Feb 25, 2016 | By Benedict
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, parent company of Leica Geosystems, today announced the release of the new Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8, a portable 3D laser scanner designed for large volume inspection applications. The scanner will work in tandem with the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960.
The internationally recognized Leica brand is most commonly associated with its range of ultra-desirable, high-end cameras. Once part of the same company, Leica’s three main operational groups, Camera, Microsystems, and Geosystems, gradually parted ways throughout the 1990s. Now owned by Hexagon, Leica Geosystems is forming a reputation within the surveying and geographical measurement industry to match that of its photographic ex-brother, with its newly unveiled LAS-20-8 3D scanner showcasing some impressive features and specifications, as well as a bold new design.
Designed to be used in tandem with the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960, the new LAS-20-8 3D scanner has been optimized for portable metrology applications requiring effective measurement volumes up to 196.85 ft. The 3D scanner has a convenient battery power option and holds an IP50 Ingress Protection rating, meaning it is resistant to limited dust ingress but not protected from liquids. The scanner is therefore suitable for use anywhere on the factory floor or in the field.
An important addition to Leica’s new 3D scanner is its introduction of haptic technology, giving users added feedback during operation to complement existing acoustic and visual guidance. Users can select pre-set measurement profiles with a pull of the scanner’s trigger. Settings range from an 8" wide scan line for maximum coverage of large surfaces to a small scan line with up to 13 micron point spacing for small complex surface geometry. Additionally, the new scanner features an auto-adjustable laser intensity for different surface types.
The LAS-20-8 synchronizes automatically with existing Leica products such as the Absolute Tracker AT960 and T-Probe, and uses the same software interface as Hexagon’s ROMER Absolute Arm product line, making the 3D laser scanner highly compatible with existing systems.
“With the Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8, we wanted to create an affordable handheld laser scanner that delivers results every time without complex setups or training needs,” said Joel Martin, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Laser Tracker Product Manager. “Alongside the Leica T-Scan 5, our high-speed laser scanner for feature-rich inspections or use with robotic and automated systems, LAS-20-8 enables us to offer an easily scalable laser scanning solution for any large-volume measurement application.”
The LAS-20-8 is ideally suited to automotive sheet metal, aerospace mold tools, large industrial castings and more, and can be used on intricate workpieces, even those with dark or shiny metallic materials. According to Hexagon, its new product “minimizes training requirements, enabling novice operators to scan worry-free with confidence”. Although its price is not listed, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence states that it should be "an affordable handheld laser scanner." The Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8 is now available to order worldwide, with shipment commencing immediately.
Posted in 3D Scanning
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