Hexagon Metrology announced the release of WLS qFLASH, a compact white light solution (WLS) that utilizes state-of-the-art blue light technology, for industrial measurement applications. The new Hexagon Metrology WLS qFLASH is a non-contact, stereo vision system used to quickly capture 3-D measurements on the shop floor. The portable solution creates reports and digitizes acquired data on the spot for analysis or direct CAD comparison. Handheld or used on a mobile pedestal, the overall optical head design is smaller, lighter, and easier-to-handle in limited or confined industrial spaces. The new WLS qFLASH is ideal for measuring aerospace components, automotive plastic parts or interiors, closures, aluminum and metal castings, as well as medium sheet metal parts, molds and dies.

The qFLASH stereo-vision technology enables fast image acquisition at an average of 10 milliseconds for constant measurement workflow. Shiny objects and surfaces can be measured without treatment. A random pattern is projected on a part, captured by the cameras, and analyzed at subpixel level, finding the differences in gray levels. Using the three cameras for triangulation, a 3D point cloud is reconstructed. Combined with 2D image analysis and propriety algorithms, the WLS qFLASH can extract closed features and edge points/lines without any post processing, such as STL generation, in a robust and repeatable process.