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Measurement
The Measurement procedures are an integrated solution to On Machine Measurement. This means that the system utilizes the CNC machines not only to mill the part, but also to use probes to measure the machining result.
The measurement is executed as part of the machining process, providing real time feedback at specified checkpoints while the machining is still in progress.
On Machine Measurement validates the machining process while the part is on the machine.
The image below shows part of the On Machine Measurement process (in this case, the In-Process Measurement procedure). A measurement tool (probe) is required for the measurement operations. The measurement probe can be defined like all other tools in the Cutters and Holders Dialog.
The Measurement procedures perform the measuring operations on the machine using a special probe while activating various measuring software/capabilities of the machines themselves. This enables a generic definition of the most common measuring patterns. As part of the procedure definition, you can specify some actions which will take place on the machine itself after the measurement has finished, depending on the measurement results.
The Measurement procedures are embedded in the milling process like all other procedures. If you need to measure something for whatever purpose, create a Measurement procedure.
Use the Measurement Settings dialog to define a partial list of cycles to be included in the list of available cycles.
The procedure definition consists of the following parts:
Procedure definition: Definition of the measurement type to be performed
Procedure action: Action that the milling machine will do with the measurement results
Measurement Technologies
The following Measurement technologies are available in Cimatron:
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Measurement procedures |
Optimize milling processes combined with feedback from part measurements while the part is on the CNC machine. This procedure performs part measuring operations on the CNC machine and validates the current machining results. You can chose whether to fine-tune successive machining operations (for example, change the cutter diameter compensation value) or to stop the machine to avoid out of tolerance machining. |
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Enable the programming of multiple probing measurements at the end of machining while the part is still on the CNC machine, automatically generating a Quality Assurance (QA) report. |
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Both In-Process Measurement (IPM) and On Machine Inspection (OMI) are available as 3-Axis procedures with a simple user interaction.
To transfer data to the CNC machines, the post processors need to be adapted accordingly. IPM and OMI are supported within the standard Cimatron post-processing engine.
Notes:
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When using the Measurement procedures, a measurement tool (probe) is required for the procedure operations. This measurement probe can be defined like all other tools – in the Cutter Parameters tab of the Cutters and Holders Dialog.
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Running the Measurement procedures create tool motions as close as possible to the motions of the measuring probe during "machine" time. These motions are displayed in the Navigator and Simulator, and you can step through them like all other tool motions; however, since in most cases the output from such a procedure to the machine is not a set of motions but a special cycle or a macro call, the true nature of the motions is actually determined on the machine itself according to the way it was programmed. There are also some differences between the different controls. What is shown in Cimatron are some motions that best represent the nature of the different cycles.
Workflow
The workflow for NC Technologies consists of the following steps:
- Machine Definition. MoreMore
This application enables you to construct a machine definition for the Machine Simulator. It enables defining the kinematics tree structure, the axes, and the displayed components of the CNC machine. This enables you to simulate the G-Code motions on a virtual machine that imitates the real machine behavior.
Important! This application is for use by qualified personnel only. Contact your Cimatron Provider or Reseller to get a machine definition for the Machine Simulator.
- NC Setup and Configuration. MoreMore
The NC Setup enables you to predefine multiple project-related options in a single place. The NC Setup contains the general data associated with a project, such as the part material, part geometry, machining orientations, fixtures, initial stock, machine name, and post processor. The data defined in the NC Setup is later used as the default for various NC operations. For example, the defined part material is used to set different machining parameters in the cutter definition. The NC Setup parameters can be edited as required.
- Stock definition and update. MoreMore
Stock is a 3X procedure used to represent the stock material from which the final part will be produced. Remaining stock is calculated after each procedure so that cutter motions can be optimized upon the current stock status. Stock is also used by the Simulator and Verifier. The remaining stock can be displayed at any time after any executed procedure (the procedure must have a 
status flag).
- Cutters and Holders definition. MoreMore
Select a cutter for a procedure, define cutters and holders, and set machine and motion parameter defaults for specific cutters.
- Procedure selection. MoreMore
Create a Procedure in the active toolpath. A Procedure is a set of cutter movements that conform to a specific machining technology. One or several Procedures can comprise a toolpath.
See Technologies above.
- Geometry definition. MoreMore
The Geometry Parameters define the geometrical entities to be used during the procedure operation.
- Review and output of the toolpath. MoreMore
Once the toolpath is created and the procedure has been executed, perform operations on the toolpath to display and analyze the toolpath or edit cutter motions (Navigator, Global Filter, Motion Editor).
The Machining Simulation tools offer a combined environment for machining simulation that includes the following capabilities: material removal simulation, machine simulation, and verifier. These tools enable you to simulate and verify your NC toolpaths and procedures before implementing them on the shop floor.
The NC Report is a file that provides various information about a set of selected procedures. This information includes details about the project and provider, as well as toolpaths, procedures (including multi-cutter information), and parameters.
A Cimatron Post Processor is a program that translates Cimatron NC (Numerical Control) data (toolpaths and procedures) into specific CNCCNC machine tool commands (machine code). These commands are known as Posts or G-Code programs (see the Glossary for additional information on G-Code).
Important: This application is for the use of qualified personnel only. Contact your Cimatron Provider or Reseller to create the appropriate G-Code.
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