The company has announced the release of its XactCNC on-machine measurement software. As a complementary tool to CAD design, this program creates probing routines for in-process measurement on CNC machine tools, giving machinists a 3D tool to measure and track processes before producing bad parts.

Based on the XactCOM open metrology architecture, XactCNC supports the full integration of CNC machines with 3D CAD, advanced tolerance analysis capabilities and instantaneous access of measurement results onto the Internet.

 This enterprise-wide metrology software creates abridge between CAD design and machining through a common implementation of design tolerances and between machining and design through online and on-demand process information. The application allows direct links to Pro/Engineer, SDRC, CATIA, Unigraphies Solutions, AutoCAD (DXF and DWG) and ACIS (SAT), and it imports IGES, STEP and VDA files through a translator. The software's native file access allows CAD models to be used "as is" with no translation upon download to the measuring system and no loss of dimensional detail.

XactCNC also allows instant data sharing across any Internet or intranet platform, linking the designer's desktop to operators anywhere on the worldwide supply chain to produce precise prototype, pilot and in-process applications.

In addition to streamlining operator efficiency with features such as an operator-configurable inspection program, XactCNC implements the ASME Y14.5. 1M-1994 standard. Other features include a Windows-like GUI, a fail-safe tolerance editor, a database accessible through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), the display of probe and scan paths, automatic path grid generation, automatic jumps over voids, complete measurement routine simulation, full machine kinematics and point-and-click alignment.

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