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On-Machine Verification can speed
the manufacture of larger tooling
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The new version of PowerINSPECT will allow off-line programming
of the inspection sequence for the machine tool, with fully-integrated
simulation and collision checking, and so minimise the time needed for
the verification operation. It also offers all the advantages associated
with the existing releases for use on dedicated inspection equipment,
giving both quick and easy comparison of tooling and sample components
against CAD data, and producing clear, comprehensive reports that can
be understood by everyone involved in the product development process,
not just inspection specialists.
The most obvious benefit of on-machine verification will be to those
companies that do not have dedicated inspection capabilities. Most modern
machine tools either come with, or can be retrofitted with, probing capabilities
to assist in the set-up of the job. With the new release of PowerINSPECT,
this same equipment can now be used for verification at little extra cost.
The ability to program complete verification sequences off-line means
that there can be minimal interruption of the machining operations.
On-machine verification can give huge time savings by enabling the quality
of the component being machined to be monitored at all stages in the manufacturing
process. This will allow any errors to be detected earlier, and so corrected
more quickly and at lower cost. For example, it will be possible to check
that the correct amount of stock has been left on the component after
a roughing operation, rather than having to wait until all machining operations
have been completed before discovering that an error has been made.
Similarly, the extent of any damage caused, for example, by a tool breakage,
can be assessed accurately and a decision made immediately to determine
whether the part can still be completed within tolerance or whether it
will have to be scrapped.
On-machine verification will also benefit companies with customers that
insist on independent inspection of their work. By carrying out an initial
verification on the machine, errors can be detected, and corrected, that
might otherwise not be found until after the component had been shipped
to the inspector.
Delcam is one of twenty companies participating in Productivity Partnerships
04. Together they will show a spectrum of related production technologies
covering all aspects of machining, die and mould, automation, workholding,
measurement, software, tooling and robotics.
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