3D Goes Long-Range With the First Scanning Laser Tracker

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2019-04-15 14:29:00

The ATS600 is the World’s First Metrology-Grade Scanning Laser Tracker and Delivers a New Level of 3D Scanning Functionality

Today sees the launch of a brand-new laser tracker line, the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600, from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division. This new product introduces a new concept in metrology-grade laser trackers, with targetless 3D scanning possible for the first time, directly from the laser tracker. The ATS600 can scan a surface with metrological accuracy from a distance of up to 60 metres with no need for targets, sprays, reflectors or probes. 

Following in the footsteps of the Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-XL that was released in 2017, the ATS600 delivers as much accuracy as is needed by targeted metrology applications, with its focus more on measurement usability and processing speed. Previously difficult to reach areas are simply measured without even the need for tracker repositioning, while surfaces that would previously have taken hours to manually scan can now be digitised in minutes.

“We’re always very focused on usability and productivity throughout our research and development process, and so large-scale scanning is a very interesting concept for us,” says Matthias Saure, Laser Tracker Product Manager at Hexagon. “Like the LAS-XL before it, the ATS600 introduces a fundamental change to the scale in which we think about non-contact scanning. We know that users are increasingly interested in digitising parts as a way to absolutely ensure production quality, and we think the ATS600 is a product that can really take digitisation into new places of industrial production and play a key role in expanding the role of quality assurance.”

The system works by identifying a scan area within its field of view and then creating a sequentially measured grid of data points that define that surface, with accuracy to within as little as 300 microns. Measurement point density is fully customisable, so that users can choose the ideal balance between detail and process speed for their specific application. The Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600 is unique in delivering this functionality at metrology-grade accuracy and alongside easy integration within established metrology workflows – the ATS600 is compatible with all major metrology software platforms as has been designed to sit comfortably within a wider metrology toolkit.

The ATS600 also delivers all the renowned features of Hexagon’s existing laser tracker products, from easy portability and usability to key functionalities such as PowerLock and the built-in MeteoStation.

The Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600 is now available to order from local Hexagon representatives around the world, with the first units shipping in March.

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