Cost-Benefit Analysis of Long-Range 3D Scanners

The initial investment cost of acquiring long-range 3D scanners prevents many individuals and organizations from enjoying their numerous benefits. However, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of these devices has shown that they can be a worthwhile investment if you make an informed choice.

Long-range 3D scanners play a vital role in key sectors like construction, architecture, manufacturing, and surveying by streamlining processes through their long-distance scanning capabilities. So, if you’re working in any profession that involves long-distance 3D scanning for infrastructure or product development, this is the scanner you need!

Initial Investment of Purchasing a Long-Range 3D Scanner

As you compare the costs and benefits of these devices, make sure you understand the difference between long- and short-range scanners. These two scanners are distinct in several aspects, including the scan range, speed, accuracy, scannable objects, and cost.

The cost of a long-range 3D scanner varies based on the brand, model, built-in technology, intended applications, and other specifications. Some manufacturers base their prices on the scanning range of their scanners.

A long-range scanner that captures data from a few meters away costs less than a scanner with a scanning range of one kilometer or more. The average cost of a long-range 3D scanner ranges between $10,000 and $500,000, but it can be higher, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Handheld and portable long-range 3D scanners with a scanning range of about fifty meters are more affordable, costing between $10,000 and $50,000. Medium-range models with a scanning range of about 200 meters cost between $50,000 and $150,000.

However, the high-end options, particularly those capable of capturing data from several kilometers away, cost $500,000 or more. Do your research and get enough offers from different vendors for comparison before your final decision. Keep in mind important factors like accuracy, scanning technology, resolution, and other features that enhance the performance of a scanner and how they influence its overall cost!

Evaluating the Return on Investment

What makes long-range 3D scanners worth this much? 

Great Convenience and Versatility

Long-range scanners are convenient to work with because they can capture crucial data from extended distances, saving you the hassle of walking back and forth trying to scan every inch of a spacious terrain or a bulky object like a bridge. If you want to produce a 3D model of an expansive landscape or a construction site, a long-range scanner will help you capture all the data you need at once and with minimal trekking.  

Moreover, this scanner is suitable for various applications, including manufacturing, architecture, surveying, construction, and engineering. As an investor or engineer in the construction industry, you only need one scanner for all your site surveys, architectural designs, and engineering tasks.

Guaranteed Consistency and Precision

Long-range 3D scanners often use phase-based scanning to give you consistent and accurate scans. This type of scanning involves creating a nonstop laser beam and measuring its phase shift as it bounces back to the scanner for distance calculation and generation of a 3D model.

Furthermore, these scanners offer high-resolution imaging capabilities that allow you to capture data with exceptional precision, even over long distances. These capabilities make a long-range scanner reliable, consistent, and accurate.

Time and Cost Efficiency

By capturing crucial data over long distances, this 3D scanner saves you time and other resources that you could have wasted moving around an object. This is particularly essential in time-sensitive projects or when you’re working on a tight budget.

It will save you money by eliminating the need to invest in mobility devices to help you access different parts of the site while scanning bulky objects and wide landscapes. You’ll capture all the important details with minimal movement.

In Summary

While the price of a long-range 3D scanner might seem high, especially for individuals and startups with small budgets, its overall return on investment exceeds the initial investment cost. A 3D scanner improves the quality of your scans, accelerates processes, and increases your overall productivity.

If you’re looking for a reliable vendor for your long-range 3D scanner, Digitize Designs has you covered. We offer a wide range of 3D scanning products and solutions to fulfill your specific project needs!