Scanning is the process of creating a measurement or virtual 3D representation of a physical object and outputting 3D scans (meshes).
3D Scanning
Process
3D scanners are optical devices used to create 3D measurements or 3D scans
- Generate high-density points or surfaces, surpassing traditional point-by-point measurement methods
- Enable non-contact measurement, providing added convenience and versatility
- Scanning results (3D scans) are represented as unstructured 3D data in the form of a point cloud or a triangle mesh
- 3D scanners can generate the mesh directly during acquisition
- If only a point cloud is generated during acquisition, the mesh can be generated as a separate step
- Mesh: collection of vertices, edges and polygons that describe the shape of a 3D object
- Vertex: single point
- Edge: straight line segment connecting two vertices
- Polygon: flat surface enclosed by edges
- The output of 3D scanning is a 3D object known as a mesh
- For engineering purposes, the mesh is usually exported as an STL file (STereoLithography or Standard Tessellation Language).
If the mesh forms a closed surface, it is considered watertight and suitable for 3D printing (rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing).
Conversely, if the mesh is open (unwatertight), it can be utilized for applications of Reverse Engineering or Quality Control.
Reverse Engineering: extracting dimensions to reconstruct a CAD reference file
Engineering
Tool
Quality Control: measuring the object for analysis and/or dimensional inspection
What Prozix 3D Scanning Can Do
From digital preservation to industrial manufacturing, here is how we bridge the gap between your physical parts and digital innovation.
Reverse Engineering & CAD
Convert your complex physical components into highly accurate, fully editable parametric 3D CAD models (STEP, IGES) ready for manufacturing and engineering modifications.
Metrology & Quality Control
Ensure manufacturing perfection. We scan your manufactured parts and compare them against original CAD files to generate detailed color-mapped deviation and tolerance reports.
Legacy Part Replacement
Have a broken obsolete part with no original blueprints? We can scan the broken pieces, digitally repair the geometry, and seamlessly 3D print a durable, functional replacement.
Digital Twins & Archiving
Create high-fidelity digital replicas of industrial assets, cultural heritage artifacts, or art pieces for safe digital preservation, VR environments, and asset management.
Ready to Digitize Your Project?
From complex reverse engineering to metrology-grade quality inspection, our team in Long Beach is ready to bridge the gap between your physical parts and digital innovation.