ZEISS INSPECT Features at a Glance

ZEISS INSPECT is the software when it comes to metrological challenges. It offers a broad range of features that make your work easier for you. Read this page to get the full picture of everything this software can do.

General inspection features of ZEISS INSPECT

ZEISS INSPECT is your inspection software for all metrological challenges. It provides numerous features on which all versions of the software are based. Regardless of whether you use ZEISS INSPECT Optical 3D, analyze volume data with ZEISS INSPECT X-Ray or inspect turbine characteristics with ZEISS INSPECT Airfoil: These features are available to you in all versions.

Free features

CAD import

Design engineers use CAD models to make their components come to life. Unlike a 2D drawing, a 3D model defines all dimensions of the component. However, CAD models not only serve to design and manufacture prototypes or components but also assist you in planning optimum production processes. The CAD import provides a simple opportunity to use CAD files. ZEISS INSPECT is capable of importing neutral formats such as IGES, JT Open, STEP, STL, VDA and PLY. Data formats are imported via drag & drop and then automatically identified and assigned by the software.

CAD import

Alignments

ZEISS INSPECT enables you to align your data according to all default alignments. These include: RPS alignment, hierarchical alignment based on geometric elements, alignment in a local coordinate system using reference points as well as various best-fit procedures such as global and local best-fit. You can also use customized alignments such as Balanced Beam or Equalized Nested, e.g., for turbine blades.

Alignments

GD&T

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing offers a reliable part inspection framework to metrologists. Various ZEISS INSPECT features allow for comprehensively analyzing a part with regard to size, shape and position and on the basis of datum systems. This enables you to easily inspect flatness, parallelism or cylindricity. A standardized analysis of 2-point distances and the maximum material requirement as well as an inspection of the position tolerance in local datum and coordinate systems are also possible. ZEISS INSPECT supports both ISO and ASME standards, with updates of these standards being implemented timely in the software.

GD&T

Mesh editing

Visualizations, simulations, surface reconstructions and nominal-actual comparisons require a full 3D mesh. ZEISS INSPECT computes this mesh with the help of point clouds. 3D meshes also form the basis of a virtual assembly by means of measurements from different sources. For maximum compatibility, save the data in all current formats such as STL, G3D, JT Open, ASCII or PLY.

Mesh editing

Exaggerated representation of deformations

The plastic visualization of deformations such as protrusions, bulges, dents or slots in a kind of high relief facilitates a qualitative analysis of 3D measuring values.

Exaggerated representation of deformations

Curve inspection

ZEISS INSPECT closes the gap between point-based and surface-based inspection. Use construction features for curves and visualize their properties. Measure edge curves, analyze radii and character lines or create spline curves. From this curve-based inspection, the software also derives a flush and gap analysis.

Curve inspection

Reporting

Export the results of your analysis as a printable documentation or as a fully animated PDF – both supported by the ZEISS INSPECT reporting module. Share the entire project file to provide insights or exchange results.

Reporting

General Pro license features

Native CAD formats

Import both: basic CAD formats and native formats such as CATIA, NX, SolidWorks and Pro/E easily via drag & drop. Since you do not have to convert your data, your work becomes more efficiently. The digital transfer and context-sensitive evaluation of additional process and part information that are collected under the Product Lifecycle Management (PMI) is also possible. The measurement plan is created while the CAD data are imported, making any programming redundant. You can also import inspection plans.

Native CAD formats

Parametric evaluations

ZEISS INSPECT is based on a parametric basic concept that allows for tracing back and modifying all process steps along the way. This advantage ensures a high process reliability with regard to measuring results and reports.

Parametric evaluations

GD&T expert filter

The full version of ZEISS INSPECT provides additional expert filters for GD&T analyses, making your evaluation even easier.

GD&T expert filter

Python interface

You are bored by the same recurrent, monotonous inspection tasks? The integrated command recorder records all operations performed by you and translates them into a Python script. Modify the script to meet other requirements and run it again and again. You want to perform complex scientific computations? Integrate free Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy or Matplotlib and use the available templates.

Python interface

Project templates

Transfer entire inspection processes to multiple parts of a series. Due to the parametric basic concept of ZEISS INSPECT, no further process steps or adjustment are required. Moreover, you can save your inspections as project templates and either use them again and again or share them with colleagues.

Project templates

Features of ZEISS INSPECT Optical 3D

Photo-realistic rendering

Analyze your parts under real-life conditions. Regardless of whether inside or outside – the software provides realistic lighting conditions and shadow images.

Photo-realistic rendering

Digital assembly

Simply assemble your parts digitally, regardless of where they were manufactured. Thus, you ensure that parts that are manufactured on other production sites or by different suppliers can be assembled as well. Digital assembly sustainably improves your assembly process and makes challenges visible at an early stage.

Digital assembly

Software-based movement compensation

The software efficiently eliminates any possible part movement that could falsify the measurement, speeding up your measurement and, consequently, the output of your results.

Software-based movement compensation

Virtual measuring room (VMR)

Your centralized control and measurement planning software for all optical measuring machines. The virtual measuring room models the reality and enables you to execute automated measuring procedures. All robot drives are analyzed beforehand in order to prevent collisions and implement drives as efficiently as possible.

Virtual measuring room (VMR)

Virtual clamping

Measure clamped states without any fixture, making your work more efficiently and saving costs. The software computes the clamped state of your parts, rendering both the construction and creation of fixtures redundant.

Virtual clamping

Autosurfacing

You need a CAD model of your scanned part? Just use the Autosurfacing feature of ZEISS INSPECT. The software provides the opportunity to easily convert your scan data into a highly precise CAD model. Afterwards, you can use the model for all other process steps that require CAD data such as simulations, for instance. The CAD can be exported as a STEP file for this purpose.

Autosurfacing

ZEISS INSPECT X-Ray

Volume import

No matter which computed tomography system you use: Simply import all current data formats via drag & drop. You no longer need to spend a long time converting your data.

Volume import

Extensive volume visualization

Move through your part layer by layer – with ZEISS INSPECT X-Ray. The volume detail view enables you to inspect each detail of your part and capture relevant information in a video. You can also customize color representations to visualize part properties and materials in the volume clearly and distinctly.

Extensive volume visualization

Multiview

One software – four working areas. The Multiview feature allows you to subdivide your working area in any way you like. Combine volume slices with 3D views and tables or any other views. Measuring or inspecting defects is possible in all working areas.

Multiview

Volume area separation / Batch scan

Scan multiple parts from the same series simultaneously. The automated volume separation sorts the data afterwards. This way, you analyze your parts as usual while saving precious time for scans.

Volume area separation/Batch scan

Region of interest

Especially regarding complex parts, it makes sense to digitally undo the assembly and inspect individual elements with specific tolerances. The software assists you in the efficient subdivision by various regions.

Region of interest

Enhanced defect analysis

ZEISS INSPECT X-Ray supports the entire analysis of your parts from evaluating surfaces to inspecting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing or geometric dimensions – even at inner structures. By importing CAD data of your part (STEP/IGES), you can carry out an efficient nominal-actual comparison.

Enhanced defect analysis

Video reporting

Make an impression by presenting your results on video. Move through your part layer by layer – what a unique way of communicating complex analysis results.

Video reporting

ZEISS INSPECT Airfoil

Evaluation of blisks

ZEISS INSPECT Airfoil is the solution for efficient but complex measuring procedures for blisks and drums. Even a large number of sections, points or even sophisticated geometries on your parts does not affect the accuracy of the inspection at all. The software improves all areas of the blisk production with full-field data and faster, more reliable processes. Simply create a specific inspection of one blade and transfer it to all other blades of the blisk. The special advantage: The automated position generation makes it easier to measure the entire blisk and thus facilitates your inspection.

Evaluation of blisks

3D throat area

The analysis of the throat area has finally reached the digital stage. ZEISS INSPECT Airfoil helps you to perform a 3D computation of the throat area between two airfoils. The software performs a three-dimensional measurement of the throat area on the basis of the computed minimal surface and indicates it. Currently, this is the most precise method to create the correlation between the geometric and the aerodynamic throat area – regardless of whether it concerns a partial surface or a completely closed passage.


Virtual balancing

Determine the ideal order of the airfoils of a blisk before the actual assembly. With a digital twin, you assemble the blisk digitally to prevent imbalances, thus saving assembly and testing time.