Enhanced productivity in CMM technology

Citation

(1998), "Enhanced productivity in CMM technology", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aab.012

Enhanced productivity in CMM technology

Enhanced productivity in CMM technology

A new company, Kaimet Systems, with a focus to develop the market in off-line programming technology for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and a brief to further develop the measuring process using solids technology with life-like visualisation and advanced CAD integration, has been set up by the Truline Technology Group of Reading.

Truline is the parent company of the well-respected CNC off-line programming specialist, Pathtrace Engineering Systems Limited of Reading. Maintains Truline's managing director Brian Steatham: "Kaimet's CMM related business will be built on the Windows NT and 95 module EdgeDMIS. This new business operation will allow Pathtrace, which initially developed the CMM package within its suite of EdgeCAM programming software, to concentrate on its highly successful metal cutting modules comprising EdgeCAM turning, milling and wire EDM."

The off-line programming of CMMs is, in acceptance terms by the market, way behind the metal cutting sector with inspectors and operators preferring teach/ repeat programming techniques at the machine. Says Brian Steatham: "This means Kaimet has an important task to educate the market about the productivity advantages of off-line programming which, for generating a return on investment, should be no different from the CNC machine tool. The longer the CMM is measuring and not standing around being programmed, the more viable it is to justify and operate."

The EdgeDMIS module is already well-proven and is now being widely used by Kaimet's CMM partners, C.E. Johannson, and Status Metrology EdgeDMIS is already being used around the world to generate programs for almost all the CNC driven CMMs that are currently available. In several instances, EdgeDMIS is being utilised to program different CMMs with the same geometry via the independent DMIS programming language.

For the customer, Kaimet has the advantage of an independent status with a strong measuring and machining background. The EdgeDMIS product brings all the advantages of Windows operating software with multi-tasking and report generation, simple interface to peripheral equipment and other software programs.

In close co-operation with sister company Pathtrace, Kaimet will be based in the same headquarters at Reading and work hand in hand with the application of solids technology. This will enable simulation graphics and CAD interface to be enhanced further in conjunction with Pathtrace's development partnerships already established in the CAD sector.

Details from Kaimet Systems, (A Division of the Truline Technology Group), 45 Boulton Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0NH. Tel: 0118 931 4177.