GoEngineer's 3D Scanning Services: Process, Workflow, & FAQ
3D scanners are excellent for quickly turning physical objects into usable CAD files or inspection reports. However, there are situations where budget constraints, project volume, or lack of resources make it impractical to have the technology and expertise in-house. This is why GoEngineer offers 3D scanning as a service. In this blog, we explain the 3D Scanning Services process and what information you'll need to begin a project.
How the Process Works
Contact Us
Once you have identified a part that needs to be reverse-engineered or inspected for quality analysis, request a quote or email us at 3DScanningServices@goengineer.com. In the email, include photos of the part, important information or requirements, and whether the part will be shipped or if we need to come onsite to scan it.
Schedule a Call
Our 3D Scanning Sales Team will contact you to learn your accuracy needs, file deliverables, and lead time. We'll also schedule a call with one of our 3D Scanning Services Application Engineers, to really dig into the technical details of your project.
Application Engineer Meeting
You will have a one-on-one meeting with a 3D scanning specialist, where they will get to know your project better and understand exactly what file deliverable you need.
Formal Quote & Scope of Work
Once we have all the details, it’s time to create a quote and a scope of work. If you want pricing on a few different deliverables, we start with an estimate for each type. Once the deliverable has been decided, we will create the formal quote and scope of work to get started.
Scanning
Once the paperwork is complete, either ship us your part or arrange a time for us to arrive onsite. Once we have the part, we will scan it in multiple orientations and knit each scan together until we have an almost perfect mesh.
Post-Processing
After scanning, we post-process the raw scan data into a clean and usable mesh; this involves removing any floating data, healing irregularities, and filling any holes. Once this stage is complete, we will have a perfect STL file of your part.
File Creation
Depending on the file deliverable you chose, we will either inspect the STL against the supplied CAD/drawing, or reverse engineer the part using the design intent outlined in the scope of work.
Deliverable Delivery
Once we have finished your project, we will send your deliverable file(s) for you to review. If there’s anything you would like to change, let us know so we can make adjustments. (A review meeting can also be scheduled if needed.)
Project Close
Once you’ve confirmed you are satisfied with the files, we ship the part(s) back to you and close the project.
Scanning Services FAQ
What type of 3D scanners does GoEngineer use?
GoEngineer uses 3D scanners from Creafrom and Artec 3D. These scanners use structured light, lasers, or LiDAR to capture the surface of the part. We also have additional systems for wireless CMM probing and a photogrammetry system for maintaining high accuracies even in large areas.
Can you scan large parts?
With the MetraSCAN Black Elite system from Creaform, we can scan parts up to 20 feet with metrology-grade accuracies.
For even bigger parts, we use the Artec 3D Ray II system that can scan parts up to 425 feet. Regardless of size, we have a system that works for your application.
What about small parts?
With the Artec 3D Micro II, we can scan parts small enough to be held between two fingertips like jewelry or coins. This scanner has an accuracy as fine as 5 microns and a size limit of 20cm.
For small parts bigger than what the Artec Micro II can fit, the Creaform HandySCAN Black Elite can scan parts as small as 2 inches.
How much does it cost to have a part scanned?
Price varies depending on part size, travel requirements, and the file deliverable you need from us; but starts at $1,500. If your project falls below the minimum, other parts can be added to the scope of work, to ensure you get the best value for that price.
What is the average turnaround time?
The standard lead time for scanning services is 15 business days (3 weeks) but for projects on a tight turnaround, we can expedite the process to 1-2 weeks if needed. (Note: There is a fee associated with expediting the project.) However, if the project is completed earlier than expected, you will receive your files earlier at no extra charge.
What applications and industries is 3D scanning used for?
3D scanning can be used for reverse engineering a physical part into a digital file (STL, step file, SOLIDWORKS CAD, etc.), quality inspection reporting (FAI, PPAP reports, quality analysis), and even digital asset creation for VR/AR or video games. We've worked with customers in automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, power generation, MRO, forensic, medical, heritage preservation, and VR/AR.
So, that's how a 3D Scanning Service project works at GoEngineer. If you have additional questions, please feel free to, contact us.
Ready to get started? Request your quote online today!
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About Sam Cheney
Sam Cheney is an Application Engineer specializing in 3D Scanning and Additive Manufacturing based out of Dallas, TX. He is a Certified Stratasys Applications Engineer and co-leads the 3D Scanning Services team. Originally from the UK, Sam holds a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in 3D Printing from The University of Sheffield. Alongside working with commercial 3D printers & scanners, Sam trains others and teaches courses for Geomagic products & VXelements software. He is also an avid consumer 3D printer user and uses his Creality Ender3 to create art and functional parts for projects in his everyday life.
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