I-DEAS® FreeForm Inspection or Imageware Verdict (A715)
I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection is a versatile and easy-to-use 3D measurement data
analyzer that compares physical parts to nominal specifications and tolerances,
and presents deviation analysis in both graphical and textual reports for
intuitive interpretation of results, as well as enterprise-wide communication.
In addition, I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection provides a comprehensive set of surface
model repair, prismatic feature construction and point/STL data processing
tools to help product engineering complete the job of transferring design
intent into production accurately and efficiently. I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection
runs as a standalone software application into which a user can bring CAD
models, "golden" reference data sets and 3D coordinate measurements
from physical parts/molds/dies. Measurement device output and CAD models are
united under a single user interface through the I-DEAS FreeForm CAD databridges
and real-time measurement device links, as well as file import of standard
and proprietary data formats. The geometric analysis and verification process
driven by I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection can be simplified into the following
components:Import theoretical model (e.g., CAD, STL, or golden reference points).
Import and perform basic processing of measurement data (e.g., dense optical
sensor data or discrete CMM data). Align measurement data to the theoretical
model, if necessary. Analyze measured data based on the theoretical model:
3D analysis, cross section analysis, feature-based comparison, critical dimensions,
etc. Report results using annotated graphical report and formatted textual
report in PDF format, or spreadsheet-style ASCII data output. Customizable,
Process-driven User InterfaceThe I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection user interface
is designed to facilitate the I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection verification process.
Menus are organized to facilitate the progression of data analysis. Each tool
shelf is comprised of icons for functions that are frequently used during
a particular step of the workflow. In addition, both menus and toolshelves
are user customizable to accommodate variations to the general process.Point
Processing and MeasurementI-DEAS FreeForm Inspection provides tools to handle
optical sensor point clouds and discrete CMM measurements. The point processing
allows the user to clean up, sample, filter, merge, cross section, offset,
project point sets, extract points and compute dimensions for critical features
and edges, evaluate GD&T form characteristics on measurement data, and
much more. I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection also provides a key set of polygon editing
functions for re-pairing and reducing STL data sets. Alignment ToolboxThe
alignment functions in I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection provide many different types
of methods for aligning measurement data to the nominal model. Depending on
the application needs, alignments can be done using one or a combination of
the following methods:
- 3D general best-fit, which aligns two sets of objects by reducing overall Root-Mean- Square (RMS) error.
- Feature-based best fit, which aligns prismatic feature-pairs by reducing overall RMS error on all feature pairs.
- Feature-based weighted, which takes a step-wise approach to feature-pairs by aligning subsequent feature-pairs within the remaining degrees of freedom left by proceeding feature pair(s).
- Standard 3-2-1.
- Iterative alignment based on the Reference Points System (RPS).
Geometric Verification and Dimensional Analysis
The 3D comparison functions are used to assess overall geometry of an object
as compared to the nominal, based on its surface profile tolerance. The user
can compare measurement points to surfaces, points to points, and points to
STL data. Deviation results are reported in terms of total deviation and/or
normal deviation from the measurement data to the nominal model. Normal deviation
is also known as residual deviation, which is the point to surface deviation
along the surface normal direction. For comparison of CMM data to nominal
specifications, probe radius is automatically compensated in the calculations.
Furthermore, I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection provides a cross section comparison
that reports the deviation between points and surfaces at the cross section
plane. Color-coded deviation maps and error needle plots are generated for
all deviation analysis. These color maps provide a strong visual cue pinpointing
the main sources of error and the trend of deviation over the body of the
part. Color-coded needle plots are often better suited for discrete data comparison
analysis. Complementary to the color map and needle plot output, analysis
query functions provide detailed numerical reports per measurement point or
for a localized circular region. Dimension annotation is an important part
of the verification process. Linear, angular and radial dimensions can be
called out on critical feature data. Dimension reports are automatically generated
for all dimensions along with nominal dimension and tolerance values.
CAD System and Measurement Data I/O Support
I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection supports all major CAD systems through I-DEAS
FreeForm CAD databridges, which accurately transfer mathematical models into
I-DEAS FreeForm Modeler’s NURBS-Bezier geometry engine. In the I-DEAS environment,
I-DEAS file export can write I-DEAS models out to the I-DEAS FreeForm file
format (.imw) directly. I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection also supports international
standards such as IGES and VDA-FS. I-DEAS FreeForm Inspection can support
real-time device links to portable CMMs, which are SMX and Leica laser trackers,
Romer and Faro articulated arms. For detailed information on data translators
and databridges, refer to the I-DEAS FreeForm Data Translators / Databridges
catalog entry.
Advanced Graphics
- 3D dynamic viewing: pan, zoom, rotate
- Multiple clipping planes for viewing hidden geometry and analysis results
- Non-proportional zoom for easy identification of part warpage and analysis compensation
Hardcopy Reporting