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First-Ever Portable DCC CMM Makes 3D Measurements Easy

First-Ever Portable DCC CMM Makes 3D Measurements as Easy as 1-2-3


The zCAT minimizes training time to take repeatable, accurate measurements at any location.


Newton, Massachusetts - Sept. 1, 2015 - Fowler High Precision, globally recognized as a leading supplier of high-quality inspection, leveling, control and calibration equipment, introduced the world’s first truly portable direct computer control coordinate measuring machine (DCC CMM) called the zCAT. In addition to being the only portable DCC CMM on the market, the zCAT was designed to be easy to use, while still providing accuracies and repeatability that challenge more expensive, non-portable conventional CMMs.


Any machine operator with reasonable experience can learn the ins and outs of the zCAT within a day or two of on-site training. Most users can take simple measurements within 15 minutes of training and put together more complicated programs within a couple of hours. With the zCAT, it’s easy and cost effective to train every employee to take automatic, repeatable, accurate 3D measurements anytime, anywhere.


For a streamlined, optimal user experience, a small touchscreen about the size of a smartphone handles the operation and programming for the zCAT. Users take measurements and run complex 3D programs all through the intuitive, icon-driven menu.


A unique, patented clutch system allows the operator to switch between direct computer control and manual control. With the zCAT’s teach and repeat mode, operators move the probe manually around the dimensions to be measured and the zCAT will remember and repeat the measurements as many times as needed at machine speeds up to 150 mmps.


Not available on any other competitive CMM today, the teach and repeat mode is an inherently different and simple way for operators to write measuring programs on the zCAT. This programming capability lowers the training threshold immensely, saving companies significant money compared with the cost of traditional off-site programming classes required to run conventional CMMs.


Another feature of the zCAT that contributes to its ease of use is its software platform. The built-in ControlCAT geometric measurement software enables users to leverage the DCC technology without the need for a secondary computer. To download measurements to other locations, data collection is done automatically and wirelessly. WiFi capabilities support data transfer in any format, including directly to an Excel spreadsheet via the included zCAT Wedge Excel export software.


In addition, the zCAT’s open architecture I++ software interface gives it the capability to communicate with many industry standard CMM software packages. Fowler will offer the powerful and easy to use MK4 zCAT 3D software as an optional item. Along with its modules it will allow customers to do 2D and 3D sophisticated measurements. As the zCAT measures the MK4 will draw the part on the screen. CAD programming module, Offline programing, CAD Comparison, Statistical Analysis and Reverse Engineering will all be available.


Companies can streamline manufacturing and engineering operations with all the benefits of the zCAT and bring quality control right where it is needed. With minimal training time, every operator can perform accurate, complex 3D inspections anytime, anywhere, detecting problems sooner at the point of manufacture and reducing inefficiencies.


Fowler High Precision is currently taking orders for the U.S.A.-made zCAT, which is scheduled to ship in September 2015.




About Fowler High Precision
 Fowler High Precision is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts. The company is globally recognized as a leading supplier of high-quality inspection, leveling, control and calibration equipment. Fowler High Precision has been in business since 1946, and represents well-known brands in the industry such as Wyler, Sylvac, Bowers and Trimos throughout the United States and Mexico.