3D scanning can be one way to start a 3D printing project. The construction of a three-dimensional representation of an object can be done by 3D modelling software or by 3D scanning.
3D scanning is the process of analysing an object in reality to collect all its information and recreate its appearance and shape in digital format. Thus, the object becomes a 3D model, which helps you as a basis for the 3D object you are going to develop. For example 3D scanning of a building
There are a variety of equipment and methods for 3D scanning of objects: 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. The scanning technique is determined according to the project.
3D laser scanning
3D laser scanning is done by digitally capturing the shape of the object using laser light to obtain a digital representation of the object in reality. 3D laser scanning measures very fine details generating extremely precise point clouds.
Complex geometries can be measured where it is not practical or possible with classical methods.
The 3D laser scanner is much like a camera, capturing only what is in its line of sight, projecting a laser line onto the object and a sensor measuring the distance to it.
By processing the data through certain algorithms the data can be transformed into point clouds with the shape of the object and then into a CAD model.
Photogrammetry (photos from drone or camera)
It is a science that produces measurements from several photographs at different angles of a physical object. This method mimics the stereoscopy of human vision by transforming complex physical objects into 2d and 3d (shape, volume and depth data).
It is not as accurate as 3D laser scanning, but with good photogrammetry software you can get satisfactory results.