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Using a 3D printer and 3D scanner to restore everyday items.
- 3D scanning a Honda engine with the EinScan Pro Plus 3D scanner
- Printing an iPhone case on the Cubicon Style 3D printer
Using a 3D printer and 3D scanner to restore everyday items:
The damaged original part.
3D scanning in progress.
3D scanning in progress.
The 3D scan data.
Loading the data into the 3D printing software.
Printing on the 3D printer.
The finished print.
Comparing the new print with the damaged part.
>> See FDM 3D printers
The part back in use.
>>>> 3D printing >>>> 3D printers
Contact CT3D Group
CT3D Group – Professional 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D design and rapid prototyping services nationwide.
- CT3D Thu Duc – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong: in3d.edu.vn – Hotline 0975 008 728 (Mr. Thai)
- CT3D District 6 – Ho Chi Minh City: 3dmaker.vn – Hotline 038 7798308 (Mr. Phuc)
How to restore items with 3D scanning and 3D printing
When a part breaks, wears out or has no spare available, combining 3D scanning and 3D printing is a fast way to make a new one. A typical workflow looks like this:
- Prepare the part: clean it and temporarily glue broken pieces together if needed. Apply scanning spray if the surface is shiny or transparent.
- 3D scan: capture the shape from many angles, and use markers when the surface has few features.
- Process the data: remove noise, fill holes and rebuild missing areas using symmetry or a similar part.
- Rebuild the CAD model when needed: for parts that must fit together, redesign the datum faces, holes and threads to get exact dimensions instead of printing straight from the mesh.
- 3D print and check: print a test piece, fit it in place, adjust, then print the final version in a suitable material.
Choosing the right material for a replacement part
The material decides whether the printed part will last. Here are some general guidelines:
| Use conditions | Common materials |
|---|---|
| Decor, caps, knobs with light loads | PLA, standard resin |
| Moderate heat and impact (household items, vehicle parts) | ABS, PETG, ASA |
| Flexible, elastic parts (gaskets, pads, covers) | TPU |
| Gears, hinges, parts under friction | Nylon (PA), fiber-reinforced plastics |
When to print a replacement, and when not to
This method works very well for household items, parts for old machines that are no longer made, plastic parts for cars and motorbikes, and antiques or handicrafts with chipped areas to restore. However, parts that carry heavy loads, run at high temperatures for long periods or affect safety, such as brakes or structural parts, should not be replaced with 3D-printed plastic. In those cases, the scan data should be used for metal machining or metal 3D printing. If you need an accurate drawing of a broken part, a reverse engineering service can turn the scan data into a CAD model with exact dimensions for production.
Frequently asked questions
Can a part broken into several pieces be 3D scanned?
Yes. You can temporarily join the pieces and scan them, or scan each piece and assemble them in software. Missing areas are rebuilt using symmetry or a similar part as reference.
Is a 3D-printed part as strong as the original?
It depends on the material and print orientation. FDM parts are usually weaker between layers, so choose a sensible orientation and increase wall thickness and infill. For high-load parts, consider reinforced nylon or metal machining.
Do I need to rebuild the CAD model after scanning?
For decorative parts, you can print straight from the processed scan data. For parts that must fit with tight tolerances, rebuild the CAD so flat faces, holes and threads have exact dimensions.
Can shiny or transparent surfaces be scanned?
Shiny, transparent or deep black surfaces are often hard to scan because they reflect or absorb light. The usual fix is a thin coat of scanning spray, which can be wiped off afterwards.
Related services at CT3D Group
- On-demand 3D printing service
- High-accuracy 3D scanning service
- Custom 3D design service
- CT3D Group network: ct3dgroup.com · in3d.edu.vn – Hotline/Zalo 0975 008 728
