Many advantages for the user.

Retrospect on EuroMold 1997: DESCAM 3D Technologies GmbH presented the laser scanning system ModelMaker in Germany for the very first time.
Outlook on EuroMold 2007: DESCAM celebrates its 10th anniversary of sales and services with ModelMaker. In time for the anniversary DESCAM will launch another new product, the tactile measurement arm MCA from Metris.

The MCA is a further development of the measurement arms from Garda S.r.l., an Italian measurement company, which the Belgian company Metris took over in June 2007. Equipped with different unique features and advantages, MCA is an alternative solution to other measurement arms at the market.

Due to lightweight components made of carbon fibre the arm is available with measurement diameters of 1,8 – 2,4 – 3,0 – 4,0 and 5,0 m and offers the measuring of bigger volumes than ever before.

The patented floating probe signalises the user the measurement force of the measured points immediately due to coloured LEDs. This increases the repeatable measurement accuracy. The specific feature of the floating probe is the spring coil, which isolates the user’s hand from the probe. It also prevents from thermal influence.

Operating the floating probe of the MCA.

A defined release force protects the probe from damage and bending. The MCA is compatible with standard touch probes M4 and with the laser scanner ModelMaker D. The operation of the floating probe is shown on short videos at the DESCAM website www.descam.de .

The integrated electromagnetic brake is another unique feature of the MCA measurement arm. In case the arm drops, there is a instant safety braking which saves the arm from damage. The automatic parking brake is in use as soon as the arm is in the rest position. By locking the second axis, easy one-hand operating is possible without tiring.

The MCA measurement arm is available with six or seven axes. For laser scanning seven axes are recommended. Due to the three axes near the probe, the measurement arm with seven axes will suit better to scan and measure in narrow areas.

Additionally, every arm is available in two variants. The industrial grade offers standard accuracy, e.g. for reverse engineering. The metrology grade provides superior accuracy for metrology applications. The MCA with six axes and a range of 4,0 m and industrial grade meets a single point accuracy of ± 0,095 mm. The single point accuracy of the same measurement arm but with metrology grade achieves ± 0,070 mm. The high accuracy is ensured by new encoder technology, algorithm, a unique calibration method and thermal compensations.

6 axes MCA measurement arm.

The on-site calibration capability, which is available upon request, allows nearly 100 per cent of availability and a huge saving of costs. The expensive and time-consuming shipping back to the factory is no more required.

ModelMaker D, the first digital laser scanner at the market, joins the MCA and acts as a well-engineered measurement system, which can be used in many different fields. With a stripe length of 50, 100 or 200 mm the sensor consists of the widest stripe currently available at the market. The user benefits from cost and time savings.

Further advantages: Tactile measurement and scanning is possible now, due to the mounting of probe and scanner next to each other. The probe can be changed at any time; the laser sensor does not interfere.

The MCA measurement arm is available with six or seven axes. For laser scanning seven axes are recommended. Due to the three axes near the probe, the measurement arm with seven axes will suit better to scan and measure in narrow areas.

ModelMaker D is connected to the MCA via internal cabling. The ergonomic handling allows operation without tiring.

The ModelMaker software KUBE supports laser scanning and tactile measurement with the MCA. Alternatively, customers can utilise the Delcam software PowerINSPECT if they request to do tactile measurement only.

More advantages of the laser scanner ModelMaker D and MCA measurement arm will be demonstrated by DESCAM at the trade fair EuroMold in Frankfurt from December 5th until 8th 2007. DESCAM is located at the main entrance in hall 8, booth G02, just like in previous years.

For customers, who are willing to make a bargain at the end of the year, DESCAM is offering for its 10th anniversary three special ModelMaker packages at a reduced price. The prices are only available for written orders until December 17th 2007. For further information, please visit www.descam.de .

Background information:

The DESCAM 3D Technologies GmbH has been working in the fields of laser scanning since 1997. The product range includes laser scanning systems (hand-held and half-automated), tactile measurement arms, software for data processing, individual system configurations and system solutions. Individual measurement and analysis systems for the production are developed by DESCAM, too. Additionally, DESCAM offers services like scanning, surfacing, inspection, installation, training, hotline, repair and service on site. The company is based in Oberhaching near Munich.

19.11.2007

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