3D Scanning – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Everything You Need to Know About 3D Scanning And Our Services
What is 3D scanning and what are it’s use cases
A 3D scanner captures the shape of an object using lasers or other light-based technologies. The data from the scanner is then used to create a CAD model of the object. This process called 3D scanning. As a new technology, many are unaware of the potential and use cases of a 3D scanners. Here we try to answer your most frequently asked questions about 3D scanners and its applications. We will try our best to regularly update this page.

How does 3D scanning work? What ARE point clouds?

What are the different types of 3D scanners?
Handheld scanners are the most common type of 3D scanner. They are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They scan an object from multiple angles and then create a 3D model from the data.
Arm-mounted scanners, which are typically used in industrial settings, are more expensive and larger than handheld scanners. They operate by attaching the scanner to an arm and moving it around the object being scanned. Due to the fixed orientation provided by the arm or linkage, these scanners can achieve greater accuracy compared to handheld scanners.
Laser trackers are the most accurate 3D scanners available. They use laser technology to track the scanner’s movement and create an accurate digital model. However, they also come with a high cost. These scanners are primarily used in construction projects and can also be mounted on drones to create detailed 3D maps of both rural and urban areas for development purposes.
3D ultrasound is a medical version scanner that uses sound waves to create a 3D image of an object. It is non-invasive and does not require contact with the object being scanned. A 3D ultrasound scanner is usually used to do scans of babies.
RAF 3D uses a handheld laser 3D scanner with LED light and Color scanning capability. We do not offer Large scale environmental and construction scanning at this moment.

How accurate is 3D scanning?
Our handheld 3D scanner is highly accurate, with the capability to capture details as small as 0.04 mm under Laser Scan mode and a minimum point distance of 0.05 mm. However, it’s important to note that accuracy is not the only important aspect of 3D scanning. The data quality also plays a crucial role in determining the final quality of the 3D model. A scanner may have a high level of accuracy. Still, if it fails to produce high-quality data, the resulting 3D model will be of inferior quality.
- The accuracy is usually expressed as the distance between each cloud point.
What are the limitations of 3D scanners?
Which 3D scanning service suits your need?
Why use 3D scanning?
Once you have a CAD model of an object, you can use it to create multiple copies without having to rescan the original object each time. This can be helpful if you need to develop various prototypes or if you want to mass-produce a product. Overall, 3D scanning is a powerful tool that saves time and money.

Can you 3D scan with your phone?
Can you 3D scan with an iPhone?
The short answer is YES.
If your iPhone has lidar like the iPhone 12, you’ll be able to 3D scan using cloud points. However, if you don’t have lidar, you will need to use photogrammetry instead.
Photogrammetry is the process of taking 2D photos and turning them into 3D models. It is a bit more complicated than lidar, but it can still produce good results.
There are a few different apps you can use for photogrammetry, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. For professional applications, we highly recommend using high-fidelity 3d scanners.

WHAT ARE INDUSTRIES MORE LIKELY TO USE 3D SCANNING?
How do specific industries use 3D scanning?
How would 3D scanning speed up reverse engineering?
3D scanning also has the added benefit of capturing the exact dimensions of an existing product. This is especially helpful when trying to reverse engineer something that doesn’t have any drawings or documentation available. By having an accurate 3D model, engineers can more easily determine how the product was made.

Can you scan something and 3D print it?
How long does a 3D scan take?
how much do 3D scans cost?
Depending on the application, it can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500 an hour. We charge $125 per hour regardless of the scanning method, and our applications usually take 2 to 4 hours to scan. We also offer daily rates for 10 hours with a heavy discount and a subscription model for recurring customers like product designers.

WHAT SOFTWARE SUPPORT THE SCANNED MODEL?
Once a 3D scan is complete, it is typically saved in a mesh file format such as 3MF, STL, or OBJ. These file formats can be easily imported into most CAD applications, allowing you to use the scanned data to create detailed models. However, it’s important to note that the units of measurement in the scan must match the units set in the CAD program. For example, suppose the scan is in millimeters. In that case, the program’s measurement unit must also be set to millimeters for the model to be accurate.
3D scanned items usually have very high polygon numbers, so we suggest you reduce them before importing them into your CAD software and turning them into a cad model.
Some of the most known applications are Autodesk Fusion, SOLIDWORKS , Rhino, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4d, Prusa Slicer and many others.
What is the final file format?
Anything else to know?
You may need to send your 3D scans to a CAD service provider to reverse engineer your parts. We do not offer such a service at this time.
While RAF 3D does not offer 3D printing services, we know a great 3D printing service provider, and we’re more than happy to take your business to them.
A good rule of thumb is to let your 3D scanning provider know if you need the file for 3D printing or reverse engineering and prototyping. This way, you’ll get a file to optimize for your needs.
Do you offer professional 3D scanning services?
Yes. RAF3D offers professional handheld 3D scanning services to many industries in Lower Mainland, BC. We provide on-site services, but you can also either drop your parts to us or we can offer pickup and delivery for an additional cost. Please contact us if you’re looking for 3D scanning services near you.