One of the many different technologies that are changing various industries is 3D scanning. It involves the analysis of the environment or real-world objects. This form of analysis gathers data on the shape, color, and appearance of the objects.
Thereafter, users can take the data to build digital 3D models, depending on what they need.
Back in 2017, analysts valued the global 3D scanning market at $8.4 million. By 2025, they project the market to reach the $53.3 million-dollar mark.
The numbers clearly show the growing need for 3D scanning technology. But if you are new to the tech, you must first understand its benefits and advantages. You need to grasp how the scanning technology is changing the world in many ways.
Continue reading below as we present a comprehensive guide to 3D scanning.
Advantages of 3D Scanning
To gather data about objects and the environment, 3D scanners use light or laser. This helps the device to measure the distance between the object and the scanner.
The device is so powerful that it can capture very small objects. Moreover, it can also gather details of bigger objects like a full-sized airplane. The scanner can capture tens of thousands of points all in a single second.
Through this, users can enjoy numerous benefits. You can save more time in the designing process. You can easily compare “as-designed” models to “as-built” products.
You can also rest knowing that all the parts will fit together right upon the first try. Additionally, you can also replace old or missing parts with the help of a 3D scanner.
Today, some scanners are lightweight and easy to carry around. These scanners can help you complete small projects right inside your home.
How 3D Scanning is Shaping Various Industries
With the benefits we discussed above, let’s take a look at how various industries are using the scanning technology to their advantage.
Faster Designs and Renders
A 3D scanner can help you incorporate reverse engineering and rapid prototyping in your product designs. This is crucial especially if you are working for a demanding client. This also works best in the engineering industry.
3D scanning helps simplify investigations of various mechanical properties. It can also provide detailed measurements. This helps ensure perfection in the modification and production of products.
One good example is in the inspection and verification of turbine blades. These products require flawless engineering. One incorrect measurement can result in a disaster.
Through 3D scanning, turbine blade manufacturers can ensure that the blades don’t come with any irregularities in their shapes. Laser 3D scanning can triangulate the changing distances during an inspection.
This ensures that manufacturers cover all data points.
Improves Architectural Surveys
Architects will experience a vast improvement in their architectural surveys. 3D scanning yields accurate measurements. It can also help visualize and modify data using CAD.
This helps maximize time and deliver faster results to clients.
Moreover, architects can use 3D scanning to reverse engineer internal furniture as well as exterior portions of buildings.
Curating and Restoring Art
If you belong to the art industry, you can use 3D scanning to archive and curate valuable pieces of history. The technology can help you measure, analyze, and classify sculptures and other historical items.
You can create true-to-scale copies of these items complete with all the small details. You can use the copies to present and educate students. You can also share the copies within the community to foster more discussions.
Additionally, you can use 3D printing to generate real-life objects. You can scan natural materials and incorporate the objects in your artwork.
Advancing Animation and VR
3D scanning can also contribute to advancing the gaming industry. Today, game makers can scan real people, animals, and environments to generate realistic simulations.
Furthermore, 3D scanning also helps developers create new characters for virtual reality (VR) games. Some of the major gaming companies already use scanning technology in developing their games.
Notably, with the cost of 3D scanning becoming more affordable, smaller players in the gaming industry can use it to create new games. If you are looking to develop a gaming app, 3D scanning can massively help.
Full-Body Scanning
Companies are also starting to use 3D scanners to perform full-body scanning. They use it to create avatars and analyze the body’s aesthetics. This helps them create custom clothing.
This is crucial considering that no two bodies alike. Even if two people share very similar body types, they still have differences that a 3D scanner can pinpoint and identify.
During the term of President Barrack Obama, the Smithsonian Institute captured his visage through 3D scanning. They used the technology to create his life mask.
President Abraham Lincoln owned two life masks. The creators used plaster cast to create the masks. The problem with plaster is that it takes too long before dry up.
Assists in Medical Procedures
Last but not least, the medical industry is another sector that benefits from 3D scanning. Today, medical facilities use scanning to create prosthetics. 3D scanning allows them to create limbs that come with remarkable accuracy in measurements.
Moreover, the limbs also provide the right amount of comfort and mobility that matches each patient.
Furthermore, doctors are using scanning technologies to perform detailed studies of the body. They do this before performing delicate surgeries. 3D scanning enables them to plan, prepare, and make better decisions during surgeries.
Scanning technology helps increase their success rates.
Learn More About Technology
Through 3D scanning, industries become more efficient in handling their tasks. Consumers also enjoy better and faster services. Your business can benefit and get ahead of the competition by taking advantage of 3D scanning and printing.
As technology continues to evolve, people should keep in step with the latest innovations. We invite you to read our other articles on science and technology. We feature different products that are changing the present and shaping the future.
