Independent Quality Labs’ LocusCAE.com is a computer-aided engineering tool for predicting machining outcomes based on machine tool capability. The software uses the concept of a “manufacturing process error budget,” the company says. It predicts the impact of the machine tool’s capability on the process, and simplifies process design and diagnostics by understanding the machine tool’s contribution.

The software divides each machining operation into desired attributes and features. For example, with the location of a hole, the location and tolerance define the “desired attribute,” and the hole and reference surfaces represent the “features.” The software considers all surfaces being machined, in this example, the hole and the reference surfaces, to predict the machining outcome.

The software may be used by design engineers to analyze part manufacturability; by production planners and procurement staff to select the appropriate machining resource; and by manufacturing engineers to design or troubleshoot machining operations.