3D Scanners in India: A Complete Guide for 2025

3D scanning technology has revolutionized the way industries, designers, and professionals approach product development, manufacturing, and reverse engineering. In India, the adoption of 3D scanners has grown significantly in recent years, driven by demand in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, education, architecture, and industrial design. This article explores the growing landscape of 3D scanners in India, their applications, key players, types of 3D scanners, and future outlook.

 

What is a 3D Scanner?

A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or environment to collect data about its shape and possibly its texture (e.g., color). This collected data is then used to construct digital 3D models, which can be used in various applications such as 3D printing, CAD modeling, inspection, and reverse engineering.

The major technologies used in 3D scanning include:

• Laser triangulation
• Structured light
• Photogrammetry
• LIDAR
• Contact-based scanning

 

Why 3D Scanners Are Gaining Popularity in India

India’s rapid digitization and emphasis on Make in India and Digital India initiatives have boosted the demand for advanced manufacturing and design tools. Among these, 3D scanners are seeing widespread use due to the following reasons:

• Increased demand for customization in automotive, dental, and prosthetics industries
• Growth of reverse engineering and quality control needs in manufacturing
• Rising adoption of 3D printing and prototyping
• Expansion of digital heritage preservation projects
• Growing number of educational institutions integrating 3D scanning into their curriculum

 

Applications of 3D Scanners in India

1. Automotive and Aerospace

India's thriving automotive sector uses 3D scanners for reverse engineering, prototyping, and inspection. Scanning ensures accurate measurements and better fitment of parts during manufacturing and maintenance.

2. Healthcare and Dentistry

Dental clinics and hospitals across major Indian cities use intraoral and handheld 3D scanners for creating accurate dental impressions and prosthetics. Medical professionals use it for custom implants and orthotics.

3. Architecture and Heritage Preservation

Indian heritage organizations are using 3D scanners for digitizing monuments and archaeological sites. This aids in documentation, virtual tourism, and restoration.

4. Education and Research

Engineering colleges, design schools, and research labs are integrating 3D scanners into their projects to give students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.

5. Industrial Inspection and Quality Control

Manufacturers in Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai are increasingly using 3D scanners for inspection and metrology, ensuring products meet precision and quality standards.

 

Types of 3D Scanners Available in India

1. Handheld 3D Scanners

Ideal for on-site scanning, handheld scanners are widely used in India due to their portability and ease of use. Popular models include Artec Eva, Shining 3D EinScan, and Peel 3D scanners.

2. Desktop 3D Scanners

Suited for small parts and detailed scans, desktop scanners are commonly used in jewelry design and dental labs. Brands like Revopoint and Shining 3D offer reliable options.

3. Industrial 3D Scanners

These scanners are used in automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering industries. They offer high-accuracy scanning, ideal for large parts and high-resolution inspection.

4. Intraoral Scanners

Dentists across India are adopting intraoral scanners like Medit i700, 3Shape TRIOS, and Carestream CS series for digital impressions and custom dental appliances.

5. Photogrammetry Scanners

Used in construction, surveying, and archaeology, these scanners use images to reconstruct 3D models. They are cost-effective and gaining popularity among heritage institutions in India.

 

Leading 3D Scanner Brands in India

Several global and local brands offer 3D scanning solutions across Indian markets:

1. Artec 3D

Known for high-precision handheld scanners like Artec Leo and Eva, Artec is widely used in engineering, heritage preservation, and healthcare.

2. Shining 3D

A favorite for educational and dental applications, Shining 3D offers a range of affordable yet powerful scanners like EinScan Pro HD and AccuFab series.

3. FARO

FARO offers industrial-grade 3D scanning solutions for large-scale inspection and reality capture.

4. Creaform

Popular among Indian manufacturers for reverse engineering and metrology, Creaform's HandySCAN and Go!SCAN are widely adopted in automotive and aerospace sectors.

5. Revopoint

Revopoint offers budget-friendly scanners such as POP and MINI, catering to small businesses and hobbyists in India.

 

Top Indian Distributors and Service Providers

Finding reliable 3D scanner providers is crucial. Some of the top 3D scanner dealers and service companies in India include:

• Think3D – Offers sales and services for 3D scanners across India, especially in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
• Shree Rapid Technologies (SRT) – Based in Mumbai, provides premium 3D scanning and metrology solutions.
• Imaginarium – Located in Mumbai, it provides scanning, prototyping, and printing services.
• Objectify Technologies – Based in Pune and Delhi, caters to automotive and aerospace 3D scanning needs.
• Precise3DM – Specializes in metrology-grade scanners and reverse engineering services.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a 3D Scanners in India

Before investing in a 3D scanner, consider the following aspects:

1. Purpose and Application

Choose a scanner based on your industry. Dental clinics require intraoral scanners, while manufacturers might need industrial-grade scanners.

2. Accuracy and Resolution

High-precision applications like aerospace demand micron-level accuracy, while general prototyping can work with lower specs.

3. Budget

3D scanners in India range from ₹50,000 to ₹50 lakhs depending on technology, features, and brand.

4. Software Compatibility

Ensure the scanner integrates with CAD software and offers features like automatic mesh generation, STL output, and cloud processing.

5. After-Sales Support

Choose providers who offer local service centers, training, and software support to minimize downtime.

 

Cost of 3D Scanners in India (2025)

Here is a rough price breakdown:

Type of 3D Scanner	Approximate Price (INR)
Entry-level Handheld	₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000
Mid-range Desktop	₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000
Industrial-grade Scanners	₹10,00,000 – ₹50,00,000+
Intraoral Scanners	₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000

Prices may vary depending on features, brand, and software bundles.

 

Challenges of 3D Scanning Adoption in India

Despite growing demand, there are challenges:

• High initial investment for advanced 3D scanners
• Lack of awareness in rural and semi-urban areas
• Shortage of trained professionals for scanning and post-processing
• Limited availability of after-sales support in remote regions

However, initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, Skill India, and AICTE programs are improving awareness and accessibility.

 

Future of 3D Scanners in India

The future of 3D scanners in India looks promising. Trends to watch:

• Integration with AI and machine learning for smart inspection
• Cloud-based scanning and data processing
• Growth in AR/VR applications requiring detailed 3D models
• Expansion of 3D scanning services for e-commerce, fashion, and virtual fitting
• Government initiatives for digital twins of cities and heritage monuments

As costs reduce and awareness increases, we can expect wider adoption across SMEs, startups, and rural tech hubs.

 

Conclusion

3D scanners are transforming how Indian industries approach design, manufacturing, healthcare, and digital preservation. As demand grows, so does the variety of 3D scanning solutions available in India. Whether you're a hobbyist, a manufacturer, or a healthcare provider, there’s a 3D scanner that fits your needs. With government support, educational initiatives, and rising awareness, the future of 3D scanners in India is poised for rapid growth.