Industrial 3D Scanning That Will:

Improve Product Quality

Quickly and easily identify manufacturing defects and/or inaccuracies, material issues in a non-destructive way.

Manufacture Better

Shorten development time, reduce operating cost, increase production ability with easy to read 3D Scans, and the support of our tech team.

Reduce Recalls

Recalls are expensive. Uncover product recall issues quickly and easily with an industrial scan to truly SEE inside your working products.

Get A No-Obligation Quote to fully SEE Any Product

Our engineers are ready to help with your challenges. Send through some initial project details and we'll review and get back to you with a project estimate and additional questions.

Faster, Easier, & More In-depth 3D Scans to Get You Answers When You Need Them

Our 3D scanning company is industry leading, but it takes more than just a scan:
  • Inspection reports get delivered faster, particularly compared to other 3D scanning companies.
  • Easy to use viewer software, tutorials and help videos.
  • Access to our experienced team for reviewing results.
  • Web conferences are always available to discuss results.
  • Dedicated and responsive account ENGINEERS to keep your tight deadlines met. 

3D Scanning Expertise Across ALL Industries

Serving more than 3,000 clients in a diverse mix of industries.
Medical Devices

Luers, Drug Delivery, Medical Implants, Dental Hardware, Medical Connectors

Automotive

Electric Vehicles, Batteries, Farming & Mining Equipment, Recreational Vehicles, Marine

Aerospace

Manifolds, Pumps, Nozzles, Electronics, Heat Exchange

Consumer Products

Packaging, Disposable Cutlery, Sporting Goods, Tech Manufacturing

Traditional Manufacturing

Die Casting, Metal Stamping, Plastic Injection Molding, Metal Injection Molding

Additive Manufacturing

3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping, Direct Manufacturing, Tooling

Defense

Firearms, Weapons Systems, Hypersonics, Ammunition

Equipment & Expertise Make The Difference

CMM Inspection
Cutting-Edge Equipment
  • Ziess Metrotom 800
  • Zeiss Metrotom1500
  • ATOS Q Blue Light Scanner
  • Unique Laboratory:

    - Maintains 68°F ± 0.5°F
    - Maintains 45% humidity ± 5%
    - Controls dust particulate, light candelas, noise decibels, air velocity
    - Maintains positive pressure
    Multidisciplinary Team
    • Work with CT specialists who are physicists. They understand the science behind x-rays.
    • Team up with designers who are also metrologists. They understand 3D scanning and the uncertainties involved in data capture.
    • Benefit from mechanical engineers who understand the way your part works, how it was designed, the forces applied to it, and how it fits within the context of an assembly or gage.
    Accreditation

    Establishes:

    • Competency of skill
    • Adequacy of equipment
    • Reliability of business process/quality management system
    • Contract review & final inspection
    • Proven measurement uncertainty
    Cover of brochure showing ATOS Q blue light scanner

    Download our 3D Scanning brochure to get started solving your challenges.

    You'll find all the detailed service information you need in one brochure.

    Download Brochure

    Get in touch with one of our CT specialists. 

    Get a Quote

    Case Studies

    Ct Scan
    Challenge:

    A major consumer product company struggles to develop, approve, and launch multiple high-level cavitation molds for high-volume production & global distribution.

    Solution:

    Computed tomography and value-add services from Nel PreTech.

    Results:

    Client saves $1 million in direct cost and gains $60 million in cash flow four months sooner.

    The Scoop: Product development & launch expedited with industrial CT scanning of new tooling.

    View Full Case Study
    Industrial CT scanning services allows analysis of hidden elements
    Challenge:

    Major grill manufacturer reaches out with malfunctioning glow plugs.

    Solution:

    Industrial CT scanning provides digital 3D x-ray images of internal components of the glow plug & finds a wire break inside the heating device.

    Results:

    Client is able to investigate the root cause of the glow plug failure and fix the problem.

    Grillers Rejoice: Pellet grills saved by industrial CT scanning.

    Read Full Case Study
    D 3D
    Challenge:

    Global OEM medical device company needs help developing and launching drug delivery pumps.

    Solution:

    CT scanning and value-add services create a turnkey solution to give the client a competitive advantage.

    Results:

    20 new tools in 20 weeks.

    A Medical Miracle: Drug delivery pumps developed and launched in record time with 3D scanning services.

    Read the full Case Study

    What is 3D Scanning?

    3d scanning is a technology used to collect a 3d data set of an object or part. 3D scanning companies use the digitization process to capture the exact size and shape of a part without need for cutting or destruction. The data is then used to construct a 3d model.

    Surface variations can be analyzed with user-definable color patterns. Cross sections give the ability to see otherwise hidden features. Materials of different densities and surface finishes are a good fit for 3d scanning as well.

    There are a variety of technologies used to acquire x, y, and z coordinates of a real-world object. Some 3D scanning companies don't invest in suitable or precision equipment. If you choose to work with Nel PreTech, you’ll find we employ metrology-grade 3d scanning technologies. Talk to our experts to find the appropriate fit for your application.

    sp 3d how it works

    Beyond 3D Scanning Services?

    Fast 3d scanning and accurate 3d scan data are important to you. Instead of commoditizing 3d scanning, let us show you the value-add 3d scanning services we bring to your parts.
    • 30 years in business
    • In-depth knowledge of mathematics & ASME standards
    • Maintain, train, & contribute to development of industry's leading metrology, engineering, & 3d scanning software
    • Results in days to 1 week
    • Subject matter experts
    • Physicists & engineering physics graduates
    • Trusted consultants
    • Full attention of our resources
    • Questions answered within minutes/hours
    • Legal certification for compliance & protection to our clients
    • Deep understanding & management of measurement uncertainty
    • Quality assurance

    Types of 3D Scanning

    Some of the advanced 3d scanning services you’ll be able to choose from at Nel PreTech are structured light scanning and x-ray computed tomography. Each have their own benefits and applications.

    3d scaning sevices

    Optical, non-contact, structured blue-light technology is used to measure different object sizes, surface finishes, and shape complexities with repeatable accuracy. This type of 3d scanning projects a fringe pattern across the surface of an object. The way the object distorts the light is recorded and turned into a dense point cloud with millions of points of data. Complex geometries and dense materials are a perfect fit for this type of 3d scanning.

    Non-destructive, x-ray computed tomography can provide precise examinations of internal structures and external components. This type of 3d scanning projects a beam of x-rays onto the object and a detector collects the data to form a 3d model. It is often used for flaw detection, failure analysis, assembly accuracy, reverse engineering applications, metrology, and 3d measurement.

    Image NewD industrial CT Traning

    3D Scanning Output Options

    Getting to know the customer, the part, and intended use of the 3d scan data we provide helps us determine the best delivery method for your objectives. To learn more about our 3d scanning deliverables read: Engineered Formats & Outputs for 3D Scanning Services.

    4 Key Outputs:

    1. Raw data: A cloud of points. Sometimes a company may want this data for archival purposes or to test a tool over time to see if there is any wear.
    2. STL file: Polygon mesh
    3. Surface Wrap: Exact and true representation of the part “as is” in a .step file.
    4. Parametric Model: Builds perfect surfaces on top of an imperfect part or scan data.

    Additional 3D Scanning Resources

    FAQ: 3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering

    What CAD file format will the 3D model be delivered in? (STEP, IGES, Parasolid, STL, etc.)

    We can provide scanned data as-is in an STL format.

    Models that are reverse engineered can be provided in a STEP, IGES, or Parasolid format. In some cases, we can also provide files in a native SolidWorks format. However, this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

    What level of dimensional accuracy can I expect from the 3D scan and the resulting CAD model?

    Dimensional accuracy depends on the method used to capture the data. Each measurement tool has its own accuracy.

    Generally speaking, our CMM’s provide data that is accurate to ± 15 µm.

    Our structured light scanner provides an accuracy of ± 16 µm for parts up to 300 mm.
    For parts that are 300 - 900 mm, our structured light accuracy is ± 37 µm.

    For items CT scanned in our Zeiss Metrotom 800, our accuracy is ± 9.7 µm.
    For items CT scanned in our Zeiss Metrotom 1500, our accuracy is ± 11 µm.

    For items that are reverse-engineered and modeled using our scan data as a template, the results can be somewhat variable depending on the material of the original part and the condition of the original surfaces that we are interpolating.

    Typically, models that are created from steel parts usually have a surface accuracy of ± .001” or less to the original scanned surface.

    The accuracy of models that are produced from plastic injection molding usually has a surface accuracy of ± .001” to .005”. For large parts like auto body panels or bumpers, the surface deviation of the final model may be much larger, depending on part condition and customer needs.

    Can you scan a consumer electronic device (eg. iPhone, MacBook) and produce a CAD model suitable for accessory design?


    Yes. We have the ability to provide accurate external geometry for items like these.

    Can you scan a complex, organic, or historically significant part (architectural detail, art object, large outdoor fixture) and produce accurate geometry?

    Yes. However, it is easiest to provide scan data on these types of objects if they can be brought in or sent to our laboratory.

    Our ability to blue light scan on location is somewhat limited due to our current restriction of scanning objects up to a maximum of 4 feet.

    Can you produce a 3D profile or cross-section layout from a 3D scan of extruded profiles, rather than a full 3D model?

    Yes, we can provide CAD drawings in a 2D DXF format.

    What do I need to provide to receive a quote? Do I need to send physical parts, 3D files, drawings, or photos?

    We can usually quote most items from detailed photographs that have a size reference with them.

    For specialized parts like manifolds or assemblies, we may require that the parts be sent to us for evaluation prior to quoting the project.

    3D files or drawings are also helpful if they are available. The more information, the better.

    Do you accept STL files as the starting point for a 3D scan-to-CAD project (eg. to print custom parts)?

    An STL file is already sufficient to 3D print parts. If the customer requires a custom CAD model be produced from parts that have already been scanned by a 3rd party, we have the ability to do so. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the original scan method.

    Get More Out Of Your CT Scanning

    Download the ultimate CT Scanning Buyer's Guide to improve understanding, time, and efficiency in your scanning needs. Over 50 Pages of useful data and case studies.

    Download Now