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WHAT IS 3D SCANNING?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY

Whether you are interested in 3D scanning services, need information to win your next trivia
game, or are just curious about the vast and varied world of 3D technology, we at Arrival 3D
want to be your one-stop destination for information on 3D technology.  
Here’s a no-nonsense list of frequently asked questions about 3D scanning.

THE BASICS
WHAT IS 3D SCANNING?

3D scanning is the process of using electronic instruments to capture the precise shape of
an object in digital form. There are two main types: 1) long range 3D scanning
(https://arrival3d.com/3d-laser-scanning-services/), and 2) part 3D scanning
(https://arrival3d.com/reverse-engineering-services/).

HOW DOES A 3D SCANNER WORK?

3D laser scanning is very simple in principle. A laser scanner is mounted on a tripod next to
the area to be scanned. The scanner res a laser and measures the time it takes for the
laser to be re ected back, with which it can calculate the distance from the re ected point.
The scanner systematically sweeps the room with these measurements until it has a
complete picture of the 3D space round it. This collection of measurements is called a
point cloud, and is the data set from which we can extract valuable information and 3D

models.

WHAT IS THE 3D SCANNING PROCESS?

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1. Data Acquired via Laser Scanning

We conduct the 3d scan on site, capturing as many scans as necessary to fully cover the
object(s) of interest.
2. Resulting Point Clouds Registered
Each scan appears as millions of points called a “point cloud”. These point clouds are
“registered’ or stitched together to create a total 3D representation of the object(s).

3. Useful Information Extracted

Using various software tools, the point cloud data is converted into the desired deliverable
format. This could be 3D CAD models, animations, 2D CAD drawings, or a print-to-3D ready
model.
4. Result Delivered to Customer
The nal result, whether it be a CAD model or animation, is delivered to the customer in a
timely manner.

WHO USES 3D SCANNING?

Power Plant Engineers

Facility Managers
Architects
BIM Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mold Makers
Machinists
Product Designers
Inventors
And you!

WHEN WOULD YOU USE 3D SCANNING SERVICES?

 
You have a mold that we’ve been using for 30 years and have no drawings for it
You need to install additional piping within an already congested space
You are re-purposing a space and need as-built drawings
You have a hand-made prototype and need to create drawings to manufacture it
You need to perform a FAI (First Article Inspection)

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Did we answer all of your questions about 3D scanning services? If we missed one, comment
below! It’s our hope to be your one stop source for information on 3D scanning services. 

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HOW CAN 3D SCANNING BENEFIT ME?

Map out structure, piping and conduit to accurately plan changes to your facility
Engineer new product prototypes
Perform rst article inspection, verifying that the part was built as designed
Create a 3D CAD model complete with 2D drawings having only the part for
reference
Create a BIM model for building renovation
Make digital modi cations to parts by changing their size or adding/removing
features
Closely analyze parts for subtle aws and tment issues

WHO MANUFACTURES 3D LASER SCANNERS?

Leading laser scanner manufacturers include FARO (Focus3D), Topcon (GLS-1500), Leica
(RTC360, BLK360, ScanStation P40 & P50), Z+F (Imager 5010, Imager 5006h, Imager 5006EX),
Surphaser (25HSX), Optech (ILRIS-3D), Reigl, and Creaform. There are others including Artec,
Evatronix, Einscan, Shining3D, Aicon, ATOS and more. In the last few years, many more options
have become available to both professionals and consumers. 

THE CONCEPT OF 3D SCANNING

3D Scanning has myriad essential applications in the world we live. 3D Scanning is a key initial

technology in the process of 3D Fabrication as it enables key 3D data to be referenced prior to
CAD Modeling in the course of both new product development and the development of
modi cations to existing structures & product. 3D Scanning then enables 3D data post
development in quality & compliance processes.

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It is most common for us to visualize 3D data in “space” via a 3D grid system. From a “Zero”
datum (a xed point from which all data can be referenced), we can project outwards an X,Y,Z
measurement model. X is lengthways, Y is width, Z is height. Most of humanity’s great
structures throughout time feature a combination of horizontal and vertical elements, these
structures will have required forethought & spacial planning and will have utilized a similar
system. Without a xed or otherwise referenced datum/s, 3D data can have no control or
meaning.

3D Scanning is performed and the outcome is 3D le datapoints. This le can be saved, edited
and even recreated in physical form using 3D printers.  

Importantly, the data output is “point cloud” which is non-geometric. Point cloud data is
basically “as scanned” surface data, converted to a mesh or polygon based surface. This data
is non-geometric and useful reference as is, however in many product development applications
it will be imported into 3D Modeling software and used to facilitate correctly engineered,
geometric surface data.  

3D SCANNING HISTORY
3D Scanning was rst developed in the latter half of the last century as a means to recreate, in
3D data, surfaces of objects & places in order to facilitate developments & improvements. The
concept of mapping datum points in space is fairly simple. The methods by which to generate
this data and the accuracy of that output however, has seen signi cant development since.

This development has embraced multiple new technological developments over time. Early
approaches looked at physical “touch” to generate data or a combination of lights, cameras and
projectors. While broadly successful, these systems required great effort & time.
Technological developments continued apace in the years to come. The 1980’s witnessed the
introduction of lasers, which have become the predominant technology to date. Optical
technology became the preferred model for 2 primary reasons; Touch scanners, which are still
in use today, are limited by reach of touch & are problematic in respect of soft or fragile
surfaces. Optical technology has greater range, can capture immense amounts of data in just
seconds and enables capture of additional elements like color & graphics (Referred to as
“Texture”).
Of the optical data collection methods, “stripe” excelled in data capture and remains in use
today. Stripe technology passes over a surface using multiple points of reference to measure
surface area from. Accurate, rapid levels of data capture result. A continuing area of
development relates to the fact that lasers see only what they can re ect from a single
viewpoint. Laser light, of course, can’t turn corners. For this reason it’s been necessary to scan
any 3D object from multiple viewpoints in order to fully capture a 3D form. Subsequent scans
must be accurately matched (a process referred to as “registration”), to create a complete,
integrated le comprising multiple scans.
In recent years development focus has been multi-layered; software and computing power


enables data collection from multiple viewpoints, including the use of drones. Registration is no
longer a manual process. AI is being introduced to 3D Scanning to enable the process to
become both fully automated & increasingly user friendly. 

3D SCANNING APPLICATIONS
3D Scanning is integral to the process of 3D fabrication. Designers, engineers & various
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technical roles utilize this technology for useful 3D spacial reference in the course of
developing new 3D developments. 3D Scanning will continue to play an increasing role in the
elds of Quality Control, Scanning of hand sculpted designs, Scanning of biological non
geometric forms including the human body as well as myriad other applications. It is now the
case that even mobile devices such as cell phones and digital cameras are beginning to offer
scanning capabilities to consumers.
Besides applications listed below, all of these industries utilize 3D Scanning for the purposes of
3D Modeling.

Automotive                              3D Scanning to constantly update surface changes in 1:1 clay

models for comparison to existing digital engineering & design les.
Aeronautics Multiple applications including reverse engineering, surface analysis tooling,
part inspection.
Architects 3D Scanning data as a means to properly assess buildings and environments
where reliable blueprints may no longer exist or where details of existing
structures are not available in a digital format.
Medical 3D Scanning is especially useful in respect of human body scans. The medical
industry, which might have previously used a universal approach to the support
of injured limbs, are now able to scan the affected region and create custom,
dedicated 3D Printed support systems. This technology enables better patient
care while saving time relative to previous solutions. Myriad additional medical
applications exist.
Dental 3D Scanning is an integral tool in the process of teeth restoration. Initial scans
provide data from which to proceed.
Jewelry Making 3D Scanning of existing piece for
replication & modi cation.  3D Scanning
analysis for quality & defect analysis.
Video Gaming 3D Scanning full-color face and body scans to enable recreation of avatars.
Gaming, lm, TV and web applications. 3D Scanning of environments for
importation to game environments.  3D Scanning for 3D virtual reality tours.
Special Effects & 3D Scanning Location & Environment for Virtual Camera Tracking Support
Animation 3D Scanning of static environments for CGI, VFX and Digital Location
Replication
3D Scanning capture of matching textures as HDR or LDR (RAW, Jpeg, …)
Reverse 3D Scanning existing plant & products for 3D le reference in reverse
Engineering engineering.
Quality Control 3D Scanning existing plant & product for 3D reference in respect of surface
analysis & compliance to parameters.

Quality Control                           3D Scanning is routinely used in pursuit of quality control.  

3D Scanning can rapidly assess conformity in both new product
production & in-service equipment, whereby scans are created of 3D
surfaces and e ciently compared to digital “master” data. Where errors in
surface, beyond speci ed tolerance exist, scanning becomes an
invaluable quality control tool.

3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGIES
3D Scanning has evolved a number of successful formats, 
each suited to a variety of applications: 3D Scanning via
Laser Triangulation
3D Scanning via Structured Light
3D Scanning via Photogrammetry
3D Scanning via Touch Sensors (Digitizing)

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3D Scanning via Laser Pulse (Time-of-Flight / Lidar) 

ACCURACY VS. RESOLUTION

Scan accuracy varies considerably between technologies, and higher accuracy comes at a
higher cost. The subject to be scanned, the scanning environment & the resolution and
accuracy required of a 3D Scan output le will contribute to a determination of which
technologies present the best solution for the task. Besides the accuracy between measured
points and their actual location, scanners also vary in terms of resolution, which is the distance
between captured points at a given scanning distance. This means details on the scanned
object that are smaller than the scanner’s resolution won’t be captured. 

3D SCANNING VOLUME AND COVERAGE

3D Scanning technologies vary greatly in respect of area that a scanner can successfully
capture.
Desktop scanners are suited to smaller objects. Handheld scanners can be manually moved
around the subject and have fewer size constraints than desktop models. Handheld scanners,
depending upon cost, have much greater range, can scan instantaneously and can capture
precise measurements. Handheld scanners are ideally suited to taking human measurements
(where the subject is not perfectly still) for ergonomics and medical applications. Some
scanners utilize a single axis turntable from which to rotate the subject. For further accuracy,
some scanners have the ability to move the subject around multiple axes, capturing scan data
from multiple angles. This feature can be a requirement for complex objects with deep
recesses whereby scan data captured from multiple angles becomes an imperative. If an area
of the model can’t be seen by the scanner it will cause a void, or occlusion, in the scan data.
These issues are easily repaired within most scanning software however these patches are
rarely accurate to the physical surface properties.
Projects involving a larger scope will often be addressed by Laser Pulse (Time-of-Flight/Lidar)
3D Scanning. Precision can be adjusted per application, however, very high resolution and
quality settings generate very large 3D Scanning les. 

LASER TRIANGULATION 3D SCANNING

A single laser beam is projected onto a surface & the change in the trajectory of the projected
laser beam is recorded by a sensor.  
This data is combined with a distance reading (of the scanner to surface) and, via trigonomic
triangulation, a continuous data le of the surface may be recorded.
The change in trajectory of the laser beam combined with the distance from surface position of
the sensor is calculated via trigonomic triangulation formula which, combined with the position
of the scanner enables continuous mapping of the surface to a 3D scanning data le.


Advantages Laser Triangulation 3D Scanning enables high resolution & accuracy. Accuracy in the
range of 0.1 mm or better is possible.
Limitations Laser Triangulation 3D Scanning laser beams are at times sensitive to shiny &
transparent surfaces.

3D SCANNING VIA STRUCTURED LIGHT

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Structured Light 3D Scanning measures the pattern of light deformation upon a surface. Light is
projected in linear patterns onto a surface and the scanner analyses the edge of each line as it
makes contact. This data is combined with a distance reading (of the scanner to surface) and,
via trigonomic triangulation, a continuous data le of the surface may be recorded.

Structured light is generally white or blue, is generated via the use of Digital Light Processing (or
similar) projectors and is either a series pattern or dot matrix.

Advantages Structured Light 3D Scanning enables both high resolution & speed and is effective
for Human Body Scans.
Structured light can achieve higher accuracy than laser scanning due to the noise
caused by laser speckle patterns.
In general, structured light scanning provides the best resolution and accuracy,
typically slightly higher than laser scanning.
Limitations Structured Light 3D Scanning is sensitive to lighting conditions and is di cult to use
effectively outdoors.

3D SCANNING VIA PHOTOGRAMMETRY

As the name suggests, this technology records multiple photographs of a static subject from
multiple angles then, via computational geometry algorithms and computer vision, the
photographs of the subject are reconstructed into a 3D form. Parameters including focal length
and lens distortion are required, then pixels in corresponding images are automatically detected
from which an accurate 3D model is be created. Under ideal conditions, object detail captured
by photogrammetry can rival a laser scanner, however, geometric accuracy is usually worse due
to the lack of xed reference points for the camera’s position.
Advantages Photogrammetry 3D Scanning will reconstruct large or small subjects photographed
from the ground or the air with precision.
Limitations Photogrammetry 3D Scanning requires signi cant computing power to process
multiple images and to cross reference pixels within each to create 3D data. The
system is sensitive to image resolution and algorithmic processing can be time
consuming.

3D SCANNING VIA TOUCH SENSORS (DIGITIZING)

Touch sensor scanning involves either a moveable probe attached to a measuring device
capable of spanning a desired area while recording its position in space. Conversely, a static
probe with a moveable object can be employed. As the probe makes contact with the subject
deformation triggers point recognition. 3D data is built up over time until a complete picture is
generated. CMM’s (Coordinated Measuring Machines) fall into this category of scanners.

Advantages Touch Sensor 3D Scanning (Digitizing) is precise and effective upon both re ective &
transparent surfaces.
Limitations Touch Sensor 3D Scanning (Digitizing) is problematic in respect of soft, deformable
surfaces and is time consuming.

3D SCANNING VIA LASER PULSE (TIME-OF-FLIGHT OR PHASE-SHIFT

LIDAR)
Laser Pulse 3D Scanning relies upon the travel time of a Laser from source, to subject, then 
re ected back to a sensor, to calculate the geometric contours of a surface. The speed of light
is a known unit of measure and so by measuring the interval time between the emission and the
re ected return of a laser beam to the scanner, accurate measurements can be generated.  
The scanner will employ a single laser, ring laser pulses on a pico-second (0.000000001
seconds) frequency. The laser pulses are re ected from a rotating mirror mounted upon a 360’
rotating scanner unit. The resulting array of laser pulses re ect a single data point each from
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the environment and a comprehensive 3D data le is the result.

Precision can be adjusted per application, however, very high resolution and quality settings
generate very large 3D Scanning les.

Advantages Laser Pulse 3D Scanning (Time-of-Flight / Lidar) is accurate & suited to large scale
scanning applications.
Limitations Laser Pulse 3D Scanning (Time-of-Flight / Lidar) laser beams are at times sensitive to
shiny & transparent surfaces.

3D SCANNING WITH CONSUMER MOBILE DEVICES

3D Scanning is a comparatively new capability of mobile phones. Increasingly, 3D Scanning
features will be fully integral features, per the Xperia XZ1.
(https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2017/09/13/sculpteo-and-sony-announce-a-new-partnership-
scans-of-objects-and-faces-can-now-be-3d-printed-through-sony-xperia-xz1/) Currently, it is
more common to download a 3D Scanning App such as 123D Catch from Autodesk or Kinect
from Microsoft. Having decided upon an App, directions are simple; Select the subject, be sure
that access around the subject is uninterrupted and that lighting conditions are even
throughout. Initiate the scanning procedure, 3D Scanning all facets around the object while
maintaining a constant distance between the phone and the subject. 3D Scanning sensors
within the phone then collect & process data. The output le may be exported to a wide number
of applications from use as an Avatar in a Virtual Reality environment or game, through to 3D
Printing. 

POST-PROCESSING OF 3D SCANNING DATA

Touch sensor 3D Scanning (Digitizing), captures very manageable amounts of data, however,
Laser & Light based 3D Scanning systems capture very large amounts of data per le. For many
projects, multiple scans from a number of viewpoints will be required resulting in multiple, large
& related les. If multiple related les are collected, they will rst be aligned via “registration”,
one to the other, to form a complete 3D picture. These combined scans will then be optimized
by deleting excess data and then “repaired” (dependent upon application) by lling holes etc.
Ultimately, the le can be exported into a number of standardized le formats including PLY,
OBJ, STL, ASC, FBX. for downstream use.

Some 3D Scanners have fully integrated post-processing capabilities however, additional

advanced post-processing software may be required for other industry applications including
reverse engineering and quality inspection. Due to the large size of the les created, powerful
computing capability saves valuable time. It is also possible to combine data output from a
variety of types of scanners into a single output le.
It is important to capture high quality raw data during the acquisition stage because post

processing will typically clean data and reduce le size, reducing overall resolution and quality.
The offset here is that high quality resolution at the data acquisition stage is potentially very
time consuming. An experienced technician, aware of the resolution ultimately required by the
client, will be knowledgeable and experienced in the compromise required between time spent
in data acquisition, and the required quality of the end product.  

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THE FUTURE OF 3D SCANNING: MARKET PROJECTIONS THRU 2025

3D Scanning will see continued growth in coming years as both industry & consumer demand
continues to increase.  
Allied Market Research report in September 2018, that the global 3D Scanning market was
valued at $8,427.0 million in 2017, and is projected to reach $53,345.0 million by 2025,
registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.7% from 2018 to 2025. North
America was the highest contributor to the global market, with 39% of the market share in 2017,
registering a CAGR of 23.1% during the forecast period 2018-2025.
Allied Market Research September 2018

Markets & Markets report in July 2017, that the 3D Scanning market is expected to grow from
USD 3.76 billion in 2017 to USD 5.90 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast
period. The market growth can be attributed to the increasing need to capture large volumes of
3D data for modeling and analysis, rising focus on quality control, and growing awareness
about advanced medical treatments.
Markets & Markets July 2017
This data refers to 3D Scanning Market by:  
• Type (Optical Scanner, Laser Scanner, and Structured Light Scanner),  
• Range (Short Range Scanner, Medium Range Scanner, and Long Range Scanner),  
• Service (Reverse Engineering, Quality Inspection, Rapid Prototyping, and Face Body Scanning),
and  
• Application (Entertainment & Media, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, Civil & Architecture,
Industrial Manufacturing, and Others)
Key 3D Scanning developers include: Faro Technologies, Inc., Creaform, Inc., Direct Dimensions,
Inc., GOM mbH, Konica Minolta, Inc., 3D Digital Corporation, Autodesk, Inc., 3D Systems, Inc.
The above reports into the future of 3D Scanning identi ed the following key considerations in
respect of future growth:
5. 3D Scanning is playing an integral role in shortening product development and
manufacturing times by streamlining the QA/QC process.  
6. Ongoing technological advancements concerning portability, scanning range & image quality
are opening new application areas for this equipment.
7. Increasing demand in the 3D Printing market, high de nition content recording for movies
and historical site preservation by 3D Scanners are some of the factors that are expected to
create lucrative growth opportunities during the forecast period.  
8. 3D Scanners that use any combination of laser triangulation, phase shifting, time-of- ight
technologies are expected to hold the largest share of the market, due to ease of use and
wide availability.  
9. The portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
(https://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/11460/3-Tips-for-
Choosing-the-Best-Coordinate-Measuring-Machine-for-Your-Quality-Process.aspx)segment of
the 3D Scanner market, which includes handheld and articulated arm CMMs—is expected to

grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Not surprising, given the versatility of
portable CMMs, which enable users to scan tight spaces with high accuracy.
10. The close relationship between 3D Printing and 3D Scanning means that growth in the
former market is likely to spur growth in the latter as well. Moreover, 3D Scanning
applications far outstrip those of 3D Printing, at least for the foreseeable future.
11. Most 3D Scanners remain expensive, a major restraint toward the adoption of these
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scanners. 

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