3D scanning technology has transformed how we capture the real world and bring it into digital workflows. Whether you’re designing a product, creating a game character, restoring an artifact, or reverse-engineering a machine part, 3D scans are a powerful starting point. However, a raw 3D scan is often messy, high in polycount, and unusable without processing.
This guide explains how to scan a model, clean and convert it into a usable 3D Scan To 3D Model using professional and free tools, and why companies like 3D Services India play a key role in this transformation. We will also explore the importance of polycount, the role of artificial intelligence in the process, and how scanned models are used across industries.
How to Scan a 3D Object
There are several methods to scan objects into 3D, depending on your budget, hardware, and intended use.
1. Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry involves taking multiple high-resolution photos of an object from different angles. Software then stitches these photos into a 3D mesh.
Recommended tools:
- Meshroom (Free and open-source)
- Agisoft Metashape
- RealityCapture
- Polycam (mobile app)
Best for: Organic models, sculptures, collectibles, archaeological items
2. LiDAR Scanning
LiDAR uses laser-based depth sensing. Some modern phones and tablets, like iPhone Pro models and iPads, include built-in LiDAR sensors.
Recommended tools:
Best for: Large spaces, environments, architectural scenes
3. Structured Light Scanning
This method projects a light pattern onto the surface of an object and captures distortions to measure geometry.
Recommended hardware/software:
Best for: Engineering parts, prosthetics, high-detail models
Converting 3D Scans to Usable Models
Once you’ve scanned an object and exported it (usually in OBJ, STL, PLY, or FBX format), the next steps involve cleanup, optimization, retopology, and exporting into a usable format such as FBX for animation or STEP for CAD.
Step 1: Import the File
- Blender: Go to File > Import > OBJ/STL/PLY/FBX
- 3ds Max: Use File > Import > Import
- MeshLab: Use for lightweight cleaning and mesh inspection
Step 2: Mesh Cleanup
Scanned meshes usually contain noise, holes, and non-manifold geometry. These need to be removed or fixed.
Common cleanup tasks:
- Remove floating geometry
- Fill holes or gaps
- Delete non-manifold edges
- Recalculate normals (to fix shading errors)
In Blender, use the Clean Up tools under Mesh > Clean Up. In 3ds Max, use Editable Poly and selection tools to isolate issues.
Step 3: Remeshing and Retopology
Scans have extremely high polygon counts, often with poor edge flow. This makes them unsuitable for animation or CAD.
Options:
- Blender: Use the Remesh modifier or Retopoflow add-on
- 3ds Max: Use the ProOptimizer or Retopology modifier
- Instant Meshes (Free): For automatic retopology
- ZBrush: ZRemesher offers high-quality retopology for characters
The goal is to achieve clean, quad-based topology with an optimized number of polygons.
Step 4: UV Mapping
Before texturing or exporting, unwrap the model into a UV map.
- Blender: Use Smart UV Project or manually mark seams
- 3ds Max: Apply the Unwrap UVW modifier
For CAD or engineering uses, UVs may not be needed.
Step 5: Exporting for Use
Export the model in the required format:
- FBX or OBJ: For animation, games, AR/VR
- STL: For 3D printing
- STEP or IGES: For CAD (requires conversion tools like Fusion 360)
The Importance of Polycount
Polycount refers to the number of polygons in a 3D model. Scanned models can range from 500,000 to several million polygons, which is far too dense for most applications.
Why polycount matters:
- High poly = slow rendering, lag, large files
- Low poly = faster performance but may lose detail
- Balanced polycount = optimized, scalable model
Recommended ranges:
- Real-time assets: 5,000 to 50,000 polygons
- Film-quality models: 100,000 to 1 million+
- CAD: As low as possible with clean surfaces
Optimization is key. At 3D Services India, we help reduce polycount while preserving surface detail, ensuring models are production-ready.
How to Send Us Your Scan for Cleanup
If you have a scanned object and need it cleaned, optimized, and converted:
- Use any scanning app (Polycam, Meshroom, 3D Scanner Pro)
- Scan the object from all sides
- Export the file in OBJ, STL, FBX, or PLY format
- Email us the file or upload via cloud and share the link
- We’ll process, fix, remesh, UV unwrap, and export it for your use
You can reach us at: Production@3dservicesindia.com
Where Cleaned Models Are Used
Cleaned and optimized 3D models are used across many industries:
- Manufacturing: Reverse engineering and quality inspection
- Games and VR: Low-poly, rigged assets for real-time rendering
- Animation and VFX: High-quality characters and props
- Architecture: 3D visualization of scanned environments
- Healthcare: Scanned prosthetics and custom medical devices
- Museums: Digital preservation of artifacts
Role of AI in 3D Scan To 3D Model Workflow
Artificial Intelligence is accelerating the 3D model cleanup pipeline.
Current applications include:
- AI-based hole filling
- Automatic retopology using machine learning
- Pattern recognition for CAD conversion
- Smart segmentation of complex scans
- Texture prediction from raw data
As AI matures, it will soon enable near-instant conversion from scan to clean mesh or CAD file.
Companies That Help Convert Scans into CAD and 3D Files
Several companies and tools specialize in turning 3D scans into usable models:
- 3D Services India – Scan cleanup, retopology, CAD and animation-ready models
- ReverseEngineering.com – CAD modeling from scans
- Artec Studio – Advanced scan processing
- Geomagic Design X – Industry-grade scan-to-CAD tool
- Meshroom, Instant Meshes, Blender – Free tools for basic work
About 3D Services India
3D Services India is a leading 3D modeling and animation studio with over 15 years of experience. We specialize in:
- 3D scan cleanup and optimization
- Reverse engineering for manufacturing
- CAD conversion from scanned data
- Retopology and low-poly modeling
- 3D modeling for games, VFX, and printing
With a team of over 50 experts, we’ve created more than 200,000 models for global clients including Disney, BBC, Sephora, and Lennar. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or enterprise, we provide affordable, high-quality 3D model support with rapid turnaround.
Final Thoughts
3D scanning is just the beginning. The real value comes from converting raw data into usable, optimized 3D models. With the right tools, knowledge, and support from professionals like 3D Services India, anyone can turn a scan into a CAD-ready, animation-ready, or print-ready asset.
If you’re working on a project and need help fixing or converting 3D scans, get in touch. We’re here to help.