Nationwide & International — No Site Visit Required
Mail-In 3D Scanning
Ship your part to our Nashville lab. We scan it at ±0.025mm (0.0009 in) accuracy, process the data, and return your part with a complete digital file package — typically within 72 hours. Metrology-grade scan data without the mobilization cost.
How Mail-In Scanning Works
Four steps from your hands to ours and back again — with production-ready scan data in between.
Contact Us First
Send us photos of your part and a description of what you need. We'll confirm scope, pricing, and turnaround before you ship anything. Consultations are free.
Ship Your Part
Pack your part securely and ship to our Nashville lab at zip code 37206 — at your cost, via any carrier. Include your contact info in the box.
We Scan & Process
Your part is scanned on the Creaform HandyScan Black Elite at ±0.025mm (0.0009 in) accuracy. Data is cleaned, processed, and built into the output format you've selected.
Part & Files Returned
Your part is optionally shipped back with or without insurance via UPS or FedEx, or can be destroyed or disposed of at your request. Digital files are delivered by email or file transfer simultaneously.
Pricing
Choose the output level that matches your project. Return shipping is optional — parts can be shipped back with or without insurance, or destroyed/disposed of on request.
Mesh File
$130 + return shippingWatertight STL & OBJ file
Suitable for 3D printing & visual reference
Full-resolution scans & source files included
80% decimation included in deliverable package
Delivered within 72 hrs of receipt
Parametric CAD Model
$250–$500 + return shippingSTEP & IGES for other CAD platforms
Can be machined if no critical features or tolerances are required
Design intent extracted, not just copied
Includes mesh file
Manufacturing Drawings
+$500–$1,000 over CAD modelGD&T callouts & tolerances
Surface finish specifications
Material callouts
Formatted for domestic & overseas vendors
PDF & STEP delivery
What to Include in Your Shipment
A little preparation on your end makes the process faster and ensures you get exactly the output you need. Here's what to do before you drop it at the carrier.
Inside the Box
The part itself — packed so it cannot shift. Foam, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper all work. For precision or fragile parts, double-box with padding between layers.
A note with your name and email address — in case the outer label is damaged in transit.
A brief description of what you need — mesh only, parametric CAD, or drawings. If you're not sure, just say so and we'll recommend the right tier.
Any mating parts or references — if your part interfaces with something else, including that context helps us extract design intent more accurately.
Before You Ship
Contact us first — we'll confirm scope, pricing, and give you the shipping address. Don't ship without confirmation.
Photograph your part — send us photos before shipping so we can flag any surface treatment needs before your part is in transit.
Note any areas of concern — worn surfaces, missing features, cracks, or corrosion that we should know about before scanning begins.
Declare the value accurately — for international shipments especially, accurate customs declarations prevent delays at the border.
What Can — and Can't — Be Scanned by Mail
The Creaform HandyScan Black Elite handles the vast majority of parts without any surface preparation. A few surface types require treatment before scanning.
✓ Scans Without Preparation
Machined metal surfaces — bare, painted, or coated
Chrome and highly polished finishes
Gloss black paint and anodized aluminum
Rubber, leather, and fabric surfaces
Wood, plaster, stone, and ceramic
Most plastics (opaque)
Worn, damaged, or corroded parts
✗ Requires Surface Treatment
Glass and transparent materials
Clear or translucent plastics
Mirror-finish stainless (flat mirror, not brushed)
Water or liquid surfaces
If your part falls into one of these categories, contact us before shipping — we can discuss surface treatment options.
Mail-In Projects from the Portfolio
Real parts, real clients, real turnarounds.
NLA Part Reproduction · Powersports · Mail-In
Mail-In Scan & Duplication for a 12 South Powersports Repair Shop
Mail-in scan of an NLA vintage part, cleaned mesh, and MJF print-ready file — delivered for $250 all-in. The most cost-effective entry point for part reproduction.
Read the Case Study →
Automotive · Concept to Product · Mail-In
BMW E30 Window Latch Rebuild Kit — Scan to Amazon Prime
A mailed-in latch assembly became a parametric SolidWorks model, then a billet replacement kit with custom installation tooling — now available on Amazon.
View Project →Mail-In Scanning — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Contact us with photos of your part and a description of what you need. We'll confirm the project scope, pricing, and shipping address before you send anything. Consultations are free and we respond fast — usually same business day.
What is the turnaround time?
Typically 72 hours from receipt of your part for mesh files and straightforward solid models. Complex reverse engineering projects requiring extensive feature extraction may take longer — we'll confirm the timeline before you ship.
How should I pack my part for shipping?
Pack your part so it cannot move inside the box — foam, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper work well. For fragile or precision parts, double-box with padding between the inner and outer box. Include a note inside with your name, contact email, and a brief description of what you need. Ship via any carrier — UPS, FedEx, and USPS all work. Contact us first and we'll give you the shipping address.
Can you scan multiple parts in one shipment?
Yes — and it's often the most cost-effective approach. Scanning multiple parts in a single session reduces per-part cost since setup time is shared. Send us photos of all the parts you need scanned and we'll give you a combined quote before you ship anything.
Do you accept international mail-in parts?
Yes. We regularly receive parts from international clients. Contact us before shipping so we can advise on customs documentation and carrier selection to avoid delays.
What file formats are delivered?
Mesh files: STL and OBJ. Parametric models: native SolidWorks (.SLDPRT), STEP, and IGES. Manufacturing drawings: PDF and STEP. If you need a specific format for your workflow, let us know at the outset.
Ready to Ship?
Contact us first with photos and a description. We'll confirm scope and pricing, then give you the shipping address. Consultations are free.
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