One team handles both the field scanning and the CAD drafting, so there are no hand-offs between a scanning crew and an outside modeling firm. We work in all 50 states.
At Arrival 3D, we convert physical objects and buildings into CAD files for reverse engineering, manufacturing, as-built documentation, and heritage building conservation, with 3D laser scanning and point cloud to CAD conversion process. Our services are used in product design and the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry for mechanical part reconstruction, architectural as-built modeling, or product design modifications.
Our LiDAR Scan to CAD drafting services provide highly detailed and industry-standard 3D CAD models and 2D CAD drawings including site plans, architectural plans, sections, and elevations in formats such as STEP, IGES, DWG, DXF, and SolidWorks.
What is scan to CAD?
Scan to CAD converts 3D laser scan data (point clouds) into accurate, editable CAD files. Arrival 3D scans your building, equipment or part and delivers 2D AutoCAD drawings (floor plans, sections, elevations) or 3D CAD models. For buildings, as-built CAD plans typically cost $0.06–$0.20 per square foot, including scanning, with final drawings in about 5 days for a typical building.
We laser scan buildings and interiors and draft as-built floor plans, sections, elevations and MEP layouts in AutoCAD. Architects and contractors use them for renovation design, permits and space planning.
For projects that only need 2D, we deliver dimensioned floor plans, elevations and cross-sections in DWG, DXF or PDF. Common for real estate, heritage buildings and tenant improvements.
We model equipment, piping, structural steel and tanks so engineers can plan retrofits, check clearances and design new installations against real conditions.
Deliverable | File formats | Best for |
|---|---|---|
2D as-built drawings | DWG, DXF, PDF | Floor plans, permits, space planning, renovation design |
3D CAD models | DWG, STEP, IGES, Parasolid, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX | Equipment, fabrication, reverse engineering |
Mesh models | STL, OBJ, PLY, FBX | Visualization, inspection, 3D printing |
Point clouds | E57, RCP/RCS, PTS, LAS | Your team’s own modeling and reference |
How Long Does Scan to CAD Take?
Project | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|
Fixed-price quote | Within 24 hours |
Registered point cloud | About 2 days after scanning |
2D CAD drawings, typical building | About 5 days |
Large or complex buildings | [Your timeline], confirmed in the quote |
Small parts and simple objects | [1–3 days?] |
Rush delivery | [Your rush time], +25–50% |
Scan to CAD for buildings typically costs $0.06–$0.20 per square foot, including field scanning, registration and CAD drafting. Small buildings cost more per square foot because setup and travel are spread over less area. Parts and equipment are priced by size and complexity.
Project | Typical size | Deliverable | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
Small commercial or retail | Under 10,000 sq ft | 2D floor plans + point cloud | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Mid-size office | 10,000 – 80,000 sq ft | As-built CAD plans | $4,000 – $14,000 |
Industrial area or equipment | Varies | 3D CAD model | [Range or “Quoted per project”] |
Parts and objects | Varies | Parametric 3D CAD model | [Range or “Quoted per project”] |
We use high-resolution 3D laser scanners to capture the shape, geometry, and surface details of the object.
The raw point cloud data is cleaned, aligned, and converted into a polygonal mesh (STL, OBJ, PLY).
The scanned mesh is refined and converted into an accurate 3D CAD model using parametric or NURBS-based modeling.
The final CAD model is validated, optimized, and exported in the required format (STEP, IGES, DWG, SolidWorks, Revit).
✔Manufacturing & Engineering – Reverse engineering and part reconstruction for machinery and tools.
✔ Architecture & Construction – As-built modeling, Scan to BIM, and renovation planning.
✔ Automotive & Aerospace – Component design, quality inspection, and digital archiving.
✔ Medical & Healthcare – Prosthetic design, custom implants, and medical equipment CAD conversion.
✔ Consumer Products & Industrial Design – Product development, prototyping, and 3D printing preparation.
✅ Nationwide: crews in all 50 states, no travel surcharge for most projects in the contiguous U.S.
To help you better understand our Scan to CAD solutions, we’ve compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions.
We use high-resolution 3D laser scanning to achieve sub-millimeter accuracy (±0.1mm to ±0.5mm depending on project requirements). Accuracy depends on scan quality, object size, and complexity.
Registered point clouds are usually ready about 2 days after scanning, and final CAD drawings in about 5 days for a typical building. Rush delivery is available.
Scan to CAD creates drawings or 3D geometry for AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Scan to BIM creates an intelligent Revit model with data about each element. Choose CAD for plans and fabrication, and BIM for design coordination and facility management.
Yes! We specialize in point cloud to CAD conversion, turning laser scan data into 3D CAD files. We process STL, PLY, OBJ, and E57 point clouds and convert them into STEP, IGES, DWG, or Revit files.
For buildings, scan to CAD usually costs $0.06–$0.20 per square foot, including scanning. A small commercial space under 10,000 sq ft typically costs $1,500–$4,000. Parts and objects are quoted per project.
We deliver 2D drawings in DWG, DXF and PDF, 3D CAD models in STEP, IGES, Parasolid and SolidWorks, and meshes in STL, OBJ and FBX. Tell us your software and we’ll match it.
| Scan to Plan | Scan to CAD | Scan to BIM |
|---|---|---|---|
Output | 2D floor plans, sections, elevations | 2D drawings or 3D CAD geometry | Intelligent Revit model with element data |
Software | AutoCAD, PDF | AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA | Revit, Navisworks, IFC |
Best for | Real estate, permits, space planning | Design, fabrication, reverse engineering | Design coordination, clash detection, facility management |
Relative cost | Lowest | Low to medium | Medium to high (depends on LOD) |
