Performing Calipers-only Inspection
Many Mastercam users still work from 2D prints to machine parts and don't have solid models. In these cases, manual "virtual" measurement tools may still be used to take measurements even in the absence of a solid model. Let's imagine that you just machined the connecting arm below from a 2D print and don’t have a nominal CAD model to compare against. In previous blog posts, we showed how to create Regions on the model and then the software will best fit features to the mesh and those features may then be measured for size values, distance values (feature to feature, as shown below) and so on. This provided one method for inspection of a mesh-only. The Features are created, dimensions are taken and compared to values and tolerances shown on the print. Below are the two Bore sizes and the distance between bores using the Regions’ model. But what if you want to simulate using calipers only to inspect this part? Let’s explore how this tool works. First, we import the scan (mesh or point cloud) into Control X. Next, we select the option for Virtual Calipers, located on the bottom right side of the graphics screen. All of the manual measurement [...]
Photopolymer 3D Printing Material Tailored to Industrial Performance
The Pro XL makes precision 3D printing of polymer resins available in a compact, affordable package. With premium features like a 385 nm wavelength that efficiently processes a variety of materials and a 5 mW/cm2 power source that cures resins faster with crisp details, the Pro XL is a scalable solution for ultra-high-resolution end-use parts available at less than half the price of competitive offerings. Based on the team at ETEC’s decades of experience with digital light processing (DLP) technology, the Pro XL was developed to deliver consistent accuracy and high throughput. The platform allows manufacturers to scale from prototype to production and keep manufacturing on schedule. A 65-micron native pixel size over a competitive build area meets the needs of applications in a wide range of industries. And because the Pro XL is such a versatile production tool, we’ve tailored a material portfolio with the performance to meet the needs of a range of industrial applications. Targeting some of the best property sets available, our list of qualified premium materials allows customers to embrace the benefits of 3D printing without sacrificing performance. Read on for an overview of the industry-leading materials available on the Pro XL: Hard and High-Temperature Plastics Henkel LOCTITE® [...]
From Scan to NC: Reverse Engineering for CAM Applications
From Scan-to-NC: Reverse Engineering for CAM Applications Cimquest's Joel Pollet, Third-Party Sales Manager, in partnership with Oqton, showcases how, with the right Reverse Engineering tool, you can reduce your time-to-NC-code, program and cut more parts, and make your shop floor more productive.
Redefining Patient-Specific 3D Design
Redefining Patient-Specific 3D Design From Scan-to-NC: Reverse Engineering for CAM Applications Experts from Oqton and Cimquest showcase two powerful, organic design workflows using Freeform, 3D design software for organic models.
Breaking the Mold – Xact Metal for Tooling (WOD)
Breaking the Mold – Xact Metal for Tooling Join Cimquest and partner, Xact Metal, as we elaborate on the benefits of Xact Metal's 3D printers and how they provide for a greatly innovative tooling workflow. We will educate attendees on tooling, its various applications, Xact Metal's capabilities in surface finish, tolerance, and materials, return on investment (ROI), and thinking differently.
How 3D Printing Revolutionizes Orthotics
The traditional process for creating orthotics has fallen into an “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” category of procedures. Characterized by high labor and time demands, traditional workflows produce orthotics that patients expect, but with added costs, indicating significant room for improvement. Digital workflows for custom orthotics encompass new design, testing, and manufacturing options to reduce customization costs and speed up production cycles for lower lead times, better-fitting devices, and improved patient outcomes. Known for its rapid production and relatively affordable processes, 3D printing provides stakeholders in the orthotics industry with a powerful solution that delivers customizable orthoses quickly and inexpensively. Traditional vs. 3D Printed Orthotics Orthotic devices are manufactured in a variety of ways depending upon the end-use part. Traditional manufacturing processes, including plaster casting, impression foam casting, conventional machining, thermoforming, and wax casting, may be utilized for manufacturing orthosis. Despite which methods are utilized, the basic workflows can be summarized as follows: A map of the patient is created through an impression or cast, technical drawings, and measurements. This can take up to one hour to complete. A developmental model is created from the topographical map. Depending on the process used, this can take from one to two hours. The [...]