A candid discussion about CMM software:

Contemporary software development has abandoned the old structured syntax formats of the 1970’s and 1980’s. Users should not be constrained or exposed to the top-down logic programming methods. Yet many major CMM builders are delivering software that carries with it baggage from the late 1980’s; baggage that limits efficiency and capability.

Modern CMM software should encompass several key characteristics.

CALYPSO from Carl Zeiss meets all these criteria. Programming can be with or with our CAD data. Some CAD data supported includes IGES, STEP, DXF, CATIA, ProE, UniGraphics, VDA and Solid Works.

You can also draw from standard Window’s functions like click-drag, copy-paste, paint brush and object oriented structure to save time and confusion when editing or performing partial inspection runs. CALYPSO’s structure also guides the user through proper GD&T reference frames. Along the way you will encounter relevant evaluation options to properly handle measurement data.

If you have a Brown & Sharpe CMM, Mitutoyo CMM, DEA CMM, Sheffield CMM, Faro Arm or Romer Arm, Calypso can probably run it. Calypso will even run some video measuring machines like OGP SmartScopes. This capability enables your company to keep the old tub and just replace the water (software).

Zeiss is committed to serving industry and has worked with global industry partner so not only be compatible with non-Zeiss machines, but to measure non-traditional geometery like gears with the GearPro module and turbine blades with BladePro. Suite options like CALYPSO Curve and Free Form directly address complex and non-prismatic geometry.

With CALYPSO you can output a number of standard as well as have the flexibility of designing your own output format. Most popular SPC packages will operate in a real time environment with CALYPSO. And for the production environment, CALYPSO has been integrating with machine tool, EDM and robots around the world.