3D Scanning Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

The global 3D Scanning market is estimated to surpass $16 billion mark by 2030 growing at an estimated CAGR of more than 4.5% during the forecast period 2024 to 2030. 3D scanners emit laser to measure and capture size and shape of free form to generate accurate “cloud points which are then recognized by specialized software on computer for further probe or study. This is suited for probing of contoured surface and complex geometries which require accurate data for study, development, and various other respective purposes. 3D Scanners initially were introduced in large sizes, and with continuous up gradation sizes of these devices are now have shrunk by many fold and can now be handheld. 

 

The 3D Scanning market is the increasing popularity of portable and handheld 3D scanners. Traditional stationary scanners, while highly accurate, are often bulky, expensive, and limited in terms of mobility. In contrast, portable and handheld 3D scanners offer greater flexibility, allowing users to capture objects in diverse environments and hard-to-reach areas with ease. 

 

The integration of AI and ML algorithms to enhance scanning efficiency, accuracy, and processing speed. AI-powered 3D scanners can intelligently analyse scanned data in real-time, automatically detect and correct errors, and optimize scanning parameters to produce high-fidelity 3D models. In December 2022, India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) announced plans to enforce the installation of 3D computer tomography (CT) scanners at airports across the country, removing the need for travellers to remove electronic gadgets from their hand luggage. The CT scanners, which would provide a three-dimensional image of the things in hand luggage, will speed up airport security check-in.

The report: “3D Scanning market– Forecast (2024-2030)”, by IndustryARC covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the 3D Scanning market.

 

                                               

 

By Technology: Laser Triangulation (Phase Shift, Pulse Based), Pattern Fringe Triangulation, Structured Light Technology and Others 

By Range: Short  (below 7 feet), Mid( 7 feet- 20 feet), Long(up to 20 feet).

By Buildup System: Hardware, Software.

By Scanner Type: Airborne Scanner, Terrestrial Scanner, Hand Held Scanners.

By Form: Portable, Vehicle Mounted/Integrated, Handheld, Free Standing.

By Product: Laser Scanner, CMM, Structured Light Scanner, Photogrammetry Scanner, Ultrasound Scanner, White Light Scanner, CT Scanner, Optical Scanner, Modulated Light Scanner and Others.

By Application: Reverse Engineering, Inspection, AR and VR, Forensic Investigation, Chemical Structures Formation and Deformation, Rapid Prototyping, Topographical Surveys, Computer Graphics and others.

By End Use Industry: Automotive, Medical, Aerospace, Jewellery, Entertainment, Oil and Gas, Education and Others.

By Geography - North America (U.S, Canada, Mexico), South America(Brazil, Argentina and others), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Others), APAC(China, Japan India, SK, Aus and Others), and RoW (Middle east and Africa).

• Increase in research and development in the field of Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality is broadening the scope of 3D Scanner applications aiding the growth of the market. 

• 3D scanners are lately witnessing demand from monitoring and maintenance purposes. 

• 3D Scanning is trending amongst artists and art historians. The artefacts or subjects are scanned to create reproducible 3D printed versions and for the purpose of archiving them electronically. 

Laser Triangulation has dominated the 3D Scanning market and held a market share of 40% in 2023. 3D Scanners have a range limitation where in all the scanners cannot scan objects at all the distance. Therefore scanners with various ranges like short-range scanners, medium-range scanners and long-range scanners employ different technologies like Laser triangulation, Structured light technology, Pattern fringe technology. Each of these scanners can scan an object up to certain distances like less than 1 meter, between 1 meter to 150 meters and when the distance is more than 2 meters. The technologies employed in these scanners vary depending on the range of the device. Short-range devices use Laser triangulation, structured light technology and pattern fringe triangulation technology whereas for medium-range and long-range devices phase based and pulse based techniques like Terrestrial phase-based laser scanning and Terrestrial time-of-flight laser scanning for long range are being used.

The market for the automotive industry is expected to grow with the significant CAGR of 5% during forecast period 2024-2030. Re-engineering is a process in which the products are replicating with respect to the existing products. While re-engineering products, 3D scanners are playing a vital role and used to record precise measure geometry of the entity/product by using lasers or structured light. Millions of data pointers are recorded by the 3D scanners in milliseconds that are known as ‘point-clouds’. Further, the data pointers are used by the 3D software to produce 3D-depiction of a scanned entity for higher enhanced throughput, productivity, inspection, modification and in-depth analysis.

North American region dominated the global 3D Scanning market with a share of over 40% in 2023. Huge presence of automotive, medical, architectural and historical industries in the region and increasing scope of 3D scanning application in these areas is fuelling the market growth. The APAC region is poised to grow at a very CAGR of 6% due to the high adoption of 3D scanning, particularly laser scanners for consumer products designing. The increasing innovation in technology and growing awareness regarding the capabilities of 3D scanning are set to propel the adoption. The Europe region is projected to exhibit slow growth as economic uncertainty combined with low growth in manufacturing and automotive sectors hinders the market. The manufacturing sector would further witness huge demand especially from countries such as India, China, and South Korea, given the rising manufacturing sector.

 

Earlier, 3D Scanners were large in sizes and cost was high, and therefore, the sales and revenue generated from them was low. This challenged initiated the researchers to develop scanners which were smaller in sizes, and could be manufactured at lower costs. Continuous Research & development has enabled the players not only to decrease the size of the product but also to reduce the cost and achieve economies of scale in manufacturing. This has led to a decline in prices, and has consequently boosting the sales and scope of the market. Furthermore, this has led in gaining popularity amongst the individual users and freelancing programmers and designers.

Risk mitigation is a cornerstone in ensuring the smooth execution of capital projects. Invariably, challenges arise during project implementation, leading to potential cost overruns or schedule delays, often stemming from insufficient documentation or control procedures. To counter these risks effectively, the adoption of 3D scanning emerges as a strategic solution, particularly in brownfield projects or revamping initiatives, as well as when deploying modular construction methods where adherence to strict schedules is paramount. The utilization of laser scanning technology, specifically, has been pivotal in curbing installation costs by 6-8% and compressing project timelines by up to 10%.

 

Achieving high accuracy and resolution in 3D scanning remains a challenge, especially when capturing intricate details or complex surfaces. Speed and efficiency are also areas of concern, as capturing detailed 3D models of large objects or areas can be time-consuming. Improving the portability and flexibility of 3D scanning solutions, along with addressing interoperability and standardization issues among different systems and file formats, are additional challenges that need attention.

Product launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the 3D Scanning market. Key companies are:

1. Shining 3D
2. Nikon
3. RangeVision
4. Carl-Zeiss
5. Hexagon AB 
6. Ametek
7. Keyence Corporation
8. Artec3D
9. Faro
10. Trimble Inc.

• September 2022, SHINING 3D, a global leader in 3D technologies ranging from 3D scanning to 3D printing, launched the EINSTAR 3D scanner, a low-cost portable 3D scanner designed to make high-quality 3D data capture accessible to anyone.

• In October 2023, Manufacturing Intelligence, a branch of Hexagon, announced the launching of a new laser scanner for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) designed for manufacturers seeking a cost-effective choice for more efficient surface measurement and better throughput. The new HP-L-10.10 LITE laser scanner, which focuses on fundamental laser scanning operations, makes it simple and economical for manufacturers to benefit from the measurement speed and coverage of laser scanning.