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Virtualizing Metrology Classes with Autodesk PowerINSPECT and VirtualCMM

Virtualizing Metrology Classes with Autodesk PowerINSPECT and VirtualCMM

Customer challenge

The Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the University of Aveiro offers a course in metrology and they actually own one premium coordinate measuring machine (CMM). However, it is not possible to give a class of 20+ students individual access to this machine. Also, having untrained people learning to handle a CMM on a hands-on approach might risk expensive damage to the machine. The teacher approached us, asking how they could train students in Autodesk PowerINSPECT, without giving the students direct access to the machine, but still giving them the full metrology experience.

Project goals

The goal was to offer a Autodesk PowerINSPECT experience with a virtual CMM that matches the physical machine of the University. Students would learn how to perform metrology tasks on the virtual machine and the best projects could then be carried out on the real machine. Any demonstration done by the teacher on the real machine should be replicated by the students on the virtualized CMM.

Solution

Autodesk PowerINSPECT is provided with Autodesk VirtualCMM, a software that fully simulates a real CMM. Norcam created the simulation files for the virtual CMM based on existing CAD files of the University’s CMM. After setting up PowerINSPECT, VirtualCMM and the virtual machine files (MTD), Norcam provided training to the teacher, as well as, predefined lecturing material (developed by Norcam), which the teacher could modify to best suit his needs.

Business outcome

With this new setup, the teacher is now able to lecture metrology, giving the whole class access to the virtualized CMM. The teacher can demonstrate concepts on the real machine and each student can learn about metrology, setups, alignments, geometric measurements, 3D inspection, and more with the exact same environment and experience as if he was connected to the real machine. After concluding the proposed exercises and projects, selected students can be given access to the real CMM with much more confidence.

Conclusion

University of Aveiro is giving much better metrology classes than ever before with every student getting hands-on training on real metrology processes, thanks to Autodesk PowerINSPECT and Autodesk VirtualCMM.

Project summary

    Duration & delivery

  • 3
  • 2021-04-10

    Autodesk solutions

  • PowerInspect

    Services provided

  • Virtualization
  • System Implementation
  • Configuration & Deployment

    Customer industry

  • Design & Manufacturing
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