Reverse engineering technology totally integrated

Totally integrated reverse engineering technology cell combined laser-based data capture on a portable measuring arm, computer-aided off-line programming and CNC machining at MACH.

A demonstration of a totally integrated reverse engineering technology cell combining laser-based data capture on a portable measuring arm, computer-aided off-line programming and CNC machining of a children's character, utilising totally remote wireless transmission of data, was demonstrated at MACH 2004.

The cell drew together separate technologies onto the C.Dugard stand from four companies, each exhibiting in their own right at the show.

Data capture was performed by EuroPac Metrology of Crewe through its seven-axis CimCore 3000I 2.4 metre measuring arm utilising a Perceptron high accuracy laser scanning head.

Captured data was then fed to Licom Systems of Coventry's Stand through Seiki Systems of Brighton's Wireless DNC Networking System for preparation of the NC milling program on its AlphaCAM off-line programming software.

Following compilation of the program, the Seiki Systems wireless network fed the prepared machining data back to the Siemens control on an Eagle 1000 three-axis vertical machining centre, where the 20-tool magazine, 8,000 revs/min spindle machine produced the part as a give-away to visitors.

The scanning was carried out at 23,000 points per sec to an accuracy of 25 microns.

Processing of the data captured was through EuroPac's Innovmetric Polyworks Modelmaker software which takes just 4.7 minutes.

The captured surface data was then presented in the perfect format for the Licom AlphaCAM software to prepare the program for the Dugard Eagle vertical machining centre.

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