3D scanning is rapidly becoming much more affordable and accessible. Just a few years ago, you would have been looking at paying $30k or more for scanners, but these days you could be packing an all-singing and dancing scanner for under $800. “So what?” you say, “I’ve never needed a 3D scanner before; why would I need one now?” Because they are fantastic devices with a wealth of uses that will save you time and money at home and work.
So let’s take a look at five reasons to get a 3D Scanner
Saving Time
Whether you’re reverse engineering, prototyping, designing, animating, or doing anything that requires making 3D models, you know it’s a time-consuming process involving lots of manual measurements with tape measures and calipers to build an accurate model of a real-life object.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, as, with a 3D scanner in hand, you can quickly and accurately capture an object and create a 3D model in minutes rather than hours. And as we’ve powered our way through the technological revolution, the shapes of objects have only gotten more complex to the point where trying to measure something manually is an act of insanity.
Saving Money
That’s right. It’s going to save you money, possibly in multiple ways. The obvious way is that time is money; thus, saving you time also saves you money. It might even help you make more money by streamlining your work processes so much that it increases your capacity.
Another way it can help save money is that with the consistently accurate 3D data captured by 3D scanners, you won’t need to waste materials in trial and error testing to discover if something fits.
3D Printing
With access to a 3D printer, you can make just about anything, but only if you have a 3D model. Sure, you could fire up Blender and create your object from scratch, but that’s difficult, and even if you know what you’re doing, it still takes a while. With a 3D scanner, the world is your oyster for models. Have a flower pot with a neat design, but it’s too small, then scan it, scale it up in software, and print a new one. Want a copy of a cool statue in town? Give it a scan, and make your own. Basically, 3D scanners and printers are a match made in heaven.
Unexpected Versatility
The sheer level of things you can achieve if you have a scanner to hand is staggering. That dog or protagonist in your favorite video game can be replaced with a scan of your dog or yourself. Get some perfectly fitting custom clothes made by sending a body scan. If your remote’s battery cover breaks, scan the broken pieces, merge them together in post-processing software, and 3D print a new one. If you want to mod your car, bike, or home, then a quick scan will ensure your new piece fits perfectly.
Create your own jewelry, spare or replacement parts, phone or tablet holder, or even preserve historical objects. The only real limit to this is your creativity.
Getting Ahead
Being at the forefront of the 3D revolution is essential as the technology becomes cheaper and more accessible; more and more people will adopt it and reap the benefits. So the question you have to ask yourself is, can you afford to be left behind?
We think those are some solid reasons to get a 3D scanner. And if we’ve piqued your interest, we’ve got another article to help you figure out what 3D scanner you need.
