Why Invest in 3D Scanning?

Traditional methods of using manual or contact-based measurement tools are often time-consuming and complicated to use. In contrast, 3D scanners are non-contact measurement systems that can quickly capture a physical object in digital form.

The output of a 3D scanner is a highly detailed digital replica of a physical object which contains millions of 3D surface measurement points with submillimeter accuracy.

The 3D models are proven valuable in various applications such as reverse engineering, quality inspection, CGI, medical, AR/VR, heritage preservation, digital archiving, 3D visualization, scientific research, forensics, and more.

< 2 Hours For Training

The misconception is that 3D scanners are difficult to use. Handheld 3D scanners operate similarly to a video camera; they capture objects in 3D with continuous scanning. They are easy to use with some training—even for beginners.

A Deeper Look at the Benefits of 3D Scanning

It’s easy to get comfortable with the conventional ways of doing business. However, it might no longer make financial sense to keep doing things the same way if it’s not working in this ever-changing business landscape. Instead of becoming obsolete, stand out from your competitors by using 3D scanning to become market leaders that drive innovation.

Here is a more detailed look at the advantages of implementing 3D scanning technology into your business.

1. Streamline Processes

   Doing tedious work by hand can be modernized by doing it digitally with the help of 3D scanning. Implementing 3D scanners into your operations can streamline workflows and reduce bottlenecks, resulting in huge time savings while slashing costs. Do it better and faster!

   “3D scanning saves us about $2,000 in labor cost per project by eliminating the need to create the mold in-house. There’s no shipping cost involved and it saves us time. It’s cheaper and more convenient for us to pay the foundry to do it than doing it ourselves.”

   Jamie Lester Bronze Sculptor Vandalia Bronze

2. Make Better Decisions

   

   3D scanners are exponentially faster at extracting measurements than contact-based measurement tools. You can even measure organic objects. What’s special is their ability to capture large amounts of data accurately in a short time.

   3D scanning technology empowers us to solve complex measurement problems in a simple way.

   Due to measurement repeatability, you can get data you can trust in order to make informed and confident decisions—eliminating guesswork and uncertainties. Measure with confidence with 3D scanning and make decisions knowing you made the right choice.

3. Design Better Products and Get Them Faster To Market

   What if you can design better products with faster lead times?

   

   Imagine how much easier it would be if you used a 3D scanner to capture physical parts and use the 3D scan data as a reference for building a new parametric CAD model. You would get a head start instead of designing from a blank slate. The 3D model has all the surface measurements you need to reverse engineer the part. It would accelerate the time your products get to market while getting costs and time savings.

4. Gain a Competitive Edge in Manufacturing

   With 3D scanning, you can automate your quality inspection processes rather than doing it manually to permanently reduce costs. By identifying defects out of tolerance during the manufacturing process, your company produces higher-quality manufactured goods that attract and win over customers.

   3D scanning gives you the intel to learn how to use raw materials most efficiently, reducing waste and saving on material costs. You can also accurately pinpoint the root causes of manufacturing errors from scanning molds, toolings, and defective products. Fix the problem fast to minimize downtimes.

5. 3D Visualization at Your Fingertips

   Professional 3D scanners capture 3D models of real-world objects with amazing accuracy, detail, and true likeness to the original.

   By uploading models to online platforms like Sketchfab, objects in a physical location can now be shared online with anyone, making them more accessible than ever before. With the ability to capture objects in 3D, creating a library of digital archives for documentation is no longer difficult.

6. 3D Printing For Rapid Prototyping

   

   3D scanning complements well with 3D printing applications. Parts captured with a 3D scanner can be output into a watertight STL for 3D printing. It’s great for rapid prototyping applications where you can do it in-house rather than outsourcing, giving you more control as well as saving time and cost.

   

What is the ROI of 3D Scanning?

If you are still looking for hard numbers into the ROI on 3D scanning, look no further than these two case studies.

85% Reduction in time and cost using 3D scanning

An international manufacturer and distributor of construction machine spare parts wanted to replace old parts with new ones.

Read case study

80% Reduction in time

69% Reduction in costs using 3D scanning

An orthotics and prosthetics clinic needed to reduce the time and costs required for making custom orthoses, while making them more precise and comfortable.

Read case study

Final Takeaway

“Pressure can burst a pipe, or pressure can make a diamond.”

– Robert Horry

Although economic downturns often put us in an uncomfortable situation, it’s only under pressure that companies evolve and grow.

3D scanning technology might be the fuel you need for your business to thrive into the new year and beyond. If you have any questions on how 3D scanning can help you with your business, please feel free to contact us.