Metrology Mentor Automates CMM Program Creation
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division (Hexagon), a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies, has unveiled Metrology Mentor for the first time globally at the IMTS exhibition. Metrology Mentor is revolutionary new SaaS application that automates the creation of CMM measurement programs. The software solution, powered by the company’s Nexus digital reality platform, delivers rapid, reliable and repeatable measurement programs, so manufacturers can speed up time to market without risking quality issues.
Metrology Mentor addresses a critical pain point in manufacturing: the time-consuming and variable process of coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) programming. By leveraging advanced algorithms, the software automates the creation of measurement programs directly from computer-aided design (CAD) data, adhering to industry standards such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Metrology Mentor eliminates the need for manual programming, reducing human errors and ensuring consistency across all measurement processes.
“In the face of a significant labor gap, and experienced professionals retiring, it has become increasingly challenging to find talented CMM programmers. The majority of manufacturers are struggling to maintain efficiencies and a rapid time to market amid an ongoing reduction of metrology expertise available in-house,” said Greg Holdsworth, Product Manager at Hexagon.
“Metrology Mentor is designed to reduce that burden and diminish the need for training, while instilling greater confidence in program accuracy. You don’t need to be a CMM expert to program the parts, as the system does the heavy lifting, freeing up valuable operator time. This means manufacturers can minimize errors, clear bottlenecks and complete projects more quickly.”
Key benefits of Metrology Mentor include:
Rapid Program Creation: Quickly generate measurement programs with just a few clicks. Operators can also easily publish programs to multiple CMMs with one click.
Improved Quality: Ensure program accuracy and consistency through adherence to industry standards. Metrology Mentor removes the variability that comes from multiple users creating varying programming for the same part, effectively standardizing CMM programming.
Increased efficiency: Reduce programming time and free up skilled labor for other tasks. All the operator needs to do is load the CAD and inspection data and push a button.
Enhanced Collaboration: Establish a digital thread for smarter metrology workflows, seamless data sharing and program management. Manufacturers can manage measurement programs via a single dashboard, ensuring everyone has access to the same information.
Eliminate Human Error: As the physical machine is identical to the digital twin used for programming, Metrology Mentor helps ensure programs are published right the first time, eliminating human bias and mistakes.
Standard Workflows – Before and After Metrology Mentor
Before the process took 12 steps:
With Metrology Mentor, it’s been reduce to just three steps:
Metrology Mentor is part of Hexagon’s Nexus ecosystem, a comprehensive platform that connects people, data, and machines for a more intelligent manufacturing process. By integrating with other Nexus – connected solutions, Metrology Mentor delivers a holistic approach to quality control and process optimization.
For more information: www.hexagon.com
