Take 3D Printing to the Next Level with 3D Scanning

Using a portable 3D scanner expands the capabilities of your 3D printer, allowing you to replicate the geometry of almost any object. Together, the two technologies create a powerful, digital workflow that can simplify and sophisticate processes in a range of industries.

The output from a 3D scanner is a mesh of triangles representing the surface of an object at a real-world scale. In some cases, the scan can be used directly to replicate objects without any CAD work. A hybrid workflow can also be powerful, where solid CAD models are combined with scanned 3D models. For example, customized ergonomics capture a physical imprint of a part of the human body, and integrate them with a mechanical design.

3D scanners are also valuable tools for measuring the accuracy of manufactured objects. Many factors affect 3D print accuracy, and metrology-grade 3D scanners provide a clear picture of how a material performs for demanding applications.

A variety of powerful workflows are enabled by combining a 3D printer and a 3D scanner:

• Reverse engineering to create replacement parts, products with custom ergonomics, and more.
• Replication and restoration of parts, especially in art and jewelry.
• Consumer audio for creating custom earpieces.
• Dental and medical applications, and how 3D scanning is enabling patient-specific workflows.
• Metrology to validate and measure the accuracy of manufactured objects.