Measuring
progress
Zone3 metrology software has been out since 2014 and
is the future for OGP’s efforts in the multi-sensor measurement
equipment area, said Jason Brian (pictured) of the USheadquartered
fi rm. Other OGP metrology software includes
Measure X and MeasureMind 3D. For any new Smartscope, any
of these can be run through a ‘portal’, while for new machines
such as FlexPoint and Fusion, only Zone3 is supported (see
other images). The new software supports CAD model import
but can also work without – largest benefi ts are obtained when
using CAD models, however. MeasureMind 3D programs can be
converted to Zone3 format, but Measure X cannot. CAD model
import allows offl ine programming; a 3D kinematic model of the
measurement unit is also part of the programming environment,
supporting collision detection/avoidance. For Measure X and
MeasureMind 3D, an offl ine seat can be purchased, but only
program editing is supported. Zone3 supports three types of
use: walk up and measure, programming, and operating.
The CAD model is presented in one window, the video of the
machine and inspection routine in another. Once a part is
aligned, pointing and clicking on the CAD model will cause the
video window to show appropriate motion (joystick driving is
not necessary). Selecting features on the CAD model that you
want to measure is possible, but automatic feature extraction
also operates, allowing those to be picked for measurement,
with the various possible measurement constructions presented
for selection. As a program or measurement sequence is built,
it is visible as a tree in a pane, with branches editable or
repositionable.
The ability to more effi ciently defi ne features for
measurement is a key point with Zone3, with this amplifi ed by
the ability to apply a defi ned sequence to multiple identical
features automatically, or even to features that are just similar.
In addition, there are visual cues to indicate, for example,
whether movement is constrained or not for any direction, plus
there’s visual display and overlay of measurements onto the
video window or the CAD model (main image above), making
results more understandable – related to Zone3’s full GD&T
capability. This helps people understand what the failure is
and helps inform manufacturing process adjustment. Such
representations can be part of an output PDF report, too
ShapeGrabber Ai620 – a metrology-class 3D scanner that uses
laser line technology to capture high density data points to rapidly
assess complex surfaces. No set-up is required, the part is placed
and scanning commenced. This model has 190 mm capture range,
so you can scan a part that's 190 mm wide maximum and up to
600 mm tall (other models have fi gures of 300 and 1,000 mm).
Accuracy is 15 micron. Software called ‘CMM like sampler’ takes
the point cloud, matches it to the CAD fi le, then resamples points
to reduce uncertainty. This delivers a cleaned-up dense point
cloud ready to support GD&T evaluation, without the operator
having to spend time tweaking fi lters for a specifi c part.
Multiple scans/point clouds for a part, are stitched together
automatically, incidentally. Mould tools and mouldings are
applications, as are “blade-like” parts in the aerospace
sector. Cast, forged and moulded parts are main targets, but
machined parts are increasingly seen as falling within its fi eld
of application, says the maker’s Colby Finn, VP marketing at
Quality Vision Inc (QVI)
28 February 2020 www.machinery.co.uk @MachineryTweets
/www.machinery.co.uk