Raw capture
Point/mesh data for visualization, archiving, and downstream work.
In-House & Onsite 3D Scanning
3D Scanning, Reverse Engineering, and Deviation Analysis
Capture real objects as digital geometry, rebuild editable CAD when needed, or compare a manufactured part with nominal CAD. We help define the correct deliverable before scanning begins.
- In-house and onsite
- Raw mesh to editable CAD
- CAD comparison and color maps
Reverse engineering
Reconstructed surfaces and features when editable CAD is required.
Deviation analysis
Compare scan data with nominal CAD to visualize differences.
Onsite service
For large, fixed, fragile, or impractical-to-transport objects.
Do you need a raw scan, reverse-engineered CAD, or deviation analysis?
Scanning captures the object first. The output becomes more useful as each stage adds cleanup, reconstruction, or comparison.
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Scanner + secured workpiece Start
Set up and capture the object
We secure the workpiece, set up the scanner, and capture overlapping views before registering the scans into one coordinate space.
CaptureAlign -
Physical sculpture → raw scan data Stage 1
Raw Scan / Raw Data
A mesh or point cloud for visualization, digital preservation, rendering, or your own downstream processing.
STLOBJ / PLYMay still contain holes, noise, separate shells, or non-manifold edges.
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Physical part → watertight mesh Stage 2
Cleaned Mesh
Noise is removed, suitable holes are closed, and the mesh is checked for a watertight print-ready result when included in scope.
STLWATERTIGHTIt is still triangular mesh—not editable CAD.
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Scan data → editable CAD Stage 3
Reverse Engineering / CAD
Features, interfaces, datums, and dimensions are reconstructed into editable geometry for engineering work.
STEP / IGESDWG*Hidden design intent and assumptions need review.
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Scan + nominal CAD → deviation map Stage 4
Deviation Analysis
The scan is aligned to nominal CAD to show deformation, wear, or process variation with agreed views and limits.
Color mapReportRequires usable nominal CAD and an agreed alignment.
From a scan-only STL to a DWG-ready engineering package
A scanner captures a mesh. Each next stage adds a different kind of processing and unlocks a different use. Choose the stopping point that matches the work you need to do next.
- 01Capture
Physical part → triangular mesh STLOBJ / PLY*Raw scan / capture-only
An aligned or lightly cleaned mesh for visualization, digital archiving, rendering, approximate measurement within the agreed scan capability, self-processing, or a reference for sculpting.
- Good for
- Visualization, rendering, archiving, self deviation preparation
- If you stop here
- Holes, noise, non-manifold edges, separate shells, rough or uneven surfaces, and unseen surfaces may remain. It is not editable CAD or directly machinable/manufacturable.
- 02Mesh preparation
Antique sculpture → clean watertight mesh STLWATERTIGHTCleaned / print-ready mesh
Noise and unrelated shells are removed, appropriate holes are closed, scale and orientation are checked, and the mesh is made watertight when that scope is agreed.
- Good for
- Direct 3D printing, mesh visualization, fit checks, basic mesh editing
- If you stop here
- A closed STL is still triangular mesh. Filled areas are informed repairs, not recovered hidden design intent; it has no parametric features or manufacturing drawing.
- 03Reconstruction
Mesh → editable CAD → drawing STEP / IGESDWG / DXF*Reverse engineering / CAD + DWG
Features, datums, interfaces, dimensions, and design assumptions are reconstructed into editable CAD. A 2D DWG/DXF drawing can be added when the drawing scope is included.
- Good for
- CNC machining, replacement parts, design changes, assembly interfaces
- If you stop here
- This is a reconstruction, not a guaranteed recovery of the original CAD history. Wear, damage, hidden geometry, and design intent need review and agreed assumptions.
- 04Compare
Scan + nominal CAD → color map COLOR MAPREPORTDeviation analysis / inspection report
The scan is aligned to nominal CAD to show where the manufactured, worn, bent, or modified part differs, with agreed views, sections, limits, and reporting format.
- Good for
- Quality review, deformation, wear, fit investigation, process feedback
- If you stop here
- It needs usable nominal CAD and a defined alignment. A color map is not automatically certified dimensional inspection and does not replace manufacturing CAD.
* Availability depends on the capture method, source data, and agreed scope.
What happens at each 3D scanning stage?
Each stage adds work and a different kind of information. Ordering only the stage you need avoids paying for unnecessary modeling while ensuring the output is usable.
Plan and prepare
Define purpose, critical areas, object size, surface, access, environment, target files, and whether nominal CAD exists.
Capture and register
Collect overlapping views with targets or geometry references, then align passes into a common coordinate system.
Clean and mesh
Remove unrelated data and noise, merge suitable regions, and fill only appropriate gaps without inventing critical hidden geometry.
Engineer or compare
Reconstruct agreed CAD features or align the scan with nominal CAD for deviation analysis and reporting.
When is onsite 3D scanning the better choice?
Onsite scanning is useful when equipment, vehicles, architecture, tooling, sculptures, or assemblies are too large, fixed, fragile, valuable, or disruptive to transport.
Site access
We need safe working clearance and line of sight around the subject. Barriers, height, confined spaces, live machinery, traffic, and production schedules affect feasibility.
Environment
Changing sunlight, rain, dust, vibration, heat, wind, reflections, and object movement can reduce capture quality or require controls and repeat passes.
Pre-visit planning
Share photos, dimensions, location, access restrictions, required PPE, operating conditions, target deliverables, and nominal CAD before scheduling.
How should an object be prepared?
Define the outcome
Identify critical dimensions, interfaces, areas of interest, intended file use, reference coordinate system, and acceptable exclusions.
Clean and stabilize
Remove loose dirt and unnecessary attachments where safe. Support flexible items, stop moving mechanisms, and maintain one stable shape during capture.
Prepare difficult surfaces
Reflective, transparent, translucent, or very dark surfaces may need controlled lighting, targets, or temporary removable scanning spray with owner approval.
Prepare the site, the part, and the result you need
Use this checklist before an onsite visit. You do not need every answer to contact us—we will review unknowns, feasibility, and assumptions with you.
The print button opens your browser's print dialog. Choose "Save as PDF" to download this localized checklist or print it for the onsite team.
3D scanning needs line of sight and a stable surface
| Condition | What usually happens | Possible preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Matte, rigid, textured surfaces | Usually provide stable visual geometry for registration and capture. | Clean, expose critical areas, and keep the object still. |
| Shiny, mirror-like, transparent, or translucent | Light reflects or passes through, causing missing, distorted, or noisy data. | Controlled lighting, removable matte spray, targets, or another measurement method after review. |
| Deep holes, narrow gaps, undercuts, and internal passages | The scanner cannot capture surfaces it cannot see; shadowed geometry may remain incomplete. | Multiple angles, partial disassembly when approved, complementary measurement, or explicitly excluded regions. |
| Soft, flexible, moving, or hot objects | Shape changes between views and registration becomes unreliable or unsafe. | Stabilize safely, cool or stop equipment, define one operating state, or use a different capture strategy. |
| Very small edges, threads, engraving, or surface texture | Features below the practical sampling and optical limit may soften or disappear. | Identify critical features early so equipment, close-range capture, or complementary inspection can be evaluated. |
Achievable detail and measurement uncertainty depend on object size, surface, access, environment, scanner setup, alignment strategy, and requested output. A single accuracy number cannot describe every project.
Prepare the part and choose the right deliverable
Use these guides to plan access, surface preparation, reverse engineering, and replacement-part reconstruction.
Prepare a part for scanning
Check access, surface condition, reflective or transparent regions, reference targets, and the required output before the visit.
Understand scan-to-CAD work
See why a triangular mesh is not automatically editable manufacturing CAD and when reconstruction is required.
Recreate a part without CAD
Review what can be recovered from a physical sample, how wear affects design intent, and which manufacturing path may follow.
Plan the right scanning scope
How much does 3D scanning cost?
Raw 3D scanning with STL output starts at THB 2,500. Reverse-engineering output starts at THB 4,500. A deviation-analysis report adds THB 1,000. The final quotation depends on size, complexity, preparation, scan positions, site access, cleanup, alignment, and required deliverables.
How long does 3D scanning take?
Simple scanning work can be completed within the same day. Lead time increases with part complexity, surface preparation, the number of scan positions, mesh cleanup, reverse engineering, inspection, and reporting requirements.
Which part should I bring for scanning, and can broken parts be repaired digitally?
Bring the example in the best available condition because the scan captures the geometry that is physically present. Broken parts can still be scanned, and missing or damaged areas can often be reconstructed or modified in the 3D model when sufficient reference geometry and design intent are available.
What sizes and subjects can you scan?
Our optical scanners can capture subjects ranging from small gears to a 6-metre private aircraft when access and conditions are suitable. Sculptures, art pieces, and a stationary human can also be scanned. Scope, achievable detail, setup, and deliverables are assessed for each subject.
Which scan files can you deliver?
Raw geometry is commonly delivered as STL. We can also provide OBJ with captured colour when the project and capture method support colour data. Reverse-engineering projects can add editable CAD deliverables such as STEP or IGES as agreed.
Can I order only 3D scanning and receive a DWG?
Scan-only normally delivers a triangular mesh such as STL. DWG is a 2D engineering drawing, so it needs a separate reverse-engineering and drafting stage. There is no fixed reduction because CAD/DWG effort depends on the geometry and drawing requirements; we can quote scan-only and CAD/DWG as separate line items.
What is the scanner's volumetric accuracy?
The scanner's volumetric accuracy specification is 0.02 mm + 0.06 mm/m. Actual project results also depend on object size and surface, preparation, access, environment, scanner setup, alignment strategy, and the requested deliverable.
Can you scan outdoors, buildings, or factories?
We cannot perform optical 3D scanning outdoors under direct sunlight because sunlight overwhelms the projected light used by this scanning technology. We also do not offer whole-building or whole-factory scanning because we do not have a LiDAR 3D scanner. Onsite scanning of suitable parts and equipment remains available in controlled lighting.
Can every object be scanned?
No. The scanner needs line of sight and a stable optical response. Transparent, mirror-like, moving, very hot, inaccessible, internal, extremely small, or unsafe subjects may need preparation, partial results, another method, or may not be feasible.
Is an STL file editable CAD?
An STL is normally a triangular surface mesh. It can be measured and edited with mesh tools, but it does not contain the parametric features, sketches, dimensions, and design intent of a native CAD model. Reverse engineering adds that reconstruction work.
Does reverse engineering recover the original CAD exactly?
No. It reconstructs an engineering model from visible, measurable geometry and agreed design assumptions. Wear, damage, inaccessible areas, deformation, casting variation, and unknown original intent require judgment and may not reproduce original feature history.
What is needed for deviation analysis?
Usually the physical part, usable nominal CAD, a defined alignment method, critical regions, reporting needs, and an agreed interpretation of color limits. The result shows differences relative to that alignment; it is not automatically certified dimensional inspection.
Can you scan at our factory or site?
Yes. We provide onsite scanning when feasibility, access, safety, environment, working space, and schedule are agreed. Send photos, approximate dimensions, location, restrictions, and required deliverables for planning.
Indicative starting prices
Use these starting points to choose a service. The final quotation is confirmed after we review geometry, material, quantity, finish, tolerances, and delivery requirements.
Direct scan mesh
A scan mesh for visual reference, inspection, or downstream preparation.
Starts at approximately THB 2,500Reverse engineering
A usable CAD reconstruction built from the physical part and agreed deliverables.
Starts at approximately THB 4,500Onsite scanning
Travel, access, object size, and inspection requirements affect the quotation.
Quoted after site reviewPrices are planning references, not a binding offer. We will confirm the scope, tax, delivery, and any revision or finishing work before production.
Manufacturing support from Pak Kret, Nonthaburi
MALIEV supports customers in Bangkok and Nonthaburi and reviews projects across Thailand. Files and project details can be sent online; delivery and onsite work depends on service and project review.
Maliev Co., Ltd.36/1 Moo 3, Khlong Khoi, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand
Business hours
Monday-Friday: 09:00-18:00
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Tell us what you need after the scan
Share photos, size, location, surface condition, critical areas, nominal CAD, and target files. We will help define an appropriate scope.