Immico elevates quality and credibility with in-house 3D scanning

Case Study | Immico

Introduction

Founded in 2019, Immico Ltd is a specialist manufacturer of bespoke thermal management solutions for combustion engines. The company designs and produces heat shields, insulation systems, and related components for applications where controlling heat is critical, including exhaust systems, turbine housings, and hot-side engine components. 

Immico operates across a wide range of sectors, including motorsport, performance automotive, commercial and off-highway vehicles, and marine applications. Its primary objective is to reduce engine bay temperatures while retaining heat within the exhaust system, protecting surrounding components and improving overall system performance. 

As a growing business working with increasingly complex parts, particularly within top-tier motorsport, Immico places a strong emphasis on quality, accuracy, and credibility with customers. 

Objective

Immico’s investment in in-house 3D scanning was driven by a clear and immediate requirement: to improve quality control and measurement capability for high-complexity motorsport components, particularly those supplied into Formula One–level programmes. 

With parts becoming too complex to measure reliably using traditional tools such as verniers and manual gauges, Immico needed a way to: 

• Accurately inspect complex geometries
• Overlay scanned data against CAD models
• Produce deviation and tolerance maps
• Improve PPAP-level quality processes
• Identify issues before parts leave the facility, rather than reacting to customer feedback

Ultimately, the goal was to protect Immico’s reputation, reduce rework, and demonstrate a level of quality aligned with the expectations of top-tier customers.

The Challenge

Before investing in a 3D scanner, Immico faced several challenges: 

• Manual measurement limitations: Complex exhaust and engine components could not be reliably checked using traditional tools.
• Reactive quality control: Parts were often scanned by customers after delivery, with Immico receiving reports highlighting tolerance issues only once the component had already left the site.
• Production disruption: When issues were identified externally, parts had to be returned, production schedules disrupted, and work reprioritised.
• Reputational risk: Although issues were not intentional, the lack of in-house verification meant Immico could not guarantee conformance before shipping.

“We weren’t sending parts knowing they were out of tolerance; we were sending them because we physically couldn’t check them. We just didn’t know.” 

Managing Director, Stuart Thorp, Immico

The Solution

To address these challenges, Immico invested in a Creaform HandySCAN Black supplied by Measurement Solutions Ltd, with initial training completed in October 2025. 

The decision followed live demonstrations and direct comparison with an alternative scanning technology. Immico deliberately tested scanners using highly challenging parts, shiny, dimpled components known to be difficult to scan. 

The HandySCAN solution stood out due to: 

• Fast, reliable data capture
• Minimal difficulty scanning reflective, complex surfaces
• Rapid generation of inspection reports
• Consistent results when flipping and stitching parts
• Strong technical support and responsiveness during the evaluation phase

Crucially, Immico wanted a solution that matched the technology used by its customers, many of whom already rely on Creaform scanners. 

“If our customers are using Creaform systems themselves, we need to be confident that the data we’re producing aligns with theirs; consistency and credibility matter far more than cost.” 

Application Areas

Although the scanner was initially purchased for a specific Formula One-related requirement, it has quickly become embedded into wider business processes. 

Current application areas include: 

• Final inspection of fabricated components using CAD overlays and colour deviation maps
• Incoming quality checks on supplier parts before integration
• Verification of exhaust pipes and complex assemblies before production
• Reverse engineering and scanning for retrofit and modification projects
• Creation of a growing digital library of scanned parts for repeat work

The scanner is currently used for approximately 16 hours per week, with usage increasing as more team members are trained and standardised inspection reports are rolled out across production.

The HandySCAN Black

The HandySCAN 3D BLACK Series scanner has been optimised to meet the needs of design, manufacturing and metrology professionals looking for the most effective and reliable way to acquire accurate 3D measurements of physical objects anywhere. 

Benefits

Bringing 3D scanning in-house has delivered several key benefits for Immico: 

• Proactive quality control: Issues are identified and resolved before parts leave the facility.
• Improved credibility with customers: Immico can now provide clear, visual inspection data to support quality discussions.
• Reduced rework and disruption: Fewer parts are returned after external inspection, improving production efficiency.
• Expanded service offering: Existing customers now use Immico for additional scanning work, creating new revenue streams.
• Stronger supplier management: Incoming components can be verified objectively, with clear reports shared when required.

As Stuart notes: 

“There’s no better way to show if something’s right or wrong than scanning it.” 

Results

While still early in the implementation phase, Immico has already seen measurable and strategic impact: 

• Reduced reliance on external scanning services
• Faster decision-making based on factual measurement data
• Increased customer confidence in Immico’s quality processes
• New business opportunities arising from their in-house scanning capability
• A clear pathway to higher PPAP-level compliance for OEM and motorsport customers

Although time savings are expected to increase as processes mature, Immico already values the certainty and accuracy gained compared to manual inspection methods. 

“Even when the time spent is comparable, the outcome is far more reliable because it’s based on factual measurement data.”

The Final Outcome

By investing in the HandySCAN Black, Immico has transitioned from reactive quality control to a proactive, data-driven inspection process. 

The scanner has not only addressed an immediate motorsport requirement but has also become a strategic tool that supports business growth, customer retention, and long-term credibility in high-performance engineering environments. 

As the technology becomes further embedded into day-to-day workflows, Immico expects to see continued gains in efficiency, consistency, and service capability. 

“Previously, we were reacting to issues only after parts had left the facility. Now we can identify problems early, resolve them in-house, and give our customers complete confidence in what they receive. At the level we’re operating at, this capability isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential.” 

Stuart Thorp, Managing Director, Immico Ltd

Summary

Immico’s investment in in-house 3D scanning has transformed how quality is managed across the business. What began as a response to complex motorsport requirements has evolved into a strategic capability that supports proactive inspection, stronger customer relationships, and long-term credibility in high-performance engineering environments.

By embedding 3D scanning into day-to-day workflows, Immico has reduced rework, improved confidence in inspection results, and created new growth opportunities, both internally and with customers.

Download the full case study to explore Immico’s challenges, decision process, and results in detail.