Dual mode hand-held metrology scanner

API introduces the next generation of iScan3D^TM Laser Scanner featuring improved optics and blue crossed laser lines for fast and accurate metrology grade point cloud generation.

Rockville, Maryland – API, inventor of the Laser Tracker, launched a thoroughly reengineered version of iScan3D™ hand-held metrology grade 3D scanner. iScan3D is the third-generation version of API’s metrology-grade scanner. It’s designed for portable shop-floor dimensional inspection and scanning markets to provide both accurate measurements and point-cloud generation from a single-handed ergonomic sensor.

iScan3D, with integral process controller, connects with API’s Radian Six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) Laser Tracker to accurately monitor scanner position and deliver high accuracy measuring and scanning. iScan3D completely negates user inconveniences associated with Articulating Arm scanners: operator fatigue, arm gymnastics, part access issues, and limited measuring ranges. iScan3D combines tactile and scanning measurements, giving users the freedom to measure wherever and whenever, regardless of part size and feature locations, in a single setup.

“We have seen an explosion in the uptake of laser scanning within manufacturing over the past few years,” states Joe Bioty, API President. “With the launch of iScan3D, API reconfirms its focus in this growing market providing the next generation measuring solution, integrating both tactile and laser scanning into a single, seamless, high accuracy solution.”

With iScan3D, the articulating arm problem of operator-to-operator variability in part inspection data is avoided. Manufacturing applications targeted by iScan3D system include shop-floor production measurement, prototype part inspection and validation, high accuracy reverse engineering, large body assemblies, flush and gap, mold and die cavities, surface contours, fixture inspections, and alignment.

iScan3D features:

• Blue crossed laser lines to allow scanning in any direction with ease and flexibility

• Fast measurements with metrology accuracy – 200,000 points per second with 70µ point spacing and 50µ accuracy

• Integrated tactile probing for CMM-style measurement of internal and external features

• Software flexibility – iScan3D can be used with all of the common point cloud metrology software