(Methods: Sudbury, MA) -- Methods Machine Tools, a leading supplier of innovative machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories, has introduced hardware and software enhancements to the VisionGauge digital optical comparators, developed by VISIONx. These upgrades are included on both horizontal and vertical comparator versions.

In addition to a redesigned enclosure, several other hardware enhancements have been made to the VisionGauge comparators. A new motion control subsystem delivers smoother motion, finer control, and faster accelerations. Optical end-of-travel limit switches have replaced magnetic limit switches to provide repeatable homing operations for increased ease in creating automated programs. And scratch-proof glass has been added to vertical configuration machines.

Powerful software upgrades include an intuitive CAD Navigator, which allows a large CAD file to be viewed in its entirety on one screen, coarsely aligns the CAD file to the part with a single mouse click, and provides improved navigation for aligning the CAD file to the part, and for working with large parts. Performance enhancements have been made to the CAD Auto-Align tool for faster convergence and finer user control.

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