There was a time, not all that long ago, when 3D printing and scanning was considered something right out of a Science Fiction story. While the technology is still not something that is being used by the general public, the use of the tech is definitely growing. It was recently announced that automaker Hyundai is using two different Artec scanners in order to visualize and modify the seats that are used in their cars moving forward.

3D printing and scanning are being used by big business more readily as a way to get a feel for changes to their products before they get released on a wide scale. In particular, Hyundai is using the Artec L scanner as a way to create a 3D model of a car seat. The seat is scanned from different angles and then can be modified and manipulated to the company’s specifications.

Hyundai is then using the Arctec MHT scanner to capture the more minute details of the seat. The data captured from both scanners allows for a much more specific design that can be created and used for future endeavors.

This means that Hyundai no longer has to roll a new car seat off the assembly line in order to see what it is going to look like when put into one of their cars. This saves time and energy as well as money that the firm can use elsewhere. Both of these kinds of scanners are highly portable, which makes it that much easier to take the measurements that are needed and they can be used in a myriad of different locations.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that while 3D scanners are seemingly something out of a storyline created by Gene Roddenberry, there are already a number of companies working hard to further advance the technology so something like faxing 3D images and objects is possible.