Nikon Metrology CMMs: When precision is absolutely critical

Over the years, the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) has become widely adopted. Manufacturers rely on CMMs to inspect and verify components and production parts. Nikon Metrology inspection systems offer high-accuracy and fast automatic inspection, and support a variety of probing solutions, including touch-trigger, digital, analog and laser options. Backed by a 45-year heritage, LK CMMs are designed and manufactured to perform dimensional, positional and surface measurement, using only the latest technologies and materials. Nikon Metrology is the only manufacturer supplying complete CMM installations, including CMMs, laser scanners, CMM driver software and point cloud processing software.

A premium range of long-lasting ceramic CMMs

Nikon Metrology offers bridge, horizontal-arm and gantry CMMs in varying measuring volumes, to suit any requirement. The ceramic bridge and spindle components of the LK line of CMMs, coupled with a proven air-bearing design, provide the ultimate in stiffness and stability, and deliver significantly improved measuring repeatability. Utilizing super-light aluminum as a key structural component and boasting air bearings on all axes, C3 CMMs are high-specification, cost-effective metrology solutions for small to medium-size applications.

A new PAS CMM version for SolidWorks will be on display at SolidWorks World 2011

PAS TECHNOLOGY, developer of the revolutionary PAS CMM automation software, announced the release of a new version of PAS CMM for SolidWorks, an add-on that enables users to automate and manage CMM programming directly from their familiar SolidWorks environment.

With PAS CMM for SolidWorks, users can utilize their SolidWorks models and drawings, including GD&T, to create CMM programs in just three easy steps. The integrated solution enables even non-expert users to generate CMM programs in minutes instead of hours or days. PAS can automatically add balloons to the SolidWorks drawings, allowing users to create an inspection plan and generate inspection reporting and visual inspection results.

"We are excited to bring our solution to the SolidWorks world," said Sam Golan, PAS Technology's President and CEO. "PAS CMM has a successful track record of enabling leading designers and manufacturers to dramatically reduce the time and effort required for producing CMM programs. The tight integration between the two products will provide even greater time and cost savings to organizations that use SolidWorks.

SolidWorks users and resellers participating in the 2011 SOLIDWORKS World will be able to see a demonstration of the PAS CMM solution in booth #102. The event will take place in San Antonio TX, from January 23rd to February 26th. PAS CMM for SolidWorks is available from PAS Technology and authorized resellers. See PAS CMM movie for SolidWorks movie at PAS Technology website.

About PAS TECHNOLOGY

PAS TECHNOLOGY, a SolidWorks Solution Partner, is focused on the quality assurance process of complex parts, one of the most costly steps in the manufacturing value chain. Based on advanced feature recognition and patent-pending algorithms, PAS CMM automates the creation of CMM programs from any CAD file, delivering proven time and cost savings of up to 97%. The PAS CMM solution is used by leading manufacturers worldwide including Cormer Aerospace, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and SPX Precision Components. For more information, visit www.pastechnology.com.

3DScanCo To Resell Low-Cost, Portable Artec™, Creaform, and 3Shape Laser Scanners

3DScanCo (a division of Laser Design, Inc.) announced that it is now  reselling easy-to-use, low-cost Artec™, Creaform, and 3Shape 3D scanners.  The addition of these new low-cost lines of 3D scanners improves 3DScanCo’s ability to provide the appropriate scanner to their customers and makes the company a leading reseller of quality economy and portable 3D scanning systems. 

 The Artec 3D Scanners use 3D video cameras that capture a three-dimensional image in each frame and then combine them automatically into a single mesh.  The scanning process is as easy as walking around the object while continuously “videoing” it from 360 degrees.  The video-based scanners’ outstanding measuring speed of up to 500,000 points per second make them many times faster than laser scanners and they can be used to scan moving objects as well as stationary ones.  Various models allow digitizing of a broad range of object sizes, textures, and colors.  These highly portable scanners can be used in your own lab, onsite at clients’ locations, or even outside.  This type of scanner will open new possibilities to customers for use in sports, animation, fashion, medical, and computer graphics applications where motion capture is needed as well as in more traditional industries such as architecture, prototyping, and manufacturing.

Creaform 3D scanners are low-cost, high-accuracy portable systems designed to scan medium to large objects. When portability is important, these systems lend themselves to a wide range of applications in virtually any location.  They are especially well suited to reverse engineering applications of large products and models.

Automatic desktop scanning for small objects is the forte of the 3Shape scanners.  Used mainly in the dental, hearing aid, and jewelry industries, the systems capture precise three-dimensional data quickly and easily for items up to 3 cubic inches.  The automatic setup speeds production of complex parts at an economical cost.

C. Martin Schuster, President and CEO, commented, "3DScanCo strives to offer premier 3D portable scanning systems to our customers. These Artec, Creaform, and 3Shape scanners, along with other portable and economy scanners we offer, provide excellent scanning capabilities at a lower cost than most other 3D scanning technology systems."

3DScanCo is happy to provide virtual demonstrations of the versatile new lines of scanners.

For further information about 3DScanCo and Laser Design, call 952-884-9648 or visit us online at: www.3dscanco.comAbout Laser Design, Inc. (LDI).

About 3DScanCo and Laser Design

3DScanCo, a division of Laser Design, resells existing technology including portable low-cost scanners and develops custom 3D scanners and software. Laser Design, Inc. and GKS Global Services, its in-house service bureau, 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 29 years.