PART INSPECTION DROPS FROM TWO HOURS TO FIVE MINUTES
Instead of dedicating a static CMM located away from the point of manufacture, BMW combines the portability of Zett Mess inspection arms with PowerINSPECT software from Delcam to make many more prototype inspections possible.
Posted: October 30, 2011
“Users are able to measure out the coordinates much faster,” said Stefan Schneider, an application engineer, at Delcam GmbH. “Every measured point can be compared to the CAD data with PowerINSPECT. The inspection software immediately and precisely shows the deviations within the specified tolerances.” In addition, the software saves every measurement and documents each modification in such a way that it becomes clear in which direction a point has to be moved in order to implement a specific change.
This system offers not only comprehensive functionality, but also the simplest possible operation. “Many inspection programs are complicated to use,” claimed Schneider. “The ease of use with this software is essential for situations like that in BMW’s chassis prototype development, where both metrology specialists and production staff need to use the software.”
Easy operation and the shortest-possible learning curve allow casual users to be able to work accurately and efficiently with the measuring equipment. After only two days of training, BMW employees can use PowerINSPECT in combination with the Zett Mess arm.
Another benefit is that this inspection software does not require the parts to be held in a specific fixture. Its best-fit routines mean that inspection can be undertaken in any position. In addition, the arm and software make it possible to inspect two parts simultaneously on one table. If the alignment between the two parts is known, the user can switch between the two inspection sequences.
It is also much quicker to add extra points into a measurement sequence. The additional data can be incorporated with the earlier measurements and the combined results displayed immediately, instead of having to re-measure the whole part. Similarly, it is possible to change the datum being used for the inspection and PowerINSPECT will quickly regenerate the inspection report.
Peter Dickin is the marketing manager of Delcam plc, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK, +44 (0)121 683 1081, marketing@delcam.com, www.delcam.com.
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