Handheld Scanners to Democratize 3D Scanning Environment

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division introduces handheld 3D scanning technology that complements its broad range of manufacturing inspection devices with flexible measurement capabilities. The company’s first handheld 3D scanning devices, Atlascan Max and Marvelscan, are meant to enable engineers and manufacturing personnel to easily scan what they need in a wide range of environments inside and outside factory walls.

3D scanning is a typical aspect of the mold design process. Being able to capture real-world data from a mold is useful for maintenance and repair, and even for redesign purposes. And a handheld scanner, unlike other 3D scanning solutions, enables an operator to take 3D scanning to the mold itself.

“While traditional 3D scanning has been limited to controlled environments, Atlascan Max and Marvelscan enable manufacturers to make high-precision measurement accessible across the entire product lifecycle,” says Joel Martin, director of product management for North America with Hexagon. “These handheld scanners empower engineers and quality control personnel to perform critical inspections anywhere, any time — from initial design concepts to final production run.”

Atlascan Max and Marvelscan users can adapt to workflows on the fly using ergonomic, thumb-operated controls that streamline 3D scanning processes in confined spaces and in rugged or outdoor environments. Eliminating the need to access a control PC during measurement, this multi-mode scanning enables different feature types and surface needs to be measured efficiently. For example, users can scan open surfaces with Standard mode, then quickly switch to Fine mode with the on-device controls for higher resolution on intricate features. The data collected under these different modes is automatically combined into a single, workable point cloud.

The devices also eliminate the need to fixture parts prior to measurement. The scanners and parts can be moved freely during measurement, reducing the time it takes to capture complete part data without negatively affecting inspection results. For further productivity gains, the common and time-consuming task of measuring multiple holes and slots is made simpler with a hole-flash capture mode that enables instant capture of this data in the same shot.

The Marvelscan specifically features built-in photogrammetry for targetless scanning functionality. This is ideal for scanning large parts and repetitive parts without the time-consuming task of placing targets on the part itself. Hexagon notes that the photogrammetry function also enhances scanning accuracy for large, delicate parts.

Notably, Hexagon’s Atlascan Max and Marvelscan are ideal for integration within automated inspection processes mounted on industrial robots or cobots.