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How Do You Choose the Right 3D Scanner? - Printable Version

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How Do You Choose the Right 3D Scanner? - Agatha Christie - 12-31-2025

To choose the right 3D scanner, first define your needs (object size, detail, environment, budget) and then match them to scanner features like technology (laser, structured light, photogrammetry), performance (accuracy, resolution, speed), and usability (portability, software) to find the best fit for your workflow, says.

Key Factors to Consider
  • Application & Object:
    • Small, detailed parts (jewelry, dental): High accuracy/resolution, laser or structured light.
    • Large objects (vehicles, rooms): LiDAR or broader-range scanners.
    • Art/Heritage (color/texture): Scanners with high-quality color capture.
    • Digital Twins/VR: Good color/texture, user-friendly, mid-range accuracy.
  • Technology:
    • Structured Light (White/Blue): Great detail, good for industrial use, can struggle with shiny/black surfaces unless blue light is used.
    • Laser (Triangulation/Pulse): Highly accurate, excellent for fine details and complex geometry.
    • Photogrammetry: Uses photos, good for large scenes, needs many shots, and powerful processing.
    • LiDAR: Excellent for large-scale environments and accurate distance measurement. 
  • Performance Metrics:
    • Accuracy: How close measurements are to reality (e.g., +/- 0.02mm).
    • Resolution/Detail: How small a feature can be captured (e.g., fine textures).
    • Speed: How fast it captures data (important for large objects/workflows).
    • Scan Size/Range: The volume it can effectively capture.
  • Workflow & Usability:
    • Portability: Handheld for on-site work vs. stationary for precision.
    • Software: Ease of use, processing power, integration with other tools (CAD, printing).
    • Environment: Can it handle challenging light or outdoor conditions?.
  • Budget:
    • Consider the scanner, software, accessories, and potential training costs.
By mapping your specific project needs (what, how detailed, where) to these scanner characteristics, you can narrow down the technology and features to find your ideal 3D scanning solution.