Model and software module for predicting uncertainties of coordinate measurements using the NX OPEN API

Abstract

In CAM-systems (Computer-aided manufacturing), it is possible to simulate the process of measurement by the machine and coordinate measuring machine and generate measurement commands in the control program. Measurements can become the basis for the implementation of various adaptive processing schemes. The main advantage is an ability to adjust automatically the machining process basing on the measurement results without removing the parts from the machine. During measuring complex parts (stamps, engine blades) by the machine and coordinate measuring machine, measurement uncertainties significantly increase. It is not calculated in modern CAM-systems (for example, NX from SIEMENS and CATIA from Dassault Systemes). This feature can lead to a degradation of processing precision (due to inadequate measurement accuracy) with program seemed definitive. The paper proposes a model and a software module for the prediction of measurement uncertainties, implemented with use of the NX OPEN API, which can be integrated into the CAM module.