Training Program

Geomet Dec. 2006 Upgrade

What are the Latest Changes with the December 2006 Full Release?

The second half of 2006 we turned our attention to improving the little things about Geomet. These include new graphic handling tools which you will see the first time you launch Geomet.

We focused much energy toward the integration of the Renishaw UCC2 system to compliment our own DCC Coordinate Measuring Machine. With the UCC2, we now support advanced probe systems such as the scanning probes, Renishaw SP25 and the 5-Axis scanning systems, Revo and soon-to-be-released, Gyro.

Our Digital I/O interface option that integrates with robot and other loading systems by communicating with existing PLCs has been expanded as new support is brought forward by our customers. Through the use of this option, the CMM becomes a dedicated member of the manufacturing in-line process.

We are also developing a new G-Code reader targeted for EDM Wire Houses. This new tool reads the G-Code data, the same data used for manufacturing, and develops the inspection program offline. This new feature will be shipped with the December release, but will not be activated until late January as final changes and testing are in progress.

Upgrade Q&A

The Windows 98 family of operating systems have reached the End of Service date by Microsoft. This means the developer tools used to create Geomet, no longer work in Windows 98 environments. For additional information, please refer to this article.

Do you have questions regarding upgrading your Windows Operating System, CMM Hardware or Geomet software? click here.

Download the Latest Version

If you have a valid SSC, you can download now, before your CD arrives. Visit the download page.

Continued Improvements

We have added a suite of new tools to expand our capabilities. Most of these features are added as a result of customer suggestions. We hope that as your inspection needs grow, and you find new or better methods, please share them with us by submitting your suggestions. It will help us and all our customers to build upon ideas that you may have.

Here is a partial list of new or updated features in the December release. Click on the Feature Subject for a brief explanation.

Improved Graphic Tools

Updated all graphic handling tools. These reformatted tools now provide similar functionality to CAD systems. For a complete overview of these new tools, click here.

New Renishaw UCC2 Scanning System

Helmel has expanded it's line of DCC style CMMs to include the Renishaw UCC2, Universal CMM Controller. The UCC2 provides support for contact scanning operations through the use of the SP25, Revo and soon to be released, Gyro 5-axis head. The UCC2 is fully implemented into the Geomet family of Universal CMM Software. For more information, click here.

Expanded Constructions

Added new construction tools to provide for improved 3D features. With these new tools, 3D features can be created from 2D and 3D features even if they do not share a common PCS.

Inspection Properties

Added a new Inspection Preference Tool that provides changes to the settings for the current inspection by customizing the variables normally found in System Options, without changing the global variables in System Options. The changed variables remain in the inspection program and resets Geomet settings when opened.

G-Code Interpreter

Designed to work with Wire EDM operations, The G-Code Interpreter develops the inspection program from the EDM's G-Code data file. A CAD-like interface is displayed where you can build the complete inspection program in an off-line mode. The G-Code Interpreter includes tools to optimize the path through a series of test and combine tools. The CMM inspection program is created through automatic path creation and data point assignment. The final inspection report is created by simple interface tools such as automatic extents reporting as well as standard feature reporting.

Renishaw RTP20 Articulating Probe Head

Designed to work with DCC style CMMs, the Renishaw RTP20 is you low cost / low profile answer to reaching all sides and approaches of your inspection. The RTP20 utilizes the axes of a powered CMM to reposition the probe head in 15° increments in both the rotational axis and elevation.
To lean more about the RTP20, visit here.

GeoConnect Remote Support Service

GeoConnect – Allows us access to your Geomet system anywhere in the world utilizing the power of the Internet. With this access, our engineers can work with you and see your system as if they were standing next to you. Our engineers, by taking control of your Geomet system can easily handle most support questions. Changing a setting, updating drivers, even installing new software can be handled through GeoConnect.
To lean more about GeoConnect, visit here.

Forecast for 2007

Scanning Technology

In the first half of 2007, we will be focusing our efforts toward expanding the Geomet / Renishaw UCC2 inspection tools. With industry utilizing the CMM to obtain more information during the inspection, it is paramount that the CMM deliver more data points to better define a feature. This can be accomplished through the use of scanning probes that deliver thousands of data points, even on the smallest features.

CAD Update

The Geomet family of CMM products consists of a 4 tier system based upon the customer needs. These products are:

Geomet Junior - Designed for fast and efficient 3D basic inspections.

Geomet 101 - Designed for production environments. Includes support for In-Line production and robotic interfacing.

Geomet 301 - Designed for production and analytical applications.

Geomet 501 - Integrated scanning tools with the Renishaw UCC controller.

Junior, 101 and 301 are built upon the same programming code as one program. Through a use of access codes, the software can be upgraded to the next level without loss of data. For example, a Junior user can upgrade to 101 by entering a simple access code and retain full functionality with all inspection programs already created.

The GeoCAD product was a stand alone product separate from the main core of Geomet products. This presented a difficult path for interoperability and concurrent program upgrades. We have decided to fold the full GeoCAD functionality into Geomet 301 and Geomet 501 and improve our CMM product for all users.

We hope to have the CAD upgrade to Geomet 301/501 completed this year. Most important, we can ensure that our Geomet inspection programs remain backward compatible to the first Geomet for Windows release in 1995. Can your current software say that?

Upgrade Change List, Software Service Contracts,
Upgrading the Geomet Web Help Index, Geomet User Guide