CHINO HILLS, Calif., Dec. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Shadow Automation, Inc. announced today the release of Metrolosys 9.5, its newest software version that integrates the AIMS Metrology Kernel (The Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO and Metronor Group, Oslo, Norway). Shadow Automation is an early adopter of AIMS (Advanced Integrated Mathematical System), a technology that provides full CAD geometry integration amongst manufacturers and their suppliers. Metrolosys is the leading inspection software for machine tool probing that transforms any machine tool into a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Metrolosys supports ISO 17025, ASME B5.54, and NIST traceability standards.
Jointly developed by The Boeing Company and Metronor Group, AIMS is a software solution developed to actualize paperless manufacturing and enable seamless, bi-directional sharing of CAD geometry, inspection plans, and measurement plans between industrial hardware and software platforms. CAD data incompatibility in the industrial marketplace remains the single largest roadblock to achieving lean manufacturing goals. AIMS was developed in direct support of Boeing's "Feature-based Master Model Integration Program." This initiative was established to create a common CAD model file format and streamline CAD file management and archival processes with an all-inclusive master model. AIMS was also designed to facilitate collaborative research, product development, and manufacturing programs that involve multiple international participants . . . without an investment in new hardware or software for the participating companies.
Using AIMS-enabled Metrolosys, the user simply selects the AIMS logo from the Metrolosys menu, adjusts any default settings, and automatically produces a machined part inspection program. AIMS integrates all facets of a Master Model including 3D CAD data, Y14.5 GD&T callouts, manufacturing processes, measurement and inspection plans, and much more. Using Metrolosys 9.5, manufacturers can now implement a highly effective quality process during machining, and the original Design Engineer can now get a handle on the quality inspection process based on the new capability of adding measurement and/or inspection plans to the CAD model. At a higher level, the original Design Engineer can now access 100% of the manufacturing results of a part or an assembly based on the AIMS manufacturing process.
Metrolosys 9.5 ushers in a new era for Lean Manufacturing by reducing machine-tool downtime up to 75%. AIMS-enabled Metrolosys not only allows a user to program a CNC machine using a touch probe to measure a part, but it drastically reduces the process to less than 10 keystrokes to create the part inspection G-code probing program. Metrolosys inspection software allows the machine tool to do the inspection without tearing down the job for first article inspection or any other inspection requirement. In short, after machining a part, it is already set-up for in-place inspection, thus introducing a major contribution to the "Lean manufacturing" process. Using Metrolosys, CMM-type alignments of the machine tool to the 3D CAD model and machined part are easily accomplished.
How Does Metrolosys Work?
Metrolosys is a powerful, CAD-based programming and reporting system for machined parts. Based on the industry standard DMIS programming language, Metrolosys quickly enables you to use your CNC milling machine the same way that you use your CMM. Any CNC milling machine that is probe-ready can take advantage of these capabilities. No special wiring or computer parts are required. The system runs in Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows/NT. Calibration is performed independently using Optodyne Inc.'s error mapping laser system. Like popular CAM systems, only one Metrolosys system is required to support every probe-enabled machine tool in the shop.
Metrolosys works the way a quality control professional expects. The inspection software is easy to use and provides independent volumetric error mapping, advanced high-speed probing methods, and automatically generates Inspection G-code. Quality personnel find themselves on very familiar ground with Metrolosys' NIST traceable procedures, CMM terminology, and ASME Y14.5 Metrology Industry Standards. Users can easily program an inspection process for the machine tool offline. The machine tool operator runs the program and sends the probing results back to Quality to automatically create GD&T inspection reports according to the ASME Y14.5 standard.
Metrolosys Pricing and Support
Metrolosys software entry level pricing is $26,995.00 per seat. Volume discounts may apply. All prices are subject to change. Shadow Automation is dedicated to providing widespread education and superior customer support for their product lines. Shadow Automation provides one- and two-day onsite training courses. Authorized SAI Resellers can be found on the website at www.metrolosys.com or call (909) 591-3638 for more information.