So far my shop has no offline programming capability, and I am trying to make a presentation to the boss to show a need for it and explore our options. At this point I am very comfortable programming with PC-DMIS (using v4.2) and would be very happy to upgrade to the latest version with an offline seat.
Our engineering department, however, uses Siemens NX, and they are pushing to use their software for creating CMM programs. From what I understand, the two big selling points are:
- a button which automatically generates an inspection program checking all selected features - which they claim will be 80% to 90% complete
- the ability to utilize Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) - i.e. datum definitions, tolerances, etc. - which are built into the model. This is supposed to save time with entering the information manually, but also offers revision control: when the model is revised, the inspection program is revised automatically.
My question for the forum: Has anybody had experience using NX software to write a program, or used programs written by NX? Is it as fast/easy/wonderful as they say it is? Do later versions of PC-DMIS support the use of PMI? Any input would be immensely helpful.
