How much does 3D scanning cost?

One of the first things customers would like to know when they contact Physical Digital is how much does 3D scanning cost?

The answer is that the cost of 3D scanning can vary greatly from project to project and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when quoting. The team at Physical Digital® team assess the following to provide an accurate cost:

Scale of object:

Physical Digital have the capability to capture large-scale objects in high-resolution, but the level of detail required downstream for the project will affect the process used, time taken and overall cost. Photogrammetry is often used as the initial data capture method to generate a highly-accurate point cloud which is referenced by the ATOS Triple scan sensor. This will help to reduce deviation on large-scale projects such as aircraft.

Complexity of the object:

Physical Digital deliver their 3D scanning services using world-renowned GOM metrology equipment, which works by line of site. This means that it captures highly-accurate surface data by projecting a phase-shifting fringe pattern using 3D structured blue light onto the surface of your object. The more complex and detailed the surface, the more scans and time it will take to capture the data, influencing the overall cost of the project.

Number of components to be scanned:

Whilst we often scan single components, for multiple-part scans we have an automated measurement facility which offers a significant cost benefit as a batch measurement solution. Where required, our in-house design team can design and manufacture bespoke or modular fixtures to enable even faster scanning of these parts, which can greatly reduce the cost per object.

Location:

When quoting for a project we will take into consideration where the 3D scanning will take place, i.e. if you will be sending the part/s to be scanned at our facility in Surrey, or if you require our mobile 3D scanning services to be delivered on-site, at a location of your choice. Many of our customers see the benefits of on-site scanning as it reduces the overall down-time of the part, subsequently reducing the length of the project.

Deliverable:

We can provide the raw scan data, however we are also able to provide you with in-depth inspection reports or our expert in-house design team can reverse engineer a surface model into CAD and provide manufacturing drawings. The complexity of the object will directly affect the time it will take to be reverse engineered which will of course affect the price.

Downstream use of the data:

Considering what the data will be used for is also an important consideration when quoting on new projects.  For example if the part is being used for special/visual analysis then the resolution can be reduced speeding up the measurement process and therefore reducing the overall project cost.

Physical Digital is the largest and longest-established approved GOM service provider in the UK, providing high-accuracy, fully traceable data to a wide variety of industrial sectors and beyond. Our experienced team will work with you to tailor a measurement solution to suit your requirements, whether that is to be completed at our facility in Surrey or on-site at your place of work.

To find out how Physical Digital’s 3D scanning services could support your project, contact us today on +44 (0) 1483 750200 for a no-obligation 3D scanning quote or to chat with one of our team to find out more.