3D SCANNING MARKET ANALYSIS

The global 3D scanning market size was valued at USD 2,100.0 million in 2022 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2023 to 2030. The global market for 3D scanning is expected to rise significantly in the future. Increasing investment in R&D is one of the factors responsible for driving the growth of the industry. Moreover, rapid technological advancements are also boosting the demand for the products in the global market. Besides the growing demand for the smarter production, a strong growth in the gaming industry is also likely to drive the market growth. Moreover, the growth in the media and entertainment industry is slated to fuel the growth of the 3D scanning market.

Global 3D Scanning Market: Regional Insights

North America among regions is anticipated to gain a strong share in the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period. This can be attributed to increase in healthcare expenditure in the U.S. and Canada, increasing growth of industries such as aerospace and defense, healthcare, 3D digital corporation, architecture and engineering, entertainment and media, and research and education industries in the U.S. Moreover, increasing geriatric population and growing cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid in Canada are driving the demand for 3D scanning in healthcare industry, which is also expected to fuel growth of the market in the region.

Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to witness substantial growth in the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period, owing to growing demand for reconstruction of historical structures and buildings, increasing growth of animation industry in the region. Animation industry in China is growing through TV, theatrical, and streaming and licensing, as well as more co-production partnerships. Moreover, the focus on tourism is increasing in the region, and a result demand for maintenance and reconstruction of historical buildings is also growing. This is creating strong demand for 3D scanning, which in turn is fueling growth of the market in Asia Pacific region.

Figure 1: Global 3D Scanning Market Share (%), By Region, 2022

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Global 3D Scanning Market Drivers:

Rise in demand for 3D metrology in different industries to boost growth of the market

The need for higher accuracy inspection of 3D data is rapidly increasing for modeling and analysis is boosting the investment in 3D metrology. Due to these investments the advancement and innovations in 3D scanning technologies is increasing all over the world. 3D solutions in metrology cover long range of materials, which is why they are highly adopted in various industries. For instance, Creaform Inc., a Canada-based company offers MetraSCAN 3D, which is a 3D scanning solutions designed for metrology-grade measurements on all type of materials. Thus, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period.

Increasing technological innovations to augment the market pace

The market is witnessing various technological innovations, which is turning the market from contact-based scanning towards light-based scanning or Photogrammetry. The most commonly used light-based scanning technique in 3D scanning is laser scanning. The innovation of such laser pulse scanning in 3D printing has expanded the scope for 3D printing technologies. Moreover, the market is also witnessing innovations in terms of size, cost, and user-friendly applications. For instance, adoption of handheld and portable scanners is growing rapidly in the market. Thus, such novel innovations in 3D scanning are expected to fuel growth of the market in the near future.

Global 3D Scanning Market Opportunities:

Rise in advancement in software and sensor technology to create multiple business opportunities in the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period. 3D scanning is likely to become more affordable, more useful, and more powerful with rise in advancements in software and sensor technology. This in turn is influencing various industries all over the world. Moreover, 3D scanning will become more advantageous in product development workflows. The investments in 3D scanning technologies are expected to increase due to rise in pressure to work with multidisciplinary remote teams, innovate more quickly, and to grow product innovation at faster rate. These factors are thus anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities in the market.

Growing applications of 3D scanning is anticipated to create lucrative environment for growth opportunities in the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period. The use of 3D scanning enables quality 3D models, eliminates errors, facilitates the design iteration process, and boosts the reverse engineering speed. Thus, the technology will be massively adopted in the specific market sectors of manufacturers in the coming future. Moreover, 3D scanning is expected to find various applications in the quality control field. Thus, the market is likely to witness several growth opportunities in the near future.

Global 3D Scanning Market Trends:

Emerging use of AI and machine learning with 3D scanning is a major trend

In the near future, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 3D scanning will be applied for teaching computers make decisions based on particular criteria. Moreover, this combination will be useful to measure impressions and inspect dent in bigger aeroplanes and automotive that go unnoticed by humans. With this technology, manufacturers can decided how and when to treat the dent in the aircraft. Thus, this trend is growing in the global 3D scanning market, which is anticipated to boost growth of the market over the forecast period.

Introduction of more affordable products and innovations to the market is a growing trend

Several manufacturers, especially from Asian region, are bringing in innovations and products that more affordable into the market. This in turn is likely to help them gain a competitive edge in the global 3D scanning market. For instance, in January 2019, SHINING 3D, a China-based company showcased its new series of multi-functional, handheld 3D scanners and solutions, which covered “3D Digitizing-Design and Simulation-Additive Manufacturing”, for various industries. Thus, such efforts are increasing in the market, which is likely to continue in the coming years.

Global 3D Scanning Market Restraints:

High cost of 3D scanners to impede market pace

The adoption of 3D scanning solutions on global and commercial levels is majorly impacted by its high cost, as the technology is in its nascent stage. Moreover, as the size of solutions increased, the cost required for 3D scanner also increased. The price of 3D scanning has no correlation with the complexity of the design of the product; however, it is correlated with the value of material and the amount resource material utilized. Thus, these factors are expected to restrain growth of the global 3D scanning market over the forecast period. However, market players are focusing on developing cost effective solutions, which is likely to support the market growth in the near future.

Shortcomings of 3D scanning to hinder market growth

3D laser scanning is used in various applications due to its benefits; however this method among others has its limitations or shortcomings. Due to the optical nature of 3D laser scanning, it becomes impossible to measure any kind of surface that is out of line of sight of the scanner. Complex geometry of surfaces creates problems in this method of scanning. Along with this ambient light could blend with the laser and interfere with the accuracy of scan. Thus, such limitations of 3D scanning technologies restrict their adoption, which in turns affects the market growth negatively.                       

Figure 2: Global 3D Scanning Market Share (%), By Type, 2022

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Global 3D Scanning Market Segmentation:

The global 3D scanning market report is segmented into Type, Range, Application, and End User Vertical.

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Hardware and Software. Out of which, Hardware is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the benefits offered by optical and laser scanners. Optical scanners offer the freedom of movement, ability to include dynamic referencing, and better accuracy. Laser scanners are advancing with increasing innovation, and these factors are likely to support growth of the segment.

Software segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the increasing adoption of 3D scanners as well as 3D printers. Massive amounts of data is collected by 3D scanners, due to which it requires dedicated reverse engineering software in order to process the output into usable data that can be used on software such as CAD. Thus, the segment is expected to witness strong growth in the near future.

Based on Range, the market is segmented into Short Range, Medium Range, and Long Range. Out of which, Short Range is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the growing need for highly accurate as-built 3D drawings leading to increased demand for short-range 3D scanners. These scanners are majorly use structure light technology or laser triangulation, and the ranging services of these scanners are less than 20ft.

Long Range segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the increasing launch of novel products by market players. The use of long range scanning technologies is mainly carried out in inspecting and measuring large volume components in manufacturing and production facilities. These are used for more than 20ft range. In March 2019, Hexagon introduced Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600, which is a new concept in metrology-grade laser trackers having targetless 3D scanning.  

Based on Application, the market is segmented into Reverse Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, Quality Control/Inspection, Face and Body Scanning, and Digital Modeling. Out of which, Reverse Engineering is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the advantages of 3D scanning in reverse engineering. 3D scanning offers benefits in reverse engineering, such as minimizing the requirement for manual deconstruction, accurate diagrams and measurements, faster and simpler process, which enables changes at any point of time. Thus, this segment is likely to witness increased demand for 3D scanning, which is likely to boost the market growth.

Quality Control/Inspection segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the growing use of 3D scanning for quality control or inspection. With the use of accurate 3D scanning and inspection analysis, companies can cut down the tuning loops or iterations and quickly drive. This aids in driving the proper action, which results into reduced down time and enhancement of abilities of quick decision-making. Thus, these factors are driving the use of 3D canning in the segment, which in turn will augment its growth.

Based on End User Vertical, the market is segmented into Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Entertainment and Media, Architecture and Construction, and Other End user Verticals. Out of which, Aerospace and Defense is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the reliability of quality assurance and validation process, increased speed, decreased fuel costs through light-weighting, rise in manufacturing productivity, innovation in design and safety, 3D data recovery, quick turnaround, and cost efficiency of 3D scanning among other factors.

Automotive segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the rise in number of technology providers and manufacturers leveraging advancements in 3D scanning technology for gaining a competitive advantage. For instance, Autodesk Inc. announced that the company is developing software for integrating the data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the use of 3D scanning technology, to gain more insights.

Global 3D Scanning Market: Key Developments

In August 2021, Nikon Corporation collaborated with Aeva Technologies, Inc., a U.S. firm to use the Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology in automation and industrial metrology applications.

In March 2021, Creaform announced the launch of HandySCAN 3D line-up offer titles the SILVER series, which offers a versatile professional 3D scanner having quality optics with accuracy of nearly 0.030 mm, and a scan region of 275 x 250 mm. As per the company, the new 3D scanner is lightweight, portable, and quick to set up.

In February 2020, Artec 3D, announced the launch of professional 3D scanners and Geiomagic 3D education software suite designed for research institutes, universities, and schools.

Global 3D Scanning Market: Key Companies Insights

The global 3D scanning market is highly competitive. This is attributed to continuous launch of new technologies due to ongoing R&D and efforts by value chain participants. Moreover, key players are adopting various business growth strategies in order to expand their presence on regional as well as global basis. Some of the key players in the global 3D scanning market are Trimble Inc., 3D Systems Inc., ShapeGrabber Inc., Creaform, Hexagon AB, GOM, 3D Digital Corp, Faro Technologies Inc., Autodesk, Inc., Topcon Corporation, and Maptek Pty Ltd.

*Definition: 3D scanning is a process of measuring and analyzing real-world objects and environments, then creating a digital 3D model. This technology is used in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, archiving, and art. Some of the more common applications are reverse engineering, inspection, and 3D printing.