PC-DMIS V3.2 Adds Direct CAD Interface, Improved Programming and Editing to Inspection Operations

23 October 2000

PC-DMIS V3.2 Adds Direct CAD Interface, Improved Programming and Editing to Inspection Operations

    NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.--Oct. 23, 2000--Brown & Sharpe's popular PC-DMIS(TM) measurement and inspection software has been enhanced with several new features that increase its functionality and performance.
    PC-DMIS V3.2 provides a DIRECT-CAD(TM) Interface to such programs as CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro Engineer, SDRC, and the common CAD format, ACIS. Direct CAD interface eliminates the need for the software to translate the original CAD model in any way, assuring that accurate design data is used for part programming. Users can create part programs directly on the CAD model, reducing programming time and improving accuracy.
    The integrated graphics reporting function in PC-DMIS has been improved to make it easier for users to create and automatically position dimension boxes on the screen. A graphical layout tool allows "drag-and-drop" editing so that text, charts, documents, logos, and bit mapped images can be included in reports.
    This latest version of PC-DMIS builds upon the customizable graphic user interface (GUI) introduced in V3.0. Iconized tool bars help streamline and simplify operation. For example, the Custom Tools Icon Bar provides a "one click" start routine for probe qualifications, part alignments and hyper reporting functions. Other tool bars include Construction Tools, Dimension Tools, Sheet Metal Tools, and an icon group that represents the auto feature recognition function. The tool bars can be floated anywhere on the screen or can be docked against any screen edge.
    Using the new 3D animation capability in the software's full machine kinematics, programmers can include elements such as digitized images of parts and fixtures on the machine so that operators can visually verify the setup and program prior to actual part inspection. In addition, the programmer can insert special visual tutorials to help explain to the operator how to run a particularly complex job.
    A preview window identifies the feature being measured and allows programmers to review all measurements as they are created in real time. The Edit Window now includes a Summary Mode with an icon representation of the program and summary text. Integrated offline capability allows multiple programs to be open and edited simultaneously.
    PC-DMIS V3.2 software includes Interactive Hyper Reporting, allowing a new flexibility in not only report formatting, but in data handling as well. The deviation of individual data points can be graphically displayed along with a text description. Since individual points can be stored and retrieved, Interactive Hyper Reporting allows users to analyze features in any combination of points or features, and graphically view the result. Revised or new part programs can be written from generated data.
    The enhanced version of the software is fully PTB certified, supports all popular standards such as DMIS and IGES and includes ISO tolerancing capability.
    Brown & Sharpe, 200 Frenchtown Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852-1700, 1-800-766-4673, FAX (401) 886-2727, www.brownandsharpe.com.