Software speeds through point-cloud comparisons

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 6, 2004

Focus Inspection is the next-generation software for point-cloud to CAD inspection built on the new Metris software platform, Focus V3.

Focus Inspection is the next-generation software for point-cloud to CAD inspection built on the new Metris software platform, Focus V3.

This release cuts the point-cloud inspection time by 80% offering five-times more throughput compared with the previous software, CADcompare.

The premiere of the software is scheduled for the Control Show in Sinsheim, Germany running from 11th to 14th May 2004.

In answer to customer demands for "one-stop shopping" solutions, Metris is integrating all its software products on the new next-generation Focus V3 platform.

The Focus V3 software suite will consist of three integrated main products for scanning, inspection and reverse engineering.

This new platform will make Metris the first company to offer a completely integrated automatic laser scanning and inspection solution.

Metris has now taken the first step by releasing the Focus Inspection product.

Innovative point-cloud handling technology included in Focus V3 dramatically speeds up the complete inspection process.

Comparable tests between Focus Inspection and CADcompare results in a time saving of up to 80%.

Focus Inspection makes the inspection task easier and more productive.

The unique user interface, composed of different worksheets reflects the inspection workflow of the users.

In this way the user is guided step by step through his inspection workflow.

A typical workflow can consist of importing the CAD and point cloud, meshing the point cloud, comparing with CAD, calculation of sections and reporting.

Each step in the workflow contains its own dedicated set of toolbars with user intuitive icons.

This adaptive way of working reduces training costs and enables proper handling by any user profile.

The data and results are organised in a clear directory tree containing nominal, measured and inspection data.

This enables the user to keep a comprehensible overview when applying multiple inspection strategies on the data.

The single common platform for the different applications also opens up the full potential of the complete Focus portfolio.

Focus assures a growth path that will protect the initial investment for many years.

Focus Inspection offers the infrastructure to automate the inspection process through simple, native Focus scripting.

A macro is built with simple commands or teach-in.

The superior point-cloud functionality is definitely an asset to rapidly and accurately inspect multiple point clouds from repetitive measurement cycles.

The reporting is smoothly integrated with Microsoft Excel where users can define their own report templates.

The conventional 3D deviation and section reports can be annotated with user defined fly-outs, text, and comments.

The use of Microsoft Excel for reporting enables easy sharing of results with colleagues or customers.

The Focus Inspection product aims not only at automotive and aerospace industries, but more globally at all manufacturing industries that use point cloud to CAD inspection.

Although one of the key advantages of the Focus platform is the tight integration of scanning and downstream applications such as inspection, Focus Inspection also performs as a stand-alone product.

Typical applications where Focus Inspection is put to work are inspection of sheet metal (eg body panel, doors), castings (eg engine blocks, cylinder heads), forgings (eg turbine blades), plastics (eg dashboards, phones, medical artefacts), ceramics (eg turbine cores) etc.