Three Dimensional (3D) scanning is the opposite of computer aided manufacturing; it quickly and accurately records useful aspects of physical reality. It can be used in many ways in which physical objects cannot be used. They can be edited, stored in databases, transmitted over the networks, analyzed in computer simulations, and used as templates for making physical copies. 3D scanning today is developing as an important part of quality control in mass production where finding the loophole at an initial stage leads to cost effectiveness.

The 3D scanners today are available from a number of business sources and address a variety of end applications. They can be used to visualize a building in a construction process to facilitate an insight on the development of a construction site. The applications of a 3D scanning range have opened new doors in the field of the entertainment industry in the making of movies and video games to the preservation and maintenance of historical artifacts. Today there are 3D body and foot scanners for research and development in the field of medical science, ergonomics and virtual reality. It is also being used in forensic science for accident reconstruction services. The damaged automobile can be repaired by modeling the damaged parts in computer by 3D laser scanning. It plays an important role in creating aerospace parts which have become unavailable or were made long ago in two dimensional drawings.

The 3D scanners measure parts of all sizes especially of complex geometry. In the future it will have a good share of business with 3D laser scanning taking a fast pace in various fields. The versatility of the technology has definitely increased its usage in different fields and will gain more momentum in coming days.