The HandySCAN 3D by Creaform: Two Decades of 3D Scanning Leadership

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 the Future of Industrial Metrology since 2005

2005: The Handheld Revolution Begins

Creaform changed the industry by launching the HandySCAN 3D, a handheld laser scanner that didn’t require fixed setups or external tracking. It allowed accurate 3D scanning directly on the shop floor, even in unstable conditions, moving measurement beyond traditional stationary CMMs.

2010: Probing Without Constraints

Five years later, Creaform expanded its metrology portfolio with the HandyPROBE, a portable probing system that removed the limitations of traditional articulated arms. By using optical tracking and dynamic referencing, it enabled highly accurate measurements directly on the shop floor—even with vibrations or part movement.

2010: True Shop-Floor Accuracy

That same year, Creaform introduced the MetraSCAN 3D, an optical CMM scanner designed to accurately scan large and complex parts directly on the shop floor. Used with the HandyPROBE and powered by dynamic referencing, it delivered fast, precise, and flexible 3D scanning that was unaffected by part movement or environmental conditions.

2014: Making 3D Scanning Universally Accessible

In 2014, Creaform introduced the Go!SCAN 20 and Go!SCAN 50, making fast, easy-to-use white-light 3D scanning accessible to a wider audience, including non-experts. Ready to use in under two minutes, these scanners also featured the first hybrid positioning system—combining geometry, targets, and texture tracking—which enabled target-free scanning and made the process even simpler.

2014: Raising the Standard for Speed and 3D Scanning Experience

Later in 2014, Creaform launched the HandySCAN 700, a new generation of its flagship handheld 3D scanner that set new standards for accuracy, resolution, and speed. Up to five times faster than the previous model, it enabled rapid data capture and supported large-scale quality control deployments—delivering reliable, metrology-grade results in a portable and easy-to-use device.

2016: Scanning Shiny and Black Parts—Without Powder

Two years later, Creaform introduced the MetraSCAN 750, upgrading its optical CMM lineup with faster scanning and better performance on complex surfaces. It was the first system able to scan parts without surface preparation or powder. Building on the speed of the HandySCAN 700, it reduced inspection time while maintaining high accuracy—even on shiny or black parts.

2018: Inspection at the Speed of Automation

As automation gained momentum, Creaform responded in 2018 with the launch of CUBE-R, a turnkey, fully automated 3D scanning solution. Powered by the MetraSCAN 3D-R and integrated into an industrial measuring cell, it delivered fast, non-contact inspections with fully automated, repeatable measurements—no operator required.

2019: Certified Accuracy Anywhere

Creaform took another major step forward with the HandySCAN 3D|BLACK Series, a next-generation handheld 3D scanner certified to ISO 17025 and compliant with VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3. These certifications highlight Creaform’s strong commitment to metrology-grade quality, making the BLACK Series a trusted choice for high-end inspection.

The launch also brought major gains in accuracy and speed. For the first time, it achieved an accredited accuracy of 25 microns (MPE) and introduced blue laser technology, enabling faster data capture and setting a new standard for portable 3D scanning performance.

2019: Fast, Intuitive, Colorful 3D Scans

In 2019, Creaform launched the Go!SCAN SPARK, a fast and easy-to-use white-light 3D scanner. With smart surface tracking and real-time mesh generation, it let users quickly capture detailed, full-color 3D scans—even with minimal experience.

2020: High-End Metrology to the Shop Floor

In 2020, Creaform introduced the MetraSCAN 3D|BLACK, a high-performance portable CMM built for demanding shop floor quality control. ISO 17025–certified, it delivers metrology-grade accuracy even on complex or shiny surfaces, and remains reliable despite vibrations, part movement, or unstable environments.

2021: High-Definition Scanning for Sheet Metal Inspection

In 2021, Creaform launched the MetraSCAN-R BLACK+|Elite HD, a high-definition automated 3D scanner for sheet metal inspection. Built for robotic quality control cells, it offered better resolution and edge detail, making it easy to detect fine features and small deformations on stamped metal parts.

2023: High Accuracy on Large Parts

More recently, Creaform introduced the HandySCAN 3D|MAX Series, a portable metrology-grade 3D scanner for large parts. With a bigger scanning area and multiple modes that balance speed and detail, it’s perfect for industries where moving parts to a lab isn’t practical.

2025 and Beyond: A New and Smarter Era of 3D Portable Metrology

In 2025, Creaform entered a new era of portable 3D metrology with Creaform.OS and the Creaform Metrology Suite—an integrated system that connects scanners, software, and workflows for a smarter, easier user experience. Later this year, the HandySCAN 3D|PRO and EVO Series were launched, bringing major improvements in ergonomics and versatility for handheld 3D scanning.

Often Copied, Never Equaled

Since launching the HandySCAN 3D in 2005, Creaform has led the evolution of portable 3D metrology, setting new standards in accuracy, speed, and portability. Our innovations have often been copied, but never matched. We’ll continue shaping the future—raising the bar and showing the way forward in 3D scanning.