Contex, the world's leading developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, today announces the productivity gains achieved by Heart of Georgia Metal Crafters (HGMC) from using Contex scanning solutions. HGMC is an industry leader in the fabrication of precision sheet metal and machined components and assemblies for clients such as The Boeing Company, Lockheed, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Trane Corporation. HGMC installed the Contex HD4230, a 42-inch wide format scanner, to replace the manual process of tracing parts from mylar drawings and transparencies, and rebuilding them in Mastercam, a CAD/CAM software tool. With the HD4230's scanning speed, resolution and brilliant image quality, HGMC has cut its production time in half, enabling the business to operate more efficiently.

"The Contex scanner is one of the best investments we've made in years. Previously, when our clients provided us with physical mylar drawings and transparencies, it took days to incorporate these documents into our production process," comments David Bowling, IT Manager, HGMC. "With the Contex HD4230 wide format scanner and WiseImage software, we can scan, calibrate, scale, and convert the drawings into vector format in a fraction of the time."

Bowling continues, "With the Contex scanner, we don't have to rescan documents. Before, we would have to go back to the original mylars or transparencies to access various images. Now, we have all the elements, which we can easily access for future use."

"To get quality images from vellum, bond and mylar wide format drawings, companies rely on Contex wide format scanners," comments Phil Magenheim, President, Contex Americas. "The advanced imaging technology delivers accurate and high-quality scans every time, which is important to maintaining efficient production workflows."

HGMC pairs the HD4230 with WiseImage, a 2D standalone application for raster editing, raster-to-vector conversion, and drawing revisions. HGMC staffers use WiseImage to prepare the scanned images for use with Mastercam.

HGMC's staffers are quick to appreciate the reliable quality and straightforward calibration that the Contex wide format scanner delivers. The HD scanner uses CCD technology, and delivers (600 dpi) high scanning resolution for brilliant image quality of fine art, photos, maps, drawings, and even thick, folder, or wrinkled documents.