Delcam Launches Dual-Device Inspection Software

Delcam is launching the 2013 release of its PowerINSPECT inspection software in May. The new version offers dual-device inspection options that allow measurement with two portable devices at the same time. It supports simultaneous operation of different types of devices, including laser scanning, from different manufacturers.

Other enhancements in the new version include improved handling of point-cloud data, group editing of probing parameters, graphical editing of boundaries for raster-based inspection, more flexibility in programming dual-column CMMs, and easier measurement and marking out when using PowerINSPECT for clay modeling.

The ability to provide simultaneous measurement from two devices is an extension of the functionality for dual-column CMMs included in the 2012 R2 release of PowerINSPECT.

As with the dual-column mode, the two-device technique works in a similar manner to the single-device version of PowerINSPECT: models are loaded in the same way, inspection items are created using the same methods and so on, meaning that little extra training is required, the company says.

The new version enables both sides of the same object to be measured simultaneously with two laser trackers. It can also combine measurements from two different types of devices. For example, a laser tracker can be used to check the long-range accuracy of a large component while a portable arm is being used to measure specific critical features in a confined space.

Raster-based inspection has been made more flexible with the ability to edit the measurement volume graphically. This is in addition to the previous options to use typed dimensions, or a CAD surface or group of surfaces, as the boundary.

Laser scanning of a series of parts has also been made easier. Labels applied to the results from the first part are now regenerated automatically in the results from subsequent parts, so repeated inspections are more automated. In addition, the picking of points for alignment of scan data have been improved, with points being highlighted as they are selected so it is easier to spot any that have been missed.

For more information, visit Delcam.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.