Handheld Laser Scanning

Discover the precision and versatility of handheld laser scanning for capturing intricate details of objects of any size. Perfect for on-site scanning, our advanced handheld scanners provide high-resolution, accurate 3D data, ensuring you get reliable results wherever you need them.

Efficient, High-Precision Handheld Laser Scanning

Our handheld laser scanners deliver high-accuracy results across a diverse range of parts, from delicate objects like historical coins to large-scale items such as full vehicles. Designed for versatility, these scanners excel in capturing complex geometries and intricate details, even in hard-to-reach areas. Whether you’re working with small, medium, or large components, our handheld solutions offer a fast and efficient way to scan objects without compromising on precision, making them the go-to choice for many industries.

Key Benefits.

On-Site Scanning Capability: Handheld laser scanners enable us to bring the service directly to your location, reducing downtime and eliminating the need to transport large or delicate objects to our facility.
Versatile Applications: We can handle a wide range of projects, from intricate small components to large-scale objects, ensuring that we meet diverse client needs across various industries.
Fast Turnaround: Our handheld scanners allow for rapid data acquisition, enabling us to deliver results quickly, which is critical for projects with tight timelines or urgent requirements.
Non-Destructive Testing: The non-contact nature of handheld scanning ensures your parts remain untouched and undamaged during the scanning process, preserving the integrity of delicate or historical items.
Flexibility for Complex Environments: Whether it’s a crowded factory floor or a confined space, our handheld scanning services adapt to challenging environments, ensuring we can scan in almost any setting.
Accurate Data for Detailed Analysis: Our handheld scanners capture high-quality, precise data suitable for detailed reverse engineering, quality control, and inspection purposes, tailored to your project needs.
Customizable Solutions: As a service provider, we offer tailored scanning solutions, ensuring the technology and approach fit your specific project requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all method.
Immediate Data Utilization: The real-time feedback from handheld scanners allows for instant validation of the scanning process, reducing the need for multiple scans and ensuring data accuracy from the outset.
Cost-Effective for Clients: By leveraging handheld scanners, we can offer cost-effective scanning solutions that save on logistics and setup expenses, making high-quality 3D scanning accessible to more clients.
Expertise in Post-Processing: Our team handles all the post-processing, including aligning, cleaning, and refining the scan data, providing ready-to-use models or reports for your next steps, be it design, analysis, or manufacturing.

Applications.

Reverse Engineering: Creating accurate 3D models of existing parts, enabling design replication, modification, or improvement.
Quality Control and Inspection: Verifying part dimensions against design specifications, ensuring compliance with manufacturing standards.
Prototyping: Quickly generating models for prototypes, allowing for iterative design processes and faster development cycles.
Heritage Preservation: Scanning historical artifacts or archaeological finds to create detailed digital archives for preservation and study.
Custom Manufacturing: Producing custom-fit parts or tools by capturing the exact geometry of the required spaces or components.
Automotive Design and Repair: Scanning vehicle parts for customization, restoration, or modification, particularly useful in motorsport and classic car restoration.
Aerospace Component Verification: Ensuring precision in the manufacture and maintenance of aerospace parts where accuracy is critical.
Medical Device Customization: Creating custom prosthetics, orthotics, or implants by scanning the human body or specific anatomical features.
Tool and Mold Making: Scanning tool cores, molds, and dies to verify dimensions and ensure the accuracy of the manufacturing process.
Consumer Product Development: Capturing the shape and features of products for redesign, packaging development, or marketing materials.
Film and Entertainment: Creating digital assets for visual effects, animations, or video game development by scanning props, sets, or actors.

Our Handheld Scanners

High Precision and Resolution

Achieves accuracy up to 20 microns, making it ideal for capturing intricate details, which reduces the need for rework and ensures high-quality outputs.

Fast and Efficient Data Capture

High-speed scanning reduces project turnaround time, leading to cost savings on labour and operational expenses.

Versatile and Non-Contact Scanning

Suitable for a wide range of applications without the risk of damaging objects, minimizing potential costs associated with physical contact.

Cost-Effective Solution

The combination of precision, speed, and versatility offers a cost-effective approach for detailed scanning needs, optimizing resource use and project budgets.

Handheld vs. CMM Laser Scanning: Which is right for your project?

Understanding the differences between handheld and CMM laser scanning can help you select the most suitable solution for your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of their key distinctions:

1. Flexibility vs. Precision

Handheld Scanning: Offers unmatched flexibility and mobility, making it ideal for scanning parts on-site, in hard-to-reach areas, or for objects that cannot be moved. While precise, it has slightly less accuracy compared to CMM scanning.
CMM Scanning: Provides the highest level of accuracy and repeatability, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring tight tolerances and detailed measurements.

2. Speed of Deployment

Handheld Scanning: Quick to set up and operate, handheld scanners are excellent for fast data collection across a variety of environments, from shop floors to outdoor settings.
CMM Scanning: Involves a more controlled setup in a metrology lab or dedicated environment, requiring additional time for calibration and alignment but delivering superior accuracy.

3. Object Size and Complexity

Handheld Scanning: Ideal for scanning a wide range of part sizes, from small components like historical coins to large objects like vehicles or industrial machinery, thanks to its mobility and adaptability.
CMM Scanning: Best suited for small to medium-sized parts, as it is constrained by the physical XYZ size limits of our machines. It excels at handling intricate geometries within its measurement range.

4. Environment

Handheld Scanning: Can operate in dynamic environments with varying lighting or temperature conditions, offering on-the-go scanning capabilities.
CMM Scanning: Performed in our controlled environment to ensure optimal accuracy and repeatability, especially for critical measurements.

FAQs

What is the accuracy of your laser scanning services?

Our CMM scanners provide exceptional accuracy, capturing details down to 1.8 microns. For more versatile applications, our handheld portable scanners offer a volumetric accuracy of up to 10 microns. This range of precision ensures we can meet the demands of various projects, from highly detailed inspections to flexible, on-the-go scanning.

How long does the scanning process take?

The duration of the scanning process depends on the size and complexity of the object. Small, simple objects can be scanned in a few minutes, while larger or more intricate items may take several hours. A key advantage of laser scanning is that it is non-contact, eliminating the need for expensive jigs and fixtures typically required in traditional touch probing operations. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces setup costs.

Can laser scanning be done on-site?

Yes, we offer on-site laser scanning services, which is especially beneficial for large or immovable objects. Our portable laser scanners are highly versatile, allowing us to capture precise data directly at your location. However, it’s important to note that our portable scanners are not IP rated, so scanning should take place indoors or in controlled environments to ensure optimal performance.

What industries benefit most from laser scanning?

Laser scanning benefits a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, architecture, and healthcare. It is invaluable for applications such as quality control, reverse engineering, historical preservation, and custom manufacturing.

What file formats do you provide after scanning?

The file formats we provide depend on your project’s specific needs. For mesh data, we can deliver formats like STL, OBJ, or PLY. If CAD formats are required, we can offer native formats such as Geomagic Design X or SolidWorks, as well as other CAD formats like .STP, .IGES, or .XT. Before starting, we will discuss your project in detail to ensure we fully understand your requirements and provide expert guidance on the best solution. Please note that CAD files may require additional processing, such as reverse engineering or NURBS conversion, which may incur extra costs.

Is laser scanning safe for delicate or valuable objects?

Yes, laser scanning is completely safe for delicate and valuable objects. Our non-contact, non-destructive scanning methods ensure that the objects remain unharmed throughout the process. We have successfully scanned a variety of valuable items, including the Claret Jug from The Open Championship, demonstrating our ability to handle precious and historically significant objects with care and precision.

How do you ensure data security and confidentiality?

We prioritize data security and confidentiality in all our operations. All client data is stored securely and handled with strict access controls. We also offer non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to provide additional peace of mind.

Can you assist with CAD modelling after scanning?

Yes, we offer comprehensive reverse engineering services to convert scanned data into accurate CAD models. Based on the completed scan, we can produce a precise CAD model or make any necessary modifications to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a direct representation of the scanned object or alterations for design purposes, our team is equipped to provide the ideal solution.

What is the difference between handheld and CMM laser scanners?

Handheld laser scanners are portable and versatile, ideal for scanning objects in various locations and orientations. They provide flexibility for capturing complex shapes and hard-to-reach areas. CMM laser scanners, on the other hand, are mounted on coordinate measuring machines and offer high precision and stability, making them perfect for repeatable inspection work. Once a program is written for a specific part, it can be used to scan multiple parts with the same exact specifications, ensuring consistent and accurate results with every inspection.

Do you offer post-scan analysis or reporting?

Yes, we provide detailed post-scan analysis and reporting services, including dimensional inspections, GD&T analysis, and full ISIRs. Our reports offer comprehensive insights into the scanned data, helping you make informed decisions for your project.

Let's start your project today.

Our team is ready to listen to your requirements, ask the right questions, and provide solutions that fit both your expectations and budget. Let’s bring your project to life quickly and efficiently.