It was an exciting day for Hexagon Manufacturing Employees as the doors to the new, state-of-the-art Solution Center opened to customer and industry partners for the official HxGN LOCAL Grand Opening Event on 11 January 2018. Located in Irvine, California, the 15 500 sq. ft. Solution Center is based within easy access of five major California counties. The facility offers truly first-class technology training and demonstration spaces, a laser tracker calibration laboratory and offices for local staff
The morning began with a PC-DMIS User Group, where local customers gained a sneak peek at the new PC-DMIS 2018 R1, which will be released to the public in the coming weeks. The User Group session offered a preview of what users can expect at HxGN LIVE 2018 during the 2nd Annual PC-DMIS User Group, which will include interactive sessions, one-on-one time with experts and a developer view of the software. It’s an exciting time in the PC-DMIS world!
Following the user group, the Grand Opening commenced with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Zvonimir Kotnik, Director of the Portable Business Unit at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence North America. Then, customers and partners took to the floor for a Hexagon technology showcase. The showcase began with an introduction to MSC Software and Vero Software, exploring the synergies between the two Hexagon-owned companies. During the introduction, attendees witnessed a real live case study of headstock machining, showing exactly how Empire Cycles’ engineers use MSC Apex for finite element analysis and machine the components with Edgecam.
Following the introduction, customers explored the capability of using 3D optical scanners. Some of the technologies showcased included the AICON PrimeScan, WLS qFLASH, AICON MoveInspect XR8, and AICON StereoScan neo. Don Demetrakeas, National Applications Manager at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence North America, emphasized that such products can scan everything “from a bread box to a 787!” All these products can now use scan data on PC-DMIS 2018 R1.
Finally, the demo room included a mix of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and portable measurement systems, as well as two automation cells showcasing fully-automated solutions. The ROMER Absolute Arm was highlighted with a live application of the TubeShaper tube measurement software and the new Composite Inspection System. Of the CMMs on show, a highlight for many was the GLOBAL S CMM, which can be customised to focus the machine’s capabilities on customers’ key productivity drivers. Other solutions showcased include the Leica Absolute Tracker AT403 and the Optiv Performance 443 with Dual Z technology, enabling a combination of optical and tactile sensors in two independent vertical axes.
Looking ahead to 2018,there are many great things in store for Hexagon’s Irvine Solution Centre. HxGN LOCAL events occur throughout the year, across the world. Stay tuned for upcoming 2018 HxGN LOCAL events and check the website to see what events might be happening in your area.
