Mitutoyo to Launch State-of-the-Art Digital Caliper with IP67 Protection Level its Top-of-the-Line Dustproof and Waterproof Capabilities, Easy-to-Use Equivalent to that of Mechanical Caliper that Provides Improved Operational Feel

IP67 ABS Coolant Proof Caliper
IP67 ABS Coolant Proof Caliper "CD67-PS Series"

Mitutoyo Corporation (head office: Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; president: Kazusaku Tezuka) announced that it has developed and commercialized the CD67-PS series of ABS coolant-proof digital calipers that has achieved IP67 under the International Protection (IP) level*. The new series is considered to be the top-of-the-line model in terms of dustproof and waterproof capabilities which can be used without anxiety even at manufacturing plants, a severe environment usually exposed to a large quantity of coolant. The launch of the new product is scheduled for January 21.

Recent years have the rapid spread of digital measuring tools. Nevertheless, operators at manufacturing plantsムa severe environment where tools are usually exposed to water, oil, and soilムhave been hesitant to use such digital tools because of problems concerning dustproof and waterproof capabilities. In October 2000, Mitutoyo launched the CD-G series of digital vernier calipers with the IP65 protection level, which is revolutionary enough to overturn the established theory within the industry. In October 2003, it also unveiled the CD-P series whose protection level was raised to IP66 to withstand much severer working conditions. These new products have had a great impact on the marketplace.
And now, the company has developed and commercialized the CD67-PS series of ABS coolant-proof calipers having achieved the IP67 protection level considered the ultimate in terms of dustproof and waterproof capabilities. As the world's leading manufacturer of precision measuring machinery, Mitutoyo has incorporated all of its resources for product development and production technology to create this highly-advanced digital vernier caliper.
Using the new product, which is equipped with an absolute encoder having the "absolute origin" regarded as the main feature of Mitutoyo's digital vernier calipers, there is no need to worry about the process of setting the origin point, just like the mechanical type with graduation. What's more, the product can be used for a long time without having to replace the battery. This successfully meets the long-standing demand of customers for the conventional mechanical type model to be replaced by a digital type one with highly value added even at manufacturing plants. Another advantage is the significant improvement in the sliding performance of the vernier caliper's slider section, which is the key element that determines the feel of caliper operation. Thus, Mitutoyo is to market a state-of-the-art digital vernier caliper. Mitutoyo's ABS coolant-proof calipers undergo general tests according to procedures* specified by the IP standard. Before being shipped out from the factory, all of the products also undergo air-leak tests to guarantee that they are waterproof. In addition, they undergo stringent performance evaluation to guarantee the total quality by means of testing (1) the temperature environment to validate the reliability under severe temperature environments, (2) the working environment to test long-time continuous operations, and (3) the electrical section to check the functions of the switch and other electrical components.

* Refer to the Appendix for details about the protection level and the testing method.

[Outlook for Sales]
For the initial year, the company expects to sell 100,000 units of the new product.

[Features]

Employs a newly developed measuring system to implement the IP67 level with the outside dimensions and mass equivalent to those of the previous model so that the vernier caliper can be used even in an environment where it is exposed to a large quantity of coolant as long as it is fully covered with the coolant.

Has a built-in absolute encoder to eliminate the need for setting the origin point each time the power is turned on and enables immediate measurement as easily as the mechanical vernier caliper with graduation.

Achieves a significant improvement in the sliding performance of the slider section, thus allowing work to be done with a smooth operational feel.

Uses oil-resistant materials for all plastics parts.

Has a simple design consisting of a single switch so that it is easy to conduct measurement.

Has an automatic power on/off function.

[Specifications]
Measuring range:
150mm, 200mm
Resolution:
0.01mm
Instrumental error:
±0.02mm [Not counting the quantization error ±1]
Functions:
Origin-set function, automatic power on/off function, error alarm function
Protection level:
IP67 (IEC60529 standard)
Power source:
One button-type cell (SR44)
Battery life:
Approximately three years under normal operating conditions
Position detecting system:
Electromagnetic induction type absolute encoder


[For more information, please contact the following:]
Small Tool Sales Group (Mitutoyo Japan - Overseas Sales Division)
Phone : 81-44-813-8231, Fax : 81-44-813-8231 or E-mail : SMALL@mitutoyo.co.jp


Appendix
Outline of Protection Level (IEC 60529)
Compatible with the related IEC standard (IEC 60529), this is a standard regarding the protection level 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.


January 14, 2004


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