3D Scanning
Capture a physical object as a printable 3D file.
3D scanning turns a physical object into a digital model — useful when you need to replace a discontinued part, archive a one-off shape, fit a custom part to a person or vehicle, or reverse-engineer something you don't have CAD for. Bicester3D operates structured-light and photogrammetry workflows, with output to STL for direct printing or to STEP / CAD for editable geometry.
Common scan jobs:
- Replacement parts for discontinued domestic, automotive or industrial equipment.
- Custom-fit components built around an existing object or surface.
- Heritage and conservation — capturing a sculptural or architectural detail before restoration.
- Reverse engineering for design teams without original CAD.
Bring the object to the Bicester workshop or arrange collection from anywhere within reasonable courier range. Turnaround is typically 5–10 working days for the scan + clean-up + printable file.
3D SCANNING FAQ
Most physical objects from a few centimetres to roughly half a metre across, captured at 0.05mm accuracy on our metrology-grade scanner. Common: replacement parts, vintage hardware for restoration, sculpted pieces for digitisation, custom fittings for reverse engineering. Larger objects we discuss case-by-case — sometimes structured-light scanning works, sometimes photogrammetry is better.
Our metrology-grade structured-light scanner captures at up to 0.05mm point accuracy, with mesh resolution dialled to the part complexity. For reverse-engineering work we typically scan, clean to parametric CAD, and re-print — the scanned mesh is intermediate, not the final deliverable. Inspection-grade scanning with reports also available.
On-site scanning available within Oxfordshire and the M40 corridor — useful when the object can't easily come to the workshop (vehicles, heritage items, fixed installations). Beyond the local area we discuss case-by-case based on object size, value and travel logistics. For most parts under half a metre, bringing the object to Bicester is faster and cheaper.
Yes — scanning is most valuable when paired with reverse engineering. We scan the original, clean the mesh into parametric CAD (Fusion 360 or Solidworks files supplied as standard), and re-print in the right material. The CAD is yours to keep, modify and re-order from. This is one of our most-requested workflows.