3D Scanner Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Product (Laser Scanner, Structured Light Scanner, Optical Scanner, Others), By Range (Short-Range, Medium Range, Long-Range), By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Technology (Laser Triangulation, Pattern Fringe Triangulation, Laser Pulse Based, Laser Phase-shift Based) By End-user (Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, Education & Research, Robotics & Automation, Media &Entertainment, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

3D Scanner Market size was valued at US$ 5,280.0 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 11,745.5 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 11.8% from 2025-2031. The market refers to the industry centered around devices and technologies that capture the three-dimensional shape and geometry of physical objects using lasers, light, or x-rays. These scanners generate precise digital models by collecting data points (point clouds) from the object's surface, enabling accurate measurements, inspection, reverse engineering, and 3D printing. 3D scanning systems come in various formats, including handheld, desktop, and stationary scanners, and utilize methods like laser triangulation, structured light, and photogrammetry. These technologies are essential across multiple industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, architecture, and cultural heritage preservation.

Globally, the market has been experiencing robust growth due to the rising demand for digitization, quality control, and product customization. The increased adoption of 3D printing and Industry 4.0 principles is further boosting the use of 3D scanners for rapid prototyping and industrial inspection. Additionally, sectors like healthcare and forensics are leveraging these devices for patient-specific treatment planning and crime scene reconstruction. As scanning technologies become more affordable and portable, the market is expected to expand significantly, especially in emerging economies with growing industrial automation and infrastructure development.

Facts & Figures  

• SHINING 3D, a leading 3D scanner manufacturer, has delivered over 100,000 3D scanning systems worldwide since its founding in 2004, reflecting extensive adoption across industrial, medical, educational, and cultural heritage sectors.
• FARO Technologies reported annual sales of approximately US?$340 million, with its laser scanners and measurement devices serving a global customer base across diverse sectors such as manufacturing and construction.
• Hexagon’s latest HYPERSCAN system, part of its PRESTO Quality Station, delivers rapid 8.3 million points-per-second scanning across a 100?m³ measurement volume (approx. 7?m range), highlighting advanced high-speed automated inspection capabilities.

Key Developments 

• In June 2025, ASML partnered with the Van Gogh Museum to launch the Impasto Project, using a highly advanced 3D scanner to create digital twins of Vincent van Gogh’s impasto paintings. Each scan produces about 100 GB of data, capturing the thickness and texture of brushstrokes with extreme precision.
• In January 2025, the widely discussed technique of Gaussian splatting—a novel 3D capture method using translucent blobs instead of traditional polygons—gained traction through Niantic’s Scaniverse app. Tech leaders at Niantic, Google, Snap, and Meta have adopted this technology to generate photorealistic 3D representations using smartphones, even in low-light conditions.

3D Scanner Market Segmentation

Based on the Product 

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

The laser scanner segment is anticipated to lead the 3D scanner market, primarily driven by its superior precision, long-range capabilities, and wide industrial applicability. Laser scanners are extensively used in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and forensics, where high accuracy and rapid data capture are critical. These scanners utilize laser beams to capture detailed surface geometries, making them ideal for large-scale environments like factory floors, construction sites, or archaeological digs. A key driver behind their dominance is the increasing demand for high-resolution 3D data in quality control, reverse engineering, and digital twin creation. Industries implementing Industry 4.0 standards prefer laser scanners due to their integration potential with automated systems and CAD software. Furthermore, advancements in portable laser scanning devices are making the technology more accessible and user-friendly. As businesses prioritize precision and data-driven decision-making, laser scanners are expected to maintain a dominant position in the evolving 3D scanner landscape.

Based on the Range

• Short-Range
• Medium Range
• Long-Range

Among the range-based categories, the medium-range 3D scanner segment is anticipated to lead the 3D scanner market, driven by its optimal balance between scanning distance, accuracy, and versatility across various industrial and commercial applications. Medium-range scanners typically operate within a few meters to several dozen meters, making them suitable for capturing detailed 3D data of machinery, vehicles, architectural structures, and indoor environments. A key driver for this segment is the increasing demand for industrial inspection, construction site monitoring, and asset digitization, where short-range scanners may fall short and long-range systems may be excessive or cost-prohibitive. Industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing rely on medium-range scanners for reverse engineering, prototyping, and quality assurance. Furthermore, the portability and ease of deployment of these scanners contribute to their growing preference. As enterprises seek efficient, high-resolution scanning solutions that balance coverage and detail, medium-range scanners are expected to continue leading in terms of adoption and technological advancement.

Based on the Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Among the component-based segments, the hardware category is anticipated to lead the 3D scanner market, primarily driven by the continuous advancement in scanning technologies and the rising demand for high-performance, precise, and portable devices across industries. The hardware segment includes the core physical components of 3D scanning systems—such as laser emitters, sensors, cameras, and positioning systems—which are essential for capturing accurate three-dimensional data. A key driver fuelling this segment’s growth is the increasing adoption of 3D scanners in manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and construction sectors, where reliable hardware forms the backbone of metrology, inspection, and modeling processes. With innovations in handheld, wireless, and miniaturized scanners, end-users now benefit from enhanced usability and mobility, making the hardware more appealing across both professional and consumer applications. Additionally, the rising demand for customized scanning solutions in emerging fields such as medical imaging and cultural heritage preservation further boosts hardware sales, solidifying its dominance in the 3D scanner market.

Based on the Technology

• Laser Triangulation
• Pattern Fringe Triangulation
• Laser Pulse Based
• Laser Phase-shift Based

Among the technology-based segments, laser triangulation is anticipated to lead the 3D scanner market, driven by its high precision, speed, and widespread applicability in industrial settings. This method works by projecting a laser beam onto an object and using a sensor to capture the reflected light at a known angle, allowing for highly accurate three-dimensional measurement. A major driver of its dominance is the increasing demand for dimensional accuracy in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where precise surface modeling is critical for quality control, reverse engineering, and product development. Laser triangulation scanners offer excellent resolution and are capable of scanning both smooth and textured surfaces efficiently, making them suitable for a wide range of materials and objects. Additionally, continuous advancements in sensor miniaturization and real-time processing have made these systems more compact and user-friendly. As industries shift toward automation and precision engineering, laser triangulation remains the most favoured technology in the 3D scanner market.

Based on the End-User

• Automotive
• Aerospace & Defense
• Healthcare
• Education & Research
• Media & Entertainment
• Robotics & Automation
• Others

Among the various end-use segments, the automotive industry is anticipated to lead the 3D scanner market, primarily due to its extensive reliance on precision engineering, quality control, and rapid prototyping. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly incorporating 3D scanning solutions across the product lifecycle—from design and development to inspection and maintenance. A major driver of this adoption is the need for accurate and efficient reverse engineering of complex components and assemblies, as well as the growing use of digital twin technology to optimize performance and reduce downtime.

3D scanners help capture exact surface geometries of parts, enabling manufacturers to detect defects, verify tolerances, and ensure conformity with design specifications. Furthermore, the growing trend of electric and autonomous vehicles has intensified the demand for advanced inspection tools to support evolving design requirements. With its high-volume production demands and emphasis on safety and innovation, the automotive sector continues to be a leading force propelling the 3D scanner market forward.