HxGN NC Server software brings the performance of leading metrology software directly to machine tools.
Hexagon "s Manufacturing Intelligence division today announced the release of HxGN NC Server, a new machine tool software interface that enables users to work with leading metrology software PC-DMIS directly on machine tools. The solution delivers productivity gains by making machine tool measurements more accessible and compatible with other data collection and analysis processes commonly used in the manufacturing environment.
Direct measurements on machine tools have been carried out for many years, in particular to set work offsets and check individual features. The software solutions available offer a wide range of possibilities, from quick and easy individual point measurement to point cloud collection and analysis of complex parts. But it was impossible to compare measurements on machine tools with those from specialized instruments, such as portable measuring arms or coordinate measuring machines, due to differences in measurement strategy, visualization and calculation.
With the introduction of HxGN NC Server, manufacturers can now use the leading metrology software PC-DMIS to measure parts on the machine tool. This enables them to obtain comparable results throughout the quality assurance process, and avoids the need to train staff in numerous software tools. The ability to compare results using similar strategies and the same calculations as with specialized measuring instruments, helps to avoid bottlenecks on the shop floor and to better understand the machining process. It is now possible to measure the part fixed on the machine, thus avoiding the need to wait for the metrology instrument to be available, and for the part to be unloaded and transported. This approach is particularly advantageous if the parts to be measured are very large or difficult to install.
In addition to PC-DMIS, HxGN NC Server enables other software, such as Edgecam, to create measurements on machine tools with the same level of comparability. The Edgecam Inspect module interfaces with HxGN NC Server to offer CAM programmers the possibility of creating measurement cycles that use PC-DMIS to evaluate and document results.
With HxGN NC Server, operators no longer need to plan and execute individual measurement routines, and no longer have to worry about interpreting results. The new solution manages measurement routines and automatically delivers results, enabling fully automated manufacturing and measurement processes.
HxGN NC Server not only establishes and streamlines communication between the metrology software and the machine tool: it also provides a quick overview of the current status of all machine tools and their recent measurements. Thanks to the integrated dashboard, users can view machines, measurement information and manage programs at a glance from the same workstation. Direct access to all measurement reports is just a few clicks away. HxGN NC Server is also compatible with SFx Hexagon's Metrology Reporting module, which makes all measurement reports available anywhere via the cloud service.