ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- SOLIDWORKS WORLD -- Z Corporation today unveiled two breakthrough handheld laser scanners to help organizations quickly and easily capture large swaths of 3D geometry and true color data for reverse engineering, inspection, product design, and a host of other applications.

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Extending the ZScanner 700 platform

The ZScanner(R) 700 PX and ZScanner 700 CX, introduced today at the SolidWorks World 2009 International User Conference and Exposition, extend the award-winning ZScanner 700 platform that in 2006 introduced unprecedented speed, ease-of-use and versatility to 3D scanning. The ZScanner 700 was the first-handheld, self-positioning scanner on the market that could digitize 3D surfaces in real time. It lets users scan any object in the tightest spaces with one continuous scan. Conventional scanners require multiple setups with fixed-position tripods, mechanical arms, or external positioning devices that must be aimed and re-aimed directly at target surfaces. The ZScanner 700 also captures information in a single reference model, meaning users do not need to invest time or risk errors in tedious post-processing to stitch multiple scans into one.

Scan very large objects with mobility

The new ZScanner 700 PX is the world's only handheld laser scanner that precision-scans large objects such as aircraft and automobiles, items that previously have been too big to capture by hand. The breakthrough stems from built-in AICON(TM) photogrammetric software, previously available only in fixed-position 3D scanners that lack the handheld's mobility, speed and convenience. As users of the ZScanner 700 PX choose larger target objects for scanning, its accuracy increases, to up to eight times that of the standard ZScanner 700. The new ZScanner's ease of use, accuracy and portability make it ideal for applications such as reverse engineering, inspection, 3D archiving, complex shape acquisition, measurement, damage assessment, digital modeling/mockups and rapid prototyping. The speed and accuracy translate into cost savings, increased quality and additional revenue.

Capture the 'whole picture' with color

The ZScanner 700 CX is the world's first handheld laser scanner that can capture surface information in full 24-bit color, rendering the complete picture of an object, not just the geometry. Color 3D data enables more realistic and informative 3D visualization and concept models, making the ZScanner 700 CX ideal for cultural heritage, anthropology, archeology, art, entertainment and Web applications, as well as product design and reverse engineering.

In addition to capturing color, the ZScanner 700 CX provides automatic, fully accurate texture mapping. Texture maps can be saved separately from the mesh, meaning users can modify or refine the texture in photo editing software without compromising accuracy. Flexible resolution during scanning enables the user to reduce resolution to obtain a lighter-weight file or smoother surface appearance. Dual scanning mode lets the user toggle between color and monochrome modes during the same scan.

The ZScanner 700 CX color scanner creates the first full-color scan-to-print solution when combined with Z Corporation's 3D printers, which are the only ones capable of printing in multiple colors. ZPrinters create physical models directly from ZScanner data, or any 3D data, just as 2D printers create documents from word processing text.

"These two new scanners represent technological innovations that dramatically improve customers' ability to scan anything, anywhere, regardless of size, location, color or contour," Z Corporation CEO John Kawola said. "We are eager for customers to obtain these solutions and see their work flourish."

Pricing, Availability

The ZScanner 700 PX and the ZScanner 700 CX are available today through Z Corporation's worldwide reseller network. The United States manufacturer's suggested retail prices are $84,900 USD for the ZScanner 700 PX and $49,900 USD for the ZScanner 700 CX.

About Z Corporation

Z Corporation makes products that enable users to capture, edit and print 3D data with unprecedented speed, ease, versatility and affordability. These products include the world's fastest high-definition 3D printers -- machines that produce physical 3D models from digital data in full color - and uniquely portable 3D scanners - handheld machines that digitize 3D surfaces in real time. Z Corp. technology is enabling a wide range of applications in manufacturing, architecture, civil engineering, reverse engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), medicine and entertainment. For the latest news and information from Z Corp., visit www.zcorp.com.

What can you do with the new ZScanners?

    --  Compare the scan of a manufactured automobile against the CAD design to
        detect manufacturing flaws.
    --  Digitally capture a full-scale aircraft mockup for computer-aided
        design, modification, analysis or mold making.
    --  Capture the contours of a large or colorful art object or, redesign the
        damaged area, and produce a historically accurate restoration.
    --  Scan a sculpted creature and import the colorful 3D digital object into
        a gaming environment.
    --  Use 3D color scans as illustrations for Web sites

    Contact: Julie Reece                Ed Marshall
    Z Corporation                       Beaupre & Co. Public Relations
    +1 781-852-5058                     + 1 603-559-5816
    jreece@zcorp.com                    emarshall@Beaupre.com
    www.zcorp.com                       www.beaupre.com

Web site: http://www.zcorp.com/