Hexagon launches the first handheld 3D scanning devices

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has introduced new handheld 3D scanning technology – ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN – to complement its wide range of production control devices. The company’s first handheld 3D scanning devices enable engineers and production staff to easily scan in a variety of environments inside and outside factory walls.

Both handheld devices are ideal for measuring parts in a wide range of inspection environments where metrology has not traditionally been used, including automotive, railway, industrial equipment and general manufacturing applications, as well as cultural heritage and non-manufacturing renovation projects. Both of these highly portable 3D scanners are ideal for manual and automated quality control applications, as well as a wide range of reverse engineering needs.

“Today, manufacturing and engineering teams recognize the value of up-to-date 3D scans at every stage of the product lifecycle. This means that almost anyone can be required to perform metrology-level part scanning, regardless of where they are,” said Pirmin Bitzi, general manager of portable measurement devices at Hexagon. “Our first handheld 3D scanners enable customers to digitize parts without worrying about mounting or environmental conditions, and the state-of-the-art, integrated MARVELSCAN photogrammetry system aligns for reference without the need to apply stickers. Wireless and ergonomic, these scanners ensure smooth and instantaneous scanning from the factory floor to the shipyard.

ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN users can adjust their workflow on the fly using ergonomic thumb controls that streamline 3D scanning processes in confined spaces, harsh or outdoor environments. By eliminating the need to access the control computer during measurement, this multi-mode scanning enables efficient measurement of various types of features and surfaces. For example, users can scan open surfaces in standard mode and then quickly switch to fine mode using on-device controls to achieve higher resolution for complex objects. Data collected in these different modes is automatically combined into a single, actionable point cloud.

The devices also eliminate the need to clamp parts before measurement, which contributes to significant time savings and allows for greater measurement flexibility. Scanners and parts can be moved freely during measurement, reducing the time needed to capture complete part data without negatively impacting inspection results. To further increase productivity, the typical and time-consuming task of measuring multiple holes and slots has been simplified with a hole-flash capture mode that allows data from multiple holes and slots to be instantly captured in the same shot.

MARVELSCAN’s unique built-in photogrammetry provides targetless scanning functionality. This is ideal for scanning large and repeatable parts without the time-consuming task of placing targets on the part itself. This photogrammetry feature also increases the accuracy of scanning large, delicate parts.

Designed for comfortable, routine use, the user has complete freedom of movement when scanning hard-to-reach places because no cables or reference equipment are required. The new handheld technology enables completely wireless measurements on battery power – a first for the metrology-class handheld scanner market – putting the measurement system fully in the user’s hands, without the need to tether it to a PC or power source. Combined with the long measurement distance, this makes these devices ideal for integration into automated inspection processes mounted on industrial robots or cobots.