Bridging the design/manufacturing gap

Modern Machine Shop, March, 2002 by Shauna R. Pope

XactMeasure CMM software program is designed to run with the company's proprietary, enterprise-wide XactCOM architecture. The software is said to support full integration of dimensional inspection with manufacturing operations, allowing manufacturers to move beyond simple data gathering to a more complete understanding of how processes actually work.

XactMeasure creates a bridge between design and manufacturing through a common implementation of design tolerances, and between manufacturing and design through online and on-demand process information.

XactMeasure functions with virtually any CAD/CAM system. The application includes direct links to Pro/Engineer, SDRC, CATIA, Unigraphics Solutions, AutoCAD (DXF and DWG), and ACIS (SAT), and imports IGES, STEP, and VDA files through a translator. The software's native file access allows CAD models to be used "as is" with no translation upon download to the measuring system, and no loss of dimensional detail.

XactMeasure allows instant, simultaneous data communication from any link in the production chain to the end of the production line with no loss in translation as well.

In addition to streamlining operator efficiency with features such as the operator-configurable Inspection Program, XactMeasure is said to have the first practical implementation of the ASME Y14.5.1M-1994 standard.

Other features include a GUI, a fail-safe tolerance editor, the display of probe and scan paths, automatic path grid generation, automatic jumps over voids complete measurement routine simulation, full machine kinematics, and point-and-click alignment.