Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is launching a new type of high-productivity structured light scanner. Built on a completely re-engineered platform, Hexagon says the SmartScan VR800 is the first optical 3D scanner on the market with a motorised zoom lens that enables users to adjust data resolution and measurement volume entirely through software settings. This capability improves the productivity of quality inspection, and further enhances workflows with more efficient post-scanning alignment processes.

Whereas conventional structured light scanners have a fixed optical configuration, the combination of dual stereo cameras and optical zoom-enabled projection makes the SmartScan VR800 more flexible, allowing users to define in exactly which form they collect their data.

Three new software functions – Smart Resolution, Smart Zoom and Smart Snap – allow the user to customise inspection resolution and measurement volume with no mechanical alterations to the system. This capability means that data-heavy high-resolution scans can focus on the feature-rich areas that matter most, while covering other areas more efficiently via larger and/or lower resolution scans.

The new system simplifies the scanning process from start to finish. Users can: easily adjust scan detail and size with software (no manual changes needed); mix detailed and broad scans into one model for faster results; and process scans quicker by cutting down on excess data, while keeping essential details.

Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable metrology devices at Hexagon, explains: “The need to change optics for different use cases has always been a key challenge when implementing structured light scanning inspection solutions. Finding a solution to that industry-wide problem was a key motivator. We wanted a way to meet the demands of applications where it’s not efficient to scan everything at high resolutions, nor acceptable to scan everything at lower resolutions.”

For further information www.hexagon.com/mi

NMi Group, a global specialist in mission-critical testing, inspection, certification and calibration (TICC) services, has acquired TrustCB in the cybersecurity domain. This strategic move solidifies NMi Group as a major provider of certification services for the evolving landscape of digitally integrated and smart devices.

Now part of NMi Group, TrustCB is the exclusive commercial certification body for the globally recognised Common Criteria (CC) cybersecurity standard, working with global clients and capable of certifying up to the highest levels (EAL7). This strategic alignment reinforces NMi Group’s commitment to a comprehensive approach, integrating legal metrology and CC standards to ensure the overall reliability and integrity of smart industrial devices.

A key emphasis of the acquisition is TrustCB’s expertise in translating CC standards via SESIP to the IoT domain. This strategic move further fortifies NMi Group’s dedication to ‘Measure Tomorrow’ by synergising measurement precision with robust cybersecurity standards.

Expressing enthusiasm about the strategic move, Yvo Jansen (pictured), NMi Group CEO, states: “Acquiring TrustCB fortifies our commitment to excellence in smart industrial devices. By integrating accuracy in measurements with robust cybersecurity standards, we ensure regulatory compliance and enhance the overall reliability of our solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Wouter Slegers, who will continue to as TrustCB’s CEO, adds: “Joining forces with NMi Group is a strategic move safeguarding the TrustCB CC and dedicated scheme certification business even further. In practical ways, nothing changes: TrustCB remains the trusted, responsive partner as a certification body. This synergy amplifies our commitment to precision and security in smart industrial devices, advancing the global standard for regulatory compliance and elevating the trustworthiness of our certified solutions.”

For further information www.nmi.nl

Featuring an integral accelerometer, the new Heidenhain ECI 123 Splus rotary encoder enables position measurement and vibration analysis in a single component. This added functionality simplifies condition monitoring and maintenance planning in high-wear automated systems.

Detecting vibration early on is vital for achieving smooth processes, optimal results and long service life in high-performance automation systems. The earlier the detection, the easier it is to prevent scrap, machine damage and system downtime. By integrating an accelerometer into a rotary encoder, Heidenhain is offering a new and convenient solution for detecting and analysing vibrations on rotating machine elements.

Users of the ECI 123 Splus benefit from combined motion control and condition monitoring on their rotating machine elements. Linking vibration data with position feedback makes it easier to determine the type and location of the vibration’s source. And for even more condition data, the ECI 123 Splus supports up to three connected external temperature sensors. The system reliably transmits all data for further processing via an EnDat 3 interface. This combination of functionality saves on additional vibration sensors while simplifying cabling and installation.

So how does it work? Well, the ECI 123 Splus measures machine vibration using a built-in three-axis accelerometer and a microcontroller for on-device analysis, including initial analysis for up to 64 orders. For Subsequent analysis, the encoder’s EnDat 3 interface transmits the purely serial data to the user’s downstream electronics. There, OEMs can segregate their analysis based on timing, type, trigger, speed range and measured axis, and monitor data over time for changes to the relevant orders.

For further information www.heidenhain.com

Nikon IMBU is releasing AI Reconstruction, a 3D computed tomography (CT) reconstruction software solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that eliminates the traditional trade-off between scan speed and image quality. By applying deep learning (DL) techniques to enhance image quality, Nikon’s breakthrough technology enables rapid results and superior analysis. Traditionally, CT users had to pick between fast, lower quality scans or slow, higher quality scans. Quick scans promote the possibility of missing important details, whereas slow scans lead to the scanning of fewer items.

AI Reconstruction lifts these limits through AI enhancement tailored to individual customer needs by Nikon’s applications engineering team. The DL modelling underpinning AI Reconstruction is trained to distinguish relevant information from the scan artefacts to filter noise and improve clarity.

“Nikon’s latest breakthrough in AI-enhanced 3D reconstruction represents a fundamental change for industrial CT,” says Chris Price, product manager with Nikon for X-ray and CT systems. “By lifting the speed-quality trade-off, AI Reconstruction provides both rapid results and superior image clarity, unlocking a new level of scan flexibility for users. This technology leap helps testing and quality teams enhance throughput and precision like never before. The dramatically sharper image quality reveals tiny product flaws that previously required painstaking scans, while faster scan speeds let users reliably analyse many more units per day.”

Examples of where this technology will demonstrate a profound impact include the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors, as well as the medical device industry. In these markets and others, meticulous quality control via precise metrology is essential for product safety.

AI Reconstruction complies with the European Union’s ‘Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence’.

For further information https://industry.nikon.com