Delcam to demonstrate NC-PartLocator at JEC

Delcam will show its NC-PartLocator at the JEC exhibition to be held in Paris, from 13th to 15th April 2010.

NC-PartLocator, which has been developed in association with metrology specialists MSP, gives the ability to adjust toolpaths to the actual position of the part, rather than having to ensure that the component is in, exactly, the nominal location, specified in the CAM system.

NC-PartLocator gathers data using a probe fitted onto the machine tool. A probing sequence is created to collect a series of points from the component. This data is then used by best-fit routines to determine the part's exact position. Any mismatch between the nominal position, used in the CAM system, and the actual position of the component, on its fixture, can be calculated.

The software then feeds the results to the machine tool control, as a datum shift or rotation, to compensate for the differences in location and alignment. This adjustment can be made much more quickly and easily than placing, and holding, the part in exactly the specified position, especially with large, flexible components.

NC-PartLocator can also save time that could be wasted in machining and inspecting parts that are already scrap. The process can discover, during the set-up phase, that the component is so distorted that no realignment will give a satisfactory part.

Author
Michael Richards

This material is protected by Findlay Media copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.

Supporting Information

Related Companies

Delcam plc

Do you have any comments about this article?

Name

Comments

Your comments/feedback may be edited prior to publishing. Not all entries will be published.
Please view our Terms and Conditions before leaving a comment.