# 3D Scanner-Copiers NextEngine Creates Plastic Prototypes From Any Item By Howard Wu | Published 2009-03-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next-engine-3d-scanner-and-reproduction-combo References: [jaylenosgarage](http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=944641) & [nextengine](http://www.nextengine.com) NextEngine’s [3D scanner system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spatial-3d-scanners) has the ability to reproduce items in plastic, much like a photocopier duplicates two-dimensional text and pictures. By using a [laser to scan a three-dimensional object](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iochowx1), an image is digitized, and then “printed” or manufactured in plastic. Featured on "Jay Leno’s Garage," this system was used mainly to create [plastic prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/color-3d-printers) of car parts, which in turn can be given to mechanics to restore vintage automobiles. Perhaps this technique will be the norm for all manufacturing industries. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3D Scanning:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation by enabling precise digital replication of physical objects. - **Plastic Prototyping:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation by quickly creating physical prototypes from digital designs. - **Digital Manufacturing:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation by enabling efficient production of customized items through digital fabrication. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in automaking by using 3D scanning and plastic prototyping to streamline car part production and restoration. - **Consumer Products:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in consumer goods industry by leveraging 3D scanning and digital manufacturing for faster prototyping and production. - **Manufacturing:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation across various manufacturing sectors by adopting 3D scanning and digital manufacturing technologies for improved efficiency and customization. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Revolutionary 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revolutionary-3d-scanner.md) - [Affordable 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-3d-scanners.md) - [3D-Scanning Block Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascand-for-lego-3d-scanner.md) - [Display-Equipped 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revopoint-miraco.md) - [Hyper-Precise 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revopoint-range.md) - [Pocket-Sized 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspire-3d-scanner.md) - [Industrial-Grade Blue Light Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revopoint-mini.md) - [Boundless Handheld 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revopoint-range-2.md) - [Hybrid Light 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shining-3d.md)