Types of 3D Scanners: A Complete Guide to 3D Scanning Technologies
                     Types of 3D Scanners: A Complete Guide to 3D Scanning 
Technologies
As the adoption of 3D scanning continues to grow across 
industries, understanding the various types of 3D scanners is 
essential for professionals, hobbyists, and manufacturers alike. 
From industrial applications to creative design, each 3D scanner 
type offers distinct features, technologies, and use cases. In this 
in-depth guide, we’ll explore the main types of 3D scanners, how 
they work, and their advantages, helping you choose the right 
scanner for your specific needs.
What Is a 3D Scanner?
A 3D scanner is a device that captures the shape and geometry of
physical objects, creating digital 3D models. It works by collecting
data points from an object’s surface using technologies such as 
laser triangulation, structured light, or photogrammetry. These 
points are then processed into a 3D mesh or point cloud, which 
can be edited, printed, or used in simulations.
Why Understanding 3D Scanner Types Matters
With various 3D scanning technologies available today, it’s 
important to understand which scanner type fits your application.
Whether you’re reverse engineering mechanical parts, creating 
digital assets for gaming, or scanning historical artifacts, 
choosing the right type of 3D scanner ensures accuracy, speed, 
and cost-effectiveness.
Main Types of 3D Scanners
There are several primary types of 3D scanners categorized by 
their scanning technology and use case. Below are the most 
common ones:
1. Laser Triangulation 3D Scanners
Laser triangulation scanners use a laser line or point projected 
onto the object’s surface. A camera captures the reflection, and 
triangulation math calculates the precise position of each point.
Features:
 High accuracy and resolution
 Ideal for small to medium-sized objects
 Requires stable lighting and object stillness
Use Cases:
 Quality control
 Dentistry
 Reverse engineering
Example Products:
 Creaform HandySCAN
 ScanTech PRINCE series
2. Structured Light 3D Scanners
Structured light scanners project a pattern of light (grids or 
stripes) onto the object. Deformations in the pattern are captured
by cameras and processed into 3D data.
Features:
 Very high precision
 Fast data capture
 Sensitive to ambient lighting
Use Cases:
 Industrial inspection
 Face scanning
 Cultural heritage preservation
Example Products:
 Artec Eva
 Shining 3D EinScan HX
3. Photogrammetry-Based 3D Scanners
Photogrammetry uses multiple 2D photographs taken from 
different angles. Software then reconstructs the 3D shape by 
analyzing overlapping points.
Features:
 Inexpensive (can use DSLR or smartphone)
 Suitable for large objects or terrains
 Processing is time-consuming
Use Cases:
 Architecture
 Archaeology
 Video game asset creation
Example Software:
 Agisoft Metashape
 RealityCapture
4. Laser Pulse (Time-of-Flight) 3D Scanners
Laser pulse scanners measure the time it takes for a laser to hit 
an object and reflect back to the sensor. This "time-of-flight" 
determines the object’s shape and distance.
Features:
 Excellent for scanning large areas
 Lower resolution compared to triangulation
 Often used in combination with GPS
Use Cases:
 Construction
 Land surveying
 Autonomous vehicles
Example Products:
 Leica BLK360
 FARO Focus
5. Contact 3D Scanners
Unlike non-contact scanners, contact 3D scanners physically 
touch the object with a probe, recording each point as it moves 
across the surface.
Features:
 Extremely accurate for hard surfaces
 Slower than optical scanners
 Not suitable for soft or delicate materials
Use Cases:
 Tool calibration
 Dimensional inspection
 High-precision engineering
Example Devices:
 CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines)
 Romer arms
6. Handheld 3D Scanners
Handheld 3D scanners can be laser-based or structured light and 
are designed for portability and ease of use.
Features:
 Lightweight and mobile
 Moderate to high accuracy
 Ideal for scanning in the field
Use Cases:
 Medical applications (e.g., prosthetics)
 Art and sculpture scanning
 Forensics
Popular Models:
 Artec Leo
 Revopoint POP 3
7. Desktop 3D Scanners
Desktop scanners are compact and suited for small object 
scanning. They often use laser or structured light and include a 
turntable for 360-degree capture.
Features:
 High-resolution scans
 Limited to small objects
 Easy to use in controlled environments
Use Cases:
 Jewelry design
 Small parts inspection
 Education
Examples:
 Shining 3D EinScan-SE
 Matter and Form V2
8. Industrial types of 3D Scanners
These scanners combine high accuracy with durability and speed, 
often integrated into factory settings for automation.
Features:
 Designed for high-throughput
 Integrates with robotic arms and conveyors
 Rugged design for harsh environments
Use Cases:
 Automotive inspection
 Aerospace part validation
 Manufacturing automation
Top Models:
 GOM ATOS
 Creaform MetraSCAN 3D
9. Mobile 3D Scanners (Smartphone Scanning)
Modern smartphones, especially iPhones with LiDAR, offer basic 
3D scanning capabilities through apps.
Features:
 Low-cost and accessible
 Limited precision
 Good for simple, non-industrial use
Use Cases:
 AR/VR
 Interior design
 Social media content
Popular Apps:
 Polycam
 3D Scanner App
10. Computed Tomography (CT) 3D Scanners
CT scanning involves taking hundreds of X-ray images from 
multiple angles, reconstructing internal and external geometry 
into a 3D model.
Features:
 Captures internal structures
 Non-destructive testing
 High-end and expensive
Use Cases:
 Medical diagnostics
 Aerospace defect detection
 Complex engineering analysis
Comparison Table: Types of 3D Scanners
PortabiliCost 
Scanner Type Accuracy Object Size
ty Range
Laser Moderat
High Small–Medium $$$$
Triangulation e
Structured Moderat
Very High Small–Large $$$
Light e
Photogrammetr
Medium Medium–Large High $
y
Moderat
Time-of-Flight Medium Large–Very Large $$$$
e
Contact 
Very High Small Low $$$$
Scanners
Handheld Very 
High Small–Medium $$–$$$$
Scanners High
Desktop 
High Small Low $$
Scanners
Industrial 
Very High Medium–Large Low $$$$$
Scanners
Mobile/Smartph Low– Very 
Small–Medium Free–$
one Medium High
Extremely Small–Medium 
CT Scanners Low $$$$$
High (Internal)
Choosing the Right 3D Scanner
Selecting the best type of 3D scanner depends on your specific 
requirements:
 For industrial precision: Choose structured light or laser 
triangulation.
 For large environments: Use laser pulse or photogrammetry.
 For mobile use: Opt for handheld or smartphone scanners.
 For internal structures: CT scanning is the best choice.
 For hobbyists and makers: Desktop or mobile scanning 
solutions are ideal.
Future of 3D Scanning Technologies
With the rise of AI, cloud computing, and edge processing, 3D 
scanners are becoming more intelligent and accessible. Emerging 
technologies like AI-assisted modeling, real-time mesh editing, 
and cloud-based storage are pushing 3D scanning into 
mainstream use across medicine, entertainment, construction, 
and education.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of 3D scanners is crucial for 
leveraging the full power of 3D technology. From precise 
industrial inspections to creative 3D modeling, there's a 3D 
scanner for every purpose. By choosing the right scanner based 
on your goals, budget, and environment, you can significantly 
improve your workflow, reduce errors, and unlock new 
possibilities in digital design and manufacturing.