Hexagon Metrology has introduced PC-DMIS 2012, a development release of its metrology software. PC-DMIS focuses on the collection, evaluation, management, and presentation of manufacturing data to reduce scrap, improve throughput, and build lean manufacturing operations.

The software features ClearanceCube, which eliminates potential collision of part and probe. Clearance Cube attaches a protective virtual envelope around the part being measured and guides the probe to avoid that area. The software automatically completes safety moves so the operator can box-select a group of features, then use the Path Optimizer feature to determine the most effective path. The Clearance Cube is assigned to the selected feature, not the plan, which simplifies additions and changes to the inspection routine.

When inspection data is imported into CAD, PC-DMIS 2012 has the ability to remember the current translation of assembled components, so the CAD file does not need to be repositioned. Revisions to the CAD file prompt the Change Manager to highlight those design changes. Another enhancement is the Measurement Strategies for AutoFeatures, where users can scan planes, circles, cylinders, and cones from the AutoFeature dialog box with automatic setting of speed, point density, and filtering parameters.

Sortable Features is another addition to the user interface, which provides a fast and easy way to search features by ID, type, program, sequence, or time in various dialog boxes. The Summary Mode enhancement adds color-coded and symbolic text to avoid the time spent sorting through an inspection report for dimensional compliance.

Hexagon Metrology, www.HexagonMetrology.us