Scan2CAD raster to vector conversion software

Softcover - 7th March 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cambridge, England.

First under-£5000 A0 colour scanner includes Scan2CAD

The Colortrac SmartLF is the first large format colour scanner to break the under- £5000 price barrier in Britain. Softcover International, a SmartLF Premier Accredited Reseller, include Scan2CAD Pro, their popular raster to vector converter that turns scanned drawings into DXF files for editing in CAD, with every SmartLF they sell.

The Colortrac SmartLF scanner provides PC CAD users working with large, old paper drawings with a cost-effective A0 scanning capability.

The SmartLF is a new concept in large format scanning technology. It uses contact image sensor (CIS) technology similar to inexpensive, flatbed desktop scanners. By combining five, close-spaced "deep focus" contact image sensors with integral illumination Colortrac have produced a remarkably low cost, lightweight A0 scanner with a maximum 400dpi optical resolution across a 40" active scan width.

The SmartLF uses a compact, "no-adjustment necessary" optics systems that gives crisp, clear images. Consumable costs are negligible as CIS technology replaces the need for expensive and sensitive working parts, like lights, cameras and mirrors in stable, heavy metal housing. The SmartLF can be used within 10 seconds of power-on. CIS technology cuts out the need for lengthy warm-ups before use and constant calibration when in operation, a tiresome feature of older generation scanners.

There are three SmartLF models - the 4080m (list £4495 excl.) monochrome or black and white only; the 4080c (list £4495 excl.) fast black and white, slow colour; and the 4080e (list £5625 excl) fast black and white, fast colour. All three models will scan black and white drawings at a fast 10.1 inches per second. The 4080c and 4080e will do colour scans at 0.84 and 3.36 inches per second respectively. The 4080c is most suited to users with a majority of black and white drawings who also need the occasional colour scan.

The SmartLF is the first large format scanner to include basic scanning software at no extra cost. The SmartLF software is aimed at non-technical but computer literate users. It allows scans to be made directly from the scanner or the PC and will scan to file, printer or email. A large format black and white or colour copying system can be created by simply connecting a SmartLF to a large format printer. It saves a variety of file formats including TIF, JPG and PDF.

The SmartLF is supplied as a desktop model. A floorstand, more powerful scanning software and extended warranties are optional extras. The SmartLF is supplied with a two year return-to-factory warranty covering all parts and labour. Delivery is free within the UK mainland. The SmartLF can be installed by the user and be up-and-running within the hour. Being lightweight the scanner arrives in a box. No special handling requirements are necessary. It is transportable in the back of a car.

Softcover are the developers of Scan2CAD, a professional raster to vector converter. Scan2CAD converts scanned drawings into DXF vector files that can be edited in any PC CAD program. Softcover supply Scan2CAD Pro free with the SmartLF. The Colortrac SmartLF is manufactured in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, just 20 minutes from Softcover's offices in Cambridge.

"The SmartLF is ideal for CAD and technical drawings" says Steve Hannath, Softcover's marketing director. "The scan quality is clean and sharp. The resolution is ideally suited to vectorising large format technical drawings with Scan2CAD".

"The SmartLF is wider and faster than most large format scanners and costs less than similarly specified ones, plus it comes with scanning software. There's nothing that a more expensive A0 scanner can do for CAD work that the SmartLF can't do for less! As many CAD users have been waiting for the entry cost of an A0 scanner to come down the SmartLF's unrivalled price and performance should quickly establish it as the leading low cost large format scanner. It's got everything, including scanning and vectorisation software. If you've been waiting for A0 scanners to get more affordable, it has now" says Hannath.

For further information contact:

  • Tel# +44 1223 424342
  • marketing@softcover.com
  • www.softcover.com

About Softcover ...
Softcover develop Scan2CAD, professional raster to vector conversion software that turns scanned drawings, maps, etc, into DXF vector files for editing in any PC CAD program. With more than 20,000+ users worldwide Scan2CAD has a very impressive user base that includes governments, their agencies, military organisations, the United Nations and NASA. Founded in 1991, Softcover is based in Cambridge, England, a centre of British excellence in science and technology.

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