3D scanning small, detailed objects requires different equipment and techniques than scanning large items. Coins, jewelry, miniatures, dental-sized parts, small mechanical components, and intricate artwork can have features measured in fractions of a millimeter. Capturing them accurately takes high-resolution scanning and careful preparation. Our 3D scanning studio in Los Angeles scans small items for reproduction, reverse engineering, inspection, and digital archiving.
Why Small Objects Are Challenging
Small parts expose the limits of a scanner’s resolution. A scanner that works perfectly on a car fender may blur the edges of a coin’s lettering or miss a tiny screw thread. Small objects also tend to have fine textures, sharp edges, and shiny surfaces, all of which challenge optical scanning.
Choosing the Right Scanner
High-resolution structured-light scanners
Desktop and high-resolution structured-light scanners project fine patterns onto the object and capture tiny details. Combined with a turntable, they can scan small parts from every angle with excellent repeatability.
Small-field-of-view settings
Many professional scanners offer interchangeable lenses or modes for small objects. Narrowing the field of view increases detail on tiny features.
Micro-CT and other options
For internal features or extremely small parts, industrial CT scanning can capture interior geometry. It is specialized and more costly, but sometimes necessary for complex assemblies.
Preparing Small Objects
- Matte spray: shiny metals, polished jewelry, and glossy plastics often need a very thin temporary scanning spray. For small parts, the coating must be extremely fine so it does not obscure detail.
- Stable mounting: small parts are mounted on putty or custom holders so they do not move during scanning.
- Multiple orientations: parts are scanned in several positions and merged to capture undersides and hidden areas.
Common Small-Object Projects
Coins, medals, and tokens
Relief details can be scanned for reproduction, enlargement, or digital archiving.
Jewelry
Rings, pendants, and heirloom pieces can be scanned and turned into CAD models for repair, resizing, or replication through our jewelry services.
Miniatures and figurines
Sculpted miniatures can be scanned for reproduction, scaling, or digital painting, assuming you have rights to reproduce them.
Small mechanical parts
Clips, gears, connectors, and small plastic components can be reverse engineered into CAD for replacement or improvement.
Artwork and craft pieces
Small carvings, sculptures, and handmade objects can be digitized to produce copies or larger editions.
Accuracy Expectations
High-resolution scanners can capture very fine detail, but every scan has limits. Very sharp edges, deep narrow recesses, and tiny holes may need to be refined in CAD after scanning. For dimensional work, we can combine scan data with caliper or measured reference values to ensure critical features are correct.
Deliverables
Common outputs include STL or OBJ meshes for printing, textured models for visualization, and parametric CAD models (STEP) for engineering. Small objects can also be scaled up for display models or educational pieces.
Scan Your Small Parts in Los Angeles
eCadCam has more than 22 years of experience in high-detail scanning and CAD. Visit us at 4212 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204, call 213.489.1173, or request a quote for your small-object scan.