The global market for 3D Scanners is projected to reach US$6.1 billion by 2025, driven by the growing use of the technology in rapid prototyping, quality inspections, body scans, reverse engineering, and several other applications. 3D scanning is a non-contact and non-destructive process of analyzing and digitally capturing the shape of physical or real-world objects. The data collected on the shape and appearance of the physical or real-world object is utilized to build digital 3D models. A 3D scanner uses many different technologies, including laser, optical and structured to construct digitized models of objects. Structured-light 3D scanners and industrial computed tomography scanning can be employed to generate digital 3D models without destructive testing. One of the applications that stand out is forensic investigation, especially sogiven the rising rate of homicides worldwide per 100,000 people. In homicide investigations,3D scanners aid in more thorough reconstruction of the crime scenes.It eliminates the errors associated with conventional measurement techniques. 3D Images preserve actual size and depth data and geometric information; provides depth, color and detailing of spatial relationship of geometry. It also enables more accurate analysis and reconstruction of trajectory of bullet and/or blood spatter. The trend towards reopening of cold cases will drive adoption of 3D scanners in analyzing samples drawn from investigative case files. This trend is especially pronounced in the United States where unsolved murders are rising across the country and as local police departments and the FBI join hands to clear the glut of unsolved crimes. Growth in the market is also being driven by the rising need for maintaining high quality standards in manufacturing operations. Market opportunities for 3D scanning technology are emerging from the increasing digitization being witnessed in various industries.

Also influencing the market is the need for real-time analysis of large 3D data volumes, time and cost benefits from utilizing cloud computing services, and growing shift towards outsourcing 3D scanning services. The growing adoption of automation and emergence of `Smart Factory` and `Smart Manufacturing` concepts are driving adoption of 3D scanning technology. The advent of Industry 4.0 has opened up opportunities for seamless data exchange and automation of processes in manufacturing systems. Consequently, 3D scanning systems are being increasingly adopted by various industries, including aerospace, architecture, automotive, construction, defense, electronics, energy, and healthcare. Increased automation spurred by Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is also driving demand for 3D scanning systems. Demand for 3D scanning tools in particular is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, as sensors and robotic arms continue to be widely deployed as part of industry automation.

Manufacturing plants use optical microscopy-enabled robots that are capable of analyzing measurement data in real-time. Rising popularity of virtual simulations, reverse engineering, and quality control in the manufacturing industry is driving the demand for advanced 3D scanning equipment in several industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, power, and electronics, among others.