What is 3D scanning (sometimes referred to specifically as 3D laser scanning)?
3D scanning is the fast and accurate process of using a 3D scanner to convert physical objects into digital 3D data (in the most basic terms, it quickly and accurately gets your part into the computer). These scanners capture xyz coordinates of millions of points all over an object to recreate it digitally. 3D laser scanning in particular is a type of 3D scanning that uses a laser and cameras to obtain this physical data. There are many other types of 3D scanners besides laser, such as time-of-flight, white light, CT, and more. No matter the technology used, the resulting digital models have endless uses, some of which include: machining parts directly from the 3D scan data, reverse engineering, quality inspection, rapid prototyping, archiving, design, analysis, and more! Check out our 3D Scanning Technical Information page for a much more in-depth look at the world of 3D scanning.
