Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the release of the Leica Absolute Scanner LAS-20-8, a portable laser scanner for large volume inspection applications such as automotive sheet metal, aerospace mold tools, large industrial castings and more.

The handheld 3D scanner allows shop floor operators, regardless of experience, to easily and quickly capture complex point-cloud data. The scanner works with the portable Leica Absolute Tracker AT960, and handles manual freeform surface inspections on intricate work pieces, even those with dark or shiny metallic materials. The product’s ease-of-use and ability to auto-adjust laser intensity for different surface types minimizes training, enabling novice operators to scan worry-free with confidence.

The lightweight, ergonomic LAS-20-8 is for portable metrology applications requiring effective measurement volumes up to 196.85 ft. With an IP50 rating and a convenient battery power option, the scanner can be used almost anywhere on the factory floor or in the field. The scanner synchronizes with the laser tracker, enabling fast transitions between scanning, probing and reflector measurements.

Newly integrated haptic technology adds a level of user feedback during operation, along with acoustic and visual guidance for the best results. Using the main trigger button of the scanner, the operator can select pre-set measurement profiles on-demand, such as an 8 in. wide scan line for maximum coverage of large surfaces or a smaller scan line with up to 13 micron point spacing for small complex surface geometry.

“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. The LAS-20-8 works with robotic and automated systems.

It integrates seamlessly with the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960, Leica T-Probe. The laser scanner uses the same software interface as Hexagon’s ROMER Absolute Arm product line, enabling experienced operators to immediately apply their existing knowledge to system checks, compensation and certifications.