Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has launched new handheld 3D scanning technology, expanding its portfolio of advanced manufacturing inspection devices. The company’s first handheld 3D scanners offer unparalleled flexibility for measuring in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. These devices enable engineers and manufacturing personnel to easily scan components wherever they are, providing unprecedented versatility.
The new handheld devices, ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN, are designed for use across a wide range of industries, including automotive, rail, industrial equipment, and general manufacturing. Additionally, they are suitable for heritage and restoration projects outside traditional manufacturing applications. Highly portable and adaptable, these scanners are ideal for both handheld and automated quality inspection tasks, as well as reverse engineering.
“Modern manufacturing and engineering teams increasingly recognize the importance of having accurate 3D scans throughout the product lifecycle. This requires metrology-grade scanning capabilities at any location,” explains Pirmin Bitzi, General Manager for Portable Measuring Devices at Hexagon. “Our handheld 3D scanners allow users to digitalize parts with ease, without worrying about environmental conditions or fixturing. The MARVELSCAN’s cutting-edge photogrammetry system eliminates the need for stickering by aligning with reference targets, ensuring a smooth and wireless scanning process from the factory floor to large outdoor sites.”
Efficiency and Flexibility in Any Environment
The ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN are designed to enhance productivity in any environment. Users can adapt workflows easily with ergonomic, thumb-operated controls, streamlining 3D scanning in confined spaces and rugged outdoor locations. These devices enable multi-mode scanning, allowing different surface types to be measured efficiently without accessing a control PC. For instance, users can scan open surfaces in Standard mode and switch to Fine mode for intricate details with a simple on-device control, automatically merging all collected data into a single, cohesive point cloud.
Additionally, the scanners eliminate the need for pre-fixturing parts, saving significant time and offering greater flexibility during the measurement process. Both the scanner and parts can be moved freely without impacting inspection accuracy, allowing for faster and more accurate data collection. A special hole-flash capture mode further boosts productivity by enabling the quick capture of multiple holes and slots simultaneously.
Photogrammetry Innovation for Large Parts
The MARVELSCAN offers enhanced productivity with its built-in photogrammetry system, enabling targetless scanning. This feature is particularly valuable for scanning large or repetitive parts without the need to place reference markers, making it easier and faster to capture high-quality data. The photogrammetry system also improves scanning accuracy, especially for large or delicate components.
The wireless design of both handheld scanners provides users with complete freedom of movement, allowing for seamless scanning in hard-to-reach areas without the need for cables or referencing hardware. With battery-powered autonomy, the devices represent a first in the handheld metrology-grade scanner market, allowing operators to scan freely without being tethered to a PC or power source. Their wide measurement standoff distance also makes these devices ideal for automated inspection processes, including use with industrial robots or cobots.
Empowering Manufacturers with Advanced 3D Scanning
Hexagon’s handheld 3D scanning technology empowers manufacturers to quickly respond to evolving demands, capture critical data efficiently, and maintain accuracy even in challenging environments. With the ATLASCAN Max and MARVELSCAN, manufacturers gain access to Hexagon’s trusted high-quality technology, backed by global support, while experiencing the benefits of portable, flexible, and powerful 3D scanning solutions.