What Is 3D Scanning Efficiency—and Why It Matters

In fast-paced workflows, 3D scanning efficiency is key to turning physical objects into usable data—quickly and accurately. It impacts how fast you can scan, how detailed the results are, and how smoothly your process runs.

Core factors include:

• Point distance
• Frame rate (FPS)
• Field of view (FOV)
• Object size

Choosing a scanner with optimized efficiency means faster results, fewer errors, and more time to focus on innovation.

Factors that affect 3D scanning efficiency

Point distance

Point distance refers to the distance between the nearest two 3D points. The smaller the distance, the finer the detail of the scan data. However, the smaller the point distance you set, the more time it will take for the scan to be complete.In 3D scanning, this concept is often synonymous with “resolution”.

Frame rate (FPS)

Frame rate is the frequency at which bitmap images appear continuously on the display, measured in units of frames. Hence, the “frames per second” (FPS) specification indicates how many pictures the camera captures in one second.

The frame rate mainly depends on the material of the object and the software algorithm. The higher the frame rate, the faster the scan.

A high frame rate requires a well-configured PC, including a powerful graphics card, sufficient RAM, and a processor that can handle the demands. To benefit from your 3D scanner’s maximum FPS capacity, choose a PC that meets our configuration recommendations.

Field of view (FoV)

The field of view (FOV) is the viewable area where the 3D scanner can capture the data from a certain distance. This is similar to how our eyes can only see part of a scene at a time. The larger the FOV, the larger the area that can be seen at one time.

FOV is another factor that affects scanning efficiency. When the 3D scanner has a large FOV, it can capture more data per frame. It is like painting; the larger your paintbrush, the more space you can cover with each stroke.

Object size

Some 3D scanners are made for scanning small objects, while others are better suited for scanning larger objects. Choose a 3D scanner that is optimized for scanning objects of this type.

For medium and large objects (for example, car fenders or entire car body), choose the EINSTAR VEGA for its All-in-one design and its Large FOV & 12mm maker adaption feaures that can effectively improve our scanning efficiency.

For small objects such as coins, keys, and car parts,you can also choose EINSTAR VEGA for better details and higher efficiency.

Exploring 3D scan efficiency through case studies

Let’s look at a few case studies from our clients to see what kind of 3D scanning efficiency you can expect in real situations.

One standout example of 3D scanning in action comes from our collaboration with KOL @IMEE MADE!, who leveraged the EINSTAR VEGA to capture a full car’s engine bay. Using high-quality scan data, he designed and fabricated a custom intake pipe that not only enhances airflow performance but also integrates seamlessly into the vehicle’s layout.

This case highlights how 3D scanning can transform automotive customization—reducing guesswork, improving fitment accuracy, and accelerating the design-to-installation workflow.

▶️ Watch the video below to see how 3D data becomes a tangible performance upgrade.

Beyond automotive customization, the versatility of EINSTAR VEGA shines across diverse environments. In the following scan demonstrations, we explore how quick, smooth scanning workflows—even in visually complex & large-scaled& irregular spaces.

📍 Vintage Store Scanning

In this video, We demonstrated how VEGA’s texture alignment capabilities enable fast and reliable scanning of a colorful vintage store. Despite the abundance of varied surfaces and objects, the scanner maintains smooth tracking and high-speed scanning—making it ideal for spatial documentation, digital archiving, or interior planning.

📍 Uniquely Shaped Print Room

This demo showcases VEGA’s adaptability in scanning a print room with flat geometric surface. By using 12mm markers, the team reduced marker quantity while improving alignment accuracy—making the scan faster and more efficient even in a large space, providing a solid foundation for layout optimization, equipment placement, or virtual walkthroughs.

Conclusion: Scanning Efficiency Depends on the Right Match

After exploring the key factors that affect handheld 3D scanning efficiency—such as frame rate, field of view, point distance, and object size—it’s clear that choosing the right scanner depends on your specific use case.

➔ For medium to large objects:

Handheld scanners like the EINSTAR series offer flexibility and speed.

➔ For small objects:

For scanning small components, prototypes, or intricate textures, the HD mode of EINSTAR VEGA offers high-detail capture with a MEMS projector, 100–350mm working distance, and 0.05mm point spacing. Alternatively, desktop 3D scanners with fixed FOV like the EinScan SP V2 and SE V2 provide efficient, automated scanning with a turntable.

Whether handheld or desktop, scanning efficiency comes down to matching the right tool to the right task. If you're unsure which solution fits your workflow, feel free to explore more at EINSTAR.com or reach out to our team for personalized guidance.