The newest release from Hexagon MI promises to measure up to expectations for CAM users.
When it comes to software for the inspection of a part, there’s always something to improve.
Sensors and probes can only go so far without the appropriate software. Inspection software collects, evaluates, manages and presents the data collected by sensors to establish an actionable assessment.
Recently, the PC-DMIS software got a little retooling. The 2015.1 version of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measurement software by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (HMI) has a few new features to help out on the shop floor.
Features for CAM Inspection and Measurement
HMI’s PC-DMIS 2015.1 includes a list of features and updates, including a strategy for circular measurement. (Image courtesy of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.)
So what can users expect to see with the update?
- An all-new Touch Trigger Probe (TTP) Free-Form Plane Strategy picks out hit points on its scan path in order to measure a plane. HMI is saying that this will let users pick their hit paths from generated scan paths.
- The software’s TTP Plane Circle Strategy works suspiciously similarly to the free-form version, but picks out its hit points on a circular path instead.
- The Travel Rack X1V Tool Changer follows along with the bridge in a bid to reduce tool-changing time.
- HMI lists a new compatibility with the Rotary Table with Error Map feature from Leitz lines of CMMs.
- The Distance Gauge tool uses CAD or polyline to measure distances on a cross-section.
- Adaptive Illumination promises to fix problems that sometimes happen in sharp illumination increases at lower magnifications. The feature also contends that it will improve inconsistent illumination appearing in differing machine frames.
“PC-DMIS 2015.1 brings several added and improved capabilities based on the real-world user feedback we get from our PC-DMIS customer forum as well as our technical support teams,” said Ken Woodbine, president of HMI’s software division.
Software for Multisensor Systems
According to HMI, one of the focal points with this update is that CAM isn’t about probing anymore. Several of the features, including adaptive illumination, are designed to function with various metrology devices.
“Non-contact devices are proliferating and our intent is to offer [tools] for optimizing the information extracted from point clouds, regardless of the source,” said Woodbine. “Non-contact will continue to be a primary focus for us as we evolve the product further.”
To learn more or to try out the PC-DMIS 2015.1 update for yourself, check out the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence website.
