Hand-Held Scanner Has Swappable Lens

Developer Thor3D says that, depending upon the optional lens set deployed, the multipurpose, white-light Drake 3D scanner can scan objects of any size. Image courtesy of Thor3D.

Thor3D has unveiled Drake, its new wireless, hand-held 3D scanner. Drake, the company says, provides users a multipurpose tool that can be user-configured with different lenses, enabling scanning objects of any size.

A white-light scanner, Drake is offered with a choice of three sets of lenses, each providing a different field of view (FOV). These lenses never have to be calibrated and can be switched out similar to how one might change the lenses on a photo camera, according to the company.

Thor3D designates the Drake's lens sets as Maxi, Midi and Mini, with each lens set intended to be for applications requiring scanning of different sized objects. Using an automobile as an example object, the company explains the Maxi lens set's FOV is intended for scanning large objects such as the car itself, whereas the Midi is suitable for scanning medium-sized objects like the car's dashboard. Mini, the third lens set, is for handling small objects such as the gear-shift handle.

The Drake hand-held, wireless 3D scanner is made up of a main body (left) and interchangeable lens sets (right). Image courtesy of Thor3D.

The Drake scanner's main unit has a built-in computer, a 7-inch touch screen and the system's battery pack. The company says that the Drake is equipped with two projectors backed with proprietary algorithms. This technological arrangement enables Drake to capture aspects of objects that can be difficult for many hand-held scanners to capture well, such as sharp edges and thin plastic walls.

The device captures and compiles 3D data in real time then transfers it to the user's workstation over Wi-Fi or stores it on a USB flash drive. Depending on the lens set used, Drake's maximum accuracy ranges between 40 and 200 microns. The maximum resolution ranges between 0.15 and 1.00mm.

A rear view of the Drake hand-held scanner. Note its 7-inch touch screen on the right. Image courtesy of Thor3D.

Drake comes with desktop editing software as well as an embedded scanning program called the Thor3D Suite. Lens sets are sold separately. The first scanners will ship in November 2016, according to the company. For details, contact Thor3D.

Read details on how the Drake went from prototype to product.

Click here to learn more about the Thor3D's software.

See why DE's Editors selected Thor3D's Drake 3D scanner as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.