Short answer: A 3D scan turns a person, hand or object into a digital file. Before you share one, agree in writing on who gives consent, who owns the file, how long it is kept and how it is deleted. Take extra care with the likeness of a loved one who has passed and with any data about children.
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What is a 3D scan, and what data does it create?
Please read this first
Funeral Clear does not make or sell these items yet. We are collecting requests and will try to match families with independent makers. We cannot promise a reply time or that a maker will be available for your idea.
Photographs can work like scans. Software can build a 3D shape from many photos, so a set of pictures from every side may carry as much detail as a dedicated scanner. It is wise to treat both with the same care.
A 3D scan measures the shape of a person or object, using many photos or a depth sensor. The result is a digital file that can be turned into a model and printed, carved or cast.
A scan of a face, a hand or a body is personal data. It can be copied, stored and shared very easily. That is why it is worth a few careful questions before you hand one over.
Who should give consent for a scan or for photos?
If the person is alive, such as a family member recording a handprint during an illness, their own agreement comes first. If they cannot give it, a trusted person with legal authority may decide, but laws vary.
If the person has passed away, the family member or the person managing the estate usually decides. It is kind to include other close relatives, since a face or hand can mean a lot to more than one person.
Photos often include other people too. Before you share a group photo with a maker, think about who else appears in it.
Consent is not only a legal point. Some relatives may be uneasy about a face being scanned, or about a body being scanned at all. A conversation first can prevent hurt later.
Who owns the files?
The photos you took generally remain yours. The scan file and the 3D model built from them may belong to the maker, unless your agreement says otherwise. Copyright in the finished work may also stay with the maker.
- Ask who owns the raw scan, the cleaned model and the finished design.
- Ask whether you may get a copy of the model for your records.
- Ask whether the maker may reuse or sell the design to others. Say no unless you are comfortable.
- Put the answers in an email or contract.
How do I get files deleted?
Ask three things at the start: where are the files stored, how long are they kept, and how do I ask for deletion? A good maker will have a clear answer and will confirm deletion in writing when you ask.
Also ask whether files are kept in backups, shared with a printing partner, or stored in the cloud. Deletion should cover those copies as well. Keep your own copy of what you need, and ask for a short written confirmation when the rest is gone.
What about a deceased person's likeness?
A person's face and image can be used for advertising or products in ways they would never have chosen. Laws about this after death vary by place, so do not assume the law will protect you.
Some makers and software tools use images to train automated systems. That may not be what you expect, so ask directly and say no if you are unsure.
The best protection is a clear agreement. State that the likeness is for your private memorial only and may not be used in promotion, galleries, social media, or to train software. If the person had a known wish about their image, honor it.
What about children's data?
A child's handprint, footprint or face scan is sensitive. Some countries have special rules for how companies collect data from young children online. Ask any maker how they handle it.
- Share the least you need to share.
- Ask that no copy is kept once the piece is delivered.
- Do not allow images of a child to be posted for marketing.
- If the child is old enough, ask for their view.
What should I ask before I share photos or a scan?
- Where will my files be stored, and for how long?
- Who can see them, including partners or printers?
- Will they be used for anything other than my piece?
- Can I ask for deletion, and will you confirm it in writing?
- Who owns the scan, the model and the finished design?
If answers are vague, you can always choose a different maker or make something by hand.
You can also keep control by doing the scan yourself. A modern phone can capture a hand or an object, and you can send only the finished model. Or you can skip scanning entirely and send a few photos, which reveal much less.
Whatever you choose, keep a short record of what you agreed. A saved email is enough. It helps if you ever need to ask for deletion or correct a mistake.
Frequently asked questions
Can a maker keep my scan file?
Only if you agree. Ask for the policy in writing, and ask them to delete the file when the project ends.
Who can consent to a scan of a loved one who has passed?
Usually next of kin or the person handling the estate decides, but rules vary. Include others close to the person.
Can a scan be used in advertising?
Not without your clear permission. Say no in writing if you are not comfortable.
Is it safe to scan a child's hand?
It can be, if you control the file and the maker keeps no copy. Ask how children's data is handled.
Is 3D printing a memorial safe and private?
3D printed memorials, such as a small figure or a model of a hand or face, can be meaningful, but privacy deserves a few questions. A provider may use photos, scans, or measurements, and those files could be stored or shared. Ask before you send anything. Some products may also include a small amount of ashes mixed into material. Funeral Clear does not produce 3D printed memorials, and this is information only. What to ask: ask what data the provider collects, how long it is kept, whether it is deleted on request, and whether it is used for any other purpose.
Does Funeral Clear sell memorial products?
No, Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time. Our memorial pages provide information about the types of keepsakes that exist and the questions to ask, and we may help you find a provider. We are not a funeral home or a memorial maker. What to do: use our pages to learn what options exist, compare makers on price and how they handle ashes, and read each company's policies before you buy. If we add products or partners later, we will describe how we are paid on the relevant page.
What are low-cost ways to create a lasting memorial?
Meaningful memorials do not have to be expensive, and many families choose simple and personal ideas. Examples include a memory book, a framed photo collage, a shadow box, a donation to a charity in the person's name, a tree or garden planting, or a dedicated family recipe night. An online memorial page can gather photos and stories from far-away friends. What to do: choose something that reflects your loved one's interests, invite family and friends to contribute a memory, and set a modest budget so the memorial feels like comfort rather than pressure.
How do I choose a trustworthy maker of memorial keepsakes?
A trustworthy maker will explain clearly how they handle ashes, what they charge, and what you will receive. Look for clear pricing, written policies for chain of custody, return of unused ashes, and a way to contact them by phone or email. Reviews can help, but check more than one source. Be cautious of any maker that pressures you or is unclear about shipping or insurance. What to ask: ask how the ashes are tracked, how long production takes, what the warranty is, and what happens if you are not satisfied. Funeral Clear does not make these items.
What keepsakes can be made from a loved one's ashes?
Several kinds of keepsakes can be made from a small portion of ashes, and many families choose them as a personal way to remember a loved one. Options include jewelry, glass art, keepsake urns, memorial stones, and pressed or sealed pieces. A small amount of ashes is usually enough. Funeral Clear does not manufacture or sell memorial products at this time, and this page is for information and referral only. What to ask: ask any artist or maker how much of the ashes they need, how the item is made, and how the ashes are handled and returned.
Can ashes be made into jewelry?
Yes, a small amount of cremated remains can be sealed in or incorporated into jewelry such as pendants, rings, or bracelets. Some designs hold ashes in a small chamber, while others blend them into glass or resin. Prices vary widely by material and craftsmanship. Funeral Clear does not make or sell jewelry, and we provide information only. What to ask: ask the maker how the ashes are handled, whether you can send a small amount or deliver them in person, what is returned to you, and what the return and repair policies are.
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