zCAT Brings Accuracy and Repeatability to Portable Measurement


The world’s first truly portable DCC CMM reduces user error and allows companies to take precise measurements wherever they’re needed.


Newton, Massachusetts - Sept. 1, 2015 - Fowler High Precision, globally recognized as a leading supplier of high-quality inspection, leveling, control and calibration equipment, announced the world’s first truly portable direct computer control coordinate measuring machine (DCC CMM) called the zCAT. The zCAT takes highly accurate, repeatable measurements in an extremely portable, completely wireless, automated package.


The 30-lb. zCAT is an industry first, bringing automated, precise 2D and 3D measurements anywhere from shop floor to conference table. Because of the zCAT’s direct computer control technology, training time is low while accuracies are 3 to 5 times higher than a manual, portable articulated arm CMM.


Operators use a small, icon-driven, smartphone-sized touchscreen to run and program the battery-powered zCAT. A unique, patented clutch system allows for easy, seamless switching between direct computer control and manual control operation. With the zCAT’s teach and repeat mode, users simply move the probe manually to the points of measurement and the device can save and repeat the program at machine speeds up to 150 mmps.


The teach and repeat mode sets the zCAT apart, because it is an easy way for operators to write measuring programs on the zCAT. Once a program has been written, the zCAT takes over, ensuring repeatable results as many times as necessary for the application. With the simplicity of the programming design for even the most complex 3D inspection programs, precise quality control inspections can be conducted by anyone—even the same person making the part—with accuracies that rival much more expensive, non-portable, conventional CMMs.


The zCAT’s easy to use touch-trigger probe system is designed for reliability and repeatability as well, while allowing maximum flexibility for portability and movement. A rotary encoder in the base of the zCAT enables 360-degree rotation. An industry standard Renishaw TP20 probe system rotates 360 degrees, and the horizontal stylus can spin and orient to each part to be measured for the highest degree of adaptability.


The all-new portable DCC CMM performs at a diametral accuracy of 3.0 + (D/100mm) and a linear accuracy of 5.0 + (L/100mm). Leveraging the automation technology and simple programming method, user error is greatly reduced and operators can get much more reliable, replicable results right at the point of manufacture compared with manual, portable inspection devices. Furthermore, not only is typical user error from the same operator conducting multiple, manual inspections greatly diminished, but errors from one operator to another can be all but eradicated.


The zCAT is a perfect fit for both companies without the square footage or investment needed for conventional CMMs or those that would like to complement their existing CMMs by reducing inspection backlog and lessening production interruptions.


The WiFi capable, U.S.A.-made zCAT now makes it possible for companies to inspect complex 3D parts where employees are already working, without losing critical accuracy. Fowler High Precision is currently accepting orders for the zCAT, which is expected 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.