NEW: Comprehensive Production Control directly on the Machine Tool

Measuring Software FormControl V4 enables fast Workpiece Inspection in Original Setting

Blum-Novotest, a leading supplier of innovative and high-quality measuring and testing technology, presents their advanced measuring software FormControl. Besides a host of innovative improvements simplifying its application version 4 enables fast workpiece control by measurement and analysis of geometrical standard elements. This software which was first developed for contour measurement in mold and die production becomes an instrument for comprehensive production control directly on the machine tool.

For contour measurement the most important thing is that the actual contour of a workpiece complies as precise as possible with the theoretical values. If workpieces with geometrical standard elements are to be machined many users demand that they can check them directly on the machine as well.
FormControl V4 now offers the optimum solution for both applications. On the one hand contour control by measurement of single points as per version 3 is possible where eventual deviations from the CAD-model can be detected by set-actual method. On the other hand the latest software version now offers the possibility to measure different correlated geometrical elements by mouse click and to check their characteristics via the integrated analysis functions. So by the application of FormControl V4 machining errors are detected in original setting which reduces cycle times and enables easy remachining.

The application of the software is thus essentially increased. Up to now the typical application of FormControl was in mold and die production, in future it will also be interesting in medical technologies, automotive or aerospace industries, in principle for all industries of cutting operations for minor and medium serial production.

Due to the new features fast and flexible detection of e.g. dimensions, positions and axis angles of geometrical elements (correlated or relative to a machine axis) is possible. The term „geometrical elements“ comprises e.g. pins, steps, cones, balls, bars and grooves. Definition of cone angles or diameters can also be carried out easily. With the integrated analysis functions checking is very easy.

Should e.g. the exact coordinates of several bores correlated to each other or to a reference point be detected the user selects the corresponding elements by mouse click on the PC. By means of the CAD/CAM data read before FormControl V4 detects automatically the geometrical body types. If the function ‚distance‘ is selected it can be defined whether dimensioning should be related to the first point/element (reference dimensioning) or in increments (chain dimensioning).

In order to provide the operator with the best possible flexibility all measuring points of a geometrical element can be adapted with reference to the workpiece. I.e. the operator can define the number of measuring points on one section, the number and position of the sections on one geometrical element as well as the start and end angles. So not only measurement of standard elements but also of sections of them is possible. If e.g. a workpiece should be joint with another one after machining, the accuracy must be guaranteed over the whole joint. In case of a bore or groove the user of FormControl V4 can now define the dimensions on several sections which avoids „unpleasant surprise“ when assembling the parts.

The user starts the actual measuring operation by mouse click. The software then generates automatically the NC-program and transfers it to the machine control. In the next step the probe is changed into the spindle and the single points are measured. The data transfer between PC and control is carried out via ADIF – the automatic interface by Blum – so that eventual errors by manual data transfer will be avoided. ADIF manages the complete data transfer between NC and PC. The measuring result can be output as measuring protocol or graphics, e.g. by means of coloured error needles on the screen.

Even the current easy handling of FormControl has been improved. So measuring tasks are stored and can be used for later reference measurements. They must not be measured once again which means essential time savings. Now it is possible to optimize measuring operations by drag & drop. This can be very useful if the operator finds out that the measuring sequence on a workpiece does not yet comply with his requirements. In this case he simply displaces the measuring points to the requested position in the program whereby the sequence of the measuring operation can be optimized.

Editors´s notes:

Established in 1968 and based in Ravensburg, Germany, Blum-Novotest GmbH is recognized worldwide as a developer of leading-edge measuring and testing technology for international machine tools, aerospace and automotive industries. The family firm has more than 260 employees working in Germany, Great Britain, Italy, France, Czech Republic, USA, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea. Together with skilled dealers (due to their technical competence called "system integrators") and regional sales offices they guarantee comprehensive service for thousands of Blum systems applied all over the world.




For further information:
 
Blum-Novotest GmbH
Production Metrology
Postfach 1202
D-88182 Ravensburg
Germany

Tel:  + 49 (0) 751 6008-0
Fax: + 49 (0) 751 6008-156
E-Mail: vk@blum-novotest.com
Web: www.blum-novotest.com