Are you on the search for a professional 3D scanner for work and don’t know where to start? With so many options available, it can be quite an overwhelming experience.
There are several factors to consider in figuring out which 3D scanner is right for you.
But first things first—decide what you want to accomplish.
“If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it’s difficult to know—and get—what you need to produce the right results.”
— From the article, How To Ensure Your 3D Scanner Becomes A Return on Investment (ROI)?
The good news is that all the decisions you need to make are driven by your use case (your application and user requirements). Once you know that, it is relatively easy to find the best 3D scanner that’s right for you.
To help you determine which 3D scanner is right for you, start by asking yourself these key questions.
Which 3D Scanner Is Right For You Questionnaire
Let us eliminate the guesswork for you! Simply fill out this short questionnaire and our 3D scanning specialist will personally review your answers and email you the results. After filling out the questionnaire, you’ll immediately get access to our 3D scanner buyer’s guide (PDF).
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What Is Your Application?
A 3D scanner is a device that creates a digital twin (or 3D model) of a physical object. Each system has its strengths and limitations, which is why clearly defining your application is so important. Your application determines the level of accuracy, resolution, and detail you need. For example, scanning a highly detailed organic object like a skull requires capturing fine textures and complex geometry, while scanning a large industrial part may prioritize speed and overall dimensions over intricate detail.
By understanding what you plan to scan and how you’ll use the data—whether for reverse engineering, inspection, design, or visualization—you can narrow down the right scanning technology and features, ensuring you choose a solution that fits your needs without going over budget.
3D scanning is also an efficient way to capture data for analysis. The scanner can collect millions of precise 3D coordinates (surface measurement points), making it especially valuable for comparative studies. For example, researchers can compare the coordinates of this whitetail buck skull with other specimens to identify similarities and differences.
So, what do you plan to use the 3D model for?
Is your purpose of using a 3D scanner to: (check the ones that apply to you)
- visualize a physical object in 3D
- reverse engineer an object for product design (Scan to CAD)
- take accurate measurements of an object with confidence
- study measurement changes over time
- create customized products
- inspect the quality of a part for defects
- or, other innovative uses?
Knowing this will help you come up with a checklist of requirements you can use to evaluate the 3D scanners you are considering.
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What Are Your User Requirements?
What parameters do you need to work with? This chart lists the requirements that will help determine the technical specifications you need from a 3D scanner. Asking the right questions will help you narrow down your search.
Project Requirements 
Accuracy
How true does the scanner’s measurement need to be relative to the real value of the object?
Resolution
How much detail do you need in a scan?
Object Size
What is the size of the objects you are looking to scan?
Portability
Do you need to travel frequently or scan in remote locations?
Color
Do you need to capture the surface information in color?
Automation
Do you need the 3D scanner to scan by itself without human assistance?
Budget
How much money do you want to spend?
Takeaway
You may already have an idea of which 3D scanner you want, but it’s important to first assess your actual needs rather than just going with what you think you should get. Create a checklist of essential criteria to compare 3D scanners, so you can confidently choose the one that perfectly fits your needs. Find a reputable 3D scanning supplier that will help you on the journey to figure out which 3D scanner is right for you.
Book a Demo with Us
Want to see which 3D scanner is right for you? Talk to our technical specialist about your requirements and we’ll help you find the best solution for your needs.
Currently available for bookings anywhere in the US 🇺🇸
