Immersion Introduces MicroScribe X Portable CMM
SAN JOSE, California, June 1, 2007 - Immersion Corporation (NASDAQ: IMMR), a
leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, today announced
the introduction of its new MicroScribe X high-accuracy portable coordinate
measuring machine (CMM). Designed for the high-accuracy needs of automotive
and other manufacturers of precision components, the new portable CMM (www.immersion.com/digitizer/products/microscribe_x.php)
offers design advantages leading to enhanced accuracy, precision, and
usability. The CMM arm is being introduced in the U.S. at Rapid 2007 in
Detroit, May 1–3, and in Europe at Control 2007 in Sinsheim, Germany, May
8–11.
"The MicroScribe X system is a very competitive product that offers a
fresh alternative to manufacturers concerned with exacting quality control
and performance,” says Michael Raphael, president and chief engineer of
Direct Dimensions, a company specializing in measurement and inspection
products, training, and services. "For example, the MicroScribe CMM arm's
standard three-year warranty is unheard of in this industry, and that speaks
to the machine's quality and Immersion's customer service focus. They have
been in this business for many years and have a very extensive measuring
product line. Now they have a high-accuracy CMM arm that competes at the
upper end of the market.”
Low Total Cost of Ownership
Besides a standard three year warranty, the new MicroScribe X CMM arm (www.immersion.com/digitizer/products/microscribe_x.php)
is conveniently compatible with third-party measurement and inspection
software, giving manufacturers the flexibility to continue using existing
software or choose the package best suited to their application. In
addition, the system supports a choice for certification procedures,
including the possibility for certification at the customer's site. Though
annual certification is normally an expensive and time-consuming procedure,
flexible MicroScribe X certification can reduce down time and eliminate
shipping risk and expense.
Key Operational Benefits
Several design features contribute to the new portable CMM's accuracy,
precision, and ease of use:
- The system's SmartCapture coil trigger deflects in any direction to
help eliminate inconsistent pressure that adversely affects accuracy.
Consistent or inconsistent pressure is signaled to the user with a green
or red LED, a feature that supports greater precision. The coil also
isolates the probe from the user's hand to help maintain constant
temperature, which can enhance accuracy.
- The MicroScribe CMM arm uses a dual-mode electromechanical safety
brake that (1) takes weight off the upper arm to alleviate user strain,
and (2) helps prevent damage by automatically engaging when high joint
acceleration is detected or when the arm is in its home position for
longer than 30 seconds. The brake helps eliminate the single most common
type of damage to portable CMMs: dropping the articulated arm. The new
MicroScribe system's brake can remain on, even without power, and won't
break if its strength is exceeded.
- The MicroScribe X portable CMM embodies design principles that
result in rigidity and stability for higher accuracy measurements.
Specially designed alignment of carbon fibers has produced a
high-strength housing with minimal temperature expansion. Widely spaced,
billet-machined (not cast), symmetrical (not cantilevered) joints and
large-diameter bearings help ensure a very stiff and durable CMM arm
that can supply highly accurate and precise performance for years to
come.
- Although accuracy can be the deciding factor for buyers, the lack of
standardized accuracy specifications among vendors makes comparisons
difficult. The best course is to match CMM arm accuracy with application
requirements. The MicroScribe X portable CMM's volumetric length
accuracy is 40 microns, sphere center repeatability is 15 microns, and
effective diameter is 12 microns. In addition, the system can be tuned
for an application-specific measurement range, which can increase
accuracy further. The system includes a verification kit to enable
accuracy self-checks at any time.
"We provide more choice with our complete line of MicroScribe systems,”
explains Bill Hoverter, director of 3D sales for Immersion. "A customer can
come to a single source and choose a system that fits their needs without
breaking the bank. But we also bring clarity to the question of CMM arm
accuracy. We can supply test methodology, procedures, calculations, and
results, so our customers can compare and fully understand MicroScribe
portable CMM performance and how it can fit their needs. We have sold over
8,000 MicroScribe arms and look forward to expanding our product offering to
fulfill more of our customers' needs.”
About Immersion (www.immersion.com)
Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation is a recognized leader in
developing, licensing, and marketing digital touch technology and products.
Using Immersion's advanced touch feedback technology (www.immersion.com/corporate/products/),
electronic user interfaces can be made more productive, compelling,
entertaining, or safer. Immersion's technology is deployed across
automotive, entertainment, industrial controls, medical training, mobility,
and three-dimensional simulation markets. Immersion's patent portfolio
includes over 600 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries.
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