Inspections on CNC

[JSP Mold]

I was wondering if anyone out there knows of any software packages that would allow us to use our VMC's as CMM's?

 

What we are looking for is a surface deviation from machined part to CAD model. The ability to write the inspection program off-line would be of great benifit for us. I think we would also need some sort of inspection report outputted as well.

 

Is anyone using, or know of, any software that would allow us accomplish this?

[robk]

We cuurently inspect our parts on the machines using the software included with the Renishaw probes.

[robk]

You could also do a search on the forum. It's been covered in the past... Also look here Add ons

[Thad]

What kind of tolerance are you looking to check to?

 

Thad

[JSP Mold]

I think +/-.004" is the smallest we have to hold on any of our parts.

[Brad St.]

Pc Dmis was creating a package a couple of years ago to write the macros I believe to work with fanuc controls. Haven't heard much lately though.

[Brad St.]

Should have found this before posting last, sorry. Here is a link to what Dmis has, it's called Pc Dmis NC.

 

ftp://ftp.wilcoxassoc.com/ems/ems.wmv

 

Hope it helps

[JSP Mold]

Thanks BRADST!

Ill check it out.

[Thad]

JSP,

 

Here's how we do it. Project various points onto the surface. Use a drilling program (or better yet, a custom drilling program to give you the *exact* results) with a plunge indicator in the spindle. Mitutoyo makes one like this that will put the center of the indicator point at the center of your spindle. We use a pointed tip.

 

There are obvious flaws in this setup, but should meet your tolerance needs. Will it show you that you're good within .001? No. It will let you know that the form is in relation to whatever you picked up, which meets our needs. Once the die makers get a hold of it, it'll never look the same again. Obviously, steep angles will get less accurate results, so pick your points wisely. This should only set you back ~ $90. You'll also probably want a longer dust cap so you'll have more to chuck on...depending on how much travel you get on your indicator. We use the .100 travel indicator and the cap that comes with it is pretty short.

 

Thad