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Product category: Measurement and Quality Software and SPC
News Release from: Delcam | Subject: PowerINSPECT laser scanning software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 16 April 2003

Laser scanning control software sorts
out data

Laser scanning control software offers rapid methods for easy analysis of large volumes of data resulting from the inspection of, for example, pressed automotive panel components.

On stand 11066 at the Quality Show to be held in Rosemont, Illinois, from 15th to 17th April, CADCAM developer Delcam will demonstrate Romer CimCore's unique new portable laser scanning inspection system for real-time inspection of parts against CAD data The complete solution comprises the new Romer CimCore six or seven axis 3000i portable coordinate measuring machine, a Perceptron laser scanning probe and the latest version of Delcam's PowerINSPECT inspection software, which includes point cloud functionality based on Perceptron's ScanWorks system

The use of a laser scanning probe for inspection allows rapid collection of large volumes of data for both geometric feature inspection, including small holes that are difficult to measure using a contact probe, and the determination of surface accuracy and quality.

It also avoids any contact with the part that might cause marking of sensitive or brittle surfaces, or deflection of thin and/or soft materials.

The new Romer Cimcore system allows real-time inspection, for example on a production line, so that any errors can be spotted more quickly and corrected at lower cost.

The main application of this approach is expected to be in the inspection of large sheet metal components, such as automotive bodywork.

These parts need to be produced to a high level of accuracy, particularly the external panels that must have a class A finish.

It is also essential to ensure that they fit together successfully - an especially important factor with the rising use of robots for assembly and subsequent welding operations.

The Romer CimCore solution is capable of collecting and analysing up to 3,000 points each second.

This allows far more detailed inspection of both geometric and surface features than would be practical with a physical probe.

Fitting the laser scanning probe to a portable and flexible inspection arm ensures that data can be collected from all areas of the component in a single operation.

PowerINSPECT offers rapid methods for easy analysis of this large volume of data.

A filter can be applied to the points so that only those out of tolerance are displayed on the screen or included in the report.

Alternatively, the PowerINSPECT coloured dots, which indicate whether the point is in tolerance, above tolerance or below tolerance, can be used to produce what is effectively an instant colour map of the accuracy of the component.

The larger volume of data, together with the speed and ease of interpretation of the results, means that any trends in the measurements can be identified much earlier, possibly even before the parts have moved out of tolerance.

Any problem components can be removed from the line before any further work is completed on them.

Similarly, any drift in accuracy, for example as a result of worn tooling, can be identified before large numbers of defect items have been produced.

All data collected can be used for more detailed off-line analysis and reporting with PowerINSPECT's wide range of editing options.

Furthermore, PowerINSPECT's unique file format simplifies data management by allowing all the inspection information to be combined with the original CAD data, the sequence of operations and the inspection reports in a single archive. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...

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