Software Supports Five-Axis Inspection

Version 5 of Delcam’s PowerInspect software supports five-axis scanning with Renishaw’s Revo probe. This hardware-independent inspection software can use multiple alignments within parts or assemblies. Other upgrades include additional geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) features; more flexible, best-fit algorithms; improved CMM connectivity; and more versatile report generation.

The software supports Renishaw’s probe for the verification of both geometric and free-form shapes on CMMs. The combined solution is said to offer fast and accurate measurement of feature-rich parts, including powertrain components and complex, doubly curved surfaces such as those found in airfoils and turbine blades.

The five-axis probe head is able to follow changes in the part geometry quickly because it is lighter, more dynamic and has a better frequency response than the CMM, the company says. In addition, five-axis scanning is said to minimize dynamic errors caused by the inertial forces that affect the moving mass of the CMM structure.

The software incorporates five-axis simulation and collision-detection technology from PowerMill CAM systems. Also, five-axis operation for on-machine verification has been enhanced, and canned strategies have been added for virtually all standard geometric features.

The software uses multiple alignments within a single part for independent verification of distinct areas within the component. The company says this makes it simpler to identify the source of error. Multiple alignments can also be important when checking assemblies of parts. They can be used to determine if the error is in an individual component and if it has resulted from an inaccuracy in the way the parts have been put together. For inspection of more complex parts, the software includes enhanced best-fit options that allow the user to prioritize the most important part features when identifying the most accurate alignment.

The GD&T capability includes symmetry, surface profile and runout, true position, perpendicularity, angularity, parallelism and concentricity. Another software option is the ability to compensate for changes in the part temperature. Specific expansion factors are included for different materials, allowing users to calculate accurate compensation allowances, the company says.