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A fresh report published this month has revealed that the global 3D scanning market is anticipated to expand at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6 per cent in the next five years.
According to market researcher Research and Markets' publication Global 3D Scanning Market Report 2013 to 2018: Devices, Range, Solutions and Services - Worldwide Market Forecasts and Analysis, the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to project a large share of the overall 3D scanning market in 2013 at $538.5 million (£351 million). This is expected to be more than $1 billion by 2018 at a CAGR of 15.1 per cent between 2013 and 2018.
Latin America is anticipated to experience growth at a CAGR of 23.2 per cent over this five-year timeframe. This section of the market will increase from $257.9 million this year to $732.5 million by 2018.
The global 3D scanning market is expected to increase from its present value of $2.06 billion to nearly $4.1 billion by 2018 and an estimated CAGR of 14.6 per cent.
The 3D scanning research report analyses worldwide adoption trends, evolving platforms and forces in the emerging technology market. The publication also investigated opportunity analysis, the competitive landscape and estimates the market size with forecasts across multiple regions.
3D scanning is an expanding area of application among a wide range of 3D technologies including 3D printing and other rapid prototyping technologies. 3D scanning is well suited for complicated geometries that require a high degree of accuracy. This precision technology generates highly accurate and quick results, as it uses a laser beam for capturing digital information about the shape of any physical object. The technology has been widely adopted across various industries, including architecture, conservation, aerospace, forensics, power generation, healthcare and manufacturing. The technology is often used for reverse engineering, quality inspection, rapid prototyping and face and body scanning.
Continual advancements in the technology have led to demand for portable 3D scanners and other services growing. Currently the market is split between optical scanners, laser scanners, structured light-based scanners and others, with a short, medium or long range capability. These devices are then classified as portable 3D scanners, portable coordinate measuring machines and others.
The report also features company profiles on the organisations researchers believe are leading this side of the 3D industry, including 3D printing giant 3D Systems, software heavyweight Autodesk, Hexagon Metrology, Creaform, Faro Technologies, Steinbichler, GOM and Konica Minolta.