3D Scanning

How 3D Scanning Technology Has Revolutionised Industries On A Global Scale

3D Scan Foot - Education

The human desire to create and replicate three-dimensional objects is nothing unusual. Humankind has been doing it for thousands of years with an array of materials. Modern technology has disrupted every industry on every scale, and the revolution is still in full swing. Life, as we know, is constantly influenced by emerging and evolving technologies. Among these is the world of 3D technology.

The use of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has moved well beyond prototyping, rapid tooling, trinkets, and toys. Brands like BMW, Google, and Lockheed Martin and Boeing are among the numerous companies already using 3D technology for industrial production at scale, manufacturing end-use car parts, consumer electronics, and jet engines, respectively. As the range of printable materials continues to expand, more companies will follow.

We have seen an incredible growth rate in 3D scanning and printing technology, and from an economic standpoint, it’s a technology that both holds promise. According to a Global Market Insights report, the global 3D Scanning Market revenue is set to cross USD 7.5 billion by 2027. While predominantly attributed to the high demand for 3D scanning solutions within the aerospace & defence sector, there are many more real-world applications of the technology.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways 3D scanning and printing technology has revolutionised industries on a global scale.

Education

3D technology is becoming more prevalent in classrooms worldwide, with 3D printers and scanners being introduced at educational levels. It is a versatile educational tool with the potential to transform the classroom environment. With current potential encompasses a variety of subjects from mathematics and science to art. It quite literally adds a new dimension to learning and immerses students more deeply in their subject matter. As 3D scanning and printing technology becomes more relevant, its importance in the classroom will increase too. Teachers realise that they need to leverage the power of computers, software, and programs to create an interactive space for students.

3D technologies are changing education in these five major areas:

  • Accelerating three-dimensional learning
  • Increasing engagement with core topics by moving from abstract to interactive
  • Introducing the design process in a quick, easy way
  • Bridging the physical and digital within the classroom
  • Integrating hands-on with digital work in creative art projects
3d scanning education

Healthcare

In recent years, 3D technologies have proved to be an essential tool within the medical and science industries. We could go as far as saying that healthcare has been improved by 3D scanning and printing. One case is that 3D scanning has enabled the design and production of prosthetics measured with remarkable accuracy, while 3D printing means the process is a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods. Within a research context, 3D scanning allows the detailed study of any object, allowing researchers from various parts of the world to study the same thing – and this capability stretches far beyond biological sciences. 3D technology is innovating modern science practices and leading the way in breakthrough scientific research.

Arts & Culture

3D Technologies and its applications aren’t just beneficial to technical fields like engineering or science. In fact, 3D scanning is being increasingly used amongst artists and art historians. One of the significant uses of this technology in the industry is scanning artefacts to produce 3D replicas for archiving or curating purposes. This is a valuable aspect in the researcher community for preserving any form of cultural heritage and allowing for hands-on analysis of true-to-scale copies without damaging priceless original items. The Vincent Van Gogh Museum, in Amsterdam has already started creating exact replicas of the notorious artist’s most renowned masterpieces. Today’s artists are also exploring the features of 3D technologies to create pieces of modern art.

3d scanning arts and culture

Automotive

Like many other manufacturing segments, the automotive industry faces constant pressure to simultaneously reduce costs and maximise output while ensuring higher standards of quality. Modern automotive companies face demands such as redesigning a part to fit into a particular location or repairing vehicles for which parts are no longer made. Implementing 3D technologies offers various benefits such as:

  • Improves performance with more data and simulation
  • Allows for the customisation of the user’s needs
  • Allows manufacturers to produce parts and assemblies at speed and with precision
  • Enables restoration and repair that otherwise wouldn’t be possible due to non-existent or limited parts
  • Offers design flexibility and customisation since the technology can produce multi-material parts
  • Overall facilitates more efficient supply chains

The development of 3D technology has opened doors for innovation in the automotive industry. From small to large scale production, there are many aspects of this technology that the companies in this sector should leverage.

Gaming

Right now, the gaming and entertainment industry are experiencing radical growth, unprecedented advancement, and much buzzworthy news – all thanks to 3D scanning! Virtual reality animation is a major development in the gaming sphere. Gaming developers are leveraging 3D scanning to offer gamers the most immersive user experiences possible. With the scanning of real-world people and environments being performed to offer incredibly realistic simulations. Some of these animations are so life-like, it’s hard to tell them apart from real life!

3d scanning gaming

Aerospace

When NASA is involved in a technology, it’s officially earned the “cool” badge! NASA has always been connected to 3D technologies, and when they began exploring 3D printing, the world took notice. Scientists at the mega-mind filled organisations are testing and using 3D scanning and printing to improve space missions. Perhaps the best part is a taste-bud fuelled reason: 3D printed pizza. That’s right, astronauts in space will soon be printing pizzas. Adapting 3D printers that can work at zero gravity probably makes it that much more appetising. Most recently, they started working to advance 3D printing construction systems for the moon and mars.

One thing we can all agree on is 3D printing is never dull. With new applications of 3D technologies emerging on the market rapidly, it’s undoubtedly a technology that creates excitement. This technology represents a new paradigm shift for production across virtually every sector, from design and development to manufacturing and distribution. The potential applications of 3D technology are limitless. Groundbreaking advances in the 3D scanning sphere have already had a transformative effect on almost every industry – we couldn’t possibly cover it all in one article, so stay tuned for another one!

The 3D revolution is happening now. Want to know more about 3D scanning? Here’s everything you need to know. Want to transform your operations with 3D technologies? Our experienced engineers will strive to improve and achieve the most reliable, stable solution for you.

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