Hexagon Virtual Fixture

Eliminate the need for part-specific check fixtures

Hexagon Virtual Fixture

Reduce or eliminate the need for part-specific check fixtures - both single and multi-part

Images of scan on non part specific fixture, and item morphed as scanned and dimensional check

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Overcoming your check fixture challenges with Hexagon Virtual Fixture

Individual and multi-part check fixtures are costly to design, build, store, and calibrate. Check fixtures are subject to operator influence, impacting measurement accuracy and repeatability. Large multi-part check fixtures are even more expensive and challenging to utilize.

Our Solution: Hexagon Virtual Fixture

Hexagon Virtual Fixture enables virtualization of the check fixture processes through flexible software-based workflows. Solutions support auto, aero, electronics, and a host of other industry applications. With Hexagon’s Virtual Fixture:

Eliminate the need for part-specific check fixtures
Ability to scan parts in “flat” orientation with flexible (3+ point) fixture
Reduce operator influence and measurement variability
Eliminate the need for complex multi-part assembly check fixture

Exactly the right check fixture use case you need.

Virtual Fixture Use Cases

Perform virtual check of components using flexible (generic) fixturing
Understand the impact of manufacturing process on dimensional tolerances

Metrology Hardware Integrated

Connecting the virtual world to reality through metrology

The link between the physical and virtual worlds is reality data capture. This connection enables models to reflect reality and drive rapid improvement. Hexagon is ideally suited to deliver a Hardware Integrated Solution to include:

Flexible check fixture hardware
Metrology hardware
Metrology software
Virtual Fixture simulation software
Metrology reporting software

Integration of reality (metrology) data and manufacturing process simulation using Hexagon's Smart Assembly Shop. Hexagon can deliver turn-key, out-of-the-box, next generation metrology solutions.

Features in Hexagon's Virtual Fixture

Robustly morph CAD based geometry to match scan data

Utilize CAD or existing FE mesh

Scan data used to morph CAD based geometry to align with reality

Results in "perfect scan" geometry

Clean-up of STL not required

Handles missing, less than ideal scan data

Supports morphing of multi-part sub-assemblies with 2+ thickness joints already welded

Capture impact of gravity on part deformation, and effect of change in part orientation

Enables parts to be scanned in non-assembly (flat vs upright) orientation

Model clamping based on real world process

Model can include pins, bearings, clamps of varying stiffness

Clamps can be activated sequentially

Clamps will deform parts into position if gaps exist between part and bearing (pad)

Reaction force on clamps can be measured virtually

Virtual clamping based on a reference point system

Virtually clamp morphed geometry into fixture

Align parts with respect to Reference Point System (RPS) or local point system (LPS)

RPS is aligned with corresponding RPS geometry elements (fixtured components)

Shape is moved (not morphed) to align with RPS

Can be performed before or after clamping application step

End state: virtual measurement vs. physical measurement in check fixture agree

Multi-part check fixture, Virtually check fit-up between multiple parts.

Virtually check fit-up between multiple parts to evaluate fit, alignment, flush and gap.

Capable of complex use cases robustly

Large, non-stiff parts with >10mm distortion / deflection

Morph complex geometries without need for "cleanup"

Morph and check multi-part sub-assemblies

Non-linear material accurately behavior captures clamping behavior

Simple check fixtures able to utilize more than three points

Check multiple part / sub-assembly fit-up in fixture

Automate the virtual check fixture through the use of scripting enabling a "one click" solution from scan to metrology reporting.

Your benefits with Hexagon Virtual Fixture

Reduce cost icon Reduce Cost - By eliminating the need for complex physical check fixtures for every part and sub-assembly, there is a corresponding significant cost reduction related to fabrication, storage, use, and calibration.

Clock icon Reduce Time - The time required to perform physical checking in assembly orientation for both single parts and multiple parts is reduced.

Improve Measurement Consistency - By measuring in the simplified fixture in the flat orientation, the ability of the operator to influence the measurement is reduced and measurement consistency is improved.

Reduce operator training - The highly automated nature of the solution and elimination of the complex check fixture reduces the skills and training required from operators.