APEXBlade™

APEXBlade for complex 5-axis path planning

APEXBlade is a package designed to greatly speed up continuous 5-axis scan path production. It works by asking users to import nominal geometry – in this case of aerospace blades – and to select the blade to be measured. It then automatically determines the optimal 5-axis sweep scan path over the blade. The resultant DMIS part program is tailored to be imported into MODUS, from where it can be executed.

• Quick and easy programming of sweep scan blocks within part programs
• Collects significantly more blade data than cross-sectioning (a point cloud for each blade)
• Opportunity to return as many sections as required
• Data can be recalled for post production analysis

Sweep scan preparation

• Import the CAD file
• Select the blade of interest
• The software generates the sweep scans and displays path planning nodes
• All sweep parameters can be adjusted for complete control
• Additional transverse scans can be added if required

Path planning

• Click to start the planning process
• Decide to save logging info
• Wait... and watch the output for planning problems
• Plan transverse scans if required
• Finish

Simulation

• Click it
• Zoom in
• Correct any problem areas
• Re-plan those areas
• Finish

DMIS output

• Save the DMIS file
• Save the .apx job file (optional)
• Finish