UK-based Renishaw specializes in measurement, precision machining, spectroscopy, motion control and healthcare. Widely regarded as one of the world’s top engineering and scientific technology companies, Renishaw is particularly active in the field of additive manufacturing, which makes its latest announcement no surprise: Renishaw is launching FixtureBuilder at Control 2016, an international trade fair for quality assurance. The conference is massive in scale and scope, with over 1000 international exhibitors meeting with over 25,000 visitors and industry experts in just four days. It is taking place from April 26–29 in Stuttgart, Germany.
You can imagine how difficult it must be to stand out at such a gargantuan event, but Renishaw’s interesting entry has a good chance of doing just that.
The FixtureBuilder 3D modeling software package was created “to allow off-line creation and documentation of fixturing set-ups,” according to a recent Renishaw press release.
How FixtureBuilder Works
FixtureBuilder’s works by first importing a CAD model of a part that needs inspection allows the program to build a fixture around the part. The entire package and part are then exported for inspection. The inspection programming software supports universal file formats like STEP and IGES and so on.
Why Fixture Builder is easy to use
1. Clear and well organized component libraries
2. Intelligent “drag and drop” functionality
3. Quick manipulation of parts
One of the best functions of the software is the “Build it” function. It allows FixtureBuilder users to “automate the production of work instructions and Bill of Materials for every fixture set-up to help ensure compliance with quality standards and assist with product ordering”, according to the press release.
FixtureBuilder Users
To increase the productivity of Renishaw fixtures and other inspection equipment, FixtureBuilder is a great fit, and it can be used with other inspection equipment.
Renishaw fixtures
Renishaw has a pretty wide range, including products for modular fixturing for CMMs, vision systems and the Equator gauging system. Renishaw fixtures are touted by the company to “improve throughput, reproducibility and accuracy of your inspection process with quick and repeatable fixturing set-ups that are easy to configure,” according to the press release.
FixtureBuilder is available for purchase through the Renishaw distribution network as well as the Renishaw Web shop.
If you’re interested in FixtureBuilder and want to try it out, you can request a free seven-day demo.