The 3D scanner market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.98 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.87 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.72% from 2024 to 2031. The increasing use of 3D scanners in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and construction for applications including quality inspection, reverse engineering, and part inspection is driving the growth of the 3D scanner market.

Market Driver - Growth in 3D Printing and its Applications Across Industries

3D printing technology has found widespread adoption across various industrial verticals such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare and consumer goods.

Automotive manufacturers are extensively leveraging 3D scanners for rapid prototyping as well as manufacturing of replacement parts for improved turnaround times. Aerospace is another sector where 3D printing is transforming production. Complex internal cooling channels of jet engine components that were previously impossible to manufacture can now be 3D printed. On the medical front, 3D printing is allowing customized implants, surgical guides and models to be produced based on a patient's unique anatomy. This "personalized medicine" approach has significantly improved outcomes for complex cases.

With its widespread industrial uptake, 3D scanner will continue proliferating into newer domains and drive more complex applications in the coming years. Thereby, the growth in adoption of 3D printing is thus expected to significantly spur the 3D scanner market.

Market Driver - Rising Demand in the Healthcare Sector for Advanced Imaging Technologies

The healthcare sector has emerged as one of the largest end-users of 3D scanning technology. Advanced 3D scanners are transforming how healthcare is delivered by enabling accurate pre-surgical evaluations, treatment simulations, implant fitting, and monitoring of diseases or injuries over time.

Areas witnessing increasing penetration of these scanners include dental implantology, reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and orthopedics. Dental clinics are adopting 3D oral scanners on a wide scale to create 3D printed surgical guides and accurate restorations. This has improved outcomes especially for complex cases.

In orthopedics, 3D scanners are exceptionally useful for generation of customized implants, prostheses and external fixation devices based on a patient's unique bone structure. This individualized approach yields better postoperative functionality for patients.

Hospitals are deploying full body and handheld 3D scanners in operation theatres to create 3D printed surgical rehearsal models and pre-bend plates or tools required for difficult procedures. This enables careful pre-operative analysis as well as intra-operative navigation support, driving new trends in the 3D scanner market.

Market Challenge - High Initial Costs and Training Requirements for 3D Scanning Technology

One of the major challenges currently facing the 3D scanner market is the high initial costs and training requirements associated with the technology. 3D scanners can range in price from several thousand dollars for basic desktop and handheld models up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for large-scale industrial scanning systems. The high price of equipment presents a significant barrier to entry, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Additionally, 3D scanning requires specialized skills to operate the software and hardware effectively. Extensive training is usually needed to learn how to perform scanning, process the point cloud data, and utilize the files within design applications. The costs of this training can further increase the financial investment required.

While prices are expected to gradually decrease as the technology matures, the current steep learning curve and high upfront expenses limit the ability of many potential customers to adopt 3D scanning in their workflows.

Market Opportunity - Integration of AI and IoT for Enhanced Scanning Capabilities

One significant opportunity for the 3D scanner market lies in further integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) technologies. As AI and machine learning algorithms continue to advance, they can be applied to enhance various aspects of the 3D scanning process.

The integration of IoT would also allow for remote scanning capabilities. Scanners could be connected online and scanning tasks controlled from anywhere via cloud-based platforms. Combined AI and IoT technology could make 3D scanning more autonomous, productive, and accessible. This increased automation has the potential to lower costs over time while expanding the range of applications for 3D capture technology, creating new opportunities for 3D scanner market players.

Strategy 1: Focus on innovation through R&D

Companies like Artec 3D, Creaform, FARO Technologies have consistently invested over 5-10% of their annual revenues in R&D to develop new and improved 3D scanning technologies. For example, in 2020 Artec 3D launched its Eva and Leo 3D scanners that offer high-resolution scanning up to 0.1 mm at scan speeds of up to 1 million points per second.

Strategy 2: Develop industry-specific 3D scanning solutions

Players like Hexagon AB and Nikon Metrology have developed 3D scanning solutions tailored for specific industries like automotive, healthcare, aerospace etc.

Strategy 3: Pursue an aggressive acquisition strategy

Companies like 3D Systems have grown both organically and inorganically via strategic acquisitions. One of its most notable acquisitions was of Phenom-World in 2019, which provided it access to Phenom's desktop 3D metal printers.

Strategy 4: Focus on expanding into emerging markets

Players like Maptek have focused on Asia Pacific and MEA regions which are witnessing higher growth compared to mature markets like North America.

Insights, By Product Type: Technological Advancements Fuel Laser Scanner Demand 

In terms of product type, laser scanner contributes 35.5% share of the 3D scanner market in 2024, owning to ongoing technological advancements. Laser scanners offer highly accurate 3D scanning with millimeter precision due to continuous enhancements in laser triangulation and non-contact digitizing technologies. The integration of blue laser diodes that provide faster scanning speeds and longer ranges has boosted the popularity of laser scanners among industries requiring quality 3D representations.

Further, embedded controller upgrades allowing higher resolution scans in less time without compromising on data capture have increased the adoption of laser scanners in industrial automation. Their ability to scan intricate designs and complex geometries make them suitable for applications in automotive prototyping, reverse engineering, and manufacturing quality control.

Insights, By Range: Architectural Applications Drive Short Range Scanner Growth

In terms of range, short range contributes 45.3% share of the 3D scanner market in 2024, owing to rising architectural applications. Short range scanners having a working distance of up to 5 meters are highly suitable for scanning indoor objects and constructing 3D models of rooms and buildings.

They offer precision and high image definition required for architectural preservation, space planning, and residential remodeling. The compact size and ease of positioning short range scanners within indoor spaces without needing long setup times has augmented their demand from architectural firms.

Furthermore, short range scanners are used extensively in the construction industry for fault detection, material measurement, and project documentation. This is expected to drive crucial trends in the 3D scanner market.

Insights, By End-user Industry: Automotive Design Innovation Fuels 3D Scanning in Vehicles

In terms of end-user industry, automotive contributes the highest share of the market due to increasing design innovation in vehicles. 3D scanning plays a pivotal role in automotive concept modeling, styling studies, CAD workflows, and digital mockups to expedite the product development cycle. It has become indispensable for rapid prototyping, manufacturing processes like press tool construction, and assembly layout planning.

Furthermore, 3D scanners are utilized for quality checks of automotive components, assemblies scanning for technical documentation, failure analysis, and more. The intricate designs of modern vehicles and shorter development times have boosted 3D scanning adoption within automotive OEMs and suppliers aiming to achieve greater design flexibility with reduced costs and speed to 3D scanner market.

• Increased adoption of 3D scanning technology in reverse engineering, quality control, and virtual simulations continues to play an important role in shaping up the 3D scanner market.
• Utilization in industries like automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and construction for diverse applications.
• Enhanced capabilities with structured light scanners led their segment of 3D scanner market in 2023.
• North America dominated the 3D scanner market with 37% share in 2023. U.S. 3D scanner market accounted for USD 450 million, and is projected to reach USD 1.89 Billion by 2034.
• Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in global 3D scanner market. It is driven by industrialization and adoption of new technologies.

The major players operating in the 3D scanner market include Hexagon AB, FARO Technologies, Inc., Nikon Metrology NV, Trimble Inc., Creaform Inc., 3D Systems Corporation, Topcon Corporation, Carl Zeiss Optotechnik GmbH, Artec 3D, Autodesk Inc., David Vision Systems GmbH, Basis Software, Inc., Fuel3D Technologies Limited, and GOM GmbH.

• In January 2024, Siemens Healthineers introduced the SOMATOM Pro.Pulse, a dual-source computed tomography (CT) scanner designed for cardiac and general imaging. This system features two X-ray tubes and two detectors, enabling high temporal resolution and rapid scan speeds, which are particularly beneficial for cardiac imaging.
• In September 2023, 3DMakerpro introduced the Seal 3D Scanner, a portable handheld device offering high-precision 3D scanning capabilities. Unveiled at the IFA NEXT exhibition in Berlin on September 1, 2023, the Seal is recognized as the world's first consumer-grade handheld 3D scanner with an accuracy of 0.01mm and a resolution of 0.05mm.
• In July 2023, Hexagon AB introduced a new ultra-fast laser scanner enhancing high-precision data capture. This advancement is expected to streamline workflows in manufacturing and construction industries.

• By Product Type
  • Laser Scanner
  • Structured Light Scanner
  • Optical Scanner
  • Others
• By Range
  • Short Range
  • Medium Range
  • Long Range
• By End-user Industry
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Healthcare
  • Architecture & Construction
  • Energy & Power
  • Entertainment & Media