The new 3D scanner technology delivers agility, precision and real time processing solutions
Fishbone has taken its role as an engineering solutions provider into a new dimension with the introduction of state-of-the-art handheld 3D scanning technology.
Addressing a gap in the market for which a 3D scanning solution has not previously been possible, Fishbone’s design team is using the SimScan handheld scanner to combine both the gathering of data with real time processing to save time and money on a broad scope of engineering projects.
Rolling out initially to its clients in rail, Fishbone is drawing on examples of application in this sector to demonstrate its potential for the aerospace, automotive and construction industries, where precision in data collection is key and the advantage of onsite processing presents new possibilities for engineering design. This might include a scenario where there’s a lack of drawings or historic 3D CAD data; if there’s a need to scan data to form the basis of a traditional, parametric CAD model; or, for checking vehicle construction variances to guide installation parameters.
And as a handheld scanner, Fishbone is able to use this technology for projects in which other, bulkier equipment wouldn’t be able to access, such as: interface surface scanning to enable coupler adaptor design; collecting doorway portal measurements; or bodyside profiling, to produce concepts for interior refresh.
Commenting on the roll out of its 3D scanning service, Fishbone Design Manager, Duncan Grant, said: “This is a game changing for the design service we can offer our clients. Using the scanner we can recreate obsolete parts for example, retrofit into any built structure and essentially engineer a solution to any design challenge – which makes my job pretty exciting.
“Every project we work on is bespoke, and as with any contract we spend time with our clients at the outset to understand what they’re looking to achieve. If we identify scope for using scanner, then we’ll take them step by step through our process from preparing the area to be scanned, gathering data and real time processing, to creating a surface mesh of the object. This latter stage is the key in taking the design and build of a project forward and is where our clients really begin to experience the potential of what this scanning technology can do.”
To demonstrate the usability Fishbone’s 3D scanner, a short film has been created which can be viewed here: https://fishbonesolutions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3D-Scanner-v4.mp4
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