3D Laser Scanning Cost & Size Guide | From $130 to Aircraft | Schimmel Engineering Nashville

Schimmel Engineering — 3D Laser Scanning Scale

Object Size & Scanning Scale

Every object tells a different scanning story. A coin and a Cessna both need precision geometry — but the instrument, the time, the file, and the cost are completely different. This scale runs from the smallest mail-in components to the largest on-site structures, with estimated pricing, file size estimates, and typical on-site times at every level. All prices are estimates — final quotes depend on object complexity, access, and travel.

±0.025mm
Black Elite Meas. Accuracy
±0.075mm
MAX Elite Meas. Accuracy
$130
Est. Starting Price (Mail-In)
50 ft
Max Object Span
10
Scale Levels

All prices are estimates. Final project pricing depends on object complexity, access conditions, and travel. Contact us for a quote.

Level 10
Industrial & Specialty · Up to 15m / 50 ft

CNC Machines, Robot Cells, Semi Cabs, Sculptures & Animatronics

The upper end of the MAX Elite's operating range. Multi-day sessions available nationwide.
Industrial robot and machinery scan FANUC 6-Axis Robot Arms
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$1,200
Custom weldments
Large Machine From
$1,800
CNC / robot arm
Typical File Size
5–25 GB
Full envelope
Scan Time
3–8+ hrs
On-site total
Scanner
MAX Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.075mm · 50 ft
Industrial Robot Arm — 6-Axis, Stationary
Complete collision envelope in a defined rest position. Custom end-effector design, workcell interference modeling, and as-built docs for cell replications. FANUC, ABB, Kuka, Yaskawa class.
$1,800
CNC Machine — Exterior Envelope Scan
CNC machining center, vertical mill, or lathe. Access panels, door geometry, spindle nose location, and overall machine envelope. Facility layout, guarding design, and automation integration.
$2,000
Large Pump / Compressor — Exterior Scan
Housing, flange faces, mounting bolt patterns, and port geometry. Skid design, pipe routing, and replacement part fabrication when OEM drawings are unavailable or equipment has been field-modified.
$1,400
Large Sculpture / Animatronic Frame Scan
Full exterior of a sculpture, animatronic armature, or character body. Mold making, outer shell design, joint clearance analysis. Ryan Schimmel: Lead Mechanical Engineer on a 35,000 lb, 17-axis animatronic — this application is in our wheelhouse.
$1,800
Custom Weldment / Fabricated Frame — As-Built
As-built geometry vs. nominal CAD. Deviation mapped to identify weld distortion, missed tolerances, or required rework before shipment.
$1,200
Steam Locomotive / Historic Industrial Artifact
Millimeter-accurate documentation of steam locomotive fireboxes, boiler assemblies, and running gear. NC&StL No. 576 firebox restoration case study available. Supports National Register and historic tax credit projects.
Quoted
Named examples
FANUC M-2000iA ABB IRB 8700 Kuka KR 1000 Titan Yaskawa Motoman MH2000 Haas VF-6 machining center Mazak Integrex i-400 Okuma MA-600HII DMG Mori DMU 200 Freightliner Cascadia sleeper Kenworth W990 cab Peterbilt 389 sleeper NC&StL No. 576 steam locomotive 35,000 lb animatronic dinosaur 8-ft Sasquatch (IAAPA 2024) Film / TV large set piece Historic industrial artifact
Use cases
  • Robot workcell collision envelope modeling and safety zone definition
  • CNC machine facility layout — as-built footprint vs. floor plan
  • Animatronic shell design around hand-built armature geometry
  • Steam locomotive firebox and boiler restoration documentation
  • Themed entertainment large-format prop duplication and digital twin
  • Semi cab aerodynamic fairing development and CFD input geometry
  • Historic preservation scanning for National Register and tax credit projects
  • Large weldment acceptance inspection before customer shipment
Level 09
Heavy Equipment · 3–12m

Excavators, Bulldozers, Wheel Loaders & Attachments

Construction and heavy equipment that can't come to you. We work in yards, bays, and job sites. Battery-powered, carry-in cases, operational in 20 minutes from arrival.
Heavy construction equipment scan Cat 320 Excavator
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$850
Attachment scan
Full Machine From
$1,600
Skid steer class
Typical File Size
3–14 GB
Full machine
Scan Time
2–5 hrs
On-site total
Scanner
MAX Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.075mm
Skid Steer / Compact Track Loader — Full Scan
Bobcat, Cat, Deere compact class. Cab, lift arm, chassis, and drive system exterior. Aftermarket cab enclosure design, attachment coupler fitment, and insurance loss documentation.
$1,600
Wheel Loader / Backhoe — Full Scan
JD 310, Cat 416, and comparable class. Cab, front loader arm, backhoe boom, and chassis. Custom attachment design, wear-to-nominal, and reproduction of obsolete structural weldments.
$2,400
Excavator — Full Scan (Mid-Size, Cab + Boom at Rest)
Up to ~30-ton class with boom at rest. Upper structure, undercarriage, and counterweight. Custom thumb and attachment design, guard fabrication, and as-built docs for leased fleet.
$2,800
Bulldozer / Motor Grader — Full Scan
Blade, push arms, ripper, cab, and chassis geometry. Blade replacement fabrication, custom ROPS/FOPS guard design, and aftermarket undercarriage component sourcing.
$2,600
Equipment Attachment — Bucket, Blade, or Grapple
Cutting edges, wear plates, hinge points, and mounting geometry. Remanufacturing worn attachments, designing replacements, and documenting custom fabricated tooling before it ships.
$850
Hydraulic Cylinder / Boom Arm Section
Rod, barrel, and end fitting geometry captured to ±0.025mm measurement accuracy. Seal kit RE, cylinder rebore verification, and dimensional inspection of repaired components.
$450
Named machine examples
Bobcat S770 skid steer Cat 299D3 CTL Deere 333G CTL JD 310SL backhoe Cat 416F2 backhoe Case 580 Super N Cat 320 excavator Komatsu PC210 Hitachi ZX210 Volvo EC220E Cat D6T dozer Komatsu D61 dozer Cat 140 motor grader Deere 670G grader Cat GP40N forklift Manitou MT 1840
Use cases
  • Aftermarket cab enclosure design from actual ROPS geometry
  • Attachment coupler fitment across multiple machine generations
  • Wear analysis on bucket cutting edges vs. new profile
  • Structural weldment RE when OEM drawings are unavailable
  • As-built documentation for leased fleet return and insurance claims
  • Blade replacement fabrication for obsolete or regional-market dozers
  • Custom guard and underguard design around as-built chassis geometry
Level 08
Aircraft & Large Marine · 6–15m

General Aviation, Helicopters & Large Watercraft

Near the upper limit of the MAX Elite's single-session capture range. Hangar or slip access required. Our equipment operates from battery — no shore power, no scaffold, no spray.
Aircraft 3D scanning — Music City Executive Airport KXNX Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Example object at this scale
GA Aircraft From
$1,800
LSA / ultralight
Single-Engine From
$2,800
Cessna 172 class
Typical File Size
4–16 GB
Full airframe
Scan Time
3–6 hrs
On-site total
Scanner
MAX Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.075mm
Light Sport Aircraft / Ultralight — Full Exterior
Smaller airframe, simpler geometry. Full exterior capture of fuselage, wing, and tail. Replica builds, EAA projects, and homebuilt aircraft documentation.
$1,800
General Aviation Aircraft — Full Exterior (Single-Engine Piston)
Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Beechcraft Bonanza class. Full airframe — fuselage, wings, empennage, cowling in a single session. STC documentation, custom fairings, MRO as-built records, and restoration projects.
$2,800
Light Utility Helicopter — Full Exterior
Robinson R22, R44, and equivalent class. Fuselage, tail boom, skids, rotor mast, and rotor head geometry. Fairing fabrication, custom installations, and as-built documentation.
$3,200
Aircraft Engine Cowling / Access Panel
Individual cowling or access panel captured to ±0.025mm measurement accuracy. Replacement panel fabrication, custom cowlings, and OEM tooling documentation where original tooling no longer exists.
$650
Propeller / Blade Scan — Per Blade
Airfoil profile at multiple stations, twist distribution, chord taper, and leading/trailing edge radii. RE of discontinued props, wear analysis, and replacement blade fabrication.
$400
Marine Propeller — Per Unit
Blade geometry, pitch angle, chord taper, cup, and hub. RE, wear analysis against nominal, and replacement fabrication when OEM props are discontinued.
$350
Named aircraft & vessel examples
Cessna 172 Skyhawk Cessna 182 Skylane Piper PA-28 Cherokee Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Beechcraft A36 Bonanza Beechcraft V35 Bonanza Mooney M20J Cirrus SR22 Van's RV-7 (homebuilt) Van's RV-10 (homebuilt) Kitfox Series 7 Zenith CH 750 Robinson R22 Beta II Robinson R44 Raven II Schweizer 300C Enstrom F-28 Music City Executive Airport (KXNX) Cobalt CS29 cabin cruiser Regal 33 OBX
Use cases
  • STC supplemental type certificate documentation — as-built airframe geometry
  • Custom fairing and intersection fairing design around actual fuselage profiles
  • MRO as-built records for accident-repaired or modified aircraft
  • EAA homebuilt and replica project documentation
  • Propeller airfoil profile capture for RE of discontinued wood or composite props
  • Helicopter fairing fabrication around tail boom and skid geometry
  • Aviation museum preservation scanning of historic airframes
  • Marine propeller wear mapping for performance restoration
Level 07
Trucks, SUVs & Watercraft · 4–9m

Full-Size Trucks, Vans, SUVs & Boats to 30 ft

The MAX Elite handles these in a single session. Objects at this scale are too large to reposition — the scanner moves around them. Typical session is 2–4 hours on-site including setup.
Full-size truck and watercraft scan Ford F-150 SuperCrew
Example object at this scale
Trucks From
$1,200
F-150 / Silverado class
Boats From
$1,400
Under 22 ft
Typical File Size
2–8 GB
Full exterior
Scan Time
2–4 hrs
On-site total
Scanner
MAX Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.075mm
Truck / SUV / Full-Size Van — Full Exterior
F-150, Silverado, Tahoe, Transit, and comparable platforms. Full body geometry including bed, roof, and all vertical surfaces. Popular for bed liner tooling, aftermarket accessory development, and fleet documentation.
$1,200
Heavy Duty Truck / Semi Cab — Exterior
Day cab or sleeper, no trailer. Full frontal, cab-over, and conventional profiles captured. Aerodynamic fairings, aftermarket bodywork, and cab-to-chassis verification.
$1,800
Bass Boat / Ski Boat — Full Scan (under 22 ft)
Hull, deck, cockpit, and livewell geometry in a single session. Mold reproduction, insurance documentation, custom T-top fitment, and aftermarket accessory development.
$1,400
Cruiser / Runabout — Full Scan (22–30 ft)
Full hull and deck for larger cruisers and runabouts. Gunwales, transom, bow, and cockpit geometry. Custom hardtop tooling and canvas fitment are common applications.
$2,200
Personal Watercraft / Jet Ski — Full Scan
Full exterior hull and deck. All body panel geometry — custom bodywork, aftermarket accessory fit, and reproduction of discontinued body parts.
$750
Outboard Motor — Full Scan
Cowling, mid-section, and lower unit exterior. Replacement cowling fabrication, custom engine covers, and lower unit reverse engineering when OEM parts are unavailable.
$500
Named vehicle / vessel examples
Ford F-150 (14th gen) Chevy Silverado 1500 GMC Sierra HD Ram 2500 / 3500 Ford Transit 350 Mercedes Sprinter Cadillac Escalade Chevy Tahoe / Suburban Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Freightliner Cascadia day cab Kenworth T680 Peterbilt 579 Tracker Pro Team 175 Ranger Z521C bass boat Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 Yamaha WaveRunner FX Chaparral 21 H2O Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV Mercury 115 outboard Yamaha F150 outboard
Use cases
  • Bed liner and tonneau cover tooling from actual truck bed geometry
  • Aftermarket running board and step fitment across model years
  • Semi cab aerodynamic fairing design and CFD input geometry
  • Boat mold reproduction when original tooling is lost or damaged
  • Custom T-top and hardtop fabrication to actual hull geometry
  • Fleet documentation for insurance and asset tracking
  • Custom van conversion geometry capture for upfitters
  • Marine propeller wear analysis vs. nominal blade profile
Level 06
Passenger Vehicles · 3–6m

Cars, Classics, Vans & Race Vehicles

This is where the HandyScan MAX Elite takes over from the Black Elite. Full vehicle geometry — exterior, interior, or both — captured in a single session without spray, staging, or disassembly.
Passenger vehicle 3D scan 1979 Austin Mini
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$275
Per corner / panel
Full Vehicle From
$850
Std. wheelbase
Typical File Size
1–4 GB
Full exterior
Scan Time
45–120 min
On-site
Scanner
MAX Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.075mm
Passenger Car — Full Exterior (Standard Wheelbase, under 190")
Sedan, coupe, or hatchback. Complete exterior geometry. Ideal for custom bodywork, aero development, panel fitment, and digital archiving of production or collector vehicles.
$850
Passenger Car — Full Exterior (Long Wheelbase, 190–220")
Full-size sedans, wagons, and stretched platforms. Extended capture time for larger footprints.
$1,050
Classic / Vintage Vehicle — Full Exterior
Non-standard panel geometry, chrome trim, hand-formed bodywork, and irregular surfaces. Extra capture time built in. Pre-war, postwar, muscle, and European classics.
$1,100
Race Car / Track Vehicle — Full Exterior
Body panels, rollcage exterior, splitter, diffuser, and wing geometry without disassembly. Used for aero simulation, custom bodywork, rollcage clearance modeling, and digital archiving of one-off race builds.
$1,400
Vehicle Door / Body Panel — Single Panel
Single door, quarter panel, hood, or fender. Character lines, radii, and shut gaps. Used by body shops, custom fabricators, and one-off panel replacement.
$350
Vehicle Interior / Cabin Scan
Dashboard, door panels, floor, center console, and headliner. Custom audio installs, upholstery templates, restomod dash fabrication, and fitment work.
$650
Named vehicle examples
1979 Austin Mini (full exterior) 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 1968 Dodge Dart 1969 Dodge Coronet 1974 Plymouth Duster Lamborghini Countach LP400 Ferrari 308 GTB Saab 99 / 900 Turbo Porsche 911 (993) BMW E30 / E28 Jaguar E-Type Mercedes W108 / W111 Ford Mustang (SN95) Chevy Camaro (3rd gen) NASCAR Cup body IMSA GT3 car Film / TV hero car prop
Use cases
  • Custom bodywork and wide-body kit design around as-built OEM geometry
  • Reproduction body panels for discontinued or low-production vehicles
  • Aero simulation input geometry (CFD / FEA)
  • Restomod platform measurement before chassis modification
  • Insurance total-loss documentation of pre-accident geometry
  • Themed entertainment and film prop duplication
  • Vacuum form tooling qualification for aftermarket panels
  • Interior retrim and custom dash fabrication using actual cabin geometry
Level 05
Motorcycles & Powersports · 1.5–2.5m

Motorcycles, ATVs, Side-by-Sides & Snowmobiles

Full-vehicle captures at the smaller end of the vehicle scale. The Black Elite handles these with complete surface coverage in a single session — no disassembly required.
Motorcycle and powersports scale Triumph Bonneville T120
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$550
Full bike scan
Typical File Size
400 MB–1.2 GB
OBJ/STL mesh
Scan Time
45–90 min
On-site
On-Site Required
Yes
From $390 / 50 mi
Scanner
Black Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.025mm
Mesh res. 0.100mm
Motorcycle — Full 3D Scan
Frame, tank, fenders, fairings, and bodywork in high detail. Used by custom builders, restorers, and aftermarket parts manufacturers who need accurate geometry without disassembly.
$550
Vehicle Interior / Cabin Scan
Dashboard, door panels, floor, center console, and headliner as a single dataset. Popular for custom audio installs, upholstery templates, and restomod dash fabrication.
$650
Named examples
Harley-Davidson Softail frame Honda CB750 bodywork Ducati 916 fairing set Triumph Bonneville tank Kawasaki H2 fender Yamaha R1 subframe BSA Gold Star chassis Polaris RZR body panels Can-Am Maverick cab Vintage Bultaco frame Ariel Square Four bodywork Vincent Black Shadow tank
Use cases
  • Custom fairing and bodywork design around existing frame geometry
  • Tank reproduction for discontinued motorcycle models
  • Aftermarket seat pan and upholstery tooling
  • Frame geometry capture for tube bending and chassis modification
  • Digital archiving of rare or unrestored bikes before disassembly
  • Custom exhaust pipe routing around as-built engine geometry
Level 04
Large Assemblies · 1–2m

Gearboxes, Suspension Corners, Robot Arms & Weldments

Too large to ship, these parts are typically captured on-site. The HandyScan Black Elite handles primary geometry with ±0.025mm accuracy, while the HandyScan MAX Elite can be deployed to cover large area quickly — then the Black Elite glues in high-resolution detail data on top. Two instruments, one session, best of both.
Large assemblies and gearboxes Differential Assembly
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$390
On-site, 50 mi
Typical File Size
200–800 MB
OBJ/STL mesh
Scan Time
30–90 min
On-site
On-Site Required
Yes
From $390 / 50 mi
Scanner
Black Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.025mm
Mesh res. 0.100mm
Wheel & Brake Assembly — Per Corner
Wheel, hub, rotor, caliper, and knuckle geometry. Used for custom wheel fitment studies, brake kit development, and suspension component design without a full teardown.
$275
Industrial Gearbox Assembly Scan
Every surface, bore, and mating feature captured in a single pass. Ready for inspection or reverse engineering of complete combine and industrial gearbox assemblies.
From $500
Custom Weldment / Fabricated Frame — As-Built
Actual geometry captured vs. nominal CAD — deviation mapped to identify weld distortion, missed tolerances, or required rework before shipment.
From $750
Hydraulic Cylinder / Boom Arm
Rod, barrel, and end fitting geometry captured to ±0.025mm measurement accuracy. Used for seal kit RE, cylinder rebore verification, and dimensional inspection of repaired components.
From $450
Named examples
Combine gearbox FANUC R-2000 arm (stationary) ABB IRB 6700 reach envelope C5 Corvette suspension corner Mopar 8.75" axle assembly Billet fabricated subframe Custom IFS cradle Cat 320 stick section
Use cases
  • Custom wheel fitment and brake kit development
  • Robot workcell interference modeling and end-effector design
  • Weldment acceptance inspection against GD&T drawings
  • As-built documentation of one-off fabricated structures before shipping
  • Dimensional verification of repaired hydraulic cylinders
  • Suspension geometry capture for chassis engineering
Level 03
Medium Components · 400mm–1m

Engine Cases, Pump Housings, Castings & Tooling

Objects that can still be shipped but are large enough to require a full session. Also common as on-site scans when the part can't leave the facility.
Engine cases and medium assemblies V8 Engine Block
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$250
Mail-in / on-site
Typical File Size
80–350 MB
OBJ/STL mesh
Scan Time
20–45 min
Per object
On-Site Required
Optional
Mail-in if shippable
Scanner
Black + MAX Elite
Complementary pair
Engine Case / Transmission Housing Scan
Full exterior and accessible interior surfaces. Used for RE of worn castings, replacement bearing fits, and obsolete transmission cases. ZA70, SM420, NV4500, Muncie 4-speed class.
From $250
Large Casting / Forging — Dimensional Scan
Precision dimensional scan against drawing tolerances. Surfaces, bores, and datum features captured to ±0.025mm measurement accuracy. Used for receiving inspection, first article verification, and supplier qualification.
From $350
Pump / Compressor Housing Scan
Exterior housing, flange face locations, mounting bolt patterns, and port geometry. Used for skid design, pipe routing, and replacement part fabrication when OEM drawings are unavailable.
From $300
Tooling / Fixture Scan — As-Built
As-built geometry of production tooling or fixtures — deviation mapped against nominal CAD. Identifies wear, distortion, and locating pin shift before problems reach the production line.
From $390
Named examples
ZA70 engine case (Saab) SM420 transmission NV4500 case Muncie 4-speed housing Lamborghini Countach oil pump Variable-pitch extrusion screw Industrial impeller Valve body casting Diff carrier housing Transfer case
Use cases
  • Reverse engineering obsolete transmission and engine cases for CNC reproduction
  • Design Intent Reconstruction — extracting original tolerances from worn geometry
  • Involute spline and gear profile analysis (DIN 5480, custom profiles)
  • First article inspection of machined castings against GD&T drawings
  • Replacement part fabrication when OEM tooling no longer exists
  • Deviation mapping of worn components to determine remaining service life
Level 02
Small Parts · 100–400mm

Tail Lights, Brackets, Housings & Trim

The core of our mail-in business. Ship a tail light lens from a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda or a cracked alternator bracket — we scan it, model it, and ship it back within 72 hours.
Small parts and components Mopar A-Body Tail Light
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$130
Per part, mail-in
Typical File Size
20–120 MB
OBJ/STL mesh
Scan Time
10–25 min
In-lab
On-Site Required
No
Mail-in preferred
Scanner
Black Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.025mm
Mesh res. 0.100mm
Single Component Scan — Mail-In
One part, full surface capture. Brackets, lenses, housings, trim pieces, handles, and small panels. Part returned with digital file.
From $130
Multi-Part Set — Mail-In
2–6 related parts scanned in a single session. Common for left/right pairs, matching trim sets, or disassembled assemblies needing individual captures.
From $200
Named vehicle / part examples
1970–74 Plymouth Barracuda tail light lens 1968–76 Dodge Dart tail light Mopar A-body door handle Saab 900 climate knob Vintage carburetor body Triumph TR6 trim piece BMW 2002 corner lens Alternator bracket Intake manifold flange OEM headlamp bezel Period-correct shift knob Reproduction emblems
Use cases
  • Reproduction of discontinued Mopar, Saab, and European classic parts
  • Tooling master for urethane or injection-molded reproduction lenses
  • Reverse engineering cracked or broken trim for 3D printing replacement
  • Digital archiving of NOS parts before installation
  • Vacuum form tooling qualification for aftermarket body parts
  • First article inspection of reproduction parts vs. original
Level 01
Micro Components · Under 100mm

Coins, Rings, Small Gears & Medallions

The smallest objects we scan. Typically shipped to our Nashville lab in a padded envelope. No on-site visit required.
Coin — micro component scale US Penny · 19mm diameter
Example object at this scale
Starting Price
$130
Mail-in
Typical File Size
5–30 MB
OBJ/STL mesh
Scan Time
5–15 min
In-lab
On-Site Required
No
Mail-in only
Scanner
Black Elite
Meas. accuracy ±0.025mm
Mesh res. 0.100mm
Typical objects at this scale
Coins Rings & jewelry Watch components Small gears Medallions O-ring grooves Carburetor jets Dental models Prototype parts Miniature castings
Use cases
  • Reproduction of discontinued small components
  • Custom jewelry duplication and resizing
  • Miniature part reverse engineering for CNC
  • Digital archiving of medallions and numismatic items
  • Quality inspection of small machined components

Don't See Your Object?

If it's physical and you need its geometry, we can probably scan it. Consultations are free and we respond fast.

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