First impressions: Testing the new Elegoo M1 Ultra 3D Scanner

With 0.02 mm precision, five distinct scanning modes, and the ability to capture dark or metallic surfaces without messy coating powders, the Elegoo M1 Ultra could be a highly capable tool for professional 3D workflows.

The Elegoo M1 Ultra is designed to be a versatile, all-in-one solution for high-precision 3D scanning projects. Picture: Elegoo

I received the Elegoo M1 Ultra this week for testing, and it looks like the company is making a serious push into the professional scanning market. While many people know Elegoo for its 3D printers, the M1 Ultra all-in-one smart scanner suggests it’s trying to bridge the gap between physical objects and digital models for more serious applications like reverse engineering and digital archiving.

Hardware and handling 

The M1 Ultra comes in a protective hard-shell case that includes the scanner, a spare battery, and necessary tools like a mini-tripod, a calibration board, and reflective markers. Picture: Noel Campion

The scanner and all its accessories arrived in a military-style protective hard case with soft foam cut precisely to fit the scanner and all attachments. The first thing I noticed when unboxing the scanner was the handheld design. It feels sturdy and well-balanced. The 3-inch HD touchscreen is a smart addition, letting you operate the unit on the go without constantly glancing at a computer screen to adjust settings.

It features Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and swappable 4,800 mAh batteries. Swappable batteries let you keep scanning longer without being tethered to a power outlet.

Versatile scanning modes 

The variety in the scanning modes seems to be a core focus here. The M1 Ultra offers five different ways to capture data. It has a 34-line blue laser mode for larger objects, a 7-line mode for fine details, and a single-line mode for reaching into deep holes or narrow gaps.

For those interested in organic shapes, it also has an infrared structured light mode for faces and bodies. This variety means the scanner could potentially replace several specialised tools in a workshop. One feature that might make my life easier is the ability to scan black and metallic surfaces without spraying them with a coating powder. If this works as promised, it removes a significant amount of messy prep work.

Accuracy and the digital workflow 

The Elegoo M1 Ultra comes with two swappable 4,800 mAh batteries and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, supporting up to 1.5 hours of wireless scanning. Picture: Noel Campion

Accuracy is where the real test will lie. Elegoo is claiming up to 0.02 mm precision with the blue laser mode. I plan to test this against known, calibrated parts to see whether it lives up to that metrology-grade claim in a real workshop environment.

The 24-bit full-colour texture mapping is another feature I am keen to try. Capturing the geometry is one thing, but matching the visual appearance perfectly is what makes a digital twin useful.

The Elegoo Scan software manages the workflow, taking the user from a raw scan to a usable 3D model with minimal friction. It handles tasks like mesh wrapping and colour mapping automatically. Exporting in STL, OBJ, PLY, and ASC formats means you can bring the data straight into my usual design tools without a struggle.

I have only just started my initial testing, so I cannot give a definitive verdict just yet. I want to see how it handles complex geometries and various lighting conditions in a real-world setting. I'll return with a full, detailed review in the coming weeks once I have put it through its paces.

Pricing and availability 

The M1 Ultra is currently priced at €1,699, but you can save if you plan to buy soon. Order before 12 November to take advantage of the early bird price of €1,599. Elegoo