Think Your Item’s Ready for 3D Scanning? Maybe. Read This First.

3d Scanning

Last week, someone sent us a photo of a glossy black motorcycle helmet they wanted scanned. It looked amazing — sleek, shiny, borderline Batmobile vibes. The scanner hated it.

That’s the thing with 3D scanning: it’s powerful, but it’s not magic. Some objects are perfect for it. Others… not so much. That’s why we always ask for photos before you send us anything.

If you’re thinking of using our 3D scanning service in the UK, here’s what you need to know — and why those few quick snapshots can save us both a world of hassle.

What Is 3D Scanning (and Why It’s a Game-Changer)

3D scanning takes a physical object and turns it into a digital file — usually STL or OBJ — accurate down to the tiniest curve or edge.

Why do people use it?

• Reverse engineering broken or discontinued parts - you can 3D print them

• Customising pieces to fit something existing

• Prototyping without starting from scratch

• Preserving sentimental or one-off items as digital backups

3D scanning saves time, increases accuracy, and keeps you from reinventing the wheel.

Why We Ask for Photos First (No, It’s Not to Be Difficult)

Short answer: not every item scans well.

Longer answer: surfaces, shapes, and sizes all affect how a scan turns out — or whether it's possible at all.

Here’s what we look for in your photos:

• Shiny or glossy finishes — they confuse the scanner’s sensors

• Transparent or reflective parts — basically invisible to the scanner

• Very small or oversized items — might need special prep• Fragile, intricate shapes — we plan differently if we know in advance

Photos = fewer surprises. For both of us.

A five-minute photo upload means we can give you a clear “yes, we can scan that” — or tell you upfront if it’s a no-go.

How to Take Photos for a 3D Scanning Quote

This is dead simple. No studio lighting, no filters. Just:

• 3–5 photos from different angles

• Natural light if possible (avoid flash)

• Object on a neutral background

• Add something for scale if you can (coin, pen, hand, etc.)

Send your images via our quote request form. We’ll review them and get back to you with next steps.

Helpful photos now = faster quotes, fewer issues later.

What We Can’t (Easily) Scan

Let’s be honest — some objects just don’t play nice with scanning. These usually need workarounds or may not be worth the effort:

• Chrome or mirrored finishes

• Clear plastic or glass

• Tiny items with high detail

• Oversized/heavy parts not suited for shipping

Sometimes we can work around these with scanning spray or multi-pass scans — but we need to know before the box arrives at our door.

We’re a Real UK Business. Not a Faceless Upload Button.

We’re not just a printer farm. We actually look at your project and figure out the best way to do it right.

Sending photos helps us:

• Give you a realistic quote

• Plan the process properly

• Tell you quickly if scanning is a no-go

Our goal? No wasted time, no wasted postage, no nonsense.

Ready to Scan Something?

If you've got something that needs scanning — a prototype, a custom-fit part, or a one-of-a-kind item — we're ready when you are.

👉 Upload your photos on our 3D scanning quote form

🔍 Or learn more about our UK 3D scanning services

And no, we’ve never judged anyone for sending in a duck-shaped soap dispenser. Your secrets are safe.