recommended configurations, not a permanent compatibility promise. SKYLAB3D should verify the scanner, software release, GPU, driver, network hardware, and dataset size on the final workstation configuration.
Where each system fits in a large-part program
FreeScan UE Nova: broad coverage and long standoff
Nova is the practical starting point when the operator must cover truck compartments, rail equipment, vessel sections, turbines, vehicle bodies, or very large castings. Its value is reducing moves and maintaining a usable field of view when access around the asset is limited. Review SKYLAB3D's FreeScan UE Nova body-in-white inspection workflow for a production example.
FreeScan UE Pro2: portable detail and closer inspection
UE Pro2 is the stronger starting point for dies, molds, medium castings, machined assemblies, and mixed-detail work where the operator needs fine mode, deep-feature access, or a lighter handheld unit. It can handle large parts with VPG, but it does not provide Nova's 2.6 m field of view or standoff.
Neither replaces a validated gauge plan. A tracker system, touch probe, CMM, laser tracker, or dedicated gauge may be better for inaccessible datums, contact characteristics, very tight tolerances, or automated repeatability. Use SKYLAB3D's industrial 3D scanning and inspection planning page and the industrial scanner portfolio by application to compare the broader measurement path.
Use one acceptance test for both scanners
- Choose a representative production part, including its normal finish and contamination state.
- Identify the exact drawing characteristics, datums, tolerance band, and report format.
- Use the intended workstation, connection method, markers, fixtures, and surface-preparation policy.
- Measure the same critical features with both candidate workflows.
- Repeat the scan with the intended operator group and compare repeatability.
- Verify the result against a trusted reference method and record the uncertainty contributors.
- Compare total cycle time, including setup, repositioning, rescans, processing, inspection, and reporting.
NIST guidance on dimensional traceability for 3D imaging focuses on the measurement chain, procedures, calibrated references, and uncertainty. Scanner accuracy is one input to that system, not the whole result.
Remote onboarding and application support can be included in the configured package. On-site training is available plus travel expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Which scanner is better for very large parts?
FreeScan UE Nova is usually the better starting point for very large surfaces because its field of view reaches 2600 x 2200 mm and its working distance reaches 2600 mm. FreeScan UE Pro2 is better suited to closer-range work where finer detail and tighter published accuracy matter. A sample-part test should confirm the choice.
Which scanner has the tighter published accuracy?
FreeScan UE Pro2 lists 0.02 mm scan accuracy, while FreeScan UE Nova lists 0.072 mm. Those values do not guarantee a production result. Part size, surface, marker layout, temperature, alignment, inspection software, and measurement uncertainty still affect acceptance.
What software is included?
FreeScan UE Nova includes FreeScan Trak Software. FreeScan UE Pro2 includes FreeScan Software through the supplied dongle. Advanced inspection and reverse-engineering applications are separate unless the SKYLAB3D quote or bundle lists them.
Do FreeScan UE Nova and FreeScan UE Pro2 support macOS?
Current official workstation guidance lists Windows 11 Professional 22H2, 64-bit, and an NVIDIA discrete graphics card for both systems. macOS is not listed as supported, so buyers should not plan a native Mac workflow.
Can both scanners work without cables?
Yes. Both support wireless scanning, and both have wired options for setup or field conditions that make wireless use impractical. Verify router requirements, power, battery changes, interference, and the full connection path during the application test.
Test coverage and detail on the same part
A useful demo should reproduce the part envelope, surface, local features, tolerance, workstation, connection method, and final deliverable expected in production.
Technical sources
Scanners discussed in this guide
FreeScan UE Pro2
$24,999.00
View FreeScan UE Pro2Frequently asked questions
Which scanner is better for very large parts?
FreeScan UE Nova is usually the better starting point for very large surfaces because its field of view reaches 2600 x 2200 mm and its working distance reaches 2600 mm. FreeScan UE Pro2 is better suited to closer-range work where finer detail and tighter published accuracy matter. A sample-part test should confirm the choice.
Which scanner has the tighter published accuracy?
FreeScan UE Pro2 lists 0.02 mm scan accuracy, while FreeScan UE Nova lists 0.072 mm. Those values do not guarantee a production result. Part size, surface, marker layout, temperature, alignment, inspection software, and measurement uncertainty still affect acceptance.
What software is included?
FreeScan UE Nova includes FreeScan Trak Software. FreeScan UE Pro2 includes FreeScan Software through the supplied dongle. Advanced inspection and reverse-engineering applications are separate unless the SKYLAB3D quote or bundle lists them.
Do FreeScan UE Nova and FreeScan UE Pro2 support macOS?
Current official workstation guidance lists Windows 11 Professional 22H2, 64-bit, and an NVIDIA discrete graphics card for both systems. macOS is not listed as supported, so buyers should not plan a native Mac workflow.
Can both scanners work without cables?
Yes. Both support wireless scanning, and both have wired options for setup or field conditions that make wireless use impractical. Verify router requirements, power, battery changes, interference, and the full connection path during the application test.