hexagon logo
Register Sign in
  • Replies 12 replies
  • Subscribers 223 subscribers
  • Views 198 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

PC-DMIS vs. NX for programming offline

TheBradish
Hey, all! I have been reading this forum a lot this year, and this is my first post. Thanks for all the help so far!!!

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:

  1. a button which automatically generates an inspection program checking all selected features - which they claim will be 80% to 90% complete
  2. 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.
Parents
  • I can't answer your question with the level of detail that you will require. Both Hexagon and Siemens should will be more than happy to demo this stuff and provide you with a limited trial license.

    PC-DMIS imports the PMI generated in NX. Nearly all CAD systems have a feature like PMI these days. PCDMIS will import any of them. I am pretty sure that you need a specific module to do this, however. It isn't just base functionality.

    Bottom line is that PCDMIS can definitely do everything that NX can do in this regard. The only advantages to the NX module would be if you have engineers who are already very comfortable programming NC machines in NX and you need them to start programming CMMs or you have a mixed environment and need to post out to multiple systems. If you are already comfortable in PCDMIS and you are only running Hexagon hardware I would be amazed if you find a significant benefit to the NX module.
Reply
  • I can't answer your question with the level of detail that you will require. Both Hexagon and Siemens should will be more than happy to demo this stuff and provide you with a limited trial license.

    PC-DMIS imports the PMI generated in NX. Nearly all CAD systems have a feature like PMI these days. PCDMIS will import any of them. I am pretty sure that you need a specific module to do this, however. It isn't just base functionality.

    Bottom line is that PCDMIS can definitely do everything that NX can do in this regard. The only advantages to the NX module would be if you have engineers who are already very comfortable programming NC machines in NX and you need them to start programming CMMs or you have a mixed environment and need to post out to multiple systems. If you are already comfortable in PCDMIS and you are only running Hexagon hardware I would be amazed if you find a significant benefit to the NX module.
Children
No Data
© 2024 Hexagon AB and/or its subsidiaries. Privacy Policy | Cloud Services Agreement