CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
August 2004
Company News
Delcam to Preview New On-Machine Verification System at IMTS August 2004
At IMTS, Delcam will preview a new version of its PowerINSPECT inspection software that can be used for on-machine verification as well as for inspection on coordinate measuring machines and other inspection devices. This version will allow off-line programming of the inspection sequence for the machine tool, with fully integrated simulation and collision checking, and so minimize the time needed for the verification operation.
The new version offers all the advantages associated with the existing releases of PowerINSPECT for use on dedicated inspection equipment. It gives both quick and easy comparison of tooling and sample components against CAD data, and produces clear, comprehensive reports that can be understood by everyone involved in the product development process, not just inspection specialists.
The most obvious benefit of the new release will be to those companies that do not have existing inspection capabilities. Most modern machine tools either come with, or can be retrofitted with, probing capabilities to assist in the set-up of the job. With the new release of PowerINSPECT, this same equipment can now be used for verification at little extra cost. The ability to program complete verification sequences off-line means that there can be minimal interruption of the machining operations.
On-machine verification can give timesavings by enabling the quality of the component being machined to be monitored at all stages in the manufacturing process. This allows any errors to be detected earlier, and so corrected more quickly and at lower cost. For example, it will be possible to check that the correct amount of stock has been left on the component after a roughing operation, rather than having to wait until all machining operations have been completed before discovering that an error has been made.
Similarly, the extent of any damage caused, for example, by a tool breakage, can be assessed accurately and a decision made immediately to determine whether the part can still be completed within tolerance or whether it will have to be scrapped.
On-machine verification will also benefit companies with customers that insist on independent inspection of their work. By carrying out an initial verification on the machine, errors can be detected, and corrected, that might otherwise not be found until after the component had been shipped to the inspector.
Companies already having suitable equipment might think that on-machine inspection is an unnecessary operation that can lose machining time. However, if the whole process is considered, there is considerable potential to reduce delivery times.
If a part has to be transferred to a dedicated CMM and the inspection shows any errors, the component must be returned to the machine tool and re-clamped in position before being machined again. This is time-consuming for any component but can take many hours for any large, heavy item, such as a press tool for an automotive body panel. In addition, any mistakes during the set-up back onto the machine tool could result in a new series of errors in the component, and so lead to a further cycle of inspection and re-machining.
With on-machine verification, the part can be checked at each stage. The inspection on specialist measuring equipment only needs to be undertaken once at the end of the manufacturing process. This more regular verification ensures that there will be greater confidence that the component will be produced within specification.
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