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WinWerth® measurement software

The universal measurement software for coordinate measuring machines with optics, probe, computed tomography and multi-sensor systems

The operation of machines with a wide variety of sensors, as well as the evaluation of volume data and point clouds, are possible with WinWerth® in a unique combination. The Werth image processing software is based on 40 years of experience and is the basis of what is probably currently the most powerful image processing sensors for coordinate measuring machines. Optical distance sensors, conventional probes in single-point or scanning mode, the Werth Probe®, X-ray computed tomography or machines with a combination of several sensors are all supported by the uniform concept. Measurement points, 2D images or volume data can also be conveniently evaluated in terms of geometrical characteristics or with nominal-actual comparison. PTB-certified evaluation algorithms ensure correct measurement results. All desired information is displayed in the graphics: CAD models with PMI data, voxel volumes, measurement point clouds, color-coded deviation plots from 3D nominal-to-actual comparisons, video images, measurement and calculation elements as well as flags with nominal and actual values, tolerances and deviations. The software has a modular structure to meet a wide range of requirements. Various devices can be operated, from simple measuring projectors to complex multi-axis coordinate measuring machines with multi-sensor technology or X-ray tomography sensors.

Modern coordinate measuring machines cover a wide range of tasks of varying complexity. The qualifications of the machine operators range from employees with little training, who only occasionally determine a few sizes, to specialists who, utilizing all technically feasible options, also perform very difficult measuring tasks. The very different working methods are optimally supported by the structure of the WinWerth® software for device operation. For example, there are several access levels at , which are tailored to the different qualification levels of the operators. Interfaces to CAD systems for importing nominal data and to CAQ systems for statistical evaluation enable the coordinate measuring machines to be integrated into company software structures.

 
Simple measurement with a graphic user interface

Image processing measures almost by itself

In practice, a few sizes of production parts often need to be determined "quickly". This task is also carried out by employees who are not permanently involved in the operation of coordinate measuring machines. To enable effective work in this environment, operation is limited to the bare essentials. The "intelligence" of the WinWerth® measurement software then takes over e.g. B. the exact determination of the object area to be captured, the selection of the geometric element to be measured (e.g. B. straightness, circle, corner point) as well as the linking algorithms for determining geometrical characteristics such as distances, angles and diameters.

Simple measurement with a graphic user interface - Image processing measures almost by itself
Operator guidance through WinWerth® tutorials

Operator guidance through WinWerth® tutorials

WinWerth® tutorials accompany the user step by step, for example when performing a scan tomographically. Dialogs with text and images explain the Individual operating steps, supported by highlighting of the relevant operating fields. This allows complex programming steps to be carried out quickly and easily, even by inexperienced operators.

Measurement points are distributed automatically

For more complicated measurement tasks, the operator can take over parts of the automatic processes (setting windows, selecting features) themselves and gradually familiarize themselves with the more detailed control of the measurement sequences. For support, measurement points or scan lines are automatically distributed on the geometry elements to be measured, e.g. as circles, cylinder surface lines, stars or spirals, taking into account the necessary traverse paths. The complete measurement sequence, including evaluation, is first created offline using the CAD model or online with the minimum number of points for the respective geometry element. Measurement points and scan lines can be subsequently moved, deleted or added with the mouse or via a dialog. Measurement sequences specified in this way can be saved and called up as an automatic sequence in the event of repetition.

Measurement points are distributed automatically
 
Programming of complex measurement sequences - User-friendly display of the test plan in the user interface
Programming of complex measurement sequences

User-friendly display of the test plan in the user interface

The programming of the measurement sequences is supported by the corresponding tools of the WinWerth® measurement software. The sensors are selected directly on the user interface of the multisensor coordinate measuring machine. A "feature tree" represents the test plan and thus the structure of the measurement program in a tree-like structure. This shows the relationships between geometrical characteristics, geometry elements and technology parameters such as sensor type, illumination setting, scanning speed, evaluation algorithm and valid alignment. Parallel to the feature tree, the geometric features and the features with the associated measurement results are also displayed in the graphical representation of the measurement sequence and in the numerical measurement log. Linking operations to geometric elements (intersection point, intersection line) or geometrical characteristics (distance, perpendicularity) can be programmed either in the feature tree or in the graphical view.

Simulation of the tomography process with TomoSim

TomoSim is the first coordinate measuring software to simulate the tomography process offline using CAD data or a point cloud in STL format. The realistic simulation, taking into account the set CT parameters, enables the calculation of a volume including all significant artifacts. For example, an initial sample inspection program can be taught in at an offline workstation in parallel with the production of the first workpiece and the performance of other measurements on the machine using the WinWerth® measurement software. This enables TomoSim to speed up processes and reduce downtimes, e.g. for TomoScope® machines in multi-shift operation.

In addition to a completed program creation and feasibility check in time for the completion of the first workpiece, the simulation of the tomography process allows the testing and optimization of CT parameters. With the help of the simulated volume, significant artifacts, e.g. due to beam hardening or too few rotary increments, can be detected and, if necessary, an appropriate artifact correction can be selected. Another new feature is the complete offline programming of volume-based evaluations such as burr detection, void analysis, porosity analysis, text recognition, SurfaceScan Predefined or in volume sections.

Please accept "Other" in the settings to watch this video.Simulation of the tomography process with TomoSim
 
Measurement with CAD data

Simple operation with CAD-Online®

Another benefit of the CAD module integrated in WinWerth® is that CAD information can be used to position the coordinate measuring machine. Werth was probably the first manufacturer of coordinate measuring machines to introduce this technology back in the mid-1990s under the name CAD-Online®. The entire measurement sequence can be controlled by selecting the geometric features on the CAD model. The measuring machine automatically moves to the generated measuring positions and measures with the selected sensors.
In this way, for example B. automatically capture measurement points as point clouds using probe or measure larger areas with the Werth 3D Patch or confocal sensors by automatically stitching the individual measurements together in high resolution. Technology parameters such as the illumination setting for the image processing sensor can be set directly on the measuring machine, taking into account the interaction between the illumination, measuring object and imaging system. Collisions are avoided by automatically modifying the movement sequences based on the workpiece and machine or sensor geometry.

Measurement with CAD data - Simple operation with CAD-Online®
Testing and changing made easy

Testing and changing made easy

The feature tree in the WinWerth® user interface is also used to control the test and change mode, in which programs can be run step by step and changes can be added. A parallel text editor allows experienced operators to directly enter or change the DMIS program code while teaching programs. A program part can be defined as a loop for repeated processing or outsourced as a subroutine by selecting it with the mouse. Selected functionally relevant test dimensions can be determined using feature-oriented measurement.

 
Measurement with CAD data

Simple operation with CAD-Online®

Another benefit of the CAD module integrated in WinWerth® is that CAD information can be used to position the coordinate measuring machine. Werth was probably the first manufacturer of coordinate measuring machines to introduce this technology back in the mid-1990s under the name CAD-Online®. The entire measurement sequence can be controlled by selecting the geometric features on the CAD model. The measuring machine automatically moves to the generated measuring positions and measures with the selected sensors.
In this way, for example B. automatically capture measurement points as point clouds using stylus or measure larger areas with the Werth 3D Patch or confocal sensors by automatically stitching the individual measurements together in high resolution. Technology parameters such as the illumination setting for the image processing sensor can be set directly on the measuring machine, taking into account the interaction between the illumination, measuring object and imaging system. Collisions are avoided by automatically modifying the movement sequences based on the workpiece and machine or sensor geometry.

Measurement with CAD data - Simple operation with CAD-Online®
Time-saving programming with CAD-Offline®

Time-saving programming with CAD-Offline®

The WinWerth® measurement software can also be operated on a CAD-Offline® workstation without the measuring machine. Werth was also a pioneer in this area, supplying solutions to customers as early as the beginning of the 1990s. Here, the test programs are only created and tested on the CAD model. Particularly in the case of tactile sensors, this often results in time savings of several hours when creating measurement sequences without positioning on measurement points and clearance positions. The device simulation for offline programming is carried out on the 3D CAD model of a workpiece. Collision analysis takes place in the background. CAD-Offline® saves expensive machine time. The test plans are already completed when the first workpiece or measuring object is manufactured. Influencing factors related to the measurement object can then be reworked in a test run in single-step operation. Online and offline work can be carried out with a consistent operating concept from a single source and the "correctness" of the measurement results is ensured. This is not the case with programming workstations that are independent of the measuring device manufacturer.

Contour image processing for reliable measurement

In contour image processing, the image within an evaluation window is viewed as a planar whole. Contours are extracted from this image using suitable mathematical algorithms (operators). Each pixel of a contour corresponds to a measurement point. The measurement points are strung together like a string of pearls. This makes it possible to detect and filter out interfering contours caused by surface structures, breakouts and dirt during measurement (contour filters) without changing the shape of the contours. It is important for practical use that several contours can be differentiated within a capture area and the desired one can be selected. This allows reliable edge detection even with large tolerances and rigid scanning in transmitted light. In a further step, modern systems interpolate the coordinates of the measurement points within the pixel grid and thus allow higher accuracies.

Contour image processing for reliable measurement
 
Werth image processing - Perfect image evaluation for optics and computer tomography scans
Werth image processing

Perfect image evaluation for optics and computer tomography scans

The image processing algorithms used to evaluate the image content and determine the measurement points also have a significant influence on the quality of the measurement results from image processing sensors or the evaluation of cross sections when scanning tomographically. Today, the evaluation is mainly realized by PC hardware and software. In a first processing step, the image can be improved with image filters (optimizing contrast, smoothing surface defects). This enables reliable measurements even with difficult edges and rigid scanning in incident light.

Contour image processing for reliable measurement

Contours larger than the field of view of the respective lenses can be captured as a whole using automatic contour tracking in conjunction with the CNC axes of the coordinate measuring machine (contour scanning). This scanning method is well suited to checking a few relatively large contours, e.g. on punching tools. 
Another method for capturing larger areas of the workpiece is "raster scanning HD" (patent). Here, the image processing sensor captures images of the workpiece at high frequency during movement. These are resampled and superimposed to create an overall image with a resolution of up to 20,000 megapixels. In this way, for example, 100,000 small bores on large fiber couplers are measured in just 35 minutes instead of 7 hours. Accuracy is also increased by measuring even large areas at high magnification and averaging over several images, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio. The process can be adapted to the requirements of the measuring task.
With Raster Scanning HD P, image acquisition only on areas of interest using a preset path results in a further reduction in measuring time and data volume compared to rectangular raster scanning of the entire workpiece with Raster Scanning HD N. On rotary axis devices, Raster Scanning HD ROTARY enables image acquisition during rotation with measurements on the "unrolled" overall image of the lateral surface of rotationally symmetrical workpieces.

Contour image processing for reliable measurement
Please accept "Other" in the settings to watch this video.Raster scanning: resolution independent of the measuring range

Raster scanning: resolution independent of the measuring range

Contours larger than the field of view of the respective lenses can be captured as a whole using automatic contour tracking in conjunction with the CNC axes of the coordinate measuring machine (contour scanning). This scanning method is well suited to checking a small number of relatively large contours, e.g. on punching tools.

Another method for capturing larger areas of the workpiece is "raster scanning HD" (patent). Here, the image processing sensor captures images of the workpiece at high frequency during movement. These are resampled and overlaid to create an overall image with up to 4000 megapixels (as of 2021). With "in the image" evaluation, 100 bores can then be measured in 3 s, for example. Accuracy is also increased by measuring large areas with high magnification and averaging over several images, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio. The method can be adapted to the requirements of the measurement task.

With Raster Scanning HD P, image acquisition exclusively on areas of interest using a preset path results in a further reduction in measuring time and data volume compared to rectangular scanning of the entire workpiece with Raster Scanning HD N. On rotary axis devices, Raster Scanning HD ROTARY enables image acquisition during rotation with measurements on the "unrolled" overall image of the lateral surface of rotationally symmetrical workpieces.

Scan tomographically and metrologically link eccentric cut-outs in high resolution with Multi-ROI CT

Eccentric Tomography allows the workpiece to be positioned anywhere on the rotary table (patented). This eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming alignment of the workpiece and increases ease of use. Sectional tomography or ROI tomography (ROI: Region of Interest) is used to measure parts of the measuring object with high resolution without having to capture the entire measuring object, e.g. with Raster Tomography, which is time-consuming and memory-intensive.  Multi-ROI tomography offers a combination of the benefits of eccentric and sectional tomography. Several high-resolution parts can also be selected at any position in the measuring object.

Scan tomographically and metrologically link eccentric cut-outs in high resolution with Multi-ROI CT
 
Special measuring methods for computer tomography scans - Increasing the resolution and extending the measuring range by rasterizing
Special measuring methods for computer tomography scans

Increasing the resolution and extending the measuring range by rasterizing

In Raster Tomography, several sections of the measuring object are captured one after the other and the corresponding image stacks are saved. Scanning can be performed along the rotary axis (X-scanning), perpendicular to the rotary axis (Y-scanning) and in both orientations (XY-scanning). During evaluation, the corresponding pixel or voxel information for the entire object is merged. This is done without stitching using only the highly accurate coordinate axes. The resolution is increased by capturing a small workpiece at a higher magnification with several grid steps, and the measuring range is extended by capturing a large workpiece in several sections.

Scan tomographically and metrologically link eccentric cut-outs in high resolution with Multi-ROI CT

Eccentric Tomography allows the workpiece to be positioned anywhere on the rotary table (patented). This eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming alignment of the workpiece and increases ease of use. Sectional tomography or ROI tomography (ROI: Region of Interest) is used to measure parts of the measuring object with high resolution without having to capture the entire measuring object, e.g. e.g. with Raster Tomography, which is time-consuming and memory-intensive. Multi-ROI tomography offers a combination of the benefits of eccentric and sectional tomography. Several high-resolution parts can also be selected at any position in the measuring object.

Scan tomographically and metrologically link eccentric cut-outs in high resolution with Multi-ROI CT
Werth ClearCT for low measurement uncertainties

Werth ClearCT for low measurement uncertainties

Werth ClearCT is based on a special combination of rotary axis and linear motion axes. Unlike conventional cone beam CT, this allows an almost artifact-free CT volume to be generated. Time-consuming correction methods are no longer necessary, which enables reliable automatic measurement at high measuring speed and low measurement uncertainty.

Measuring multi-material workpieces with Dual-Spectra Tomography

In the X-ray tomographic measurement of metal-plastic components such as feeding connectors, the metal pins often cause artifacts due to beam hardening and scattered radiation, which make measurements on the plastic housing more difficult. In Dual-Spectra Tomography, the measurement software combines two CT measurements at different cathode voltages into one volume. The radiation spectra are matched to the two materials. The corresponding reduction of artifacts in the volume reduces the measurement uncertainty when determining sizes between the different materials. To this end, the WinWerth® MultiMaterialScan uses the patented subvoxeling process to automatically calculate separate STL point clouds for each material from the CT volume data, even for several different metal components.

Measuring multi-material workpieces with Dual-Spectra Tomography
Reduction of measurement time through continuous rotation of the device axis with OnTheFly-CT

Reduction of measurement time through continuous rotation of the device axis with OnTheFly-CT

When scanning tomographically in conventional start-stop operation, the rotary motion is interrupted for the acquisition of each radiographic image so that no motion blur occurs during the exposure. OnTheFly Tomography makes it possible to save dead time for positioning the workpiece through continuous rotation. On the one hand, this method can greatly reduce the measurement time while maintaining the same data quality, and on the other hand, it can improve the data quality and thus the measurement uncertainty while maintaining the same measurement time.

Increasing automation

Measuring workpieces automatically

Regardless of how the program is created, the measuring machine can process the measurement sequence automatically or semi-automatically (for manually operated machines). This means that the machine can also be used by users who do not know the test procedure in detail. Operation is reduced to inserting the parts, determining their position by measuring a coordinate system on the workpiece (pre-alignment) and starting the program. The pre-alignment can be automated or even omitted by using fixtures. Such devices can also hold several workpieces at the same time (pallets). This reduces set-up times. The WinWerth® software then automatically repeats the measurement sequence at the various locations on the pallet.

All options are open when selecting the datum system

Depending on the task, the measurement results are either calculated or displayed in a reference coordinate system that has been measured beforehand (e.g. vehicle coordinates in automotive engineering) or in a coordinate system that has been generated by optimally fitting selected surface areas relative to the CAD model.

The two fitting strategies WinWerth® BestFit and ToleranceFit® can be well illustrated using the example of a 2D cross section. In the first case, the position of the measured points is optimized by minimizing the distances to the target points. As tolerances of different object areas are not taken into account during fitting, tolerance overruns may be detected, although the tolerance could be maintained by shifting the coordinate system. This method is therefore only suitable for quality control to a limited extent.

The optimization criterion for WinWerth® ToleranceFit® is to keep the distance between the measurement point and the tolerance limit as large as possible or, if the measurement point is outside the tolerance limit, to keep the tolerance overrun as small as possible. Objects recognized as faulty according to the BestFit method (red areas present), but not actually faulty, can be classified as functional according to the ToleranceFit® method. The contour is checked as with a gauge.

All options are open when selecting the datum system
Specific access to measurement results in production with WinWerth® Scout

Specific access to measurement results in production with WinWerth® Scout

The WinWerth® Scout user interface enables quick and easy access to all measuring processes in the company. Measurement orders that are still being processed are shown in a list. The current status, such as "Job started", "Tactile measurement" or "Evaluation", is displayed next to the job identification number. Completed orders are automatically moved to another list and color-coded according to their status: green for "in tolerance", yellow for "action limit" and red for "out of tolerance".

If several workpieces are measured at the same time, one or more workpiece groups are created. If you click on a measurement job in the list of completed measurements, another window opens with a list of all measured workpiece groups or workpieces, the status of which is also color-coded.

Clicking on the group or workpiece in the list view opens the WinWerth® 3D viewer. In the case of workpiece groups, an overview of the workpiece elements appears. The workpiece elements are displayed as spheres whose color indicates the status of the workpieces. Right-clicking on the workpiece element of interest opens a selection list with the result displays for the respective workpiece.

 
Part-to-part deviation analysis

Deviations of the workpiece from the target state are color-coded

To illustrate the deviation of the workpiece geometry from the target values, a comparison to the CAD data with a color-coded display of the deviations in WinWerth® is suitable. This procedure is essential for checking free-form surfaces. For measurement, the areas of interest of the object are scanned or captured as a point cloud. WinWerth® then compares the measured values with the CAD model. The result is documented by vectorial or color-coded deviation to the CAD model. This evaluation can be carried out as part of the measurement sequence on the machine or in offline mode at a separate evaluation station. The colors of the measurement points illustrate the deviation between the target and actual values. To include the part tolerances in the display, they are divided into four basic classes:

  • positive within tolerance
  • negative within tolerance
  • positive outside tolerance
  • negative outside tolerance

The amount of deviation is displayed using color coding. Alternatively, the user can configure color coding according to their wishes.

Part-to-part deviation analysis - Deviations of the workpiece from the target state are color-coded
 
Evaluate point clouds - Easily evaluate point clouds from optical sensors or computer tomography scans
Evaluate point clouds

Easily evaluate point clouds from optical sensors or computer tomography scans

If no CAD data is available, the measurement points can be selected interactively by the operator. In WinWerth®, both direct selection with the mouse and automatic decomposition into standard geometry elements are possible. Starting from a starting point, further points are automatically added all around until the form error of the selected feature (e.g. cylinder) increases noticeably. This signals that the limits of the feature have been reached and the process is completed.

It is more effective to define the measurement sequences using 3D CAD data. Simply selecting CAD features automatically selects the necessary measurement points (patent). Based on the selection of CAD patches, all measurement points of the measured object that can be geometrically assigned to this patch are selected, taking into account the specified edge distances. This results in a complete capture of the shape of the corresponding feature with the maximum number of points.

In practice, it is common to define drawing dimensions in 2D views and cross sections. This must also be taken into account when evaluating tomographically generated measured data. For this purpose, planes can be defined in the workpiece coordinate system and intersected with both the CAD target data and the actual point cloud. WinWerth® automatically extracts contours representing the target data and the actual contours. The same software functions are used to evaluate the 2D sizes in cutting contours created in this way as are available for evaluating contours scanned using image processing or a probe.

Measurement results are fed back into the production process

In order to incorporate the measured or calculated deviations into the manufacturing process, the specification data can be modified largely automatically with WinWerth® FormCorrect. For this purpose, the deviations between the original CAD model and the measured data of a sample workpiece are determined and mirrored on the model. From this, the measurement software generates a corrected CAD model that can be used to compensate for systematic manufacturing deviations in the plastic injection molding process and 3D printing. In contrast to conventional reverse engineering, the application is considerably simplified. Due to the high precision, often only one correction loop is required, meaning that the costs of the development process can be significantly reduced. For high-resolution corrections and for the modification of internal surfaces, the use of coordinate measuring machines with X-ray computed tomography is recommended. A similar procedure is possible with the 2D BestFit software. Mold correction can be used both for running in new cutting tools (profile grinding, form milling) and for correcting positioning deviations during wire EDM.

Measurement results are fed back into the production process
Automatic burr detection

Automatic burr detection

One of Werth's special features is the automatic detection and measurement of burrs or chips during the measurement sequence. The result is a color-coded deviation plot of the burr and the maximum burr length. In the deviation display, only the points at which the burr length exceeds the tolerance limits are shown. The burr length along the entire burr can also be displayed numerically using analysis markers. For example, a flag is set every 0.5 mm to indicate the maximum local burr length.

 
Evaluate point clouds

Easily evaluate point clouds from optical sensors or computer tomography scans

If no CAD data is available, the measurement points can be selected interactively by the operator. In WinWerth®, both direct selection with the mouse and automatic decomposition into standard geometry elements are possible. Starting from a starting point, further points are automatically added all around until the form error of the selected feature (e.g. e.g. cylinder) increases noticeably. This signals that the limits of the feature have been reached and the process is completed.

It is more effective to define the measurement sequences using 3D CAD data. Simply selecting CAD features automatically selects the necessary measurement points (patent). Based on the selection of CAD patches, all measurement points of the measured object that can be geometrically assigned to this patch are selected, taking into account the specified edge distances. This results in a complete capture of the mold of the corresponding feature with the maximum number of points.

In practice, it is common to define drawing dimensions in 2D views and cross sections. This must also be taken into account when evaluating tomographically generated measured data. For this purpose, planes can be defined in the workpiece coordinate system and intersected with both the CAD target data and the actual point cloud. WinWerth® automatically extracts contours representing the target data and the actual contours. The same software functions are used to evaluate the 2D sizes in cutting contours created in this way as are available for evaluating contours scanned using image processing or a stylus.

Evaluate point clouds - Easily evaluate point clouds from optical sensors or computer tomography scans
 
Evaluate volume data - Testing the material structure and analyzing mounted assemblies
Evaluate volume data

Testing the material structure and analyzing mounted assemblies

WinWerth® also provides a selection of software tools for material analysis of the volume data. The display of the volume data is integrated into the 3D module of the WinWerth® measurement software. The volume is visualized in the form of grey values representing the density of the material. In general, the volume becomes lighter as the density increases. Three different views can be used in parallel and displayed or hidden individually. It is possible to display the entire volume, i.e. all voxels with their respective gray value. In the "ISO surface" view, only voxels with the selected gray value are displayed. 2D cross sections can also be displayed according to the selection of the cross section plane. All variants are displayed three-dimensionally rotatable and can therefore be analyzed from all sides. CAD model, voxel volume and measurement point cloud are imaged superimposed in the same coordinate system.

The display can be clipped using any definable planes (clipping planes). The model and measured data are hidden beyond the planes. The entire workpiece can be removed plane by plane and visually inspected for voids, for example. Clipping planes can be used to test material, internal geometries and individual components of multi-material workpieces. Both the clipping planes and cutting edges for displaying and inspecting 2D cross sections can be moved and rotated in three dimensions directly in the 3D graphics using the mouse. Mouse clicks on the voxel volume now generate 3D surface points for alignment, which is thus also possible without prior calculation of the measurement point cloud.

The histogram function can be used to vary the transparency for selected grey scale ranges and image the grey values on a color scale. By varying the transfer curve in any sub-intervals, grey value or color ranges can be spread to increase contrast. The transfer curve can now be defined once for a sample part and then saved for series measurement of similar workpieces. This ensures the optimum representation of each voxel volume for fast inspection.

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