3D Scanning Solutions for Schools, Universities & Research

Artec 3D Scanning for Education, Research, Virtual Labs & Hands-On Learning

Bring real-world objects into the digital classroom with professional Artec 3D scanning. Students and educators can capture scientific specimens, anatomy, artifacts, fossils, artwork, machinery, and entire environments to create interactive 3D models for teaching, research, design, preservation, engineering, and remote collaboration.

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Students using 3D scanning and photogrammetry in an educational laboratory

<2 HoursArtec says basic scanning can be learned quickly

Non-ContactSafe capture for fragile specimens and artifacts

100% ColorAuthentic texture for immersive learning

0.005 mmMaximum accuracy across Artec education solutions

Transform Physical Objects Into Interactive Learning Tools

Artec 3D scanners bridge physical and digital learning by giving students direct access to accurate digital twins that can be studied, measured, shared, preserved, modified, and 3D printed.

Virtual Laboratories

Create digital labs where students can examine and compare scientific specimens, machinery, components, and structures from any location.

Medical Education & Anatomy

Capture anatomy, body parts, medical equipment, and healthcare objects for realistic visualization and study.

Artifact Preservation

Digitize fragile historical objects so students can study them without increasing physical handling or risk of damage.

Archaeological Research

Document archaeological finds, historical sites, and cultural landmarks for research, analysis, and conservation.

Environmental Science & Geology

Create accurate 3D replicas of fossils, geological formations, terrain, and natural specimens for remote study.

Art, Design & Engineering

Capture sculptures, architecture, products, prototypes, and mechanical objects for design, CAD, visualization, and analysis.

See 3D Scanning in Education & Research

Official Artec imagery showing student projects, heritage digitization, museum scanning, archaeology, and cloud-based education.

Students creating 3D models for custom prosthetic design

Student Design Projects

Use 3D scanning and photogrammetry to support engineering, design, prosthetics, and additive-manufacturing coursework.

Historic Odawara Castle digitized with Artec 3D scanners

Heritage & Architecture

Digitize historic buildings and sites for preservation, research, architectural study, and immersive learning.

Museum specialist scanning a giant deer exhibit with the Artec Leo 3D scanner

Museum & Artifact Digitization

Capture priceless objects for study and virtual exhibitions while minimizing direct physical contact.

Archaeological pottery being scanned with Artec Spider II

Archaeology & Research

Document small artifacts and detailed geometry for comparative research, conservation, and digital archives.

Artec Cloud project dashboard used for education and research collaboration

Artec Cloud Collaboration

Store, access, review, and share educational 3D projects from a browser across classrooms and institutions.

Museum mammoth skeleton for 3D scanning education and heritage preservation

Museum & Science Education

Turn large scientific and natural-history specimens into accessible digital teaching resources.

All images are served directly from Artec 3D.

Why 3D Scanning Works in Education

Hands-on STEM, engineering, art, and design learning
Accurate digital twins for remote and hybrid education
Non-contact capture for fragile specimens and artifacts
Real-world datasets for CAD and reverse engineering
3D-printable models for classroom demonstrations
Digital archives for museums and research institutions
Cross-campus collaboration with Artec Cloud
Visual learning for complex anatomy, science, and engineering concepts

Typical Classroom Workflow

1. Capture: Scan an object directly with an Artec scanner, or use photos/video with Artec Studio photogrammetry.

2. Process: Align, clean, fuse, texture, measure, or convert the data into a usable 3D model.

3. Teach & analyze: Study geometry, dimensions, anatomy, historic artifacts, mechanical systems, or design features.

4. Share or manufacture: Publish to Artec Cloud, export to CAD/3D software, or 3D print the model.

Recommended Artec Tools for Education

Different departments and learning objectives call for different capture technologies. Rapid Scan 3D can help schools select the right combination.

Solution	Best Educational Uses	Why It Fits
Artec Leo	Engineering, automotive, research, museums, anatomy, field work	Wireless, standalone handheld scanning with onboard display and fast full-color capture.
Artec Eva	General education, human-body scanning, engineering, art, design	Lightweight, versatile structured-light scanning for medium-sized objects in full color.
Artec Spider II	Archaeology, forensics, small parts, detailed research	High-resolution, target-free capture for intricate surfaces and small-to-medium objects.
Artec Micro II	Engineering labs, dentistry, jewelry, precision manufacturing research	Automated desktop scanning with up to 5-micron accuracy for small objects.
Artec Point II	Metrology, manufacturing, quality control, advanced engineering labs	ISO-certified laser scanner with 0.02 mm accuracy for industrial measurement.
Artec Ray II	Architecture, archaeology, civil engineering, large environments	Long-range LiDAR for rapidly capturing buildings, sites, vehicles, and large structures.
Artec Jet	Surveying, mining, architecture, field research	High-precision SLAM LiDAR for mobile mapping in indoor, outdoor, and GPS-denied environments.
Artec Studio 20	All departments	Process scans, photos, and video into 3D models and CAD data for inspection, reverse engineering, and more.
Artec Cloud	Remote learning, team projects, data sharing	Browser-based storage, access, review, and collaboration on 3D project data.

Artec Studio & Artec Cloud in the Classroom

Hardware capture is only part of the educational workflow. Artec software lets students turn physical objects into usable digital assets and collaborate around those assets.

Artec Studio 20

Transform 3D scans, photos, and videos into detailed 3D models and CAD-ready data for research, inspection, reverse engineering, design, and 3D printing.

Artec Studio Lite

Create 3D models from photos and videos, making photogrammetry accessible for courses and projects where dedicated scanner capture is not required.

Artec Cloud

Store projects in one place, synchronize work, review models without downloads, support remote tasks, and share projects between students, teachers, and institutions.

3D Scanning Across Academic Departments

One 3D scanning platform can support multiple programs, helping institutions maximize the value of their investment.

Engineering & Manufacturing

Teach reverse engineering, metrology, CAD, quality control, additive manufacturing, and product development using real-world parts.

Biology & Healthcare

Create digital anatomy models and capture specimens, body parts, medical equipment, and custom prosthetic geometry.

Archaeology & History

Preserve artifacts and sites digitally for measurement, comparison, research, classroom access, and virtual exhibitions.

Geology & Environmental Science

Digitize fossils, terrain, rock formations, and natural specimens for analysis and remote access.

Art & Design

Capture sculpture, architecture, products, organic forms, and physical references for creative digital workflows.

Architecture & Construction

Teach reality capture, as-built documentation, LiDAR, digital twins, BIM workflows, and site analysis.

Why Buy Artec Education Solutions From Rapid Scan 3D?

Rapid Scan 3D is an authorized Artec 3D reseller, Gold Certified Partner, and Artec Ambassador with more than 15 years of professional 3D scanning experience.

Education Package Consultation

We help schools match scanners, software, accessories, computers, and training to curriculum, departments, budgets, and research objectives.

Live Demonstrations & Sample Scans

Faculty and purchasing teams can evaluate scanners on representative educational, engineering, scientific, or cultural objects before selecting a system.

Training & Technical Support

Get practical onboarding for instructors, lab staff, researchers, and students, plus ongoing application and workflow support.

3D Scanning for Education Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from schools, universities, laboratories, museums, and research programs evaluating Artec 3D technology.

How can 3D scanning be used in education?

3D scanning can support virtual laboratories, anatomy, engineering, reverse engineering, archaeology, heritage preservation, geology, art, design, 3D printing, architecture, and research by converting physical objects into measurable digital models.

Is Artec 3D scanning difficult for students to learn?

Artec states that users can get the hang of scanning basics in under two hours, allowing instructors and students to focus on teaching and learning rather than complex scanner operation.

Can fragile museum objects be scanned safely?

Yes. Artec structured-light scanners are non-contact, making them useful for digitizing fragile artifacts and specimens while reducing handling.

Can students create 3D models without a dedicated scanner?

Yes. Artec Studio supports photogrammetry workflows using photos and video, while Artec Studio Lite focuses specifically on creating 3D models from photos and videos.

Which Artec scanner is best for a university?

It depends on the curriculum. Leo and Eva are versatile for general scanning, Spider II and Micro II handle fine detail, Point II supports metrology, and Ray II or Jet support large-scale and mapping applications.

Can 3D scan data be 3D printed?

Yes. Processed 3D models can be exported to formats such as STL and used for classroom models, prototypes, reproductions, research aids, and additive-manufacturing projects.

How does Artec Cloud help education?

Artec Cloud lets students and faculty store data, synchronize projects, review models without downloading them, share work for feedback, and collaborate across different locations or institutions.

Can Artec scanners be used for archaeology and cultural heritage?

Yes. Artec highlights archaeological research, artifact preservation, museum digitization, and cultural heritage as major educational and research applications.

Can one system support multiple academic departments?

Yes. Depending on the hardware selected, one institution can use Artec technology across engineering, manufacturing, biology, healthcare, archaeology, geology, art, architecture, and design programs.

How do I get education pricing or arrange a demonstration?

Contact Rapid Scan 3D for current educational packages, scanner and software recommendations, demonstrations, training, and purchasing options.

Build the Right 3D Scanning Program for Your School or University

Tell Rapid Scan 3D which departments will use the technology, what objects or environments you want to capture, your curriculum or research goals, required accuracy, and how many students or workstations need access.

Request Education Pricing Schedule an Education Consultation

Artec 3D scanners software
Version	18 -TBD	17	16
Quality inspection		Yes	Yes
Mesh-to-CAD comparison: import STEP, IGES, or X_T files		Yes	Yes
Mesh-to-CAD alignment		8x faster than AS15	8x faster than AS15
Datum alignment		Yes
Enhanced target support		Yes
Run Control X Inspection from Artec Studio		Yes	Yes
Run Control X Batch Inspection from Artec Studio		Yes	Yes
Surface distance maps: speed		70% faster than AS15	70% faster than AS15
Surface distance maps: deviation from CAD models or primitives		Full range of CAD primitives	Full range of CAD primitives
Surface distance maps: one-click annotations		Yes	Yes
Surface distance maps: point-by-point deviation		Yes	Yes
Measurements: perpendicular point to plane distance		Yes	Yes
Measurements: distance between key points of primitives		Yes	Yes
Measurements: linear, geodesic, sections, distance maps, volume, annotations. Export to CSV, DXF, XML		Yes	Yes
Measurements: export cross-section area, perimeter length, and mesh volume		Yes	Yes
Direct export to Control X		Yes	Yes
Scan-to-CAD for reverse engineering
Fit CAD primitives to 3D model		Cylinder, sphere, cone, plane, torus, box	Cylinder, sphere, cone, plane, torus
Autosurfacing		Yes
Boolean operations		Yes
Split mesh by plane		Yes
Freeform fitting		Yes	Yes
Primitive constraints		Improved	Yes
Precise positioning		Yes	Yes
Segment Brush: selection tool		Improved	Yes
Sections: from fitted planes		Yes	Yes
Sections: scale to bounding box		Yes	Yes
Export fitted primitives in STEP, IGES, or X_T CAD formats		Yes	Yes
Export multiple open and closed contours directly to CAD		Yes	Yes
Direct export of fitted primitives to SOLIDWORKS		Yes	Yes
Direct export of meshes to SOLIDWORKS via Geomagic plugin		SOLIDWORKS 2014-2022	SOLIDWORKS 2014-2021
Direct export to Design X		Yes	Yes
Advanced CGI tools for the perfect color 3D model
Photo-texture		Yes	Yes
Photo-texture: photo viewing mode		Yes
Rescaling by mesh alignment		Yes	Yes
Auto glare removal		Yes	Yes
Model-to-model texture transfer		Yes	Yes
AI-powered HD Mode
HD Mode for Eva and Leo		Extra sharp	Extra sharp
Improved HD reconstruction speed: Leo		1.5x faster than AS16	2x faster than AS15
Improved HD reconstruction speed: Eva		2x faster than AS15	2x faster than AS15
On-demand HD reconstruction for Eva		Yes	Yes
Settings optimizer based on your GPU		Yes
Multiple HD reconstructions with different settings		Yes	Yes
Store Leo HD data on SD cards		Yes	Yes
User experience. From raw data to finished 3D model in minimum steps
Project loading		10x faster than AS15	10x faster than AS15
Background Auto-save		Yes	Yes
Restore unsaved projects		Yes
Smart RAM Optimizer		Yes	Yes
Advanced grouping functionality: create, align, position		Yes	Yes
Auto-group for Eva, Space Spider, and Leo data capture		Yes	Yes
Advanced editing & 3D modeling tools
Eraser: object selection		Yes
Texture healing brush		Yes	Yes
Defeature and smoothing brush		Yes	Yes
Hole filling		New options: flat and smooth	Yes
Hole filling: bridges
Yes		Yes	Yes
Yes		Yes	Yes
Next-generation registration for Eva and Space Spider		Yes	Yes
Improved tracking algorithms for scanning over distance & for scanning in loops		Yes	Yes
Integration with ScanReference photogrammetry kit
Smart automation
Fully automatic smart scanning for Micro		Yes	Yes
Auto-align		Yes	Yes
Autopilot: automatic data processing pipeline		Yes	Yes
Scan size optimizer		Yes	Yes
Smart base removal		Yes	Yes
Easy 3D scanning
Auto-brightness: dynamic		Yes	Yes
Automated sensitivity for scanning black, shiny, and fine objects		Yes	Yes
3D Radar mode		Yes	Yes
Create 3D model from a combination of Artec 3D scanners		Yes	Yes
Texture and geometry tracking		Yes	Yes
Fast, powerful 3D processing
Fusion: speed		10% faster and with 30% less RAM
Fusion: exclude faulty frames		Yes
Support of large datasets		Up to 500 million polygons	Up to 500 million polygons
Fast mesh simplification: refined		Yes	Yes
X-Ray mode		Yes	Yes
Ergonomics
Customizable workspace		Now including panel layout	Yes
Swipe selection		Yes	Yes
Easy mass rename		Yes	Yes
3Dconnexion 3D mouse compatibility		Yes	Yes
Upload multiple Leo projects in one click		Yes
Multiple object export		Yes	Yes
Cloud collaboration
Artec Cloud integration		Yes	Yes
One-click 3D model share		Yes
Export formats
Mesh		OBJ, PLY, WRL, STL, AOP, ASC, Disney PTEX, E57, XYZRGB	OBJ, PLY, WRL, STL, AOP, ASC, Disney PTEX, E57, XYZRGB
Point cloud (Artec Ray only)		PTX, BTX, XYZ	PTX, BTX, XYZ
Reference targets		OBC
Measurements		CSV, DXF, XML	CSV, DXF, XML
CAD		STEP, IGES, X_T	STEP, IGES, X_T
Hardware support
3rd party sensor support		N/A	N/A
Scanning on MacOS		Boot Camp	Boot Camp
Processing on MacOS		Artec Cloud or Boot Camp

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