What is 3D Scanning?
A Guide for Australian Businesses, Engineers & Manufacturers
In today’s fast-paced industrial world, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s where 3D scanning comes in. A powerful technology used across Australia to capture exact digital models of physical objects, machines, buildings, and environments.
Whether you’re designing a new part, updating a facility, or reverse engineering an old component, 3D scanning helps you get the job done faster, with greater accuracy and less risk.
What is 3D Scanning?
3D scanning is the process of using laser or optical technology to capture the exact shape and dimensions of a physical object. It creates a high-resolution digital 3D model, often called a point cloud or mesh, that can be used for CAD design, quality control, digital twin creation, or documentation.
It’s like taking a photograph, but instead of a flat image, you get every curve, surface, and contour in measurable detail.
How Does 3D Scanning Work?
Most 3D scanning in industrial settings is done with laser scanners, which work by projecting laser beams onto a surface and measuring how long it takes the light to return. This time-of-flight data is used to calculate millions of precise coordinates.
At Voxel Engineering, we use high-accuracy terrestrial laser scanning systems that can achieve tolerances within fractions of a millimetre.
What is 3D Scanning Used For?
3D scanning has a wide range of applications across engineering, manufacturing, construction, and asset management:
✅ Reverse Engineering - Recreate digital models of legacy or damaged parts
✅ Quality Control - Compare physical parts to CAD drawings for accuracy
✅ As-Built Documentation - Digitally record existing conditions of facilities or infrastructure
✅ Product Design - Use scans as the foundation for new prototypes or improvements
✅ Digital Twins - Build virtual replicas of assets for monitoring and simulation
Who Uses 3D Scanning in Australia?
3D scanning is used across a variety of industries in Australia, including:
Mining and Resources
Marine and Shipbuilding
Aerospace and Aviation
Manufacturing and Fabrication
Agriculture and Infrastructure
Energy and Renewables
Benefits of Using 3D Scanning Services
🧭 Unmatched Accuracy – Laser scanning captures fine detail often missed by manual measurement
⏱ Faster Project Turnaround – Speed up workflows and avoid rework
🧠 Better Decisions – Work with complete, accurate data
🔁 Repeatability – Easily scan similar parts, environments, or assets again
💼 Compatibility – Receive models in DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, STL and other industry-standard formats
Why Work With Voxel Engineering?
At Voxel Engineering, we deliver professional 3D scanning services across Australia - with experience in marine, aviation, industrial, and manufacturing environments. We work quickly and safely, delivering files in the exact format your engineers, fabricators, or designers need.
Final Thoughts
3D scanning isn’t just for high-tech industries - it’s for anyone who needs precision, speed, and insight. 3D scanning gives you the data to move forward with confidence.
✅ Ready to get started?
Contact Us today for a free quote or consultation. We’re here to help you unlock the power of 3D data.