Quality Data Management for All Measuring Machines

The amount of measuring and process data generated as a result of the high level of automation in production is constantly increasing. “To remain competitive, aerospace parts suppliers must produce even better products, even faster. They can only do this by permanently monitoring potentially critical processes and influencing factors,” says Christoph Grieser, the head of software and retrofits at Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, LLC (Maple Grove, MN). The enhanced PiWeb analysis software tool from Zeiss helps shops reach these goals for quality data management. The basic version of PiWeb is now available as a standard feature for all measuring machines, and a specially developed version – PiWeb sbs – is now available for mid-sized companies.

According to Grieser, three key properties make this data management software ideal for this task. First, the process analysis tool merges a wide range of data from various sources and analyzes in a short time. Next, the software can be easily adapted to the specific requirements of the user to such a high degree of customization that shops are able to tailor individual reports for all their needs. Finally, during the development and enhancement of PiWeb, engineers focused on easy and intuitive operation. “The goal was to provide shops with an analysis at the push of a button,” notes Grieser.

By collecting various measurement and inspection data from the production floor and measuring labs, PiWeb quickly identifies the source of production problems. Data from various sources is merged – from a slide gauge to the coordinate measuring machine to the measuring robot on the production line. Correction values for machine tools can be directly calculated. PiWeb generates the analyses in a short time. If new values are added, the program updates the analysis in real time. “Data privacy has not been neglected. It is ensured through advanced software architecture and security concepts that have been tested and verified by customers in the aerospace industry,” explains Thomas Hassler, the business development manager for Zeiss.

The scope of functionality of PiWeb can be scaled depending on the size of the company and its requirements. Users can choose from four different solution packages: PiWeb reporting, PiWeb reporting plus, PiWeb sbs and PiWeb enterprise. The base version of PiWeb reporting entry-level analysis software is included with the purchase of a measuring machine or with CALYPSO 2015 upgrades on existing machines. PiWeb reporting plus is ideal for statistical data and process analysis beyond the individual measuring sequences. The new PiWeb sbs package is specially designed for mid-sized companies that want to merge and analyze the data from multiple measuring systems, including non-Zeiss equipment and process data. PiWeb enterprise is the most extensive package and is intended for multinational firms operating multiple factories.

Because the demands on a process analysis tool differ due to more than just the size of a company, PiWeb generates targeted, group-specific analyses at the push of a button. Unlike a machine operator, a manager does not require a multitude of single measured values. Instead, they receive an overview of repeat, critical deviations from the tolerances. If they want to know more about certain aspects, the software is ready to assist. Users can customize not only the selection of the data and the analyses, but also how it is displayed. Based on Hassler’s experience, shops benefit from the intuitive operation of the software and minimal training requirements. He comments on how, after just a half-day, users are able to compile documentation. “Regardless of what an analysis tool can theoretically do, success comes and goes with the ease of use,” he adds. “For this reason, our engineers did everything in their power to combine an intelligent and fast analysis with a high degree of customization for ease of use.”

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, LLC, 6250 Sycamore Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55369, 763-744-2400, Fax: 763-533-0219, www.zeiss.com/metrology.