3D scanning charges vary from project-to-project and are not standardized charges. However, you may get to know out here how our scanning team comes up with an estimate for your 3d scanning projects.
Major factors that affect your 3D scanning / reverse engineering project costs :
- a) Size of the object
In general, the complexity of the part remaining the same, as the part size increases, so does the 3d scanning charges. As the part size increases, the time spent on post-processing the scan data also increases significantly, especially if the size of the part is bigger than the field-of-view of the scanner.
- b) Shape & complexity of the features of the part
Simple parts with minimal details and features cost far lesser than parts which have complex features and a lot of details (threads, deep undercuts, grooves, etc.), irrespective of the size. If the object is an assembly, scanning & reverse engineering each part separately also adds up to the costs.
- c) End-use application of the data
The end-use application primarily decides the type of scanner we use for a particular project, which affects the pricing of the 3d scan. The levels of 3d scanning accuracy and resolution demanded by the application affects the 3D scanning costs to a large extent. For eg, 3D scanning for tool inspection demands a much higher accuracy level than 3D scanning a part for proof-of-concept designing and hence the charges also differ significantly. In general, 3d scanning for visualization and digital archiving costs less than 3d scanning for rapid prototyping or measurements, which costs less than 3d scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection purposes.
- d) 3D model file format to be delivered
The most commonly requested file formats remain STL format for polygonal data and STEP / IGES for CAD data, since these are the industry standard file formats for exchanging polygonal & CAD data between different 3D modelling / CAD softwares and CAM machines. Polygonal data in STL format (or other formats such as OBJ, VRML, etc.) costs far less than reverse engineered 3D CAD data (surface 3D model / solid 3D model). A neutral CAD file format ( .stp, igs), which may be either a complete surface model or a hybrid model (surface features + solid features), will cost less than a parametric solid model in a native file format. In general, this sequence of pricing will hold true for your 3D scanning and reverse engineering projects :
Polygonal mesh models < Auto-surfaced CAD models < Hybrid CAD models < Fully parametric CAD models.
Please go through this query to know which all file formats can be delivered by us.
- e) Quantity of parts in a project
For projects having a high quantity of parts, we automatically provide volumetric discounts to our clients, after considering the volume of work per project. For certain projects, such as dental models, mechanical assemblies, research projects, where the volume of work per project is high, our clients have appreciated the generous discounts given by us for their projects.
