Industries

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are currently used and fully implemented in many industries and applications. The uses and benefits of the Handyscan 3D laser scanners are described in the following pages.

For detailed information and techniques on how to get the most out of the Handyscan 3D technology in your industry, please click on the hyperlinks below.

Automotive

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are already in use at leading car manufacturers. They streamline the design cycle by reducing the number of prototypes needed during the design stage. They offer an excellent ROI by dramatically reducing man-hours in prototyping and analysis and are used in many different stages of the design process and in a wide range of manufacturing operations It's no wonder that numerous well-renowned automobile manufacturers such as Renault and Daimler Chrysler use it.

To analyze and approve designs, most automobile manufacturers use processes and methods such as rapid prototyping. Thanks to the Handyscan 3D technology, the modified prototype can easily be scanned and reintegrated into the digital development line to be manipulated and enhanced using a variety of different computer-aided design (CAD) software suites.

Aerodynamics

With a Handyscan 3D laser scanner, prototypes are scanned directly in wind tunnel. The collected data can then quickly be used for finite element analysis (FEA) aerodynamics studies. Multiple simulations can be run over short periods, therefore reducing the development time cycles.

OEM auto parts

The Handyscan 3D scanners are ideal for building custom, after-market and OEM parts. The accuracy of the collected data allows OEM auto parts manufacturers to build replacement parts that are exact copies of the originals.

Clay models

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are extremely helpful and effective when used to create computer-assisted design (CAD) files from the clay model of a car. Standard procedures such as the following have been successfully implemented by our customers from the car industry:

1. A clay model is created by an artist or designer.
2. Data acquisition (scanning) of the clay model is done by the scanning technician using the Handyscan 3D scanner.
3. A CAD model is created by the design engineering team using the captured data.
4. Modifications can be done on the clay model and/or CAD model in a fast and effective manner.

Ergonomic analysis

Producing a comfortable car and bringing it to market is extremely important to remain competitive in the industry. The Handyscan 3D scanners are an easy and highly flexible way to perform ergonomic studies.

Parts inspection and quality control

During the manufacturing process, it is important to inspect parts, components, subassemblies, and assemblies as part of the quality control process. These parts can be scanned with the use of the Handyscan 3D scanners and the captured data then exported to a CAD application for verification and inspection, including tolerances displayed in color mapping reports, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), etc.

Automatic robot path certification

The Handyscan 3D scanners can improve integration of robots into assembly lines through posture studies, path analysis, and more. The success story Improving Robot Efficiency is a very good example of path improvement for robotized car painting.

Reverse engineering

The Handyscan 3D scanners can dramatically speed up the CAD file creation process from an existing part or product.

Aerospace

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are widely used in the design and manufacturing of aircraft, after-market applications, and OEM parts. The Handyscan 3D scanners are also a common tool in the design and development of flight simulators.

Aerodynamics

In aircraft design and construction, mock-ups or models are widely used in preliminary air flow analysis for components such as aircraft wings. Many iterations of the mock-up may be needed to attain the perfect aerodynamic design. It is very important to trace each of these modifications before the final transfer to the design team. These mock-ups can be scanned with the Handyscan 3D scanners, and the data can then be transferred to a computer-assisted design (CAD) application and scaled up to 1:1 for use in the production or manufacturing process.

Prototyping

When used to scan original models for analysis through a finite element analysis (FEA) software, the Handyscan 3D scanners can significantly streamline the aircraft manufacturing development cycle.

Reverse engineering

Some old aircraft still on the market were built without the use of CAD because this type of software was not yet available. To design new aircraft from existing models, design engineers can now use the Handyscan 3D handheld laser scanners to scan the old aircraft model and modify the resulting file to create a new high performance aircraft.

OEM and legacy parts

For maintenance and replacement purposes, a broken or damaged part can now be scanned with the Handyscan 3D scanners, imported into a CAD application, and used for design and manufacturing.

Biomechanics

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners offer great benefits for the biomechanics industry. They are widely used to reduce turnaround times by replacing or skipping steps in traditional methods for creating and fitting custom prosthetic and orthosis devices, and make the process practically seamless for the patients.

Prosthesis and orthosis manufacturing

The data needed to create custom orthotics devices is easy to compile with the Handyscan 3D. Laboratory or workshop technicians can scan the limb to be fitted and transfer the data into computer-assisted design (CAD) applications for design, measurement, rectification, retrofit, and production. Artificial extensions or body part replacements can be custom-made using digital files created by the Handyscan 3D scanners—without the need for traditional plaster casts. This new method is less dirty and more convenient for the patient and the technician and the reliability of the final result greatly improves the comfort of the orthosis/prosthesis manufactured.

Diagnosis

Data acquired using the Handyscan 3D scanners can be used to track the development of a patient with a spinal deviation or any other degenerative disease. The digital file of the full torso can be saved and used in medical follow-ups and comparisons.

Aesthetics

For people who have lost a body part (such as a hand or an ear), users can scan the other remaining body part with the Handyscan 3D scanners to create a “mirrored file” that can be used to form a realistic prosthesis that is an exact duplicate of the missing body part.

Consumer Products

Fast, innovative prototyping techniques are available to design, test, and improve new or existing consumer products.

Ergonomics

New products have to meet many criteria before they make it to the production line—not only do they have to look good, but they have to feel good and fit well. Design engineers create products or parts using computer-assisted design (CAD) applications. Once the product is digitally modelled, a prototype usually made. Once necessary modifications are made to the prototype, it can be scanned with the Handyscan 3D laser scanners. The resulting file is then imported into the CAD application, which produces a drawing or CAD model of the final prototype for manufacturing purposes (first article inspection).

Shape and function

The Handyscan 3D scanners are used throughout the design process to help accelerate shape and function tests. For instance, when industrial designers need to design a new component to fit an existing part (e.g., a new lid for a container), the Handyscan 3D scanners can be used to scan the container and reverse engineer the lid. The CAD file created by the scanners can then be imported into specialized software to design related components or perform finite element analysis (FEA).

3D rapid prototyping

The file generated by the Handyscan 3D line-up's VxScan™ software is a standard STL file that can be read and used by many CAD applications and rapid prototyping printers.

Design modification

During the development process, products may go through many iterations and modifications. Changes are often made directly to the physical object. The Handyscan 3D scanners can be used to collect and track the modifications made to the prototype. The data collected with the Handyscan 3D scanners can then be transferred into the design software for surface creation and prototyping.

Packaging

Due to confidentiality constraints, package designers do not normally have access to CAD files for the products to be packaged. Nowadays, designers can scan the product and have the resulting file imported into design software for fitting tests. This way, they can create packages tailored to fit the product perfectly.

Education

Teachers and professors at some of the world's top art and design schools have been quick to adopt the self-positioning Handyscan 3D scanners as the premier tools for teaching design, creative arts, and engineering.

Easy to learn (short learning curve)

Typically, teachers are overloaded with work and their students need to be educated and trained on many different subjects in their studies. The handheld Handyscan 3D laser scanners are recognized for their usefulness in design and engineering classrooms. Their ease of use translates into a very short learning curve, which means the bulk of class time can be spent covering important theory and fundamentals.

Art schools

The self-positioning Handyscan 3D laser scanners can also be used by art teachers. “With the Handyscan 3D scanners, we can scan a student's 3D work in the morning, and by the afternoon they're producing high-resolution renderings or printing new versions with a rapid-prototyping machine,” says Michael Berman, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Art Center College of Design. “The Handyscan 3D scanners close the loop between the physical and virtual worlds, bringing new ways to create and design. It allows our students to express their creativity rather than wrestle with technology.”

Engineering schools

Many engineering professors take advantage of the Handyscan 3D laser scanners. These state-of-the-art devices can easily be carried to any classroom or laboratory thanks to their great portability and rugged construction, which also makes them perfect for workshop use. The Handyscan 3D scanners are used in engineering schools to teach and train students about the design, analysis, and inspection work they will later encounter in their professional lives.

“At the University of Michigan 3D Lab, we provide research assistance to all departments on campus, so we look for the most flexible technology available. Forty minutes after unpacking our Handyscan 3D scanners, we were scanning dinosaur bones and brake calipers, one right after the other. Since we received the scanner, we've been able to scan a wide range of parts without a single hitch. The technology is easy to learn and use, robust, and consistent. We are very happy with the performance, service, integration, and great value Creaform delivers with the Handyscan 3D product” indicates Brett Lyons, Senior Research Technician at University of Michigan 3D Lab.

Special discounts for schools and educational institutions

Heritage Preservation and Architecture

New techniques have been developed to preserve historical artefacts and works of art by famous artists. The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are non-contact, non-invasive scanners that can be used to scan priceless, irreplaceable works of art.

Museum

Scanning valuable artefacts is a snap with the handheld Handyscan 3D laser scanners. The data collected is compiled in an electronic format (STL file) that can be kept at the museum or in national archives for security, restoration, and preservation purposes.

History

In order to protect and preserve our history, ancient artefacts can easily be scanned with the self-positioning Handyscan 3D laser scanner, given its non-intrusive technology. The information collected can be used in conference presentations as supporting evidence of the subject presented by specialists and historians.

Archaeology

The Handyscan 3D scanners weigh about 1 kg, so archaeologists can easily bring them to archaeological digs to scan artefacts or remains in the actual position in which they were found. This helps archaeologists reconstruct ancient animals for exhibits and museums.

Heritage and Ancient Monuments Preservation

As the years go by, ancient monuments can be damaged by time, acts of God, or human intervention. 3D representations of these monuments can be kept as electronic files after being scanned with the Handyscan 3D scanners. Because it is small and easy to carry, the Handyscan 3D handheld scanners can help specialists scan historical works of art where they are—even on site or in confined spaces in order to guarantee preservation or restoration following their original shape.

Art

With the Handyscan 3D scanners, users can effortlessly digitize gigantic sculptures or works of art to create downscale mock-ups for museums and exhibits. It can also be used to create highly accurate replicas of works of art. The models created can then be used as a negative for creating moulds to duplicate the piece. Such replicas are often sold in museums, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Multimedia

The Handyscan 3D laser scanners are widely used to help artists, video game designers and filmmakers create special effects and realistic scenes.

Video games

Creating realistic environments is a constant challenge for video game designers. The Handyscan 3D line-up is used to scan bricks, tiles, construction materials, fruits, tree leaves, and many other objects and textures that are difficult to design with most CAD or other 3D design applications. With the Handyscan 3D laser scanners, users can scan objects in great detail and capture textures with ease. The object's digital representation can then be mapped over a low resolution object to create high resolution effects. Video game designers can create more realistic environments with the Handyscan 3D scanners to give players unprecedented near real-life feeling and experiences.

Normal mapping

Video game designers create low resolution models and use high resolution images of carpet, bricks, clothing, or props to perform normal mapping and create realistic scenes. The Handyscan 3D scanners greatly simplify model and object digitization, providing unparalleled flexibility to the digital mock-up modification process.

Special effects in movies

With the Handyscan 3D scanners, users can scan actors' faces and bodies to create a high resolution model that can be imported into special effects software for post-editing. This facilitates the creation of special effects scenes where the actor's image is perfectly dimensioned and replicated.

Mock-ups

Designers can easily use the Handyscan 3D scanners to scan mock-ups and scale them up as needed to create movie sets. Users can also make set mock-ups and take screen shots of dangerous action scenes using dummies of the actors.