Global 3D Scanning Market Outlook

The global 3D scanning market was valued at US$1.007 billion in 2018, and is expected to reach US$3.26 billion by the end of 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2 percent from 2019 to 2024, according to Mordor Intelligence.

3D scanning technology has witnessed considerable adoption from commercial applications. Furthermore, the flexibility of the technology to be customised to meet professional needs in various industries has made it profoundly popular across major end-user industries. For instance, in the medical sector, 3D scanners are used to model body parts in three-dimensions, which is used to create prosthetics. It can also be used to facilitate wound healing and care and generate body implants.

In the current scenario, the use of 3D scanners provides dimensional quality control in the manufacturing and production of, both, small and large, critically essential, components. Whether the usage is on-site or at the point of production, it becomes vital to deliver ultra-precise, ultra-accurate, and ultra-resolution result.

However, price is one of the major factors restraining the adoption of 3D scanning solutions as the technology is still in the nascent stage in terms of global and commercial adoption.

In terms of product segment, medium rage 3D scanning is expected to hold a major market share. Phase shift 3D scanners, which capture millions of points by rotating 360 degrees while spinning a mirror that redirects the laser outward toward the object or areas to be 3D scanned, are ideal for medium range scan needs, such as large pumps, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Phase shift scanners are better suited for scanning objects with maximum distance up to 300m or less.

Meanwhile, medium-range terrestrial laser scanners, which measure point-to-point distances in spaces of 2-150m, are increasingly becoming critical for large-scale manufacturing and assembly operations’ applications, such as aircraft and ship assembly.

From a regional market perspective, the United States seen to be one of the most significant and momentous 3D scanning markets across the world, driven by the healthcare, aerospace and defence, architecture and engineering applications.

3D Scanning Landscape Remains Competitive

The 3D scanning market is fragmented. Overall, the competitive rivalry amongst existing competitors remains high. Moving forward, the new product innovation strategy of large and small companies will continue to propel the market. Some of the key players in the market are 3D Systems Inc. and Hexagon AB, and recent developments include:

• April 2019: Creaform launched the third-generation scanning solution of its Go!SCAN: the Go!Scan SPARK, which is a portable 3D scanner designed for product development professionals.
• February 2019: 3D Systems released a new version of Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS. With improved workflow, user interface and compatibility to various scanning device and export-import formats.
• June 2018: Hexagon launched Leica RTC360, a laser scanner equipped with edge computing technology to enable fast and highly accurate creation of 3D models in the field. According to the company, it is the world’s first 3D laser scanner with automatic in-field pre-registration.

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