Colortrac announces an affordable new SmartLF Ci 40 large format technical document scanner

As the leading innovator in cost-effective wide format scanning, Colortrac designed the new SmartLF Ci 40 to be easy to operate with selectable local language controls while also providing industry-leading performance and excellent value for money. Using the latest 2D LED CIS technology, the SmartLF Ci 40 scanner range captures the finest details of technical drawings and maps in bright colours or monochrome, producing crisp, sharp images accurately at high speeds (up to 3.3ips colour and 10ips B&W).

The recommended list price of the entry-level 600dpi optical resolution SmartLF Ci 40m (monochrome) scanner including SmartLF All-in-One scan and copy software is a very competitive GBP3,925.

The SmartLF Ci 40's new design features provide intuitive face-up, front-loading of documents with a unique front ejection system that distinguishes it from traditional multiple roller, front-feed, rear exit large format scanners. Colortrac acquired the ANAtech Scanner Division from Intergraph Corporation in 1999 and the SmartLF Ci 40 utilises media handling technology first developed by ANAtech in the 1990s for their high-end, super accurate Eagle GIS scanners. Colortrac's back to the future approach, re-purposing proven mechanical design concepts with the latest CIS sensor and digital electronics, has resulted in the 21st Century's first radical innovation in large format scanning.

Unlike other conventional scanners with multiple rollers, the SmartLF Ci 40 uses a single, precision-engineered drum or Advanced Single Roller Paper Transport system. Documents are gently but firmly drawn through the scanner by this unique solid roller technology to provide reliable feeding of flexible originals, including very thin newsprint, while preserving delicate documents that can be problematic for traditional wide format scanner designs. SmartLF Ci 40 scanners are optimised for high speed, accurate scanning of large format flexible paper documents such as maps, CAD drawings, blueprints, engineering schematics, well logs and any other technical documents with fine image details and lines.

The SmartLF Ci 40's image sensors are mounted in a segmented injection moulding suspended within the hood of the scanner. The shape of this sub-assembly gave rise to Colortrac's description as the clamshell. The clamshell's job is to position the scanned document closely around the drum and maintain optimum contact between it and the CIS to improve image accuracy and focus. Colortrac has also worked closely with its supplier to perfect new custom designed CIS modules with 2D LEDs that strobe bi-directional RGB light onto the original from both sides of the rod lens array. This unique design innovation improves the light levels incident on the document being scanned and results in superior quality images with reduced shadows and wrinkles caused by folds or creases in the original.

Peter de Winter-Brown, Colortrac Sales and Marketing Director, said Our SmartLF Ci 40 scanners are the latest in a long line of innovative product roll outs from Colortrac. The SmartLF Ci 40 is an entirely new product design that is intended to expand the market for large format scanners. SmartLF Ci 40 is easier and more intuitive to use than earlier wide format scanners and creates new, lower price points and operating costs for value conscious buyers in the post credit-crunch world.

As an environmentally aware company, we are striving to minimise the impact of our activities world-wide and offer SmartLF products with lower power requirements designed to comply with international energy saving standards. SmartLF Ci 40 is the lightest, most transportable A0 / E size scanner today - it weighs just 48.4 lbs (22 kg) - and benefits from our flexible and easy post sale model upgrade policy that allows our customers to buy the scan solution they need today without sacrificing their ability to enhance their scanner's features and performance as and when their future needs change.

We believe owners of a Colortrac SmartLF Ci 40 solution will become more profitable by avoiding the expense and delays when outsourcing scanning and copying jobs and, by bringing scanning and copying applications in-house, have more control and be more competitive by offering clients a more responsive value added service.

The SmartLF Ci 40 range was shown for the first time on the Canon booth at the Drupa 2008 show in Dusseldorf Germany during May and June.