A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital, three dimensional models useful for a wide variety of applications. These devices are used extensively by the entertainment industry in the production of movies and video games. Other common applications of this technology include industrial design, reverse engineering and prototyping, computer vision and documentation of cultural artifacts. Many different technologies can be used by 3D scanning devices to create 3D models yet each technology comes with its own limitations, advantages and costs. Also, there are numerous limitations in the properties of objects that can be digitized, for example, optical technologies encounter many difficulties with shiny, mirrored or transparent objects.

For most situations, a single scan will not produce a complete model of the subject. Multiple scans, even hundreds, from many different directions are usually required to obtain information about all sides of the subject. These scans have to be brought in a common reference system, a process that is usually called alignment or registration, and then merged to create a complete model. This whole process, going from the single range map to the whole model, is usually known as the 3D scanning pipeline.

3D scanning will serve as an indispensable tool to the Metacycle team. The 3D scanner allows a designer to effortlessly create a 3D model of existent objects. The resultant 3D model provides accurate information about the form of the object and this information be used to analyze possible interventions. This information is also necessary to create new components that will integrate seamlessly with the original object.