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The EVO-lution of the HandySCAN 3D
For two decades, Measurement Solutions Ltd (MSL) has proudly partnered with Creaform to deliver world-leading portable 3D scanning and metrology solutions to manufacturers, engineers, and innovators across the UK.
This milestone allows us to reflect on just how far portable metrology has come, from the very first HandySCAN systems in 2005 to the launch of the latest HandySCAN 3D|EVO Series.
It’s a journey defined by continuous innovation, industry-first technology, and a relentless drive to make high-accuracy 3D measurement faster, smarter, and more accessible.
The Scanner That Changed Everything
When the original HandySCAN 3D launched in 2005, it marked the beginning of a new era in portable 3D measurement.
At a time when most inspection and scanning systems relied on fixed setups, external tracking devices, or controlled laboratory environments, the HandySCAN introduced something revolutionary: a truly portable, self-positioning handheld 3D scanner.
For manufacturers and engineering teams, this was a major shift.
Suddenly, accurate metrology-grade scanning could happen directly on the shop floor, around large parts, inside complex environments, and without the limitations of traditional systems.
The original HandySCAN established a new benchmark for portable metrology and helped redefine what manufacturers could expect from handheld 3D scanning technology.
From First Generation to Industry Benchmark
Over the past 20 years, Creaform has consistently pushed the boundaries of what handheld 3D scanning can achieve.
The evolution of the HandySCAN platform has seen major advancements in:
- Accuracy and repeatability
- Scanning speed and workflow efficiency
- Resolution and detail capture
- Ease of use and portability
- Software integration and inspection capability
- Reliability in real-world manufacturing environments
Alongside the HandySCAN, Creaform introduced technologies that helped shape the wider industry, including the MetraSCAN 3D, HandyPROBE, and Go!SCAN 3D, VXmodel, VXinspect, and automated inspection solutions.
What has remained consistent throughout is Creaform’s focus on metrology-grade performance in portable environments, something that continues to set the benchmark today.
The EVO-lution of Handheld 3D Scanning
Now, 20 years after the original handheld revolution began, Creaform has launched the next chapter: the HandySCAN 3D|EVO Series.
The EVO Series represents more than just another hardware update; it reflects how portable metrology has evolved to meet the increasing demands of modern manufacturing.
Building on the proven performance of previous HandySCAN generations, the EVO Series introduces:
- Integrated onboard visualisation
- Enhanced usability and workflow guidance
- Improved operator experience
- Greater efficiency for scanning and inspection tasks
- The same metrology-grade accuracy trusted worldwide
It’s an evolution shaped by two decades of real-world engineering challenges, customer feedback, and continuous innovation.
And for us at MSL, it represents another exciting milestone in a partnership that has helped manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, motorsport, energy, heavy industry, and advanced engineering transform the way they measure, inspect, and reverse engineer components.
A Partnership Built on Innovation
MSL has worked alongside Creaform for many years, supporting customers with:
- Portable 3D scanning solutions
- Reverse engineering workflows
- Quality inspection and metrology
- Large-scale measurement applications
- Training, support, and consultancy
Over that time, we’ve seen firsthand how Creaform technology has evolved from an emerging innovation into a globally recognised standard for portable metrology.
From the early days of the first HandySCAN systems to today’s EVO Series, one thing has remained constant: the shared commitment to helping manufacturers solve complex measurement challenges faster and more efficiently.
As the technology continues to evolve, we’re excited to continue that journey together.
Here’s to 20 years of partnership and innovation, and the next EVO-lution of portable 3D scanning.
