Gage 2000 A from Brown & Sharpe Adds Portability to Family of Flexible Measuring Systems

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI--GAGE 2000 A from Brown & Sharpe is an articulated arm coordinate measuring system designed for portable use.

The GAGE 2000 A joins the Brown & Sharpe family of powerful and flexible GAGE 2000 Measurement Stations. It has a measuring range of 4' through 12' and uses either a ball, touch trigger or point probe to gather dimensional data.

The unique counterbalanced, articulated arm of the GAGE 2000 A allows complete flexibility and unrestricted positioning around workpieces. An ergonomically designed pistol grip gives operators full, single hand control over arm movement.

The GAGE 2000 A can be attached to virtually any surface including rolling instrument stands, part surfaces, fixtures, or tables for true portability without loss of accuracy.

This new measuring system can be equipped with REFLEX software for simple 1, 2 and 3 dimensional measurement without the need for keyboard entries, or PC-DMIS for WINDOWS software for full CAD interface capabilities.

With the REFLEX software option, users simply select the type of measurement tool they wish to use by touching the appropriate icon--caliper, micrometer, height gage, dial indicator, or measuring system--on the operator interface. During the measuring routine, workpiece dimensions are compared to nominals and out-of-tolerance conditions are indicated on the controller's VGA screen.

GAGE 2000 A can be used as a full featured measuring system with a manual scanning option. The manual scanning mode allows operators to quickly collect a large number of data points by moving a hard probe along the surface of a workpiece feature, maintaining contact with the workpiece throughout the operation. A scanning "speedometer" graphically indicates the quality of the measurement data being collected, based on probe speed.

To speed repetitive measuring tasks, part programs can be stored on a PCMCIA "Smart Card." With Smart Cards, inspection programs can be transferred between Gage 2000 systems that use REFLEX software for an added level of inspection efficiency and flexibility.

With Brown & Sharpe PC-DMIS software, users can access original CAD data to create DCC inspection programs and digitize parts, uploading the dimensional data to a CAD system for reverse engineering projects. An optional Curves and Surfaces module provides an advanced tool for model making, die prove-out, inspection analysis, and failure analysis.

Measurement data can be automatically transferred from GAGE 2000 A via an RS-232 serial port to a shop floor data collector for archiving and process control analysis. Data can also be sent to an optional printer via a parallel port for a hard copy of inspection results. Brown & Sharpe's powerful DATAPAGE statistical analysis software is included as part of the PC-DMIS option.

The GAGE 2000 A is available in Standard, Enhanced and Ultra accuracy versions.

Brown & Sharpe, Inc., 200 Frenchtown Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852-1700, 1-800-766-4673, FAX (401) 886-2727, www.brownandsharpe.com.