An interactive computer graphics based off-line AVAIL programming environment for coordinate measuring machines

Productivity can be increased by providing computer aided off-line program development environment to operate direct computer controlled Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). Such an environment not only results in reduced operational downtime of the CMM but also eliminates the need for the operators to learn and debug the complicated CMM programming language. An application software was developed to provide a computer based graphical environment for on-the-screen CMM inspection simulation and AVAIL part program development. A comprehensive, menu driven front-end was developed as a foundation for this software. Algorithms were designed and coded to read and interpret CAD software part design information in Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications (IGES) format. CMM inspection activities can be simulated on the displayed part using various menu options. All user simulation activities are captured and converted to an AVAIL part program, which can be downloaded to a CMM for physical inspection of the part. The output generated by execution of the AVAIL part program can be brought back to the software. Inspection reports can be generated from the output information for further analysis about accept/reject decisions