Shadow Automation Press Release - December 6, 2005 - Metrolosys v9.5 On-Machine CNC Inspection Software Now AIMS-Enabled

  N E W S   R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release
    
Press Contact: David Friedman, (909) 591-3638, email: 
shadowautomation@aol.com

Metrolosys v9.5 On-Machine CNC Inspection Software Now AIMS-Enabled
Breakthrough Inspection Software Converts Machine Tools into Coordinate 
Measuring Machines

Chino Hills, California - December 6, 2005 - Shadow Automation, Inc. 
announced today the release of Metrolosys 9.5, its newest software 
version that integrates the AIMS Metrology Kernel (The Boeing Company, 
St. Louis, MO and Metronor Group, Oslo, Norway). Shadow Automation is an 
early adopter of AIMS (Advanced Integrated Mathematical System), a 
technology that provides full CAD geometry integration amongst 
manufacturers and their suppliers. Metrolosys is the leading inspection 
software for machine tool probing that transforms any machine tool into 
a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Metrolosys supports ISO 17025, 
ASME B5.54, and NIST traceability standards.

Jointly developed by The Boeing Company and Metronor Group, AIMS is a 
software solution developed to actualize paperless manufacturing and 
enable seamless, bi-directional sharing of CAD geometry, inspection 
plans, and measurement plans between industrial hardware and software 
platforms. CAD data incompatibility in the industrial marketplace 
remains the single largest roadblock to achieving lean manufacturing 
goals. AIMS was developed in direct support of Boeing's "Feature-based 
Master Model Integration Program." This initiative was established to 
create a common CAD model file format and streamline CAD file management 
and archival processes with an all-inclusive master model. AIMS was also 
designed to facilitate collaborative research, product development, and 
manufacturing programs that involve multiple international 
participants...without an investment in new hardware or software for the 
participating companies.

Using AIMS-enabled Metrolosys, the user simply selects the AIMS logo 
from the Metrolosys menu, adjusts any default settings, and 
automatically produces a machined part inspection program. AIMS 
integrates all facets of a Master Model including 3D CAD data, Y14.5 
GD&T callouts, manufacturing processes, measurement and inspection 
plans, and much more. Using Metrolosys 9.5, manufacturers can now 
implement a highly effective quality process during machining, and the 
original Design Engineer can now get a handle on the quality inspection 
process based on the new capability of adding measurement and/or 
inspection plans to the CAD model. At a higher level, the original 
Design Engineer can now access 100% of the manufacturing results of a 
part or an assembly based on the AIMS manufacturing process.

Metrolosys 9.5 ushers in new era for Lean Manufacturing by reducing 
machine-tool downtime up to 75%.  AIMS-enabled Metrolosys not only 
allows a user to program a CNC machine using a touch probe to measure a 
part, but it drastically reduces the process to less than 10 keystrokes 
to create the part inspection G-code probing program.  
Metrolosys inspection software allows the machine tool to do the 
inspection without tearing down the job for first article inspection or 
any other inspection requirement. In short, after machining a part, it 
is already set-up for in-place inspection, thus introducing a major 
contribution to the "Lean manufacturing" process. Using Metrolosys, 
CMM-type alignments of the machine tool to the 3D CAD model and machined 
part are easily accomplished.

How Does Metrolosys Work?
Metrolosys is a powerful, CAD-based programming and reporting system for 
machined parts.  Based on the industry standard DMIS programming 
language, Metrolosys quickly enables you to use your CNC milling machine 
the same way that you use your CMM. Any CNC milling machine that is 
probe-ready can take advantage of these capabilities.  No special wiring 
or computer parts are required. The system runs in Microsoft Windows XP, 
Windows 2000, and Windows/NT. Calibration is performed independently 
using Optodyne Inc.'s error mapping laser system. Like popular CAM 
systems, only one Metrolosys system is required to support every 
probe-enabled machine tool in the shop.

Metrolosys works the way a quality control professional expects. The 
inspection software is easy to use and provides independent volumetric 
error mapping, advanced high-speed probing methods, and automatically 
generates Inspection G-code. Quality personnel find themselves on very 
familiar ground with Metrolosys' NIST traceable procedures, CMM 
terminology, and ASME Y14.5 Metrology Industry Standards. Users can 
easily program an inspection process for the machine tool offline. The 
machine tool operator runs the program and sends the probing results 
back to Quality to automatically create GD&T inspection reports 
according to the ASME Y14.5 standard.

Metrolosys Pricing and Support
Metrolosys software entry level pricing is $26,995.00 per seat. Volume 
discounts may apply. All prices are subject to change.  Shadow 
Automation is dedicated to providing widespread education and superior 
customer support for their product lines. Shadow Automation provides 
one- and two-day onsite training courses. Authorized SAI Resellers can 
be found on the website at www.metrolosys.com or call (909) 591-3638.