Creaform Articles

Written by Creaform Team Twenty years ago, Creaform redefined 3D scanning with the launch of the world’s first portable laser 3D scanner, creating the handheld, self-positioning scanner category. Introduced in 2005, the HandySCAN 3D didn’t just add new capabilities—it transformed 3D metrology. Since then, Creaform has remained at the forefront, continuously pushing boundaries, setting industry standards, and leading innovations that competitors strive to follow. Reinventing

Written by Drawbridge Team Reflective targets aren't just stickers, they're the key to HandySCAN's world-class accuracy and flexibility. Here's why they're the essentials in many scanning workflows. 1. They Provide Spatial Awareness Reflective targets allow the scanner to recognize its position in 3D space during the scanning process. They act like reference points, letting the system continuously calculate its movement and orientation with precision. 2. They Maintain Accurac

Written by Drawbridge Team In the maintenance service industry, unexpected part failures can lead to costly downtime especially when dealing with older equipment and missing part files. This was the case when a team needed to replace a worn turbine blade from a legacy hydropower system, with no CAD models or technical drawings available. The 3D scanning was conducted inside a hydropower station, where a centrifugal turbine uses water flow to generate electricity. Using the Ha

A 100-year-old industry leader finds a modern solution in 3D scanning. Written by Creaform Team In heavy equipment, "close enough" doesn’t cut it. When your machines work in extreme conditions, even the smallest quality slip can lead to downtime, repair bills, or a lost customer. Bradken knew the risks and took them seriously. With over a century of engineering under its belt, Bradken supplies wear solutions for the global mining market. Their equipment powers some of the tou

Turning Scans into CAD Models: The Key to Efficient Design Written by Creaform Team Turning scans into CAD models works best with the right tools. However, many software platforms force designers to switch between multiple programs. This can cause interruptions and mistakes. Additionally, some advanced scan-to-CAD tools are challenging to learn. This slows down adoption and complicates reverse engineering for typical users. What Happens When a Reverse Engineering Process Star

Written by Drawbridge Team We often mistake resolution for accuracy. But the question is, is there a correlation between the two, or none at all?  You’ve heard both terms. You’ve probably mixed them up. Let’s break down the real difference between resolution and accuracy. A common misconception High resolution ≠ high accuracy Many assume they’re the same, but they serve different purposes. Resolution and accuracy are not interchangeable; and one matters more when it comes to

Written by Creaform Team In the petrochemical industry, ensuring the structural integrity of equipment is vital for safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. However, traditional inspection methods such as visual checks, calipers, and gauges are often time-consuming, inaccurate, and highly dependent on the inspector’s experience. This case study highlights how a Spanish refinery overcame these challenges by adopting the HandySCAN SILVER™|Elite  and VXintegrit