Global 3D Optical Scanners and Digitizers Market, Forecast to 2020

Essentially, the research includes an actionable set of recommendations for market entry and growth in optical scanners and digitizers market, where Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies:

• 3D laser scanners
• Laser trackers
• White light scanners

They also cover the following geographic regions:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of World (ROW)

Market Overview

White Light and 3D Scanners Witness High Growth in the Optical Scanners Market

The need for flexible, faster and accurate metrology solutions is seeing end users rapidly shift away from traditional dimensional technologies such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) towards optical scanners and digitizers. As a result, metrology original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are focusing on offering advanced products, especially 3D laser scanners, laser tracker and white-light scanners, as stand-alone equipment. For instance, the integration of white light scanners with robots and the development of white light scanning box solutions will have abundant opportunities in the market.  Additionally, metrology manufacturers are expected to release several low-cost 3D scanners for basic digitization and quick scanning requirements. However, low-cost products that offer high functionalities will be necessary to combat the price pressure in the market.

As a measure to increase their global footprint, OEMs are attempting to develop products according to the varying demands in different regions. While the markets in emerging countries such as India, Brazil and Russia are leaning toward low-cost scanners, those in developed regions opt for standard enterprise-level metrology architectures and solutions. Leading OEMs are also aggressively focusing on predictive maintenance and analytics solutions to generate revenue throughout the lifetime of the products as well as strengthen customer relationships. OEMs are also expected to make heavy investments in research to develop advanced high-precision 3D scanner that can generate huge data. The evolution of new manufacturing processes implies the need for OEMs to accommodate factory of the future while designing scanners for current needs.