Quality Applications

International Metrology System Inc.'s Virtual DMIS Software Benefits Full drag-and-drop capabilities Point-and-click measurement CAD file import 3-D surfacing module www.dmis-cmm.com

Software Package Reduces Tool Lead-Time and Aids in Accuracy
International Metrology System Inc.'s Virtual DMIS Software

Paragon Die & Engineering Co., a designer and builder of large plastic-injection molds for the automotive and truck industry, needed to upgrade its coordinate measuring machine with software that could enable the company to generate inspection data directly from an imported computer-aided design model. Paragon selected International Metrology Systems Inc.'s Virtual DMIS software for its 1989 DEA Delta gantry CMM.

 Virtual DMIS upgrade software provides graphical programming, intelligent measuring, surfacing, pictorial output and SPC, fully linking 3-D CAD data with the inspection process. It enables seamless collection, analysis, visualization and communication of quality data throughout the manufacturing enterprise. Virtual DMIS is available for any make, type and size of CMM. It provides the power of 32-bit,

PC-based technology and combines the latest software development tools in CAD and CMM industry standards.

 The software includes an error correction system to enhance machine accuracy, in some cases to better-than-original specifications. Built-in machine-accuracy checking routines include Ball Bar, Step Gage and Length Bar.

 IMS offers retrofit programs for both manual and computer numeric controlled machines. A typical CNC upgrade includes a new 32-bit motion controller, Virtual DMIS software, a PC, installation, calibration and four days of training.

 Paragon uses the DEA CMM to verify the accuracy of the mold surfaces and features. Both molds and parts are certified to customer specifications. The CMM is an essential part of the mold-making process. CMM hardware users need to take measured data and integrate it with CAD data to compare the theoretical data with actual data. CAD/CAM systems accept 3-D surface or solids information via modem or tape. The electronic transfer of data from determining part feasibility to the review and approval of mold design is one of Paragon's standard procedures. CAM capabilities have allowed the total construction of complex tools without models or aids, such as plastic fender and bumper tools, thus providing a major reduction in tool lead-time.

 "We decided to upgrade to Virtual DMIS because it matched the needs of the type of complex molds we build for the automotive industry," says Rick Kerkstra, Paragon's quality control manager. "Having the ability to generate data directly from an imported CAD model is paramount to the expediency and accuracy of our mold production. We wouldn't be able to inspect without the 3-D model."

 In addition, Virtual DMIS enhances Paragon's capability to provide bidirectional data transfer between CAD and CMM and accept nominal surface model data from CAD data. It also provides error calculations with respect to patch, curve or trimmed edges and provides graphical representation of actual vs. nominal data. In addition, Virtual DMIS provides automatic alignment and best-fit routines, as well as providing reverse engineering data with the ability to export to CAD directly. Furthermore, it enhances Paragon's capability to generate two-dimensional sections from 3-D surfaces.

 Virtual DMIS's ease of use and editing capability, which doesn't affect other programming, is of particular use to Paragon's technicians, allowing them to better determine what the DMIS code is saying. It has also aided in training new operators, as the inspection concepts have become easier to see and understand.

 "It offers a number of features I really like," says Chris Kladder, a Paragon CMM operator. "The menus are extremely user-friendly, and it's very useful to visually see the model. Mirror imaging is also a plus; many of the molds we make are symmetrical, so programming is greatly reduced."

 For Paragon, the CMM is one of the most important tools in the mold-making process, making it imperative that the company avoid downtime both mechanically and functionally. Since implementing Virtual DMIS, Paragon can take a complicated large die and completely inspect it in just eight hours.