Turn Physical Objects into Accurate Digital 3D Models

Stranger Hands provides professional, high-quality 3D scanning services for businesses, artists, designers, engineers, collectors and private clients across London and the UK.

We can capture the shape and fine surface details of your physical object and convert it into a clean digital 3D model suitable for:

• 3D printing and reproduction

• Product development

• Digital archiving

• Art and sculpture reproduction

• Reverse engineering

• Replacement parts

• Game, film and digital assets

• Restoration and conservation projects

• Scaling, modification and redesign

You can bring or send your object to us in London, or we can travel to your studio, workshop, gallery, museum or business premises.

Send us photographs and approximate dimensions of your object to receive a fixed-price quote.

What Can We 3D Scan?

We work with objects ranging from small detailed components and figurines to larger sculptures, furniture, machinery and installed pieces.

Typical scanning projects include:

• Sculptures, statues and artwork

• Miniatures, figurines and handmade models

• Historical objects and collectables

• Automotive and mechanical components

• Product prototypes

• Replacement and discontinued parts

• Furniture and decorative objects

• Props, costumes and film assets

• Moulds, castings and handmade pieces

• People, body parts and organic forms

• Large or immovable objects at your location

Each project is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate scanning and processing approach.

3D Scanning Prices

The final price depends on the object’s size, surface, complexity, required level of detail and how the finished model will be used.

Studio 3D Scanning

Basic Digital Capture - from £150

Suitable for simple objects where you need an accurate digital representation.

Includes:

• Professional 3D scanning

• Scan alignment

• Basic mesh cleaning

• Removal of unwanted background data

• Correctly scaled digital model

• STL, OBJ or PLY file

High-Detail, Print-Ready Scan - from £250

Recommended when the model will be reproduced using 3D printing.

Includes:

• High-detail 3D scanning

• Multiple scan passes where required

• Detailed mesh cleaning

• Removal of scanning artefacts

• Hole repair where appropriate

• Scale and dimension verification

• Basic printability preparation

• STL and OBJ files

Scan-to-CAD and Reverse Engineering — from £300

For mechanical parts, replacement components and objects that need an editable CAD model.

Depending on the project, this can include:

• 3D scanning

• Mesh processing

• CAD reconstruction

• Surface or solid model creation

• Dimension verification

• STEP, IGES, STL or other requested formats

Reverse engineering is quoted separately because creating a clean CAD model requires additional modelling work beyond the original scan.

Guide Prices by Object Size

These prices are guidelines. A fixed quotation will be provided before work begins.

Multiple-Object and Bulk Scanning

Reduced rates are available when several objects are scanned during the same session.

Typical bulk pricing:

• Two to four similar objects: from £180 per object

• Five or more objects: custom package price

• Collections and archives: project or day-rate pricing

• Regular business scanning: ongoing commercial rates available

Combining several objects into one booking significantly reduces setup and travel costs.

Mobile 3D Scanning in London

Large, fragile, valuable or immovable objects can be scanned at your location.

We can visit:

• Workshops and factories

• Art studios

• Galleries and museums

• Film and production studios

• Offices and retail premises

• Private homes

• Restoration and conservation sites

• Universities and educational facilities

London On-Site Pricing

• Short London scanning visit: from £450

• Half-day scanning session: from £650

• Full-day scanning session: from £950

On-site prices include equipment preparation, scanning and standard processing. Additional modelling, reverse engineering or extensive mesh reconstruction is quoted separately.

Parking, congestion charges or specialist site-access costs may be added where applicable.

Nationwide UK 3D Scanning

We can travel from London to projects throughout the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow and other locations.

Outside-London projects normally start from £750 plus travel and accommodation expenses, depending on the location and amount of equipment required.

For larger projects, several objects can be scanned during the same visit, making nationwide scanning more cost-effective.

Contact us with:

1. Your city or postcode

2. Photographs of the objects

3. Approximate dimensions

4. Number of objects

5. Required file type or intended use

We will provide a clear quotation covering scanning, processing and travel.

What You Receive

Your finished files can be prepared for your chosen application.

Available formats include:

• STL for 3D printing

• OBJ for detailed meshes and textures

• PLY for scan and colour data

• STEP or IGES for reconstructed CAD models

• FBX for animation, visualisation and digital content

• Other file formats by request

We can also arrange:

• Resin or FDM 3D printing

• Scaling and modification

• Digital sculpting

• Missing-detail reconstruction

• Mould and casting preparation

• Prototype production

• Hand finishing and painting

Our 3D Scanning Process

1. Send Us Your Project

Send several clear photographs, approximate measurements and a description of what you need the model for.

2. Receive a Fixed Quote

We will assess the size, complexity, surface and required deliverables before confirming the price.

3. Object Preparation and Scanning

The object is carefully positioned and scanned from multiple angles. Reflective, transparent or very dark surfaces may require temporary markers or removable scanning spray. This will always be discussed before work begins.

4. Digital Processing

Individual scans are aligned and combined into a complete digital model. Unwanted data and scanning artefacts are removed.

5. Mesh Cleaning or CAD Reconstruction

The model is cleaned and prepared according to the intended use. Additional reconstruction may be required where areas are hidden, inaccessible or missing from the original object.

6. File Delivery

The completed files are delivered digitally in the agreed formats.

Why Choose Stranger Hands?

Scanning and 3D Printing in One Place

We understand how scanned models behave when they are actually manufactured. Your model can be prepared specifically for resin printing, FDM printing, mould making or further digital development.

High-Quality Model Processing

A scan is only the beginning. We clean, inspect and prepare the resulting geometry instead of simply supplying unprocessed scan data.

Creative and Technical Experience

We work with artistic, organic and technical objects, including detailed sculptures, handmade products, mechanical components and unusual one-off pieces.

Flexible London and UK Service

Objects can be brought or posted to us in London, or we can bring mobile scanning equipment directly to your location.

Clear Pricing

You will receive a quotation before work begins, based on the object and the deliverables you actually require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make the scan ready for 3D printing?

Yes. We can clean the mesh, repair appropriate openings, check the scale and prepare the model for 3D printing. Some objects may require additional digital reconstruction where the scanner cannot physically see a surface.

Can you scan metallic or reflective objects?

Yes. Reflective surfaces can often be scanned, although they may require temporary markers or a removable matt scanning spray. This will be confirmed before scanning.

Can you scan transparent objects?

Transparent objects are more challenging and usually require temporary surface preparation. Send us photographs so we can assess the object before quoting.

Can you scan very small details?

The achievable detail depends on the size and geometry of the feature. Send us close-up photographs and the approximate dimensions of the smallest details you need captured.

Will the scan be an editable CAD file?

A standard 3D scan produces a mesh rather than a traditional parametric CAD model. We can recreate the object as an editable CAD model as an additional reverse-engineering service.

Can you scan the inside of an object?

Standard optical scanning records visible external surfaces. Internal areas may be captured when they are physically visible and accessible, but enclosed internal geometry cannot normally be scanned.

Can I post my object to you?

Yes. Smaller objects can be securely posted or delivered to us in London. Return delivery can be arranged after the scan has been completed.

How quickly can you complete the work?

Most individual scanning projects can be completed within several working days. Larger projects, extensive mesh reconstruction and reverse-engineering work may require additional time. Priority service may be available.

Do you offer a sample or test scan?

For larger collections or repeat commercial projects, we may offer a paid test scan that can be credited towards the full project when you proceed.

Request a 3D Scanning Quote

Send us:

• Clear photographs from several angles

• Approximate dimensions

• The material and surface finish

• Your location

• Number of objects

• Intended use of the model

• Required file format

• Your preferred deadline

We will review your project and provide a clear, fixed-price quotation.

Professional 3D scanning in London, with mobile scanning available across the UK.