What machine shop wouldn’t want a quality-control process automatically monitoring their high-value production sequence? A new, programmable coordinate-measuring system is promising some significant progress in that direction, with intelligence provided by a full-spectrum metrology software.
The CMM Master is a programmable coordinate measurement (CMM) system that helps manufacturers conduct “complete automated shop-floor inspection system” by combining Verisurf software with the Equator comparative gauge. “The result is a fast, easy, accurate, affordable and portable programmable CMM system,” according to the software developer.
Verisurf Software is a complete coordinate measurement CAD system with 3D surface modeling; traditional 2D drafting and 3D model associative GD&T. With Verisurf you can open any CAD model and can even use STL files to create CMM inspection plans to automate the inspection of 3D printed prototypes and additive manufactured parts,
Verisurf is a 3D-measurement software platform for advanced computer-aided surface analysis, inspection, tool building, assembly guidance, and reverse engineering. Verisurf is a complete coordinate measurement CAD system, with 3D surface modeling; traditional 2D drafting and 3D model associative GD&T. Designers can use Verisurf to open any CAD model and use STL files to create CMM inspection plans, to automate the inspection of 3D-printed prototypes and additive manufactured parts.
According to the developers, the Verisurf CMM Master can increase throughput and reduce scrap rates “at a fraction of the cost of traditional CMM systems.”
The set-up is compact and lightweight runs on single-phase power with no need for compressed air supply. It’s also fully portable, so it can be configured for use on the shop floor or in the QA lab. Inspection sequences can be automated, or conducted manually using a joystick.
Among the functional details Verisurf lists are online and offline part programming: programs can be created offline, using CAD, or online in “teach” mode using the CMM joystick. The system is capable of multiple part alignment, from simple 3-2-1-feature fitting or iterative “best fit.”
Verisurf CMM Master performs full simulation and collision detection by projecting measurement routines, including probe scanning, to help prevent potential CMM crashes before they occur.
The system also offers flexible reporting options to programmers and inspectors. It will automatically generate an AS9102 First Article Inspection Report, and inspection data can be exported to other presentation formats including Word, PowerPoint and Adobe 3D PDF Viewer
“In keeping to our commitment of providing open solutions, the same software also enables quality engineers to program and run automated inspection routines on fixed gantry CMMs and other portable devices across the manufacturing enterprise,” explained Ernie Husted, president of Verisurf Software. “The goal is to increase efficiency while reducing customer training, data management and support costs.”
