CAD software is made for use with CMMs

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 8, 2006

Following a period of extensive product development, the largest UK owned co-ordinate measuring machine manufacturer, Aberlink has launched its own, high quality, professional CAD software.

Following a period of extensive product development, the largest UK owned co-ordinate measuring machine manufacturer, Aberlink has launched its own, high quality, professional CAD software.

Previously supplying its global CMM customers with bought-in propriety CAD software, the innovative Aberlink Company has now introduced its long awaited CAD Comparison module.

Aberlink's advanced new CAD module is now available to purchasers of all CMMs within the company's comprehensive range, the user-friendly CAD module can also be retrofitted to Aberlink's previously delivered machines.

Adhering to Aberlink's tradition of providing CMM users with easy to use yet powerful software, the new CAD Comparison module permits solid models (IGES or STEP format) to be imported by simply clicking a button within the main Aberlink 3D screen, this allows the CAD model to be instantly displayed in a superimposed window.

Aiding efficiency of operation, the CMM user is able to speedily manipulate the view of the high-resolution model by rotating, zooming and repositioning.

On-screen buttons are able to rapidly access up to six useful 2D model views or if preferred, a standard isometric image.

Alignment of the solid model can be achieved in two simple ways, by measuring a geometric feature, for example a plane, line or circle and linking the feature to the CAD model by clicking on the relevant characteristic.

Alternatively, solid model alignments can be made by probing 6 component points, clicking on the CAD model to show an approximate position and then performing a best-fit alignment through the taken points.

Having aligned to the CAD model, any subsequent measurements made on the component's features will appear in the CAD window.

Measured points are attached to the solid model by coloured lines that lead to boxes showing all identified errors.

Detailed information about each measured point can be accessed by simply clicking onto the relevant error box.

If preferred, results can be graphically represented by lines, the lengths of which represent the magnitude of the deviation of each point from the CAD model.

An intuitive colour system is also used to represent identified errors, either as a logical colour spectrum - green symbolising within tolerance, blue out of tolerance below limit and red out of tolerance above limit, with graduated colour shading illustrating transitions, or by distinct colour bands.

As with most aspects of the extremely flexible new CAD module, the software's detailed colour coding error system is fully user configurable.

On completion of a CAD routine, the module allows detailed graphical and tabulated reports, or if required, a combination of both to be printed at the click of a mouse button, or if preferred, gathered information can even be exported in an Excel format.

A product of painstaking research, Aberlink claims that its advanced new CAD Comparison module is equally rewarding when used by the most experienced CAD user, or by a complete software novice.