High accuracy 3D object scanning

Professional 3D scanning Montreal

3D scanning in Montreal for physical parts, prototypes and objects. Get a digital mesh for visualization, archiving or print preparation. Choose optional scan-to-CAD reconstruction when you need CAD geometry for design changes or manufacturing.

Scan to CAD services in Montreal

Scan mesh: a digital record of the captured surfaces, delivered in an agreed mesh format such as STL or OBJ.

Optional scan-to-CAD: additional modelling to reconstruct the features and dimensions needed for your project. A STEP file exchanges CAD geometry; an editable native feature history is a separate requirement to specify in your quote.
Blue 3D scan mesh of a high-heel shoe, showing its side profile and heel.
A high-heel shoe captured as a 3D mesh. The scan records the shoe’s surface geometry; creating editable CAD is a separate step.
01

Scan the object

Capture accessible surface geometry with structured light or laser scanning.

02

Process point cloud

Clean, align, and optimize raw scan data into a watertight mesh

03

Build parametric CAD

Reconstruct the agreed features and dimensions when CAD modelling is included in your quote.

04

Deliver STEP/SLDPRT

Receive the agreed CAD format. Specify whether you need STEP geometry or a native model with editable features.

Scan to CAD services starting at $500 for standard parts

This scan-to-CAD service combines scanning, mesh processing and CAD reconstruction. Tell us which software you use and whether you need STEP geometry or an editable native model; your quote will confirm the deliverables.

Reverse engineering services

Lost the original CAD files? Part no longer manufactured? Our reverse engineering process captures your physical part with ±0.1mm accuracy and rebuilds it as a fully parametric CAD model — ready for prototyping or production. Explore our scan to CAD services for the full scan-to-parametric workflow.

Legacy parts with no documentation

Recreate parts from decades-old equipment where original drawings are lost or never existed

Competitor product analysis

Understand form, fit, and function through precise dimensional capture and CAD reconstruction

Replacement parts for obsolete equipment

Manufacture exact replacements for discontinued components to keep production lines running

Updating old designs

Capture existing geometry as a starting point for modern redesigns with improved materials or features

Hand-made to production-ready

Convert hand-crafted prototypes and one-offs into fully parametric production CAD files

3D scanning technology

Professional-grade equipment delivering engineering-grade accuracy

SpecificationStructured Light ScannerHandheld Laser Scanner
EquipmentEinScan Pro 2X PlusFreeScan UE Pro
TypeStructured LightHandheld Laser
Accuracy±0.04 mm±0.1 mm
Scan VolumeUp to 500 mmUp to 3000 mm
Best ForSmall precision partsLarge objects, on-site scanning
Delivery scheduleConfirmed in the quoteConfirmed in the quote

Supported file formats

Mesh outputs: STL, OBJ or PLY, according to the project.
CAD outputs: STEP or another agreed format when CAD reconstruction is included. Tell us your target software and editing requirements before we quote.
STL
OBJ
PLY
STEP
IGES
SolidWorks
Fusion 360
Inventor

3D scanning Montreal & across Quebec

AllPrototype operates 3D scanning equipment in-house in Montreal. Your parts never leave Canada. We respond to 3D scanning and scan-to-CAD enquiries within 2 business days. The scope of work and delivery schedule are confirmed in the quote. Local pickup is available by appointment. On-site scanning available for large objects that can’t be transported. We serve clients across Quebec — from Downtown Montreal and Laval to the South Shore, Quebec City, and everywhere in between.

Montreal HQ

Central Montreal location serving the business district, universities, and tech startups.

Laval

Serving Laval's manufacturing sector and North Shore businesses.

Longueuil

South Shore hub for aerospace, tech, and research institutions.

Toronto

Greater Toronto Area hub for Ontario's largest market.

Vancouver

West Coast operations serving BC's film, tech, and marine industries.

Calgary

Alberta hub serving energy, agriculture, and construction sectors.

Express shipping

Next-day delivery available to major Canadian cities

Free shipping

Complimentary shipping on orders over $500

Local pickup

Pickup by appointment at our Montreal and Laval locations.

3D scanning applications

From reverse engineering to quality control, 3D scanning solves real-world challenges

Reverse engineering

Recreate legacy parts without original drawings. Perfect for obsolete components and replacement manufacturing.

Quality inspection

Compare scanned parts to CAD for dimensional deviations. Ensure manufacturing accuracy with precision reports.

Archival documentation

Digital preservation of physical assets. Create permanent records for museums, heritage sites, and libraries.

Product development

Scan prototypes for design refinement. Accelerate iteration cycles with accurate digital feedback.

Art & heritage

Digitize sculptures and artifacts with museum-quality precision. Perfect for restoration and reproduction.

Replacement parts

Scan broken parts for exact reproduction. No documentation needed – we capture every detail.

Prepare your scanning quote
Object: Photos if available, approximate dimensions, material and surface finish.
Goal: Intended use, preferred file format and number of objects.
Timing and logistics: Deadline and whether you can bring or ship the object.

We respond within 2 business days. Project scope and delivery timing are confirmed with your quote.

Scan-to-CAD process

Start with a scan mesh. Add CAD reconstruction when your project needs defined features, design changes or manufacturing geometry. Your quote confirms the modelling and verification work included.

3D object scanning

Capture physical geometry with precision laser or structured light scanning

Mesh processing

Clean and optimize point cloud data into a usable 3D mesh

CAD modeling

Convert to parametric CAD with editable features (optional service)

Verification

Ensure accuracy to original part with dimensional analysis

3D scanning vs. CAD design

Not sure whether to scan or design? Here’s how to decide the best approach for your project.

When to scan

When to design

When to do both

Not sure which approach to take?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our engineering team. We'll review your project and recommend the most efficient path forward.

Related projects

Real scanning work: ear impressions, a clear lens cover and a high-heel shoe.

3D
Medical

Custom earpieces produced from customers’ ear impressions for an audio company, with each impression and mould checked side by side before delivery.

SLA
Industrial

Replacement clear lens covers reproduced by 3D scanning the originals, modelling them in CAD, printing them in clear resin by SLA and polishing them.

An anonymous footwear example showing a high-heel shoe captured as a 3D mesh, with its side profile and heel visible.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about 3D scanning services
How long does 3D scanning take?
Scan time depends on object size and complexity. Small parts (under 200mm) typically take 10-15 minutes. Medium parts (200-500mm) take 20-30 minutes. Large assemblies can take 1-2 hours. Processing and mesh cleanup adds 2-4 hours. We respond to 3D scanning and scan-to-CAD enquiries within 2 business days. The scope of work and delivery schedule are confirmed in the quote.
Yes, but with preparation. Shiny, reflective, or transparent surfaces need a temporary coating spray that we apply before scanning. This light powder coating is easily removed after scanning without damaging the part. Dark, matte surfaces scan best without any preparation.
With our handheld scanner, we can capture objects up to 3 meters (3000mm) in any dimension. For larger objects like vehicles or building facades, we offer on-site scanning services where we bring equipment to your location. There’s virtually no upper size limit with proper setup.
Yes! We provide on-site 3D scanning throughout Montreal and surrounding areas for objects that cannot be easily transported. This includes large machinery, architectural elements, vehicles, and installed assemblies. On-site service includes equipment setup, scanning, and data processing. We respond to 3D scanning and scan-to-CAD enquiries within 2 business days. The scope of work and delivery schedule are confirmed in the quote.
Scan meshes can be prepared for 3D printing, but a raw scan is not automatically print-ready. Holes, thin walls, missing surfaces and the intended print size may require mesh repair or design work. Tell us whether you want a digital file or a printed part so this preparation can be included in your quote.
A scan mesh such as STL or OBJ describes surfaces using small polygonal faces. It is useful for visualization and may need preparation for 3D printing. CAD reconstruction is additional modelling work to create the geometry your project needs. STEP transfers CAD geometry between applications; it does not by itself provide the original parametric feature history. If you need editable features in a native CAD file, specify the software and requirements when requesting your quote.
Our scanners achieve ±0.05mm to ±0.1mm accuracy, which exceeds traditional measurement methods for complex shapes. Traditional calipers work well for simple dimensions but can’t capture organic forms or internal features. 3D scanning captures millions of data points in minutes, providing comprehensive dimensional data.
Mesh deliverables can include STL, OBJ or PLY. CAD reconstruction can provide STEP or another format agreed in your quote. Tell us which software will open the file and whether you need a mesh, CAD geometry, an editable native model or an inspection report, so we can confirm the appropriate deliverable.