Smart3D: Perceptron Releases Comprehensive, Portable 3D Laser Scanning System and Software

Reverse engineering is the complete inspection of a product as it is dissembled and examined part by part for learning purposes, reproduction, and more. The process can be used to enhance products and make new ones that are better and often more affordable, but there are tools that are required to streamline the process, and often for both reverse engineering and modeling, the 3D scanner is of utmost assistance.

Perceptron, headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in industrial 3D scanning, among many other products. With a focus on providing superior hardware and software that makes 3D scanning easy and efficient, they’ve just rolled out the Perceptron Smart3D Laser Scanning System, which will be the first in a series of products for their Perceptron revolutionary Helix Smart Scanning Sensor Technology incorporating MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System).

Smart3D is a comprehensive scanning product with an automatic rotary table allowing for complete scanning without targets or ‘best fit alignment,’ and a scanning volume of 200 x 225 x 225 mm. With intuitive software, SCANWORKS STUDIO, reverse engineers and designers have access to tools for refining their project and using the ‘auto rescan’ feature to scan parts over and over, with the option for generating .stl files and 3D printing.

One of the main industries for Perceptron’s client base is automotive, so it’s no surprise that the HELIX scanning sensor technology is used for scanning car bodies for both dimensional stability and gap and flush measurement. MEMS technology allows for a unique scanner in that it eliminates the necessity for manual scanning. It is able to be fully programmed for:

• Laser line quantity
• Density
• Scanning volume

The scanning motion is contained within the innovative sensor which also contains a laser light source offering a wide range in scanning of different colors and finishes. Accuracy and quality are improved overall.

Portability and live-streaming make the Smart3D technology an extremely productive tool as it can be taken from site to site easily, and is easily unpacked and put into operation within 15 minutes of arriving, for use with a tripod or mount. Scanned data is streamed live into the SCANWORKS software and .stl files can be created for 3D printing from that point.

“Perceptron has been a leader and innovator in the field of 3D laser scanning in the automotive sector for more than 30 years with global support for our metrology equipment which is used in the most demanding of industrial applications,” said Perceptron’s CEO, Jeff Armstrong. “The SMART3D  product launch extends our position out into the general scanning and reverse engineering sector with SMART3D being the first in a series of innovative, cost efficient products we will be launching with our renewed focus and commitment to gaining a leadership position in this fast growing market.”

Features such as a wide scanning range, capability in ambient light and varied temperatures, and allowing the elimination of human subjectivity in data processing give Smart3D an edge on the competition in portable 3D scanning.

Perceptron, as an expert specializing in the development of industrial metrology products, is also involved in producing 3D machine vision solutions, robot guidance, coordinate measuring machines, laser scanning, and advanced analysis software for the automotive and aerospace industries.

Do you think this 3D scanning software would be helpful in your line of work? How important would the new portability features be for you? Tell us your thoughts in the Smart3D Portable 3D Laser Scanning System forum over at 3DPB.com.