There are many benefits to 3D laser scanning! This includes instant digitization of a physical object, quality control verification, and increasing your engineering capabilities. Should you buy a 3D scanner or outsource to a service provider?
However there is a heavy investment in a 3D scanning platform. 
It is tempting to invest into such a great form of engineering technology. Since the technology is still growing, the investment can be in the six-figures. With this article being written at the end of the year, many companies think about a depreciation value for tax purposes.
However it is not just about hardware. Integrating a 3D scanning platform also requires yearly software subscriptions and training for employees.
May clients decide to just outsource their 3D laser scanning requirements to a 3D scanning services provider.
3D scanning may cost anywhere from $200, $300, or even more than $1000 for processing a particular part. The cost depends on the intricacies of the product, the brand name of the service, and various other factors which we’ll try to understand in the following sections.
Should Your Company Buy a 3D Scanner?
Before we discuss the factors that can affect the cost of 3D scanning, let’s discuss if it’s smarter to simply buy a 3D scanner of your own.
Why not spend some money once and have an excellent piece of tech at your disposal? The proposition may sound fantastic, but it’s not. In most cases, using a 3D scanning service may be a more cost-effective route.
Here are a few topics about the investment of a 3D scanning platform.
You’ll Have to Bear a Significant Initial Cost
3D scanning is still in development. For powerful 3D scanners capable of capturing intricate details for engineering applications, there is a significant investment required when you buy a 3D scanner.
At the time of this article, 3D laser scanners run from $5000 to five-figures.
The scanner itself is not the only thing you’ll need to spend money on. You’ll also need to purchase a license for the software to run the 3D scanner.
The native software is where the data is collected, manipulated, cleaned up, and quality verifications can take place. Without this software, a 3D scanner is useless and like most softwares now, an active license is subscription based.
The 3D scanning software subscription can be anywhere from $1500 – $3000 per year. 
Depending upon the platform, there also can be the requirement of consumables including scan targets, extra cords, and accessories.
Of course, all of these items are proprietary (so the manufacturers say) and require purchase directly from the supplier. Closed marketplace always means higher prices.
When you buy a 3D scanner, you may realize that your current computer cannot handle the 3D scanner software requirements. The amount of detail and file size coming from the data requires advanced graphics cards and memory space.
A capable computer can run $10,000 – $20,000. Far from the average laptop price.
One more thought, CAD software. Most clients want to utilize 3D scanning capabilities for its reverse engineering benefits. This is another added software requirement that will have its own price point and subscription schedule. 
Tech May Become Obsolete Quickly
The initial investment is not the only thing you’ll need to worry about if you decide to buy 3D scanners. The technology is still developing and improving at an unprecedented rate.
The scanner you buy today may become obsolete in a couple of years. So quickly that it does live past its depreciation schedule. You’ll have to keep spending money to keep up with the industrial standards.
There are different kinds of scanners that use different methodologies, and each type is suitable for a specific application. A 3D scanner bought on Amazon will never compare to handheld, blue light laser scanner with precision to the thousandth of a millimeter.
Your Scanner May Not Be Capable of Handling All Projects
If you are a hobbyist, you’ll probably be able to find a reasonably priced scanner for basic applications.
However, your work quality will surely suffer as basic scanners can’t give you the accuracy you might need for serious projects. This includes aerospace, consumer products, medical devices, and more.
Some high-end models might have the capability to deliver the results you want, but the cost becomes a factor again.
Approaching a 3D scanning service is still better because most of them charge by the hour. Basic objects can be processed fairly quickly, so you won’t have to incur a heavy cost.
When is it Beneficial to Buy a 3D Scanner?
Buying a 3D scanner instead of using a 3D scanning service is beneficial in very specific circumstances.
You must frequently use the technology in your processes, have the skilled workforce and tools for pre and post-processing. They are ready to reinvest in new platforms to keep up with the advancements in the field.
If daily workflow would benefit from a 3D scanner, it may be worth the investment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of 3D Scanning Services
After reviewing the heavy investment of buying a 3D scanner, you are now interested in hiring a 3D scanning service provider.
How much do 3D scanning services cost? What are the limitations?
Here are some of the factors 3D scanning services use to determine the cost of a project are:
1 – Geometry and Complexity of the Product
Contrary to popular belief, 3D scanning time is not based on size but complexity of the project.
Simple parts with minimal details and contours generally take less time to 3D scan.
If the product features complex geometry, threads, and textures, this can take more time to record. Technicians will want to take their time and validate everything is recorded.
There are many instances where a smaller part may cost more because it has more details and complex features.
The increased costs are not because of inaccuracies in the 3D scanning technologies. A 3D scanner will deliver the same accuracy and tolerances irrespective of the complexity.
From there data will need to be post processed to mesh files only or reverse engineered to CAD. Processing surface details and complex geometries require time and processing power.
Most 3D scanning services charge by the hour, so spending more time on each surface naturally drives up the cost.
2 – 3D Scanning Technology
There are multiple methods and technologies that make 3D scanning possible. Do you know what type of scanner a potential service provider is using?
When it comes to the scan-quality, blue light 3D scanners generally perform better than their laser counterparts.
Blue light scanners use structured light technology to carry out the scan and are less susceptible to errors due to external light sources or color.
These are the most advanced scanners available but are also the most expensive. This will be reflected in pricing.
3 – End-use Application of the Scan
The purpose for which you require 3D scanning is another element that can contribute to an increase in your 3D scanning expenses.
Tasks such as prototyping and inspection necessitate superior scans characterized by greater resolution and accuracy; taking more time.
Conversely, scans intended for rendering or presenting a concept may be of lower quality, as their primary objective is to showcase the product for presentations and similar occasions.
4 – Required Post Processing
Most 3D scanning endeavors extend beyond the initial scanning phase. Upon completion of the scan, 3D scanners typically generate files in the STL format, which necessitate further conversion into a parametric 3D model.
This conversion marks a crucial step in the workflow, as it renders the file amenable to additional modifications, simulations, analyses, and various other processes tailored to the specific application at hand. 
Once the conversion is complete, the resulting 3D model becomes a versatile foundation for a range of activities. It enables the seamless incorporation of additional design elements, supports in-depth analyses for quality assurance, and opens avenues for design modifications; CAD design.
In essence, the transition from the STL format to a parametric 3D model marks the transition from a static scan to a dynamic and adaptable digital representation. This unlocks a spectrum of possibilities for refining and perfecting the scanned object based on specific project requirements.
5 – Quantity of the Parts in an Assembly
3D scanning is not restricted to single parts. You can scan and recreate complex assemblies on your computer with this technology.
Naturally, assemblies are made up of several parts and all of them need to be properly scanned. The number of parts in a single mechanical assembly can also have an impact on the cost of a scanning project.
Most competitive 3D scanning services might offer some discounts and other promotions on a bulk order, but you must prepare yourself for high costs when dealing with assemblies.
6 – Location
The final factor that can affect the prices is the location of your project. You’ll either send the part to their location for scanning or their experts will come to your site to carry out the scan.
Mobile scan service is a great option for large or stationary projects. Most platforms are self-sufficient and only need access to power to complete a scan.
Scan time can be inclusive of how many parts need to be scanned but will be reflected in post processing later.
Follow Up on 3D Scanners
Choosing to buy a 3D scanner or outsource to a service provider involves careful consideration of various factors. While there are undeniable benefits to 3D laser scanning, such as instant digitization, quality control verification, and enhanced engineering capabilities.
The significant financial investment required for a 3D scanning platform raises questions about the most cost-effective approach.
Buying a 3D scanner entails not only a substantial initial cost for the hardware but also ongoing expenses for software subscriptions, training, and additional hardware requirements.
The risk of technology quickly becoming obsolete further complicates the long-term investment.
For many, outsourcing to a 3D scanning service provider becomes an attractive alternative, particularly when considering the flexibility and cost-effectiveness it offers.
While there are circumstances where purchasing a 3D scanner may be beneficial, the majority of businesses may find outsourcing to be a more cost-effective and practical solution.
As technology continues to evolve, the decision-making process should be guided by a thorough assessment of specific project requirements, financial considerations, and the rapidly changing landscape of 3D scanning technologies.
