PRECISION 3D SCANNING, REVERSE ENGINEERING, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING & Scan to CAD Calgary

We provide 3D scanning for everything from small mechanical components up to complete vehicles. However, if you need us to 3D scan a 150-foot wind turbine blade, we might need a much bigger ladder (and a lot of coffee). The primary physical limitation of 3D scanning is line-of-sight. The scanner cannot capture internal geometry if the optics cannot “see” inside (for example, the deep internal diameter of a small pipe).

To ensure the highest accuracy, your part must be clean and degreased (oil-free). If there is any oil film, grease, or heavy dirt on the surface, our specialized vanishing 3D scanning spray will not work. Please also keep in mind that industrial 3D scanners capture exactly what is in front of them—every single scratch, dent, and surface imperfection will be highly visible in the raw scan data. While we can easily correct these flaws during the reverse engineering phase, starting with a thoroughly cleaned part yields the most precise baseline geometry.

We offer both! For smaller components, you can drop them off or ship them to our Calgary facility. For large objects—such as vehicles, heavy industrial machinery, or immovable pipeline infrastructure—we provide mobile on-site 3D scanning services across the Calgary area and surrounding regions. We are also available to travel anywhere for specialized projects, provided that all travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

Yes. Our equipment operates in a laser scanning mode that easily captures black, glossy, and shiny metal surfaces. However, for the best results on highly reflective or mirrored objects, we use a specialized vanishing 3D scanning spray that automatically sublimates (disappears) after a couple of hours, leaving zero residue. While we can scan without it, using this spray significantly reduces data noise and improves the overall scan quality. It adds a microscopic layer of thickness, but for relatively large objects like a car headlight or engine cover, this is completely negligible.

We utilize professional industrial-grade laser and hybrid light scanners delivering volumetric accuracy up to 0.04 + 0.06 mm/m. This level of precision is more than sufficient for the vast majority of engineering, automotive, and manufacturing applications, allowing us to capture complex custom geometries, fine textures, and physical height deviations with micron-level precision.

Additionally, our equipment lineup includes two highly specialized scanners to cover all possible project needs:

• Infrared 3D Scanner: Primarily used for safely scanning people, animals, and large organic shapes. While its absolute accuracy is slightly lower than our laser scanner, it is more than enough for most artistic, ergonomic, and custom-fitting tasks.
• Macro 3D Scanner: Built specifically for capturing extreme high-resolution details on tiny objects. Whether it’s a micro-mechanical component or something as small as an ant or scale models, we can achieve a level of micro-detail and accuracy that most other local companies simply cannot offer.

For high-accuracy tracking and seamless data alignment, we typically apply small, non-destructive adhesive or magnetic tracking dots to the surface of the object. These are completely safe for the material and are easily removed after the session. They are especially critical for projects where we need to precisely align “before” and “after” scans.

 Yes, we utilize specialized macro 3D scanning technology specifically built to capture micro-details on tiny objects, such as small mechanical gears, electronic housings, or intricate custom components.

Macro scanners operate with a very small field of view to achieve extreme high-resolution results. If an object is highly detailed but wider than this field of view (such as custom  textured knives scale), it requires taking multiple overlapping scans. This increases the complexity of data alignment and the engineering hours required to produce a clean, symmetrical model.

Because most of all 3D scanning relies on line-of-sight, the optics cannot penetrate deep micro-holes. We can capture the opening and the start of a thread, but the deep internal geometry will be manually reverse-engineered and perfectly recreated in the final CAD model.

For mechanical and engineering parts, we do not recommend using raw scan data directly. A raw 3D scan is a “mesh” (a dense cloud of triangles) that captures the exact physical state of the object—including real-world wear, scratches, and slight deformations. It lacks perfect symmetry and exact geometric definitions (like true cylinders or perfectly flat planes). While raw scans are excellent for directly replicating organic shapes, sculptures, or art pieces, they are very difficult to edit or use for CNC machining. For precision manufacturing, we always recommend reverse engineering the scan into a clean, parametric CAD model.

Yes, we can mirror the 3D scan data. However, mirroring a raw 3D scan directly is rarely useful for manufacturing because it mirrors all the real-world flaws, wear, scratches, and asymmetrical imperfections of the original part. To get a perfect, manufacturing-ready mirrored part (like a left-side bracket based on a right-side original), we highly recommend reverse engineering the scan into a clean CAD model first, and then mirroring that pristine digital model.

Standard local 3D scanning sessions, including raw data processing and alignment, are typically completed within 1–3 business days. Mobile on-site scanning for larger projects in Calgary is scheduled based on our current availability.

Scan-to-CAD is the specialized engineering workflow of converting raw physical 3D scan data (a mesh) into a fully editable, parametric solid CAD model (such as a STEP file). While a 3D scanner simply takes a highly accurate 3D “photograph” of a part’s current state, the Scan-to-CAD process involves an engineer manually redesigning the part over that scan data. This bridges the critical gap between a physical object and a digital manufacturing environment, allowing us to restore perfect symmetry, fix real-world wear and tear, and export files directly to CNC machines.

We do not just blindly copy damaged objects. Our custom reverse engineering process involves scanning the broken piece to capture the baseline geometry, and then manually building a pristine, parametric CAD model. We correct real-world wear, restore symmetry, and rebuild missing features (like snapped mounting tabs or stripped gear teeth).

Yes. In addition to reverse engineering from physical 3D scans, we can convert legacy 2D drawings, physical blueprints, or even hand-drawn sketches with dimensions into precise 3D solid models ready for modern CNC machining or 3D printing.

Absolutely! This is a very common request. To do this, we first need to 3D scan your existing right-side or left-side part to capture its exact geometry and mounting points. Once we reverse-engineer that scan data into a perfect, symmetrical CAD model, we can easily mirror the final digital design. This gives you a flawless, manufacturing-ready CAD file for the exact opposite side.

Absolutely. Once the reverse engineering and CAD modeling phase is complete, we offer a seamless transition into manufacturing. We can 3D print a rapid prototype for fit-and-function testing, or produce the final end-use part in-house using our engineering-grade composites (such as carbon fiber reinforced ASA, ABS or Nylon) and other filaments. If your final product requires CNC machining or metal 3D printing, we can also manage the entire production process for you through our trusted manufacturing partners.

We deliver industry-standard, manufacturing-ready solid models, primarily in STEP (.stp) format. These files are ready to be sent directly to CNC machine shops, injection molding facilities.

Yes. For technology evaluations and quality control, we can align a physical scan to a nominal CAD model (or a pre-test scan). We provide visual Deviation Color Maps and quantitative area reports to accurately measure surface area loss, coating detachment, and structural deformation.

Absolutely. We frequently work with research institutions, inventors, and corporate R&D departments and are fully prepared to sign NDAs to ensure your intellectual property remains strictly confidential. We are happy to review your company’s standard NDA or provide our own, provided the terms are mutually fair, focused on protecting your specific project data, and do not impose broad restrictions on our day-to-day operations or general engineering services.

Depending on the complexity of the geometry and the required level of precision, reverse engineering and CAD modeling generally take between 1 to 2 weeks. If you have an urgent manufacturing deadline, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate a rush order.

To calculate the exact cost of manufacturing, we require a 3D model (such as a STEP or STL file). This allows us to accurately determine the precise material volume, structural infill, and machine time required.

If you do not have a 3D model yet, we can create one for you! Depending on your situation, we can:

• Work from drawings: Build a precise 3D model based on your 2D blueprints or hand-drawn sketches.
• Work from a physical sample: 3D scan your existing part and reverse-engineer it into a manufacturing-ready CAD file.
• Create a custom design: If you need to add a completely new, non-existent part to an existing assembly, we can 3D scan the mating area and custom-design the new component to ensure a perfect physical fit.

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While our core specialty is functional, engineering-grade polymers and composites (such as ASA-CF, ABS-GF, PA6, PA12, and PETG reinforced with carbon or glass fiber), we also regularly print with standard materials. Depending on your project requirements, we can print using PLA, TPU (flexible, rubber-like material), and other standard filaments.

Depending on the application, yes. While polymers cannot replace high-load steel, our carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced composites offer exceptional tensile strength, impact resistance, and chemical durability. They are regularly used by our clients to replace heavy aluminum components, custom automotive brackets, and industrial manufacturing jigs.

Yes. Instead of printing plastic threads (which can strip or wear out easily), we install heat-set brass inserts during the post-processing phase. This provides strong, durable, and reusable metal threads that behave exactly like traditional injection-molded or machined parts.

Our primary focus is delivering functional, engineering-grade parts with a natural, bare finish. While we do not offer automotive-grade painting or cosmetic finishing in-house, most of materials can easily be sanded, primed, and painted by your team or an auto body shop if a cosmetic finish is required.

While we do not have metal 3D printers or CNC mills in-house, we can fully manage and organize these services for you. We have established relationships with trusted manufacturing partners who provide us with excellent wholesale rates. This allows us to deliver high-quality CNC-machined components or 3D-printed metal parts directly from our reverse-engineered CAD models, offering you a seamless end-to-end solution.

Not always, and we will provide an honest engineering assessment before taking your money. For example, large composite panels meant for high-heat environments (like automotive engine bays) often warp or delaminate if 3D printed. Similarly, thin items requiring internal metal reinforcement (like eyeglass arms) will snap if printed in rigid plastic. When additive manufacturing isn’t feasible, we provide the precise CAD files so you can use injection molding or fiberglass/carbon fiber fabrication.

We apply a standard $60 + GST minimum flat rate for small-scale print jobs. This price includes the actual 3D printing of your part (provided it is relatively small), as well as all the essential engineering costs associated with file preparation (slicing), machine warm-up, calibration, and basic post-processing.

Depending on the size and geometry of the object, we may even be able to batch and print multiple small parts together under this single $60 flat rate.

Additionally, if 3D printing is just one phase of a larger end-to-end project (e.g., 3D scanning + reverse engineering + 3D printing), this minimum setup fee is completely waived.

We offer Net 15 payment terms for established corporate clients and research institutions. We accept Interac e-Transfers free of charge, as well as major credit cards (subject to a standard 3% processing fee).

Standard custom 3D printing jobs are typically completed within 2–4 business days, depending on the part size, chosen material, and our current production queue. Expedited rush printing is often available upon request for an additional rush fee.

While our engineering-grade carbon and glass fiber composites are exceptionally durable, they cannot replace metal in every scenario. We strongly advise against 3D printing components that will be subjected to extreme localized heat (such as engine exhaust manifolds or direct engine block mounts), critical high-stress load-bearing structures (like automotive suspension arms), or very thin, flexible parts that require internal metal reinforcement (like eyeglass frames). If your project requires these extreme properties, we will provide the precise CAD files so you can manufacture the part using CNC metal machining or traditional fiberglass/carbon fiber fabrication.