How much does 3D scanning cost? (2024)

1. Size of an object or a part

One of the very first and fundamental factors you should consider when planning your scanning budget is the overall size of the object/s or a part that you need to scan. A larger object will typically require more time and scans to get a complete model than a smaller object. Therefore, a scan of a larger object will cost more than a scan of a smaller object.

Scanning intricate details of a large industrial object with a handheld 3D scanner

In some cases, however, this may not be true. A scan of a smaller but more complex object can cost more than a scan of a larger but relatively simple item. We’ll talk more about that in the next section about geometry.

If you are planning on purchasing a scanner, make sure that the one that you choose is capable of capturing the object sizes that you need. Sometimes, really large and complex objects may require multiple scanners to get the job done. One scanner can be used to capture the entire object, and the other — to capture smaller and harder to reach areas for a complete scan.

2. Geometry of an object or part

The second key factor to consider is how complex or simple the geometry of an object is. It’s much easier and faster to scan a simple object without elaborate details than a surface with complex features like holes, fine lines, sharp edges, overhangs, threads, etc. Such objects will require more time for scanning every intricate detail in order to produce a complete and accurate model than a simple “featureless” surface would.

To illustrate the two points above, take a look at these two models below. The first model of a spanner is an example of a relatively small (2.5 cm × 16.3 cm) and geometrically simple object. It took our scanning specialist just three minutes to scan it, and another 10 minutes to process the data in Artec Studio software.

A 3D model of a small object with simple geometry

A 3D model of a medium-sized object with complex geometry

The second model of a dual-clutch gearbox is another example of a medium-sized object (40 cm × 44 cm × 52 cm) full of small and fine details. It took us 22 minutes to scan, and about twice as much time to process.

3. Quantity of parts or objects in a project

This consideration logically follows the first two — the more objects or parts you need to capture, the more resources it will take to scan and process them, whether you plan to do it in-house or to outsource. Each part of an object, or multiple solid objects, still need to be scanned on their own, and may require both a different scanning and data processing workflow.

For example, for a complete scan ready for reverse engineering, the item frequently needs to be disassembled so that each component can be scanned separately. This, therefore, requires an allocated time both for scanning and processing. In certain cases, however, for example when the shapes of the components are rather primitive, disassembling is not necessary.

The same goes for quality assurance — in most cases, the component that needs to be checked is exactly the component that needs to be compared against a respective CAD/mesh model, and no additional dismantling is required.

4. Accuracy and resolution of a final model

One more key factor to consider when evaluating the scanning costs is the accuracy and resolution you expect in the final 3D model. Different scanners have different technical specifications, and their resolution and accuracy parameters are defined by the technology that goes with them. The more advanced the hardware and software on board is, the higher the quality, speed and precision, and predictability of the results you get. Therefore, the more accurate and high quality you need your model to be, the more expensive it will be to capture it in 3D — whether you’re planning to do it in-house or not.

There are lots of 3D scanners and scanning gear on the market these days — white and blue structured light 3D scanners, laser scanners, photogrammetry solutions, and others. If you’re planning to go to a professional scanning service, it will be up to them to decide which scanner fits your requirements best. However, if you’re planning on purchasing a 3D scanner yourself, make sure to check the scanner specifications first, and schedule a live or online demo to see the results on at least one of the objects you intend to scan.

5. Color

Another factor that goes into the scanning cost is color. Some applications require color scans and a true likeness of an object. And in some cases, if for example you just need to acquire measurements of an object, that’s not necessary.

A 3D model of a power drill scanned with Artec Space Spider, as shown with and without texture

If the project requires top notch texture, which entails using professional lighting equipment as well as specific software, for example photogrammetry, to project external texture shots onto the mesh, it might make a huge difference when it comes to investments of time and money.

For example, if the model needs to be showcased online, will be used in a video game, AR, or VR application, it may require some additional time for texture post-processing and touch-ups by a 3D artist. In some cases though, scanning and processing of color and textureless objects can be almost the same. It all depends on the application — more on that in the next point.

6. Application

3D scanning is usually just a part of a bigger workflow. And just like when someone scans an article from a print magazine for research with a document scanner, or records an interview of someone for a documentary on video, the 3D scanner is used to get a 3D “copy” of something that will then be used further for a specific project.

Creating a 3D model of a compressor with Artec Space Spider, to be further used for reverse engineering

Be it a scan of a broken car part that needs to be repaired, a scan of a chair for an online store, or a scan a foot for custom orthotics, every application has its own requirements. The data captured with a scanner need to be further processed and prepared to be suitable for the task.

If you are seeking raw 3D scan data, it usually comes at no additional cost whether you plan to use your own scanner or will use professional services. Most 3D scanning solutions support all popular 3D formats, such as STL, OBJ, PLY and WRL.

A 3D mesh model of a clamp created with Artec Micro: the mesh is made up of thousands of polygons

A feature-based CAD model of the clamp created from the 3D mesh model

If, for example, you need to get a parametric CAD model as an output instead of a mesh, this step will cost extra money in a scanning service company (or some extra hours for you or your in-house CAD specialist). Make sure to allocate some of your budget to modeling and CAD if this is the case for you. One hour of reverse engineering can start from $100-$200 per hour, and the more complex the object, the more time it will take to reverse engineer it.

7. Complex materials and scanning conditions

Some surfaces that are reflective or shiny can be challenging to capture as is, and may require additional time spent on preparation and spraying them with a washable or vanishing scanning spray, as well as the clean-up afterwards.

Also, some scanners require a special setup and the use of extra accessories, such as targets, to capture an object successfully. Such targets come at an additional cost, are cumbersome, and take quite a lot of time to be stuck on an object. You also need to make sure that there is enough of them in each frame, and after the session is over, you need to spend some extra time to remove the targets and clean up the object.

In some cases, when the object is large, in a remote location, or is hard for one person to reach on their own, you may need some additional equipment (a ladder, a crane, etc.) or some extra hands to do the scanning.