Z Corporation has just launched yet another portable, 3D laser scanner, providing high-resolution 3D data capture to a broad base of users at the economical price of €24,900.

Available now — through Z Corp’s worldwide reseller network — the ZScanner 600 is the latest addition to Z Corp’s fast-expanding and hugely popular range of handheld, self-positioning scanners, which steamline data capture for reverse engineering, product design, cultural preservation and other applications. This new entry combines these aforementioned advantages, with a resolution down to 0.1 mm and XY accuracy up to 80 microns, making it an ideally balanced solution for SMEs and value-conscious users.

In addition, the ZScanner 600 — like the other four models making up the line — fits in a carry-on suitcase and eliminates the need for fixed-position tripods, mechanical arms or external positioning devices, all of which make hard-to-reach surfaces, like auto interiors, almost impossible to scan.

ZScanners also capture data in one continuous scan rather than in numerous shots from fixed positions, even for large-scale objects, therefore eliminating hours of post-processing time to integrate static shots into a cohesive scan. ZScan Lite software, included with the scanner, automatically produces an .stl file for import into a 3D CAD software package or output to a 3D printer.

According to Z Corp, its handheld 3D scanners have been documented to be four times faster than tripod-mounted systems, which typically require more than 50 individual scans for something as simple as a bicycle helmet.

Scanning is made exceptionally easy by the Zscanner range, so users do not have to be experienced. To scan, the user simply picks up the ZScanner unit and ‘highlights’ the object with a projected laser crosshair. The surface is recorded by the ZScanner’s binocular cameras and then ZScan software generates a polygon mesh of the surface in real-time on the computer screen. Also, since it is self-orienting and part-referenced, the ZScanner 600 allows the user to move the target object during scanning.

Scott Harman, Z Corp’s Vice President of Business Development, explained why the company had decided to launch this particular model, “The ZScanner 600 is our response to a new market demand, which has come about due to the economic downturn. It is 25% cheaper than the next model up, but still offers the majority of key features, so it is mostly aimed at those small- to medium-sized companies that are perhaps looking to bring 3D scanning in-house, but cannot afford and do not need a more powerful, fully-featured model.

“Also, being so incredibly easy to use, it is ideal for those engineers and designers who are relatively new to and therefore inexperienced in 3D scanning.”

Joe Titlow, Z Corp’s Director of Product Management, summed up the company's ethos with his comments on the new ZScanner, “The ZScanner 600 is a tremendous addition to our scanning family and one that delivers incredible value. Our goal with our 3D scanners is the same as that of our 3D printers — to make high-end, fast and easy-to-use technology affordable for everyone who needs it.”