3D Scanning Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global 3D scanning market attained a value of USD 5.88 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.40% during 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 17.31 billion by 2034.

Global 3D Scanning Market Growth

In the automotive sector, 3D scanning is used for sophisticated applications, enabling detailed car models and quality control of components. In 2023, the global automotive production witnessed a 10% growth compared to 2022. In the aerospace sector, industrial 3D scanning is crucial to creating 3D drawings of various aircraft components with intricate details and complex geometric features. In 2022, Airbus delivered 661 commercial aircraft to 84 customers, an 8% increase compared to 2021, and Boeing delivered 774 commercial orders globally.

According to the World Bank, value added by the manufacturing sector as a percentage of GDP all across the globe was 15.0% in 2023. Moreover, in 2023, the global manufacturing sector generated about USD 16.2 trillion in annual revenue. According to 2024 data, China boasts the largest manufacturing sector globally, producing about 31.6% of global manufacturing output. In the manufacturing sector, 3D scanning software helps businesses enhance the quality and efficiency of inspections by creating detailed 3D models of manufactured items.

Figure: Global Manufacturing, Value Added (USD Trillion), 2018-2024

The global 3D scanning market is supported by the heightened demand from the construction sector. The global construction sector is driven by the increasing government spending on infrastructure, and the rising urban population in emerging markets such as China and India. By 2050, the rate of urbanization, globally, is expected to reach around 68% compared to 55% in 2018. In 2022, the Construction Index’s top 100 companies, including Balfour Beatty Plc, Kier Group Plc, and Amey UK Plc., among others, generated a revenue of USD 74.2 billion.

The USA’s construction market is growing, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 which is attracting investment in manufacturing and mega infrastructural projects.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising adoption in the manufacturing sector; technological advancements; expansion of the construction sector; and improved measurement efficiency with 3D scanning technology are the key trends impacting the 3D scanning market demand

Apr 23, 2024

Creaform, a division of AMETEK, Inc., launched its next-generation scanners, including the HandySCAN BLACK+™|Elite and redesigned HandySCAN SILVER™ and SILVER™|Elite, offering improved precision and an enhanced user experience.

Apr 10, 2024

Scantech introduced the AM-CELL C, a new optical automated 3D measurement system designed for efficient inspection of small-to-medium parts, offering modular units, flexible deployment, and seamless production line integration.

Oct 24, 2023

Creaform introduced the MAX Series to its HandySCAN 3D™ lineup. These versatile industrial 3D scanners offer multiple modes for efficient measurement of large parts and assemblies up to 15 meters.

Jul 13, 2023

Creaform opened a new service centre in Reynosa, Mexico, providing local support, shipping, and system calibrations for its HandySCAN 3D, HandyPROBE, and MetraSCAN 3D systems.

3D scanning offers quality control in the manufacturing sector

Using 3D scanning, manufacturers can create a digital model of a part or assembly. By comparing this model with an original CAD/digital model, manufacturers can perform quality control checks to ensure the assembly meet design parameters. In 2023, the global manufacturing sector accounted for 15% of the global GDP, and in Q4 2023, the sector output grew by 1.5% compared to Q4 2022.

Technological advancements aid the growth of the 3D scanning market

The incorporation of automation and robotics has improved the 3D scanning technology by introducing real-time scanning and feedback, and improvements in accuracy and resolution. Automated 3D scanners offer great flexibility and efficiency in quality control.

Growth of the construction sector drives the demand for 3D scanning

3D scanning creates a digital model of the site that helps to obtain crucial construction site information. By 2037, the top 10 construction markets, including China, the USA, and India are projected to attain a value of USD 9.7 trillion, driven by growing urbanization and investment in infrastructure development.

Enhancing measurement efficiency with 3D scanning technology compared to traditional methods

High measurement precision results in improved outcomes for product design, quality control, and reverse engineering. Traditional measurement and inspection methods, such as manual measurements and basic CAD drawings can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. In contrast, 3D scanners simplify these processes, drastically decreasing the time needed to capture data from complex shapes and geometries. This increased efficiency leads to faster product development cycles, lower labor costs, and ultimately a quicker time-to-market for new products.

Global 3D Scanning Market Trends

3D scanning is extensively used in the automotive sector for creating detailed car models and ensuring quality control of components. It provides high-precision measurements, enabling the detection of even minor deviations from specifications. The detailed visualization of geometric models allows manufacturers to identify defects and optimize designs, supporting timely deliveries. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles is boosting the market, with the global electric car stock projected to grow from 16.5 million in 2021 to nearly 350 million by 2030.

AI can assist in aligning and merging multiple scans from various angles or sources to produce a cohesive digital model. Additionally, it can classify and categorize scanned objects based on user-defined criteria, such as shape or colour, thereby minimizing the manual effort needed to refine a model.

Global 3D Scanning Industry Segmentation

“Global 3D Scanning Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Optical Scanner
• Laser Scanner
• Structured Light Scanners
• Others

Market Breakup by Range

• Short Range
• Medium Range
• Long Range

Market Breakup by Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Service

Market Breakup by Type

• Tripod Mounted
• Fixed
• Portable
• Desktop

Market Breakup by Application

• Reverse Engineering
• Quality Control and Inspection
• Face/Body Scanning
• Virtual Simulation
• Others

Market Breakup by End User

• Aerospace and Defence
• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Architecture and Construction
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global 3D Scanning Market Share

Based on end user, the manufacturing sector accounts for a significant share of the market

The adoption of 3D scanning streamlines the manufacturing processes by capturing the precise dimensions, geometries and surface data of physical objects and converting them into accurate representations. The presence of initiatives such as Industry 4.0, that enables the digital transformation of manufacturing sector is supporting the market for 3D scanning. According to the United Nations, in 2022, the global manufacturing value added (MVA) per capita increased to USD 1,879. Europe and North America reached USD 5,093 in 2022.

In 2022, the global defence expenditure surpassed USD 2.24 trillion. The increasing defence spending across the globe is further supporting the market growth. The military and aerospace sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the adoption of 3D scanning for a wide range of purposes including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes, damage assessments, and reverse engineering of parts.

Based on range, the short-range is a major contributor to the global 3D scanning market revenue

Short-range 3d scanning provides increased flexibility in manufacturing processes, pattern making, and quality control. The technologies adopted for short-range scanning are handheld scanners, structured light scanners, laser trackers, laser scanners, PCMMS and fixed-position CMMs.

Phase shift 3d scanners work at shorter ranges from 80 to 120 meters maximum, with a typical operating range of 1 to 50 meters. Phase-shift 3D scanners are also being used as medium-range scanners in automobiles, large pumps, and industrial equipment. The scanners capture data points by rotating 360 degrees using a spinning mirror to direct the laser outward toward the objects or areas being 3D scanned.

Global 3D Scanning Market Analysis by Region

Rising automotive production in the USA and Canada drives the demand for 3D scanning to enable the creation of highly detailed car models. In 2023 USA’s and Canada’s automotive production expanded by 6% and 26% year-on-year, respectively.

APAC’s light vehicle production expanded nearly 10% year-on-year (YoY) in 2023 to 51.8 million units driven by automotive production in China, Japan, Korea, and India. In 2022, APAC's construction sector generated about USD 4.36 trillion, representing 45% of the global construction industry.

EU infrastructure volumes experienced moderate growth, rising by 2.4% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023. By 2026, Europe is projected to complete approximately 1.5 million housing units. Additionally, civil engineering in Europe is anticipated to grow by 7.5% by 2026 from 2023.

Leading Players in the Global 3D Scanning Market

The market players are focused on providing products at competitive prices and high quality, with improved customer service, product support, and performance features.

Autodesk Inc.

Headquartered in the United States, Autodesk is a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment technology solutions, spanning architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment.

3D Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1986, the company offers solutions with advanced applications in its industry verticals including Healthcare Solutions (medical devices, personalized services, and regenerative medicine) and Industrial Solutions (defence, and general manufacturing)

Nikon Metrology NV

Nikon Metrology is a part of the Nikon group. Based in Belgum, the company offers an innovative metrology product portfolio, including optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions complemented with state-of-the-art vision measuring instruments and microscopes.

FARO Technologies, Inc.

FARO Technologies is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and support of software-driven 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions. Founded in 1982, the company’s products cater to various sectors, including manufacturing, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), operations and maintenance (O&M), and public safety analytics.

Other notable players operating in the global 3D scanning market are Creaform Inc, Topcon Corporation, Hexagon AB, Evatronix SA, Artec Europe, S.à.r.l, ShapeGrabber Inc., Maptek Pty Limited, Scantech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd, among others.