Hexagon Shows Off New Metrology Grade 3D Scanning Laser Tracker at RAPID + TCT 2019

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division will demonstrate the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600 in North America at RAPID + TCT 2019, from May 21-23, at Cobo Hall, Detroit, MI.

The ATS600 is a new-to-market concept in metrology-grade laser trackers that can 3D scan a surface with metrological accuracy from a distance of up to 131.23 ft. without the need for targets, sprays, reflectors or probes, according to the company. Designed for large-scale projects, Hexagon specialists will show how difficult-to-reach surface features can be captured quickly and easily without the need for tracker repositioning. It can be seen in Hexagon's Booth #1265. 

Hexagon also participated in the SME “3D in the D” Scanning event in Detroit, a project that engaged technology leaders to scan objects of interest in Detroit from landmark sculptures to historic buildings. One of Hexagon's projects was to scan a large tiger sculpture at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. The nine tiger sculptures guarding the stadium have an average height of 12 ft. at the shoulder, with the largest at 15 ft.

“Hexagon’s involvement in SME’s ‘3D in the D’ scanning project showcases the cutting-edge ways they’re shaping smart changes in the manufacturing industry,” said Maria Conrado, senior event manger, RAPID + TCT Series, SME. “We’re proud to work with Hexagon in advancing and increasing the adoption of additive technology.”

Hexagon thought leader Joel Martin, product manager of the Laser Tracker product line, will present "Laser Scanning from Macro to Micro: What to Use, Where and Why" on May 22, at 2 p.m. in the AM Technical Insights Forum track. He will detail the diverse landscape of scanning challenges to ultimately produce a 3D point cloud of the tiger sculpture. In Martin's presentation, he will share his experiences covering a range of technologies used to scan items of varying size and detail from a modern-day production vehicle to the Michigan Central Station, a former, historic intercity passenger rail depot in Detroit. He will highlight why each scan was performed with the corresponding technology, and expand into other potential solutions that could have been utilized for the tasks at hand. This presentation is designed to shed light on why all these different scanning solutions exist, the when and why they should used, and the end result of each scanning technology.

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