What happens when a powerhouse company like Hexagon joins forces with an elite innovator like Geomagic Software? Well, here’s a hint: There’s magic right there in the name. Now that talk of acquisition has became reality, Quality Digest is here with more details on what to expect as the two companies unite in their metrology and manufacturing goals. The following Q&A with David Mihal, now leading the Geomagic commercial team at Hexagon, focuses on scanning developments and software integration.

Quality Digest: How does Hexagon anticipate seeing improvements and benefits from the recent acquisition of Geomagic?

David Mihal: The combination of Geomagic and Hexagon’s existing solutions will further strengthen our market leadership in 3D metrology, inspection, reverse engineering, and design. Geomagic also opens new markets for Hexagon in scan-to-CAD and haptic modeling. A fundamental goal is to enable our customers to bring innovative, high-quality products to the market at speed and with confidence. Geomagic is the ideal 3D metrology software to facilitate this goal as the market continuously moves to scanning and autonomous solutions.

It’s important to note that Hexagon is committed to maintaining Geomagic as an open and device-agnostic software, allowing customers using all types of devices to benefit from the world-leading cloud-to-CAD reverse engineering, design, and inspection software.

QD: What additional developments can we expect to see in 3D measurement related to this decision?

DM: Geomagic has an outstanding reputation and brand recognition in key markets around the world, and it is especially strong in the rapidly growing handheld scanner market. As this scanning technology becomes more affordable for mainstream mass market use, Geomagic is ideally positioned as the software that turns data into products. In addition, incorporating recent development advances from Hexagon’s other portable metrology software will further expand the capabilities of Control X for probing and larger-scale 3D measurement applications.

QD: How does Geomagic software work together with Hexagon’s current product range to improve the value of the company?

DM: The Geomagic products portfolio perfectly complements Hexagon’s existing software and device product range and provides immediate value by opening new markets for Hexagon. Design X is the best-in-class software for cloud-to-CAD reverse engineering. Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS offers customers the ability to reverse engineer directly in their native CAD system. Freeform is a unique software for haptic design and virtual sculpture; it’s widely used in medical design markets and for 3D toy design. Wrap is an affordable point-cloud and mesh processing software. Control X offers scanning-specific 3D inspection capability, which complements other Hexagon metrology software products.

Geomagic will also provide opportunities for Hexagon’s customers to achieve workflow efficiency gains, in combination with our extensive range of CAM solutions on the shop floor, by enabling them to quickly turn scan data into CAD models ready for manufacture, followed by part inspection.

QD: What are some tangible changes or improvements clients can expect, particularly in scan-to-CAD workflows, product development, and manufacturing efficiency and accuracy?

DM: Scan-to-CAD will become more automated and autonomous. A primary area of focus for development is on expanding use of Geomagic in automated inspection systems and manufacturing cells. Geomagic has a scripting environment that is ideal for these applications. Incorporating 3D inspection into the manufacturing process with scanning and automation provides maximum efficiency in production.

Accuracy is enhanced through the use of advanced algorithms in Geomagic that analyze scans and data for potential movement or environmental changes in real time.

QD: Could you talk more about how this integration affects recently launched products such as SmartScan VR800 and ATLASCAN Max?

DM: Now in Hexagon, Geomagic will become the core metrology software platform for these products, fully integrated into the device for a seamless customer experience. Product management and development teams are already in collaboration.

QD: What direct effect will this acquisition have on employees and customers?

DM: As part of Hexagon, the Geomagic team spans all functional areas from support, the commercial side, right back to development and R&D. This is relatively unique as an integration, but it’s driven by our goal to ensure there is minimal to no impact on the customer (and user) experience, and the business is poised for sustainable growth as part of Hexagon.

We wanted to be there from Day One to support Geomagic relationships with valued device OEM partners and the extensive Geomagic reseller partner network. From here we have a clear product road map that will build on the Geomagic software capabilities to help everyone who uses our software to be productive, regardless of the hardware and software they use in their daily work.

QD: Is there anything you would like to add about Hexagon’s Geomagic acquisition?

DM: Geomagic software is a perfect fit within Hexagon’s software portfolio. It greatly expands our metrology software offering, opens up new markets in point cloud-to-CAD reverse engineering and organic design, and offers an ideal solution for inspection in market sectors where portable scanning is now the standard. It also provides opportunities for growth in key global markets, and new technology that can be incorporated into other parts of Hexagon’s portfolio.

Hexagon is the global leader in precision technologies at any scale. Our digital twins, robotics, and AI solutions are transforming the industries that shape our reality.

Our technologies are shaping production and people-related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous—ensuring a scalable, sustainable future. Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that use data from design and engineering, production, and metrology to make manufacturing smarter.