Hexagon launches ‘industry-first’ zoom-enabled optical 3D scanner

Hexagon launches its new high-productivity structured light scanner, the SmartScan VR800. The digital reality solutions provider achieves an ‘industry-first’ with its latest system, as it is the first optical 3D scanner on the market that also features a motorised zoom lens. According to the developers, the addition will help users adjust data resolution and measurement volume through the software settings.

The SmartScan VR800 claims to improve the productivity of quality inspection, while also enhancing workflows and making post-scanning alignment processes more efficient. The latter is possible through the ability to combine scans of various resolutions within a singular project.

Typically, conventional light scanners have a fixed optical configuration. However, the SmartScan VR800 is much more flexible with its dual stereo cameras and optical zoom-enabled projection, which will allow users to define which form they collect their data. With three new software functions: Smart Resolution, Smart Zoom, and Smart Snap, users are also able to customise their inspection resolution and measurement volume, without having to make any mechanical alterations.

The SmartScan VR800 makes the scanning process simpler by:

1. Making it possible to easily adjust scan detail and size using the software without manual changes.
2. The user can now mix detailed and broad scans into one model to speed up results.
3. By eliminating excess data, process scans are quicker and focus on the essential information.

“The need to change optics for different use cases has always been a key challenge when implementing structured light scanning inspection solutions,” said Pirmin Bitzi, General Manager for Portable Metrology Devices at Hexagon. 

“Finding a solution to that industry-wide problem was a key motivator for us – we wanted a way to meet the demands of the many applications where it’s not efficient to scan everything at high resolutions, and neither acceptable to scan everything at lower resolutions. That’s what we’ve strived to achieve with the VR800.”

While SmartScan VR800 can be used in various measurement applications, it is most useful when used with parts produced through additive manufacturing (AM), tool and die, casting and moulding. Using the VR800, users can perform measurements in a singular continuous workflow, with a single structured light scanner.

Key features of the SmartScan VR800:

• Uses four 20 MP cameras in a dual stereo setup.
• Each camera pair can measure three different volumes, with varying resolutions within each volume.
• Faster pre-processing of scan data with an integrated controller unit. This allows the metrology software to be cleaner and easier to use.
• Custom-built carbon fibre frame ensuring thermal stability.
• Can be paired with a turntable or turn-tilt unit and is compatible with integration within robot/cobot fully automated inspection systems.

The new system comes with a Smart Snap feature to significantly improve workflow efficiency. When the user is utilising this mode, it uses the larger base camera to capture an LED flash-supported alignment image. Meanwhile, the smaller base camera is performing a full high-resolution 3D scan at the same time. Both images are then combined, knitting the scan data together, and speeding up the post-scan process.