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3D Scanning Services | An Overview
Engineers who’ve wrestled with bottlenecks in measurement know how frustrating it gets. One hold-up in inspection and the whole production schedule starts to slip. If you can’t get it measured, you can’t get it shipped.
The challenge is, not every business has the right kit – or skills in house – to keep up, especially with seasonable or unexpected peaks. And unless you’ve got a spare £80,000 burning a hole in the budget, buying another scanner probably isn’t happening. That’s when outsourcing 3D scanning services starts to make a lot of sense.
At MSL, we step in with industrial metrology-grade scanning, either on-site at your facility or at our own UK lab. It’s the extra capacity you need to keep projects moving without overloading your team.
It doesn’t matter if you’re experiencing a technical breakdown, a lack of in-house skills, or just something unusual, download our capability guide, to see how we can help.
MSL is UKAS Accredited to ISO10360.
Capabilities MSL Brings to the Table
Our services are built around the challenges engineers face on the shop floor:
- High-accuracy metrology scans with handheld systems and optical CMM.
- Large-part scanning – up to several metres – using optical coordinate systems and photogrammetry.
- Post-processing support: mesh generation, CAD alignment, and export to formats ready for SOLIDWORKS or whatever design package you run.
- Surface inspection and dimensional reporting, whether you need a first-article check, routine quality control, or damage assessment.
- Automated Quality Control – for consistent, reliable testing of parts when you’re short on time or people.
Where Engineers Use It
Typical applications we see in UK manufacturing include:
- Reverse engineering when CAD data is missing or outdated.
- Quality control and first-article inspection.
- Prep for rapid prototyping and 3D printing.
- Archiving parts and models for research or reference.
- Aerospace, automotive, medical and research projects where precision is non-negotiable.
Accuracy and Performance
One of the first questions we get asked is: “How accurate is it?”
The answer depends on the system and the part. With metrology-grade scanners, we regularly achieve sub-0.1 mm, and specialist systems can go tighter. Tell us the part size and tolerance you’re aiming for, and we’ll advise which approach will give you the result you need.
It’s not about chasing the biggest spec sheet; it’s about choosing the right tool for the job.
Why Engineers Outsource to MSL
Keeping everything in-house sounds ideal, but it isn’t always realistic. Scanners are expensive, training operators takes time, and calibration & maintenance don’t look after themselves, so even if you’ve got the lot, a sudden spike in demand can still set you back a bit.
That’s why many UK manufacturers lean on MSL. We provide the extra measurement capacity you need, when you need it. Certified, accurate, and fast enough to keep production on track.
Next Steps
If you’re weighing up whether outsourcing scanning is the right move, start by clarifying:
- The type and size of part.
- The tolerances you need to hold.
- Whether you’d prefer scanning on-site or at our facility.
With that, we’ll tell you the best way forward.
You can dig into more detail here:
Or, if you just want to get it sorted:
Best Practices for Adoption
1. Start Small: Begin with handheld scanners for prototyping or MRO.
2. Scale Smart: Expand into automated solutions for production lines.
3. Prioritise Compliance: Ensure partners hold recognised certifications.
4. Integrate Digitally: Link metrology data into CAD, PLM, or simulation platforms.
5. Invest in Training: Skilled teams maximise ROI and adoption success.
Conclusion | From Production Line to Front Line
Metrology is not just about measurement; it enables the entire manufacturing processes, industry 4.0, and multi partner projects. They simply could not work with metrology. In both aerospace and defence, it accelerates production, extends asset lifecycles, and ensures mission success.
By embracing AI, digital twins, automation, and secure collaboration, organisations can achieve new levels of efficiency, agility, and resilience.
As Creaform’s trusted UK partner, Measurement Solutions brings world-leading technologies together with local expertise, ensuring aerospace and defence organisations have a reliable, accredited, and future-ready partner by their side.
Next Steps | Explore Metrology for Aerospace & Defence
Ready to transform your workflows with advanced 3D scanning?
Contact the Measurement Solutions team to book a demo or discuss a tailored solution for your aerospace or defence project.
