New GlobalJig computerized measuring system provides laser accuracy for collision repair

Highly successful in Europe for many years, Globalscan is making its North American debut at the SEMA Show 2016. The GlobalScan computerized measuring system integrates the precision of laser scanning with a database of vehicle specs for unmatched accuracy in collision analysis and repair. It measures multiple points on the vehicle simultaneously in real time, so technicians can easily monitor the effect of a pull on the entire vehicle. GlobalScan also documents every step of the repair process. “Live, multi-point monitoring is especially important today because modern vehicle design is transferring collision energy through the vehicle’s frame and body to protect the occupant compartment,” explains Lee Daugherty, Chief global data product manager. “For example, when techs make corrections to the front of the vehicle, they are likely to also affect the rear of the vehicle. But they can’t know for sure what effect those changes have had without monitoring the whole vehicle. GlobalScan allows technicians to watch the entire vehicle frame straightening in front of them on the computer screen.” The GlobalScan system's laser scanner uses retro-reflective targets suspended from a vehicle's defined reference points with either a magnetic or threaded-hole attachment. A body scanner locates the targets and relays the position information for each point back to the PC for display. GlobalScan can measure the entire vehicle at once, making it possible to repair vehicles with diamond or twist damage, as well as those with both front and rear damage. The system shows technicians not only where the vehicle is out of alignment, but by how much and in which direction. The system utilizes overhead diagrams that display and document center line, datum line and datum height measurements. This documentation of each measurement provides indisputable evidence that the repairs made were needed, and that the vehicle frame was returned to its pre-collision condition. Insurance companies are increasingly demanding documentation of damage in order to approve an estimate for repair. They are also requiring documentation demonstrating that the repairs were made prior to initiating payment. This documentation is also valuable to the shop. Repair documents provide peace of mind to the customer and instill confidence in the shop’s professional abilities. From a liability standpoint, repair documentation provides proof of the exact condition of the vehicle when it entered and left the shop. The Globaljig Presented by Chief GlobalScan measuring system includes a computer loaded with software, mouse, 19-inch monitor, color document printer, 32 targets and a wide range of attachments, all housed in a durable, portable cabinet. To learn more about the Globaljig Presented by Chief GlobalScan computerized measuring system, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/Global-Jig/Frame-Measuring/Global-Scan/. For more information about the full line of Globaljig collision benches, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/Global-Jig/, contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 445-9262. Chief is also active on Twitter, twitter.com/ChiefAutomotive and Facebook, facebook.com/ChiefAutomotive. For video, visit chiefautomotive.com/video-library.