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Handheld 3D Scanner Assists Law Enforcement & Engineering Industries

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The FARO Freestyle3D is equipped with a Microsoft Surface(TM) tablet and offers unprecedented real-time visualization by allowing the user to view point cloud data as it is captured. Image credit: FAROFARO Technologies, a source for 3D measurement, imaging, and realization technology, has announced the release of the new FARO Freestyle3D Handheld Laser Scanner, an intuitive device for use in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), Law Enforcement, and other industries.

The FARO Freestyle3D is equipped with a Microsoft Surface tablet and offers unprecedented real-time visualization by allowing the user to view point cloud data as it is captured.

The Freestyle3D scans to a distance of up to three meters and captures up to 88K points per second with accuracy better than 1.5mm. The patent-pending, self-compensating optical system also allows users to start scanning immediately with no warm up time required.

“The Freestyle3D is the latest addition to the FARO 3D laser scanning portfolio and represents another step on our journey to democratize 3D scanning,” stated Jay Freeland, FARO’s President and CEO.  “Following the successful adoption of our Focus scanners for long-range scanning, we’ve developed a scanner that provides customers with the same intuitive feel and ease-of-use in a handheld device.”

The portability of Freestyle3D enables users to maneuver and scan in tight and hard-to-reach areas such as car interiors, under tables and behind objects making it ideal for crime scene data collection or architectural preservation and restoration activities. 

Memory-scan technology enables Freestyle3D users to pause scanning at any time and then resume data collection where they left off without the use of artificial targets.

Mr. Freeland added, “FARO’s customers continue to stress the importance of work-flow simplicity, portability, and affordability as key drivers to their continued use and adoption of 3D laser scanning.  We have responded by developing an easy-to-use, industrial grade, handheld laser scanning device that weighs less than 2 lbs.”

The Freestyle3D can be employed as a standalone device to scan areas of interest, or used in concert with FARO’s Focus X 130 / X 330 scanners. 

Point cloud data from all of these devices can be seamlessly integrated and shared with all of FARO’s software visualization tools including FARO SCENE, WebShare Cloud, and FARO CAD Zone packages.

For more information about FARO’s 3D scanning solutions visit: www.faro.com