The Two Scanner Families
Both scanners use SICK's safeHDDM® — up to 88,000 pulses per revolution versus ~500 on standard laser scanners.
These pulses allow for very precise measured values that pass ambient light, dirt, dust or sparks, making them the most reliable scanners in the market.
Where they differ: the nanoScan3 offers a compact solution. The microScan3 offers range and network-flexibility.
nanoScan3: World's Lowest-Profile Safety Scanner
"Space is the constraint — this is the answer."
At 80mm tall, with a 107 mm x 118 mm footprint, you get safeHDDM reliability and complex features in a small form factor.
It’s your best solution for compact AMR’s or tight workcells.
microScan3: The Industrial Workhorse
"Where range and network integration matter most."
Both Core and Pro variants can protect up to 9 meters. microScans can connect with a wider variety of safe-network protocols.
Great for AGV’s that require larger ranges and direct integration with safe-PLCs.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Parameter | nanoScan3 | microScan3 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 80 mm Compact | 112 mm |
| Max Protective Range | 3 m | 4 m / 5.5 m / 9 m Longer Range (depends on variant) |
| Max Measurement Data Range | 27 m | 40 m / 64 m Longer Range (depends on variant) |
| Available OSSD Pairs | 0 (ethernet only variants) 1 / 2 (depends on I/O configuration) |
0 (ethernet only variants) 1 / 4 (depends on variant) More OSSDs |
| Available Protocols | Local I/O EFI-Pro CIP-Safety |
Local I/O EFI-Pro CIP-Safety PROFIsafe FSoE More Protocols |
| Scanning Range | 275° | |
| Max Number of Fields | 8 / 128 (depends on variant) | |
| Max Monitoring Cases | 4 / 8 / 128 (depends on variant) | |
| Response Time | ≥ 70 ms (depends on resolution settings) | |
Which Scanner Fits Which Application?
| Application | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small AMRs & mobile robots | nanoScan3 |
The 80mm profile fits where our larger scanners physically can't. EFI-pro connections provide reduced cabling and seamless safe-network data transfer. |
| Automotive manufacturing | microScan3 |
Longer range, multi-zone monitoring, and safeHDDM® false-trip resistance for facilities combining welding sparks, dust, steam, and variable lighting. |
| Stationary workcells | nanoScan3 |
Compact footprint for tight co-bot installations while retaining the ability to monitor protective fields, warning fields, and contour detection fields. |
| AGVs (large platforms) | microScan3 Pro |
Extended range and up to 128 configurable fields for complex navigation. Direct connection available with local I/O, CIP-Safety, PROFIsafe, and FSoE. |
| Food & packaging | Either — Application Dependent |
Both scanners can handle multi-zone protection at a variety of areas like stretch wrappers and palletizers, but the nanoScan3 is the better fit where mounting clearance is tight. |
The Short Version: How to Pick
If you're still working through the decision, these are the clearest selection signals.
The Only Elite Gold SICK Distributor on the West Coast
Elite Gold is the highest recognition SICK awards to a distributor. EandM is the only West Coast distributor to hold it — meaning deeper product expertise, local inventory, and support you can reach when a project is moving.
Offices in Healdsburg, Walnut Creek, Irvine, Portland, and Seattle. Serving manufacturers, OEMs, and machine builders in CA, OR, and WA since 1955.
Learn more about the nanoScan3 and microScan3 in the video here.
Not sure which scanner fits your application?
Talk to an EandM SICK product specialist — we'll work through the selection, confirm inventory, and get you a fast quote.
