Looking to make a 3D scan but can't afford to splash out on all that expensive hardware? Thanks to affordable consumer electronics such as PrimeSense's Carmine, you can now capture 3D images at home.

Some readers may consider that a revolting oversimplification, but it is a helpful one to make a point about how 3D scanning, 3D printing, and CAD work do (and don’t) work together.

3D scanning in general is pretty far from being as simple as “point box, press button”, but there are tools available to make things easier.

Accurately scan small to large-sized objects with Creality’s CR-Scan Ferret 3D scanner. (Photo : Creality) 3D scanners are becoming more popular than ever.

Got something you want to scan in 3D? It turns out you can use your iPhone with apps like Qlone, Scandy Pro, and Polycam, without any special hardware.