Full-field surface geometry
standalone 3D scan
Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging
3D Optical Scanning (3D Scan)
Characterise full-field surface geometry, nominal-to-actual deviation, and dimensions, warpage, and local defects using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£120 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 6 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- ZEISS ATOS 5Artec 3D Point
- Typical outputs
- Registered point cloud or polygon meshColour deviation mapDimensional inspection report and export filesMethod-specific images
Why this test
What 3D Scan can help you understand
3D Optical Scanning is selected when the project needs defensible information on full-field surface geometry, nominal-to-actual deviation, or dimensions, warpage, and local defects. Structured blue light is projected…
Nominal-to-actual deviation
CAD comparison
Dimensions, warpage, and local defects
GD&T inspection or reverse-engineering data
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.
Standalone 3D scan
full-field surface geometry
- Best used when
- full-field surface geometry
- Typical result
- Registered point cloud or polygon mesh
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
CAD comparison
nominal-to-actual deviation
- Best used when
- nominal-to-actual deviation
- Typical result
- Colour deviation map
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
GD&T inspection or reverse-engineering data
dimensions, warpage, and local defects
- Best used when
- dimensions, warpage, and local defects
- Typical result
- Dimensional inspection report and export files
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Registered point cloud or polygon mesh reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Colour deviation map supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Dimensional inspection report and export files provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample or input | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.
Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.
What should I send for 3D Optical Scanning?
Provide device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For full-field surface geometry, start with standalone 3D scan; add CAD comparison when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Optical access and surface reflectivity control data quality. Internal features require CT or sectioning.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope 3D Scan correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Marked region of interest where relevant
- Required comparison, output and reporting depth