What are 3D scanners used for?
3D scanning is now more popular than ever, and businesses all over the world are embracing this versatile technology to boost productivity, eliminate unnecessary costs, and create new and exciting products and services.
Introduction
Whether you are an industrial engineer looking for a powerful reverse-engineering solution or a doctor seeking an efficient way to create prosthetics, 3D scanning is your key to success.
In this article, we will look at some industries that have successfully integrated 3D scanning technologies into their workflows and see how this has helped them achieve phenomenal results so that you can find the 3D scanning solution that suits you best.
But first, let’s go over some of the basic terms and concepts used in the 3D industry to make sure we’re on the same page.
What is 3D scanning?
3D scanning is a technology for creating high-precision 3D models of real-world objects. It works like this: a 3D scanner takes multiple snapshots of an object. The shots are then fused into a 3D model, an exact three-dimensional copy of the object, which you can rotate and view from different angles on your computer.
What is a 3D scan?
A 3D scan is a three-dimensional image of part of an object’s surface. Sets of 3D scans form a 3D model. Just as 2D photos are made up of pixels, 3D scans are made up of tiny triangles, or polygons. Polygons form a polygonal mesh, which replicates the object’s geometry in minute detail.
What does a 3D scanner do?
A 3D scanner generates 3D scans. A scanner works like a video camera, meaning it takes shots of an object. A camera, however, makes two-dimensional stills, while the scanner captures the geometry of the object’s surface, and the shots it has made are worked into a 3D model rather than a video.
What is 3D scanning used for?
3D scanning is a technology used in cutting-edge workflows. Take the automotive industry. Want to check if a new valve will improve an engine’s performance? 3D scan the valve to make a 3D model, modify it via reverse engineering, and place it into CAD software to see how the valve will perform inside the engine.
How do you use a 3D scanner?
3D scanners are used in a range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and VR. Retrofitting heavy machinery, performing quality control of mechanical parts, designing customized prosthetic devices, creating visual effects for movies, or developing characters for video games – all such projects have high-precision 3D models of physical objects at their core.
How does 3D scanning compare to photogrammetry?
Professional 3D scanning is state-of-the-art when it comes to digitizing real objects and locations. But it’s not the only digitization technology on the market. Photogrammetry offers an alternative to capturing 3D scans – generating 3D models from photos or video instead.
Of course, there are pros and cons to using either method. To get the full breakdown, check out our photogrammetry vs 3D scanning article. But in a nutshell: photogrammetry is accessible, versatile, and delivers realistic-looking results. 3D scanning offers higher geometric accuracy, making it better suited to engineering tasks, and it’s less dependent on capture conditions.
That’s why Artec 3D markets both technologies. Primarily focused on professional 3D scanning, its offering covers everything from tiny bolts to entire facilities. But the Artec Studio data capture and processing software also includes photogrammetry and photo-texturing. So, users don’t have to choose. The Artec 3D ecosystem has a solution for any capture challenge.
For even greater accessibility, Artec 3D has also introduced Artec Studio Lite, a streamlined version of its flagship software built specifically for photogrammetry. Using AI-powered algorithms, it turns photos or video captured on any smartphone, camera, or drone into detailed 3D models, complete with the same editing, measuring, and export tools found in the full Artec Studio package.
This makes professional-grade 3D capture available to makers, educators, and small businesses who don't need (or don't yet have) a dedicated 3D scanner.
Industrial design & engineering
Innovative 3D scanners are widely used in industrial design, engineering, and manufacturing, due to their ability to quickly and precisely capture the required data. Without these advanced 3D devices, measurements would have to be collected by outdated manual methods, which can be too costly and time-consuming. Useful during each stage of product design, testing, development, launch, and aftercare, powerful 3D scanning solutions significantly accelerate the workflow, help avoid costly mistakes, and enhance productivity.
Capture large objects in detail with a long-distance stationary 3D scanner
To decide which 3D tool is best for various applications in this field, it is important to take into consideration the size and features of the object to be captured.
For instance, large industrial objects such as trucks, trains, and even planes are best captured with a versatile, stationary 3D scanner. These types of scanners require minimal supervision and interaction with the operator, yet deliver accurate results in brief periods of time.
If you are planning to scan objects that aren’t as large as those listed above, with many intricate details that need to be captured in high resolution, it’s a good idea to proceed with a handheld 3D scanner. These 3D tools are flexible, easy to use, and capture small objects and complex geometries with the highest precision.
Thanks to the Smart Fusion algorithm in Artec Studio, it’s even possible to combine long- and short-range scanning, capturing large areas with high detail where it’s needed. Take Dodman Ltd, a service provider in the UK. Using Artec Leo and Artec Ray II 3D scanning, the company managed to capture an entire factory and reprofile its conveyors to improve efficiency.
Create highly accurate scans with a handheld 3D scanner
It’s also worth asking yourself what needs to be done with the acquired 3D data. Will it be used for analysis, reverse engineering, 3D printing, or something else? Whichever option you end up going with, it’s vital to pair it with powerful 3D scanning software for multiple applications such as rapid prototyping, quality control, and many others. Some high-end 3D scanners are specifically designed to work with a variety of widely used CAD/CAM and 3D modeling software, offering even more possibilities for their users.
Artec Studio allows users to export directly to third-party software like Geomagic Design X & Control X, Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS, and PolyWorks Inspector for next steps.
Medical
The healthcare industry has greatly benefited from integrating 3D scanning into its numerous procedures. Used for research, patient care, and creating personalized medical solutions, it has brought remarkable changes to the field. Speed, precision, and, most importantly, the safety of various stationary and portable 3D scanners have allowed medical professionals worldwide to leverage these pioneering technologies, significantly improving existing processes while creating new ones.
Portable 3D scanning improving healthcare for patients across the world
For example, with the help of 3D scanning, healthcare practitioners can now effortlessly and quickly perform a complete body scan. This can be done with either a stationary or handheld 3D solution. Doctors can then work with the scan data to carry out research and monitor changes in body measurements that occur over time. 3D scanning has also made obtaining and comparing accurate pre-op and post-op data from patients far simpler.
Creating custom healthcare solutions, such as back braces, implants, prostheses, and even personalized wheelchairs has also become faster and easier. The required data can easily be captured by a 3D scanner, processed in specialized 3D software, and then sent for manufacture via a milling machine or a 3D printer.
On-site prosthetic customization is already improving access to healthcare in remote areas. In Rwanda, NGO Handicap International 3D prints custom medical devices based on Artec Leo scans. This greatly enhances the lives of patients in difficult-to-access regions by providing them with locally manufactured, made-to-measure prosthetic limbs in a matter of hours.
Forensics
Advanced 3D scanning technologies are becoming increasingly popular in forensics as well. Professional 3D scanning solutions are now being used around the world by police forces, multiple insurance companies, and even during court hearings for presenting evidence!
3D scanning is used in forensics for crime-scene reconstruction, collecting evidence, and much more
3D scanning in forensics is all about portability, flexibility, and accuracy. For example, a portable forensics 3D scanner with high accuracy and the ability to scan both indoors and outdoors, even in direct sunlight, makes the job of collecting forensic data easier than ever before.
Compared to traditional data capture methods in forensics, such as photography and tape measures, 3D scanning has proven itself to be an extremely powerful technology with the ability to gather highly accurate data in a matter of minutes, for example, capturing the complete scene of a crime or its separate parts before the evidence is officially collected. 3D scanning is also excellent at digitizing the recovered evidence itself, creating simulations where numerous crime scenarios can be performed, analyzed, etc.
Various companies offer a selection of powerful 3D scanning tools, yet only a few of them are truly revolutionary. For example, Artec Leo is a tetherless 3D scanner with onboard 3D data processing and an inbuilt touchscreen and battery, which captures data equally well both indoors and outdoors. Not many scanners can do that!
Archeology and heritage preservation
Other fields that have implemented 3D scanning technologies into their many workflows include archeology and heritage preservation.
Applications of 3D scanning in archeology and heritage preservation are truly countless. The latest 3D technologies are now more than ever before bringing history back to life and making it easily accessible to people around the world by creating highly accurate digital replicas of various artifacts. From recreating items from a tiny shard found during excavation to creating online museums featuring hundreds of exhibits, 3D scanning technologies are radically changing the way we preserve, exhibit, and learn about archaeology and heritage preservation.
Creating a digital replica of an ancient artifact with a white-light 3D scanner
When it comes to choosing the best 3D solutions in these fields, it is important to keep the scanning environment in mind. It is highly likely that you will have to scan an artifact directly on-site, wherever that may be. Opt for 3D scanners that can operate in outdoor conditions, including under direct sunlight. Also, make sure you choose devices that can be combined with an external power source, such as a portable battery pack, so that you are able to scan for hours on end wherever your application takes you. Because accurate capture is essential for the exact restoration and depiction of the object being scanned, it is worth choosing a highly precise handheld 3D scanner.
However, while portable 3D scanners are mainly suited for small to medium-sized objects, if your project requires capturing overly large objects, such as tall monuments or buildings, you can take advantage of a professional stationary LIDAR solution, which is able to capture significant amounts of data in a shorter period of time. A combination of handheld and stationary scanners will work best if you are capturing a range of different-sized artifacts or a very large object with intricate sections.
Artec 3D scanning is hugely popular in the field of heritage preservation. Long-running TV series Expedition Unknown previously used Artec Spider II to digitize an ancient mummy lying in state. Other projects have seen everything from excavated skeletons to cultural landmarks and shrines captured and preserved for future generations to learn about and enjoy.
Art & design
VR game developers, Hollywood SFX artists, and talented art designers are just a few of the professionals who are implementing versatile 3D scanning technologies into their workflows to inject some magic into the world of art and design.
Used for creating visually stunning special effects in movies, developing immersive, ultra-realistic VR applications, or even designing a beautiful evening gown, 3D scanning helps transform dreams into reality in a completely new way.
The choice of the best scanners to use for art and design depends on what or who needs to be captured and for what purposes. For example, if you are thinking about capturing a person to create a life-like avatar for games or VR projects, it’s better to focus on 3D solutions that are safe, easy to use, and capture data quickly. A portable solution that gives you an accurate full-body scan will be your best bet.
For small items or objects with intricate details, such as interior decor pieces or jewelry, choose a highly accurate 3D scanner that can create 3D models with vibrant colors and unparalleled precision and isn’t afraid of hard-to-scan surfaces!
A 3D model of Jamie Foxx captured using Artec 3D scanning
Artec 3D scanning has captured many famous faces over the years. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg – they’ve all been immortalized in 3D. One of the latest celebrities to get this treatment was Jamie Foxx. The Hollywood star was scanned in order to create an incredibly realistic body double for the Netflix film They Cloned Tyrone.
Education
Educational institutions around the world are increasingly using 3D scanning as a teaching and research tool. Courses related to engineering, archaeology, medicine, and CGI are all benefiting from the technology, as students get hands-on access to cutting-edge industry tools. Turning real-world objects into detailed 3D models also helps educators provide interactive learning experiences that make complex concepts easier to understand and explore.
For example, students can scan mechanical parts to study how they function, digitize historical artifacts for research and preservation projects, or capture human anatomy for medical and biomechanics studies. Once captured, the data can be analyzed, modified, or used for simulations in CAD or 3D modeling software.
Digital twin of a brain captured for teaching purposes with Artec Leo
When selecting a 3D scanner for educational use, versatility and ease of use are key factors. A portable handheld is often the best option, allowing students to capture a variety of objects quickly and safely. AI Photogrammetry in Artec Studio can also be used as an accessible way of getting 3D modeling into the classroom as it works with any camera-equipped device.
Automotive
The automotive industry has long embraced 3D scanning as a powerful tool for design, development, and quality control. Engineers and designers rely on accurate 3D data to analyze vehicle components, improve aerodynamics, and ensure that parts fit together perfectly during production. By digitizing physical components, teams can quickly integrate them into CAD workflows for testing and optimization.
3D scanning is widely used for reverse engineering parts, inspecting manufactured components, and comparing prototypes against original designs. Automotive restoration specialists also use 3D scanning to recreate rare or discontinued parts, enabling them to manufacture accurate replacements using modern production techniques.
One such application was broadcast on the popular British TV show CAR SOS – when a classic Ford Cortina was completely restored using Artec 3D scanning and on-site 3D printing.
Depending on the application, both handheld and stationary scanners can play an important role. Handheld scanners are ideal for capturing smaller components or intricate details, while larger systems can be used to digitize entire vehicles or assemblies at pace.
Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)
In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), accurate, up-to-date documentation is essential to project success. 3D scanning has become an invaluable tool for capturing the exact, as-built geometry of facilities, sites, and public infrastructure. In turn, converting real-world environments into highly detailed digital twins is vital to BIM modeling.
Captured data can be imported into BIM or CAD software for plan modifications, detecting issues, and ensuring that new designs fit within existing environments. It can also be used to carry out preemptive maintenance – as demonstrated by GoMeasure3D, who digitized an entire floodwall with Artec Leo & Ray II and identified a number of areas requiring attention.
Artec Ray II being used to capture a floodwall for inspection
When working with large environments such as buildings, bridges, or construction sites, long-range scanners are the most efficient solution. These systems can quickly capture large areas with high accuracy, while handheld scanners are ideal for documenting smaller architectural details or complex interior features. Again, Artec 3D scanning allows such technologies to be combined in a single ecosystem, so no detail is left uncaptured.
Public safety
3D scanning is becoming an essential tool for public safety and emergency response teams, thanks to its ability to quickly, accurately capture large, complex, or hazardous scenes. From natural disasters to structural collapses, first responders can now document a scene in far greater detail than traditional photography or manual measurement ever allowed.
Speed and safety are key considerations in this field. Long-range, drone-mounted 3D scanners let responders capture unstable buildings, collapsed structures, or active hazard zones without setting foot inside. Artec Jet, for instance, can be flown by drone to autonomously map in complete darkness or GPS-denied conditions, while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.
Once an area has been secured, wireless, handheld scanners like Artec Leo also offer a fast, flexible way of capturing evidence and documenting scenes in greater detail. Overall, this kind of rapid, remote documentation helps agencies plan safe interventions, assess damage, and preserve an accurate record of a scene before conditions change any further.
Defense
Defense and military organizations around the world rely on 3D scanning to keep aging equipment in service and speed up the development of new capabilities. Much of today’s military hardware was designed and built before CAD design existed, so accurately digitizing physical parts is often the fastest way of creating usable engineering data.
3D scanning plays a key role in reverse engineering legacy components, producing spares, and supporting quality control. The Royal Netherlands Navy, for instance, uses Artec Eva and Artec Space Spider to reduce turnaround times on replacement parts and regularly inspect components like propellers for quality assurance.
Beyond maintenance and reverse engineering, longer-range 3D scanners like Artec Jet allow military personnel to improve situational awareness. Flying the 300-meter-range device over rapidly changing scenes is a great way of gathering vital intel. Back at base, the technology can also be used to map entire installations, improve planning, and boost logistical efficiency.
Artec Jet: a SLAM-based LiDAR mapping device with defense applications
Metrology
Metrology is another field being transformed by 3D scanning. Industries like aerospace, automotive, and offshore engineering rely on certified, repeatable accuracy for inspecting parts, monitoring deformation, and ensuring components meet exact tolerances.
High-precision devices such as Artec Point II, an ISO 17025-certified laser scanner accurate to 0.02 mm, and the Artec Metrology Kit, a photogrammetry-based optical measuring system accurate to just a few microns, are purpose-built for these demanding applications. The two approaches can even be combined to boost overall volumetric accuracy.
Depending on the level of tolerance you’re working with, 3D scanning is often sufficient on its own. Artec Spider II & Artec Leo offer target-free, sub-millimeter accuracy results. By comparison, Point II delivers more targeted accuracy; it really hinges on what you need. Overall, 3D scanning is an excellent solution for measurement, reverse engineering, or quality control, especially as an alternative to traditional CMM machines.
Mining
In mining, 3D scanning allows you to capture accurate data from open pits, underground workings, and processing plants, while keeping crews safe. Whether it’s monitoring ground movement, verifying stockpile volumes, or mapping old workings, the technology turns tasks that once required manual surveying into fast, remote operations.
Long-range, drone-mounted LiDAR scanners are especially valuable underground, where GPS doesn’t work and conditions can be too dangerous to access directly. Artec Jet, for example, can be mounted onto a drone for autonomously mapping shafts, stopes, and tunnels in complete darkness, while the tripod-mounted Artec Ray II captures pit walls and stockpiles with ease.
Mining service provider Titan Engineered Solutions uses Artec Leo 3D scanning to virtually test-fit industrial floors, platforms, and piping before installation, cutting the time spent returning to site to correct design errors by 66%. Scanning equipment and confined spaces with handheld devices in this way makes it possible to build a complete picture of any site using a single product ecosystem.
Read this next
After reviewing the top 3D scanner lists available on the Internet, we noticed that most don’t include information about the key parameters of the objects you need to scan. Important categories such as object size and the application(s) you’ll be using the scanner for are not covered. This review aims to fill this gap and help you find the best 3D solution for your project.
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