Copyright: Copyright © Integrated Quality, Inc.


2D Geometry Dialog

This dialog is the interface used to create inspection points from a curve.

2D Geometry Dialog

Common Properties

Active

This check box is used to control if current feature is to be included for the inspection path generation. If checked, current feature will be included in the inspection path.

Name

The name of current inspection point cloud.  The name also specifies the name of the feature to be stored when exported to a part program.  Feature names can be no more than 10 characters long and can consist only of letters (A, ... , Z), digits (0, ..., 9), periods and underline characters.  Also, users have to prevent using any name reserved by MeasureMax.

Type

This is the feature type to be measured.

Report

This check box is used to control if the Inspection Report Dialog is to be launched when the Ok button is clicked. Please refer to MeasureMax User’s Manual on how to specify the parameters in the Inspection Report Dialog.

Pick Report RefFrame

This check box is used to control if the Select Reference Frame Dialog, will be launched for users to select a reference frame to report current feature.  The nominal of current feature will be exported with respect to the reference frame picked from the Select Reference Frame Dialog. However, if there is no mapping between CADPath reference frame and MP reference frame,  the default reference frames (CADPath current active reference frame and MP reference frame #1) will be used to report the position and orientation of current feature.

Save Points

This check box is used to control if the measurement points collected in the MP summation array are to be exported to a file. When this check box is checked, CADPath will issue a BufferDump function call right after the measurement motion control sequence.

Working Plane

XY

XY working plane.

YZ

YZ working plane.

ZX

ZX working plane.

None (3D):

Specify that current feature is a 3D feature with respect to current working reference frame.

Sampling Options

No. of Points

This parameter is also called the number of point per section. This parameter specifies how many points are going to be generated along the curve

No. of Sections

This parameter specifies how many sections are going to be generated.

Depth

This parameter specifies the offset distance (an absolute value) of the first section along the offset direction (i,j,k).

Increment

This parameter specifies the distance between two sections.

U First

If this option is checked, the inspection points will be linked together section by section.

U+

This flag is used to control the inspection sequence of the inspection points. If this option is checked, the inspection sequence will start from the first inspection point of the first section.

V+

This flag is used to control the inspection sequence of the inspection points. If this option is checked, the inspection sequence will start from the inspection points of the first section.

One Way and Zig Zag

These two options are used to control the pattern of the inspection points.

Offset Direction

I,J,K

These three parameters are used to control the offset direction of the inspections points generated from a curve. If current working plane is XY, YZ or ZX, the input for these three parameters will be disabled. However, users can still used the Flip button to control the sign of the offset direction. These three parameters can be modified if there is no working plane specified.

Flip : Offset Direction

This button is used to change the sign of the offset direction (I,J,K).

Flip : Outward Normal

This button is used to flip the normal direction of each inspection point.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


2D Geometry

+++This method is used to generate inspection points from a curve. Four types of curves are supported which includes line, circle/arc, ellipse and free from curve (GCurve). The inspection points generated from a line can be extended to a plane. While the inspection points generated from a circle/arc can be extended to a cylinder. The working plane of the 2D curve will be detected automatically when the curve is first picked. The default working plane has to be modified manually if the reference frame is changed after the 2D geometry is generated.

To create inspection points from 2D geometry:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/2D Geometry  [image] and then use the left mouse button to click on the curve where the inspection points are to be generated.

If more than one curves are picked, a Pick Curve Dialog will pup up for users to select a curve. Click on the Accept button to select current active curve which is displayed in yellow.

The 2D Geometry Dialog will pop up for you to specify the parameters to generated the inspection points from current selected curve.

Click on the Ok button to close this dialog. If the Report Check Box is checked, an Inspection Report Dialog will pop up for users to input tolerances and report options. If the Pick Report RefFrame Box is checked and the local CADPath reference frame exists, the Reference Frame Dialog, will pop up for users to select a reference frame for inspection report.  The nominal of current feature will be exported w.r.t. CAD reference frame while the measurement result will be reported w.r.t. the MP reference frame. If the MP RefFrame corresponding to current highlighted CAD reference frame in the dialog box shows NONE, then the mapping between the CAD reference frame and the MP reference frame doesn’t exist. Users can type in the MP RefFrame directly. It is very important to create the corresponding CAD reference frame in MP and save it to the right location to be able to output the correct inspection report.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D Geometry Dialog

3D Geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


3D Geometry Dialog

This 3D Geometry Dialog as show below is the interface used to create inspection points from a surface.

Common Properties

Active

This check box is used to control if current feature is to be included for the inspection path generation. If checked, current feature will be included in the inspection path.

Name

The name of current inspection point cloud.  The name also specifies the name of the feature to be stored when exported to a part program.  Feature names can be no more than 10 characters long and can consist only of letters (A, ... , Z), digits (0, ..., 9), periods and underline characters.  Also, users have to prevent using any name reserved by MeasureMax.

Type

This is the feature type to be measured.

Report

This check box is used to control if the Inspection Report Dialog is to be launched when the Ok button is clicked. Please refer to MeasureMax User’s Manual on how to specify the parameters in the Inspection Report Dialog.

Pick Report RefFrame

This check box is used to control if the Select Reference Frame Dialog, will be launched for users to select a reference frame to report current feature.  The nominal of current feature will be exported with respect to the reference frame picked from the Select Reference Frame Dialog. However, if there is no mapping between CADPath reference frame and MP reference frame,  the default reference frames (CADPath current active reference frame and MP reference frame #1) will be used to report the position and orientation of current feature.

Mesh Properties

U, V

These two parameters are used to control the sampling grid density along the U and V surface parametric directions.

An Example : 4(U) x 7 (V) Mesh Grids

U First

If this option is checked, the inspection points will be linked together from the U direction.

U+

This flag is used to control the inspection sequence of the inspection points. If this option is checked, the inspection sequence will start from the first inspection point of the first U direction.

V+

This flag is used to control the inspection sequence of the inspection points. If this option is checked, the inspection sequence will start from the inspection points of the first V.

Zig-Zag and One-Way Patterns

One Way and Zig Zag

These two options are used to control the pattern of the inspection points.

Flip : Outward Normal

This button is used to flip the outward normal direction of the inspection points as well as the normal direction of current active surface.

Four Different Combinations

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


3D Geometry

This method is used to generate inspection points from a surface. Four types of surfaces are supported which includes planar, cylindrical, conical and free from surfaces.

To create inspection points from 3D geometry:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/3D Geometry  and then use the left mouse button to click on the surface where the inspection points are to be generated.

If more than one surfaces are picked, a Pick Surface Dialog will pup up for you to select a surface. Click on the Accept button to select current active surface which is displayed in yellow.

The 3D Geometry Dialog will pop up for you to specify the parameters to generated the inspection points from current selected surface.

Click on the Ok button to close this dialog. If the Report Check Box is checked, an Inspection Report Dialog will pop up for users to input tolerances and report options. If the Pick Report RefFrame Box is checked and the local CADPath reference frame exists, the Reference Frame Dialog, will pop up for users to select a reference frame for inspection report.  The nominal of current feature will be exported w.r.t. CAD reference frame while the measurement result will be reported w.r.t. the MP reference frame. If the MP RefFrame corresponding to current highlighted CAD reference frame in the dialog box shows NONE, then the mapping between the CAD reference frame and the MP reference frame doesn’t exist. Users can type in the MP RefFrame directly. It is very important to create the corresponding CAD reference frame in MP and save it to the right location to be able to output the correct inspection report.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


Alignment through Reference Frame

This alignment approach synchronizes the coordinate system between the part reference frame on the CMM machine and the CAD model’s reference frame. Users have to construct the corresponding reference frames separately on the manufactured part and the CAD model. Please refer to the Operations for Reference Frame section for the detailed information on how to construct a reference frame on the CAD model.

Please also refer to MeasureMax User’s Guide on how to construct a reference frame on the part. This reference frame should be saved to the reference frame ID #1. CADPath will recall the reference frame #1 whenever CADPath needs to drive with the CMM machine.

To align the manufactured part to the CAD model:

Construct a reference frame on the CAD model and Recall the constructed reference frame as current active coordinate system.

Construct a reference frame on the manufactured part using CMM and then save it to reference frame ID #1.

See Also:

Construct Reference Frame

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Reference Frame Construction Methods


Alignments

Alignment is usually the first step in a part program.  In a CAD assisted part programming, there is one very important step is to synchronize the coordinate system between the CAD model and the manufactured part on the CMM machine.  The reference frame that CADPath used as a reference to synchronize the part’s coordinate is the reference frame storage #1 in the MP (Measurement Processor).  This approach is called Alignment through Reference Frame in CADPath.

Alignment through reference frame synchronizes the coordinate systems between the manufactured part and CAD model by using the corresponding reference frame constructed separately on the manufactured part (using inspected features) and the reference frame on the CAD model using nominal features. There are many ways in which a part can be aligned.  One easy way is to use MeasureMax to teach an alignment part program and then save the alignment result to reference frame #1. Users can also use CADPath to inspected datum features to refine reference #1.

CADPath also provide a CAD assisted alignment method called CAD alignment.  CAD alignment can be applied not only to the parts with standard features but also the parts with free-form surfaces. The disadvantage for CAD alignment is that it cannot be included as part of the inspection part program.

This chapter covers the following topics related to alignments:

Part Coordinate System (P.C.S.) and Machine Coordinate System (M.C.S.)

Operations for Reference Frame

Alignment through Reference Frame

CAD Alignment


An Example of Exported Part Program in the modMain Module
An Example of CADPath Exported Part Program in the modMain Module

1.	''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

2.	    'CADPath relies on reference frame #1 to drive the machine,

3.	    'Please construct an appropriate reference frame and save

4.	    'it to reference #1 so that CADPath can use DCC mode to

5.	    'drive the machine.

6.	    ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

7.

8.	    Backoff "0.1574000"

9.

10.	        ConstRefFrame1

11.	    Measure_PLN2

12.	        BufferDump "_PLN2"

13.	    Measure_LINE2

14.	        BufferDump "_LINE2"

15.	    Measure_LINE3

16.	        BufferDump "_LINE3"

17.	        CADPath_RefFrame1

18.	        CADPath_RefFrame2

19.	        CADPath_RefFrame3

20.	        CADPath_RefFrame4

21.	        CADPath_RefFrame5

22.	    Measure_PLN3

23.	        BufferDump "_PLN3"

24.	    Measure_CIRC2

25.	        BufferDump "_CIRC2"

26.	        CADPath_RefFrame6

27.	        CADPath_RefFrame7

28.	        CADPath_RefFrame8

29.	        CADPath_RefFrame9

30.	        CADPath_RefFrame10

31.	    Measure_CIRC3

32.	        BufferDump "_CIRC3"

33.	        CADPath_CIRC3_1

34.	        Compute_CONC1

35.	    Measure_CIRC4

36.	        BufferDump "_CIRC4"

37.	        CADPath_RefFrame11

38.	        CADPath_RefFrame12

39.	        CADPath_RefFrame13

40.	        CADPath_RefFrame14

41.	    Measure_CIRC5

42.	        BufferDump "_CIRC5"

43.	        CADPath_CIRC5_1

44.	    Measure_CIRC6

45.	        BufferDump "_CIRC6"

46.	        CADPath_CIRC6_1

47.	    Measure_CIRC7

48.	        BufferDump "_CIRC7"

49.	        CADPath_CIRC7_1

50.	        MLString "RR 1"

51.	    MLString "AM X-1.971434,Y-0.414318,Z0.614060"

52.	    MLString "GT T000"

53.	    MLString "DW"


CAD Alignment

CAD Alignment transforms the part model’s coordinate system to the coordinate system where the measurement points used for alignment are taken. CAD alignment requires two sets of point clouds. The first point cloud is the actual measurement points. The second point cloud is the reference points generated from the CAD model. These two sets of point clouds must have the same number of points (at least six points) with the same sequence at relatively close corresponding locations on both the manufactured part and the CAD model.

This section covers the following three operations related to CAD Alignment.

Create Reference Points for CAD Alignment

Take Points On-Line

CAD Alignment


CAD Alignment - Alignment through Measurement Points
CAD Alignment

This function will move the CAD model to the reference frame where the measuremet points are taken.

To synchronize the reference frame using CAD Alignment:

Construct a reference frame on the CAD model and recall it as working reference frame.

Create a cloud of reference points through the menu /Alignments/Create Reference Points. These reference points must be created with the same sequence at the closest possible locations corresponding to the points taken on the manufactured part

Take at least six points manually using CMM through the menu /Alignments/Take Points On-Line and the CMM must be on line to be able to use this function. When this function is activated, follow the instructions displayed in the prompt window to take points using the Remote Control Unit.

Choose CAD Alignment through the menu /Alignments/CAD Alignment. A CAD Alignment Dialog as show in Figure 1-12 will pop up. Choose the corresponding point clouds constructed from previous two steps and select OK.  If CMM is not in AUTO mode, users have to switch CMM to AUTO mode through the Remove Control Unit.

If CAD alignment is successful,  a CMM reference frame which match the working CAD reference frame will be constructed and stored in reference frame storage #1.

See Also:

Create Reference Points for CAD Alignment

Take Points On-Line


CADPath Help

Introduction

Organization of This User’s Guide

System Requirements

Installing CADPath

Launching CADPath from MeasureMax Teaching Shell

Graphics User Interface

The Menus

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar

Document, View and Related Operations

Multiple Views of a Document

Document Data

Working Unit of a Document

File Types and Operations

View Operations

Zooming

Increase/Decrease Display Density

View Manipulation Using Scroll Bars

Setting Pivot Point of Rotation

Mouse-based View Manipulation

Standard Views

Generate Shading

Correct STL Offset

Probe Configuration

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File

Operation for Inspection Points

Inspection Point Generation

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import

Inspection Points Modifications

Move Points

Delete Points

Flip Normal

Delete Inspection Point Cloud

Delete Entities Dialog

Edit Properties

Alignments

Part Coordinate System (P.C.S.) and Machine Coordinate System (M.C.S.)

Operations for Reference Frame

Construct Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame Dialog

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame

Delete Entities Dialog

Alignment through Reference Frame

CAD Alignment

Create Reference Points for CAD Alignment

Take Points On-Line

CAD Alignment - Alignment through Measurement Points

CMM Path

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path


CMM Path

In this section, six operations related to CMM path will be introduced.  These operations include:

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

These operations can be accessed through the menu under /Inspection/CMM Path.  All the operations can be performed on line or off line when the link between CADPath and MeasureMax has been established.

The generation of a part program involves operations on both MeasureMax/CMM and CADPath/MeasureMax.  This flow chart  shows the procedures to create a part program. The right hand side of the flow chart shows the operations on MeasureMax and CMM.  While the left hand side of the flow chart shows the operations on CADPath. The CMM path created can be saved to a file together with the CAD model in CADPath.

Note:

The only way to start CADPath is to launch it from MeasureMax’s teaching shell. If users start CADPath from the explore, CADPath will check the connection with MeasureMax. If no connection has been established, CADPath will terminate itself automatically.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Clear CMM Path

To clear CMM path:

Execute the clear operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path/Clear.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

CMM Path

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Construct Reference Frame

The system support seven Reference Frame Construction Methods:

To construct a reference frame:

Select the menu item /Alignments/Reference Frame/Construct. A Reference Frame Construction Dialog as shown below will pop up for users to select a Reference Frame Construction Method.

Select one of the construction methods and then click OK.

Please follow the instructions displayed on the status bar (on the lower left corner) for the next pick entity action. There are three types of pick entity actions - Pick a planar surface, Pick an axis.(line or a surface axis) and Pick a circle or an arc.  Users have to follow the prompts to pick a planar surface, an axis or a circle. The system will detect if the entities picked is correct (both the entity types and sequence). If the reference features are not correct, the system will not create any reference frame on the part.

After all the reference features have been selected, the Modify Reference Frame Dialog will pop up for users to modify the reference frame.

Note:

When prompted to pick an axis, the Pick Curve Dialog will pop first if there is any curve picked. If there is no curved picked or users click on the Cancel button on the Pick Curve Dialog, the Pick Surface Dialog will pop up for users to select the axis of a surface.

Please notice that the only surface can be selected as an axis is the Surface of Revolution. Any other surface type cannot be served as a reference axis.

See Also:

Reference Frame Construction Methods

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame

Alignment through Reference Frame


Create CMM Path

The following operations must be performed prior to the creation of CMM path.  Based on the flow chart, these operations include:

Import IGES CAD Files into CADPath

Set working unit to MM or INCH

Generate Shading or Import STL model

Setup Working Reference Frame

Create/Import Inspection Points

Setup Probe Dimenstions and Tip Selection Interval

Users have to complete all the operations listed above to be able to create a valid CMM path.

To create CMM path:

Execute the operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path/Create.   This operation will create CMM path based on current probe configuration for all the active inspection point clouds.  A progress status whill show on the bottom of the status bar to indicate current progress.

Users can hit the ESC key on the keyboard to stop the creation of CMM path. A message box as shown below will pop up to confirm this operation.

The CMM Path Statistic Report, as shown below, CMMPathReport.txt which is in the same directory as the CAD model will be displayed right after the CMM Path is created.  If all the inspection points of a single feature cannot be inspected, the  label of the feature will be displayed in red.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Create Reference Points for CAD Alignment

This operation is used to create a cloud of points on the CAD model using the mouse.

To create reference points:

Choose the function through menu /Alignments/Create Reference Points. When this function is activated, the Input Properties Dialog as shown below will pop up. Users have to assign a name to the point cloud and then type in the tip radius. This Tip Radius parameter is used to offset the points generated from surfaces along the surface normal directions. Please notice that this tip radius is the actual tip radius which might not be the same as the value specified in the Probe Dimension Dialog. If users use this function when the CMM is on line, the tip "0"'s probe radius will be shown on the Tip Radius edit box.

Use the left mouse button to click on the surface where the reference points are to be generated. If the point users clicked is within the boundary of current active surface (displayed in yellow), a point will be created directly. If the point clicked is outside of current active surface, the Pick Surface Dialog will pop up. Users can use the Next and the Prev button to navigate through a list of surfaces and choose the correct one. Also, users can click the Normal button to see the surface normal direction and use the Flip button if the surface normal is not correct. Choose Ok to accept current surface as the active surface.

Use the left mouse button to pick a point within the boundary of current active surface.

Repeat the previous two steps to create the remaining reference points. The sequence of the reference points generated on the CAD model should be the same as the points taken on line.

Double click on the left mouse button to end this operation.

See Also:

Take Points On-Line

Using CAD Alignment


Delete Entities Dialog

This interface is used to delete the entities displayed in the list box. The title of this dialog box will be varying depending on what type of entities are to be deleted. Users can select one or more entities in the list and then click on the Delete button to delete the entities selected. The Select All button allows users to select all the entities listed. Please select the Close button to close this dialog.


Delete Inspection Point Cloud

This operation is used to delete the inspection point cloud and this interface is also shared between different types of entities.

To delete an inspection point cloud:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Delete Clouds or  /Edit/Delete/Insp. Cloud. The Delete Entity Dialog will pop up for users to select and delete the selected entities.

See Also:

Move Points

Delete Points

Flip Normal


Delete Points

This operation is used to delete the inspection points of current active inspection point cloud. Please notice that this operation is only valid for the inspection points displayed in yellow. Users can launch the Edit Properties Dialog to set the active inspection point cloud.

To delete inspection points:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Delete Points.

Use the left mouse button to draw a closed polygon which will separate the points you want to keep and the points you want to discard. Please notice that you can double click on the left mouse button to close the polygon.

The Delete Points Dialog as shown below will pop up for you to select the options between Delete Points Outside or Delete Points Inside of the polygons

Click on the Apply button to execute the delete points operation.

See Also:

Move Points

Flip Normal

Delete Inspection Point Cloud


Delete Reference Frame

This operation is used to delete the inspection point cloud and this interface is also shared between different types of entities.

To delete an inspection point cloud:

Select the menu item /Alignment/Reference Frame/Delete or  /Edit/Delete/RefFrame. The Delete Entity Dialog will pop up for users to select and delete the selected entities.

See Also:

Construct Reference Frame

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Reference Frame Construction Methods

Alignment through Reference Frame


Document Data

Entity is the basic data unit of an CADPath document.  The entities handled by CADPath include both geometric entities and non-geometric entities.  The classes and types of geometric entities supported by CADPath are listed in the following table.

Geometric Entity Classes and Types

Entity Class	Entity Type
Point Cloud	Point Cloud
Curve	Line, Arc, Circle, Ellipse, Parabola, Parametric Spline Curve, NURBS Curve, Composite Curve
Surface	Plane, Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, Parametric Spline Surface, NURBS Surface, Surface of Revolution, Tabulated Surface, Ruled Surface.
Inspection Point Cloud	A cloud of inspection points generated from a surface.
See Also:

Multiple Views of a Document

Working Unit of a Document

File Types and Operations

View Operations


Document, View and Related Operations

Document and view are two important concepts used in CADPath.  The document of CADPath is like a storage room which stores the user data.  A view of a document is like a window opened on the wall of the storage room.  A document can be saved to or loaded from a disk file.  Through the view window, the user can see the contents of the document and apply operation tools to manipulate the document data.

See Also:

Multiple Views of a Document

Document Data

Working Unit of a Document

File Types and Operations

View Operations


Edit Inspection Features Dialog

See Also:

Interfaces to Edit the Properties of the Inspection Point Cloud

MeasureMax Links

Edit MLB Commands

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Edit MLB Commands

All the MLB commands returned from the MeasureMax agents will return to CADPath. CADPath manages the MLB commands returned from MeasureMax and output to the part program when the CMM Path is exported to the part programs

Edit MLB Commands Dialog

The Edit MLB Commands Dialog has two panels. The left panel displays a list of function names to be exported right after the feature inspection sequence. The right panel displays a list of MLB commands which are the contents of the function associated with the item highlighted on the left panel. The top two tool bars contain the operations that can be performed on the items in the list. These operations include Delete [image], Edit [image], New [image], Move Up [image] and Move Down [image]. User can also Double Click on the item to launch the dialog box to edit the function name or MLB commands.

See Also:

Interfaces to Edit the Properties of the Inspection Point Cloud

Edit MLB Commands

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Edit Properties

The Edit Inspection Feature Dialog, can be launched  through the menu items under /Inspection/Insp. Points/Edit Properties which includes the following three major operations:

Interfaces to Edit the Properties of the Inspection Point Cloud

MeasureMax Links

Edit MLB Commands

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program will explain the structure of the part program when CADPath exports the results to the MeasureMax Visual Basic Teaching Shell. Understanding how CADPath manages the data can help users use this interface more efficiently.


Export CMM Path to a Part Program

The CMM path must exist to be able to export a part program to MeasureMax.

To export CMM path to a part program :

Execute the export operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path /Export /Part Program.

Exit CADPath.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

CMM Path

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

This function will export only these tips used by current CMM path.

To export the tips selected by CADPath:

Execute the export operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path /Export /Tip File.

The Save As dialog will pop up for users to select the location and input the name of the tip file.

Click on the Save button to save the tip file.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

CMM Path

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Export the Tip Calibration File

The tip calibration file contains a list of probe tips used for tip calibration.  Each tip is defined has its unique tip name associated with the corresponding A probe angle and B probe angle.  MeasureMax provides a tip calibration utility which will calibrate all the tips defined in the tip calibration file.

To export the tip calibration file:

Open the Tip Selection Interval Dialog through the menu /Inspection/Setup/Probe Interval.

Use the left mouse button to click on the A interval or the B interval slider bar to choose the tip selection interval.

Click on the Create button to create a tip calibration file based on current tip selection interval. A Save As Dialog will prompt the user to select the target directory and the file name.  The default extension of the tip calibration file is "TIP".

Click on the Save button to save the tip calibration file.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval


File Types and Operations

File operations are executed by selecting the /File menu and its sub menus or using the first three buttons( the [New] button [image], the [Open] button [image], and the [Save] button [image] ) on the tool bar.  All data files are read and saved out through the /File menu or the three file operation buttons.

CADPath supports various data file formats.  These data file formats include ASCII Data File, IGES File, STL File and, IQ Document File.

File Types

ASCII Data File

This file format is a text based file format.  The default extension for this file format is .dat or .DAT.  This file format supports comment lines 3D data points.  CADPath can read ASCII data files exported from most other measuring systems without modification.  The simplest example of an ASCII data file is a list of xyz-triplets as follows:

x1     y1     z1

x2     y2     z2

..................

xn     yn     zn

where x, y, and  z are the coordinates of each data point.

IGES File

This file format is used to import CAD data generated from CAD systems.  The default extension of this file format is .igs or .IGS.  CADPath supports all commonly used geometric entities specified in IGES specification Version 5.0.  These commonly used geometric entities are listed in the following table.

IGES Entity Types Supported by CADPath

IGES Entity Type #	Entity Type	IGES Entity Type #	Entity Type
100	Circular Arc	118	Ruled Surface
102	Composite Curve	120	Surface of Revolution
104	Conic Arc	122	Tabulated Cylinder
106	Copious Data	124	Transformation Matrix
108	Plane	126	Rational B-Spline Curve
110	Line	128	Rational B-Spline Surface
112	Parametric Spline Curve	142	Curve on a Parametric Surface
114	Parametric Spline Surface	144	Trimmed Parametric Surface
IQ Document File

IQ document file is the native binary data file format for CADPath.  When a document content is saved into a file, this file format is used.  The default extension for this file format is .iqf or .IQF.

STL File

STL files represents the surfaces of a solid model as groups of small triangles.  These triangles are written to an ASCII text or binary file.  CADPath supports both the ASCII text and binary file format.  STL file are used for rendering, collision detection and collision avoidance.

Creating New Document

To create a new empty document, select menu /File/New or simply click the [New] button [image] on the tool bar.  When a new empty document is created, a default document file name is given.  The default document file name can be changed when the file is saved to a disk.

Opening Previously Saved IQ Document File

If you have saved a document into a file, you can open the saved document file by selecting menu /File/Open or simply click the [Open] button [image] on the tool bar.  An Open File dialog box will pop up. This Open File dialog box is almost the same as the default Windows’ Open File dialog box except that it has an Open As drop-down list which is used to specify the format of the file to be opened.  When the Open File dialog box pops up, the default file type is IQ Document Files(*.IQF) and all files with .IQF extension in the current directory will be listed.  The default selection of the Open As drop-down list is IQ Document File.  To open a previously saved document file, point the mouse cursor to the file to be opened, then click the file name and the [OK] button.  Double clicking (two consecutive quick clicks) a file name can also open the file.

If the document file is saved with an extension other than .IQF, for example .xyz, you can bring up the files with this extension by typing *.xyz in the File Name box and hitting the <Enter> key.  If the selection of the Open As drop-down list is not IQ Document File, you must click the drop-down list and change the selection to IQ Document file.

Reading Other Data Files

Other data files with any of the supported file formats can be read into the current active document.  To read a file which is in one of the supported file formats, select menu /File/Open or click the [Open] button [image] on the tool bar to bring up the Open File dialog box as shown below.  Once the Open File dialog box pops up, you can select the appropriate file extension from the List Files of Type drop-down list and the correct file format from the Open As drop-down list to read a desired data file into the current active document for analysis and operations.

Saving Document File

To save the content of the current active document into a file, select menu /File/Save or simply click the [Save] button [image] on the tool bar.  To save the current document into a different file name, select menu /File/Save As to bring up the Save As dialog box.  The user can type a new file name in the File Name box and click the [OK] button to save the file into the desired file name.  You will notice that the caption of the document window being saved will also be changed.  Therefore, using the Save As option of the /File menu, you can also change the name of a document.

Appending Document File

This function is used to merge the contents of two documents together. To append a document to current active document, select the menu /File/Append. The procedures are the same as Opening Previously Saved IQ Document File.

See Also:

Multiple Views of a Document

Document Data

Working Unit of a Document

View Operations


Flip Normal

This operation is used to flip the normal direction of individual inspection point in current active inspection point cloud. Please notice that this operation is only valid for the inspection points displayed in yellow. Users can use the Edit Properties Dialog to set the active inspection point cloud.

To flip the inspection point's normal direction:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Flip Normal.

Use the left mouse button to click on the point you want to flip the normal. The result will be displayed on the screen right away.

Users can repeat the above operation on any inspection point displayed in the window.

Double click on the left mouse button to end current operation.

See Also:

Move Points

Delete Points

Delete Inspection Point Cloud


Generate Shading

This function will generate the shading model for CADPath. The size of the shading model will be affected by the display density of the geometric entities. Users can use Increase/Decrease Display Density functions to control the smoothness of the shading model  If the  Increase/Decrease Display Density parameter is changed after the shading model is been generated, users has to use this function again to reflect the changes. However, if the surface normal directions are all correct, users do not need to correct the surface normal direction again.

To Generate a Shading Model:

Select the menu item /Edit/Shading/Generate Shading. The shading model will be created based on current display density.

After the shading model is been generated, the following dialog will pop up for users to select if users want to correct the surface normal directions automatically. If users select YES, CADPath will try to correct the surface normal directions based on the surfaces in the CAD model. Please notice that, if the CAD model does not have a closed volume, then this function cannot be used. Users have to check the normal of each surface one by one.

See Also:

Correct STL Offset


Graphics User Interface

CADPath has a Microsoft Windows based interactive graphics environment that is easy-to-use.  The figure below shows the outline of CADPath’s graphics user interface. It has a main frame window which holds view windows, a main menu bar, a tool bar, a control box, three scroll bars and an active entity bar.  All operations of the program can be executed through the menu.  Some of the commonly used functions are implemented on the tool bar, the control box and the active entity bar so that they can be accessed quickly by a single click on the corresponding buttons.  The scroll bars are used for view manipulation.

See Also:

The Menus,

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar


Import

This method is designed to generate inspection points by importing a list of inspection points from a file. The file to be imported must have the format listed as follows:

Format 1:

Each inspection point must have the position (X,Y,Z) and outward normal (I,J,K) in one line. The name of the inspection point cloud will be the same as the ASCII text file.

Format 2:

Each inspection point must have the LABEL, position (X,Y,Z) and outward normal (I,J,K) in one line. The length of the LABEL can be no more than 10 characters.  The result would be a list of SINGLE POINT inspection point cloud and the name is the same as the LABEL.

For Example, if the file contains the following three lines, then three inspection point clouds of the type SINGLE POINT will be created. The name of the point cloud is the same as the label at the beginnin of each line.

_PNT1, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0

_PNT2, 2.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0

_PNT3, 3.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0

To import inspection points from a file:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Import.

A File Open Dialog will pup up for you to select a file to be imported. Please select the file you want to import and then click the Open button.

If this operation is successful, the inspection point cloud displayed in yellow will be shown on the screen.

If the features imported are Single Point features, users can report through MeasureMax Links in Edit Properties Dialog.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection


Inspection Point Generation

CADPath provides six methods to help generate inspection points. These six methods are listed below:

Point

2D Geometry

3D Geometry

Mouse Pick

Projection

Import


Inspection Points Modifications

There are four operations can be used to modify the inspection points. These four operations are listed below:

Move points

Delete points

Flip normal

Delete inspection point cloud

This operation is used to move the inspection points of current active inspection point cloud by using the mouse to drag and drop. Please notice that this operation is only valid for the inspection points displayed in yellow. Users can launch the Edit Properties Dialog  to set the active inspection point cloud.


Installing CADPath

CADPath comes with a hardware protection key which should be attached to the parallel port of the computer. If a printer cable is connected to the parallel port, you can first attach the key to the parallel port and then attach the printer cable to the key. The hardware key will be transparent to the printer.

To Install CADPath:

Insert the diskette labeled CADPath Installation Disk #1 into drive A: of your computer.

Double click the My Computer icon on the desktop and then double click the floppy drive A:.

Locate the Setup [image] program and double click the icon to start the setup program.

Follow the instruction of the setup program.

At the end of the installation, user has to reboot the computer to be able to run CADPath.

Note:

MeasureMax has to be installed prior to the installation of CADPath.

See Also:

Launching CADPath from MeasureMax Teaching Shell


Interfaces to edit the properties of the inspection point cloud

Interfaces to edit the properties of the inspection point cloud

There are six operations to edit the properties of the inspection point cloud: Delete [image], Edit [image], New Feature [image], Move Up [image], Move Down [image] and the Auto Sequencing check box.

Delete

Current highlighted inspection point cloud will be deleted when this button is clicked.

Edit

The original inspection point generation interface (dialog) will pop up for users to modify the parameters. For example, if current selected inspection point cloud is generated from 2D Geometry, the 2D Geometry Dialog will pop up for users to modify all the parameters that can be changed. This function can be also activated by double clicking on the item in the list box.

New Feature

This function is designed to add an  Empty Feature to the inspection sequence. Users can consider this Empty Feature as the tag of a list of macros. The function (macro) list associated with this feature will the exported right after the previous actual feature inspection sequence.  If an Empty Feature is at the beginning of the inspection sequence, it will be exported first.

Move Up

This function will move current selected inspection point cloud up one position in the list. The feature will be inspected based on the sequence shown in the list.

Move Down

This function will move current selected inspection point cloud down one position in the list. The feature will be inspected based on the sequence shown in the list.

Auto Sequencing

When this option is checked, the system will arrange the feature inspection sequence automatically. Please notice that when this option is checked, the Move Up and Move Down button will be disabled and any operation that depends on the inspection sequence should not be used.

See Also:

MeasureMax Links

Edit MLB Commands

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Launching CADPath from MeasureMax Teaching Shell

To launch CADPath from the MeasureMax teaching shell:

Start MeasureMax

From the MeasureMax CMM Control Center, click on the Apple [image] to launch the Visual Basic MeasureMax Teaching Shell.

Locate the Measure Window as shown below and click on the Start CADPath icon [image].

CADPath will startup and display on the top of the screen.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program


MeasureMax Liniks
MeasureMax Links

CADPath brings the following four groups of functions from MeasureMax to CADPath: Feature Construction, Feature Relationships, Reference Frame and Report. There is a drop down list associate with each group of functions.  Users can Double Click on the item in the list box to launch the corresponding MeasureMax agent. When users click on the Report button, the Report Agent will be launched directly.

Feature Construction

Point, Line, Plane, Circle, Ellipse, Cylinder, Sphere, Cone, Width

Feature, Relationships

Distance, Angle, Angularity, Parallelism, Perpendicularity, Total Run out, Circular Run out, Position, Concentricity/Coaxiality.

Reference Frame

Select Working Plane, Auto Level, Establish Offset, Set/Translate Origin, Change Offset, Save Reference Frame, Recall Reference Frame, Delete Reference Frame

Report

When this button is click, the Reference Frame Dialog, as shown below, will pop up for users to select a reference frame for inspection report.  The nominal of current feature will be exported with respect to the CAD reference frame while the measurement result will be reported with respect to. the MP reference frame.  If the MP RefFrame corresponding to current highlighted CAD reference frame in the dialog box shows NONE, then the mapping between the CAD reference frame and the MP reference frame doesn’t exist. Users can type in the MP RefFrame directly to specify which MP reference frame to map to the highlighted CAD reference frame. It is very important to create the corresponding CAD reference frame in MP and save it to the right location to be able to output the correct inspection report.

Data Output

When this button is clicked, CADPath will pop up a dialog for users to input the File Name, Model Name and Piece Name. The output file name will be the combination of the File Name + Piece Name + .DAT. This function is used together with the Save Points option in every inspection point generation method which will output a FileStart function call onto current cursor position. When the Save Point option is checked, the program will issue a BufferDump function call right after the feature inspection sequence which saves all the points in the user summation array into a file.

See Also:

Interfaces to Edit the Properties of the Inspection Point Cloud

Edit MLB Commands

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Modify CMM Path

To Modify CMM path:

Execute the operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path/Modify or click on the button  [image].

Users can modify the CMM Path through Modify CMM Path Dialog.  The Modify CMM Path Dialog is modeless which allows users to manipulate the graphics without closing this dialog.

Click on the Close button to close the Modify CMM Path Dialog.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Modify CMM Path Dialog

This dialog is the interface used to navigate and modify the CMM path.

Modify CMM Path Dialog

Operations

Restart

The probe will be pointed to the beginning of the CMM path.

Playback  [image] / Pause

Hit the Playback button [image] to start playback CMM path and hit the Pause button [image] to stop playback CMM path.

Pick Start Point

This function allows users to point and click on the CMM path to obtain the current state of the probe.  When this function is activated, use the mouse to click on the red points of the CMM path. The probe will move to the red dot users selected and the status of the probe will be displayed in the dialog.

Move One Step Forward

This function allows users to move the probe one step Forward.

Move One Step Backward

This function allows users to move the probe one step Backward.

Move One Feature Forward

This function allows users to move the probe one Feature Forward.

Move One Feature Backward

This function allows users to move the probe one Feature Backward.

Increate Playback Speed

This function allows users to increase the animation speed. The maximum speed is determined by the time the computer spent to render all view windows.

Decrease Playback Speed

This function allows users to decrease the animation speed.

Display CMM Path  [image] / Hide CMM path

This function allows users to toggle between displaying [image] and hiding [image] the CMM path.

Display Label [image] / Hide Label

This function allows users to toggle between displaying [image] and hiding [image] the labels of the inspection features.

Feature Name Text Box

This text box shows the feature name under inspection.

DCC Type

GT

Indicate current DCC command type is Get Tip.

AM

Indicate current DCC command type is Automatic Move.

VT

Indicate current DCC command type is Vector Touch.

Probe Status

X, Y, Z

The X, Y and Z text boxes display the coordinate of the probe tip. Users can click on the UP/DOWN spin box [image] beside each of the text box to move the probe or modify directly on the text box to change the coordinate. The Update button [image] has to be clicked if the value is typed directly into the X, Y or Z text box. The probe will be moved to reflect the new X, Y and Z coordinate.

I, J, K

The I, J and K text boxes display the direction of the vector touch command.

A, B

These two text boxes display A and B probing angle. Users can click on the UP/DOWN spin box [image] beside each of the text box to change the probing angle. The corresponding tip name will be displayed above the A text box.

Editing Operations

Modify

Modify the current command to the new value specified in the probe status. Only the GT (get tip) and AM (automatic movement) commands can be modified. The CMM path will reflect the change right away.

Insert

Insert the command specified in the DCC type based on the value shown in the probe status. Only the GT (get tip) and AM (automatic movement) commands can be added. The CMM path will reflect the change right away.

Delete

Delete current command. Only the GT (get tip) and AM (automatic movement) DCC commands can be deleted. The CMM path will reflect the change right away.

See Also:

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path


Modify Reference Frame

This function is used to modify the coordinate system of the CAD model.

To modify a reference frame:

Select the menu item /Alignments/Reference Frame/Modify.

Use the left mouse button to pick a coordinate system on the view window. The mouse pointer has to be placed close to the origin of the coordinate system to be selected.

If there is any coordinate system picked by the mouse, a Pick Coord Sys Dialog will pop up for users to select a coordinate system. Click on the Accept button to accept current selection. The Modify Reference Frame Dialog will pop up for users to modify the reference frame.

See Also:

Construct Reference Frame

Recall Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame

Reference Frame Construction Methods

Alignment through Reference Frame


Modify Reference Frame Dialog

The Modify Reference Frame Dialog is the interface used to modify the reference frame.

Name

The name of the reference frame

Main Target Axis : X-Axis, Y-Axis and Z-Axis

The X-Axis, Y-Axis or Z-Axis is the main target axis that all the operations to be executed are based on this axis. For example, the Flip, Switch, Translate and Rotate operations will be executed with respect to the main target axis selected in this group.

Flip

When clicked, current selected main target axis and the target axis will be flipped to the opposite direction.

Target Axis: X-Axis, Y-Axis and Z-Axis

The target axis of X-Axis, Y-Axis or Z-Axis is the second target axis which is used together with the Flip and Switch operations.

Switch

When clicked, current selected main target axis and the target axis will be switched.

Translate

There are one edit box and one Execute button in this group. Select the main target axis, type in the value to be translated and then click on the execute button. The reference frame will be translated along the main target axis direction.

Rotate

There are one edit box and one Execute button in this group. Select the main target axis, type in the value to be rotated in degree and then click on the execute button. The reference frame will be rotated with respect to the main target axis.


Mouse pick

This approach is similar to the 3D Geometry inspection points generation. The difference is that users can use mouse to pick inspection points on the surface(s) instead of using the uniform grids. This inspection points generation method allows users to pick points from multiple surfaces and the first surface information will be used as the normal.

To create inspection points from 2D geometry:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Mouse Pick [image] and then use the left mouse button to click on the surface where the inspection points are to be generated.

A Pick Surface Dialog will pup up for you to select a surface. Click on the Accept button to select current active surface which is displayed in yellow. However, if the mouse is pointed on current active surface, then Pick Points Dialog will pop directly.

The Pick Points Dialog will pop up for you to specify the parameters to generated the inspection points.

Click on the Ok button to close this dialog. If the Report Check Box is checked, an Inspection Report Dialog will pop up for users to input tolerances and report options. If the Pick Report RefFrame Box is checked and the local CADPath reference frame exists, the Reference Frame Dialog, will pop up for users to select a reference frame for inspection report.  The nominal of current feature will be exported w.r.t. CAD reference frame while the measurement result will be reported w.r.t. the MP reference frame. If the MP RefFrame corresponding to current highlighted CAD reference frame in the dialog box shows NONE, then the mapping between the CAD reference frame and the MP reference frame doesn’t exist. Users can type in the MP RefFrame directly. It is very important to create the corresponding CAD reference frame in MP and save it to the right location to be able to output the correct inspection report.

Use the left mouse button to click a point on current active surface where the inspection point is to be generated. If the mouse is not pointed on current active surface, the Pick Points Dialog will pop up for you to select the surface where the inspection points are to be generated.

Double click on the left mouse button to finish this operation.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


Move Points

This operation is used to move the inspection points of current active inspection point cloud by using the mouse to drag and drop.

To move an inspection point:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Move Points.

Use the left mouse button to click on the point you want to move while keeps holding on the left mouse button. Drag the mouse to the desired new location and then drop (release the left mouse button).

If the inspection point to be moved is generated form 3D Geometry, users can simply drag and drop the inspection point as long as the new location is within the surface boundary on which the inspection points are generated originally. If the new inspection point's location is dropped outside of the surface boundary, the Pick Surface Dialog will pop up for users to select the surface on which the new inspection point is to be generated.

If the inspection point to be moved is not generated from the 3D Geometry interface, the Pick Surface Dialog will always pop up for user to select the surface to drop the inspection point.

Users can repeat the previous three steps to move other inspection points.

Double click on the left mouse button to end current operation.

See Also:

Delete Points

Flip Normal

Delete Inspection Point Cloud


Multiple Views of a Document

For each document, it can have multiple views and at any time only one view can be active.  The title bar of the active view is highlighted.  All view operations are directed toward the current active view.  To select a view to work on, the view must be activated by moving the mouse on the view window and clicking the left mouse button.  Each view can have different view perspectives such as view angle and zoom factor.  This multiple view feature can be used to view different side of a part at the same time.  It can also be used to zoom in a particular region to get more detailed view of that region.  The names of each view window will be listed under the /Window menu, so the user can also switch the active view by selecting the view window name listed under the /Window menu.

Four Views

Menu access:	/Window/Four Views

Button access:	[Four Views] button

Function:	Display current model in four standard views.

New Window

Menu access:	/Window/New Window

Function:	Creates a new window that views the same document.

Arrange Icons

Menu access:	/Window/Arrange Icons

Function:	Use this command to arrange the icons for minimized windows at the bottom of the main window.  If there is an open document window at the bottom of the main window, then some or all of the icons may not be visible because they will be underneath this document window.

Cascade Window

Menu access:	/Window/Cascade

Function:	Arranges windows in an overlapped fashion.

Tile Horizontal

Menu access:	/Window/Tile Horizontal

Function:	Use this command to vertically arrange multiple opened windows in a non-overlapped fashion.

Tile Vertical

Menu access:	/Window/Tile Vertical

Function:	Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows side by side.

1, 2, ... command (Window menu)

Menu access:	/Window/1,2,3,...

Function:	CADPath displays a list of currently open document windows at the bottom of the Window menu.  A check mark appears in front of the document name of the active window.  Choose a document from this list to make its window active

See Also:

Document Data

Working Unit of a Document

File Types and Operations

View Operations


Offset STL
Correct STL Offset

In some CADPath systems the STL file will be translated automatically to the positive X,Y,Z and users have no control on how the STL files are to be generated. The function is a quick solution to offset the STL model back to it's original CAD coordinate. The assumption me here is that the bounding box of the CAD model should be very close to the bounding box of the STL model.

To correct STL offset:

Select the menu item /Edit/Shading/Correct Offset. The imported STL model will be translated to it's original CAD model's coordinate system. The result might be wrong if the size of the CAD model's bounding box is not the same as the that of the STL file.

See Also:

Generate Shading


Operation for Inspection Points

In this section, three major groups of operations on inspection points will be introduced. The first group is the Inspection Point Generation, which includes the following six methods:

Point

2D geometry

3D geometry

Mouse pick

Projection

Import

The second group of operations are related to inspection point modifications which includes the following four operations:

Move Points

Delete Points

Flip Normal

Delete inspection point cloud

The third group is the Edit Properties. This group of operations includes:

Interfaces to edit the properties of the inspection point cloud

MeasureMax Links

Interfaces to modify the commands generated by MeasureMax Agents.

All the operations listed above can be executed through the menu under /Inspection/Insp. Points.


Operations for Reference Frame

There are four types of operations for reference frame as listed below.

Construct Reference Frame

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame


Organization of This User’s Guide

This User’s Guide explains how to use CADPath. It contains information describing the functions of CADPath and examples showing the user how to use each function step by step. The documentation consists of seven chapters and they are organized as follows:

Introduction

"Introduction" is an introduction to the CADPath program. It also provides information about the organization of this documentation, system requirements for running the program, installation instructions and how to launch CADPath from MeasureMax.

Graphics User Interface

"Graphics User Interface" is an overview of the graphics user interface of CADPath. It introduces the graphics tools used to interact with the program.

Document, View and Related Operations

"Document, View and Related Operations" discusses the document/view structure of the program and the relationship between a document and its views. It also covers document and view related operations such as file input/output and methods for view manipulations.

Probe Configuration

"Probe Configuration" explains the required parameters that setup the probe configuration. The topics covered include: setup the probe configuration unit, setup the probe dimension, setup the visible flag of the probe, setup the approach distance and the table level for inspection path planning, and setup the probe tip selection interval and export the tip calibration file.

Operation for Inspection Points

"Operation for Inspection Points" introduces all the operations related to the inspection points. These operations include: sampling a surface to create an inspection point cloud, edit the properties of an inspection point cloud, delete points from an inspection point cloud, and delete inspection point clouds.

Alignments

"Alignments" introduces two alignment approaches supported by CADPath. These two approaches are Alignment through Reference Frame and Alignment through Measurement Points (CAD Alignment).

CMM Path

"CMM Path" covers all the operations related to CMM path. These operations include: create CMM path, playback CMM path, verify CMM path on line, export CMM path to a part program, export selected tips to a tip file and clear CMM path.

Screen shots will also be used to illustrate the operations and functionality of the program.


Part Coordinate System (P.C.S.) and Machine Coordinate System (M.C.S.)

The part coordinate system (P.C.S.) is the coordinate system when a part is created in a CAD system. While the machine coordinate (M.C.S.) is the main reference of the CMM machine. The X, Y, and Z axis directions of the M.C.S. are the same whenever the CMM machine is powered on. However, the origin of the M.C.S. depends on the probe position when the machine is powered on.

Before a part can be measured automatically using a computer controlled CMM machine, the coordinate system of the CMM and the coordinate system of the part must be synchronized. In CADPath, alignments through reference frame can be achieved by constructing a reference frame of the same position and orientation on both the manufactured part and the CAD model.

Note:

In general, the part to be inspected can be arbitrarily placed on the CMM table. However, the orientation of the probe head is fixed to the M.C.S. The relationship between the M.C.S. and P.C.S. on the CMM machine can not be ignored. This is due to the fact that the relationship between the probe and the part becomes important as well when a part is inspected using multiple probing angles. If the orientations of the motorized probe head and the part are out of sync, the selection of the probing angles might become invalid. Therefore, the orientation of the reference frame constructed has to be very close to the machine coordinate for the reason that the orientation of the probe head should be synchronized as well.


Pick Points Dialog

This dialog is the interface used to create inspection points using mouse pick.

Common Properties

Active

This check box is used to control if current feature is to be included for the inspection path generation. If checked, current feature will be included in the inspection path.

Name

The name of current inspection point cloud.  The name also specifies the name of the feature to be stored when exported to a part program.  Feature names can be no more than 10 characters long and can consist only of letters (A, ... , Z), digits (0, ..., 9), periods and underline characters.  Also, users have to prevent using any name reserved by MeasureMax.

Type

This is the feature type to be measured.

Report

This check box is used to control if the Inspection Report Dialog is to be launched when the Ok button is clicked. Please refer to MeasureMax User’s Manual on how to specify the parameters in the Inspection Report Dialog.

Pick Report RefFrame

This check box is used to control if the Select Reference Frame Dialog will be launched for users to select a reference frame to report current feature.  The nominal of current feature will be exported with respect to the reference frame picked from the Select Reference Frame Dialog. However, if there is no mapping between CADPath reference frame and MP reference frame,  the default reference frames (CADPath current active reference frame and MP reference frame #1) will be used to report the position and orientation of current feature.

Save Points

This check box is used to control if the measurement points collected in the MP summation array are to be exported to a file. When this check box is checked, CADPath will issue a BufferDump function call right after the measurement motion control sequence.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Projection

Import


Playback CMM Path

To playback CMM path:

Change the zoom factor and the CAD model’s orientation so that each view window can be seen clearly.  Users can use multiple view windows as necessary to playback the CMM path.

Execute the operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path/Playback.

Users can hit the ESC key on the keyboard to stop playing CMM path. A message box will pop up to confirm this operation.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


Point

This method is used to generate one single inspection point. The nominal of this inspection point can be specified directly by users or picked from a surface. This interface also provides a projection function so that if the normal direction of the inspection point is not available, user can use this function to obtain the normal direction. The nominal value of the inspection point which includes the coordinate (x,y,z) and the normal vector (i,j,k) of the inspection point will be obtained by projecting the point (x, y,z) to the nearest surface. Both the point (x,y,z) and the normal (i,j,k) will be set to the value of the projected point which is on the projection surface.

To create an inspection point:

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Point [image] and then use the left mouse button to click on the surface where the inspection point is to be generated.

If the mouse is clicked on any surface, a Pick Surface Dialog will pup up for you to select a surface. The point on which the surface is picked will become the nominal ( (x,y,z) and (i,j,k) ) of the inspection point. However, if no surface is picked, the Point Dialog, will pop up right away for users to modify the coordinate (x,y,z) and normal (i,j,k) of the inspection point.

The Point Dialog, will pop up for users to modify the normal of the inspection point. Users have to click on the Set button to show the point on the screen. This dialog also provide a projection method for users to generate an inspection point by projecting a point onto the nearest surface.

Pick Surface Dialog

Click on the Ok button to close this dialog. If the Report Check Box is checked, an Inspection Report Dialog will pop up for users to input tolerances and report options. If the Pick Report RefFrame Box is checked and the local CADPath reference frame exists, the Reference Frame Dialog, will pop up for users to select a reference frame for inspection report.  The nominal of current feature will be exported w.r.t. CAD reference frame while the measurement result will be reported w.r.t. the MP reference frame. If the MP RefFrame corresponding to current highlighted CAD reference frame in the dialog box shows NONE, then the mapping between the CAD reference frame and the MP reference frame doesn’t exist. Users can type in the MP RefFrame directly. It is very important to create the corresponding CAD reference frame in MP and save it to the right location to be able to output the correct inspection report.

Reference Frame Dialog

See Also:

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


Point Dialog

This Point Dialog is the interface used to create one inspection point.

Point Dialog

Common Properties

Active

This check box is used to control if current feature is to be included for the inspection path generation. If checked, current feature will be included in the inspection path.

Name

The name of current inspection point cloud.  The name also specifies the name of the feature to be stored when exported to a part program.  Feature names can be no more than 10 characters long and can consist only of letters (A, ... , Z), digits (0, ..., 9), periods and underline characters.  Also, users have to prevent using any name reserved by MeasureMax.

Type

This is the feature type to be measured.

Report

This check box is used to control if the Inspection Report Dialog is to be launched when the Ok button is clicked. Please refer to MeasureMax User’s Manual on how to specify the parameters in the Inspection Report Dialog.

Pick Report RefFrame

This check box is used to control if the Reference Frame Dialog will be launched for users to select a reference frame to report current feature.  The nominal of current feature will be exported with respect to the reference frame picked from the Reference Frame Dialog.  However, if there is no mapping between CADPath reference frame and MP reference frame,  the default reference frames (CADPath current active reference frame and MP reference frame #1) will be used to report the position and orientation of current feature.  User can also type in the MP reference frame number directly in the MP RefFrame input box for the feature to be reported. It is very important that the corresponding MP reference frame with respect to. the CAD reference frame has to be created on the machine before users can use it.

Save Points

This check box is used to control if the measurement points collected in the MP summation array are to be exported to a file. When this check box is checked, CADPath will export a BufferDump function call right after the measurement motion control sequence.

Coordinate

X, Y, Z

The coordinate the inspection point.

I, J, K

The normal direction the inspection point.

Projection

When this button is clicked, the coordinate (x,y,z) of the inspection point will be projected to the nearest surface and the projected point's coordinate (x,y,z) and the normal direction (i,j,k) will be updated on the dialog box. The internal database won't be updated until users press the Set or Ok button.

See Also:

Point

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Projection

Import


Probe Configuration

In this section, five groups of options for probe configuration will be introduced. These options include:

Setup the probe configuration unit

Setup the probe dimension

Setup the visible flag of the probe

Setup the approach distance and the table level for inspection path planning

Setup the probe tip selection interval and export the tip calibration file

All the options listed above can be configured through the two sub menus under /Inspection/Setup.  There are two dialog boxes - the Probe Dimension Dialog and the Tip Selection Interval Dialog associated with these two sub menus.  This chapter will explain all the options in these two dialogs.


Probe Dimension Dialog

The Probe Dimension Dialog can be opened though the menu /Inspection/Setup/Probe Dimension.   The parameters specified in the Probe Dimension Dialog Box can be stored as the default values by clicking on the Save as Default button and the parameters can be restored to the dialog by clicking on the Restore Default button. There are four groups of options on this dialog and the roles of these four groups are summarized as follows.

UNITS :  There are two units, MM and INCH, available for users to input the probe dimensions.  Users have to change to the working unit after configuring the probe dimensions.

Probe Dimension :  There are five input parameters under the Probe Dimension group.  These five parameters are stylus length, probe length, probe diameter, tip diameter and offset angle.  These five parameters are used to setup the size and orientation of the probe.

Status :  There is only one visible flag under this group.  This visible flag will control whether the probe is visible or not.

Path Planning Parameters :  There are three parameters in this  group.  These three parameters are used for the generation of the CMM PATH.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

There are two major functions in the probe tip selection interval dialog.  The first function is to setup the probe tip selection interval so that the number of available probe tips can be constrained to some certain subsets of all the possible probe positions.  The second function is to export the subset of the probe tips to a tip calibration file.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Projection

The projection method is designed to generate inspection points by projecting the point cloud which contains a list of points (x,y,z) to the nearest surfaces to obtain the position and normal of the inspection points.

To create inspection points using the Projection method:

Select the menu item /File/Open  to open an ASCII Data File which contains a list of points (x,y,z) and will be imported as the point cloud. This feature will be displayed on the screen if this operation is successful.

Select the menu item /Inspection/Insp. Points/Projection.

A Point Cloud Selection Dialog will pup up for you to select a point cloud for projection. Please pick the point cloud imported from the first step. The point cloud selected will be projected to the nearest surface(s) to obtain the inspection points.

If this operation is successful, the inspection point cloud displayed in yellow will be shown on the screen.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog

Import


Recall Reference Frame

This function is used to select current active coordinate system of the CAD model.

To recall a reference frame:

Select the menu item /Alignments/Reference Frame/Recall.

Use the left mouse button to pick a reference frame on the view window. The mouse pointer has to be placed close to the origin of the reference frame to be selected.

If there is any coordinate system picked by the mouse, a Pick Coord Sys Dialog will pop up for users to select a coordinate system. Click on the Accept button to accept current selection. The CAD model will be transformed to the new coordinate right after users click on the Accept button.

See Also:

Construct Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame

Reference Frame Construction Methods

Alignment through Reference Frame


Reference Frame Construction Methods

There are seven reference frame construction methods supported by the system. The definition of each method is detailed as follows:

Default

Current active reference frame which is the same as the coordinate system displayed in Red (X axis) , Blue (Y axis) and Green (Z axis).

3 Planes

Use three planar surfaces as the references to construct a coordinate system. The intersection of the three planes is the origin of the coordinate system. The planes do not have to be orthogonal to each other but any of the two planes can not be parallel to each other. The first selected plane will be the XY plane. In other word, the normal direction of the first plane is the Z axis direction. The normal direction of the second plane will be projected to the first plane and becomes the X-axis direction. The third axis direction will be constructed automatically.

Circle + 1 Axis

Use one circle and one axis as the references to construct a coordinate system. The center of the circle will be the origin of the reference frame and the XY plane is on the same plane as the circle. The direction of the circle will become the Z axis direction. The X axis direction will be the projection of the reference axis to the XY plane. Please notice that the reference axis cannot be parallel to the direction of the reference circle.

2 Axes

Use two axes as the references to construct a coordinate system. The Z axis direction is the cross product of the two reference axis's directions. The XY plane is the plane with the Z-axis passing through the first reference axis. The first reference axis also becomes the X axis. The origin is the intersection point which is determined by the intersection point of the two axes projected to the XY plane.

1 Plane + 2 Axes

Use one plane and two axes as the references to construct a coordinate system. The XY plane is the fist reference plane. The X axis is determined by projecting the first reference axis to the first reference plane. The origin is the intersection point which is determined by the intersection point of the two axes projected to the reference plane.

1 Plane + 2 Circles

Use one plane and two circles as the references to construct a coordinate system. The XY plane is the fist reference plane. The X axis is determined by projecting the line constructed by the centers of the two circles to the first reference plane. The origin is the projection point of the first circle's center position.

3-2-1 Using Point Cloud

This method will construct a reference using the points in the point cloud. The X-Y plane will be constructed using the first three points in the point cloud. The X-axis direction will be determined using the third and fourth points that are projected to the X-Y plane.  Then the origin will be determined by the sixth point that is coordinate of the point projected to the X-Y plane and then to X-Axis.

See Also:

Construct Reference Frame

Recall Reference Frame

Modify Reference Frame

Delete Reference Frame

Alignment through Reference Frame


Select Reference Frame Dialog

This dialog will be opened from many different locations:

When users save the reference frame through MesureMax Links, this dialog will pop up for users to specify which corresponding CADPath reference frame to MAP to the MP reference frame. Users has to pick one reference frame from the RefFrame Listing list box. Please notice that,when there is no mapping on current highlighted CADPath reference frame, the MP RefFrame will shows NONE. If users click on the Default or Cancel button, the result won't be stored in CADPath database.

When users use the REPORT function directly from MeasureMax Liniks, this dialog will always pop up for users to choose which reference frame to be used for reporting. The corresponding norminals of the 2D or 3D geometry will be transformed to the CADPath reference frame users selected and then send the nominals to the report dialog. Users have to verify the position and the orienation of the MP reference frame is the same as the CADPath reference frame.

When users check both the Report and Pick Report RefFrame options in the Point, 2D geometry, 3D geometry and Mouse Pick Dialogs, this dialog will pop up. If users check the Report option but not the Pick Report RefFrame option, the report will use previous selected reference frame for reporting.

RefFrame Listing

This is a list of available CADPath reference frame.

MP RefFrame

This is the current mapping of current highlighted CADPath reference frame to the MP. If there is no mapping then this box will shows NONE.

Default

This button is used to select reference frame for reporting which is mapped directly to reference #1.

Ok

Accept current selection..

Cancel

Cancel and close current dialog.

See Also:

Point

Point Dialog

2D geometry

2D Geometry Dialog

3D geometry

3D Geometry Dialog

Mouse pick

Pick Points Dialog


Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level for Inspection Path Planning
Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

The approach distance and the table level are two parameters used by CADPath to generate CMM path.  The definitions of the these two parameters are described as follows:

Approach Distance (App Dist)

The approach distance is the distance measured from the tip center where the tip is in contact with the target point to the tip center along the target point’s surface normal direction.  This parameter is used to control the vector touch offset distance from the target point.

Note:

CADPath assumes that the Back Off Distance is the same as the approach distance.  Therefore, the part program exported to MeasureMax contains a command to set the back off distance at the beginning of the part program.

Definition of the Approach Distance (App. Dist)

Table Level

By default, CADPath assumes the lowest z coordinate of the model to be the CMM table location and the Table Level variable is set to zero at this location.  In some occasions, the part to be inspected might be lifted using fixtures or blocks.  This variable can be used to control the table level when the fixtures are not included as part of the CAD model imported to CADPath.  Users have to use this variable carefully.  Also, the collision detection won’t be available for any object not included in the CAD model.

Definition of the Table Level

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Setup the Clearance Angle

The angle is used to control the minimum probing angle that can be used to touch all the inspection points.  This angle is measured from the tangent plane of the inspection point to the probe angle used to measure that point.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

CADPath provides two units - MM and INCH for users to configure the probe.  All the parameters in the Probe Dimension Dialog that are unit dependent will be converted automatically when users switch between these two units.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Setup the Probe Dimension

There are five parameters in the probe dimension group.  The definitions of the first four parameters as shown in this figure and the definition of the offset angle is shows in this Figure.  These five parameters are used to control the size and orientation of the probe.  CADPath uses these parameters to approximate the geometry of Renishaw’s motorized probe head systems which include PH9, PH9A and PH10M.  The dimensions of the probe heads are fixed inside CADPath.

Definitions of the Probe Dimensions

Definition of the Offset Angle with the CMM X-axis  (Probe Angle A = 90, B = 90)

The definitions of these five parameters are defined as follows:

Stylus Length

The stylus length  is measured from the tip center to the position where the diameter of the stem is equal to the diameter of the tip diameter.  That is, the stylus length should be regarded as the Effective Working Length (E.W.L.) as shown in this figure.  In practice, the stylus length specified should be slightly less than the E.W.L. which provides clearance for inspection path generation.

Note:

The stylus length is configured slightly less than the actual E.W.L. The value to be subtracted depends on the accuracy of the manufactured  part.  In general, users can subtract 2 mm to 4 mm from the E.W.L. which should be sufficient for most of the manufactured parts.

Definition of the Effective Working Length (E.W.L.) of the Stylus

Probe Length

The probe length is measured from the mounting point of the probe head to the stylus mounting point of the probe.  If the E.W.L. is less than the total stylus length, the difference should be considered as an extension to the probe length.  For the example, if the actual probe length is 60 mm, the total stylus length is 35mm and the E.W.L. is 25 mm, The probe length could be specified as 70 mm which is calculated by adding the actual probe length (35 mm) with the difference (35 mm-25 mm)  between the total stylus length (35mm) and the E.W.L. (35 mm).

An Example of Probe Configuration

Probe Diameter

As shown in the figure, the probe diameter is defined as the largest cross section of the probe within the range of the probe length.  If the probe is composed of multiple elements, the probe diameter should be configured to be the one with the largest cross section.

Note

The probe diameter is configured slightly larger than the actual probe diameter defined above to add some clearance for the CMM inspection path.  For example, if the largest cross section diameter of the probe is 35 mm, users can assign 35 mm to the probe diameter parameter.  This will add 2.5 mm clearance zone to the largest section of the probe.

Tip Diameter

As shown in this figure, the tip diameter is defined as the diameter of the tip.

Note

The tip diameter is sometimes configured slightly larger than the actual tip diameter.  The value added to the actual tip diameter depends on the location of the features to be inspected and also the accuracy  of the manufactured parts.  For example, to inspect the internal step cylinder,  users can add a clearance zone (increase the tip diameter) so that the points that is too close to the bottom plane will be rejected by CADPath.

Definition of the Clearance Zone of the Tip

Offset Angle

The offset angle exists if the probe head is not aligned to the machine.  This angle is measured counterclockwise from the positive X axis direction of the machine to the probe position where both the A probe angle and B probe angle are 90 degrees.  This parameter becomes very important when users need to measure the features having very tight clearance for the probe to move around.  For example,  to inspect the cylindrical surfaces whose axis directions are not parallel to the Z axis of the machine, the stem of the probe stylus might touch the part if the offset angle exists.  By default, CADPath  assumes this offset angle to be zero.  Users can assign a value to this offset angle if it exists.

Note

This offset angle can be ignored for most of the cases if this angle is very small.

Column Width

The parameter is used to specify the dimension of the CMM’s Z-axis column. The dimension of the column(assumed square) is initially set the same value as the PH9/PH10 probe head.  The system will utilize this parameter to avoid collision of the column with the part when the inspection path is created.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

CADPath supports the following three motorized probe heads: PH9, PH9A and PH10M by RENISHAWTM.  These three motorized probe heads have the angular movement capabilities as shown below with a total of 720 (15x48) possible positions.

PH9/PH10 Angular Movement Capabilities

Axis	Descriptions

A Axis	0 - 105 in 7.5 steps = 15 positions

B Axis	-	180 - 180 in 7.5 steps = 48 positions

CADPath can fully utilize all these 720 possible probe positions.  In practice, certain subset of the 720 probe positions would be sufficient for most of the inspection tasks.  The purpose of the tip selection interval option is to limit the range of probing angles CADPath can choose.  There are two benefits from limiting the range of available probing angles.  The first benefit is to reduce the time to generate a part program.  The second benefit is that certain subset of probe tips can be calibrated once and reused through out any part program generated using the same probe tip selection interval.

To setup the tip selection interval :

Open the Tip Selection Interval Dialog, as shown below, through the menu /Inspection/Setup/Probe Interval.

Use the left mouse button to click on the A interval or the B interval slider bar to setup the tip selection interval.

Click on the OK button to accept current setup.

The default values for tip selection interval are 15 degrees for the A angle and 30 degrees for the B angle. In other word, CADPath will select the probing angles among  A = ( 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 or 105 ) and B = ( 0, 30, 60,  90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 ) with the total of 96 possible combinations.  If the A interval or the B interval is chosen as 0 degree, CADPath will set both the A interval and the B interval to 7.5 degrees.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Export the Tip Calibration File


Setup the Visible Flag of the Probe

The Visible check box in the Status group is used to control whether the probe is visible or not.  Users can check this box when configuring the probe dimension.  The size of the probe will be updated when users click on the Set or the Ok button.

See Also:

Probe Dimension Dialog

Setup the Probe Configuration Unit

Setup the Probe Dimension

Setup the Approach Distance and the Table Level

Setup the Clearance Angle

Probe Tip Selection Interval Dialog

Setup the Probe Tip Selection Interval

Export the Tip Calibration File


System Requirements

Currently, CADPath is only available for IBM PC-compatible Pentium class computers running Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0. For better performance, it is recommended that the system should have sufficient memory ( 32Mb or more is highly recommended ).


Take Points On-Line

This function is used to take measurement points manually using CMM.

To take points on line:

Choose the function through menu /Alignments/Take Points On-Line. The CMM must be on line to be able to use this function.

When this function is activated, the Take Points On Line Dialog as shown will pop up. Users have to assign a name for this point cloud.

Next, input the number of points to take and then click on the Measure button to start taking points on line. The total number of points taken will be displayed on the Total Points Taken text box in this dialog.

If the target points to be taken cannot be accessed using current tip, users can issue the get tip command to change the tip through the Function Command String text box and click on the Send button to send the commands directly to the the Machine. Users can also send out any valid function command strings to the machine.

Repeat the previous two steps to take points on line.

Click on the OK button to accept current point cloud. If users click on the Cancel button, the point cloud will be discarded.

See Also:

CAD Alignment

Create Reference Points for CAD Alignment

Using CAD Alignment


The Active Entity Bar

The active entity bar as shown below. It is used to show the names of the active point cloud, the active curve and the active surface.  The active entity bar can be either floating or docked under the view window.

See Also:

The Menus,

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar


The Control Box

The control box is the vertical window on the left of the view window and under the tool bar.  It contains 12 buttons which implement the most commonly used commands of CADPath.  Although these commands can be accessed through the menu, the tool box provides a more efficient way to access these commands with a single mouse click on the corresponding buttons.  When pointing the mouse cursor to a button, a tool tip box will pop up and explain the usage of the commands associated with the button.

The tool box is docked to the left of the view window.  The user can make the tool box float.  To make the tool box float, point the mouse cursor to the marginal region of the tool box, then hold down the left mouse button and drag the tool box out of its docked position. By moving the thin title bar of the floating tool box, the tool box can be docked back to the left of the view window. It can also be docked to the right of the view window.

See Also:

The Menus,

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar

View Operations


The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


The Menus

The main menu appears under the title bar of the frame window .  All of the operations of CADPath can be accessed through the menu.  A menu can be activated by pointing the mouse cursor to the menu name and clicking the left mouse button.  It can also be activated by holding down the <Alt> key and pressing the underscored letter of the menu name.  Sub menus of a pop up menu can be selected by clicking the left mouse button on the sub menu item, or typing the underscored letter of the sub menu, or using the arrow keys to select the sub menu item and typing the <Enter> key to activate the selected sub menu

See Also:

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar


The Scroll Bars

CADPath has three scroll bars.  They are called the Horizontal Scroll Bar, the Vertical Scroll Bar and the Z Scroll Bar.  These scroll bars are used for view manipulation (translation and rotation).

See Also:

The Menus,

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Status Bar


The Status Bar

The status bar is the horizontal window that appears on the bottom of the frame window. The status bar has five panes. The left pane is called the message pane and is used to display system messages.  When a tool tip of a command appears on the screen, a more detailed description of the command will be displayed in the message pane.  The zoom factor pane shows the zoom factor of the current active view. The magnification factor pane shows the magnification factor used to magnify the geometric deviation vectors in the active view and this pane is reserved for the future. The working unit pane shows the current working unit of the active document.  The time pane shows the current system time.

See Also:

The Menus,

The Tool Bar

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Status Bar


The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program

The Edit Inspection Features Dialog contains three groups of operations which include the interfaces to edit the properties of the inspection point cloud, the interfaces to launch the MeasureMax teaching agents and the interfaces to edit the MLB function commands.  In order to use this interface correctly and effectively, it’s very important to understand how CADPath manages the data.

This example shows the structure of CADPath exported part program. When compared with the interface of the Edit Inspection Features Dialog, the function name(s) in the function list box is associated with current highlighted feature in the feature list box. While the functions in the function list box are mapped to the indented function boxes ( the shaded boxes shifted right) shown in the structure of CADPath Exported Part Program.

When the part program is export to MeasureMax Visual Basic Teaching Shell, the entries in the Feature List Box will be exported by adding Measure_ to the beginning  of the feature name. While the entries in the Function List Box will be exported exactly the same name as they are shown in the list box. Therefore, users have to check if there is any duplicated names both in the Feature List Box and the Function List Box when modifying these entries manually.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Verify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


The Tool Bar

The horizontal window appearing under the main menu bar is the tool bar.  Users can click a button on the tool bar to carry out the associated commands.  The commands associated with the tool bar buttons will be discussed in the subsequent chapters.

When the mouse cursor is pointed to a button, a yellow message box will appear to briefly describe the function associated with the button.  The yellow message box is called tool tip box.

See Also:

The Menus,

The Control Box

The Active Entity Bar

The Scroll Bars

The Status Bar


Verify CMM Path

The CMM path must be created first to be able to execute this function.  The verification of CMM path can be executed on line or off line.  The off line operation of this function is the same as the playback operation.  For on line operation, the CMM machine must be on line and connected properly to MeasureMax.

To verify CMM path on line:

Change the zoom factor and the CAD model’s orientation so that each view window can be seen clearly.  Users can use multiple view windows to monitor the CMM path.

Execute the operation through the menu /Inspection/CMM Path/Verify.

Use the Remote Control Unit of the CMM machine to move the probe above the part and press [RECORD] to continue.

Use the Remote Control Unit of the CMM machine to change to slow traveling mode and press [RECORD] to continue.

Press [RECORD] on the Remote Control Unit of the CMM machine to start verifying  inspection path.

Users can hit the ESC key on the keyboard to stop verifying inspection path.  A message as shown below will pop up to confirm this operation. If No is selected,  the verification process will continue.

If Yes is selected for the above message box,  the dialog box as shown below will prompt users for the command that is aborted.  Users can stop verifying CMM Path by selecting NO in the message box.  If Yes is selected, the program will skip previous command and continue the verification process.

Note

The inspection path can be executed based on the assumption that all the tips selected by CADPath path have been calibrated.  If there is any tip not been calibrated, users have to follow the following procedures to calibrate all the tips selected by CADPath

Export all the tips selected by CADPath to a tip file.

Save current model.

Exit CADPath and then use the tip calibration utility to calibrate all the tips defined in the tip file.

Launch CADPath again. Open the saved CADPath file and then start verifying CMM path.

See Also:

The Flow Chart to Create a Part Program

Create CMM Path

Playback CMM Path

Modify CMM Path

Export CMM Path to a Part Program

Export Selected Tips to a Tip File

Clear CMM Path

The Structure of CADPath Exported Part Program


View Operations

View operations are used to change the aspects of a view.  View operations include zooming, translation/rotation of view, setting pivot point for view rotation, and selecting preprogrammed standard views.

Zooming

Zooming functions enable the user to get a more detailed view of a particular region or to make all the content of a document fit into a view window.  There are five zooming functions available.  These functions and their access methods are summarized as follows.

Zoom In/Out

Menu access:	/View/Zoom/Zoom In/Out

Button access:	[Zoom In/Out] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	Changing the zoom factor of the current active view window by holding the left mouse button and dragging up and down to zoom the model dynamically

Zoom Box

Menu access:	/View/Zoom/Zoom Box

Button access:	[Zoom Box] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	Setting the mouse to Zoom Box Mode

Under this mode, the user can point the mouse cursor to the top left corner of the region of interest, then hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse toward the bottom right corner of the region of interest.  A rubber band rectangle will appear on the current active view window.  When the mouse button is released, the region surrounded by the rubber band rectangle will be zoomed in to fit into the view window.  When zoom box mode is set, the [Zoom Box] button on the tool box will be depressed until the zoom box operation is finished or any key is pressed.

Zoom All

Menu access:	/View/Zoom/Zoom All

Button access:	[Zoom All] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	Calculating a zoom factor such that all the geometric entities of the document fit into the current active view window

Zoom Factor

Menu access:	/View/Zoom/Zoom Factor

Button access:	None

Function:	Bringing up the Set View Zoom Factor dialog box as shown in below for the user to change the zoom factor

Initially, the current zoom factor is shown in the New Factor box.  To change the zoom factor, type the desired zoom factor in the New Factor box and then hit the <Enter> key or click the [OK] button.  If the [Cancel] button is clicked, the new zoom factor is discarded and the current zoom factor will remain unchanged.

Increase/Decrease Display Density for All Curves and Surfaces

Increase Display Density

Menu access:	/View/Display Density/Increase

Button access:	[Increase Display Density] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	To increase the display smoothness of all curves and surfaces.

Decrease Display Density

Menu access:	/View/Display Density/Decrease

Button access:	[Decrease Display Density] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	To decrease the display smoothness of all curves and surfaces.

Switch Model Display Mode between Wire frame and Shading

Display Wireframe

Menu access:	/View/Wireframe

Button access:	[Display Wireframe] button [image] on the tool 	box

Function:	To switch the model display in wireframe mode .

Display Shading

Menu access:	/View/Shading

Button access:	[Display Shading] button [image] on the tool box

Function:	To switch the model display in shading mode.

View Manipulation Using Scroll Bars

The user can use the three scroll bars in combination with the scroll bar mode control buttons on the control box to change the view angles of the current active view.  To understand operations which change the view angles, it is necessary to introduce the view coordinate system  and the world coordinate system.

As shown below, the View Coordinate System is a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system defined at the center of the view window with its x-axis pointing to the right, the y-axis pointing upward, and the z-axis perpendicular to the screen and pointing out from the screen plane toward the user.  When the view window is resized or moved, the origin of the view coordinate system is always attached to the center of the view window, and the orientation of the view coordinate system is always fixed as shown below.  View coordinate system is not displayed in the view window.

The World Coordinate System is the reference coordinate system for all the geometric entities contained in a document.  The world coordinate system can be displayed or hidden by selecting menu /View/Axes/World Axes.  The user can also show/hide the orientation axes of the world coordinate system by selecting menu /View/Axes/Orient Axes  When a new document is opened, the world coordinate system initially coincides with the view coordinate system.  By applying translation and rotation operations, the relative position and orientation between the world coordinate system and the view coordinate system can be changed, thus the different aspects of the document data can be viewed.

If we take the world coordinate system as the reference coordinate system, the change of view aspects can be thought of as the change of the position and orientation of the view coordinate system with respect to the world coordinate system.  In the analogy of storage room and the window on the wall, this relation is similar to moving the window around to see the inside of the storage room from different position and angle.

On the other hand, if we take the view coordinate as the reference coordinate system, then we can think that the view manipulations change the position and orientation of the world coordinate system with respect to the view coordinate system.  In the analogy of storage room and the window on the wall, this relation is similar to fixing the window on the wall and moving/rotating everything inside the room together so that we can see them from different view angles.  For ease of explanation, we choose the later approach.  That is the all the view operations transform the world coordinate system with respect to the view coordinate system.

View Coordinate System

The transformation of the world coordinate system with respect to the view coordinate system can be achieved by using the three scroll bars.  These scroll bars are used in both translation and rotation modes. The operation procedures are summarized as follows:

Translation

Make sure that the [Translation] button [image] on the control box is depressed.  If it is not, click the button or select menu /View/Set Scroll Bar To/Translation to set the scroll bar operation mode to the Translation mode.

Move the horizontal scroll bar to translate the world coordinate system along the x axis of the view coordinate system; move the vertical scroll bar to translate the world coordinate system along the y axis of the view coordinate system.  In translation mode, the z scroll bar is disabled.

Rotation

Make sure that the [Rotation] button [image] on the control box is depressed.  If it is not, click the button or select menu /View/Set Scroll Bar To/Rotation to set the scroll bar operation model to the Rotation mode.

Move the horizontal scroll bar to rotate the world coordinate system around a rotation axis parallel to the y axis of the view coordinate system; or move the vertical scroll bar to rotate the world coordinate system around a rotation axis parallel to the x axis of the view coordinate system; or move the z scroll bar to rotate the world coordinate system around a rotation axis parallel to the z axis of the view coordinate system.

Setting Pivot Point of Rotation

When performing a rotational transformation, the rotation is carried out with respect to a rotation center.  This center of rotation is called the Pivot Point of Rotation.  When using the three scroll bars to rotate the world coordinate system, the three rotation axes for the three scroll bars all pass the pivot point of rotation, as shown below.  Since the rotation of world coordinate system is carried out around the pivot point, the position of the pivot point itself with respect to the view coordinate system will not change during a rotation operation.

When a new document file is opened, the pivot point is initially set to the origin of the world coordinate system.  Therefore, when rotating the world coordinate system, the origin of the world coordinate system will remain at the same point on the screen.  However, it is often desirable to set the pivot point to points other than the origin of the world coordinate system.  Considering the case where a geometric entity such as a surface is quite distant from the origin of the world coordinate system, if the pivot point is at the origin of the world coordinate system, then it is very easy that the surface will be rotated out of the range of the view window.  In this case, if the user is interested in viewing the surface from different angles, then it is desirable to set the pivot point of rotation to the center of the surface so that the rotation is around the center of the surface.  In CADPath, the user can set the pivot point to the center of different entities by a single click of the corresponding button on the control box or by selecting the corresponding menu items.  Four operations are available for setup the pivot point. These operation are summarized as follows:

Setting Pivot Point to World Center

Menu access:	/View/Set Pivot To/World Center

Button access:	[Set Pivot To World Center] button

Function:	Setting the pivot point of rotation to world center which is the center of the total bounding box of all the geometric entities contained in the document.

Setting Pivot Point to Center of Active Point Cloud

Menu access:	/View/Set Pivot To/Active Pnt Cloud Center

Button access:	[Set Pivot To Active Pnt Cloud Center] button

Function:	Setting the pivot point of rotation to the center of the active point cloud entity.

Setting Pivot Point to Center of Active Curve

Menu access:	/View/Set Pivot To/Active Curve Center

Button access:	[Set Pivot To Active Curve Center] button

Function:	Setting the pivot point of rotation to the center of the current active curve entity.

Setting Pivot Point to Center of Active Surface

Menu access:	/View/Set Pivot To/Active Surface Center

Button access:	[Set Pivot To Active Surface Center] button

Function:	Setting the pivot point of rotation to the center of the active surface entity.

Mouse-based View Manipulation

In stead of using the scroll bars, the user can drag the mouse in a view window to continuously translate, rotate and zoom in/out  the world coordinate system with respect to the view coordinate system.  To use the mouse for view manipulation, you must press the <Ctrl> key and then drag the mouse in the view window.

<Ctrl> + Left Mouse Button	Rotation

<Ctrl> + Right Mouse Button	Translation

<Ctrl> + Left + Right Mouse Button	Zoom In/Zoom Out

Standard Views

CADPath has eight pre-programmed standard view angles preset for users.  The standard views are defined the same way users look at the machine. For example, the front view of the CAD model is the same way as users look at the part by standing in front of the machine.

The standard views can be accessed by either selecting the options of menu /View/Standard View/Top...Axonometric or by clicking the right mouse button when the  mouse cursor is within the view window  as shown below.

See Also:

Multiple Views of a Document

Document Data

Working Unit of a Document

File Types and Operations


Working Unit of a Document

Each document has a working unit shown on the working unit pane of the status bar.  CADPath supports 10 different units: Inch, Millimeter, Foot, Mile, Meter, Kilometer, Mil(i.e. 0.001 inch), Micron, Centimeter, and Microinch. When a new empty document is created, the default working unit is millimeter.  The user must change the working unit to Inch or Millimeter by selecting the menu /View/Set Sys Unit To/ Inch or Millimeter.

See Also:

Multiple Views of a Document

Document Data

File Types and Operations

View Operations