quality
New release of the world’s most successful hardware-independent inspection software is one of the first to support Renishaw’s REVO probe.
Software for 5-axis inspection
VERSION 5 of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT
software includes support for 5-axis scanning
with Renishaw’s REVO probe. This new release of
the world’s most successful hardwareindependent
inspection software also features the
ability to use multiple alignments within parts or
assemblies, additional GD&T features, more
flexible best-fit algorithms, improved CMM
connectivity and more versatile report generation.
PowerINSPECT 5 is one of the first inspection
software packages to support Renishaw’s REVO
for the verification of both geometric and freeform
shapes on CMMs. The combined solution
offers faster and more accurate measurement of
feature-rich parts, such as powertrain
components, and complex doubly-curved
surfaces, including those found in aerofoils and
turbine blades. As the 5-axis REVO head is much
lighter and more dynamic than the CMM, with a
significantly better frequency response, it is able
to follow changes in the part geometry much
more quickly. In addition, 5-axis scanning
minimises dynamic errors caused by the inertial
forces that affect the moving mass of the CMM
structure. The new PowerINSPECT release
incorporates proven 5-axis simulation and
collision detection technology from Delcam’s
New force gauge is
accurate and flexible
COMPLEMENTING its
expanding range of material
testing devices, Bowers
Metrology has launched a
new range of cost effective,
high-resolution digital force
gauges. The flexible, Isotest
push-pull gauge delivers an
accuracy specification of
+/- 0.5% of full scale, is able
to operate in Lbf, Kgf and
Newton units and can be
used across an extremely
wide range of
tension/compression applications.
Aiding ease of use, prior to application, Bowers' Isotest digital
force gauge can be pre-programmed with all relevant tolerance
settings, the advanced new gauge has a peak hold function and can
calculate the average value of a series of tension or compression
measurements. Isotest gauge readings are displayed on a high
quality digital display, and if required the gauge’s findings can be
downloaded to computers, data-loggers or printers via the built-in
RS232 digital output. www.bowers.co.uk
PowerMILL CAM system. As a result, users can be
confident that the inspection routines will operate
safely and efficiently.
5-axis operation for on-machine verification
has also been enhanced, in particular by making
the programming much easier. Canned strategies
have been added for all standard geometric
features so making it faster and simpler to
generate inspection routines for prismatic parts.
PowerINSPECT’s new ability to use multiple
alignments within a single part will allow
independent verification of distinct areas within
the component. This will make it simpler to
identify the source of any error in a faulty
example and so make it quicker and easier to
rectify the problem. Multiple alignments can also
be important when checking assemblies of parts.
They can be used to discover whether the error is
in an individual component, and, if so, in which
one, or whether the problem has resulted from an
inaccuracy in the way in which the parts have
been put together.
Inspection of more complex parts will also
benefit from the enhanced best-fit options within
the software. These now allow the user to
prioritise the most important features in the part
when identifying the most accurate alignment.
46 MWP january 2009
For example, mating faces, which may need to be
produced to a finer tolerance, can be given a
higher priority.
The GD&T capability has been expanded to
include symmetry, surface profile and run-out, as
well as the previously-available true position,
perpendicularity, angularity, parallelism and
concentricity. The new options are all available
within the GD&T Wizard, to easily guide the
operator through the process.
Another new option is the ability to
compensate for changes in the part temperature.
This will be most helpful to companies using
portable devices on the shop-floor, where it is
impossible to maintain the temperature as
consistently as can be done in a dedicated
measuring area. The software includes specific
expansion factors for different materials, so
allowing accurate compensation allowances to be
calculated. The introduction into PowerINSPECT
of I++ technology will make it easier to add the
software to new hardware, especially for
companies that use a variety of different devices.
I++ is the standard communication format for
CMMs and is supported by all major equipment
manufacturers.
www.delcam.com
The largest UK owned CMM manufacturer, has made advanced
temperature sensor technology available, as an option across its range.
Push-me-pull-you Sensing the temperature
ABERLINK has introduced the temperature sensor option,
prompted by the trend towards inspection routines being
performed within the manufacturing environment. Ideal for use
on CMMs that are to be used on the shop floor or within other
areas that experience changing temperature, the new
technology entails embedding an extremely
responsive sensor into the bridge of a CMM and
making a compensation for the recorded
temperature finding, further improving the machines
accuracy.
All Aberlink’s advanced CMM bridges are
manufactured from high-grade aluminium, which
provides excellent thermal conductivity, minimising
temperature gradients across the machine, and
eliminating no distortion. This in itself ensures high
levels of accuracy and repeatability in less than
perfect working environments. The new system now
provides the capability of automatically sensing
changes in the ambient temperature, and by
communicating directly with Aberlink’s advanced
software, compensating for the prevailing ambient
temperature, by recording measurements as if they had
been taken at a nominal 20 o C. www.aberlink.co.uk
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