Product category:
Coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and software
News Release from: Aberlink | Subject: CMM CAD software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 November 2006
Professional CAD software part of CMM
offering
Following a period of extensive product development, the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, Aberlink, has launched its own, high quality, professional CAD Software.
Following a period of extensive product development, the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, Aberlink has launched its own, high quality, professional CAD Software Previously supplying their global CMM customers with bought-in propriety CAD software, the innovative Aberlink Company have now introduced their long awaited CAD Comparison module
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 4 Dec 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Aberlink's advanced new CAD module is now available to purchasers of all CMM's within the company's comprehensive range, the user-friendly CAD module can also be retrofitted to Aberlink's previously delivered machines.
Adhering to Aberlink's tradition of providing CMM users with easy to use yet powerful software, the new CAD Comparison module permits solid models (IGES or STEP format) to be imported by simply clicking a button within the main Aberlink 3D screen, this allows the CAD model to be instantly displayed in a superimposed window.
Aiding efficiency of operation, the CMM user is able to speedily manipulate the view of the high-resolution model by rotating, zooming and repositioning.
Further reading
Tough CMM uses mechanical bearings
Aberlink has launched the Extreme coordinate measuring machine, a robust design with high precision mechanical bearings rather than the delicate air-bearings typically employed on CMM's.
Free auto-change rack for customers
Aberlink are offering customers who purchase an Aberlink coordinate measuring machine, a free Renishaw MCR20 probe changing system if they choose a Renishaw PH10 motorised probe head for their CMM.
CMMs offered to machine tool customers
JSC Sterlitamak MTE are now evaluating Aberlink machines as part of a collaboration agreement, whereby they will also offer Aberlink Axiom Too CMMs to their many machine tool customers.
On-screen buttons are able to rapidly access up to six useful 2D model views or if preferred, a standard isometric image.
Alignment of the solid model can be achieved in two simple ways, by measuring a geometric feature, for example a plane, line or circle and linking the feature to the CAD model by clicking on the relevant characteristic.
Alternatively, solid model alignments can be made by probing 6 component points, clicking on the CAD model to show an approximate position and then performing a 'best-fit' alignment through the taken points.
Having aligned to the CAD model, any subsequent measurements made on the component's features will appear in the CAD window.
Measured points are attached to the solid model by coloured lines that lead to boxes showing all identified errors.
Detailed information about each measured point can be accessed by simply clicking onto the relevant error box.
If preferred, results can be graphically represented by lines, the length of which represent the magnitude of the deviation of each point from the CAD model.
An intuitive colour system is also used to represent identified errors, either as a logical colour spectrum - green symbolising within tolerance, blue out of tolerance below limit and red out of tolerance above limit, with graduated colour shading illustrating transitions, or by distinct colour bands.
As with most aspects of the extremely flexible new CAD module, the software's detailed colour coding error system is fully user configurable.
On completion of a CAD routine, the module allows detailed graphical and tabulated reports, or if required, a combination of both to be printed at the click of a mouse button, or if preferred, gathered information can even be exported in an Excel format.
A product of painstaking research, Aberlink claim that their advanced new CAD Comparison module is equally rewarding when used by the most experienced CAD user, or by a complete software novice.
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