NIST to Use Laser Design SURVEYOR 3D Scanner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Nov 5, 2009 - Laser Design, Inc. announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has installed a Laser Design SURVEYOR WS Series 3D laser scanning system in the Materials Reliability Division located in Boulder, CO. The fully automated, CNC programmable system was purchased by NIST primarily for its industry-best high accuracy (0.011mm) and high resolution (0.005mm). It is equipped with the industry’s highest accuracy laser line scanning probe, the Laser Design SLP-250 laser-line scanning probe with 9 micron accuracy. Chris McCowan, Materials Research Engineer, explained, “The Laser Design SURVEYOR WS system met all our requirements: high accuracies, the best resolutions, and a compact size for our testing lab.”

The SURVEYOR WS system also includes a Renishaw PH-10 (CNC head indexer) and a 4th axis rotary stage for the most flexible 6-axis 3D scanning available. The dual system technology is capable of using a CMM touch probe as well for accuracies of up to .0001”. The system advances its next-generation capability with a mechanically accurate, highly stable, air-bearing German-engineered Wenzel CMM machine base and patented laser scanning technology from Laser Design. Laser Design’s SURVEYOR WS systems are recognized worldwide as the highest accuracy 3D laser line scanning systems suitable for use in Six Sigma, demanding quality assurance environments setting the standards for laser measurement technology.

NIST, a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, was founded in 1901 to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. The Materials Reliability Division within NIST provides standard reference materials, recommended practice guides, and new improved characterization tools to better predict how, when, and why a material fails and prevent that failure so the safety and reliability of the Nation's physical infrastructure (e.g., buildings, pipelines, and bridges) is ensured. McCowan commented, “We will use the SURVEYOR WS system to measure the standard measuring specimens we provide to industry to make sure they conform to NIST-required accuracies.”

NIST personnel are experienced in using the most advanced and accurate measuring technologies to create universal standards of quality, and the Laser Design WS system will be part of their program to determine standards for laser scanning technologies. C. Martin Schuster, Laser Design President and CEO, commented, “Everyone at Laser Design is very proud to have one of the world’s foremost authorities on setting measurement standards, NIST, view our SURVEYOR WS system as the standard-bearer for excellence in the laser measurement world. With over 20 years in the high-precision laser measurement business, Laser Design is a leader in the industry. We are very pleased to have met NIST’s demanding requirements to fulfill their need for the highest quality measuring equipment.”

About Laser Design, Inc. / GKS Global Services

Laser Design, Inc. and GKS Global Services have been leading suppliers of ultra-precise, 3D laser scanning systems, along with CT scanning, dimensional inspection, 3D laser scanning, and long-range scanning services for over 25 years. Our engineers can assist with product development and design, rapid prototyping, and complete contract manufacturing services. GKS also offers rental equipment and expertise to customers with the occasional 3D scanning project.

For more information, visit http://www.laserdesign.com/.