How 3D scan-to-print technology will finally make 3D printing happen

3D printing has started to lose its magical glow. It’s becoming mainstream. You don’t get that many wide-eyed, shut-up-and-take-my-money looks simply by talking about 3D-printed cars, or guns, or cupcakes anymore. Old news. But don’t get me wrong, we think it’s good news, too.

It’s time 3D printing moved passed the cool stuff and became unquestionably useful in everyday life. And given the recent avalanche of 3D scan-to-print technology announcements, this seems to be rapidly taking shape.

Following our recent partnership with Lowe’s Innovation Labs, we feel we’re on the right track with our mission to make 3D printing accessible to every business and household. Only this time we’re adding a new gun to our arsenal - 3D scan-to-print service that has a lot of potential to solve daily pains for homeowners. Let me tell you more.

Is 3D scan-to-print technology the thing?

If we step back for a second and look at the bigger picture, we can see all the amazing technological advancements merge into one machine-powered future that promises convenient and highly customizable life at a push of a button.

Home robots that clean, cook and teach kids coding; smart fridges that automatically order your milk and send alerts about food going out of date; driverless cars and artificial intelligence software that is able to learn and think just like we do - it is all becoming reality, something we’re no longer questioning and begin to take for granted. The future is almost here.

3D printing and scanning have carved a comfortable enough space in our lives to stop raising eyebrows. So as we cease to be amazed at the capacity of these technologies and start embracing it, it becomes an integral part of our almost-here future. The ice is broken.

Why everyone thinks that 3D scan-to-print technology is the thing? Because it saves time, money and closes the skill gap.

>> The most interesting applications of 3D scanning

Until now, online 3D model platforms that allow downloads of free designs was the only viable option for those who didn’t know how to use 3D software and were unable to create their own models.

In fact, this was a huge limitation, which in a way defeated the entire idea of 3D printing technology - to be able to bring any idea to life.

Well, how are you supposed to do that, if you don’t have the right modeling skills in place? Sure, you can order custom designs, but that means putting your idea in writing, which to some equals the experience of accidentally answering a sales call. Really really painful.

3D scanning partially solves this problem, because it allows anyone to skip the searching (and writing) part and go straight to business. Find something you like, scan it, 3D print it. It’s that easy.

Image source: habrahabr.ru

With 3D scanning at hand, nothing will ever have to go out of production: door handles, kettle lids, washing machine parts - you name it. There will be no need to throw away perfectly good items due to a single broken part: scan it and send the digital file to your own or your local 3D printer. Done.

Reproducing items that are no longer in production and 3D printing replacement parts in a number of different materials, including plastic, metal and ceramic, will become so simple and convenient, we’ll stop questioning it.

Handheld scanners and scanning booths have the power to change the way we decorate our houses, too. It gives anyone a chance to create unique designs to express their individuality, customize and personalize items according to their needs and tastes. Home is supposed to have a unique aura, so it’s definitely a way to go about creating a personal space.

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Image source: sculpteo.com

Image source: on3dprinting.com

How long until the irrefutable change? There are numerous predictions, but everyone agrees that we’ll have to wait until the price of 3D scanners drops to a reasonable amount to see the mass uptake of this technology.

>> Demand for 3D design skills is on the rise

Lowe’s entering the 3D printing and scanning space is a strong signal indicating the growing demand for 3D professionals with the right skills and knowledge. CGTrader will power Lowe’s Innovation Labs’ 3D scanning project, helping the world’s second largest retailer successfully deliver the scan-to-print service to its customers. These are head-spinning times for future-focused businesses.

When this service (and the technology) takes off at full speed, we’ll see a surge in highly qualified 3D specialists, trained to not only manipulate the 3D softwares, but also to assist customers with their requests and the post-scanning service.

Since we all know that knowledge is power and have lately witnessed a fair batch of big brands experimenting with 3D printing technology, it’s safe to assume that the need for professionals, well versed in this field, is increasing and will continue to rise in the future. 3D designers are quickly becoming some of the most sought-after freelance professionals online.

Just when 3D printing starts losing its magical glow, we enter into a new stage of sci-fi future. 3D printing is dead, long live 3D printing!