3D Metrology Platform offers full control over calibrated light source.
Press Release Summary:
By employing sensors with Intelligent Illumination(TM), Helix(TM) lets users control virtually every aspect of sensor's calibrated light source. Customizing quantity, density, and orientation of sensor's laser lines enables optimization of image acquisition on feature-by-feature basis. Single, in-process solution is capable of precisely measuring key dimensional features as well as generating full 3D point clouds, allowing integrated 3D metrology.
Original Press Release:
Perceptron® Introduces New Helix(TM) 3D Metrology Solution
PLYMOUTH, MI - Perceptron, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRCP), the global leader in non-contact measurement and inspection solutions, today announced that the Company's Industrial Business Unit (IBU) has introduced its groundbreaking Helix(TM) 3D Metrology Solution.
Helix(TM) is an innovative and versatile 3D metrology platform that enables manufacturers to perform their most challenging measurement tasks with unparalleled ease and precision. It combines more than 25 years of laser-triangulation and 3D metrology experience with recent technological advances to create the most unique and powerful solution in the market.
Helix(TM) solutions offer the world's only sensors with Intelligent Illumination(TM), a patent-pending breakthrough that allows users to control virtually every aspect of the sensor's calibrated light source. By customizing the quantity, density, and orientation of the sensor's laser lines through a simple user interface, image acquisition is optimized on a feature-by-feature basis. The user can configure tightly spaced laser lines for small, complex features, increase the number of laser lines to robustly measure challenging materials, and alter the orientation of the laser lines to accommodate the differences between multiple parts manufactured on the same assembly line.
Prior to Helix(TM), manufacturers were forced to purchase and deploy multiple measurement technologies in order to implement a comprehensive quality strategy. Intelligent Illumination(TM) serves as the powerful foundation of a single, in-process solution capable of precisely measuring key dimensional features as well as generating full 3D point clouds - allowing, for the first time, a truly integrated, 3D metrology solution.
Harry Rittenour, Perceptron's President and CEO, stated, "Our Helix(TM) solution is the most significant development in sensor technology in the past 15 years, and represents a quantum leap in 3D metrology. Nothing comparable exists in the market today. Helix(TM) will provide our customers with a powerful tool for overcoming the challenges they face on a daily basis and a means to successfully implement their most far-reaching and innovative strategies for the future."
Today's demanding manufacturing processes push traditional metrology solutions to their limits with high model mixes, complex material combinations, and unique short-run parts. Helix(TM) sensors utilize dramatically increased measurement volumes, in many cases more than 100 times that of competitive offerings, to effectively and efficiently support those flexible manufacturing processes. By using Helix(TM) solutions, Perceptron's customers can measure more features on multiple models with fewer sensors, simultaneously adding value and improving the return on overall investment.
Rittenour added, "The significant product differentiators provided by Helix(TM) will allow us to deliver a customized, high-precision, affordable solution. A solution that eliminates the compromises customers have had to make with competitive systems. Helix(TM) is the embodiment of value innovation - increased capability without added complexity or cost."
Over the next several months, Perceptron will be installing two beta systems at key customer locations and expects to begin taking customer orders near the end of the calendar year. System installations are anticipated to commence in the spring of 2011. This represents only the first stage in a series of Helix(TM)-based solutions that will be introduced into various markets in the future.
About Perceptron®
Perceptron develops, produces, and sells non-contact measurement and inspection solutions for industrial and commercial applications. The products from the Company's Industrial Business Unit (IBU) provide solutions for manufacturing process control as well as sensor and software technologies for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's metrology solutions to help them manage their complex manufacturing processes to improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs. IBU also offers Value Added Services such as training and customer support services. Perceptron's Commercial Products Business Unit (CBU) develops and manufactures a variety of handheld visual inspection devices and add-on accessories for professional tradesmen that are sold to and marketed through strategic partners. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Perceptron has approximately 230 employees worldwide, with operations in the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, China and India. For more information about Perceptron, please visit www.perceptron.com.
