DCS Releases 3DCS Variation Analyst v7.3

3dcslogoTROY, MI, Aug 6, 2014 – Dimensional Control Systems, Inc. (DCS) is excited to release its new version of 3DCS, version 7.3. This new version contains a variety of updates, as well as all new features. As an update to the 3DCS Suite, both DCS’s CATIA integrated users and Multi-CAD standalone users will get access to all of the new functions. What’s more, those who are under active maintenance will receive the update at no cost, making this truly a win-win for DCS’s customers.

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3DCS Variation Analyst v7.3 (3DCS) contains a variety of new updates. Some prominent additions are the Process Capability Database and new Color Mapping features. Two of 3DCS’s add-on modules have also seen additional functionality in v7.3, 3DCS Compliant Modeler Add-on and 3DCS Advanced Analyzer and Optimizer Add-on.

Process Capability Database

The goal of the Process Capability Database is to make your modeling faster and more accurate by representing realistic materials. By using historical data or a knowledge base, you can create a database organized by material, process and feature type that accurately reflects real tolerance process data. This allows the user to quickly create tolerances by applying the information in the database onto points and features. In addition, the tolerances can be linked to GD&T and information in your database for quick and easy reference later.

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Looking for a simple method of creating your Process Capability Database? You can import your measurement data from a CMM or other measurement device. This method can be streamlined with QDM 3D, a standalone reporting module from DCS. With a text output from your measurement devices, quickly populate and utilize your database, and speed up your modeling.

Color Mapping

Color Mapping is very helpful in quickly visualizing and honing in on problem areas in a model. One great use of Color Mapping is analyzing Process Variation. By turning off the point tolerances of a model, and leaving only the process tolerances, as well as those from fixture points, you can instantly see how your process and tooling is affecting your assembly. How else can Color Mapping be helpful?

Color Map Lines

This shows the variation or selected statistical metric as lines at the given tolerance points. These lines are colored and lengthened based on the point’s variation.  This allows you to quickly find critical measures that contain the largest amount of variation. When bringing your measurement data back into 3DCS, or testing possible builds, this method is a powerful root causing tool. As part of that methodology, it can also be used to compare multiple data sets, such as two iterations, as well as simulation versus actual measured data or even two different assemblies measured at the plant.

Color Map Shading

Shading the parts and assembly to identify the problem areas, this method has a surprising number of applications. As mentioned before, by turning off part tolerances, the user can visualize only process variation to determine how the assembly is affected by tooling and assembly processes. Another helpful use is the modeling of locating schemes, and seeing how different versions affect the assembly.

The color shading can be set to model DCS points and tolerances, showing the areas where the geometry is being changed on the parts, or it can used to show where the assembly changes location in space, highlighting how the parts are moved by the process and stack up across the entire assembly.

Compliant Modeler Add-on- Thermal and Gravity

DCS has been driving the functionality of Compliant Modeler to meet the demands of FEA Engineers. With increased thermal and gravity effects, modelers can simulate their processes with a level of accuracy not seen before.

Advanced Analyzer and Optimizer Add-on (AAO)

New updates to the 3DCS Add-on, AAO, have increased its optimization potential and sensitivity. A great aid for testing new configurations or testing the effects of tolerance adjustments before applying to your model, AAO is full of helpful features to make designing and adjusting your model faster and easier. Version 7.3 has enhanced those features, making the interface and sensitivity more robust.

Interested in learning more?

DCS is hosting the second part of the 3DCS version 7.3 Webinar Series Thursday August 28 to demonstrate the new features and updates.  Sign up at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/420340094.

To get the latest updates on 3DCS, join DCS’s newsletter at http://www.3dcs.com/mailing-list.html. Looking for part 1 or a demo? Contact DCS to schedule a free demo or to receive the webinar recording at http://mkt.3dcs.com/contact-us.

About DCS

DCS’s mission is to change the way businesses execute Quality Assurance by combining engineering methods with software technology and excellent customer service. Since 1994, Dimensional Control Systems (DCS) has provided quality achievement solutions for manufacturing enterprises. Serving major OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy and medical device industries, DCS’s 3DCS Variation Analyst Suite and QDM Quality Management System have been instrumental in achieving the highest level of quality at lowest cost. Read more at www.3dcs.com.

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