Hexagon’s structured light scanning is very technologically advanced. To support work that is complex and has large workpiece sizes. It also has more key advantages and answers to a variety of work needs. In this column, MEGA Tech would like to present the highest-quality structured light scanning, StereoScan neo, from Hexagon brand.
Structured light scanning technology
Key facts
• Structured light scanners collect high-density surface data at extremely fine accuracy levels, making them ideal for complete object digitisation as well as for high-accuracy feature inspection.
• Hexagon’s range of structured light scanners uses a fringe projection light pattern, in which a projector emits a sequence of fringe patterns onto the surface that is to be measured.
• Advancements in fringe projection technology mean that scanning of glossy and dark surfaces can typically be achieved with no need for pre-treatments such as spraying.
• High-quality hardware and adapted measuring strategies allow Hexagon structured light scanning systems to measure reliably in even challenging industrial environments.
• The 3D triangle mesh output of the scanner is instantly available as a dataset in various formats, compatible with any type of further processing program.
StereoScan neo
The benchmark in structured light scanning
As Hexagon’s flagship structured light scanner, the StereoScan neo combines superior resolution and accuracy with an arsenal of innovative features that fundamentally improve the scanning experience.
The StereoScan neo is an incredibly versatile optical 3D scanning system. Innovative Smart Data Capture technology allows the system to acquire data at extremely high speed without compromising data quality while also allowing for variable resolution as required by the application at hand.
Equipped with an advanced digital projector that utilises ground-breaking projection patterning and full-colour back projection, the StereoScan neo is one of the most advanced structured light scanners ever produced. With data acquisition powered by either 8- or 16-megapixel twin digital cameras, and measurement fields ranging from 75 to 1100 millimetres that can be quickly and easily changed by the user as necessary, the StereoScan neo is simply the most versatile and powerful structured light scanner on the market.
Smart Phase Projection
Hexagon’s Smart Phase Projection technology employs a cutting-edge type of fringe projection pattern designed to yield the highest quality data even when facing the most challenging measurement surfaces. This technology represents a pioneering departure from classical fringe projection techniques that means the StereoScan neo truly excels when faced with glossy and dark surfaces with no need for pre-treatment.
Variable Light Projection
The StereoScan neo’s innovative Variable Light Projection (VLP) technology is an adaptive full-colour projection technique that allows the scanner to go further than just projecting the patterns necessary for the scanning process. With VLP, the generated measurement results can be instantly projected back onto the measurement surface, allowing for the easy colour-coded visualisation of deviations from CAD right on the part being measured.
Key advantages
• Short scanning times through fast digital projection.
• Smart Phase Projection for scanning of glossy and dark surfaces without pretreatment.
• Smart Data Capture technology allows for fast acquisition and variable resolution.
• Color back-projection of measurement results.
• Quick and easy exchange of measurement fields.
• Maximum degree of feature accuracy through high-resolution camera sensors.
• High-stability scanning.
• Ready for automated robotic inspection thanks to rigid design and double carbon frame.
• Accessories such as turntable and turn-tilt units allow for semi-automated scanning.
• Handheld probe option.
• Combinable with photogrammetry systems.
Quality control
The 3D datasets created by a structured light scanning system are perfect for quality control processes in
manufacturing. From dimensional feature inspection to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, the highspeed, high-resolution data provided by a structured light scanner is ideal for inspecting and validating feature-rich small-to-medium sized components, and even large parts with photogrammetry add-ons installed.
Reverse engineering
The ability to measure an existing part to determine its characteristics and then create an accurate CAD model can be extremely useful in a variety of manufacturing contexts. This is particularly the case where there is a significant manual aspect to the product design process, such as is often seen in automotive design. Alternatively, it can be important during restoration work to be able to accurately produce digital maps of parts for which original design documentation no longer exists or was never created, such as arts and cultural heritage artefacts.
Article by: MEGA Tech & Hexagon Metrology (Thailand) Ltd.