How to Benefit from 3D Scanning Uses

The Diverse Application of 3D Scanning Methods

3D scanning has become a perfect tool in engineering, design, and manufacturing. By capturing the geometry, and surface texture of objects, 3D scanning techniques enable the creation of high-resolution 3D models with the best accuracy.

While 3D scanning has existed for decades, recent advancements have made it faster, more precise, and accessible to both industry and enthusiasts. This article explores the main 3D scanning methods, their benefits, and the application of 3D scanning across sectors from automotive to healthcare.

(source: istockphoto)

What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning refers to the process of capturing the physical shape and, in some cases, the texture of an object to create a digital 3D model.  The result is a highly detailed digital model that can be stored, analyzed, or manufactured.

Common 3D scanning uses include:

a. Reverse engineering: creating CAD models when original design files are missing.

b. Dimensional inspection: ensuring manufactured parts meet specifications, quality control.

c. Cultural preservation: documenting artworks, statues or any artistic piece to preserve it.

d. Medical applications: customized prosthetics, implants, or braces tailored to patients.

e. Entertainment: developing lifelike 3D assets for films and games.

In short, the uses of a 3D scanner are widespread, spanning industries where precision and efficiency are crucial.

If you already have a file, don’t wait any longer and bring it to life with JLC3DP online 3D printing services!

Key 3D Scanning Methods and Techniques

Each 3D scanning technique has its own advantages and ideal use cases. Regardless of which method you use, the result is a highly detailed and accurate digital 3D model that is ready to use in various ways. Many times these models will be 3D printed for a specific project.

Photogrammetry - Accessible and Affordable

Photogrammetry is the most accessible and affordable 3D scanning method. It works similarly to the human eye. Our eyes are also constantly recording overlapping images to realise distance and depth. In photogrammetry, to get accurate data of an object, we also need multiple overlapping high-resolution photos from different angles. A software then uses those photos to calculate depth and dimension, ultimately generating a 3D mesh.

For hobbyists, a 3D scanner app for 3D printing provides a simple entry point into photogrammetry. However, for applications requiring tight tolerances, it cannot compete with more advanced methods. Currently, this method is the most time-consuming one, considering the long post-process. Utilising the benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Photogrammetry has the potential to shorten the process of 3D modelling.

Laser Scanning - Industrial grade accuracy

Laser-based 3D scanners can collect data of an object faster and more precisely than photogrammetry. A laser beam is projected onto the object, and a sensor records how long it takes for the beam to bounce back. This creates a detailed point cloud of the scanned surface, this method excels in precision and is widely used in industrial 3D scanning.

There are hand-held, portable laser 3D scanners, but they can also be used on a tripod, making them suitable for capturing large objects in a fast and easy way. When a factory requires a 3D scanner for industrial use, laser-based systems are typically the solution. Aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing rely on them to capture assemblies and verify production quality.

(source: istockphoto)

Structured Light Scanning - Precision for Complex Surfaces

This method projects a pattern of light, usually white or blue stripes, onto the object. The 3D scanner captures frame after frame of the distorted light patterns, while the software is analysing them to reconstruct the object digitally.

The benefits of using a high-tech 3D scanner that works with structured light are that it’s user-friendly, fast, and it's capable of capturing both geometry and colour. Structured light is often applied in automotive 3D scanning, besides non-industrial areas, like artistic, interior design, or medical, since the data they acquire is high-resolution and rich in detail.

Note: All 3D scanning methods can struggle with shiny or transparent surfaces. Thankfully, most of the time, the object can be coated with a white matte spray, making it possible to digitise it.

Comparison table of 3D scanning methods

This 3D scanning techniques comparison shows why industries carefully choose the right method for their project requirements.

Applications of 3D Scanning Across Industries

With the rapid advancement of 3D scanning technology, almost any physical object can now be digitised in high resolution - saving time and money in a wide range of industries.

Automotive & Aerospace industry

These industries rely heavily on 3D scanning for design, reverse engineering, prototyping, and quality control.

Manufacturing lightweight, high-performance components is essential in this field, which AI-driven generative design also supports these days.  Structured light scanners measure body panels or engine parts with micrometer precision, while laser systems handle entire vehicle assemblies. Aerospace engineers rely on scanning for turbine blades, fuselages, and propellers.

Automotive 3D scanning supports reverse engineering by capturing existing objects and using their geometry as the base mesh for building up CAD models – ensuring fit, form, and function.

(source: istockphoto)

Manufacturing & Industrial Use

Industrial 3D scanning plays a vital role in quality assurance. Factories deploy scanners to verify tolerances, inspect assemblies, and support predictive maintenance. A 3D scanner for industrial use ensures accuracy and reduces downtime by detecting dimensional deviations early.

Healthcare & Medical

Customisation might be the most important feature in the medical field, where patients need prosthetics, implants, surgical guides or corsets. 3D scanners contribute to the huge improvement in the perfect fit of these healthcare products.

Photogrammetry - enhanced by AI - allows medical providers to offer personalised, but affordable medical care for patients.

Architecture & Construction

Laser 3D scanners are extremely accurate; they can collect 1 to 2 million measurable data points per second, making them perfect for:

Scanning buildings and construction sites in a more efficient way

Renovation planning

Capturing manually hard-to-measure areas, like roof structures

Overall, constructions, renovations, and monument protection can be optimised and made more efficient by the use of different 3D scanners.

Art & Cultural Heritage

Art pieces can now be digitised and preserved by high-tech 3D scanners that capture them in detail. Statues, coins, and monuments can be turned into digital models, then archived, replicated, or shared with the public online — ensuring that our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. Museums and individual artists can benefit from the presence of 3D scanning.

Entertainment & Gaming (VR/AR)

Structured light scanners are also widely used in filmmaking, gaming and VR/AR development. Filmmakers and game designers scan existing locations, props and characters to then turn them into realistic digital assets. These 3D models are rendered into a virtual environment, providing an immersive experience for the users.

AI will likely play a bigger role in the future by enhancing scanned textures and generating new content, improving immersion in virtual and augmented reality.

From 3D Scanning to 3D Printing

The digital workflow connects 3D scanning methods with additive manufacturing:

Capture – An object is digitized using the chosen 3D scanning method.

Process – Point clouds or meshes are aligned and refined digitally.

Adapt – Engineers modify the model for function and tolerances.

Print – The design is sent for additive manufacturing.

Even if you begin with a 3D scanner app for 3D printing, the path to physical parts is direct. With JLC3DP’s professional printing services, digital models can quickly be transformed into functional prototypes or end-use components.

Have you already got a digital model waiting to be 3D printed? Get a instant quote today! 👇

Future Outlook for 3D Scanning

The predictions say that the accuracy and resolution of 3D scanning methods will increase in the future, while AI-powered algorithms will optimize the scan quality.

The evolution of 3D scanning is driven by:

Automation: reducing manual post-processing.

Integration: seamless CAD and metrology workflows.

Scalability: from large infrastructure down to microscale objects.

Rather than speculation, these developments represent steady engineering progress — making 3D scanning methods increasingly reliable for industrial and creative applications.

FAQs

What are the main 3D scanning techniques?
Photogrammetry, laser scanning, and structured light scanning are the three most common 3D scanning methods, each suited to different use cases.

How is 3D scanning used in the automotive industry?
Automotive 3D scanning supports design validation, reverse engineering, and quality control of industrial parts and components.

What is the best 3D scanner for industrial use?
For large-scale and high-accuracy tasks, a 3D scanner for industrial use is typically laser-based. Structured light is preferred for smaller, high-detail parts.

Can I use a 3D scanner app for 3D printing?
Yes. A 3D scanner app for 3D printing can produce models for hobbyist projects. For professional work, however, dedicated industrial systems are more reliable.

Check the material comparison as you upload your 3D model and get a free quote now!👇