Delcam’s PowerInspect software allows for the inspection of prototypes, tooling and production samples against CAD data.
It works with a wide range of inspection devices including the two Zett Mess AMPG measuring arms used to inspect prototype motorcycle chassis in the ‘Process Technology Prototype Development’ of the BMW Group.
At BMW, every new prototype motorcycle chassis is received by the development team as a CAD file, which is used to weld the design. Welding distortions of 3mm are the norm and have to be eliminated in a continual process of welding – inspection – correction – inspection.
In the past, the inspection process for some of the parts required up to two hours however, with PowerInspect it takes just five minutes. This provides significant time savings as up to five inspection passes are required per component.
“Users are able to measure out the coordinates much faster,” says Stefan Schneider, application engineer at Delcam.
“Every measured point can be compared to the CAD data with PowerInspect. The inspection software immediately and precisely shows the deviations within the specified tolerances.”
Ease of use
In addition, every measurement is saved in PowerInspect.
The software documents each modification in such a way that it becomes clear to the user which direction a point has to be moved in order to implement a specific change.
“Many inspection programs are complicated to use,” says Schneider. “PowerInspect’s ease of use is essential for situations like that in BMW’s chassis prototype development, where both metrology specialists and production staff need to use the software.”
Easy operation and the shortest-possible learning curve allow casual users to be able to work accurately and efficiently with the measuring equipment. After only two days of training, BMW employees could use PowerInspect in combination with the Zett Mess measuring arm.
Best-fit routines
Another benefit is that PowerInspect does not require the parts to be held in a specific fixture.
Its best-fit routines mean that inspection can be undertaken in any position. In addition, the arm and software make it possible to inspect two parts simultaneously on one table. If the alignment between the two parts is known, the user can switch between the two inspection sequences.
It is also much quicker to add extra points into a measurement sequence.
The additional data can be incorporated with the earlier measurements and the combined results displayed immediately, instead of having to re-measure the whole part.
Similarly, it is possible to change the datum being used for the inspection and PowerInspect will quickly regenerate the inspection report.
Delcam’s PowerInspect software helps BMW achieve faster inspection times
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