3D Scanning Services in Bristol & UK-Wide
Professional 3D Scanning Services in Bristol – and UK-Wide by Post
Turn a physical object into a precise, workable digital model. We run professional 3D scanning from our Bristol workshop, and because most items travel well, we scan for customers across the whole of the UK – you post the part to us, we scan it, and we send it back with your files. Whether you need to copy a treasured item, recreate a part that’s no longer made, or develop a new product, we capture the geometry accurately and hand you files you can actually use.
From £150 for a basic scan of a small, simple item – with full scan-to-print packages for everything more involved.
How Much Does 3D Scanning Cost?
Every job is quoted up front, so there are no surprises. Our pricing depends on the size of the object, how complex its geometry is, how many scans it takes to capture cleanly, and how much processing you need afterwards.
Basic Scan Package – from £150
For a small item with simple geometry that we can capture in a single scan. You receive the raw, unprocessed scan file, ready for your own use. Ideal if you already have your own modelling and 3D printing setup, or you just need the digital mesh to work from. This is our minimum job fee – it covers the setup, scanning, and file export that even a quick job requires.
Complete Service Package – quoted per project
Our full-service option covers professional scanning, mesh clean-up, watertight model repair, design changes, and 3D printing if you want a finished part rather than a file. We handle every step and deliver something ready to use. Larger objects, intricate detail, shiny or dark surfaces, and parts that need multiple scans stitched together fall into this package – we’ll give you a firm price before we start.
We have options for every budget – tell us what you’ve got and what you need, and we’ll recommend the most cost-effective route.
Scanning for Customers Across the UK
You don’t need to be in Bristol to use us. If your item is small enough to post or courier safely, we can scan it wherever you are in the UK. Here’s how the mail-in service works:
- Get a quote – send us a photo, rough dimensions, and a note on what you need. We’ll confirm the price and turnaround.
- Post it to us – pack the item well and send it to our Bristol workshop by tracked delivery.
- We scan and process – we capture the geometry and prepare your files (or print the part, if that’s what you’ve asked for).
- Files delivered, item returned – you get your digital files by download, and we post your original back to you.
If you’re local, you’re welcome to drop items at the workshop instead – and for large or fragile objects that can’t travel, we cover Bristol, Bath and the wider South West on-site.
Our 3D Scanning Services
Precision 3D Scanning
We capture fine detail with accuracy up to 0.1 mm and deliver scans in the formats you need – STL, OBJ and PLY – so the files drop straight into your 3D printing or CAD workflow.
Scan-to-Print Services
Our complete workflow takes you from the original item to a finished replica: professional scanning, model clean-up and optimisation, a choice of materials, quality checks, and fast turnaround.
Reverse Engineering
Recreate discontinued parts or improve an existing design. We build CAD models from scans, modify and optimise the geometry, produce technical documentation, and support prototyping to bring the part back to life.
How It Works
1. Consultation – we discuss your project and the best approach for your item, whether you’re dropping it off, posting it in, or booking an on-site visit.
2. Scanning – we use professional 3D scanning equipment to capture your object precisely, recording every detail that matters.
3. Processing – we clean up and optimise the model for your purpose, whether that’s 3D printing, digital archiving, or further design work.
4. Delivery – you receive your digital files (and any printed parts or documentation), and we return your original item.
What We Scan
- Replacement or discontinued parts that are no longer sold
- Backup copies of important or one-off items
- Products in development and prototypes
- Objects you want archived digitally
- Custom manufacturing projects
- Art, models and sculpture for reproduction
- Industrial components for reverse engineering
Technical Specifications
- Accuracy: up to 0.1 mm precision
- Size range: objects from 2 cm to 2 m
- Colour capture: full-colour texture mapping available
- File formats: STL, OBJ, PLY
- Materials: compatible with all major 3D printing materials
Why Choose Mars Outpost?
- Professional-grade equipment – industry-leading scanning technology for accurate, repeatable results.
- Experienced team – years of hands-on scanning and 3D printing behind every job.
- Complete service – from the first scan to a finished printed part, we handle the whole process.
- Clear, up-front pricing – you get a firm quote before we start, with no hidden extras.
- UK-wide by post – Bristol-based, but open to customers anywhere in the country.
- Fast turnaround – most projects completed within 5–7 working days.
3D Scanning FAQs
How much does 3D scanning cost in the UK?
Our basic scan of a small, simple item starts at £150, which is our minimum job fee. Larger, more detailed, or multi-scan objects are quoted individually based on the work involved. You’ll always have a firm price before we begin.
Can you 3D scan my item if I’m not in Bristol?
Yes. If your item can be posted or couriered safely, you can send it to our Bristol workshop from anywhere in the UK. We scan it, deliver your files, and post the original back to you.
How accurate is your 3D scanning?
We scan to an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, which is suitable for reverse engineering, replacement parts, and high-detail reproduction.
What file formats will I receive?
We deliver scans in STL, OBJ and PLY as standard, so your files work with common 3D printing and CAD software. Let us know if you need something specific.
How long does a scan take?
Most projects are completed within 5–7 working days. If you’re on a deadline, tell us and we’ll do our best to fit it in.
Which areas do you cover?
We’re based in Bristol and welcome walk-in drop-offs from Bristol, Bath and the South West. For large or fragile items we also offer on-site scanning across the region, and our mail-in service is open to the whole of the UK.
Get Started Today
Ready to bring your physical object into the digital world? Send us a photo and a few details and we’ll come back with a custom quote.
Pricing: from £150 for a basic scan of a small, simple item; full packages quoted per project.
Location: Bristol workshop drop-off, on-site across the South West, or mail-in from anywhere in the UK.
Timeline: most projects completed within 5–7 working days.
Not sure whether your item can be scanned, or which option is right for you? Get in touch – we’re always happy to talk it through and find the best solution.