VALISYS - A NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE TOOL

This paper details the use of Valisys software for inspection of parts at Boeing Helicopters. Valisys, developed by the Valisys Corporation and marketed by IBM, runs on the CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application) CADCAM System. Valisys is presently used at Boeing Helicopters to program coordinate measuring machines (CMM's) for inspection of aircraft parts and analysis of CMM data. Valisys works interactively with CATIA to assure that engineering designs conform to the ANSI Y14.5 Standard and produces CMM programs directly from the CATIA designs. One of the keys to Valisys is a revolutionary tool called a Softgauge (Registered Trademark of Valisys Corporation). It is a precise three-dimensional CAD model of a part’s tolerance zone and its associated datums. Design Engineers can use Softgauges to graphically visualize a part’s worst-case condition and Quality Engineers use them as inspection criteria for CMM inspection. Valisys produces CMM programs directly from the Softgauges, creates an electronic CAD model of the as-built part and then compares it to the Softgauge definition. This paper examines the Valisys inspection process at Boeing Helicopters with specific applications and examples of the benefits that are currently being realized. Also discussed are plans to implement Valisys in a Flexible Machining Cell for in-process inspection on milling machines.