Seamless interface between Valisys and LK CMMs

Citation

(1999), "Seamless interface between Valisys and LK CMMs", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771aab.003

Seamless interface between Valisys and LK CMMs

Seamless interface between Valisys and LK CMMs

Keywords CAD, Software, Tecnomatrix

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) (Plate 1). This unique functionality reportedly eliminates the need to duplicate tolerance information between different systems thereby increasing productivity and reducing risk of errors.

Plate 1 Using Valisys to create a program for a co-ordinate measuring machine

CMM inspection programs are produced by Valisys by using master 3-D 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 math model as their nominal reference, thus taking advantage of the part definition (geometry) and geometric tolerances already defined within the master CAD model.

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 shop floor environments.

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

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 generarive machining and process planning.

For further information details contact Tecnomatrix Technologies. Tel: +(0) 121 323 1300; Fax: +(0) 121 323 1333. Or Tecnomatrix Technologies SA. Tel: 00 33 1 3458 2424; Fax: 0 33 1 3458 2442.