Applied Automation Technologies, Inc. (AAT) has released Version 8 of its CAPPS metrology software for coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and machine tool metrology (MTM). For more than 30 years AAT has developed CAD-based online and offline dimensional measurement software products and, as an independent software developer, has created a library of plug & play controller interfaces for both CMM and CNC machine tool controllers. CAPPS, with its ability to operate CMMs and perform MTM, offers an advanced enterprise encompassing metrology platform for the Smart Factory digital age.
The CAPPS v8 includes both Capps-DMIS CMM software and CappsNC for machine tools. Features and enhancements include a new graphics engine providing enhanced imaging providing sharp and crisp CAD overlays of measured data, multi view port support with a powerful CAD and graphics interface and updated user-friendly ribbon menu and toolbars allowing uninterrupted viewing of the graphics window.
CAPPS is an offline and online metrology software with the latest version providing easy access to extensive programming tools including graphical editing of programming paths and enhanced automatic collision avoidance.
"Seamlessly integrated powerful point cloud functionality incorporates data collection from non-contact laser-line scanners, allowing rapid best fitting of data-sets to CAD with advanced RPS and 3D-Bestfit, with surface iterations and datum constraint, and automatic feature extraction, curve and surface analysis," said a company spokesperson.
Capps NC is suited to additively manufactured (AM) components whereby the generated point cloud is best fitted to CAD deriving the optimum part alignment for subsequent machining operations.
Capps-DMIS can be supplied as an upgrade package to existing CMM controllers using its direct interface library, or as a retrofit package with a new CMM controller utilizing the I++ interface to connect with all common controllers, including Renishaw's UCC platform.
CappsNC provides the capability to adapt and program any CNC machine tool as a CMM with the integrated capability of providing real-time feedback to the controller, allowing adaptive machining to be executed. "AAT pioneered MTM in the 1990s working on the 777 program at Boeing, and has expanded on its initial experience developing the unique comprehensive capabilities offered by CappsNC today," said the spokesperson.
Capps NC offers optimum multi-axis path planning for table, head and mill-turn machines, automatic program generation with CAM and probing measurement program integration. In addition, CappsNC includes coordinate system and work offset relationship for easy visualization and part alignments, allowing advanced decision-making based on metrology data and dynamic tool compensation for enhanced part machining.
For more information contact:
Applied Automation Technologies, Inc.
1688 Star Batt Drive
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
248-656-4930
www.aat3d.com