Two new products from Perceptron, Inc.

Perceptron, Inc., a world leading supplier of 3D laser scanning sensors for both portable and fixed co-ordinate measuring machines has announced the release of two exciting new products to compliment the existing well proven ScanWorks® V4i sensor solution.

The next generation of hand-held 3D laser scanners has arrived in the form of the ScanWorks® V5 sensor. This ingenious design gives unparalleled accuracy, speed and flexibility to users who tackle the most challenging reverse engineering and inspection tasks. An incredible scanning rate of up to 458,000 points per second allows users to measure areas much faster than with competitive scanners whilst maintaining a dense point resolution of approximately 14 microns (0.0005’’). Specifically designed for hand-held use, the V5 also projects the field of view of the sensor onto the target scanning area so the user can easily visualize the best scanning strategy. With the same traceable high accuracy as the V4i scanner of 24 microns (0.0009’’) at 2 sigma, users can be sure their projects are no longer hampered by any lack of confidence in 3D scanning technology. The V5 sensor is light and compact enough to facilitate measurement in even the hardest-to-reach areas whilst the amazing dynamic range enables the sensor to produce accurate measurements on highly reflective and dark surfaces in all lighting conditions without the need for prior surface treatment.

Perceptron recently identified a major market requirement for an entry level scanning solution based on the proven ScanWorks® V4i technology. With this in mind, the ScanWorks® V3 sensor has been released. Although aimed primarily at low volume and entry level users, the V3 is not short on features. With the ability to capture over 1.35 million points per minute and with an accuracy of 34 microns (0.0013’’) at 2 sigma, the sensor is suitable for most measurement tasks.

The existing ScanWorks® V4i sensor completes the line-up of Perceptron hand-held 3D scanning solutions. Falling between the V3 and V5 in performance, it is a mature product which has gained huge industry awareness. Similar in scanning speed to the V3, but with a larger field of view and the superior accuracy and dynamic range of the V5, the V4i continues to be the most well known and competitive laser-line scanner on the market.

Along with these hardware offerings, Perceptron has updated their scanning software to include a new MS Windows XP-style interface, intelligent sensor calibration, real-time point shading and improved automatic exposure control. Another major new feature is IDM (Intelligent Density Management), which constantly monitors the incoming data, and if the user wishes, dynamically limits scan data generation in low-interest areas to enable faster throughput. The new range of hand-held scanners is still able to collect real-time data within the 3rd party mass-point-cloud reverse engineering and inspection interface of the users’ choice, thus removing timely file transfer issues.

The new ScanWorks® sensor range now positions Perceptron at the forefront of 3D laser scanning technology and gives the user greater flexibility while maintaining accuracy and ease of use.

About Perceptron

Perceptron is a global public company with offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia and over 25 years of experience in 3D non-contact applications. Producing over 5000 sensors each year, Perceptron has a worldwide base of installations in major manufacturing companies. We are committed to consistently exceed customer’s expectations by providing continuous improvement in products, processes and services.

Formed in 1981 to help the automotive industry monitor and control the dimensional quality of automobile bodies and subassemblies, laser-based monitoring technologies have become the core competency of the company. Both in-line and end-of-line process measurement have grown into a group of flexible systems that provide monitoring and quality assurance throughout the entire manufacturing process. Perceptron’s products are proven and reliable for improving productivity and quality, and reducing scrap, rework, and costs.

Today’s computer power and innovation by software partners in CAD/CAM, inspection, solid modelling, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and more are taking us to new and exciting places. We are involved with government-sponsored programs, such as NIST, for advanced product and process development. We are an active member of the OSIS group working to create industrial standards for scanning systems. We continue to look for better ways to design, produce, and deliver superior products that help our customers be more competitive in an increasingly global competitive environment.