In the realm of metrology, where accuracy is paramount, the marriage of 3D scanning technology and additive manufacturing has ushered in a new era of possibilities. By examining the technical nuances of 3D laser scanning hardware and software, we unravel the role they play in shaping the future of engineering.

Before dissecting the symbiosis between 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, it’s imperative to comprehend the fundamental principles of the latter. Additive manufacturing — in popular parlance, a term often used synonymously with 3D printing despite the fact there are slight distinctions — is a process that constructs objects layer by layer, directly from digital models. Unlike traditional subtractive methods, such as milling or turning, additive manufacturing adds material only where necessary, resulting in design flexibility and resource efficiency.