Delcam’s new PowerINSPECT offers easier inspection
The 2012 release of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT inspection software includes new options to make inspection easier. In addition, basic reverse engineering functionality has been added to the point-cloud module. Full details of the new release are on www.delcam.tv/pi2012/lz.
PowerINSPECT is firmly established as the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software. It combines the ability to work with all types of inspection device with a comprehensive range of inspection routines for taking simple measurements, for inspection of geometric features and for analysing complex 3D surfaces. The resulting reports present detailed information in an easy-to-read format, that can be understood by all engineers not just inspection specialists.
For the 2012 release, a new mirror command has been added to save programming time for symmetrical components. This allows the inspection sequence to be mirrored from one half of a component to the other half, or from the left-hand version of a design to the right-hand copy. The new feature can also reduce the possibility of programming errors and improve the consistency of the results between the two halves or between a pair of parts.
The range of dimensions that can be displayed on the model has been increased to include more types of distance, angle, and diameters and radii. The options to display the various dimensions from the increased range have been made more versatile, to ensure the reports remain easy to read with only the required dimensions shown in the report.
There are two important additions to the PowerINSPECT 2012 point-cloud module for laser scanners and other point cloud devices. STL export provides basic reverse engineering functionality for scanned data. The STL files can be used within Delcam’s PowerSHAPE Pro design software for more advanced reverse engineering operations.
In addition, point-cloud display has been enhanced with an option to show any back-facing points in a second colour. This highlights any discontinuities in the data, including gaps or other problem areas, and so makes it easier to identify areas that may need re-scanning to capture the complete model.
Another enhancement makes it possible to measure edge points directly; it is no longer necessary to measure the surface first. This makes the process both easier and faster.
The inspection of castings and forgings, and similar near-net shapes, has been improved with the addition of a new best-fit option. This centres the component within the measurement data so that the largest possible minimum stock is located on the part. It helps to ensure that positive material exists in all areas of any semi-finished part before it is sent for further machining.
A number of enhancements have been included to give faster and easier programming, with less chance of errors. A new “lock workplane” option automatically creates a datum scheme matching the part’s coordinate system within PowerINSPECT’s GD&T True Position, while standard tolerances for Limit and Fit to ISO 286 and ISO 2768 have been included so that they can be selected from a pre-defined list.
