Integrated software lets you program CMMs offline
Unigraphics CAD/CAM/CAE software from Unigraphics Solutions (St. Louis, MO) addresses the entire product development process from conceptual design, to functional engineering and analysis, and to manufacturing. It incorporates Knowledge Driving Automation technology (which combines design optimization techniques with product and process knowledge-based engineering) to improve productivity in industries such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, tooling, consumer products and medical instruments.
Because Metrium is completely integrated within Unigraphics, all paths, programs, sensors, features, properties, labels, preferences and measured data are stored inside a Unigraphics model.
Key features include:
- associative inspection from the CAD model
- CMM program assembly
- solid model use
- access to multilevel CAD assemblies
- collision detection
- output in DMIS and native CMM languages
- extensive support for CMM specific attributes
Let's review some key features. For example, Metrium provides powerful capabilities for point generation tasks, including the ability to be done on face, on curve, and on edge; there also are safe points.
Operational tasks include the ability to transform paths (with translation, rotation, mirror, uniform and non-uniform scale, between coordinate systems, 1D and 2D array of translations, and array of rotations) and manipulate points (including move by delta, move to level, set tip and AB angle, set approach/retract and offset, and by adding comments, text, messages and code to CMM points).
Other functions include model updates and changes, in which the user can detect part changes automatically, repair path after part modification, reattach to imported part, and undo and "jump to" in the undo list; simulation of path inspection as well as setups and index probes simulation; and collision detection, where the user can perform fast collision detection, highlight interfering faces, and store the collision data for later review.
Metrium also gives the user the ability to perform various geometric dimensioning and tolerancing functions. For instance, the user can create and label holes, pins, planes, spheres; define holes or pins by size, taper, depth; create multi-face features, and create tabs or slots. Tolerancing functions include defining position, size, form, and profile; linking multiple features to the same tolerance; and creating inspection lists.
The CMM-specific set-ups include defining static and index heads, creating probe systems, changing probes inside the program, and defining star probes. CMM program creation tasks offer an unlimited number of paths and users can insert multiple setups in a program as well as inserting prompts, messages, machine code. They also can program output in DMIS and native CMM languages.
Sitius Automation develops process-oriented software automation tools for the machine industry.
Sitius Automation, 141 McPherson St., Markham, ON, Canada L3R 3L3. Tel: 905-305-6611. Fax: 905-305-8511.
Edited by Nancy Katz
Managing Editor, Metrology World.com
E-mail: nkatz@verticalnet.com