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3D Scanning for CNC

Professional Outsourced 3D Scanning for CNC Services

As most engineers know, using CNC machinery can save a ton of time and money on every manufacturing project. However, making a CNC-machined part isn’t as simple as hitting “go” on the machine and crossing your fingers.

To get high-quality CNC-machined parts, you need high-quality 3D CAD files and manufacturing drawings. If you have an existing part that you need to manufacture, how are you supposed to put together drawings and CAD files?

For many, the reverse engineering process involves tape measures, calipers, notebooks, pens, and a lot of human effort. At CAD/CAM Services, we can expedite the full workflow and provide incredibly accurate 3D CAD files through our 3D scanning for CNC services.

What Are 3D Scanning for CNC Services?

3D scanning for CNC services involve inviting our 3D scanning experts to your facility with our expensive equipment. We take full 3D scans of your existing parts, generate a point cloud, convert that into a high-quality 3D CAD file, and then go through quality checks and improvements to ensure the file is perfect.

The whole operation can take a matter of hours, instead of the days you would otherwise waste.

The best part? Our expensive 3D scanners are incredibly accurate — with accuracies as low as 0.0009”, you can have more confidence in every part that we reverse engineer for you. In fact, these accuracies are much better than you’d be able to manually get with a caliper.

This is only possible through expensive 3D scanners that your engineering department probably can’t justify buying. Instead, you can buy our services at CAD/CAM Services, and we’ll handle the full 3D scanning process for you. It’s much more affordable and more stress-free for your team.

Why 3D Scanning for CNC Services Matters

3D scanning for CNC requires a lot of precision and understanding of how 3D scanners work. An inexperienced person with a 3D scanner can create a 3D CAD file that’s not even close to what your actual part looks like.

This is why 3D scanning for CNC matters so much. If you pick the wrong company, then you’re going to waste valuable time and money. Instead, you should trust our pros at CAD/CAM Services. We’ve been offering 3D scanning services for decades, and we have access to millions of dollars’ worth of cutting-edge 3D scanners.

Our 3D scanning services will expedite your reverse engineering process and result in CNC-machined parts in a fraction of the time.

What Goes into 3D Scanning for CNC Services from CAD/CAM Services?

Each 3D scanning project is a little different, and it has to do with your needs and expectations. That’s why we like to start every project with a quick phone call or conversation. During this chat, you can tell us what parts you want to reverse engineer, how many parts you have, and what your timeline looks like.

From there, we’ll assign a number of engineers to your project, depending on the scope of work we’re expecting.

Once our engineers are assigned, we’ll arrange a visit to your site. We’ll bring all of our 3D scanning equipment and all of the sensors needed to ensure high-quality scans. The process entails scanning the physical part, creating a point cloud, converting and refining that cloud, and generating a 3D CAD model from the collected 3D scanner data.

Just like that, we’ll have a professional-grade 3D CAD file to share with you. We’ll send you every file digitally, and they’re all yours to keep — we don’t try to take any IP away from you, the designs and every scan are entirely your property.

Our 3D Scanning for CNC Services Include:

Get a Quote Today

Our 3D scanning for CNC services are guaranteed to save you time, cut down on engineering costs, and reduce the number of headaches you have to deal with. It’s the reason why we spent so much time and money setting up a streamlined 3D scanning workflow in the first place. We want to reverse engineer parts for you faster than you could ever do in-house.

With our help, you can build a digital inventory of every part you have on your floor. Allow our experts to help with your next reverse engineering project, and think of CAD/CAM Services whenever you have a CAD project.

Our CAD Services Through Real-Life Case Studies

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37% Lighter Trolley Cart for FleetPride — Validated in Ansys

FleetPride's axle trolley cart redesigned in Ansys — 37% lighter (210 lbs → 132 lbs) while maintaining full 1,000 lb rated capacity.

Reverse Engineering a Legacy Rotor Shaft

A client needed a replacement rotor shaft for industrial equipment. Original CAD files, drawings, and specifications were unavailable.

Engine Housing Reverse Engineering

In this case study, we aimed to create a full digital model of an engine casing. This casing had no current CAD files, outdated drawings, and undocumented shapes because of years of use and part changes.

Fan Housing Recreation

We were recently tasked with recreating a fan housing using only the client’s original paper drawings.

CAD Modeling of an F‑16 from 3D Scan to Simulation-Ready

This case study describes how we helped a defense customer turn a dense point cloud into a usable surface model. This model was a CAD surface for an F‑16 that could feed straight into simulation.

What Our Customers Are Saying

On behalf of JJET Enterprises, I just wanted to thank you and Cad / Cam Services again for the great job and quick turn-around time on the job that we sent you.  We would recommend you and definitely will be doing business with you in the near future.

James R. Thomas

JJET Enterprises

On behalf of JJET Enterprises, I just wanted to thank you and Cad / Cam Services again for the great job and quick turn-around time on the job that we sent you.  We would recommend you and definitely will be doing business with you in the near future.

James R. Thomas

JJET Enterprises

On behalf of JJET Enterprises, I just wanted to thank you and Cad / Cam Services again for the great job and quick turn-around time on the job that we sent you.  We would recommend you and definitely will be doing business with you in the near future.

James R. Thomas

JJET Enterprises

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On behalf of JJET Enterprises, I just wanted to thank you and Cad / Cam Services again for the great job and quick turn-around time on the job that we sent you.  We would recommend you and definitely will be doing business with you in the near future.

James R. Thomas

JJET Enterprises

“You ROCK and a huge thank you to you and your team for working so diligently to hit our goals.”

Greta Nintzel

Content & Digital Media Associate, Rich Media Team (amazon supply)

Thank you so much for all of your help.

It is greatly appreciated.

Angie

CTR USARMY CCDC ARL (USA)

“CAD / CAM Services has been our source for all CAD related projects over the past 10 years. If it involves CAD conversion or large format scanning, CAD / CAM SERVICES is always our first call.”

Bill Johnson Jr.

Dallas Aerial Surveyors

“CAD / CAM Services provided timely professional consulting advice and guidance that greatly helped us configure our platform for current and near-future expansion needs. Many thanks to Scott Shuppert for all his hard work on this project.”

Richard Schmitter

GTE Media Ventures

“We used CAD / CAM Services for CAD conversion work and it was great! We have already decided to use them for our next project. They did everything they said they were going to do and more. The work turned out well.”

Pete Iannuzzi

Sony Music

“You have been absolutely the BEST Company to work with in my entire career. I almost hate to see us finish our Mylars!”

Jerry McNabb

R Civ USAF – Tinkers Air Force Base

“We used CAD / CAM Services for scanning and converting film and also the purchase and install of IMR’s Electronic Document Imaging Product – Alchemy. They know what they are doing and it has turned out to be a smart purchase for us. We will be adding additional licenses of this product, along with additional scanning and conversion services from them.”

Bill Scott

City of Carrollton

“CAD / CAM Services scanned > 6,000 maps for us and sold and installed a scanner and an EDMS system to our district. It has turned out to be a great investment for our district. We had several competitive firms compete on cost and scanning quality. CAD / CAM Services was the hands-down winner for myself, the engineering staff and the board. We are presently publishing the images on the internet and plan to continue using CAD / CAM Services They treated us fairly and delivered on-time and on-budget.”

Bo Daffin, CTA, RPA

Deputy Chief Appraiser of Central Appraisal District of Collin County

“RISD has been using CAD / CAM Services for years and has no need to consider anybody else. We have used them for scanning thousands of drawings and the install of our engineering/facilities management EDMS system.”

Greg Schulz

Richardson Independent School District

“CAD / CAM Services converted our plant drawings into AutoCAD and they turned out well. We will use them again.”

Phillip Schmidt, Jr.

District Plant Engineering Manager, UPS

“We purchased several Cyco’s AutoManager Workflow licenses from CAD / CAM Services and it has worked out well. We intend to add to this as budget allows”.

Nathan Jones

City of Garland Texas, Engineering Department

“Overall it looked really nice. I definitely like your approach of doing the internals 1st. It really gives me a better idea of what I’m actually programming.”

Shane Duncan

Engineering Manager – W Machine Works Inc.

“CAD / CAM Services was so easy to work with. They delivered our project on time and on budget. I highly recommend.”

Nikko Meyers

Scan Direct

“CAD / CAM Services digitized and converted Electric Utility maps to AutoCAD for our firm. We have been very pleased with the quality of their work and have found CAD / CAM Services to be cooperative and easy to work with.”

Ed Turk

V.P. Cornelius – Pierce Consulting Engineers

“CAD / CAM Services provided timely professional consulting advice and guidance that greatly helped us configure our platform for current and near-future expansion needs. Many thanks to Scott Shuppert for all his hard work on this project.”

Chris Kidd

Dilon Technologies

3D Scanning for CNC

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3D Scanning Services for CAD, Inspection, and Reverse Engineering 

3D Laser Scanning

Our 3D laser scanning services capture precise surface geometry using high-resolution scan data. Laser scanning is ideal for reverse engineering, inspection, as-built documentation, digitization of legacy parts, and large-scale industrial scanning projects.

3D Scanning Services

CAD/CAM Services provides professional 3D scanning services for parts, assemblies, tooling, aircraft components, facilities, and industrial equipment. Our scanning process captures accurate physical geometry and converts it into usable digital data for CAD modeling, inspection, documentation, and manufacturing support.

Scan to CAD Preserves Old Drawings

Scan-to-CAD services convert physical parts or scanned point cloud data into accurate 3D CAD models. CAD/CAM Services creates native CAD deliverables in CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor, STEP, IGES, and other required engineering formats.

3D Scanning Technology Comparison

Request A QUOTE

Request A QUOTE

Professional Outsourced 3D Scanning for CNC Services

As most engineers know, using CNC machinery can save a ton of time and money on every manufacturing project. However, making a CNC-machined part isn’t as simple as hitting “go” on the machine and crossing your fingers.

To get high-quality CNC-machined parts, you need high-quality 3D CAD files and manufacturing drawings. If you have an existing part that you need to manufacture, how are you supposed to put together drawings and CAD files?

For many, the reverse engineering process involves tape measures, calipers, notebooks, pens, and a lot of human effort. At CAD/CAM Services, we can expedite the full workflow and provide incredibly accurate 3D CAD files through our 3D scanning for CNC services.

What Are 3D Scanning for CNC Services?

3D scanning for CNC services involve inviting our 3D scanning experts to your facility with our expensive equipment. We take full 3D scans of your existing parts, generate a point cloud, convert that into a high-quality 3D CAD file, and then go through quality checks and improvements to ensure the file is perfect.

The whole operation can take a matter of hours, instead of the days you would otherwise waste.

The best part? Our expensive 3D scanners are incredibly accurate — with accuracies as low as 0.0009”, you can have more confidence in every part that we reverse engineer for you. In fact, these accuracies are much better than you’d be able to manually get with a caliper.

This is only possible through expensive 3D scanners that your engineering department probably can’t justify buying. Instead, you can buy our services at CAD/CAM Services, and we’ll handle the full 3D scanning process for you. It’s much more affordable and more stress-free for your team.

Why 3D Scanning for CNC Services Matters

3D scanning for CNC requires a lot of precision and understanding of how 3D scanners work. An inexperienced person with a 3D scanner can create a 3D CAD file that’s not even close to what your actual part looks like.

This is why 3D scanning for CNC matters so much. If you pick the wrong company, then you’re going to waste valuable time and money. Instead, you should trust our pros at CAD/CAM Services. We’ve been offering 3D scanning services for decades, and we have access to millions of dollars’ worth of cutting-edge 3D scanners.

Our 3D scanning services will expedite your reverse engineering process and result in CNC-machined parts in a fraction of the time.

What Goes into 3D Scanning for CNC Services from CAD/CAM Services?

Each 3D scanning project is a little different, and it has to do with your needs and expectations. That’s why we like to start every project with a quick phone call or conversation. During this chat, you can tell us what parts you want to reverse engineer, how many parts you have, and what your timeline looks like.

From there, we’ll assign a number of engineers to your project, depending on the scope of work we’re expecting.

Once our engineers are assigned, we’ll arrange a visit to your site. We’ll bring all of our 3D scanning equipment and all of the sensors needed to ensure high-quality scans. The process entails scanning the physical part, creating a point cloud, converting and refining that cloud, and generating a 3D CAD model from the collected 3D scanner data.

Just like that, we’ll have a professional-grade 3D CAD file to share with you. We’ll send you every file digitally, and they’re all yours to keep — we don’t try to take any IP away from you, the designs and every scan are entirely your property.

Our 3D Scanning for CNC Services Include:

Get a Quote Today

Our 3D scanning for CNC services are guaranteed to save you time, cut down on engineering costs, and reduce the number of headaches you have to deal with. It’s the reason why we spent so much time and money setting up a streamlined 3D scanning workflow in the first place. We want to reverse engineer parts for you faster than you could ever do in-house.

With our help, you can build a digital inventory of every part you have on your floor. Allow our experts to help with your next reverse engineering project, and think of CAD/CAM Services whenever you have a CAD project.

Request A QUOTE

FAQ's

3D Scanning FAQs
How much does scanning services cost?

It depends on the complexity of the scanned model and material properties. As, for example, it may be much more complicated to properly scan an object with a reflective surface, than a non-reflective surface. It also depends on three main factors:

  1. the physical size of your part
  2. the required scanning resolution
  3. if industrial CT or metallurgy scanning is needed

Simple quick cell phone photos are worth a thousand words to us. To know for sure you can request a quote. It is of course, free – and treated as if an NDA is already in place.

Some averages:

  • The typical 3D scan is somewhere around $200-400 per part.
  • Tomographic (CT) scanning is $600-900 per part.

Because so much of our business is Aerospace related, our scanning – and the completed CAD file HAS to be within ±.005” anywhere on that part, we never use consumer-grade scanners. The scanners we use start at $25,000 and go up to $700,000 (CT) per scanner.

At any given time, we have in excess of $ 5 million just in scanning hardware we use. In addition, a hidden factor of scanning on any system is the assembly and clean up of any scan. The rule of thumb is a 2-1 ratio. So even with our experienced scanning staff, if we spend one-hour scanning; we will then spend an additional two hours of clean up and assembly before our CAD group gets the Point Cloud file to simulate or reverse engineer.

What is the Point Cloud/Mesh/3D Scan?

A point cloud is thousands if not millions of data points located in space by X, Y, Z coordinates. Images of this nature are often captured with Faro Focus or Artec scanners that specialize in large-area scanning.  Most likely you obtain building and territory plans in this file format.

A polygon mesh is a set of triangles located in the same manner. These scans are obtained with Artec, Creaform, Enscan and other handheld scanners. Parts and reverse engineering device scans are usually polygon meshes.

What types of scanners do you use?
  • Faro Arm – Very good for most parts, fast and accurate
  • Turntable scanners – high accuracy, high detail, fast scanning. Great for smaller parts.
  • Portable handheld – may be favorable for some larger parts – if not a tripod-mounted scanner.
  • Long Range – these mount on a tripod, and are intended to scan buildings, plants, and other larger sized projects.
  • Industrial CT scanners – incredibly expensive, but they offer two main benefits – the ability to inside an object (think of a void in a solid object), and their accuracy.  At this level, we are often in the ±.001” – ±.002” range, and often used in metrology scanning.

Which scanner models do you use?
How accurate is 3D scanning?

The scanners we use are as accurate as the industry offers – from anybody at any cost. We use Faro and Artec 3D scanners, in addition to Faro CMM type arms, including the Surveyor tables. Depending on what scanner we use:

  • CT scanners – 4 to 400µm/voxel resolution
  • Artec Portable scanners high accuracy (0.03 – 0.05mm)
  • Artec Portable scanners high resolution (up to 0.15mm)
  • Our CyberGage 360 – generates highly precise full 360 degrees automated scan with accuracy NIST traceable to approximately 7 microns
  • The CyberGage 360 has a system repeatability of ±.005mm.
Digitizing FAQs
What is the average raster to vector (R2V) 2-D conversion price?

The typical AEC D & E size sheet is $225. There are possible discounts depending on the job size. The more you convert the less you pay.  The bulk of the files we produce are for AutoCAD.

Creating models and drawings over scanned analog documents seem so easy – why such a low price?

In order to make an accurate representation, you have to calibrate the original drawing, which may have deformed during its storage period. Non-dimensioned mediums need to be thoroughly calibrated before digitizing.

Parts of scanned data may be lost due to time and other factors. Because it is important to recreate the design intent,  we need to recreate lost data.

You ONLY receive  Cad Perfect™ files – as if you had drawn these by hand.

Do you support BIM modeling?

Using Revit, yes we do.  Think of BIM as an intelligent 3D model of your building.  We know exactly where all of the HVAC is, IT cabling, electrical, the cost of doors and windows, when mechanical systems need to be serviced, all the way to a room number with a phone number and IP in that room. In addition to our Ray Tracing technology to support some very life-like photo renderings.


What is DHS – Critical Infrastructure Products

The Department of Homeland Security protocol  PPD-21 requirement has deemed that sixteen (16) industries and services are critical to our US Nations security.

These industries  require additional security protocols when creating CAD files. CAD / CAM Services follows all of these requirements. Think of industries and info structures such as power, water, along with fourteen (14) other industries.  For a full list please see Critical Infrastructure Products.

What is a “Calibrated” Mylar image?

Mylar films can be stored in climate-controlled facilities. However, films get skewed and change sizes over time – ironically not linear. So what changes on one end, does not apply to what is in the middle, or the other end.  We have seen ‘J’ size Aerospace Mylars (about 48×180”), vary by a full inch.

CAD/CAM Services utilizes a proprietary process to make Mylar raster images dead on a 5” or 10” grid. Our process was developed in conjunction with, and approved by Boeing engineers.

3D Modeling FAQs
How do you bill 3D CAD services tasks?

Per hour. Hourly rate depends on what CAD software used and typically starts at $75 per hour.  In general, to make this process safer for you, we often provide you a fixed not to exceed the cost as well.  That way, you are protected from an open-ended PO. However, the reality is our fees are based on time. In addition, services in say Catia or NX are more expensive than say Solidworks. Or, simulation services are commonly done by real engineers.

What do you need to give me accurate pricing?

First of all, we need to know the target CAD system and whether you have an existing  template, or set of CAD standards for this project.

The main question is the overall complexity. As each part and assembly consists of different features and elements the best way is to provide us with an example.  Again, a picture is worth a thousand words.

If you already have a model and need us to improve it or update it in any way we need to know which dimensions and features are critical and which can be modified to achieve your desired result.  Even a before and after example works very well. We started with x, and got to this CAD file.

We can also offer you better options if you provide us with the purpose of your project (demonstration, 3D printing, FEA Simulation, CNC manufacturing, etc.).  This helps us better refine the task.

How do you check your models?

We create 2D drawings from our 3D models for QC purposes. We follow aerospace standards and deliver ±.005” accuracy models for all projects.  All of our QC is done by a different person than the designer. On Catia work, we often use Q-Checker for Airbus.

What is the minimum price for your 3D modeling services?

We have a minimum order fee $150.

General CAD Questions
How do I send a sample, in order to get a quote?

Fill out our quote form, attach your files, or simply send us an email. Tell everything about your project, like the model purpose.

For smaller files < 15 MB you can simply email them to us.  For something larger, just drop them in any number of drop boxes like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and others.  Or if you would like, just contact us for a private, hardened link.

It is fine to use most any time of compression such as  *.zip, *.rar, *.tar, *.7z, *.arc, *.LBR, and even *.iso images.

A direct email is sales@cadcam.org

We also use a hardened OwnCloud web file sharing platform for unlimited file transfers. We provide unique and very private Web Storage Portals, this also supports file syncing for extreme convenience for you. Because so much of our work is DOD or weapons design work, Security – and confidentiality is very important to us.

Will CAD / CAM Services Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

Yes. NDAs are a common part of our business. All data is yours – not ours, and treated as proprietary data and not for public consumption or use. Probably 70% of our work is under NDA agreements. We can generally get these signed within the day.

What is the estimated delivery time?

It depends on the scope of work:

  • 2D drawings – small quantity, normally 48 hours.  We have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 4-8 drafters busy full time.
  • 3D models – complexity dependent, but smaller jobs in 2-3 days. Some models we have spent months on.  Again, we have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 6-10 3D CAD designers busy full time.

Simple jobs have a lead time of 48 hours. Larger projects are delivered and invoiced weekly.

Did you really own the trademark Cad Perfect™, Cad Perfect CAD Conversions™ and Cad / Cam Services™?

Yes, we did back in 2008. We started using Cad Perfect™ back in the early 1990s because all of our customers wanted only real Cad Perfect™ work. Back then the buzz words were terms like machine ready, or DXF Traceover and others.

The problem is, nobody wanted that. They all wanted drawings and models that they did not have to touch. Everybody wanted drawings just as if they hand redrew the work themselves.

Thus, Cad / Cam Services™ was the first company to start offering ONLY Cad Perfect™ work.

Do you support the PPD-21 Directive?

Yes we do, and have now for several years. In addition, we also support the industry specific plans as well.