Large format scanner comes with convertor software

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 8, 2005

The Colortrac SmartLF is the first large format colour scanner to break the GBP 5000 price barrier in the UK, and comes complete with Scan2CAD Pro raster to vector convertor software.

The Colortrac SmartLF is the first large format colour scanner to break the GBP 5000 price barrier in the UK.

Softcover International, a SmartLF premier accredited reseller, includes Scan2CAD Pro, its popular raster to vector convertor that turns scanned drawings into DXF files for editing in CAD, with every SmartLF it sells.

The Colortrac SmartLF scanner provides engineers 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 has produced a remarkably low cost, lightweight A0 scanner with a maximum 400dot/in optical resolution across a 40in 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 warmups before use and constant calibration when in operation, a tiresome feature of older generation scanners.

There are three SmartLF models - the 4080m (list GBP 4495) monochrome or black and white only; the 4080c (list GBP 4495) fast black and white, slow colour; and the 4080e (list GBP 5625) fast black and white, fast colour.

All three models will scan black and white drawings at a fast 10.1in/s.

The 4080c and 4080e will do colour scans at 0.84 and 3.36in/s, 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 nontechnical but computer literate users.

It allows scans to be made directly from the scanner or the PC and will scan to file, printer or e-mail.

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 floor stand, 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 convertor.

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 an A0 scanner to get more affordable, it has now", says Hannath.