The latest version of Tracecut, Renishaw's market leading digitising software, features a new optional surfacing module which will create true CAD surfaces suitable for export to any CAD system.
The latest version of Tracecut, Renishaw's market leading digitising software, features a new optional surfacing module. TraceSurf will create true CAD surfaces suitable for export to any CAD system. Tracecut Version 23 also features new standard options including 21/2D profiling, full modelling capability, a module for turbine blade tip refurbishment and simple dimensioning.

The new software will be available from September 2000.

Tracecut controls the data capture routines for all Renishaw digitising systems, enables data to be manipulated by techniques including mirroring, scaling, rotation, translation and male/female inversion, and automatically creates split lines.

The software generates NC part programs to machine moulds, dies, press tools and EDM electrodes, with tool diameter and machining path totally independent of the stylus diameter and scan paths.

As an alternative, CAD outputs can be created.

The new TraceSurf module will allow Tracecut users to benefit from the seamless transfer of digitised data to CAD systems, in either IGES or STL formats, eliminating the problems of transferring large files of point-cloud data.

TraceSurf will simplify the creation of surfaces using powerful features such as a 'triangulation wizard' which automatically produces true surface CAD triangle data from digitised data.

Other functions include data trimming to remove extraneous areas of data, line construction, curve fitting, surface fitting and the ability to reverse surfaces.

Additional features include checks for surface smoothness, and an error analysis function that allows users to set tolerance bands for surface fit.

Users of TraceSurf will also benefit from the powerful combination of digitising and CAD technologies.

Major applications include the creation of accurate CAD models from handcrafted parts, the addition of complex details or decorations to the surfaces of standard products, the development of new parts from existing components, and minor styling changes to physical models in the final stages of product development.

A powerful new feature within Tracecut Version 23 is the ability to scan an object in different orientations and then merge the data to create a single model.

Using an indexer or automated indexing probe head, complete objects can be scanned, and users are able to view the full model in any orientation, allowing checks for data integrity prior to toolpath generation.

Complete machining programs for the object are produced within Tracecut.

To address the need to capture 2D profiles with varying Z heights, Tracecut Version 23 also includes a 21/2D scanning capability, allowing the scanning of components with internal corners or grooves that are not at a constant Z height.

The refurbishment of turbine blades is a complex area of manufacture.

A new module within Tracecut Version 23 offers a specific solution, allowing the scanning and re-machining of blade tips.

With a Tracecut a user can scan a blade, extrapolate the profile, and generate a helical machining program to remove any excess material which has been welded onto the blade tips during the repair process.

The top of the blade tip can also be trimmed, and a 'squealer' cut in the top of the blade.

Simple dimensioning of components is also possible with this latest version, including inspection report generation.

Whilst this module does not have the full sophisticated measurement capabilities of a CMM, it includes the facility to measure edges, single points, spheres, bores, bosses, arcs and widths, and calculate distances between features.

TraceSurf and Tracecut Version 23 will significantly enhance the functionality for users of Renishaw's data capture systems, whether using contact or laser probe versions of the Cyclone scanning machine, machine tool scanning sensors or probes mounted to co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs).