Product/Service

eM-Inspect Automated Part Inspection and Analysis

Source: Tecnomatix Technologies, Inc.
eM-Inspect enables the inspection and analysis of parts on the shopfloor
eM-Inspect performs consistent, accurate inspection and analysis of manufactured parts on Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and NC Machine Tools.

Automates Part Inspection
eM-Inspect enables inspectors and machine operators to perform consistent and accurate inspection of manufactured parts on the shop floor. Interfacing with over 30 Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and NC machine tools equipped with inspection probes, EM-Inspect eliminates the need to learn multiple machine languages within your shop environment.

Reduces Tooling & Fixturing Costs
eM-Inspect significantly reduces tooling and fixturing costs, as well as manufacturing set-up time. Using advanced orientation capabilities unique to eM-Inspect, you can "align" subsequent NC machining and inspection paths to the actual position of the part on the machine. This results in fast and efficient part set-ups and reduces the need for expensive, high accuracy fixturing.

Analyzes Inspected Data
eM-Inspect performs quick and accurate analysis by comparing inspected data with specified design tolerances (ANSI Y14.5 and ISO are supported). eM-Inspect consistently interprets and analyzes measured data irrespective of the inspection device used to collect it. Analysis results are displayed on the screen to quickly show in and out of tolerance conditions. Optional analysis modes and the ability to "float" measured data when fitting it to the nominal CAD model significantly increase the ability to evaluate the potential for rework.

In-Process Inspection
eM-Inspect is ideal for in-process inspection applications (i.e., inspecting the part while it is still on the machine tool). Direct interfaces provide seamless integration with NC machine tools. Advanced capabilities enable you to inspect and analyze partially machined parts, calculate and adjust fixture offsets (or tool lengths) and detect the amount of uncut material so you can optimize the remaining NC machining passes. The result is minimal part cleanup, reduced scrap and significantly less time spent machining bad parts.

CAD Integration Leader
All eMPower/ Quality information is stored within the CAD part model thus eliminating troublesome translations and duplication commonly found in other systems.

Friendly User Interface
eM-Inspect uses a Motif user interface which is easy to learn and use. No CAD or UNIX training is required. eM-Inspect is fully compatible with all eMPower/ Quality workstation products so data can be sent back and forth easily. This makes eM-Inspect ideal for supplier and remote plant locations which are removed from the programming area.

Manual On-Line Programming
eM-Inspect contains on-line programming capabilities. Real-time manual modifications to inspection programs during execution, manual orientation and calibration capabilities and manual measurement of defined part features are a few of the on-line manual capabilities. Manual capabilities increase productivity by allowing operators to quickly adjust to unplanned and unforeseen situations.

Machine Tool Interface
eM-Inspect requires the use of a eMPower/ Quality Machine Tool Interface (MTI). The MTI handles all the device specific communication to the CMM or NC machine tool. Over 30 standard MTIs are available today. For additional information on MTIs, contact your Tecnomatix sales representative.

Concurrent Engineering Tool
All inspection data generated by EM-Inspect can be sent to the design engineer for comparison against the original CAD model. This allows the designer to perform mathematical as well as graphical analysis against the original CAD geometry and tolerances to improve part manufacturability. By establishing a productive dialogue between design and manufacturing, eMPower/ Quality products effectively promote concurrent engineering practices

System & Hardware Availability
eM-Inspect runs as an independent application on your PC, workstation or network. See the table below for hardware and system details.

For More Information
To learn more about the exciting benefits that eM-Inspect and other eMPower/ Quality products can offer, contact your Tecnomatix sales representative.

Typical Applications

  • CAD based inspection and analysis
      Shop floor needs a fast way to inspect and analyze parts based on a master CAD part model.
  • Inspection on NC machine tools
      Manufacturing needs to inspect parts on the machine tool to perform in-process inspection and optimize subsequent NC paths.
  • Off-site supplier manufactures parts
      Need consistent part inspection and analysis technique for suppliers who manufacture parts at their remote facilities.

Tecnomatix Technologies, Inc., 39810 Grand River Avenue, Suite 100, Novi, MI 48375-2108. Tel: 248-471-6140; Fax: 248-471-6147.