Renishaw’s Geometric Modelling Library (GML) now available for trial
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Consisting of more than 7,500 functions developed over recent years to resolve many complex geometry problems, typical usage for the library is within industries such as biomedical, dental, industrial metrology, aerospace and automotive, by those with a need to solve and debug complex geometry problems. One case study highlights how the library was used for 5-axis CMM path planning.
Generation of CMM inspection programs typically relies on dedicated inspection software packages. This task has become increasingly complex over time, as the probing systems themselves have developed from simple manual 3-axis (move and touch) systems, through to indexable 3-axis continuous scanning heads. Imagine, then, says Renishaw, the further leap in programming complexity brought about by the latest scanning heads, such as the Renishaw REVO continuous 5-axis scanning head.
APEX|Blad is a package designed to greatly simplify continuous 5-axis scan path production. Built on the GML, it works by asking users to simply import nominal geometry – in this case of aerospace blades. First, select the blade then the optimal 5-axis sweep scan path over the blade is determined automatically.
The resultant DMIS part program is tailored to specifically suit, and be imported into, Renishaw's own CMM inspection package, called Modus, from where it can be executed.
Within this application, the GML is used extensively with an add-in developed to deal with the complex path planning problem brought about by highly constrained measurement volumes; to deal with collision avoidance, and to give optimal probe configurations throughout the planning cycle.
More generally, use of the library provides application developers with the reassurance that complex geometry manipulation is in the hands of tried-and-tested functions, leaving them to focus on their own value adding application development.
Renishaw says it is keen to help clients benefit from its extensive experience of applying this library to solve problems in a wide range of industries. The Company can provide a team of experts to provide advice and build capability for bespoke applications incorporating the GML library.
Having spent recent years extending the functional library to meet its own development requirements, Renishaw says it has created a true API which enables developers to embed the library within other applications, where it will work with the existing graphical user interface (GUI). The addition of extensive sample code and documentation, complete with a GUI, results in a comprehensive rapid development environment.
