Frequently asked questions

ScanMyPart is a mail-in 3D scanning service.

You ship us a physical part, we scan it using structured-light 3D scanning, process the scan data, send you digital files, and return your physical part.

ScanMyPart is for anyone who needs a physical part turned into a usable digital 3D file.

Common customers include makers, engineers, product designers, automotive builders, fabrication shops, small businesses, prototype developers, hobbyists, and people with discontinued, broken, or hard-to-measure parts.

No. Send clear photos, rough dimensions, and a short explanation of what you need the scan for. We'll review the part and help determine whether STL or OBJ is the better output format.

The process is simple: submit part details, photos, and rough dimensions; receive a quote; ship the part after approval; we scan and process the part; you receive digital files; and your physical part is returned.

Do not ship your part before your project has been reviewed and approved.

Please include clear photos of the part from multiple angles, approximate dimensions, material and surface finish if known, what the scan will be used for, a preferred file format if known, any important surfaces, holes, edges, mounting points, or features, and any fragile, valuable, or special handling notes.

No. Please submit a scan request first. We'll review the part, confirm whether it is suitable for mail-in scanning, provide a quote, and then send shipping guidance.

Yes. Your physical part is returned after the scan is complete.

Typical turnaround depends on the part size, complexity, surface finish, and current workload.

Simple parts can usually be completed quickly after receipt. More complex parts may require additional scanning and processing time.

ScanMyPart currently provides STL and OBJ files.

These are mesh-based 3D file formats commonly used for 3D printing, visualization, reference, and mesh workflows.

An STL file is commonly used for 3D printing, mesh editing, digital reference, shape capture, and general part visualization.

An OBJ file is commonly used for visualization, rendering, mesh workflows, digital reference, and applications that work well with surface mesh data.

Yes. All completed scan files are cleanly aligned and provided to scale.

Yes. Every scan includes basic mesh processing so the delivered file is clean and usable for the intended output.

Usually, yes, depending on the part and intended use.

If your goal is 3D printing, mention that in your scan request so the file can be prepared with that use in mind.

ScanMyPart uses structured-light 3D scanning.

Structured-light scanning captures visible surface geometry and converts it into a digital 3D mesh.

ScanMyPart can scan at up to 0.2 mm resolution.

Actual usable detail depends on the part size, geometry, surface finish, and scanning conditions.

ScanMyPart can scan many types of rigid physical parts, including automotive parts, brackets, housings, covers, product samples, prototypes, replacement parts, discontinued parts, organic shapes, and hard-to-measure parts.

Yes. Automotive parts are one of the main use cases for ScanMyPart. Common examples include trim pieces, brackets, covers, housings, adapters, prototypes, and discontinued components.

Yes. Broken parts can be scanned as-is. The delivered scan will reflect the condition of the part provided.

Mesh repair and digital reconstruction of broken areas are coming soon.

Often, yes, but these surfaces may require prep. Transparent, glossy, very dark, or reflective parts can be difficult to scan without preparation. We only use prep when a part needs it, and never charge extra for it.

When you approve your quote, you certify that prep is okay if required. You can also decline prep, but that may prevent us from scanning the part.

Prep is light and paint-safe — typically a disappearing matte spray or stick-on tracking dots that help the scanner capture difficult surfaces.

We only use prep when a part actually needs it to scan well.

No. We never charge extra for scan prep. If a part needs it, prep is part of the standard scanning service.

Yes. When you approve your quote, you certify that prep may be used on your part if required. Our prep is chosen to be paint-safe and removable, but by certifying you accept that any marking, scuffing, or damage from prep is not ScanMyPart's responsibility.

We only use prep when a part needs it — never by default.

You can decline prep at the quote stage by choosing not to certify it. Some parts scan fine with no prep at all.

However, if a part can only be captured well with prep and you decline it, we may not be able to scan it — in which case we may have to decline the request.

Usually not. Standard 3D scanning captures visible exterior surfaces. Hidden geometry, enclosed cavities, and deep internal features may not be captured.

Threads may be visible in the scan, but they are difficult to capture perfectly as functional geometry.

If threads are important, mention them in your scan request so they can be reviewed.

No. Some surfaces, materials, and geometries are more difficult to scan than others. Difficult features will be reviewed before the part is approved for mail-in scanning.

Sometimes, but flexible or soft parts can be difficult because they may move, deform, or change shape during scanning.

Rigid parts are usually the best fit.

Some small details can be captured, but extremely fine features may not scan perfectly.

The practical result depends on feature size, surface finish, part geometry, and the intended use of the file.

Small scans start at $95.

Final pricing depends on part size, part complexity, surface finish, required scan detail, number of parts, and shipping requirements.

Shipping and return shipping details are confirmed during the quote process.

Package the part securely so it cannot move around or become damaged during transit.

Use padding, a strong box, and appropriate protection for fragile surfaces. If the part is delicate, valuable, sharp, dirty, oily, or unusually heavy, mention that before shipping.

If your part does not look like a good fit for mail-in scanning, we'll let you know before you ship it.

The goal is to review potential issues upfront so you do not waste time or shipping cost.