CMM Auto Upload and Multi-Parameter Monitoring

CMM Data Challenges

Measuring parts with coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), vision systems (VCMMs), and other automated inspection equipment can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your first article, in-process, and final inspections. However transferring these measurements into reports for customers or into analytics to monitor manufacturing processes can be very difficult. This is especially true for manufacturers of complex products with over 100 parameters per product and multiple CMMs in a high-mix or high-volume environment.

Copying and pasting CMM results into inspection sheets is difficult because CMMs output files in various file types and data layouts. This makes it impossible to easily transfer data into inspection sheets or automate the process with macros. Additionally, the complexity of GD&T results with bonus tolerances, and multi-place dimensions creates data structure challenges. As a result, manual data entry is often the only option, which can be time-consuming and is too late in the process for feedback to the manufacturing floor.

The 1factory Auto-Upload Solution

1factory's Auto-Upload Solution eliminates these challenges by providing real-time data upload from CMMs. This allows inspectors, operators, and managers to visualize CMM inspection results in real-time and output customer reports with a single click. This frees up valuable quality control resources so they can focus on measurement and process improvement.

1factory is easy to set up. Each CMM is configured in the system and a folder-in and folder-out is established. 1factory generates a script that, when downloaded into the CMM output folder, will constantly browse the "in" folder and upload CMM files to 1factory as soon as they are written. The uploaded file will be matched with the appropriate inspection sheet based on the part number, lot ID, serial number, etc. The individual results are parsed into the correct cells based on the feature name and balloon number, and the processed file is output back into the "out" folder on the local drive.

The transfer of data from the CMM file to 1factory is quick, and a log is maintained to track each file. The benefits of 1factory's solution include:

  1. Inspection sheets that are populated with all CMM and inspector-gathered data
  2. Run charts that are populated with live inspection data
  3. Cpk/PPK calculations, SPC analysis, and other dashboards and charts available in real-time
  4. No need to manually transcribe measurements or search through CMM files
Multi-parameter monitoring in 1factory

Supported CMM Formats

1factory supports all major CMM software, including Zeiss Calypso, Mitutoyo, CMM Manager, PC DMIS, Keyence, MicroVu, Oasis, Starrett, Open DMIS, Rational DMIS, Aberlink, Verisurf, Polyworks and many others.

Getting Started

Reach out today to experience how auto CMM file upload with 1factory (1) eliminates data entry errors, (2) minimizes risk of incomplete inspection sheets, (3) frees up a significant amount of time for your QC team, (4) enables real-time visibility into manufacturing process performance, and (5) makes quality a competitive advantage.