CAD data enables feature-based CMM measurement

The premise is simple. Bring an off-line created CAD file into the software package for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and enable the user to automatically inspect any prismatic feature under full CNC control without the need of previously creating a part program.

This is exactly what International Metrology Systems, Inc. (Livonia, MI) has done with the latest release (3.2) of its Virtual DMIS software. According to IMS president Keith Mills, "This enhanced capability can improve the productivity of a CMM at least tenfold."

There has been a distinct trend toward using CAD data in metrology. Several software packages offer CAD capabilities that enable off-line programming of CMMs or provide the capability to compare individual CMM measured points with nominal CAD data when inspecting free form surfaces.

Virtual DMIS v. 3.2 has taken this technology one step further by bringing "true electronic, online hands-free, feature-based measurement to the CMM user," said Mills.

"In recent years, the various CMM manufacturers have been racing each other to make the CMM move and position faster, in order to reduce inspection cycle times while retaining the CMM's traditional approach to programming and inspection techniques. Now through software innovation, IMS has leaped past the prior productivity gains and significantly reduced CMM operation costs.

"For example, the manufacturer of low volume parts who traditionally could never justify the time to create CMM programs and merely used the CMM in joystick mode will benefit from the new CMM capability," Mills added.

By simply clicking on the CAD model feature, Virtual DMIS automatically identifies the feature type and its nominal definition. A second mouse click enters the nominal feature to the software database and a simple drag back into the measurement window provides fully automatic CNC inspection and analysis of the feature.

Virtual DMIS, Mills said, combines the latest software development tools, CAD and CMM industry standards to enable seamless collection, analysis, visualization and communication of quality data throughout the manufacturing environment. Virtual DMIS is designed to provide graphical programming, intelligent measuring, surfacing, pictorial output and SPC, fully linking 3D CAD data with the CMM inspection process.

International Metrology Systems, Inc., DMIS-CMM Center, 37100 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 USA. Tel: 734-591-3800. Fax: 734-591-3850.

Edited by Jim Lorincz
Managing Editor
JLorincz@vertical.net