How to Choose the Best 3D Scanner For Your Project

December 14, 2020

At this point in the year, everyone seems to be looking forward. For those thinking about big purchases like 3D Scanners or equipment, the end of the year is a great time to purchase, utilize end-of-year budget dollars, and prepare for a new year ahead.

But how do you determine which scanner is right for you? Here are a few things you should consider to help you narrow down your options:

Accuracy and Resolution

For what is probably the first and foremost concern, you need to determine how accurate and to what resolution you want your 3D scan to be. Fortunately, we have 3D Scanners down to 10-micron accuracy and 10-micron resolution, but keep in mind—not all projects require that level of extreme precision.

Project Size

Are your planned Scan-to-CAD projects small, like gears or small parts? Or are you trying to capture large-scale items like cars or boats? While there are scanners specifically built for each of these types of tasks, some scanners can handle a spectrum of sizes, shapes, and textures.

Speed

While we’re sure you’re probably not scanning on the fly, we know that time is money, and the speed that it takes to render into CAD is valuable. Many scanners offer millions of points per second in speed—for larger projects, you’ll want to consider a higher speed ratio than others.

Portability

Where will you be doing most of your scan work? Do you have an infrastructure that supports the scanner you are looking at? While some scanners (especially those for smaller products) are stationary, others are corded, and still, others are wireless and completely mobile. Make sure you consider how much portability you’ll need and if you’ll need something ultra-portable to get the job done.

Choosing the perfect scanner can be tough, but we can help! We’re happy to use our expertise to help you find the perfect match for your 2021 projects. For more information on the 3D Scanners and services we offer, check out our website, or contact us with your questions.

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