Hexagon launches its first handheld 3D scanning devices

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has introduced new handheld 3D scanning technology that complements its wide range of production control devices with unprecedented flexible measurement capabilities.

As the company’s first handheld 3D scanning devices, they enable engineers and production staff to easily scan the information they need in a wide range of environments inside and outside factory walls.

The two new handheld devices, ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN, are ideal for measuring parts in a wide range of inspection environments where metrology has not traditionally been used. 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 throughout the product lifecycle. This means that almost anyone may need to scan a part at the metrology level, regardless of their location,” said Pirmin Bitzi, general manager of portable measurement equipment 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 purposes without the need for stickers. These wireless and ergonomic scanner solutions ensure smooth and immediate scanning from the production floor to the shipyard.

Productivity is key, regardless of the inspection environment. 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. Most importantly, data collected in these different modes is automatically combined into a single, actionable point cloud.

The new devices also eliminate the need to clamp parts before measurement, which saves significant time 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 raises the bar on 3D scanning productivity with unique built-in photogrammetry that provides targetless scanning functionality. This is ideal for scanning large and repeatable parts without the time-consuming placement of 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 needed. 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, ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN make these devices ideal for integration into automated inspection processes mounted on industrial robots or cobots.

Hexagon’s development of handheld scanning technology aims to help manufacturers respond quickly to changing requirements and capture key data faster, even in challenging environments. With ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN, manufacturers can experience the benefits of handheld 3D scanning with reliable, high-quality technology and global support.