Designing Inspection Fixturing is Virtually Foolproof
The latest version of Renishaw’s 3D fixture-modelling software creates a metrology setup around a CAD model of an inspected part. With FixtureBuilder 8.0, users don’t need a coordinate measuring machine or other inspection device to confirm accuracy.
Posted: October 4, 2020
FixtureBuilder 8.0, the latest version of Renishaw’s (West Dundee, IL) 3D fixture-modelling software, offers a wide range of benefits.
Users can design metrology fixturing setups without having to use a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and other inspection devices. This reduces the amount of setup time and increases productivity. It can be used with a CAD model of the inspected part, which is imported into FixtureBuilder. The entire fixturing setup, along with the part, can then be exported into inspection-programming software.
Users can model fixtures that use Renishaw’s QuickLoad rail system, which is used on CMMs and provides a secure workholding position when used in conjunction with QuickLoad base plates. These are attached to the rail on either side using quick- release magnets and location pins. The interchangeable design of the rail and plates maximizes the operator’s ability to inspect and release parts.
Metrology tables, M12 fixtures, ¼-20 fixtures, and other components have been added to the software’s library, providing a wider range of options.
An improved mechanism mode provides real-life movement and collision detection with increased precision, resulting in faster setups. Exporting the fixture model into inspection software is faster and easier as well, streamlining the programming process.
In addition to supporting Parasolid, STEP, ACIS, STL, IGES, and other 3D CAD file formats, FixtureBuilder 8.0 allows users to import and export the latest versions of these file formats.
A free 30-day demonstration version of FixtureBuilder 8.0 is available at www.renishaw.com/en/renishaw-fixturebuilder–36732.
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