C hallenges abound for today’s manufacturers. Labor shortages and rising labor costs require innovative solutions to maintain productivity with fewer staff. Inflation continues to exert pressure on raw material costs, squeezing margins. Manufacturers are also racing against tight production timelines, driven by shorter time-to-market windows—a direct consequence of escalating global competition.

To overcome these pervasive issues, many executives and factory managers are turning to automation and metrology solutions. However, they want to leverage these technologies to maximize their investments. So, what are the possible steps to do so?

This article provides insights into how manufacturing companies can harness the potential of 3D scanners within automated environments. It also offers guidance for adopting approaches that balance initial technology investments with future scalability toward end-to-end automation.

Manufacturers: Still hesitant about automation

Despite the widespread recognition of automation as an indispensable factor in modern manufacturing, manufacturers remain hesitant to embrace automated production lines fully. This reluctance is rooted in organizational culture and operational considerations.

The perception of automation as overly complex

For many manufacturers, the perceived complexity of automation is a deterrent. The notion that automation requires a radical overhaul of existing processes and equipment fosters a fear of the unknown. There’s a prevalent concern that introducing sophisticated systems, such as robots and cobots, will lead to job redundancies and a steep learning curve for staff. Psychological resistance to change is compounded by a misconception that automation is an all-or-nothing proposition rather than a scalable process that can be integrated gradually and managed with familiar tools.

Deficiency of in-house expertise

Another barrier to automation is the perceived lack of in-house expertise. Small- to medium-sized manufacturers in particular might not have the resources to sustain a dedicated IT department capable of deploying and maintaining advanced automation systems. They might assume that without specialists to guide the automation journey, the likelihood of successful implementation diminishes, which causes them to shy away from taking the initial steps. They overlook the fact that more user-friendly automation tools are widely available.

Misconceptions about cost

A misunderstanding of the associated costs amplifies the hesitation regarding automation. Manufacturers tend to focus on the immediate financial outlay, while overlooking or underestimating the potential return on investment, which includes long-term savings and efficiency gains. This short-sighted view of finances obscures the actual value of automation and its capacity to streamline operations and cut costs over time.

3D scanning can bridge the gap in automated manufacturing

Integrating 3D scanners can be a manufacturer’s first manageable step toward automation. Metrology-grade 3D measurement solutions are remarkable for their versatility. They can be used at various stages throughout the manufacturing process, including product design and development, quality control and assurance, reverse engineering, and directly on production lines.

During the design phase, 3D scanners contribute to accurate and detailed models, laying the groundwork for quality. As products move through the manufacturing cycle, 3D scanners can be used for on-the-fly assessments and quality checks. They can easily transition between manual, hands-on operations and semiautomated processes.

This adaptability gives manufacturers a tangible starting point for automation, allowing them to start small and scale up, without the need for a full automation overhaul. For small to medium enterprises (SMEs), where every investment is weighed against its return, 3D scanning technologies can be a cost-effective solution as a first step into automation. They allow SMEs to gradually increase their automation capabilities in tandem with their growth and financial comfort level. By implementing 3D scanning, these companies can reap the benefits of automation, such as increased accuracy and speed in production, without the full-scale investment that larger, more complex robotic systems would require.

Perhaps the most compelling argument for incorporating 3D scanning technology is this inherent scalability. It’s a future-proof investment that supports a company’s growth trajectory. As businesses evolve and market demands shift, 3D scanning systems can be scaled to match increased production needs or to extend capabilities into new product lines.

In short, 3D scanners are dynamic devices that can be leveraged in subsequent phases with additional automation solutions. For example, 3D scanners could be used with robots or cobots for seamless industrial automation. 

Selecting the right 3D scanner

When choosing 3D scanning equipment, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure that the chosen solution can meet your business needs both now and in the future. These factors are as follows. 

Scalability: It’s best to opt for a technology that offers both handheld and automatable options. This allows for an initial investment in handheld devices that can be scaled up to automated systems as needs evolve and budgets allow. 

Versatility: The technology should handle complex geometries and various materials without requiring extensive preparation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and ensuring its long-term usefulness.

Speed and accuracy: These are essential for maintaining productivity and quality. The chosen technology should offer rapid data acquisition and high precision to meet tight tolerances and quality standards.

Software compatibility: It’s essential to look for solutions that work seamlessly with external metrology and simulation software, allowing for efficient data transfer and use throughout the manufacturing process.

Supplier expertise: When selecting a 3D scanning manufacturer, it’s important to choose one with extensive knowledge in both 3D scanning hardware and software. This ensures access to optimized support events when tackling the most challenging production workflows. Additionally, you should inquire if the vendor has previously worked on automation projects with its 3D scanners or has dedicated 3D measurement solutions for automated processes, such as quality control. It is also worth checking if the supplier offers integration services of its technologies within production environments.

Conclusion: 3D scanners smooth the transition to automation

For manufacturers navigating the pressures of modern markets, starting with a versatile and upgradable 3D scanning solution offers a strategic pathway. By selecting the right 3D measurement technology and implementation approach, businesses can enhance their product development and quality control processes, boost efficiency, mitigate initial upfront costs, and set the stage for future automation. A strategic investment in 3D scanning not only addresses manufacturers’ current needs but also lays the foundation for scalable growth, ensuring they can adapt and thrive with emerging automation technologies.

Published Aug. 6, 2025, by Creaform.