3D Scanning by Mail
Ship it. We scan it. Download your files.
What's Included
Accurate Scan Data
High-quality 3D scans captured with professional-grade equipment (Creality Raptor scanner).
Fast Turnaround
Standard 2-3 day turnaround, or 24-hour express service available for rush jobs.
Multiple Formats
Receive your scan data in STL and PLY formats, ready for your workflow.
Choose Your Scan Type
Our scanner has two modes optimized for different needs. Choose what works for your part.
Laser Scanning
✓ Best For:
- • Mechanical parts and precision components
- • Hard surfaces with defined edges
- • Maximum dimensional accuracy
- • Reverse engineering applications
Special Considerations:
Scanning Paint Available
For reflective, transparent, or very dark surfaces, we can apply a temporary scanning spray coating to achieve optimal accuracy. The coating evaporates after scanning.
Infrared Scanning
✓ Best For:
- • Organic shapes and sculptures
- • Parts where color/texture matters
- • Darker or matte surfaces
- • Artistic and decorative objects
- • 3D printing with color information
Key Benefits:
- • No scanning spray needed
- • Works well on varied materials
- • Captures realistic surface appearance
- • Great for visualization and presentation
Not sure which to choose?
When you submit photos of your part, we'll recommend the best scanning method based on your needs and the part's characteristics.
How It Works
- Send Photos
- Ship Your Part
- We Scan
- Approve & Pay
- Receive Files & Part
Send photos of your part from several angles, plus a short description: approximate dimensions, material and what you want to do with the scan. We'll check it's scannable and send you a quote.
If you're happy with the quote, send us your part with a return shipping label included in the package, so we can ship it back to you. Package it carefully, and we recommend insurance and tracking for valuable items.
We scan your part within your turnaround window and email you screenshots of the scan for approval.
Happy with the screenshots? Pay by Venmo or PayPal. You don't pay anything until you've seen the scan.
We send you the scan files (STL and PLY formats), then ship your original part back using your label.
What People Scan For
Frequently Asked Questions
We can handle parts from small components (100mm x 100mm x 100mm) up to approximately half the size of a car. If you're unsure whether your part is too large, send us photos and we'll let you know.
Matte, non-reflective surfaces scan best. Shiny metal, transparent, or very dark black parts may require special preparation (like temporary coating spray). We'll advise you after reviewing your photos.
We can arrange that you come to our facility (Seacoast, NH), or we can travel to you (travel time max 1hr).
CAD conversion requires understanding design intent, which varies by application - without knowing that the best we can do is recreate your part in Solidworks and give you a STEP file suitable for manufacturing. Price will depend on part geometry and will be discussed before work starts.
We handle all parts with care, but shipping carries inherent risks. We strongly recommend you purchase shipping insurance for valuable or irreplaceable items. You are responsible for properly packaging your part and insuring shipments both ways. Include a return shipping label in the package when you send your part.
Not always. For gaskets, brackets and other mostly flat parts, you can often trace an outline from a photo with a free-to-try tool like ShapeScan, which exports SVG, DXF and simple extruded STL files to about ±1mm. A 3D scan is the better choice when the part has real depth, curves or fine detail, or when you need tighter accuracy (our laser mode is ±0.2mm).
The scan files we provide are high-quality meshes, but they may require some cleanup or modification depending on your intended use. Most 3D printing slicers can import STL files directly, though you may need to repair or optimize the mesh for your specific application.
Yes, we scan parts from anywhere in the world. Include a return shipping label in the package as usual. International customers are responsible for shipping, insurance and any customs duties or taxes in both directions, and should pay by PayPal (Venmo is US-only).
We accept Venmo and PayPal. You pay after you've approved the scan screenshots.
Transparent Pricing
We base our pricing on the complexity and time required to scan your part. All quotes are provided upfront after reviewing your photos.
Standard Service
- ✓ 2-3 day turnaround
- ✓ STL and PLY file formats
- ✓ Screenshot approval process
- ✓ Part returned safely
Pricing scales based on part complexity and scan time required.
Express Service
- ✓ 24-hour turnaround
- ✓ Priority queue placement
- ✓ All standard features included
- ✓ Perfect for rush projects
Rush service subject to availability. Contact us first for urgent projects.
Ready to Get Started?
Got a part you want scanned? Send some photos and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Email Us
- Multiple photos of your part (all angles)
- Approximate dimensions
- Material type (if known)
- Desired turnaround (standard or express)
- Any special concerns or requirements
Accuracy & Quality
All 3D scans are provided on a best-effort basis. While we use professional-grade equipment and techniques, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or fitness of scans for any particular purpose. Scan quality may vary based on subject geometry, material properties, surface conditions, and environmental factors. You are responsible for verifying scan accuracy before relying on scans for critical applications (manufacturing, medical, etc.).
No Liability
We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from scan quality, accuracy, data loss, or inability to use scans as intended—including manufacturing errors, financial loss, or project delays.
Intellectual Property & Copyright
You are solely responsible for ensuring you have the legal right to have items scanned. We do not verify ownership or copyright status. You agree not to hold us liable for scanning items containing copyrighted, trademarked, or proprietary material, or material belonging to third parties. You indemnify us against any claims arising from the content scanned or use of scans.
Data Use
Scans may be used internally for process improvement, portfolio examples (anonymized), or troubleshooting unless otherwise agreed in writing.