Mobile CNC Laser Scanner adapts to different part sizes/shapes.

Press Release Summary:




With scan on location functionality, MobileScan3D enables fully automatic reverse engineering and part inspection verification. Full CNC automatic scanning enhances accuracy of acquired dataset while providing automatically structured and ordered data. Used in complete or semi CNC mode, solution is comprised of 2-axis CNC swivel head and one of 3 interchangeable scanning sensor heads. Product offers full 3-axis CNC capability and uses red laser stripe to scan up to 100,000 points/sec.



Original Press Release:



Wenzel Scantec Introduces New Mobilescan3D Portable Laser Scanner to the North American Market



MobileScan3D is a mobile CNC laser scanning solution allowing fully automatic reverse engineering and part inspection verification. Its portability and rapid set-up provides a unique opportunity to scan on location without the tedious and time consuming effort required by other portable scanners.

Giles Gaskell, North American sales manager for 3D Imaging Products for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions says, "For anyone who is looking for portable 3D imaging technology for reverse engineering or inspection, the MobileScan3D system provides the quality and repeatability of a CMM-based laser scanner in a portable and highly flexible system, Fig. 1. MobileScan3D's configuration is not constrained by a CMM frame or portable CMM arm and has interchangeable laser sensors to adapt to different sizes and shapes of parts, from jewelry to full-sized automobiles. Because MobileScan3D offers full CNC automatic scanning, the accuracy of the acquired dataset is significantly enhanced over the same data acquired by other portable systems and provides automatically structured and ordered data, minimizing subsequent data 'clean-up' and processing time. In addition, MobileScan3D can also be used for the verification of production parts against nominal geometry data and can either be used in complete CNC mode or in semi CNC mode where the motors can be disengaged and the laser manually guided to define the scan path before re-engagement for CNC scanning. This semi CNC mode allows for rapid set-up for inspection of one-off parts."

Giles Gaskell adds, "There are many portable scanning solutions available today, but almost all have human influences on the actual measurement results that can cause inconsistency in measurements. Our research with customers has indicated that most companies would like to have a portable measurement system that takes the human influences out of the equation. Hence, the development of MobileScan3D.

MobileScan3D comprises of a 2-axis CNC swivel head providing A and B rotational axes; the scanning sensor is mounted to the swivel head using a 'quick-change' adaptor, minimizing changeover times between the three available sensors. The MobileScan3D laser scanner system consists of a tripod with three interchangeable scanning heads; a 100mm - 290mm head with accuracy of ± 0.01mm; a 400mm - 570mm head with accuracy of ± 0.05mm; a 1000mm - 1800mm head with accuracy of ± 0.15mm and an average line length of 43, 185 and 270mm respectively.

This system has full 3-axis CNC capability and uses a red laser stripe to scan up to 100,000 points per second. Scanning accuracy down to 10 microns can be achieved with the system. The density of scanned lines can be controlled by programming the velocity of the A and B axes of the swivel head. Integral thermal sensors, with environmental control, insure scanned data set accuracy. The sensor body is manufactured from carbon fibre, eliminating and thermal growth due to heat generated from the laser source. The sensor outer-casing is independently mounted, allowing isolation from the sensor optics and electronics, eliminating the potential for calibration errors caused by rough system handling during transit.

Interchangeability takes only a few minutes, Fig. 2. The system is controlled by a PC and a small portable controller. It has the ability to non-contact scan with full CNC control using a very simple operator user interface. The scanned ordered dataset is streamed real-time into the accompanying data evaluation software. A full 3D CAD model can be generated for output in STL, IGES, STEP or ASCII file formats. MobileScan3D can be supplied with the Wenzel Pointmaster V5 software or any of the major reverse engineering and verification software packages.

An optional CNC rotary table is also available. This table has a 75 Kg payload and allows for automatically performing the full 360 degree scanning of parts. The rotary table is housed in a rugged carrying case with a total carry weight of less that 10 Kg. Leveling feet are designed into the case. Full 3 axis simultaneous scanning motion of the system is available for the most complex geometry parts. The 32 bit CNC controller is also housed with a carrying case with total carry weight of less than 10 Kg. The scanning heads pack into three camera cases and can be set up anywhere in minutes."

In operation, the MobileSCan3D system can be set up ready-to-scan in less than 10 minutes. The complete MobileScan3D system is transported in 2 cases; 3 if the rotary table is included. All of the carrying cases snap together for easy transportation as a single unit which can be attached to a mobile trolley for added convenience. Interconnecting cables are all color coded and sensor set-up and initiation is very fast. MobileScan3D has the fastest set-up time of all portable technologies providing a true 'Scan-to-Go' solution. MobileScan3D can be used with a tripod for maximum portability or can be mounted to a support table.

MobileScan3D provides automatic and ordered dataset generation. The scanning volume is simply programmed by inputting 3 basic parameters; the A axis Start Point and End Point; The B axis Rotation Angle and Index Increment. With just a few mouse clicks the complete automatic scanning process is initiated. MobileScan3D removes the operator dependency demanded by all prior art systems, whether portable arm or photogrammetry based, and provides higher accuracy datasets in a fraction of the time.

MobileScan3d user benefits over other portable scanning systems can be summarized as:
  • Absolute measuring system (not targets required)
  • Fast
  • Accurate
  • Fully-automatic Data Acquisition
  • Truly portable and mobile
  • Rapid return on investment
  • Eliminated human influence on acquired data

    Wenzel Scantec is a division of Wenzel Group GmbH & Co. KG, one of the world's leading manufacturers of metrology solutions. The wide range of WENZEL products include solutions in the fields of coordinate measuring machines, gear metrology, computed tomography, high-speed measuring and digitizing systems and reverse engineering. The company serves customers and sub-contractors in a wide variety of industries including; automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering, and electrical motor manufacturing. The company has subsidiaries worldwide and sales and service partners in more than 50 countries. The WENZEL Group employs approximately 600 people globally.

    Send all Inquiries To:
    Giles Gaskell, Wenzel/Xspect Solutions, Inc.
    47000Liberty Drive
    Wixom, Michigan 48393
    Tel: (248) 295-4300
    Fax: 248-295-4301
    ggaskell@wenzelamerica.com
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