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
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.
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 us. See our on-site 3D scanning service for UK-wide mobile scanning.
Choose Your Service Type
Select the output format that matches your project requirements
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
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
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
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
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.
Medium Components
50-500 mm
Automotive parts, consumer products, industrial components, and tooling. Our scanner captures medium objects quickly and accurately.
Large Assemblies
0.5-4 m
Machinery, large fabrications and assemblies up to 4 metres. For larger or installed items, our on-site 3D scanning service allows us to capture the data at your location.
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.
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
Professional-Grade Accuracy
Our Shining 3D scanners achieve 0.035 mm accuracy. Ideal for reverse engineering, 3D printing and design projects.
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.
On-Site or In-House Service
Where practical, send your component to our Nottinghamshire facility for cost-effective scanning. If it cannot be transported, we can bring our scanners to your location.
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.
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.
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
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.
✓
Challenge: Each window opening had a unique, irregular profile
✓
Solution: On-site 3D scanning exported as 2D DXF cutting templates
✓
Result: Panels fitted perfectly
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.
✓
Challenge: No CAD data for bought-in components
✓
Solution: Handheld laser scan at 0.2 mm resolution and parametric CAD reconstruction
✓
Result: The family of parts were all successfully scanned to CAD
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.
To get an accurate quote, send us photos and a description of your part via our contact form or email. We’ll provide an 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 the whole of the UK and regularly work across the Midlands, Yorkshire, Manchester, 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