What Is 3D Scanning and Why It’s Changing Everything
In today's digital-first world, 3D scanning is rapidly becoming one of the most valuable tools across a wide range of industries. From manufacturing and healthcare to gaming and architecture, 3D scanning technology allows us to bring real-world objects into digital spaces with stunning precision.
Whether you're just starting to explore 3D scanning or looking for ways to integrate it into your workflow, this guide will give you everything you need to know.
🔍 What Is 3D Scanning?
3D scanning is the process of capturing the shape, texture, and dimensions of a physical object and converting it into a digital 3D model. This is done using specialized devices called 3D scanners, which gather spatial data through methods like lasers, structured light, or photogrammetry.
With a 3D model in hand, you can edit, replicate, or analyze the object using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software or even bring it into virtual environments.
⚙️ How 3D Scanners Work
There are several types of 3D scanning technology, each suited to different use cases:
1. Laser Scanners (LiDAR)
Projects a laser onto the object and measures reflection time.
Ideal for mapping large-scale environments like buildings or landscapes.
Used heavily in construction, real estate, and autonomous vehicles.
2. Structured Light Scanners
Projects a grid or pattern of light onto the object.
Captures distortions in the light to build accurate surface models.
Common in product design and quality control.
3. Photogrammetry
Uses high-resolution photos from multiple angles.
Great for low-cost 3D scanning using just a smartphone and software.
Ideal for artists, educators, and small businesses.
4. Contact Scanners
Uses a physical probe to touch the object.
Extremely precise but slower and best for small, complex parts.
💡 Benefits of 3D Scanning
3D scanning offers a wide range of advantages that save time, reduce costs, and open up creative possibilities:
✅ High Accuracy: Capture every detail, down to fractions of a millimeter.
✅ Time-Saving: Digitally reproduce objects in minutes instead of hours.
✅ Cost-Effective: Reduce waste in prototyping and manufacturing.
✅ Preservation: Archive delicate or historical objects digitally.
✅ Customization: Design made-to-measure products like prosthetics or footwear.
🧰 Common Applications of 3D Scanning
3D scanning isn’t just for engineers—it’s being used in:
🏭 Manufacturing: Reverse engineering, quality inspection, and rapid prototyping.
🏥 Healthcare: Custom implants, prosthetics, dental devices.
🎮 Gaming & AR/VR: Importing real-world objects into immersive experiences.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage: Preserving artifacts and historical architecture.
🏗️ Construction & Architecture: Creating digital twins and 3D models of spaces.
Want to see real-world examples? Check out our 3D scanning case studies (Insert internal link here when available).
⚠️ Challenges to Be Aware Of
While 3D scanning technology is powerful, it’s not without its hurdles:
💰 Cost: Professional-grade scanners can be expensive.
🧠 Learning Curve: Requires familiarity with 3D modeling software.
✨ Surface Limitations: Reflective or transparent surfaces can be tricky (a matte spray can help).
Luckily, many of these challenges are being addressed with user-friendly software and affordable hardware options.
🔮 The Future of 3D Scanning
As AI and mobile technology advance, expect to see 3D scanning become even more accessible. In fact, smartphone-based 3D scanners and AR-ready scans are already here.
Soon, 3D scanning will be a standard part of product design, education, medical diagnostics, and even e-commerce.
🚀 Getting Started with 3D Scanning
Ready to start scanning? Here’s what you’ll need:
A 3D scanner (or smartphone for photogrammetry)
A turntable (optional, for small object scanning)
3D scanning software (like Meshroom, Artec Studio, or Polycam)
A basic understanding of 3D file formats (OBJ, STL, PLY)
Curious about tools? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to 3D Scanning Software (Insert internal link if available).
📦 Final Thoughts
3D scanning is no longer just for engineers or tech enthusiasts—it's for creators, businesses, and innovators of all kinds. Whether you want to digitize products, preserve memories, or create virtual experiences, 3D scanning is a gateway to the future of digital creation.
Get started now: https://www.popshopgarage.com/3dscanning
What Is 3D Scanning?
At its core, 3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and (sometimes) appearance. That data is then used to construct a digital 3D model. Depending on the scanner type, this might involve lasers, structured light, or photogrammetry (using photographs from different angles).
Types of 3D Scanning Technologies
There are several methods for 3D scanning, each with its own strengths:
Laser Scanning (LiDAR): Uses laser beams to measure distances. It’s highly accurate and ideal for large environments, like buildings or landscapes.
Structured Light Scanning: Projects patterns of light onto an object and measures deformation to capture surface geometry. Often used for medium-sized objects with high precision.
Photogrammetry: Involves taking multiple photos from different angles and using software to reconstruct the object. This is more accessible and cost-effective, though less accurate.
Contact Scanners: These physically touch the object with a probe to map its shape. They're used in high-precision engineering applications.
Applications of 3D Scanning
3D scanning has a wide range of applications across many fields:
Manufacturing & Engineering: Reverse engineering, quality control, and prototyping.
Healthcare: Creating custom prosthetics, orthotics, and dental appliances.
Art & Design: Digitizing sculptures, preserving cultural artifacts, and enhancing digital art workflows.
Gaming & VR/AR: Bringing real-world objects into digital experiences.
Construction & Architecture: Surveying and documenting structures, creating digital twins.
Benefits of 3D Scanning
Accuracy: Captures intricate details with sub-millimeter precision.
Speed: Modern scanners can capture millions of data points per second.
Cost-Efficiency: Reduces time and material waste in prototyping and production.
Preservation: Enables digital archiving of fragile or rare objects.
Challenges to Consider
Cost: High-end scanners can be expensive.
Data Processing: Requires powerful software and hardware for model cleanup and conversion.
Surface Limitations: Shiny or transparent surfaces may need special preparation (like coating) to scan effectively.
The Future of 3D Scanning
As technology becomes more accessible, we’re seeing the rise of smartphone-based scanning and AI-powered processing. In the near future, expect to see real-time scanning in mobile apps, 3D scanning integrated into everyday design tools, and even more precise data capture for use in AI training, virtual simulations, and robotic vision.
Conclusion
Whether you're a designer, developer, engineer, or hobbyist, 3D scanning opens a portal between the physical and digital worlds. It’s no longer just a tool for specialists—it's becoming a creative and practical asset across industries. If you haven’t explored it yet, now is a great time to start scanning your world.
FAQ
It all begins with an idea.
What?
What is powder coating made of?
Powders usually consist of three parts (Resin: The resin is typically a thermosetting polymer, meaning it undergoes a chemical reaction when heated. Pigments: Pigments give the powder coating its color. Fillers and additives: Fillers may be added to improve properties such as flow, texture, or conductivity of the coating.)
What does powder coating do?
Powder coating offers Protection, Aesthetic Enhancement, Environmental benefits, and wide Versatility.
What is the Powder coating process?
Surface preparation (This is primarily achieved with chemical stripping and sand blasting.)
Powder application (via a electrostatic spray system)
Powder Curing (utilizing a oven typically between 300°F to 450°F)
Cooling and Inspection (Once removed from the oven and left to cool the coating is inspected for an defects.)What materials can be powder coated?
In theory any material that can conduct electricity can be powder coated. This can include unconventional materials like wood, Plastic, Glass, and Carbon Fiber.
What does powder coating cost?
Prices can range from as low as $10 up to hundreds for a single part. You can find our prices here: https://www.popshopgarage.com/prices
Can?
Can powder coating be removed?
Yes, while powder coating is much more durable than paint we can remove it if you want to change the color later on. This is done by chemical stripping or abrasive sanding via a sand blaster or sander.
Can powder coating be glossy?
Yes, with powder coating you have any options when it comes to finishes. You’re able to achieve gloss, high gloss, matte, metallic, chrome, color shift, and much more!
Can powder coating be painted over?
Yes, as long as the service was prepped beforehand you are able to paint over it.
Can powder coating be touched?
Yes, powder coating can be touched once it has cooled. Keep in mind that powder coating cure time vary from powder to powder.
Can powder coating be done on site?
Powder coating requires a specialized setup so its best done at a stationary site to reduce any issues.
Can powder coating be touched up?
Yes, you are able to touch up powder coating. New powder will adhere to the existing surface.
Can powder coating look like chrome?
yes, you are able to achieve that chrome like look. Other variants of chrome powder are available too like gold and black.
How?
How does powder coating work?
Surface preparation (This is primarily achieved with chemical stripping and sand blasting.)
Powder application (via a electrostatic spray system)
Powder Curing (utilizing a oven typically between 300°F to 450°F)
Cooling and Inspection (Once removed from the oven and left to cool the coating is inspected for an defects.)How is powder coating made?
Powders usually consist of three parts (Resin: The resin is typically a thermosetting polymer, meaning it undergoes a chemical reaction when heated. Pigments: Pigments give the powder coating its color. Fillers and additives: Fillers may be added to improve properties such as flow, texture, or conductivity of the coating.)
How much does powder coating cost?
Prices can range from as low as $10 up to hundreds for a single part. You can find our prices here: https://www.popshopgarage.com/prices
How to remove powder coating?
while powder coating is much more durable than paint we can remove it if you want to change the color later on. This is done by chemical stripping or abrasive sanding via a sand blaster or sander.
How much does it cost to powder coat Wheels / Rims?
Prices can range from $80 a wheel to $120 for a single coating.
How thick is powder coating?
For most applications, the recommended thickness of powder coating typically falls within the range of 1.5 to 4 mils (thousandths of an inch), or approximately 38 to 100 microns.
Where?
Where is powder coating used?
While powder coating is most known in the automotive industry, powder coating is used all over! (Architectural and Building Construction, Furniture and Home Decor, Industrial Equipment, Sporting Goods and Recreational Equipment, Electronics and Electrical Enclosures, and Agricultural and Construction Equipment.)
Where can I buy powder coating?
You can buy beginner equipment from specialized online retailers or you can bring or ship your parts here and we’d be glad to take care of you!
Where to learn powder coating?
Best place to start is youtube or working at a powder coating shop.
Where to get powder coating done near me?
We are local here in Falcon, CO we also service Colorado Springs and Denver clients!
Which?
Which is better powder coating or anodizing?
Determining whether powder coating or anodizing is better depends on the specific requirements of the application, including factors such as desired appearance, durability, cost, environmental considerations, and the properties of the substrate material. Both processes offer distinct advantages and are commonly used in various industries.
Who?
Who does powder coating near me?
Pop Shop Garage located in Falcon, CO we also service Colorado Springs and Denver Clients.
Who uses powder coating?
While powder coating is most known in the automotive industry, powder coating is used all over! (Architectural and Building Construction, Furniture and Home Decor, Industrial Equipment, Sporting Goods and Recreational Equipment, Electronics and Electrical Enclosures, and Agricultural and Construction Equipment.)
Who invented powder coating?
The powder coating process was invented around 1945 by Daniel Gustin and received US Patent 2538562 in 1945.
Why?
Why is powder coating so expensive?
Depending on the size and complexity of the part will have an affect on the cost of the service. This is also the same if you’re looking for a single coat or a multi layer piece including different colors or clear coat.
Why is powder coating used?
Powder coating offers Protection, Aesthetic Enhancement, Environmental benefits, and wide Versatility.
Why is powder coating better than painting?
Durability, Environmental friendliness, efficiency and cost effectiveness, uniform finish, versatility, resistance to chemicals and solvents, and thinner application.
Why is powder coating done?
Powder coating offers Protection, Aesthetic Enhancement, Environmental benefits, and wide Versatility.
Will?
Will powder coating fill in scratches?
Yes, powder coating can fill in light scratches but large damage needs to be repaired before powder coating.
Will powder coating prevent rust?
Yes, powder coating not only protects rust but provides a durable finish.
Will powder coating work on exhausts?
Normally no, high temp powder coating cures at a temperature of 450 degrees and most exhausts get hotter than that.
Will powder coating stick to chrome
Technically yes, you are able to powder coat over chrome as long as the chrome is in good condition and not flaking off.
Will powder coating rust?
No, powder coating is actually used on metals to prevent rust.