Hexagon takes full ownership of 3D scanning specialist ZG Technology

Key Takeaways

• Hexagon now owns 100 % of Wuhan‑based 3D‑scanning specialist ZG Technology after buying the remaining 49 % stake.
• The original 51 % majority share was secured in August 2021; full ownership consolidates ZG within Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area.
• ZG, founded in 2014 on Wuhan University’s photogrammetry and remote‑sensing research, offers in‑house handheld 3D scanners backed by proprietary software, patents and copyrights.
• Scanners serve quality inspection, reverse engineering and digital twin creation for automotive, aerospace, rail, heavy‑industry, casting, medical and research sectors.
• The transaction is classified as “non‑material” and will not materially affect Hexagon’s FY 2026 financial results.

Hexagon Completes Full Acquisition of ZG Technology

Timeline of Investment

Hexagon’s step‑by‑step investment strategy culminated in September 2026, giving the Swedish‑American conglomerate complete control over ZG’s handheld 3D‑scanning portfolio. The move aligns with Hexagon’s long‑term roadmap to deepen its footprint in high‑precision metrology and digital‑twin creation across global manufacturing hubs.

ZG Technology – Core Capabilities

Photogrammetry Roots

ZG Technology emerged from Wuhan University’s photogrammetry and remote‑sensing labs. The academic lineage provides a strong foundation in optical triangulation, structured‑light projection, and multi‑view image stitching—techniques that underpin its handheld scanners.

Product Portfolio

• Handheld 3D Scanners – Compact units (≈ 300 mm × 200 mm × 100 mm) delivering up to 1 M points · s⁻¹ and a typical absolute accuracy of 0.025 mm (per ZG’s technical datasheet).
• Proprietary Software Suite – Real‑time point‑cloud alignment, automatic mesh generation, and built‑in reverse‑engineering tools; all protected by a portfolio of 12 patents filed between 2015‑2023.

These devices are engineered for on‑site use, requiring only a battery pack and a tablet‑class interface, which reduces inspection cycle time by an estimated 30 % versus traditional stationary scanners.

Market Impact and Applications

Industries Served

The scanners’ portability enables engineers to capture complex geometries directly on the shop floor, accelerating the creation of digital twins and feeding data into Hexagon’s broader Manufacturing Intelligence ecosystem (e.g., Smart Manufacturing, Asset Performance Management).

Comparison: Hexagon’s Traditional Scanners vs. ZG Handheld Units

The table highlights how ZG’s handheld solutions complement Hexagon’s existing fixed‑station lineup, filling a gap for rapid, on‑site data capture without sacrificing the accuracy required for critical inspection tasks.

Financial Implications

Hexagon classifies the final 49 % purchase as a non‑material transaction