Red Bull Racing Given Wings Thanks to Leica Measuring Equipment Supplied by Hexagon

Microns in industrial metrology mean hundredths of a second in Formula 1. Precision and reliability are what matters in both fields. In this elite class of motor sport, manufacturing tolerances are not a matter for discussion — any deviation from the specified values could cost a race victory, lose valuable points or ultimately the world championship title. The Austrian owned, UK-based Red Bull Racing Team relies on Hexagon Metrology as an Innovation partner. The Leica Absolute Tracker and the Leica T-Probe are generating lots of enthusiasm at the Milton Keynes factory.

Chris Charnley, Quality Manager at Red Bull Technology (the design and manufacturing part of Red Bull Racing), came straight to the point, “We have no time for mistakes.” The manufacture of Formula 1 cars demands precision and the highest standards in the development and manufacture of vehicle components. “Basically in our business we are continuously developing prototypes,” said Charnley. During the racing season, the general shortage of time felt by Formula 1 racing teams builds up to extreme levels; major modifications to the design to optimise the aerodynamics of the cars have to be completed in the period between two races — normally two weeks. “That’s what you call high pressure,” said Charnley. “Working nights and weekends then becomes the rule, but we have a lot of fun doing it, especially when we see the success of our efforts in the race.”

The range of applications for the Leica Absolute Tracker in the day-to-day development environment is wide and varied. Quality Engineer Mike Hughes is frequently contacted by the designers when they wish to check the dimensional integrity of a new component. “They come to us and ask not just if we could measure the part — they ask us for a ‘Leica-Check’. The measurement results from our four Leica Geosystems Laser Trackers are reliable and authoritative, and word has got around.”

Red Bull Technology measures the assembled racing cars, as well as the individual components. Formula 1 is a sport and sports have rules. The dimensions of the cars are strictly defined. 'Legality checks' are all part of the routine before every grand prix. Compliance with maximum and minimum limits is confirmed quickly and easily with the Leica Absolute Tracker and the Leica T-Probe. Jon Roberts, Metrology Specialist, described his experience, “There are many critical points on a Formula 1 car. We check the wings on the front and rear, the overall width of the vehicle, even the position of the pedals. Everything must be perfect down to the finest detail. With the Leica T-Probe, the difficult-to- access areas are simply more points to measure.”

Hexagon Metrology: Global technology partner

If worst comes to worst, Hexagon Metrology has already proved its worth as an innovation partner to Red Bull Racing. If the Formula 1 Team’s metrology engineers have to carry out a particularly difficult measurement, Hexagon Metrology technical service staff are there offering moral and practical support — if necessary, at a moment’s notice. The Hexagon Metrology Regional Service Centre in Milton Keynes is only a few miles from the Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology HQ. Even when the Formula 1 entourage sets off around the world, Red Bull Racing can depend on Hexagon Metrology’s global presence. The Red Bull Racing measuring system usually stays at home. For an event in Spain however, the racing engineers urgently needed an accurate measuring machine. One phone call was enough; Hexagon Metrology in Barcelona quickly made a Leica Absolute Tracker available.

The machinery park at Red Bull Technology includes several product generations of Leica Geosystems Laser Trackers. These systems are in use at the Red Bull Racing wind tunnel at Bedford. During the aerodynamic tests, the Laser Tracker continuously analyses how the model vehicle deforms in the wind. In addition, Red Bull Technology uses DEA coordinate measuring machines and a third-party CMM that has been modified with a Hexagon Metrology retrofit package.

Leica Absolute Tracker: A brilliant all-purpose tool

Charnley summarised, “The Leica Absolute Tracker is a brilliant all-purpose tool and without doubt one of our best investments. The speed of measurements justifies the investment by the time saved on component measurement. We are always discovering more uses for it. Accuracy, portability and reliability inspire the team. The Leica Absolute Tracker has played an important role in our many successes.”

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Leica ScanStation C10 - the next-generation Laser Scanner

Heerbrugg,--Leica Geosystems announces the completely new Leica ScanStation C10, the company’s biggest leap forward yet in laser scanners for as-built and topographic surveys. The compact, all-in-one Leica ScanStation C10 provides users with a combination of even greater versatility, reduced cost of ownership, and even higher productivity for scanning. These advances not only address today’s scanning professionals, but also address organizations wanting to enter into laser scanning to diversify and/or improve their current business.

Leica ScanStation C10 is a fully integrated, cable-less system; it does full dome scans up to 10 times faster than its predecessor – for example, a typical room scan now takes less than two minutes. The scanner has an easy-to-learn, surveyor-friendly onboard interface with high-resolution, color touch screen and integrated, high-resolution zoom camera/video. It features a dual-axis compensator, laser plummet and tribrach mount for quick setup over a known point; and, it interfaces to standard survey accessories such as TPS batteries, total station prisms, and even the Leica GPS SmartAntenna. Thus, even surveyors new to High-Definition Surveying™(HDS™) will find it easy to learn and work with the Leica ScanStation C10.

Leica ScanStation C10’s onboard software makes users even more efficient, plus the system is designed to be upgraded over time with increasing functionality - all in this smaller and lighter instrument. “This is the type of instrument that is truly worthy of being called ‘Leica Geosystems’ next-generation scanner’. Leica ScanStation C10 will no doubt reinforce our reputation for innovation and leadership in High-Definition Surveying,” states Dr. Juergen Dold, President of Leica Geosystems’ Geospatial Solutions Division. “From a value, versatility and productivity standpoint, the all-in-one Leica ScanStation C10 is ideal for organizations wanting to get into scanning or organizations wanting to add a more versatile and productive scanner to their existing fleet.”

Pricing & Availability

Leica ScanStation C10 is planned to be available for shipment in September 2009. Leica Cyclone v7.0 is being announced simultaneously as companion software for operating Leica ScanStation C10 and all other Leica Geosystems HDS scanners. Pricing information is available via authorized Leica Geosystems representatives.

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right

With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3’500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

For further information please contact:

Leica Geosystems HDS LLC

Geoffrey Jacobs

Phone direct 1-925-790-2317

Fax 1-925-790-2309

Hexagon Metrology Introduces New Leica Total Station at CMSC

Leica TDRA6000 Features Reflectorless 3D Measurement at 300 Meters

North Kingstown, RI – July 27, 2009 - Hexagon Metrology Inc. announced at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, the North American debut of the new Leica TDRA6000 Total Station, the most accurate Leica Geosystems total station ever released for industrial use. This Leica Geosystems laser station has the ability to automatically target both reflective tape targets and corner cube reflectors. The unit can also measure without targets. Typical 3D point accuracy at 35 meters is .25mm with reflectors. Reflectorless accuracy is 1mm. The TDRA6000 is optimized for use within 300 meters from the base unit. This product replaces the TDA5005 total station.

Total stations are used for large-scale installation, assembly, measurement, adjustment and alignment applications, such as aerospace tooling, printing presses, process machinery, erection of wind turbine or antenna towers, supercollider arrays, and any application that requires the precision location of components in three-dimensional space.

Leica Geosystems’ proprietary piezo direct drive technology has been incorporated into the Total Station to deliver high speed motorization and acceleration that is up to four times faster than the previous generation, but still allows for submicron level fine positioning. This technology has very low power consumption, requires minimal maintenance, and is nearly silent The unit is now coupled with Leica’s proprietary PowerSearch technology that quickly and automatically locates and locks onto a target, and re-locks onto a target in the event of an interruption in the beam. The TDRA6000 delivers high performance in a compact, portable, battery powered unit.

Measurement data collected with the TDRA6000 can be downloaded via a built-in Bluetooth connection into a metrology software package for further analysis and results reporting. The TDRA600 is immediately available for shipment.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CE Johansson, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at www.HexagonMetrology.us

Hexagon Metrology Introduces New Leica Total Station At CMSC

Leica TDRA6000 Features Reflectorless 3D Measurement At 300 Meters

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., July 22, 2009 -- Hexagon Metrology, Inc. today at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) in Louisville, Kentucky, announced the North American debut of the new Leica TDRA6000 Total Station, the most accurate Leica Geosystems total station ever released for industrial use. This Leica Geosystems laser station has the ability to automatically target both reflective tape targets and corner cube reflectors. The unit can even measure without targets. Typical 3D point accuracy at 35 meters is .25mm with reflectors. Reflectorless accuracy is 1mm. The TDRA6000 is optimized for use within 300 meters from the base unit. This product replaces the TDA5005 total station.

Total stations are used for large-scale installation, assembly, measurement, adjustment and alignment applications, such as aerospace tooling, printing presses, process machinery, erection of wind turbine or antenna towers, supercollider arrays, and any application that requires the precision location of components in three-dimensional space.

Leica Geosystems' proprietary piezo direct drive technology has been incorporated into the Total Station to deliver high speed motorization and acceleration that is up to four times faster than the previous generation, but still allows for submicron level fine positioning. This technology has very low power consumption, requires minimal maintenance, and is nearly silent. The unit is now coupled with Leica's proprietary PowerSearch technology that quickly and automatically locates and locks onto a target, and re-locks onto a target in the event of an interruption in the beam. The TDRA6000 delivers high performance in a compact, portable, battery powered unit.

Measurement data collected with the TDRA6000 can be downloaded via a built-in Bluetooth connection into a metrology software package for further analysis and results reporting. The TDRA600 is immediately available for shipment.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CE Johansson, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at www.HexagonMetrology.us

Hexagon Metrology Expands Equipment Rental Programs

CMMs and Portable Arms Added to Rental Equipment Choices

North Kingstown, RI - July 8, 2009 - Hexagon Metrology Inc. has announced expanded equipment rental options for its bridge CMM, portable arm and laser tracker product lines. Brown & Sharpe Bridge CMMs such as Global and ONE are now available in most popular sizes and option packages for rental periods of six months or more, ROMER portable arms are available for weekly or monthly rentals, and Leica Laser Trackers are available for monthly terms. Skilled equipment operators are optionally available by contract with each type of equipment.

“Equipment rentals are a service that we have offered for many years with our Leica Laser Trackers,” said Al Chiasson, director of aftermarket services. “We decided to expand our offerings in recognition that in these extraordinary times, our customers are exploring alternative options to acquire the equipment they need. The unique thing about the Hexagon model is that we can offer not just the equipment, but also the on-site operator support. We have Hexagon staff under contract at customer locations around the country delivering tangible benefits to our customers each day with all our equipment types—bridge CMMs, portable arms and laser trackers. The expansion of rentals is just another way that Hexagon Metrology is demonstrating our ability to deliver value added products and services on a worldwide basis.”

More information on Hexagon Metrology’s equipment rental options for the USA is available on www.HexagonMetrology.us.

About Hexagon Metrology
Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of CMMs, portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services. More information can be found at www.HexagonMetrology.com

The Leica Absolute Tracker is now equipped with PowerLock

This vision technology automatically locks onto any moving target without user intervention. Current laser tracker technology requires that the operator pays careful attention that the laser beam between the tracker and the target is not interrupted. Catching the beam requires the operator to find the laser beam, and then physically pass the target through the beam before the tracker can start measuring again. According to some customers this process interruption can account for up to 20% of their total measurement time.

PowerLock prevents from such interruptions. By utilizing a vision system built into the Leica Absolute Tracker the sensor can now determine where a target is without the need for the laser beam to be locked on. The Leica Absolute Tracker locks on to the target automatically as soon as it is within view of the sensor. This allows the operator to focus on the part they need to measure without constantly worrying about the laser tracker and whether or not they have broken the beam. PowerLock works with all standard reflectors and all Leica T-Products.

The PowerLock technology will be released to the market in summer 2009. Any Leica Absolute Tracker purchased from today on will be upgraded to this functionality free of charge at release. All Leica Absolute Trackers in the market will be able to be upgraded to this technology for a small charge in a local Hexagon Metrology service center.

Video: http://metrology.leica-geosystems.com/en/Downloads_6843.htm?cid=6393

Leica Geosystems Metrology Products

Whether building the fastest car, the biggest plane, or the most precise tooling, you need exact measurements to improve quality and productivity. So when it has to be right, professionals trust Leica Geosystems Metrology to help collect, analyze, and present 3-dimensional (3D) data for industrial measurement. Leica Geosystems Metrology is best known for its broad array of control and industrial measurement products including laser trackers, Local Positioning Technology (LPT) based systems, hand-held scanners, 3D software and high-precision total stations. Those who use Leica Geosystems Metrology products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the world-class service & support that’s second to none.

Precision, reliability and service from Leica Geosystems Metrology.

Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, CE Johansson, CimCore, CogniTens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h Inprocess Messtechnik, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER, Sheffield, Standard Gage and TESA. Hexagon Metrology brands represent an unrivaled global installed base of millions of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), portable measuring systems and handheld instruments, and tens of thousands of metrology software licenses. Hexagon Metrology empowers its customers to fully control manufacturing processes that rely on dimensional precision, ensuring that products manufactured precisely conform to the original product design. The company offering of machines, systems and software is complemented by a wide range of product support, aftermarket and value-added services.

Leica Absolute Tracker Yields Groundbreaking Accuracy and More

New Absolute Interferometer Enables "Dynamic Lock-on" to Tracker Beam

Miamisburg, OH - Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company, today announced field measurement results have culminated in the highest distance accuracies of any Leica laser tracker in the company's history. This new line of Leica laser tracker introduces a distance accuracy specification of 10 µm (MPE) within the full measurement volume of up to 80 meters (262.47 ft). Compared to the previous-generation laser tracker from Leica Geosystems, the Absolute Tracker's distance accuracy has been improved by greater than a factor of two. The Leica Absolute Interferometer, which measures both relative and absolute distances, is responsible for this substantial performance improvement. It has several redundant systems built in, thus assuring the highest dependability of measurement data.The typical measurement volume of the Leica Absolute Tracker models AT 901-B and AT 901-LR is now 160 meters. Measurements of very large objects can now be performed without repositioning the laser tracker. The laser tracker's advances in thermal stability, minimal warm-up times and the weight of only 22 kg render the portable CMM to be extremely stable and flexible for a wide range of industrial metrology applications in aerospace, automotive, power generation, shipbuilding and general engineering.

The Leica Absolute Tracker integrates future-oriented technologies providing the basis for several new metrology features and products being developed by Leica Geosystems. One such advance is the Absolute Interferometer or “AIFM” in the Absolute Tracker. The AIFM combines the ability to instantly re-establish an interrupted laser beam and immediately start measuring a moving target. “Dynamic lock-on” capability is a significant improvement to user productivity. Until now, no single distancing unit was capable of dynamic lock-on, previous generation laser trackers were forced to use both laser interferometers (IFM) and Absolute Distance Meters (ADM) in combination. With the Absolute Tracker, Leica Geosystems has taken the strengths from both of these technologies, and combined them together to produce the AIFM. What makes the Absolute Interferometer revolutionary is that it can measure absolute distances to a moving target with the instantaneous update rate and the dynamic performance of a laser interferometer.

This new functionality will be released later in the year. All existing Absolute Trackers will be upgraded with a simple software upgrade. Laser trackers from Leica Geosystems have played a leading role in industrial metrology since 1991. Since then, the technology inside the laser tracker has been undergoing continuous improvements, yet many of the original laser trackers from the first series are still in use today, a testimony to their dependability in the field.
About the Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems

The Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems is a global supplier of comprehensive hardware and software packages to the industrial metrology market. These products integrate with popular CAD programs, various build-and-inspect tools, and reverse engineering software. Using state-of-the-art laser technology, Leica’s laser trackers and theodolites make quality control, part mating, assembly and construction of large and small parts easier and more accurate than ever. The U.S. headquarters for Leica Geosystems' metrology products is located at the Hexagon Metrology Precision Center in Miamisburg, Ohio. For more information about Leica Geosystems' metrology products and services, visit their web site at www.leica-geosystems.com/metrology, or call 937-353-1218.

About Hexagon Metrology

Hexagon Metrology serves the high precision measurement and inspection needs of Worldwide manufacturers with its extensive line of metrology hardware, software, accessories, and customer services. The company's name-brand portfolio of quality assurance products include Brown & Sharpe, Cognitens, Leica Geosystems, ROMER, Sheffield, PC-DMIS, DEA, Leitz and TESA. Hexagon Metrology has an unrivaled installed base of more than 1.5 million handheld, stationary and portable measurement devices, and over 30,000 seats of PC-DMIS metrology software. The company is a subsidiary of Hexagon Measurement Technologies, a business unit of Hexagon AB (Nacka Strand, Sweden), a publicly-traded company (OMX Nordic: HEXA B). The Hexagon group consists of nearly 8,200 employees located in 30 countries.

Call 800-426-1066 or visit http://www.hexagonmetrology.us/ for more information about Hexagon Metrology Inc. and its trusted brands.