Portable 3D Scanner for Large Volume Inspection

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (North Kingstown, RI) offers their new Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8, a portable laser scanner for large volume inspection applications, such as automotive sheet metal, aerospace mold tools, large industrial castings and more. Design-focused on improved usability, the handheld 3D scanner allows shop floor operators, regardless of experience, to easily and quickly capture complex point-cloud data. The LAS-20-8 laser scanner works in tandem with the ultra-portable Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and offers enhanced performance for manual freeform surface inspections on intricate workpieces, even those with dark or shiny metallic materials. The scanner’s ease-of-use and ability to auto-adjust laser intensity for different surface types dramatically minimizes training requirements, enabling novice operators to scan worry-free with confidence.

The lightweight, ergonomic LAS-20-8 is optimized for portable metrology applications requiring effective measurement volumes up to 196.85 ft. With an IP50 rating and a convenient battery power option, the scanner can be utilized almost anywhere on the factory floor or in the field. The scanner synchronizes with the laser tracker, enabling fast transitions between scanning, probing and reflector measurements. Newly integrated haptic technology adds a new level of user feedback during operation, along with acoustic and visual guidance for the best possible results. Using the main trigger button of the scanner, the operator can select pre-set measurement profiles on-demand, such as an 8 in wide scan line for maximum coverage of large surfaces or a smaller scan line with up to 13 micron point spacing for small complex surface geometry.

“We wanted to create an affordable handheld laser scanner that delivers results every time without complex setups or training needs,” explains Joel Martin, the laser tracker product manager at Hexagon. “Alongside the Leica T-Scan 5, our high-speed laser scanner for feature-rich inspections or use with robotic and automated systems, this enables us to offer an easily scalable laser scanning solution for any large-volume measurement application.” The LAS-20-8 laser scanner integrates seamlessly with the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and Leica T-Probe, and uses the same software interface as the ROMER Absolute Arm product line so that experienced operators can immediately apply their existing knowledge to system checks, compensation and certifications.

Hexagon also offers their new TESA TWIN-T10, a portable display for inductive probes that is easy to operate and provides a clear and immediate graphical display of data. This display is particularly suitable for straightness, run-out, form or geometry evaluation during fine adjustments, alignments or the assembly of mechanical parts. Due to its special hemispherical form of the analog scale with 200 segments, the TESA TWIN-T10 allows for a clear analog and numeric reading of form variations. The new portable display also offers an exceptional operational time of more than 340 hours with standard AA batteries, so it can be used efficiently without the need to recharge frequently.

The TESA TWIN-T10 has been developed for the manufacturing shop floor. The instrument’s high-quality elastomer over-molding with a soft-touch finish makes it wear-resistant and comfortable to hold. The display features maximum IP63 protection against dust and other particles, and is also suited for data transfer of measured values to a computer for further analysis. “This display, which is typically used with a GT31 lever probe, is an innovation in its range. It offers unique advantages for shops with its clear readout preventing misinterpretations, its extraordinary battery life, and the memory functions MIN, MAX or MAX-MIN,” stated Blaise Vuille, the director of sales and marketing at TESA.

Established in 1941, TESA SA (Renens, Switzerland) manufactures and markets precision measuring instruments that stand for quality, reliability and longevity, with unique expertise in micromechanics and precision machining, as well as proven experience in dimensional metrology in the field of height gauges, calipers, micrometers, dial gauges, lever-type dial test indicators and inductive probes. TESA is a true benchmark for the inspection of incoming goods, as well as for production workshops and quality assurance laboratories.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, 250 Circuit Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852, 401-886-2000, www.hexagonmi.com, www.tesagroup.com.