In the case of small businesses, purchasing a 3D scanner may not be a bad choice as it has lots of advantages in both short and long terms. Small businesses that adopted 3D technologies also reported a 22% productivity increase and a 15% decrease in development time, according to the Small Business Administration’s report for FY20. As low as $500 for entry-level models, 3D scanners are now more affordable than they were just a decade ago, when prices were commonly over the $10,000 mark.
In manufacturing, a 3D scanner can save huge money on costs associated with prototyping and quality control. In fact, according to TechClarity, companies that leverage 3D scanning for rapid prototyping shortened product development timelines by 30% in a study from early 2021 — which speeds up time-to-market and lowers costs associated with needing physical prototypes. And this technology helps smaller manufacturers increase their efficiency by improving accuracy while also saving them from expensive errors.
3D scanning provides a fast method for small construction and architecture firms to form accurate as-built models of construction sites. Using 3D scanners means that traditional site surveys can take 30-40% less time, which saves money. The efficiency also comes in handy for smaller firms trying to operate on thin margins and deadlines.
Retailers and fashion designers are also getting their share of the pie, making use of 3D scanning to manufacture their digital counterparts for customized items. Companies such as Nike have implemented 3D scanning in their design process to reduce design time by up to 25%. This technology enables small businesses to design customized products for clients, generating extra sales and the fulfillment of customers.
Moreover, 3d scanner open further service possibilities for small businesses creating niche spaces. For example, a jewelry designer uses this to scan the hand of a customer before creating an individualized ring or necklace, providing exceptional personalization. This functionality can result in higher customer retention and customers are more likely to buy more.
The surge in demand for 3D scanning services also provides a new avenue for small businesses. With the continuous growth of 3D scanning across industries such as healthcare (medical imaging), education (tools for learning) & engineering, businesses can now offer new services by introducing their own range of advanced scanners. For a small business, this means entering into this vast and growing market with new revenue streams through 3d scanning.
All in all, the advantages of 3D scanning like reducing costs, producing faster, and even offering new services are a good reason why small businesses should invest into this technology. Being able to produce quality, personalized goods and services is beneficial for operational efficiency as well as customer satisfaction.