3DUNDERWORLD-SLS vs MeshInspector

3DUNDERWORLD-SLS is a free Linux project that reconstructs point clouds from camera image sequences illuminated by patterned light. Its structured-light process has CPU and GPU implementations, and the command-line program can save reconstructed models as PLY or OBJ files. Version 4.x requires two or more cameras and provides a generic camera interface that programmers can extend. Camera acquisition is not implemented, so users must supply a camera class through the provided interfaces. The project accepts camera image folders, calibration files, and a patterned-light projector as inputs. It does not provide real-time capture or mesh reconstruction. Libraries are included for integration into other projects, with CPU and GPU examples, and an API was included in OpenCV 3.1 for a stereo approach using time-multiplexing Gray encoding. The repository supplies demo binaries, example data, and CMake build instructions. Dependencies are OpenCV 2, CUDA 6.0 or later, and glm. CUDA detection enables CPU and GPU constructors; without CUDA, only the CPU constructor is generated.

MeshInspector processes 3D data for mesh repair, scan transformation, and quality inspection in printing, simulation, and manufacturing workflows. It handles meshes, point clouds, volumetric data, lines, distance maps, and G-code, and supports model import and export. Tools include STL editing and repair, mesh conversion, inspection measurements, distance comparisons, segmentation, and CT/MRI scan inspection.

The free Community plan includes viewing, basic mesh and point-cloud editing, basic repair, and measurements. Makers costs $300 a year per user and adds one-click repair, advanced editing, basic inspection, and alignment tools. Professional costs $790 a year per user and adds batch repair, lattice generation, point-cloud and CT/MRI-to-mesh workflows, QC reports, advanced measurements, and Python automation. Its 30-day Professional trial does not require a credit card; afterward, the account moves to Community. Web files are processed and stored in browser local memory, while desktop files are handled and stored locally. The product describes workflows for engineers, service bureaus, dental labs, and scanning professionals.