Ever since the revolutionary introduction of computers and the birth of 3D scanning technology in the 1960s, the human desire for recreating and replicating three-dimensional objects has been insatiable. Since then, this ever-advancing technology has been used and implemented in a wide range of different creative and business applications including manufacturing, engineering, design, development, surveying and testing.
Out with the old, in with the new – that is the rule for technological development; and the same can be said for 3D scanning, with improvements in accuracy being made all the time, and the overall cost and ease of use being reduced all the time.
If you are wondering how 3D scanning could be advantageous to you, here are the benefits of 3D scanning to business around the world.
1. Educational Institutions
The modern classroom is very different from those of the past, and as technology has evolved, the traditional classroom model has been upgraded with digital innovations to provide maximum comfort and opportunity for both teachers and students. Incorporating 3D scanning is an excellent way to make studying a range of subjects more lively and hands-on, and you can click here to see why it is becoming more and more popular in classrooms all around the world.
Whilst 3D scanning takes a little time to become familiar with, even students with very limited 3D CAD modelling skills can create their own 3D print models that would have been impossible on previous generation technology. Instead of just reading the information and watching a 2D display, with modern 3D scanning teachers and students can actually create models with precise details by using a combination of 3D scanning and 3D printing. In this way, education has become easier and more intuitive and has provided incredible design and study opportunities for students across the globe.
2. Architecture and Design
In architecture, the process of designing and making prototypes and scale models is extremely important as it gives the architect and the other people involved with a construction project a clear idea of what is being built. Previously, architects used to make perfectly scaled models by hand but this was both difficult and incredibly time-consuming. That is no longer the case with 3D scanning, as architects have the ability to create highly-detailed construction models of buildings for analyzing and surveying purposes with very little field time. As a result, a lot of exciting possibilities have emerged in the world of architecture.
Computers and software programs like 3D scanning have now provided architects with extremely accurate measurements which have totally cut out human error, and have also given architects the ability to fully utilize and visualize the associated data. This has made the design and construction process more efficient which has led to improved customer satisfaction. 3D scanning can also be used for reverse engineering or renovation purposes for both a buildings’ exterior and interior. This gives architects a detailed visual of whatever they are working with and enables them to make improvements for future projects if needed.
3. Art
For artists who are looking to sell replicas of their work, it is very important to be able to produce identical, richly detailed, true-to-scale copies of their work. Particularly for sculptors, 3D scanning has been a revelation as now it is easier than ever to make a scaled down version of a piece to sell to fans. Whether it is for printing, archiving or curative purposes, the ability to achieve a replica with 3D scanning is unmatched, and artists can even use it in their creative process to test something out before making a larger version.
For art historians, 3D scanning enables cultural heritage pieces to be classified, analyzed, and restored to their original state without risking damage to priceless items. The scans can then be shared within the community to provide other people with a complete view of how these items once looked in their glory days.
4. Medical Applications
Recently, 3D scanning has proven itself to be an essential tool in the healthcare industry, and prosthetics is just one great example of how it can be used effectively With 3D scanning technology, scientists are able to design every kind of prosthetic limb with pinpoint accuracy – bringing maximum comfort, mobility and minimal pain to patients. When used in combination with 3D printing, the prosthetic design process can be done faster and cheaper than the traditional methods.
A detailed study of the human body is also a possibility that 3D scanning opens up to healthcare service providers, and which brings a better level of understanding of the human body before the operating procedure. By scanning injured body parts or medical issues and 3D printing a perfect replica, surgeons can then make more informed decisions and increase the chances of surgical success.
5. Science
In order to make world-class discoveries, scientists need to have the most effective and up to date tools available to them. 3D scanners have various applications for scientists as creating a perfectly scaled 3D model will provide them with far better insights. Just think about how much easier it is to understand the structure of a DNA helix when you are looking at a 3D model than it is to make sense of a 2D diagram. 3D scanning makes it easier for scientists to conduct a detailed study of anything which they want to investigate, from advanced topography to optical measurements and archiving; the use of 3D scanning has opened up so many possibilities for new discoveries without ever having to leave the lab.
The fast pace of globalization and technological advancements is revolutionizing the way organizations operate. As 3D scanning goes mainstream, it is beneficial for so many types of business to implement this technology to boost their results. 3D scanning has advanced year on year since its inception, and is no longer the technology of tomorrow; it is the technology of today. In order to take your business to the next level, speak to a 3D scanning professional and see how you can benefit from this groundbreaking technology. Do some research and start implementing 3D scanning in your business, today.
