Electronic Overlay Package eliminates comparator charts.

Press Release Summary:




Consisting of software and internal comparator hardware, eCAD(TM) allows CAD model to be used to project profile tolerance band onto comparator screen. Comparator utilizes custom-designed optics to produce digital image that is projected onto screen. PC may be networked to download CAD files from server, and secured to control and protect original CAD files. Incorporating multiple tolerance zones as defined by CAD file, eCAD indicates whether part is in- or out-of-tolerance.



Original Press Release:



OGP Introduces NEW eCAD Electronic Overlay Package to Eliminate Traditional Comparator Charts



Optical Gaging Products (OGP®) is proud to introduce eCAD(TM), an industry-changing innovation that sets an entirely new standard for optical comparator measurement.

eCAD is a new electronic overlay package consisting of software and internal comparator hardware that allows a CAD model to be used to project a profile tolerance band onto the comparator screen. The software runs on a standard Windows(TM) PC, and the comparator utilizes custom-designed optics to produce the digital image that is projected onto the screen. The PC may be networked to download CAD files from a server, and secured to control and protect the original CAD files.

The operator typically lines up the eCAD virtual image with the part image on the comparator screen. Then, eCAD incorporates multiple tolerance zones as defined by the CAD file to indicate whether the actual part is in- or out-of-tolerance via the use of different projected color bands. The various color bands are user-definable and customizable.

The eCAD virtual image may be "coupled" to the part screen image so that when the operator moves the worktable, the virtual CAD image follows the screen image. This allows the operator to inspect critical segments of the part and determine if they are within tolerance. To get a closer look, the operator may change magnification at any point, and the eCAD virtual image will automatically update and track the mag change.

Traditional comparator overlay templates can be easily lost, damaged, and/or outdated, and they also pose a storage problem in terms of safety, organization, and space. In addition, overlay templates often must be certified or recertified, and there is a time and money cost associated with repeatedly creating new overlay templates from the original CAD files. eCAD has the potential to virtually eliminate all of these problems by doing away with the need to maintain physical overlay templates, for any purpose whatsoever. eCAD finally brings optical comparators into the digital age, a major step forward in measurement technology and application.

eCAD will be shown in action at IMTS 2010, in OGP Booth E-5525. For additional information on eCAD or any of the OGP metrology solutions, contact Optical Gaging Products, Inc. at (800) 647-4243, www.ogpnet.com or email at info@ogpnet.com.
Optical Gaging Products is an innovator in non-contact and multisensor dimensional measurement systems, optical comparators, and laser surface scanners for manufacturing quality control. Since its establishment in 1945, OGP has delivered thousands of measurement systems to manufacturing companies worldwide. OGP has facilities in Rochester, NY; Tempe, AZ; Singapore; Germany; Bangalore, India; and Shanghai, China. Optical Gaging Products is one of the Quality Vision International companies.

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