We are proud to introduce BuildIT Metrology 2021, the latest release of our flagship software. Before you try out the new version, here are a few of the new features included in this release.
User Experience
Inspection Annotations
Annotations can now be defined prior to performing any measurement. They will be computed and populated dynamically as new measurements are added. Those dynamic annotations are supported for points, lines and curves, and surfaces.
Surface annotations can now be evaluated without requiring an explicit association between a geometry and measurements. The annotation will be computed using points found in its neighborhood.
Computation speed of annotations has also been improved. This allows updating a much higher number of annotations seamlessly as devices are relocated and realigned.
Document Properties
Decimals and units are now model-specific. Working simultaneously with files that require different formats is easier and more convenient.
Object Manager
Deviation analyses can be performed in a single click via any feature’s right-click menu.
Tolerances can be evaluated directly from the “Features” group.
Show/Hide shortcut has been added to the right-click menus of objects.
Excel Report
Excel reports can now contain saved views as well as any extended characters.
Report generation speed has also been improved.
Probing
FARO Laser Tracker Improvements
Wi-Fi connections in general can sometimes be unstable, especially in factories and other high-interference environments.
BuildIT integrates the latest FARO Laser Tracker SDK to provide a more seamless experience by handling disconnections and reconnections automatically.
This SDK also allows shortening the startup time by skipping the warm-up period.
Optimal accuracy is maintained by performing regular accuracy checks until thermal stability is attained.
GD&T
Runout and total runout GD&T tolerances are now supported with any DRF that frees the degrees of freedom required for a proper evaluation of those tolerances.
Spiral Search
The search area for doing a spiral search with a FARO Laser Tracker can now be defined using the radius only. The distance parameter is computed and updated dynamically.
Scanning
Faster Alignments and Analyses
Introduction of a new "Fast" setting for alignments and analyses.
By trading a few microns in accuracy, the alignments and analyses can get a boost in speed.
Depending on the size of the point cloud and complexity of the model, the alignments and analyses can be between 10 to a 100 times faster!
Clipping Box in Split Clouds
A new convenient method for splitting clouds has been introduced in the "Split Clouds" command.
The clipping box can be moved and resized by conveniently grabbing the arrows and rings.
Automation
Auto-Complete, Syntax Highlighting and Documentation
Auto-complete and syntax highlighting are now available in the process editor to streamline writing automated processes. Tooltips can also be displayed for providing documentation on-the-fly.
Running any BuildIT Command from Python
The Python interface has been expanded to allow running all BuildIT commands directly from the Python interpreter.
It is now possible to write complete automated processes in Python only.
Python Syntax Helper
The Python Syntax Helper tool provides the right syntax as well as parameter names and types for each command. A search field allows finding commands conveniently.
The Syntax Helper can also convert existing BuildIT processes into their Python equivalent.
More information on the tool can be found under “Help: Python Interface”, in the “Overview” section.
Password Lock for Processes
Processes can be password-protected for preventing them being edited in the process editor.
Websocket RPC Server
BuildIT now provides a Websocket-based RPC (remote procedure call) server.
This server allows interfacing with BuildIT remotely via WebSocket. Available actions include:
- Launching commands and processes
- Exchanging data
- Fetching real-time model information
- Triggering measurements
- Etc.
A Python and a JavaScript API are available for developing client applications.
More information can be found on FARO Knowledge Base