Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has just introduced the RS6 Laser Scanner that combines “always-on” maximum performance with simple usability to deliver improved productivity for non-contact measurement. The 3D laser scanner complements the new generation of Absolute Arm portable measuring arm systems that was launched in 2018.
The new scanner offers extremely high-density point-cloud data collection at high speeds and high accuracy. The RS6 delivers unmatched productivity improvements over competing scanning solutions through the introduction of SHINE – an advanced set of algorithms that allows RS6 to measure at the highest quality and accuracy setting with no reduction in laser scan line width or scanning frame rate.
Hexagon’s New RS6 Laser Scanner (Source: Hexagon)
The RS6 Laser Scanner boasts a scan line that is 150 millimeters wide at mid-range, representing a greater than 30 percent increase in surface area covered by each scan movement compared to the previous generation Absolute Arm laser scanner. The scanner also measures faster than its predecessor, with a threefold increase in frame rate to 300 Hertz, meaning scanning can be performed three times faster with no loss of point-cloud detail.
“Often, the problem with high performance laser scanners is that their advertised acquisition speeds seem incredible, yet when you measure with them in the real world, provisos and conditions mean that the performance isn’t actually that special,” says Anthony Vianna, Product Manager for Absolute Arm systems. “With the RS6, we’re providing a scanner that doesn’t leave the user disappointed in this way. Our new SHINE technology means that users can scan at full speed with the full laser width all of the time, on all parts.”
The new SHINE technology means that the RS6 is both better and easier to use than competing scanners. There’s no need to learn many complex combinations of settings depending on accuracy and surface-type requirements; with SHINE, the RS6 is permanently ready to scan any material at full accuracy with no reduction in frame rate, scan line width or data quality.
Just like the RS5 Laser Scanner, the RS6 can be completely removed from the arm to allow for easier handling when not in use. With its innovative repeatable mounting system, it can then be remounted just as quickly and with no need for recalibration when scanning functionality is again required. The RS6 also boasts a unique laser targeting grid designed to simplify measurement alignment. Combined with the numerous usability features built into the new generation of Absolute Arm models, the RS6 is laser-focused on making it easier to scan better.
Highlights of the new RS6 Laser Scanner include:
- Powered by SHINE
With Systematic High-Intelligence Noise Elimination (SHINE) technology, the RS6 Laser Scanner has no hidden settings that limit speed and scan-line width for delivering peak accuracy. - Setting Simplification
The advanced algorithms of SHINE technology allow you to digitize 99% of surface types with the default exposure settings, making high-quality measurement easier than ever. - Visual Guidance
A laser-projected range finder helps users measure more accurately and efficiently by helping ensure the scanner is positioned correctly relative to the part being measured. - Scan Line
With mid-range scan line width at an extra-wide 150 millimeters – up 30 percent on the previous generation Absolute Arm laser scanner – digitization of large parts and surfaces is fundamentally faster with the RS6. - Light Movement
Weighing in at just 400-grams, the RS6 is light and easy to move, minimizing the user fatigue that is one of the most common causes of inaccurate and unreliable measurement results. - Configurable Wrist
The RS6 is a key part of the user-configurable wrist of the Absolute Arm 7-Axis, acting as a separable scanning hardware module that is quickly and easily removed and remounted as required with no need for recalibration. - Setting Simplification
The advanced algorithms of our SHINE technology allow you to digitize 99 percent of surface types with the default exposure settings, making high-quality measurement easier than ever with no high-level training required. - User Feedback
Data feedback and settings adjustment at the point of measurement is built into the Absolute Arm 7-Axis through its OLED on-wrist display, and the RS6 is integrated within this concept perfectly with scanner profiles selectable without the need to put down the scanner. - Visual Guidance
A laser-projected range finder helps users measure more accurately and efficiently by helping ensure the scanner is positioned correctly relative to the part being measured. - ISO Certification
The full scanning system accuracy of the RS6 and Absolute Arm 7-Axis system is supplied certified according to ISO 10360-8 Annex D.
The New RS6 Laser Scanner – All the Performance, All of the Time
“This is an exciting launch because we’re taking the scanning performance of the Absolute Arm 7-Axis to another level without compromising usability,” says Stephan Amann, Business Director for the Absolute Arm range. “What we wanted is to provide a scanner that allows any user to walk up and measure, without worrying about settings. We want the data quality to be excellent, regardless of how experienced the user is.”
The RS6 Laser Scanner is available to order immediately from local Hexagon representatives around the world, with the first units shipping in August 2019. It is available for purchase as a complete system with a new Absolute Arm 7-Axis, and as a retro-fit for already purchased current generation Absolute Arm 7-Axis systems.