Bambu Lab has officially teased its first 3D scanner, the S1, ahead of a planned release in November 2026. The announcement marks the company’s entry into a specialized market that has historically been dominated by niche brands. While specific technical details remain under wraps, recent regulatory filings and a strategic partnership with SCANOLOGY provide the first tangible insights into the device’s potential capabilities and pricing strategy.
FCC filings reveal hardware specifications
Speculation regarding the S1’s design has intensified following the discovery of FCC filings on Bambu Lab’s own forums. These documents include a label and technical drawing of the scanner, offering a glimpse into its physical form and power requirements. The label indicates a 60W-rated input, a figure that has led industry observers to draw comparisons with existing high-end hardware.
The 60W power rating aligns with the specifications of SCANOLOGY’s 3DeVOK MT Gen2, a wired composite 3D scanner released in 2026. The 3DeVOK MT Gen2 utilizes both blue and IR lasers and carries the same 60W input rating. While the power consumption does not definitively prove that Bambu Lab and SCANOLOGY share the same internal platform, it suggests a similar level of processing power and laser complexity. The presence of a flat spot on the top of the handle in the FCC drawings further hints at the inclusion of a display screen, mirroring the design language of the 3DeVOK MT Gen2.
One significant detail from the filings is the absence of any battery indicators on the label. This omission leads to the possibility that the S1 may require a direct connection to a personal computer to operate. Such a design choice would distinguish it from many portable consumer scanners, potentially imposing a requirement for users to have a powerful laptop or a long USB cable to facilitate the intensive data processing involved in 3D scanning.
Partnership with SCANOLOGY and market positioning
Bambu Lab’s framework agreement with SCANOLOGY serves as a critical indicator of the S1’s intended market position. SCANOLOGY is known for producing professional-grade scanning equipment, with the 3DeVOK MT Gen2 currently priced at $8,299. This price point places it firmly in the enterprise and high-end professional sector, far removed from the typical consumer electronics market.
If the S1 shares significant technology with the 3DeVOK MT Gen2, it could inherit a similarly high price tag. However, Bambu Lab has built its reputation on offering accessible, consumer-friendly 3D printers. A direct technological overlap with a nearly $9,000 device would be unusual for the brand unless the S1 is positioned as a premium prosumer tool. The company may be aiming to bridge the gap between affordable desktop printers and expensive industrial scanners, though the exact pricing remains undisclosed.
The 3D scanning market is currently served by a mix of specialized manufacturers. Brands such as Creality offer the CR-Scan line, while Revopoint provides the Pop series and the MIRACO all-in-one scanner. SHINING3D also competes in this space with its Einstar prosumer-level scanner. These devices cater to a diverse range of applications, including game asset creation, archaeology, prosthetics, and museum archiving. The rise of 3D printing has further driven demand for reverse engineering automotive parts and other niche components.
Despite the growing interest in 3D printing, scanning remains a technical hurdle for many enthusiasts. The process often requires powerful PCs and intensive cleanup in CAD programs to resurface models. Bambu Lab’s entry into this space could signal an effort to simplify these workflows, potentially leveraging its existing software ecosystem to make scanning more accessible to its large user base.
The S1 is scheduled for release in November 2026, giving Bambu Lab ample time to refine the device and finalize its partnership details with SCANOLOGY. Until then, the 60W rating and the SCANOLOGY connection remain the primary sources of information for consumers and industry analysts tracking the company’s expansion into 3D scanning.
Source: Tom’s Hardware
