Have you thought about Googling how to find the best 3D scanning company near me?
What qualifies a company to be superior in 3D laser scanning? How do you know you’ll receive the data needed for your project?
In today’s fast-paced world, businesses and individuals alike are constantly seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. One such innovation that has been making waves across various industries is 3D laser scanning technology.
Whether you’re in manufacturing, aerospace, consumer products, or even entertainment, 3D scanning offers unparalleled benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
However, with the growing demand for 3D scanning services, finding the best 3D scanning company near you can be a daunting task.
Here we can walk through the steps to identify the perfect partner for your 3D scanning needs.
Understanding Your Project Requirements
Before embarking on your search for a 3D scanning company, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your specific requirements.
Consider the size and complexity of the objects or spaces you need to scan, the level of precision required, your budget constraints, and any additional services you may need, such as CAD modeling or reverse engineering.
Do you need mesh files? CAD files? What is the difference between the two?
Mesh files are ideal for 3D printing, depending upon the complexity of your project, along with conceptual purposes. They can also be used to compare data to a physical part to find any quality control issues.
CAD files are needed for manufacturing purposes. These are the files a program will be built off of in order to tell machinery how to produce a project.
Read a more thorough analysis of what the difference is between STL and CAD files, here.
CAD files are commonly delivered in STEP, IGES, and XT format. These are universal files and will open in CAD software; namely Solidworks, Fusion 360, and AutoCAD.
Don’t know what type of files you need? Click through this sample folder to decide.
Researching 3D Scanning Companies Near Me
Armed with your requirements, it’s time to start researching 3D scanning companies in your area. Can you trust just Googling “3D scanning company near me”?
This search term will provide you with a list of companies operating in your vicinity but don’t be limited just by your city.
With the digital nature of 3D files, resulting data can easily be emailed or dropped into a hosting site for downloading anywhere in the world.
Take your time to explore their websites, paying close attention to their services, portfolio, client testimonials, and certifications.
Assessing Experience and Expertise
When evaluating potential 3D scanning partners, prioritize experience and expertise.
Look for companies that have a proven track record in your industry and have successfully completed projects similar to your industry.
Aerospace, product development, consumer products, motorsports; what is your project’s purpose?
It is important to understand the type of 3D scanning company you are contacting. Some will specialize in product development, reverse engineering while others dominate large scale scanning. More than likely, the type of work performed will be a part of their portfolio.
The type of laser scanner will also determine the accuracy and file exports available. Large scale scanning, for buildings for example, do not have the millimeter-accuracy that reverse engineering centric, 3D scanning companies utilize. 
The design engineers employed at the business will also be knowledgeable in their niche. Specifically, our company specializes in manufacturing and can also help source production with files that are ready for machining.
Checking Reviews and References
Word of mouth can be a powerful tool in your quest for the best 3D scanning company. Based on the niche industry of 3D laser scanning, it may be best to reach out to colleagues and industry peers for recommendations.
Additionally, reviews on Yelp and Google Business Listings can be helpful. However it is my experience that most business to business transactions do not leave a public review. These types of reviews are based on consumer relationships.
Another way to gauge the quality of work is to ask for a portfolio or sample files. This can help verify the quality of work along with validating which files are needed for your project.
More Topics for a 3D Scanning Company Near Me
Besides understanding your own engineering project requirements, here are other topics to consider when sourcing a 3D scanning company near me.
Each business should be able to quote a project before taking it on. They also will have a protocol for confidentiality of a project, who owns files, and quality control.
By considering these elements, both parties can lay a foundation to work continuously into the future.
Requesting an Official Quote
By providing detailed information about your project requirements, as mentioned above, you and the company you work with ensure accurate pricing.
In order to do this, provide a well-written write up about your project that also itemizes delivery requirements, accuracy needed, and timeline.
Providing many detailed photos is helpful and essential to producing the most accurate estimate. A valued 3D scanning company near me can present questions that may arise, that a client may not have thought of, that contribute to an accurate quote.
When you are gathering multiple quotes, remember the cheapest option may not always be the best. Prioritize value for money and the overall quality of service.
Considering Accessibility
With the internet’s location power, choosing a company that is conveniently located near you is not always the best way to save money. I feel it is more important to work with the most professional and accessible 3D scanning provider versus local.
Projects can be shipped in after the quoting process. Most modern laser scanners also travel easily in the overhead compartment of a commercial airliner; bringing 3D laser scanning to you.
This increases your accessibility to engineering resources widely.
Ensuring Data Security and Confidentiality
An important topic in CAD design is who owns the actual file?
When entrusting sensitive data and intellectual property to a 3D scanning company, data security and confidentiality should be top priorities.
Most 3D laser scanning companies will have NDAs or terms and conditions in their contracts that itemize who owns the digital property. This will be important as many clients are working on prototypes, patents, and proprietary ideas.
One topic that I remind clients when taking on a new project is that our company is a service provider. We are not in the business of making products and are not the experts in your field.
It is best business practice to keep the integrity of our company and not share files with other clients. Your files are yours.
Building a Long-Term Partnership
Finding the best 3D scanning company near you is not just about completing a one-off project; it’s about building a long-term partnership. Working with a company that demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, responsiveness to your needs,
A strong and collaborative relationship with your 3D scanning partner can pave the way for future projects and mutual success.
Why Choose Tangent Solutions
In your search for the best 3D scanning company near you, one name stands out: Tangent Solutions. With years of experience in the industry, Tangent Solutions has established itself as a trusted provider of cutting-edge 3D scanning services.
Our team of experts combines technical prowess with a client-centric approach to deliver tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
At Tangent Solutions, we understand that every project is different, which is why we take the time to listen to your requirements and customize our services accordingly. Whether you need high-precision scanning for manufacturing applications or detailed scans for quality documentation, we have the expertise and technology to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
In conclusion, finding the best 3D scanning company near you doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this guide and choosing a reputable partner like Tangent Solutions, you can unlock the full potential of 3D scanning technology and propel your business to new heights of innovation and success.
