Coordinate Measuring Machine Layout Protocols for Flexible Plastic Part Boundaries
Flexible plastic part boundary metrology requires ISO 10579 restrained datum targets and controlled clamping forces to yield repeatable CMM dimensional data.
Edge Ghost Point Filtering
Meaning
Metrology algorithms used in optical scanning remove false data points generated by light reflection at sharp boundary surfaces. Applying edge ghost point filtering ensures that the measured profile of a molded plastic part reflects the actual physical geometry. This processing step eliminates measurement artifacts that would otherwise distort the analysis of part dimensions.
Scan Accuracy
Laser scanners often detect stray points hanging in free space when scanning along the thin ribs of a plastic housing. Utilizing edge ghost point filtering cleans up the point cloud before it is compared to the nominal CAD model. This cleaning prevents false failures in the automated inspection routine of molded components.
Molding Adjustment
Evaluating tool wear or mold shrinkage requires extremely clean measurement data from produced samples. Incorporating edge ghost point filtering into the inspection pipeline allows engineers to confidently calculate the actual shrinkage rate. This precision is necessary when adjusting the dimensions of the tool steel to match the target specifications.
Automated Metrology
Modern inline inspection stations must process scanning data in seconds to keep pace with rapid molding cycles. Implementing edge ghost point filtering allows the metrology software to automatically ignore spray points and calculate part acceptability on the fly. This automation reduces manual data cleaning and speeds up the release of approved shipping batches.
The resulting increase in inspection speed keeps production lines moving without sacrificing quality.