the data, including gaps or other problem areas, and so makes it easier to identify areas that may need re-scanning to capture the complete model. It is now possible to measure edge points directly; it is no longer necessary to measure the surface first. This makes the process both easier and faster. However, it is recommended that both the edge and the surface should be checked if there is any likelihood of the part being distorted, for example, when checking flexible sheetmetal components.
The inspection of castings and forgings, and similar near-net shapes, has been improved with the addition of a new best-fit option. This centers the component within the measurement data so that the largest possible minimum stock is located on the part. It ensures that positive material exists in all areas of any semifinished part before it is sent for further machining. The option can be used with the Par- tAligner software to minimize setup times. A number of enhancements have been included to give faster and easier program-
ming, with less chance of errors. A new “lock workplane” option automatically creates a datum scheme matching the part’s coordinate system within PowerINSPECT’s GD&T True Position, while standard tolerances for Limit and Fit to ISO 286 and ISO 2768 have been included so that they can be selected from a pre-defined list. ME For more information on Delcam, go to www.delcam.com, or telephone: 877-335-2261.
High-Definition Plasma Expands Shop Options G
T Metal Products (Edmonton, Alberta, CA) is a custom metal-fabrication job shop that manufactures power-distribution panels, grain-hopper bottoms and aeration tubes, stair cases, hand rails and steel structures, computer module consoles, and complete communication and electrical cabinets. The company’s capabilities include CNC forming, plasma and laser cutting, robotic welding, rolling, shearing, punching and drilling, as well as drafting and engineering design. Their extensive fabrication capabili- ties range from the design, build, and delivery of a single custom part, to large-scale mass production requiring multi-process manufacturing. GT Metal Products found that to be competitive in the market there was pressure to supply a far higher level of precision cutting than had previously been required. The company was looking for ways to ensure the proper an- gularity of cuts and accuracy of parts to customer draw-
GT Metals has increased cutting from 26 ipm (660 mm/min) with the lasers to 80 ipm (2 m/min) with the plasma, and drilling has been minimized due to the True Hole technology, using Hypertherm’s HyPerformance Plasma HPR130XD.