IMS Retrofit Package Upgrades CNC or Manual CMMs

International Metrology Systems, Inc. (IMS: Livonia, MI) estimates that there are more than 100,000 coordinate measuring machines operating worldwide that are not up to snuff in meeting today's quality standards and production requirements.

In most cases, says IMS, the actual machine can still do the job—the hardware has the built-in precision to accurately provide sophisticated measuring. The problem is that the original software and even most of the upgrades provided with the original machines are "grossly out of date" in terms of current software technology. One reason IMS cites: they do not accommodate seamless CAD integrated inspection.

IMS has developed its Virtual DMIS upgrade software package for any make, type, or size of CMM. By combining the latest software development tools, CAD and CMM industry standards, Virtual DMIS enables seamless collection, analysis, visualization, and communication of quality data throughout the manufacturing environment.

Virtual DMIS provides graphical programming, intelligent measuring, surfacing, pictorial output and SPC, fully linking 3D CAD data with the CMM inspection process with the power of PC-based 32-bit technology. Virtual DMIS has been upgraded to every brand, model, and type of CMM ever produced, providing a complete engineering database. It has been developed with the Dimensional Measurement Interface Standard (DMIS) as its foundation to exploit the power and capabilities of the measuring technology standard.

IMS uses a unique iconized navigation structure. All icons appear on a single uncluttered page, making it easy to follow and use. The OPENGL-driven software displays a slid model view of the part being measured, the fixture, CMM structure, and probe. Measuring is "point and click." From the CAD model, operators can simply click on a feature and the CMM will measure it automatically. As a result, of the powerful DMIS protocol is usable by nonprogrammer operators in practically any type of shop environment.

IMS offers retrofit programs for both manual and CNC machines. A typical manual program includes the Virtual DMIS software, new scale signal processing electronics, installation, calibration, and a 2-day training program. A CNC program include new motion 32-bit controller, Virtual DMIS software, the PC, installation, calibration, and 4 days of training.

International Metrology Systems Inc, 37100 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150; phone: 734-591-3800