Delcam enhances section measurements in PowerINSPECT inspection software
Delcam has released the 2016 version of its PowerINSPECT inspection software, the world’s
leading hardware-independent 3D inspection solution. The new release includes greatly
enhanced options for section measurement, more comprehensive collision avoidance,
improved point cloud inspection, the ability to add notes to reports, and improved user
control of CNC surface inspection routines.
Caption: Inspection of sections has been improved in PowerINSPECT 2016
For video demonstrations of the new options, please go to
www.delcam.tv/pi2016/lz/en/index.asp
Section inspection has been improved with easier creation of sections, better visualisation and
enhanced reporting. The enhanced options for section editing in PowerINSPECT 2016
include a slider that can be used to move the section through the part with real-time updating
of the CAD view. A specific value for the section intersection can still be entered if required.
New graphics options help with visualisation and reporting. In the CAD view, the default
option highlights the section cut and displays a semi-transparent representation of the
material in the foreground, providing an accurate 3D visualisation of the section in place on
the part. During section creation the shading is updated dynamically as the section moves
through the model. Alternatively, the near side can be hidden completely, or the complete
CAD model can be shown in a solid colour as before.
Once the desired section has been chosen, the inspection path can be generated automatically.
The points generated can be edited if necessary. The section can also be viewed and reported
as a 2D true view of the section profile that is currently selected.
As with other PowerINSPECT measurements, the results of the section inspection can be
viewed as spot confetti, deviation lines or vector lines. The results can be displayed either on
their own or as part of a larger inspection sequence.
Automatic collision detection was introduced in PowerINSPECT 2015, with probe paths
adjusted automatically when a direct move between inspection features would result in a
collision. A new collision-free mode extends this capability by automatically creating links
between inspection features as necessary. If a potential collision is detected, the software
automatically creates and calculates a new linking path that avoids the obstacle. Collision
avoidance is recalculated when the order of the inspection sequences is adjusted in the
sequence tree.
Intermediate paths can still be created or updated manually. This is required when the CAD
model does not include complete information about the physical reality, for example if
clamps or fixtures used to hold the part are not included in the CAD data.
PowerINSPECT 2016 has improved reporting with the ability to include additional userdefined information. New ‘Report Note’ items allow the user to insert additional
observations, including text and pictures. As with all other items in the report, the notes can
be shown, hidden and re-ordered within the report.
The formatting of labels has also been enhanced, particularly for GD&T items. New options
have been added to the dialog for session settings to enable further control of the label
display. Furthermore, the label sizes can be edited in the session settings and grid lines can
be displayed for clearer reporting.
A number of enhancements have been added for inspections based on point clouds. Firstly,
point clouds can be imported from DMT and STL triangle files. Scanning acquisition
performance is improved and points can be saved from a point-cloud scan each time there is a
pause during the scan. Several point-cloud items can also now be created in a single pointcloud session without having to leave the full-screen acquisition view.
CNC surface inspection has been improved, making it easier to produce consistent results
across a batch of components. New surface inspection groups provide better user control of
point naming, and the positioning, contents and formatting of report images. It is also
possible to reference CNC surface inspection groups directly in RPS alignments.
Finally, there are significant usability improvements for the CAD File Manager. It is now
possible to import one or more CAD files by dragging and dropping them into the main
graphics window. The highlighting and visualisation of individual objects in CAD models is
further improved, making it easier to identify named objects and levels.
For further information on Delcam’s PowerINSPECT software, please contact:Peter Dickin, Marketing Manager
Direct phone: 44 (0)121 683 1081
e-mail: [email protected]
Delcam Ltd
Small Heath Business Park,
Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK
www.delcam.com