Seamless interface between VALISYS and LK CMMs

Citation

(1999), "Seamless interface between VALISYS and LK CMMs", Sensor Review, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.1999.08719aaf.002

Seamless interface between VALISYS and LK CMMs

Seamless interface between VALISYS and LK CMMs

Keywords CAD, Concurrent engineering

Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd and LK Inc. have created a seamless interface between the VALISYS tolerance management software and the inspection programs used on LK's coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). This unique functionality eliminates the need to duplicate tolerance information between different systems thereby increasing productivity and reducing risk of errors.

CMM inspection programs are produced by VALISYS by using master 3D computer design (CAD) models to define key characteristics of parts of the manufactured components. The software then collects and analyses the measured data. The interface allows operators of LK CMMs to inspect these parts using the part maths model as their nominal reference, thus taking advantage of the part definition (geometry) and geometric tolerances already defined within the master CAD model (see Plate 2).

VALISYS is supported in the UK from offices located in Canwell, near Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. Gareth Watts, general manager for Northern Europe, underlined the significance of the interface saying: "It provides another link between computer-aided production engineering (CAPE) and shopfloor environments.

Plate 2 Using VALISYS to create a program for a co-ordinate measuring machine

"In this case, by ensuring the absolute integrity between the design and inspection processes, the shopfloor can guarantee that components are manufactured according to the original design intent", he said.

LK Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of coordinate measuring machines, as well as CMM retrofitting/rebuilding and programming and operating software. The company's products span the gamut of user needs, from the ULTRA, a high end, laboratory class CMM with sub-micron accuracies, to the LY90 shopfloor layout style CMM.

Techomatix Technologies Ltd is a pioneer and world leader of the computer-aided production engineering (CAPE) market. The company develops, markets and supports software tools to fully computerize the industrial process and achieve a seamless transition from design to production. CAPE products enable production engineers to create an on-screen virtual manufacturing environment that graphically displays and simulates actual manufacturing operations.

Products include the ROBCAD line of products for manufacturing processes; the VALISYS line of quality engineering products; DYNAMO for the study of assembly and disassembly of newly designed products; SIMPLE++ for design, planning, and optimization of a complete factory; EXALINE for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly machines; and PART for generative machining and process planning.

For further information contact Eric Gautier, Marketing Manager Europe, Tecnomatix Technologies S.A., European Headquarters, Espace Jouy Technology, 21 Rue Albert Calmette, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France. Tel: 00 33 1 3458 2424; Fax: 00 33 1 3458 2442.