NCG CAM has an inspection module which allows the machined part to be inspected while still on the CNC machine tool.

This is particularly useful for large components which take valuable time to take off the machine tool, send to the inspection department, and set-up again if re-machining is required. Other applications that the part inspection is useful for complex 3D doubly curved components which can only be inspected to the original surface model, or for the checking of spark-erosion electrodes for accuracy of negative spark-gap allowances prior to being used in the spark erosion process.

Inspection vectors are created graphically on the surface model by the user, or a blanket grid can be made automatically within a given boundary. These vectors are then converted to inspection probe motions, which are sent to the CNC machine.

This in turn sends back data to the part inspection file which compares the machined part with the original surfaces. The results can be displayed graphically, in tabular form , as a table on the computer screen, or as an Excel spreadsheet.

Since the inspection takes place on the machine tool, should there be the need for any further machining, it can be carried out straight away, saving valuable time.
The part inspection is currently available on CNC machines with Heidenhain controls that support probing.