CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
25 October 2013
Product News
Delcam Speeds Set-up and Inspection in new PowerINSPECT Software
Delcam has released the 2013 R2 version of its PowerINSPECT metrology software, which offers faster programming and inspection, plus even easier-to-read reports. It includes a new method for automated inspection of edges of parts, improved display of deviations, support for a wider range of geometric features, more flexible simulation, and additional dimensioning options for radial features.
PowerINSPECT is firmly established as the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software. It combines the ability to work with all types of inspection device with a comprehensive range of inspection routines for taking simple measurements, for inspection of geometric features and for analysing complex 3D surfaces. The resulting reports present detailed information in an easy-to-read format, that can be understood by all engineers not just inspection specialists.
The new adaptive method for edge inspection on CNC CMMs provides improved measurement of thin-walled, flexible components, including sheet-metal pressings such as automotive body panels, thermoformed plastic parts and composite parts. It uses a two-touch measurement sequence. The first touch is made on the surface of the part close to the edge being measured. This gives the true position of the surface and the related edge so that a second touch can be made on the edge with the centre of the probe.
The two-touch approach allows accurate, automated inspection of edges, even on components that have been distorted relative to the nominal CAD geometry. As with other PowerINSPECT options, the new method can be programmed, simulated and edited offline. During measurement, PowerINSPECT will adapt the probe paths for the edge points automatically, according to the actual position of the measured edge of the part.
Reports from PowerINSPECT have been made even easier to understand with new options to display the deviation of probed points from their nominal positions. If PowerINSPECT’s coloured "confetti” is being used, the deviation of each probed point can be shown alongside its disc. Alternatively, if the results are shown as deviation lines, the value can be displayed next to the deviation arrow. In both cases, the display of the values makes it easier to identify the seriousness of the deviation for each point and so to highlight the location of any major problems.
The range of geometric features that can be measured with PowerINSPECT has been extended with the addition of new construction options. These include an ellipse feature and two new torus-based circular intersections that can help in the measurement of tubing and pipework, engine ports and casings for turbomachinery. In addition, a line can now be created at a fixed distance parallel to a reference line and then be used to check clearances.
New options have also been added for the measurement of full or partial radial features. PowerINSPECT can now display the major and minor circles when dimensioning a torus, display the radius or diameter when measuring a cylinder, and display the half-angle of a cone.
Finally, the simulation of all inspection options in PowerINSPECT has been made more flexible with the ability to speed up or slow down the progress of the simulation while it is running. This allows any moves that come close to a collision to be checked in more detail by running the simulation at a slower speed. Similarly, if a change is made to an existing routine, the user can run the unchanged sections of the inspection at high speed and only check the new moves in detail.
For further information on Delcam’s PowerINSPECT software, please visit www.powerinspect.com.
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