The 3D scanning market has only been around for a few years, but it already generates more than $1.4 billion in revenue every single year around the world. However, this market is also growing at an amazing rate of more than 22% each year and is expected to continue to do so at least until 2026. That means that the whole market will more than triple in value to be worth about $4.7 billion in 2026!
It is rare for any industry in the world to grow at such a spectacular rate. That is a strong testament to how much value people get out of quality 3D scanners.
As this market explodes in popularity, there are more and more scanners out there for people to choose between. Not only that, but many of these scanners have only been around for a few months or years. That can make it more difficult to figure out which scanner is right for you.
If you are not careful, you might end up committing some of the common mistakes people make when selecting a 3D scanner. Read on to learn about these common mistakes and how you can avoid them!
Overemphasizing the Technology
It might sound odd to some people, but it is important not to get too caught up in the particulars of the technology when it comes to choosing a 3D scanner. Some people get excited about a hot new technology and want to buy any product that uses it at all. However, if you want to maximize the value you get out of your scanner, you should focus on functionality and aesthetics rather than technology.
After all, the kind of technology your scanner uses won’t change what it can do.
This is even more important when you realize that new technologies are often still in development. If you are always buying the first product that uses a new technology, there is a good chance that it will still have some bugs to be worked out.
You will find a much more reliable scanner if you make a point of choosing it based on factors like reliability rather than what technology it uses.
Not Studying Options for 3D Scanners
One huge mistake that people make is not learning about the different kinds of 3D scanners out there. Some people see a certain scanner and get so excited about what it can do that they don’t even bother to learn about other options on the market.
As amazing as the first 3D scanner you see might seem, remember that this whole market is exploding so fast that it will triple in value in only a few years. You shouldn’t be surprised if many 3D scanners look like fantastic purchases.
However, that does not mean that there are no big differences between the average 3D scanners out there and the very best ones in the market. That goes double because different people benefit from different features and different kinds of scanners. Even if you know someone who thinks that the best scanner on the market is the one that they have, you do not want to rush into buying the same one necessarily.
If you want to use your scanner for different purposes, you will still want to familiarize yourself with the other options out there. In fact, the more you know about different 3D scanners, the easier it will be for you to understand which ones will provide you with good value and which one might provide you with the best value possible.
Making a List
Consider making a list of a range of 3D scanners. It is okay if you do not understand the details of all of the scanners you add to your list. As you learn more about different kinds of scanners, you will start to see the patterns in the scanners on your list.
For example, suppose you want a handheld scanner. You might realize that several of the scanners on your list do not provide this key feature.
That can help you remove those scanners from consideration. It can also help you avoid spending too much time considering other scanners you come across that are missing this feature.
Ignoring Essential 3D Scanner Features
Another mistake some people make when they are buying 3D scanners is getting so excited about the base technology that they do not familiarize themselves with the different features different scanners provide.
If you are not careful, you might end up buying a typical scanner, using it for a while, and then realizing that another scanner has a feature that would provide extra value for you.
At that point, you might be reluctant to buy a second scanner. If you do so, you will have paid much more for the right scanner for you than necessary.
You can avoid this kind of problem by making a list of the features you hope your 3D scanner will have. This will be easier if you read through the features that the scanners on your list of candidates have.
Not Comparing 3D Scanner Costs
It is important to compare 3D scanner costs early during your selection process. That way, you can get a sense of the realistic price for a typical scanner. Once you have that information, you can think about a budget for your 3D scanner purchase as well.
This is an important part of helping you speed through your 3D scanner selection process as fast as possible. When you make a budget, consider setting a firm budget number.
Firm budget numbers represent the maximum amount you are willing to pay for something. They do not move even when you discover other options that cost a little more.
If you can set a firm budget number like this, it can save you a lot of time. With an unmoving budget number, you can remove every 3D scanner from consideration that costs too much.
This is one reason why it is a good idea to figure out your budget before you spend too much time investigating any specific scanner. You could spend hours investigating the features of a particular scanner only to later notice that it is too expensive to be worth considering in such detail.
Ignoring the 3D Scanner Provider
In the ideal case, you will buy your 3D scanner from a provider with a sterling reputation. It is a mistake to focus only on the quality of specific products. After all, if a company makes serious mistakes with other products, they may be making mistakes with all of their products even if some of them have excellent reviews.
Not Asking for Advice
If you know anyone with a 3D scanner, then they can be a gold mine of information. Consider showing them the list of features that you hope to find in a scanner. You might also want to share your budget number with them.
Once they understand how you are thinking about the process, ask them if they have any advice about how you could do better. You can also ask them questions about their own scanner and what they like and dislike about it. They may also be able to warn you about 3D scanners that are not as good as they seem.
Not Reading Online Reviews
Online reviews are another gold mine of information when you are selecting a scanner. You can look at reviews both for individual products and for providers. Look for a company with as many positive reviews from past customers as possible.
You can also use ratings and reviews as a fast way to sort through your options. If you have a long list of scanners you are considering, you might want to cut the selection process short by eliminating most of the options that do not have great ratings or reviews. Then, you can spend the rest of your time choosing between the remaining few options with excellent reviews.
Avoid Mistakes When Selecting a 3D Scanner
Selecting a 3D scanner can be a difficult process that may not even leave you with a product you will be happy with. The principles in this article will help you understand your options so that you can pick the right scanner for your unique situation. You will probably use your scanner many times, so it is worth doing your due diligence during the selection process.
To learn more about how you can find the best 3D scanner for your specific preferences, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
