What to Consider Before Buying a 3D Scanner | Rapid Scan 3D

What Should You Consider Before Buying a 3D Scanner?

Choosing the right 3D scanner is a critical decision that impacts accuracy, workflow efficiency, and return on investment. With so many technologies and price points available, buyers often struggle to identify the best solution for their specific needs.

At Rapid Scan 3D, a trusted 3D scanning reseller, we help customers across manufacturing, reverse engineering, inspection, and product development select the right scanner based on real-world applications — not just specifications.

Before you buy a 3D scanner, focus on three essential factors:

• Budget

• Part size and scanning volume

• Accuracy and resolution requirements

This guide walks through each factor and highlights recommended scanners available through Rapid Scan 3D.

1. Budget: Understanding 3D Scanner Price Ranges

3D scanners generally fall into three categories: entry-level, professional, and industrial. Each tier is designed for different accuracy requirements and use cases.

Entry-Level 3D Scanners

Best for:

• Small businesses

• Makers and product designers

• General-purpose reverse engineering

Typical price range: Entry-level

What to expect:

• Portable, easy-to-use handheld scanners

• Solid accuracy for non-metrology applications

• Fast learning curve and efficient workflows

Recommended entry-level scanners from Rapid Scan 3D:

• iReal 2E – A versatile handheld scanner ideal for medium to large objects, organic shapes, and general reverse engineering.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/ireal-2e

• iReal M3 – Designed for scanning people, organic surfaces, and large parts without markers.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/ireal-m3

• 3dEVOK MQ – A compact and affordable scanner well-suited for entry-level engineering and product development workflows.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/3devok-mq

These scanners are an excellent starting point for companies adopting 3D scanning without the cost of industrial metrology systems.

Professional (Mid-Range) 3D Scanners

Best for:

• Reverse engineering

• Product development

• Automotive and aerospace components

Typical price range: Professional

What to expect:

• Higher accuracy and stability

• Marker-based and hybrid tracking

• Strong software ecosystems for CAD and inspection

Recommended professional scanners from Rapid Scan 3D:

• 3dEVOK MT – A professional-grade handheld scanner optimized for mechanical parts and reverse engineering workflows.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/3devok-mt

• Artec Eva – A proven industry standard for accurate, fast handheld scanning of medium-sized objects.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/artec-eva

• SIMSCAN 30 – A compact, high-accuracy scanner designed for tight spaces and complex geometries.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/simscan-30

Professional scanners offer an ideal balance between accuracy, portability, and speed, making them the most popular choice for engineering teams.

Industrial & Metrology-Grade 3D Scanners

Best for:

• Quality control and inspection

• Tight-tolerance manufacturing

• Certified measurement workflows

Typical price range: Industrial

What to expect:

• Extremely high accuracy and repeatability

• Fast scan speeds for large assemblies

• Advanced inspection and GD&T capabilities

Recommended industrial scanners from Rapid Scan 3D:

• Scantech KSCAN-X (Scanology KSCAN X) – A powerful metrology-grade scanner built for large-scale inspection and industrial environments.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/kscan-x

• Scantech Nimble (Scanology Nimble) – An ultra-portable metrology scanner delivering exceptional accuracy in a compact form factor.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/nimble

• Artec Leo – A fully wireless, all-in-one professional scanner with onboard processing and touchscreen interface.
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/artec-leo

• Artec Point – A compact, high-accuracy scanner designed for tight spaces and complex geometries. Can be used with Artec Studio
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/artec-point

• Artec Micro II – Desktop structure light system with high-accuracy scanner designed for smaller parts and full automation
  👉 https://www.rapidscan3d.com/products/artec-micro-ii
  

Industrial scanners are ideal when measurement accuracy, traceability, and inspection reporting are mission-critical.

2. Part Size & Scanning Volume

Matching the scanner to the size of your parts is essential for efficiency and data quality.

• Small parts: Look for high-resolution, short working distance scanners

• Medium parts: Handheld scanners with flexible tracking work best

• Large parts or assemblies: Wide field-of-view and long-range scanners improve speed and coverage

Rapid Scan 3D helps customers evaluate scanning volume requirements to avoid over- or under-buying capability.

3. Accuracy vs. Resolution: Choosing What You Actually Need

Accuracy refers to how close the scan is to the real-world dimensions, while resolution determines surface detail.

Higher resolution does not always mean higher accuracy. A trusted reseller like Rapid Scan 3D helps customers select scanners that meet true dimensional requirements without unnecessary cost.

Why Buy from Rapid Scan 3D?

As a trusted 3D scanning reseller, Rapid Scan 3D provides more than just hardware:

• Expert consultation based on your application

• Side-by-side scanner comparisons

• Training and workflow support

• Long-term service and support

Rather than selling a scanner based on specs alone, Rapid Scan 3D focuses on real-world results.

Final Thoughts

The best 3D scanner is the one that fits your budget, part size, and accuracy requirements — not simply the most expensive option.

If you’re evaluating 3D scanning solutions, Rapid Scan 3D can help you compare technologies, understand trade-offs, and confidently choose the right scanner for your business.

👉 Visit https://www.rapidscan3d.com to explore products or speak with a 3D scanning expert.