Originally published in 2020. Updated July 2025 for context.
The North Forge Fabrication Lab™ continues to expand its state-of-the-art equipment to support the next generation of innovators. One of the latest additions to the lab’s lineup is the Calibry 3D Scanner, a powerful handheld scanning tool designed for precise, professional-grade 3D modeling.
This technology is changing how startups, designers, and engineers digitize physical objects, and it’s now available to all FabLab members as part of their membership.
Professional-Grade Scanning Made Accessible
The Calibry 3D Scanner is intuitive, portable, and incredibly versatile. It can capture detailed scans of medium to large objects — from human faces and body parts to car engines and entire vehicles. It’s especially popular in industries like:
Healthcare (orthopedics and prosthetics)
Automotive (custom parts and restoration)
Design and sculpture (capturing complex curvatures and textures)
The scanner converts real-world objects into digital 3D models ranging in size from 20 cm to 10 m, with an impressive accuracy of 0.1 mm and a resolution of 0.3 mm. This enables North Forge members to generate CAD files that can be used for 3D printing or CNC machining.
Designed for Innovation
The scanner’s built-in touchscreen allows users to monitor scan progress in real-time, while its software transforms raw data into ready-to-use 3D models. Features include:
Mesh simplification
Texture mapping
Hole filling
Brightness and sensitivity adjustments for hard-to-scan surfaces
Whether you’re building medical prototypes or reverse-engineering industrial components, the Calibry offers the flexibility and precision you need.
Tested and Proven by North Forge
Before making the purchase, North Forge conducted months of in-house testing to ensure the Calibry scanner would meet the needs of the local startup and advanced manufacturing community. The results exceeded expectations, earning it a permanent place in the FabLab’s equipment portfolio.
Members can access the scanner onsite or borrow it for use at their worksite or business, provided they complete the required training. All training is provided by North Forge staff to ensure safe, proper use of the equipment.
You can explore the scanner’s performance and testing articles on Fabbaloo, a respected publication in the additive manufacturing space.
Ready to Try It?
Whether you’re scanning a prototype, capturing complex design details, or preparing for precision CNC work, the Calibry 3D Scanner is here to elevate your work.
Become a North Forge FabLab member today and access advanced tools like the Calibry Scanner.
