CMM measurement systems which are fed by digital models offer a complete 3D environment at ipqcco.com from Hazel's blog

In a setting that utilizes smart manufacturing, the objective is to improve the efficiency of production by automating as many processes as is humanly possible. In order for this production system to thrive, quality control, and more specifically measurement analysis, must move to the center of the action. Within the context of quality performance management and quality problem anticipation, digital models provide measurement systems with pre-established data such as measurement programs with optimized and secured trajectories, measurement rules, etc. The reduction of risk factors can be accomplished through the control of the numerical model. The numerical data that was processed during the simulations allowed for the preparation of the measurement process, while taking into account the expectations that were in place in the production workshop.

The Best Use of Available Resources
The integration of the numerical model upstream of the process optimizes the use of both human and technological resources in the operation, thereby providing the operation with the greatest amount of flexibility possible. The measurement simulation programs are developed at the beginning of the chain by a specialist. These programs are designed and adjusted one step at a time. The designer establishes the required levels of detail by using a digital file as a foundation. The designer also ensures the trajectories of the measuring equipment and the formalization of the measured data reports.

The simulation software tool is completely integrated into the internal quality process of the company, and it gives the user the ability to project themselves into the overall 3D measurement environment.

The Silma X4 software from Metrologic Group provides users with a comprehensive set of functionalities that can be utilized during the process of creating automatic measurement programs. When compared to the conventional method of creating the range by the operator on the machine with the physical part, this method results in significant savings of both time and resources.

In addition, this virtual twin will make it possible to address all of the measuring machines used by customers, regardless of the brand of the machines or the embedded technologies they use. The concentration on a single, all-encompassing solution will result in significant increases in available resources. CAD models are becoming more complicated and may now include a functional model, requirements for the materials to be used, assembly tolerances, shape, and so on. During its operation, the virtual tool should be capable of satisfying these requirements.

The expertise of the programmer is highly specialized, and it is essential that they have an understanding of the process as well as the key indicators.

An individual who specializes in programming and has knowledge and experience in both metrology and internal processes will be able to manage an entire fleet of measuring devices. Another advantage is that the measuring equipment is kept in a productive mode because the machine utilization rate is exclusively dedicated to the execution of the measuring tasks. This is a significant benefit because it allows the equipment to continue producing accurate results. Due to the fact that the machine is always running, the utilization ratio of the machine improves, and the return on investment of the machine is maximized. It is also made much simpler to calibrate the measuring equipment fleet in accordance with the amount of work that is being produced.

The information is immediately uploaded and processed by the quality control system, cmm inspection services which then notifies production to promptly implement any necessary changes.

The Silma X4 solution is a response to the need to simplify, fluidify, and optimize the inspection process. It does this by allowing much faster measurement cycles and by ensuring that measuring equipment is dedicated to performing its primary function, which is the measurement of parts. This solution is ideal for high production and measurement rates. After the program has been finalized, it is immediately sent to the machine and executed by the CMM Inspection Companies with no downtime in between, which results in a significant amount of time saved. This solution will make it possible to conduct analyses and edit control reports, making them available to all of the departments that deal with quality and metrology as well as design offices and methods.

The Implementation of Various Measuring Programs

The evolution of performance control systems can be supported by digital simulation software through the safe development of measurement programs that meet all of the characteristics of the model and the optimization of measurement resources. The Silma X4 software from Metrologic Group is an off-line programming tool that is both powerful and easy to use. It enables manufacturing businesses to enter the Inspection 4.0 era by virtue of its many different advanced simulation modules, which are distinguished by the following characteristics:

• The generation of the program can be done automatically, with consideration given to geometric nominals and tolerances.

Detection of collisions and alternative path positions on its own automatically.

The activation of the appropriate probe orientations will take place automatically.

The optimization of circuits to cut down on the amount of time needed for measurements.

The automatic assignment of the measurement strategy, also known as the customer template, based on the characteristics that are to be measured.

Through the combination of path automation and anti-collision functions, it is possible to cut the amount of time spent programming by as much as 80 percent when compared to more conventional methods.

In addition to supporting all native CAD formats, Silma has the ability to automatically generate a program based on the PMI that is integrated into the model. Path Planning eliminates any input issues and ensures consistency across departments by utilizing CAD PMIs. This allows for an inspection that can be performed with complete assurance.

No more errors caused by the programmer or the operator; directly from the CAD, Silma calculates the measurement paths in an intelligent and autonomous manner, as well as the evaluation of its tolerances according to the standards that are currently in place. With the anticipation of the control process, CMM Inspection Companies with the realization of the measurement range before the production of the first parts, the software proposes a reactive approach to the manufacturing needs, and it allows you to respond to the various changes that take place during the design and manufacturing cycle of the part.

In this scenario, the solution provides users with both a proactive/predictive control of their inspection process as well as a reactive control of it. It goes hand in hand with the performance that the production system will have in the future, making it possible to control the predictive performance of the system.