The Tesa Micro-Hite 3D direct computer control (DCC) coordinate measuring system introduced by Brown & Sharpe Tesa (www.brownandsharpe.com) at its Westec booth is designed to allow users of all skill levels to perform complex measurements quickly and efficiently. The system derives its simplicity of use from its PC-DMIS Pro metrology software. The software automatically recognizes feature types and creates interactive graphical representations of parts on its screen.

A preview screen identifies features being measured and lets operators review measurements as they are created in real time. The software makes individual measurements that do not require the construction of a part program fast. The software also has automated routines that are combined with easy-to-use graphic interfaces to provide quick and efficient measuring of complex geometries.

According to Brown & Sharpe, the Micro-Hite can accommodate 80 percent of manufactured parts in its 17 x19 x 15.5-in. measuring volume. The machine`s offset triangular bridge design provides a low center of gravity and optimum stiffness-to-mass ratio, and air bearings deliver frictionless motion in all three axes for measuring repeatability to 3.5 µm.