Auto-Align and Auto Pass/Fail

Methods Machine Tools Inc. announced new CAD Auto-Align and Auto Pass/Fail software tools for the VisionGauge Digital Optical Comparator System, developed by VISIONx Inc. This noncontact comparative measuring technology allows users to compare a part to its CAD data in real-time, completely automatically. The Auto-Align tool automatically aligns the CAD data to the part. The tool typically takes less than two seconds to produce its result and its operation is very straightforward.

The Auto-Align tool produces repeatable and accurate results that are completely operator-independent. It supports both X-Y and X-Y-Rotation alignment of the CAD drawing to the part. The VisionGauge Digital Optical Comparator's Auto-Align tool allows users to drastically reduce inspection times and obtain increased accuracy. It can line the CAD drawing up to the part along one or multiple datums, or it can do an overall "best fit" alignment. The VisionGauge Digital Optical Comparator's powerful Auto Pass/Fail tool automatically determines, very accurately and in real-time, if a part is within tolerance.

The Auto Pass/Fail tool can be point-based or can consider complete geometric entities, and it can perform both simultaneously on the same part. In point-based mode, the part's deviation from nominal is evaluated at precise user-specified cross-sections to verify that the part is within tolerance at all of these locations. The geometry-based Auto Pass/Fail tool verifies that the part is within tolerance over complete geometric entities. The Auto Pass/Fail tool supports bi-directional tolerances and imposes no restrictions on the tolerance values. This means that tolerances can be either the standard plus/minus tolerances, as well as minus/minus or plus/plus tolerances.

"We are very excited about the release of these new CAD Auto-Align and Auto Pass-Fail tools to enable the fully automated verification of a part against its CAD data. These innovative new tools have been extensively validated at key customer sites and all of the early-adopters are delighted with the benefits that these new tools provide," said Patrick Beauchemin, President of VISIONx.

VisionGauge Digital Optical Comparators are a fully-digital drop-in replacement for traditional optical comparators. They work directly with the part's CAD data and don't require any overlays, Mylars or templates. They are available in industry standard 5X, 10X, 20X, 50X and 100X magnifications.