With the delivery of the new THREE to Kickstarter backers, Matter and Form has achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of 3D scanning equipment. Instead of relying solely on static hardware solutions as before, the company pursues a forward-thinking concept in which hardware and software are dynamically developed further. The result is a scanner whose image quality impresses right from the first use – and which can continuously improve over time. We tested the THREE 3D scanner and would like to share our experiences, highlighting why a long list of product features often becomes secondary in real-world applications.
Matter and Form, founded in 2013, is a dedicated Canadian company specializing in the development and manufacturing of 3D scanners. According to the company, customer focus is always a top priority, which is reflected in the practical, creative orientation of their product lineup. The company’s latest 3D scanner, the THREE, is said to combine high precision, great flexibility, and particularly easy operation in a compact, fully standalone device.
Thanks to integrated software and its own processing power, no additional installation on a computer is required. The scanner can be operated directly via any modern web browser – whether on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. Internet access is not necessary, as the THREE operates as a standalone system and stores all scans internally. This also alleviates potential privacy concerns associated with cloud solutions.
Furthermore, the THREE is reportedly capable of capturing a wide range of object sizes – from tiny coins to large car parts. The ChromaSpec™ technology covers the full color spectrum, often eliminating the need for scanning sprays. Despite metrological accuracy, the scanner is easy to operate, enabling even students to achieve their first results within minutes.
Accuracy and Resolution (depending on object distance)
- Distance 220 mm: Z-accuracy 33 microns, resolution 37 microns
- Distance 400 mm: Z-accuracy 150 microns, resolution 65 microns
- Distance 700 mm: Z-accuracy 400 microns, resolution 114 microns
- Minimum detectable detail size: 0.2 mm
- Maximum object size: 2 m
- Working distance: 200 mm to 800 mm
Technical Features
Technically, the THREE scanner works with structured light projection. A DLP projector projects a specific pattern onto the object to be scanned, while a Sony stereo camera with 13 megapixels captures the geometry and distances of the object via single scans. A unique feature is the software-controlled focusable cameras, which are calibrated during setup and can exceptionally capture small and even slightly reflective objects. The built-in components – CPU, GPU, and internal storage – allow for direct data processing within the device itself, without requiring a specialized computer or specific operating system. A modern web browser is sufficient to operate the scanner independently of Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

Moreover, no additional software installation or cloud service is needed, eliminating ongoing costs such as licenses or subscriptions. The company also promises regular updates and improvements to the integrated software to continuously enhance the scanner’s performance.

System Specifications in Detail
- Technology: Stereo camera with structured light and focusable cameras
- CPU: Quad-core 64-bit SoC (1.5 GHz) with integrated GPU
- RAM: 4 GB
- Internal storage: 16 GB
- Projector: DLP MEMS mirror
- Camera sensor: Sony 13 megapixels
- Scan speed: approx. 4 seconds per scan
- Processing time: approx. 10–15 seconds
- Alignment: Automatic or by point selection
- Scan modes: Automatic turntable, single scan, free space scan
- Environment: Indoor (or shaded outdoor areas)
- Texture/color capture: Yes
- Weight: approx. 709 g
- Dimensions: 251 mm x 119 mm x 31 mm
Compatibility and Connectivity
- Supported operating systems: Any with a modern web browser (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS)
- Supported devices: Any device capable of running a modern web browser (PC, tablet, smartphone)
- API access: Yes, including proprietary API
- Open-source support: Yes
- Edge computing (user programming directly on the device): Yes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, hotspot
- Output formats: OBJ, PLY, XYZ, GLTF, DAE, STL, FBX
Expandability and API
THREE offers developers, tinkerers, and vision experts an integrated, freely usable API to implement their own computer vision or automation projects. Supported by open documentation and example projects on GitHub, getting started with custom extensions is made significantly easier.
Flexible Project Management
Another major advantage of THREE is the ability to download projects locally, reload them later, and re-edit them. This allows users to refine their scans in external image editing software and then re-import the improved or modified project data into the scanner. This not only enables continuous quality improvement of individual scans but also allows older projects to benefit from future software updates. Overall, this creates an extremely flexible workflow that clearly surpasses conventional, rigid competing products.
Setup and Testing
The device arrives securely packed in a robust transport case, which includes the scanner itself, a turntable, calibration cards, and the necessary cables. Getting started is incredibly simple: after powering on, the DLP projector displays a local web address that the user can connect to via Wi-Fi.


List of Included Items
- THREE scanner with wireless antenna
- Wired turntable with silicone mat (supports up to approx. 9 kg)
- Premium mini tripod with flexible legs
- Premium carrying case
- Large calibration card
- Small calibration card
- Calibration card holder
- 12V 5A power supply with approx. 3 m cable
- International power adapter plugs



The scanner connects to the turntable via a magnetic plug, enabling fully automated 360° scans in up to 24 single steps. The Matter and Form THREE uses structured light projection, which often struggles with transparent, reflective, or black surfaces in many scanners. While these issues can often be resolved using scan spray, our tests showed that even when scanning a reflective coin, the spray was unnecessary. This is a result of the software-controlled focusable cameras.
Software and Operation
In the browser, brightness, exposure intensity, and resolution can be easily adjusted, and the turntable can be calibrated using a calibration card. A short tutorial provides a straightforward introduction to operating the device.
The integrated software is user-friendly and offers both automatic and manual alignment options for scans. The interface is intuitive, and the functionality is likely more than sufficient for most users.
After a short time, you’re ready to scan your first object. The scanner’s internal processor handles the data processing, allowing operation even with lower-powered hardware. However, depending on the data volume and resolution, processing may take a few minutes, although it remains within an acceptable range.
In our tests, we successfully digitized a variety of small and medium-sized objects without the use of scan spray, including a heavily worn coin in impressive detail. The entire process was very straightforward.
For larger objects, however, more effort is required as the scanner cannot be used as a handheld device. Instead, it must be manually repositioned for different views. For objects over 60 cm, the system reaches practical limitations. While the maximum size of 2 m specified in the technical data is theoretically possible at lower resolution, the optimal working range currently remains for objects under approximately 60 cm. Whether this can be further optimized through future updates or limited by the device’s storage capacity remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The Matter and Form THREE impresses with a well-thought-out overall concept: beginners and professional users alike receive a high-precision, user-friendly scanner that eliminates the need for expensive additional hardware. Despite some limitations with larger scans, the device offers excellent value for money in its price range. Matter and Form also demonstrates, through fast firmware updates and support, a commitment to continuously improving their scanner. For small to medium-sized objects such as jewelry, models, or technical components, it delivers outstanding results in the price range under €2,500.
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