AIAG's Metrology Interface Specification Could Save Industry Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
New AIAG Dimensional Metrology Specification Helps Eliminate Redundant Measurement Programs for Different Systems
CHICAGO, April 19 -- The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) announced today -- at a proof-of-concept demonstration at the Quality Expo Conference in Rosemont, Ill. -- that a common global language specification for metrology system interfaces, called dimensional markup language (DML), will be released in June. AIAG developed DML in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a non- regulatory agency of the Department of Commerce. DML will help connect different measuring components from various systems within a plug-and-play environment.
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The DML specification is only one part of a broader AIAG effort supporting open interface standards that efficiently communicate metrology information, helping the automotive industry recover some of the time (up to six months) and the approximately $600 million it loses annually to build and rebuild measurement programs for different systems.
"AIAG is the umbrella that the global metrology community worked under to develop this important metrology interoperability standard, and today's demonstration showcases the success of that collaboration," said Chuck Koehn, AIAG acting executive director.
Defined as the science of measurement, metrology is used in the automotive industry to improve dimensional integrity in vehicles. One of the most critical issues facing the industry today is the cost of integrating proprietary dimensional measurement systems. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been generally unable to require compliance to specific standards because either no standards were in place or no conformance tests existed to verify compliance to the standard.
"AIAG and NIST, working together to address a billion-dollar plus interoperability issue, demonstrate an industry-government partnership where everyone benefits," said Hratch G. Semerjian, acting director of NIST. "In today's global environment, it is imperative that we adopt standardized processes that enable true collaborations across continents."
AIAG's DML specification is a common method to effectively transmit inspection results information, which addresses the current void of seamless data exchange in dimensional metrology and inspection system operations. This lack of interoperability also severely limits manufacturers' ability to effectively build and operate measurement systems and often results in extra time to reprogram dimensional measurement and inspection systems. Companies that transfer data for dimensional metrology and inspection system operations will benefit from the use of open standards, such as DML.
These systems typically include CAD software, inspection program planning and execution software, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and inspection analysis software.
Today's real-time demonstration showcased the robust capability of DML as well as the I++DME open standard. The I++DME standard is a development effort of the I++DME Group (DaimlerChrysler Corp., Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Volvo), the International Association of Coordinate Measuring Machine Manufacturers (IA.CMM), AIAG and NIST.
The demonstration linked proprietary hardware and software in a live execution of part inspection -- using touch-trigger probing, scanning, part alignment, and tool changing -- connecting Wenzel, Xspect Solutions and Zeiss CMMs with software from LK, Metrologic, Metromec, Tecnomatix, Wilcox Associates and Zeiss. The demo also successfully transferred part geometry and feature tolerance information from these software applications to analysis software from Dimensional Control Systems, Tecnomatix and Mitutoyo.
The DML specification was developed by the AIAG Metrology Interoperability Project Team, whose goal is to streamline the dimensional measuring function at auto manufacturers, suppliers and tooling outfits throughout the supply chain. The team includes representatives from AIAG, NIST, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co. and the product vendors named above.
NIST has supported AIAG by providing a test bed to validate DML and I++DME with multiple CMMs, metrology software and hardware loaned to NIST by vendor partners. NIST develops and promotes measurement, standards and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade and improve the quality of life.
About AIAG
Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.aiag.org/ .
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