Mitutoyo Releases Super Caliper Top-End ABS Coolant-Proof Caliper Achieving User Friendliness Equivalent to that of Mechanical Vernier Calipers by Integrating Technologies

CD67-SPP Series
CD67-SPP Series

Mitutoyo Corporation (head office: Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki; president: Kazusaku Tezuka) has developed and commercialized the Super Caliper CD67-SPP Series consisting of ultimate digital vernier calipers. Eliminating the need for batteries with its solar cell-driven mechanism, the new product can be used safely even in manufacturing plants with a severe environment involving heavy use of cutting fluid. The new product will be exhibited at the 22nd Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2004), which begins on November 1, 2004 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in demand for digital measuring tools that can be used with peace-of-mind even in manufacturing plants with severe operating environments, including the use of water, oil, and soil. In October 2000, Mitutoyo released the CD-G Series of unprecedented digital vernier calipers, which achieved the protection rating of IP65 by shattering established theories. In October 2003, the company unveiled the CD-P Series, a product that implemented the protection rating of IP66 to withstand much severer working conditions. In January 2004, Mitutoyo also announced the CD67-PS Series with the protection rating of IP67, which had a far-reaching effect on the marketplace. And recently, by integrating its product development and production technology capabilities as a leading manufacturer of precision measuring equipment, Mitutoyo has developed and commercialized the Super Caliper CD67-SPP Series, which consists of digital vernier calipers that have further evolved and are the first solar-cell-type products to achieve the protection rating of IP67.

Unlike non-Mitutoyo products equipped with only the incremental scale, the new product feature the ABSOLUTE encoder with the absolute zero point, a major feature of Mitutoyo's digital vernier calipers. Therefore, users do not need to worry about the procedure of setting the origin point each time the power supply is turned on. Just like the conventional mechanical type, the new Mitutoyo product allows immediate measurement to be performed.

Further, with its solar-cell-driven mechanism, there is no need to worry battery replacement for the Super Caliper CD67-SPP Series. The super-capacitor's charging function also facilitates long-time measurement even in dark locations with insufficient illumination. The electrical unit has a protective cover that shields the main body from unexpected impact. This and other considerations reflect the needs of customers. The result is that the new product is able to respond to demand from the marketplace for digital vernier calipers that can be used safely even at manufacturing plants.

The measuring unit of Mitutoyo's Super Caliper is tested according to the procedure specified in the standards pertaining to protection rating (*). Further, before leaving the factory, all units of the system undergo air leak tests to assure waterproof performance. Total quality is also assured by evaluating performance through testing the temperature environment (validating reliability under severe temperature conditions), testing the working environment (inspecting long-time continuous operations), and inspection of the electrical unit (the switching and other electrical functions).
　* Refer to the appendix for the protection rating and the testing procedure.

[Projected Sales]
Sales projection for first year: 3,000 units

[Features]
•
 The ABSOLUTE encoder used eliminates the need to adjust the point of origin, which is otherwise required for each measurement cycle. Measurements can be obtained immediately, at any time--and with unlimited response speed.
•
 The product is environmentally friendly, as it does not use batteries.
•
 A protective cover is used to shield the entire display unit and improve the anti-shock performance of the electrical unit.
•
 The water resistance rating of IP67 facilitates use of the product even in an environment where the body of the vernier caliper is exposed to a significant volume of cutting fluid.
•
 The parts employed do not contain any hazardous substances that are specified under RoHS directives.

[Specifications]
Measuring range:
 150mm models and 200mm models are available
Resolution:
 0.01mm
Instrumental error:
 ±0.02mm, not including the quantization error ±1 count
Functions:
 Setting the point of origin and sounding error alarms
Protection rating:
 IP67 (conforming to the IEC 60529 standard)
Power supply:
 Solar cell
Minimum intensity of illumination:
 60lx
Position detection:
 Electromagnetic absolute encoder


[For Information, Please Contact]
Small Tools Sales Group, Overseas Sales Division, Mitutoyo Corporation
Phone : +81-44-813-5410, Fax : +81-44-813-5433 or E-mail : SMALL@mitutoyo.co.jp


Appendix
Outline of Protection Rating (IEC 60529)
Compatible with the related IEC standard (IEC 60529), this is a standard regarding the protection rating against the penetration of both foreign matter and water.
[IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission]
IP


IP: International Protection
Protection level Protection against human touch and foreign matter Protection against water
Type Description Type Description
0 - No special protection - No protection
1 Large foreign matter Protection against the penetration of solid-state foreign matter exceeding 50mm in diameter Drip-proof type I Has no harmful effects from water drops falling in parallel with the plumb line*1
2 Foreign matter of normal shape Protection against the penetration of solid-state foreign matter exceeding 12mm in diameter Drip-proof type II Has no harmful effect from water drops falling at an angle of 15 degrees from the plumb line*1
3 Small foreign matter Protection against the penetration of solid-state foreign matter exceeding 2.5mm in diameter Rain-proof type Has no harmful effect from rain drops falling at an angle of 60 degrees from the plumb line*2
4 Granular foreign matter Protection against the penetration of solid-state foreign matter exceeding 1mm in diameter Splash proof type Has no harmful effect from water splashes coming from any direction
5 Protection against dust Protection against harmful dust (penetration of dust not affecting the function is considered OK.) Jet-proof type Has no harmful effect from direct water jets coming from any direction*3
6 Dust sealing Protection against the penetration of dust and perfect protection against human touch Water-
resistant type		 Letting no water in from direct water jets coming from any direction*4
7 - Watertight type Letting no water in under specified conditions if submerged*5
8 - Submarine type Capable of being used constantly in water with a specified pressure
- - Moisture-
proof type		 Capable of being used in moisture with a relative humidity of 90% or more
Testing Method
*1.
 Using a special device, let raindrops fall at a rate of 3 to 5mm/min for 10 minutes from a height of 200mm.
*2.
 Using the spout of a watering can, sprinkle rainwater at a rate of approximately 10L/min from a height of 300 to 500mm for a period of five minutes or more (for one minute with each outward surface area of 1m2).
*3.
 Using a nozzle with an inside diameter of 6.3mm, pour water at a pressure of 0.3kgf/cm2 {30kPa} from a distance of approximately 3m at a rate of approximately 12.5L/min for a period of three minutes or more (for one minute with each outward surface area of 1m2).
*4.
 Using a nozzle with an inside diameter of 12.5mm, pour water at a pressure of 1kgf/cm2 {100kPa} from a distance of approximately 3m at a rate of approximately 100L/min for a period of three minutes or more (for one minute with each outward surface area of 1m2).
*5.
 Keep the testpiece submerged for 30 minutes with its bottom end placed 1m below the water surface.


October 28, 2004

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