VIRTALIS has been named as the UK’s only distributor for the new FastSCAN Cobra, the non-contact digitiser, for fast scanning 3D objects from Polhemus.

Like its predecessor, the FastSCAN, the FastSCAN Cobra, instantly acquires 3D surfaces by gathering measurements made by sweeping a handheld laser scanning wand over an object.  The object’s image instantly appears on the computer monitor linked to the system and the finished scan is processed.  Any overlapping sweeps are combined during this processing, significantly reducing the time to develop surface models.  The system can be used with virtually any opaque object with low metal content and the 3D data can then be saved in industry standard formats for loading into other programs.

However, the FastSCAN Cobra is 50% smaller and 30% cheaper than its forerunner, making it more affordable and portable.  The supplied software makes the FastSCAN extremely easy to use - models can be viewed in real-time as a point cloud, a wireframe or as a smooth shaded image.  It is therefore the most advanced reverse engineering and rapid prototyping tool available. 

The scanner works by casting laser light over an object, while the camera on the wand views the laser to record a cross sectional profile of that object.  The embedded FASTRAK is used to determine the position and orientation of the wand, enabling the computer to reconstruct the full, 3D surface of the object.  Moveable objects may be scanned by attaching a second receiver to the object.

The FastSCAN Cobra has a myriad of uses, including design, archaeology, architecture, media, education and medical.