Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) 2006 Wrap-Up and Highlights

The Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC) 2006 concluded with record attendance at the 22nd annual gathering of 3D measurement technology professionals. The conference draws visitors from prominent science-research laboratories, and industries such as aerospace, space hardware, antenna, automotive, shipbuilding, power generation and general engineering. The weeklong event is hosted by the CMSC Society, an organization of users, service providers and OEM manufacturers of portable coordinate measurement systems, software and peripherals.

The CMSC is dedicated solely to the workforce responsible for delivering close-tolerance measurement and inspection of manufactured and assembled components to the factory floor. The CMSC Society convenes annually to gain knowledge of the advancements and applications of any measurement system or software solution that produces and uses 3D coordinate data. The metrology systems used by industry and represented at the CMSC conference include laser projection systems, laser trackers, laser radars, photogrammetry/videogrammetry systems, scanners, indoor GPS and more.

Authoritative Source for Portable Metrology Technologies for Quality Assurance

The CMSC agenda also included additional technical and social events for its community of experts and novices¾from educational workshops to user appreciation events throughout the entire week. This year's workshops covered the latest metrology trends in reverse engineering, interoperability and emerging industry standards. Many CMSC visitors also attended a tour of nearby Kennedy Space Center and enjoyed lunch with astronaut Gerald Carr.

CMSC Exhibition Hall Brims with Brightest Ideas in Portable Measurement

Hardware
Leading OEMs of metrology hardware were in full force at the CMSC. Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company, demonstrated their new series 840 Leica laser tracker and the second-generation wireless T-Probe. API, another laser tracker manufacturer, prominently featured their new laser rail certified to the new B-89 industry standard. Faro Technologies, a force in portable CAM2 solutions, released a new, low-cost version of their popular Laser Scanner product line called the LS 420.

Dimensional Photonics International, Inc. (DPI) launched a new portable scanner, the AFI 5000P that scans a wide variety of surfaces including machined (shiny) surfaces without sprays or coatings or the need for stick-on targets. Laser Projection Technologies (LPT) debuted its newest model, the LPT10 Feature Recognition Targetless Laser Projector. This versatile device can align itself to the features of a part or tool without requiring retro-reflective targets or cameras, either internal or external.

Geodetic Systems, Inc. (GSI), a provider of industrial photogrammetry systems based on the INCA3 camera, featured V-STARS dual and single camera systems working with wireless probes for in-place inspection of large objects. Konica Minolta displayed their VIVID 9i non-contact color 3D digitizer for rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, online quality control inspection of production parts and more.

Metron Systems showed their patented optical laser scanning technology that is designed for 3D coordinate measurement of highly complex parts with surface finishes ranging from freshly machined to dark paint. Neptec, a prime NASA contractor, has developed a Laser Metrology System (LMS) that combines the power and flexibility of a non-contact scanner with the precision and simplicity of a contact probe.

AICON 3D Systems develops optical camera based 3D systems, and featured their latest products for automated test and process control applications. A major supplier of laser projection systems, Assembly Guidance Systems, demonstrated MicroLASERGUIDE with their LaserNow advanced laser projection system with AutoFocus and data-driven AutoAim.

Metris focused on their unique Laser Radar designed for automated, non-contact measurement/inspection of large-volume objects of up to 60 meters. Also featured was the Metris iGPS (infrared GPS), a modular, large volume tracking and positioning system enabling factory-wide localization of multiple objects with metrology accuracy.

Metronor demonstrated their electro-optical coordinate measuring systems and the AIMS software solutions developed with The Boeing company. AIMS enables the direct connection of CAD data to metrology equipment for full geometry integration between OEM and Supplier using existing hardware and software platforms.

ActiCM rolled out their new laser scanner cart built for their Actiris 350 PCMM, with a battery life of up to eight full hours of operation. 3D MEDiA Co. exhibited their line of high-accuracy photogrammetry products with a focus on their 3DM-FotoMetrics, a photogrammetry system that automatically computes 3D coordinates of retro targets in images taken by a pre-calibrated digital camera.

Software
New River Kinematics, developer of inspection software Spatial Analyzer, demonstrated new feature recognition capabilities and their full support for CATIA V5 files. Verisurf Software unveiled new Model Based Definition (MBD functionality) for Verisurf software that includes direct import of both native CATIA V5 models and FT&A tolerancing information.

During CMSC, Delcam featured PowerINSPECT, a software package based on Delcam's own software kernel, that delivers rapid inspection of complex parts and tools by comparing the manufactured item with the 3D CAD model. Metrix Software Solutions showed the newest evolution in their Metrix3 product that combines the power of probe-based and scanning systems to support measurement, inspection and reverse engineering processes.

Rapidform was pleased to announce their new product rapidformXO Redesign (XOR), the first software solution that allows users to create fully parametric CAD models from 3D scan data. Metrologic Group designs and manufactures 3D control software and electronics for the aerospace and automotive industries.

INORA Technologies Inc. exhibited their INORAsrs (Spatial Reference System) used to determine volumetric accuracy and predict calibration cycles of any type of CMM or Machine Tool.

InnovMetric showcased PolyWorks Version 9.1, a universal 3D metrology software platform that integrates with laser scanners, arm-based and hand-held probing devices, laser trackers and more. QMC develops CM4D Data Management software, and proudly demonstrated advanced functionality called Predictive Join, which enables predictive mating of parts produced at different sites and shows how to rework a part if needed.

Geomagic, Inc. unfurled their latest products including Geomagic Studio digital reconstruction (reverse-engineering) software, Geomagic Qualify computer-aided inspection software and Geomagic Review, free inspection analysis and collaboration software.

NDI's metrology solutions are based on its advanced optical technology. The company featured the highly scalable OPTOTRAK PROseries and its powerful dynamic referencing feature that achieves higher shop-floor accuracy by compensating for part vibration and part movement during measurement.

Accessories for Across-the-Board Portable Metrology Requirements Paul W. Marino Gages, Inc. introduced the new KOBA-step mini artifact for smaller CMMs, now available in lengths of 210mm and 310mm. Brunson Instrument Company, a metrology veteran, showcased their new product line of SMR targetholders and accessories. The company is also a master distributor of Spatial Analyzer software and a custom manufacturer of optical instruments, instrument stands and more.

W.N.B.C. in LA added new Totalstation targets to their wide range of manufactures pressure sensitive adhesive backed targets. Hubbs Machine & Manufacturing, Inc. displayed their extensive product line of targeting and accessories for theodolite, photogrammetry and laser tracker systems.

Value-Added Resellers/Integrators of Measurement Technology
Virtek iLS (Intelligent Laser Systems) is an advanced technology integrator specializing in manufacturing cell automation. The company exhibited sample components and subsystems to demonstrate how they apply their design expertise to deliver successful laser and metrology guided assembly systems.

Accurex Measurement, Inc. introduced TubeInspect, a tube measurement system from AICON, and DPA Inspect, an automated photogrammetry system. Exact Metrology presented the advantages of the Breuckamnn StereoScan3, the high speed Perceptron V5 Scanner and the new low cost MicroScan3D, a 3D point cloud scanner.

Capture 3D is the sole integrator of GOM 3D measurement systems for the North American market. The company displayed the ATOS "White Light" scanning system integrated with TRITOP Photogrammetry, providing a complete measurement solution for parts ranging in size from turbine blade internals to full size aircraft.

Metrology Service Providers Offer Expertise and More
ATT Metrology Inc., a provider of precision measurement and equipment leasing services, touted their new photogrammetry capabilities with the purchase of the V-STARS/INCA3 camera solution. The company also added rapid non-contact digitization to their laser tracking services with their acquisition of the Leica T-Scan. With more than 10 years of experience in laser tracking, 4G Metrology Ltd recommended their contract inspection and training services worldwide.

Bolton Works highlighted their scanning and integration services for inspection and reverse engineering applications using non-contact 3D scanning technology. Northwest Laser Tracker presented comprehensive laser tracking rental and training programs to solve both short and long-term portable metrology needs.

Gearing up for CMSC 2007 The CMSC Society will gather in Reno, NV for the 23rd annual CMSC 2007 from July 16-20, 2007. The CMSC Society also publishes notable white papers in their bi-yearly Journal of the CMSC. For more information on CMSC and how to join the organization, visit their Web site at >www.cmsc.org/join