How Workholding CAD Models are Key to Improving Your Shop's Operation
In the realm of modern manufacturing, speed, accuracy, and efficiency are paramount. One of the key tools that is revolutionizing the industry is the use of workholding component CAD models to aid in inspection programming, as well as facilitate offline fixture design for CMM and Vision inspection. The experts at Phillips Precision explain how the integration of CAD models into these processes offers a multitude of benefits, significantly enhancing productivity, reducing downtime, and alleviating stress on inspectors and programmers.
CAD models streamline the programming process by providing accurate, digital representations of workholding that can be directly imported into metrology software. This reduces the need for manual measurements and guesswork; simplifying probe-pathing around fixtures or other obstacles, to easily visualize and plan the probe's movement. This decreases the risk of crashes and accelerates the overall programming process.
As a result, the time required to set up and program for inspection is drastically reduced. Tasks that once took hours or even days can now be completed in a fraction of the time, meaning faster turnaround and increased throughput.
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We can all agree, downtime is a costly enemy. While parts are waiting to be inspected, spindles on the shop floor are usually sitting idle, waiting for that data. Sometimes companies will decide to run at risk, but this is a gamble that could become even more costly if batches of parts end up in the scrap bin.
But by using CAD models for offline fixture design, fixtures can be created and tested virtually before parts even hit the shopfloor. This preemptive approach minimizes the trial-and-error typically associated with inspection setups. And since it's done offline, it can all happen while the CMM is running other parts.
Recognizing the importance of CAD models, Phillips Precision has made STEP files of the entire Inspection Arsenal® product line readily available. These models can be seamlessly imported into any CAD, metrology, or fixture design software -- enabling programmers and inspectors to quickly utilize them.
Additionally, having access to the Inspection Arsenal® products simplifies the creation of an accurate bill of materials for the components used in a particular fixture. This streamlines the procurement process by reducing communication breakdown and lets inspection labs acquire precisely what they need and nothing more -- eliminating waste and saving money on unnecessary components. By leveraging these CAD models, manufacturers can fully realize the benefits discussed -- reduced downtime, increased throughput, decreased stress levels and improved quality.
Not only does assembling fixtures and loading up parts offline reduce downtime between setups; but dedicated quick swap fixtures also ensure that every setup is properly holding parts during inspection, no matter who is doing the work. This level of repeatability and reproducibility leads to a simpler inspection process, faster production, and higher quality overall, which in turn, improves customer satisfaction and reduces the cost associated with returns and rework.
The use of workholding component CAD models during inspection programming and offline fixture design is not just a trend but a critical advancement in manufacturing. The time savings, reduced downtime, and stress alleviation are tangible benefits that translate into higher efficiency and better-quality products. With Inspection Arsenal® STEP files at their disposal, manufacturers have a powerful tool to drive these improvements and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
For more information or to access STEP files, click below.
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