The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Leica Press Release - March 1, 2006 - Leica Geosystems' Universal CMM Takes Center Stage at WESTEC 2006 in Los Angeles, CA

  P R E S S   R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release

Press Contact: Belinda Jones, HiTech Marketing, 860-399-1147, 
belinda.jones@hitechmarketing.com
Link to press release: 
http://www.leica-geosystems.com/metrology/en/ndef/lgs_1075.htm?id=1204

Leica Geosystems' Universal CMM Takes Center Stage at WESTEC 2006 in Los 
Angeles, CA
 
Lawrenceville, GA - March 1, 2006 - The Metrology Division of Leica 
Geosystems announced today it will showcase the Leica Universal CMM, the 
industry's leading large-volume measurement solution at the WESTEC 2006 
Advanced Productivity Exposition, LA Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA. 
Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company, transformed the mobile metrology 
marketplace by expanding the capabilities of their laser tracking 
systems with wireless probing and rapid non-contact scanning 
technologies. WESTEC Visitors will get a close look at this 
multi-faceted measurement solution in Booth #2516, South Hall from March 
27-30, 2006 at the joint Hexagon/Leica Geosystems booth.

The Leica Universal CMM consists of a Leica Laser Tracker combined with 
the Leica T-Scan and/or the Leica T-Probe II. Specifically designed for 
the precision measurement challenges of the aerospace industry, the 
LTD840 laser tracker enables
manufacturers to perform wireless probing and scanning of large parts in 
one setup within a volume of 30m (98ft). Leica laser trackers are used 
by prominent manufacturers and service providers worldwide in the 
aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding and general engineering industries.

The Leica T-Scan introduced groundbreaking advances in the area of rapid 
non-contact scanning. Used in conjunction with a Leica Laser Tracker, 
the hand-held scanner allows the operator to quickly digitize 
small-to-large objects and complex surfaces with virtually no setup 
time. Most surface types are digitized with no surface preparation. In 
addition, the collected point cloud data can be used immediately for 
analysis, viewing, or modeling without any post-processing -- an 
industry first. The Leica T-Scan is used for inspection and reverse 
engineering applications in a wide variety of industries.

The T-Probe II, also known as a "Walk-Around CMM," enables operators to 
access hidden, hard-to-reach points and recessed surfaces with 6 degrees 
of freedom. Large parts, such as aircraft and automobiles, can be 
inspected with one tracker location and minimal setup time. Reducing the 
number of tracker relocations around an object translates into a 
significant cost and time savings for manufacturers. This armless 
wireless probing technology has set new standards with its increased 
accuracy and point acquisition rates up to 1,000 points per second.

The LTD840 system delivers the fastest measurement cycle in the business 
for high-point density (3,000 points/second) with measurement range up 
to 40m (131ft) when used with a corner cube reflector.

During the WESTEC trade show, Leica Geosystems will illustrate how the 
Universal CMM can be utilized for an extensive range of inspection and 
measurement tasks. Leica operators will demonstrate laser tracking 
techniques, wireless probing, and non-contact scanning throughout the 
day during the exposition. Leica Geosystems stands at the forefront of 
the metrology marketplace with more than 1,600 tracker systems installed 
worldwide in the toughest, most unforgiving industrial environments.

About the Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems
The Metrology Division of Leica Geosystems is a global supplier of 
comprehensive hardware and software packages to the industrial metrology 
market. These products integrate with popular CAD programs, various 
build-and-inspect tools, and reverse engineering software. Using 
state-of-the-art laser technology, Leica's industrial measurement 
products make quality control, part mating, assembly and construction of 
large and small parts easier and more accurate than ever. Leica's laser 
tracker technology is most widely used, with over 1,600 installations 
worldwide. In addition, about 1,500 Industrial Theodolites & Total 
Stations systems are operational, and are the most accurate instruments 
in their category according to customer testimonials.

Leica Geosystems - a portrait
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, 
Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals 
worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial 
information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of 
products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and 
visualize and present spatial information even in 3D. Those who use 
Leica products every day trust them for their dependability, the value 
they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Switzerland, 
Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers 
supported by 2,400 employees in 21 countries and hundreds of partners 
located in more than 120 countries around the world.

Press Contact Headquarters
Simona Gambini
Director Global Marketing & Communication
Metrology Division
Leica Geosystems AG, CH-5035 Unterentfelden
Head Office - Switzerland
Phone +41 62 737 67 67, Fax +41 62 737 68 68
Direct +41 62 737 67 60
E-mail: Simona.Gambini@leica-geosystems.com
www.leica-geosystems.com/metrology

Distributed by / U.S. Press Contact:
Belinda Jones
HiTech Marketing
Tel.:    860-399-1147
Fax    860-399-1148
belinda.jones@hitechmarketing.com