Professional 3D Scanning Services

Expert 3D scanning services for reverse engineering, 3D printing, and digital documentation using professional grade Shining 3D optical scanners.

From small intricate components to large assemblies, we digitise your physical objects into accurate STL meshes and CAD models ready for your project.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified • UK-Wide Service • 30+ Years Experience • Rapid Turnaround Available

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UK 3D Scanning Services

Our 3D scanning services convert physical objects into digital 3D models using non-contact optical scanning technology. We capture millions of surface points to create detailed STL mesh models suitable for reverse engineering, 3D printing, and design validation.

Since 1995, we’ve digitised thousands of components across aerospace, automotive, heritage, and manufacturing sectors. With professional Shining 3D scanners and Geomagic processing software, we handle projects from small precision components to large assemblies up to 4 metres, delivering accurate, usable digital data in your required format.

Handheld 3D scanner capturing part on desk, scanned point cloud visible on screen prior to meshing.

When Do You Need 3D Scanning?

3D scanning solves critical challenges when traditional measurement methods fall short

No Original CAD Data

Legacy parts, vintage components, or assemblies where drawings were lost or never existed. We create accurate digital models from the physical object.

Complex Organic Shapes

Freeform surfaces, sculptural forms, or irregular geometries that are impractical to measure with traditional tools. Optical scanning captures millions of points rapidly.

Tight Deadlines

When manual measurement would take days or weeks, 3D scanning captures complete geometry in hours. Essential for rapid prototyping and urgent projects.

Digital Preservation

Archive heritage artefacts, museum pieces, or critical tooling before they degrade. Create permanent digital records without physical contact.

3D Printing Projects

Convert physical objects to printable STL files. Whether you need exact replicas or modified designs, scanning provides the digital foundation.

Size or Accessibility

Large assemblies, installed equipment, or objects that cannot be transported to a CMM. Our portable scanners come to your location.

Choose Your Service Type

Select the output format that matches your project requirements

Blue stl mesh of a full face motorcycle helmet on transparent background

Scan to STL Mesh

Best for: 3D printing, visualisation, inspection, and rapid digital capture

High-density triangular mesh models capturing your part’s exact surface geometry. STL files are the universal format for 3D printing and are ready to use immediately after scanning. Ideal when you need speed and don’t require design modifications.

Typical turnaround: 2-3 working days
File formats: STL, OBJ, PLY
Applications: 3D printing, visual reference, digital archives, comparison analysis
Editability: Surface-only, not parametric

Learn More About STL Scanning →

Reverse-engineered CAD assembly, blue shaft with silver disc and gold mechanism at end.

Scan to CAD (Reverse Engineering)

Best for: Design modifications, manufacturing, engineering analysis

Fully parametric CAD models created from your scanned data. We reconstruct your part as editable features, surfaces, and solids in professional CAD software. This reverse engineering service gives you complete design control for modifications, tolerancing, and manufacturing drawings.

Typical turnaround: 5-10 working days (complexity dependent)
File formats: STEP, IGES, native CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion, etc.)
Applications: Part redesign, tooling creation, legacy part recreation
Editability: Fully parametric and editable

Learn More About CAD Reverse Engineering →

3D Scanning for 3D Printing

Best for: Creating exact replicas or modified versions for additive manufacturing

Print-ready models optimised specifically for additive manufacturing. We process scan data to ensure watertight mesh models ready for 3D printing. Whether you need an identical replica or an adapted design with modifications, we deliver files ready for your printer.

Typical turnaround: 2-3 working days
File formats: STL, OBJ, PLY
Applications: Replacement parts, custom modifications, prototypes

Learn More About Scanning for 3D Printing →

Our Professional 3D Scanning Equipment

We use professional-grade Shining 3D scanners, selecting the optimal technology for each project

Shining 3D EinScan HX

Handheld Hybrid Laser Scanner

Our versatile handheld scanner featuring hybrid blue laser and LED structured light technology, ideal for challenging surfaces and larger objects.

Accuracy: Up to 0.04 mm
Resolution: 0.05 mm point distance
Speed: 1,200,000 points/second
Technology: Hybrid laser & LED
Features: Built-in colour camera
Portability: Fully portable for on-site work

Best for: Castings, machined parts, medium to large objects, industrial components, automotive parts

Shining 3D TranScan C

Desktop Structured Light Scanner

Our high-precision desktop scanner designed for capturing exceptional detail on small to medium objects with professional quality results.

Accuracy: 0.035 – 0.05 mm
Resolution: 0.0375 mm point distance
Scan range: 150×96 to 300×190 mm
Technology: White structured light
Features: Dual 12 MP colour cameras
Portability: Fully portable for on-site work

Best for: Small intricate parts, precision components, detailed features, jewellery, consumer products

We Scan Objects of All Sizes

From delicate components smaller than a coin to complete assemblies up to 4 metres

Colour 3D Scan of a custard cream biscuit

Small Objects & Fine Detail

10-50 mm

Capture intricate features on small components, jewellery, machined parts, and detailed consumer products with our desktop TranScan C scanner.

Silver automotive part with crossing blue laser lines over it during 3D scanning

Medium Components

50-500 mm

Automotive parts, consumer products, industrial components, and tooling. Our scanner captures medium objects quickly and accurately.

Workbench icon representing a large assembly

Large Assemblies

0.5-4 m

Machinery, large fabrications, and assemblies up to 4 metres. We bring our portable scanning equipment to your location for on-site digitisation.

How Our 3D Scanning Process Works

Every 3D scanning project follows our proven quality workflow developed over thousands of projects:

1. Request Your Quote

Send us photos and a description of your part via our contact form or email. We’ll provide a fixed-price quote based on size, complexity, and required output format.

2. We Scan Your Part

Using our professional Shining 3D scanners, we capture your component’s geometry. We can work in-house or bring our portable equipment to your site.

3. Receive Your Model

Download your completed 3D model in your chosen format: STL, OBJ, PLY, or fully parametric CAD (STEP, IGES, DXF). Ready to use for your intended application.

Start Your Project

Send us your requirements and a photo of your part today.

We’ll respond with a transparent, no-obligation quote.

Request Your Quote →

Call: 01623 491700

Industries We Serve

Three decades of experience across diverse sectors

Aerospace & Defence

Turbine blades, engine components, airframe parts, and tooling verification. We’ve scanned critical aerospace components for heritage restoration, and reverse engineering projects where original CAD data was unavailable.

Automotive & Motorsport

Engine components, body panels, custom parts, and tooling. Recent projects include scanning vintage car components for remanufacture and creating digital archives of classic vehicle parts for restoration specialists.

Heritage & Museums

Digital preservation of artefacts, sculptures, and historical objects. We’ve created archive-quality 3D models for museums and heritage organisations, enabling digital access whilst protecting fragile originals.

Manufacturing & Engineering

Tooling inspection, mould verification, jigs and fixtures, and production parts. We support manufacturers with rapid digitisation for quality checks, design validation, and legacy part recreation.

Why Choose Our 3D Scanning Services?

Professional optical scanning backed by three decades of metrology and reverse engineering expertise

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Professional-Grade Accuracy

Our Shining 3D scanners achieve 0.035 mm accuracy. Ideal for reverse engineering, 3D printing and design projects.

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Versatile Scanning Solutions

From small detailed components to large assemblies up to 4 metres. We scan shiny, dark, and transparent surfaces using specialist anti-glare coatings when needed.

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On-Site or In-House Service

Can’t transport your part? Our scanners can travel to your location. Or send components to our Nottinghamshire facility for scanning in temperature-controlled conditions.

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Multiple Output Formats

Receive your scan data in STL, OBJ, PLY for meshes, or STEP, IGES, DXF for parametric CAD. We deliver the format that works best for your workflow.

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Rapid Turnaround Available

Working to tight deadlines? We can often start scanning as soon as the next working day. Call us to discuss your timeline and we’ll accommodate where possible.

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30+ Years of Experience

Established since 1995, we’ve measured everything from heritage artefacts to aerospace components. Our expertise ensures optimal capture strategies for your specific application.

What our clients say

Richard Kopman (RSK London)

Hi – We (Niche Projects) have used AB Technology several times when we have had a requirement for high quality and detailed 3D scanning. They have always been professional, helpful and have a can-do attitude. Myself and the Niche Team do, without a doubt recommend AB Tech! Give them a go!

Ryan Meader

I’d highly recommend AB Technology. I recently hit a snag with a project that required a number of models to be amended and converted into a specific format at very short notice. Without a quick solution, it would have caused a significant delay to the project timeline. Robert was incredibly helpful throughout the process. He was responsive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make sure everything was completed correctly and quickly. Thanks to his support, we managed to keep the project moving forward with minimal disruption. If you’re looking for reliable and professional CAD support, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Dave Fletcher

FANTASTIC SERVICE I’D DEFINETELY RECOMMEND THESE GUYS

jepho emcee

This is a highly professional company who are very easy to work with, My contact point was Robert and he facilitated my requirements throughout the process. My requirement was to create an exact sized STL file to permit me to replace a part that had been poorly 3D printed. I sent a brief description of my requirements and some illustrative images. I received a prompt and informative response with three potential options and methods explained. I selected a method and sent the part and an explanation of the job required. On the day the part was received, Robert e-mailed me to clarify one point. I telephoned and clarified that point and one other, where I had made an error. Robert checked with me to determine my intentions. The scan was created and the file e-mailed to me. Clean and sized as per my request. The STL file is clean enough to be used in a NASA project! Cost. The file was not priced to be cheap but realistically speaking, it was priced for the work involved and the very high quality of the work completed. I had tried several methods including making my own STL file from software with an AI component, and using a very capable 3D carving software that I use with my CNC machine. I tried using CAD software to draw and rotate the part. I was unable to achieve the superb quality of the STL part file sent to me by AB Technology. I highly recommend this service when you want the very best quality files and your project is time limited. A great all round experience, using a business that is dedicated to certified standard quality work and great customer service.

Isabel Ambrose

very easy to work with, good quality report as well. would definitely recommend!

Alexander Marler

Efficient service and went above what was required to provide a quick turnaround and quality files.

posthuman TV

Excellent speed and communications, first rate, highly recommend

Wil Hamer

We needed some parts of our race car scanning so we could compete a scale model for wind tunnel testing. The service was excellent and they couldn’t have been more helpful producing the files we needed from the scanned items for 3D printing. I would definitely recommend them and would use them again. It was also excellent value for the work completed. Thanks guys!

Joseph Cole

Great service

Roger Osborne

Outstanding work. Very quick turn around, accurate and faultless.

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See Our 3D Scanning Work

Real examples from our 3D scanning projects across heritage conservation, automotive, and manufacturing sectors

HERITAGE • ON-SITE 3D SCANNING • CONSERVATION

Grade II Listed Church Window Restoration

After a fire devastated St Alban’s Church in Retford, we helped with the restoration by scanning damaged stone window surrounds on-site to support the production of new laser-cut acrylic infill panels.

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Challenge: Each window opening had a unique, irregular profile

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Solution: On-site 3D scanning exported as 2D DXF cutting templates

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Result: Panels fitted perfectly

Read the Church Window Case Study

MANUFACTURING • 3D SCANNING • REVERSE ENGINEERING

Bicycle Derailleur Hanger Scanned to CAD

A bicycle manufacturer required CAD models for several bought-in components to complete a full digital assembly. We scanned the derailleur hanger at 0.2 mm resolution and delivered a parametric Fusion 360 model, forming the basis for the rest of their component range.

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Challenge: No CAD data for bought-in components

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Solution: Handheld laser scan at 0.2 mm resolution and parametric CAD reconstruction

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Result: The family of parts were all successfully scanned to CAD

Read the Bicycle Hanger Case Study

View Portfolio

Browse All Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you scan my part?

Yes. With our combination of desktop and handheld scanners, plus our CMM equipment, there’s very little we can’t scan. We’ve scanned everything from hobbyist models to precision machined components to large complex assemblies. See our case studies and 3D scanning portfolio pages for examples of our work.

Can you scan shiny, matt black, or transparent parts?

Yes, we can scan virtually any surface regardless of material or finish. For challenging surfaces like shiny metal, dark plastics, or transparent materials, we use specialist self-evaporating spray that leaves zero residue. This coating helps enhance surface features for accurate scanning.

How much does 3D scanning cost?

Prices start from £70 + VAT for scanning simple items at our Facility. On-site projects are typically £600-1000.

To get an accurate quote, send us photos and a description of your part via our contact form or email. We’ll provide a itemised, fixed-price quote with no hidden fees.

Do I need to send you my part or can you do on-site scanning?

We offer both in-house and on-site 3D scanning services.

Sending the part to us is the cost-effective option, but we also scan on site for large or immovable items. We cover most of the UK from our Nottingham base, including Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Can you provide a fast turnaround?

Yes. Priority turnaround is typically 1-2 working days.

If you need rapid turnaround, call us on +44 (0)1623 491700 to discuss your requirements.

What file formats can you supply?

We can output scan data in all common formats: STL, OBJ, and PLY for mesh files; STEP, IGES, and DXF for parametric CAD models. You can download example files from our downloads page. If you need another format, please get in touch.

Ready to digitise your component?

Get a fixed-price quote for your 3D scanning project today