3D Scanning for 3D Printing

Need to reproduce a broken part, make an adapter that fits an existing object, or print a copy of something that has no CAD model? A 3D scan gives you a digital mesh of the real thing, which you can load into a slicer or modelling tool.

From physical part to STL

1. Send photos and a description of your part: several angles, approximate dimensions and material.
2. We quote and recommend a scan type. Laser scanning suits precision parts; infrared scanning suits organic or colored objects. See the comparison.
3. Ship your part, and include a return shipping label in the package.
4. We scan and send screenshots for your approval.
5. You pay by Venmo or PayPal and receive your STL and PLY files, and we ship your original part back.

STL or PLY?

• STL is the format nearly every slicer and CAD package accepts. It stores geometry only.
• PLY can carry color information, which matters if you're printing in color or want a realistic visual of the object.

We deliver both.

Are scans print-ready?

Scan files are high-quality meshes, but depending on your use they may need cleanup, hole filling or optimization before printing. Most slicers import STL directly. If you need a part that matches existing geometry precisely, our laser mode has ±0.2mm accuracy, and our reverse engineering service can recreate the part as a STEP file in Solidworks.

Tricky surfaces

Shiny, transparent or very dark parts can be hard to scan. We can apply a temporary scanning spray that evaporates after scanning, or use infrared mode, which needs no spray.

Pricing starts at $55 with 2-3 day turnaround, or 24-hour express for a 30% premium. See pricing, or read about 3D scanning in New Hampshire if you'd rather drop off locally.