Scanning

Option to Contour-Measurement in GEOPAK-Win

User's manual v. 1.5

 Contents
Introduction

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................4

2 MEASUREMENT METHODS: OVERVIEW...............................4

3 START OF SCANNING ...................................................................5

3.1 THE SYMBOLS........................................................................................ 5
3.2 SCANNING FROM THE TOOLBAR ............................................................. 6

4 MANUAL CMM ................................................................................7

4.1 TOUCH TRIGGER .................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Closed Contour........................................................................................7
4.1.2 Compensation of Radius of Probe ..........................................................7
4.2 FIXED PROBE ......................................................................................... 8
4.2.1 Closed Contour........................................................................................8
4.2.2 Compensation of Radius of Probe ..........................................................8

5 CNC SCANNING ..............................................................................9

5.1 AUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT “ON“........................................................ 9
5.1.1 The procedure .........................................................................................9
5.1.2 The CNC Scan Dialogue .........................................................................9
5.1.3 The Driving Strategies ...........................................................................10
5.1.4 Pitch and Safety Distance .....................................................................11
5.2 OPEN CONTOUR ................................................................................... 12
5.3 RECORDING OF CONTOURS WITH “AUTOMATIC ELEMENT“ ................. 13
5.4 SCANNING WITH MEASUREMENT PROBE.............................................. 13
5.5 CLAMP AXIS WITH MPP- 4 OR MPP- 5................................................ 14

6 CNC OFF..........................................................................................15
6.1 MANUAL SCANNING BY CMM ............................................................ 15
6.2 SAVE AND EXPORT CONTOUR .............................................................. 16
6.2.1 Save Contour.........................................................................................16
6.2.2 Transfer Contour into an External System ............................................17
6.2.3 Load Contour .........................................................................................18
6.2.4 Load Contour from External Systems ...................................................18

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 Contents
Introduction

6.3 MANIPULATE CONTOUR ....................................................................... 20

6.3.1 Scale Contour ....................................................................................... 20
6.3.2 Mirror Contour ....................................................................................... 21
6.3.3 Move / Rotate Contour.......................................................................... 21
6.3.4 Create Offset-Contour........................................................................... 22
6.3.5 Middle Contour...................................................................................... 24
6.3.6 Prepare Leading Contour...................................................................... 25
6.3.7 Activate Leading Contour...................................................................... 25
6.3.8 Scanning with Guiding Contour ............................................................ 27
6.3.9 Loop Counter ........................................................................................ 29
6.3.10 Recalculate Contour from Memory/ Copy............................................. 29
6.3.11 Contour Connection Element................................................................ 30

7 APPENDIX 1 ................................................................................... 31
7.1 TYPES OF CO-ORDINATE SYSTEMS ....................................................... 31
7.1.1 Cartesian co-ordinates.......................................................................... 31
7.1.2 Cylindrical co-ordinates......................................................................... 32
7.1.3 Sperical co-ordinates ............................................................................ 32

8 APPENDIX 2 ................................................................................... 34
8.1 SAFETY DISTANCE ............................................................................... 34
8.1.1 Definition ............................................................................................... 34
8.1.2 High speed ............................................................................................ 34

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 Introduction

1 Introduction
With the Scanning option in our base program GEOPAK-Win, you have at
your disposal a function which makes possible to
record contours and surfaces

realize nominal actual comparisons with contours

calculate geometrical elements at the contour after scanning

import contours from external systems, respectively export them to

systems.

Basically, all functions of the base program GEOPAK-Win are at your

disposal, from learn mode via the repeat mode to the diagram or output. In this
online help, you can find, among other things, information about the special
features of the Scanning. Select the path via the table of contents or the index.

2 Measurement Methods: Overview

According to CMM, probing system and task, we offer different methods to
record a contour (take the listing of the individual topics from the Table of
Contents )

Manual CMM
Scanning with touch trigger
Scanning with rigid probe

CMM with CNC

Touch trigger Scanning

Scanning with measurement probe

In each of these cases, you have the possibility to select between

Measurement without specification of start and end point. With the
automatic start and end, you can assure the repeatability, also in
manual mode.
Measurement without specification of start-end point. This option is
more for the single and learn mode. Perhaps you want to get a first
impression of the contour.

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Start of SCANNING

3 Start of SCANNING
In order to start the Scanning function, you have two possibilities
via the menu bar/Element and the function “Contour“

With one click on the symbol (see above)

In any case, you get the dialog window “Element Contour“.

3.1 The Symbols

Measurement and Theoretic Element. Activate alternatively one

of the two symbols and validate.
With “Measure“, another dialogue window appears “Manual
Scanning“ or CNC Scanning. Conclusive is which kind of CMM
you dispose of respectively if you have activated the CNC function.
Via the second symbol, you can call a theoretical contour (nominal
contour). In the following search window, select your file according
to Windows conventions. It can be a file with the “gws“ extension.
This shortening means “GEOPAK-Win Scanning“. Further formats
as follows:

In the „Contour“ window, open the list of the data

type via the symbol.
Select by mouse click your data type from this list
The contour is loaded into the working storage. It is recorded in the
element list, in the result field (indications concerning the plane,
closed or open contour, number of measured points) and as a
diagram. With this nominal contour, the criterion for a comparison
of nominal and actual values is given.

Graphics of measurement and measurement with voice

comment. You can support the measurement process graphically and/or with
a sound.

Automatic Element finished. If you activate this symbol, also the

element is finished after the end of the measurement.

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 Start of SCANNING

It could however become necessary to carry out a probe change

or to interrupt scanning due to a difficulty. That would mean that
you record the contour in several intervals. In these cases, you
certainly will not finish the element automatically.

Automatic Measurement. If this function is at “On" or “Off” position is

not important when working with a manual CMM.

3.2 Scanning from the toolbar

In the main window of GEOPAK-Win, you find a toolbar on the left hand side,
among others with the symbols.

CNC Scanning with touch trigger and

exit CNC Scanning.

With one click on these symbols, you can start or finish a measurement.

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Manual CMM

4 Manual CMM
4.1 Touch Trigger

You measure with a touch trigger. Thereto, you must activate the symbol
in the dialogue window “Manual Scanning“.

If you want to work with a start and end point, activate the functions with
the symbol. You can select between the three co-ordinate system types (see
in addition detailed topic “Types of Co-ordinate System “ ) and respectively
enter the values in the text fields or
select the current position of the CMM with one click on the
symbol.

4.1.1 Closed Contour

Below the “End Point“, you can also select the “Closed Contour“ with one
click on the symbol. The co-ordinates of the start point (end point = start point)
are relevant.
Therefore, the pitch is deactivated because when measuring with the touch
trigger each point is stored.

4.1.2 Compensation of Radius of Probe

Via the symbol (on the left), when clicking with the mouse button, the
compensation of radius of probe is automatically executed at the end of
measurement.

Via one of the three „Symbols for Plane“ – here, the YZ plane is
activated - you adjust the CMM for the plane, in which compensation shall
take place.

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 Manual CMM

4.2 Fixed Probe

You measure with a fixed probe. You must activate the symbol in the
dialogue window “Manual Scanning“.

If you want to work with a start and end point, activate the functions with
the symbol. In any case, you can
input the co-ordinates for the X, Y and Z axis into the text fields or
select the current position of the CMM with one click on the
symbol.

4.2.1 Closed Contour

Below “End Point“, you can also select “Closed Contour” with one click
on the symbol. The reference are the co-ordinates of the start point (end point
= start point).
With the fixed probe, points are continuously recorded. You determine the
pitch in millimetres in the corresponding text field.

4.2.2 Compensation of Radius of Probe

When clicking the symbol (on the left), compensation of radius of probe is
automatically carried out at the end of the measurement.

Via one of the three „Symbols for Plane“ – here, the YZ plane is
activated - you adjust the CMM for the plane, in which compensation shall
take place.

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5 CNC Scanning
5.1 Automatic Measurement “On“
With this method of recording the measurement points, all functions of the
CNC Scanning dialogue are at your disposal. This way, you can decide
yourself, e.g. for a driving strategy which corresponds to your special
measurement task. Those can be, among others, measurements in the planes
or on rotating parts.

5.1.1 The procedure

Start the function via the symbol in the main window of

GEOPAK-Win.

In the following dialogue window “Element Contour“ pay

attention that the functions “Measure“ and

“Measure Automatic“ will be activated one after another.

Via this symbol, you determine whether the element must

also be finished or not after having finished the measurement.
Confirm via “OK“.

5.1.2 The CNC Scan Dialogue

The following dialogue window “ Touch Trigger Scanning CNC“ is, by means
of the symbols and speech bubbles, to a very large extent self-describing.

You can realize scanning, e.g. from the left or the right
side.

If you determine start and end point, you can alternatively work
with one of the three Types of Co-ordinate System.

Cartesian Co-ordinate System

Cylindrical Co-ordinate System

Sphere Co-ordinate System

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 CNC Scanning

5.1.3 The Driving Strategies

When choosing one driving plane, you determine your

driving strategy.
With the three planes XY, XZ and YZ, you determine in the co-
ordinates of the part that scanning is carried out analogously to
these planes. The third co-ordinate remains always constant. It is
determined from the start point.

Strategy of RZ: The driving plane is determined through the axis

Z and the angle Phi in the plane XY. This co-ordinate - here the
angle Phi - remains constant and is determined from the start
point.
This strategy of RZ is especially applied with borders on rotating
parts.

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Strategy of Phi-Z: The driving plane is determined through the

axis Z and a constant radius in the XY plane. So you can scan
contours on a cylinder covering. This co-ordinate (here radius R)
determines the cylinder radius and is located from the start point.

What you must know

Activate this symbol only if you work with a MPP 4 or MPP 5. With
one mouse-click, you then clamp an axis. See detailed topic “Clamp
Axis with MPP 4/5 “.

If you have selected a closed contour, start point = end point.

Therefore, in this instance, the co-ordinates of the end point are
deactivated.

With the direction vector you determine, into which direction the
first probing must be carried out.

5.1.4 Pitch and Safety Distance

The pitch determines the distance between two measurement points. Smaller
pitches have a greater number of measurement points. Thus, the test
procedure becomes slower, but more exact.
Because with scanning, the pitch is considerably smaller than with
measurement of geometrical elements, here, you also require a different
safety distance. The following applies: As small as possible - as large as
required. (For details refer to the topic “Safety Distance “ )
Notice: The scanning speed has reference to only one measurement probe
(for details see the topic “Scanning with Measurement Probe “)

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 CNC Scanning

5.2 Open Contour

In contrast to manual scanning, you must always work with a start and end
point at CNC-Scanning.

You can, at a time

input the co-ordinates for the X, Y and Z axis into the text fields or
select the current position of the CMM with one click on the
symbol.

When deciding for an open contour, the symbol for the closed contour must
(for details refer to the topic “CNC Scanning: Automatic Measurement 'On' “)
be disabled.

In the context of your measurement task, however, it is quite

possible that only the values of one axis are significant. The values of the
other axis are not relevant. That is, that scanning is finished at the moment, in
which the “Significant Axis“ is reached. Then the value of the other axis is
ignored. Therefore, we call this option “Ignore Axis“ (see symbols above).

The symbols for the function “Ignore Axis“

correspond imperatively with its driving strategy (picture on the left), which you
determine the same way in the dialogue window “CNC Scanning“.

Ignore First Axis Ignore Second Axis

Plane Ignore Plane Ignore

XY X XY Y

YZ Y YZ Z

ZX Z ZX X

RZ R RZ Z

Phi-Z Phi Phi-Z Z

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5.3 Recording of Contours with “Automatic Element“

If you want to determine a contour e.g. with the function “Automatic Circular
Measure Mode“,
start the Scanning (for details refer to the topic “Start SCANNING“)
and

in the window “Contour of Element“ disable the “Automatic

Measurement“ (symbol on the left hand).
the following window appears “Measurement Display“.
The toolbar on the left margin of the GEOPAK-Win main window is
activated.
Click on “Automatic Circular Measure Mode“, the dialogue window
belonging to is displayed, and you continue as usual.

5.4 Scanning with Measurement Probe

The CMM control mechanism is guiding the measurement probe continuously
along the contour. Analogously to the rigid probe with the manual CMM, you
determine with the pitch in which interval the points must be recorded.
In the dialogue “CNC Scanning with Measurement Probe“ additionally, you
can adjust the Scanning speed. Take the optimal speed from your descriptive
documents about probing system and CMM. Generally applies: More
adjustment and distinction of the direction become necessary, lower you
should set the speed (mm/s).
For details refer to the topic “CNC Scanning: Automatic Measurement 'On' “ .

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 CNC Scanning

5.5 Clamp Axis with MPP- 4 or MPP- 5

You have a probe type MMP-4 or MPP-5. Thus, you are provided with the
function “Clamp Axis“. The function is effecting that the CMM does not leave
the co-ordinate of this “clamped“ machine axis during measurement. However,
you must have selected a driving strategy for the driving planes XY, XZ or YZ.
In the strategies RZ and Phi Z, it is not possible to clamp.
Start Scanning as described in “Start CNC“.

In the window “CNC Scanning with Measurement Probe“ the

symbol (left side) is activated in contrast to “ Touch Trigger
Scanning“. You must click the symbol.

Absolutely make sure that the positioning of your part on the CMM is
made in such a way that the driving plane you selected is situated parallel to a
CMM axis.
You find detailed information to CNC Scanning in the topic “CNC Scanning:
Automatic Measurement “On“!

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6 CNC off
6.1 Manual Scanning by CMM
Even with a CCM with CNC, you have the possibility to scan manually.
Deactivate the CNC function via the menu bar/CMM and the
function “CNC ON/OFF“.

In this case, the CMM control signal light is getting green

(at the bottom left hand corner in the status bar of the GEOPAK-
Win main window).
You can only measure with the Joysticks.

Automatic Measurement “On“:

A dialogue appears “Manual Scanning“.
Automatic Measurement “Off“:
In this case, you get immediately the window “Measurement Display“.

For the rest, refer to the topic “Manual CMM - Touch Trigger“.

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6.2 Save and Export Contour

6.2.1 Save Contour
In order to save your work results and to be able to cue it any time you want,
you would like to save your contour.
Via the menu bar and the functions "Output / Save Contour" the
window "Save Contours" is displayed.

Via the symbol, you open the list of elements and activate via
mouse click the contour, you want to save.

For details as to whether and how to use the loop counter

refer to the topic "Loop Counter".

From the list field "Contour File" or

via the symbol, you open the window "Save Contour as".
You have the following four options to save your files:

• as gws file (GEOPAK-Win),

• as SCT file (SCANPAK-3),

• as mbs file (Metris) or

• as txt file for Transpak

Select "Your" file and the storage location according to Windows
conventions and confirm.
You must enter the path of your contour file in the "Select Contour
" window.

In the list box "Select Contour", you define the contour of your
choice.
Attach. Clicking on the button "Attach" gives you the possibility to
attach a new contour to an already existing one. This option is
applicable only to the gws file type (GEOPAK-Win).
Confirm.

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6.2.2 Transfer Contour into an External System

Whenever you export a contour to an external system, you always load an
ASCII-file. In particular, external systems are, for instance ...

• CAD systems,
• Programming places,
• Part programs for machine-tools.

You proceed in the following way

You click on the menu "Output" and the function "Export

Contour" in the menu bar within the GEOPAK-Win main window.
You get to the window "Export Contour".

Using the arrow in the top list box, you select the contour you
want to export.

you specify, in the format type list box, the format of the
ASCII-file you want to export.
You use the text box "Contour File" to save by ...
• Entering the file name, or ...

• you select a folder via the symbol. You can also overwrite
an existing file.
In the bottom section of the window you define whether
• you want to accept the driver defaults, or whether...
• the contour data in the ASCII-file is to be available in
millimetres or inches.

Further functions
In case the external systems differentiates between the two contour forms

2D-contour or ...

3D- contour – this depends on the properties of the driver -

an alternative selection is possible. The question is whether the contour output
will be performed in a projected way.
It is, off course, possible to re-import (read-in) an exported file.

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6.2.3 Load Contour

You have already created a nominal contour and now, for example, you want
to load it for the purpose of comparing the nominal contour to the actual one.

Via the symbol or the menu bar ("Element/Contour"), you get access to
the window "Element Contour".

Click the symbol in this window and you get to the window "Load
Contour".

According to Windows conventions and using this symbol you define the
contour of your choice and confirm.

6.2.4 Load Contour from External Systems

Whenever you import a contour from an external system, your always load an
ASCII-file. In particular, external systems are, for instance

• CAD systems,
• Programming places,
• Part programs for machine-tools.

You proceed in the following way

You click on the symbol (on the left) on the symbol bar in the
GEOPAK-Win main window, or on the menu "Element" and the
function "Contour".
You get to the window "Element Contour" (for details regarding
options applicable to all elements, such as, e.g. "Measure", etc.,
please see under the topic Contour).

In this window, you click on the symbol "Import Contour" (on

the left) and you come to the window "import Contour".

You must remember that you overwrite an existing contour

by selecting an already existing memory number. Before
you actually overwrite, you will be asked a safety check
question.

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Using the arrow in the top list box, you select the driver for the
external system. By doing this, you specify the format of the
ASCII-file you want to load.
In the text box "Contour File"

• You enter the file name, or ...

• you select an already existing contour file.

In the text box "Pitch" you specify the minimum distance at which
the points on the contour are required to be calculated.
In the bottom section of the window you define whether

• you want to accept the driver defaults, or whether

• the contour data in the ASCII-file is to be available in

millimetres or inches.

Further functions

Set End Point: You two more points close to the start and end point
of each element.
Effect in case of interpolation calculations: at the transition between the
elements, the calculated points keep as close as possible to the given
elements. This function influences the results only in cases where circle and
line elements are available in the ASCII-file. This function does not make any
sense in cases where only points are available.

Sort Order of Points: Using this function you sort the points in
such a way that an ordered succession of points is produced. You would use
this function above all in cases where the points come, e.g. from a CAD
system in a disordered array.

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6.3 Manipulate Contour

A mouse-click on the menu topic "Contour" provides you with various
possibilities to manipulate your contour (position, shape, etc.). The
manipulation is done to the original contours, that is, no new contours are
created. You can cancel any changes made. All functions are of the teach-in
type to be used for the repeat mode.

For details as to whether and how to use the loop counter, please refer to
the title "Loop Counter".

All contours are processed in the actual co-ordinate system, that is,
not necessarily in the system where they were measured.
This is what you can do with the contour:

Scale,
Mirror,
Move,
Create Offset-Contour.
You can also "Cancel Points". You activate this function, however, using the
menu "Elements".

6.3.1 Scale Contour

For details regarding general principles see under "Manipulate Contour".

You proceed in the following way:

You click in the menu bar on Contour/Scale and come to the
dialogue window "Scale Contour".

Using the arrow, you select an already existing contour.

You enter the scale factors into the text boxes X, Y and Z and
confirm.
All points of the contour are multiplied - relative to the origin of the actual
co-ordinate system - by these factors.

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6.3.2 Mirror Contour

For details regarding general principles see under "Manipulate Contour".
You proceed in the following way:
You click in the menu bar on Contour/Mirror and come to the
dialogue window "Mirror Contour".

Using the arrow, you select an already existing contour.

Using the symbols, you select one of the planes relative to which
you want to mirror the contour, and then you confirm.
The order of points is inverted. The object is, in particular, to establish from the
original and the mirrored contour one common contour (in one sense of
rotation) (for details see under the topic "Connection Element Contour").

6.3.3 Move / Rotate Contour

All points of the contour are first moved and then rotated -
relative to the origin of the actual co-ordinate system.
For details regarding general principles see under "Manipulate Contour".

You proceed in the following way:

You click in the menu bar on "Move/Rotate Contour" and come to
the dialogue window "Move/Rotate Contour".

Using the arrow, you select an already existing contour.

You enter the "move" figures into the text boxes X, Y and Z, and
then you confirm.
If you then still want to rotate the contour around an axis, you use
the symbols to select one of the three axes (X, Y or Z).
Furthermore, you enter the figure for the angle in the adjacent text
box.

"Rotate" first
If you want to rotate first and move after,
you rotate (as described above), leave the "move" figures at 0 and
confirm. Then ...
call up the dialogue again and move (as described above). Now
the angle of rotation remains at 0.

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6.3.4 Create Offset-Contour

For details regarding general principles concerning the topic contour see under
"Manipulate Contour".

Introduction
You have scanned a contour in order to generate a CNC part program (e.g. for
wire spark-erosion machines (for details see under the topic Transfer Contour
into External System). What you need for such a transfer is a contour whose
tool radius is increased or decreased. Such a contour is also called an Offset
Contour or an Equidistant. The perpendicular (normal line is formed at each
point of the contour. The point is moved by the "offset" along the
perpendicular,.

You proceed in the following way:

You click in the menu bar on "Contour/Contour with Offset" and
come to the appropriate dialogue window.

In this dialogue window, you select the contour via the list
functions, and then ...
you enter the offset figure.

Using the option buttons you specify whether the contour has
to be increased or decreased.
Hint
In order to find out in which direction the contour is increased or decreased,
you can, for instance, mentally connect the start and end points and, in this
way, create a closed contour. In this case, the contour will be increased
towards the outside.

The calculation of the offset contour makes it possible to clip off parts
of the contour (see picture below. Upon completion of the calculation,
these constrictions are automatically deleted. This is the reason why
the calculated contour may possibly provide less points than the
initial contour. These points are not recovered, not even by the "Back
function".

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Above the original contour,below the contour after the offset.

The "Offset Contour" is shown in the element graphics and recorded in

the result box.

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6.3.5 Middle Contour

A Middle Contour is calculated, for instance, in cases where the mean for
correction is to be calculated from a variety of workpieces (nests or forms). A
situation where a new contour with a defined pitch or defined pitches is to be
produced from a single contour is regarded as a special case. Thus, the Middle
Contour becomes necessary in case of a tool correction where the nominal,
the actual and also the tool contour must each have the same number of
points. Only if this is the case, a correction can be performed.

You proceed in the following way:

You either click on the symbol or use the menu bar with the
functions "Element/Contour".
Using the dialogue window "Element Contour", you allocate a
name and a memory location to the contour you still want to
calculate.

You click on the symbol and confirm.

In the window "Middle Contour" under "Avail.", you select the
contours you want to use for the calculation.

Clicking on the double arrow you move the contours under

the heading "Selected" (or also back).
Additionally, you enter the pitch (the spacing between the points)
to be used for calculating the new contour, and then you confirm..

For details as to whether and how to use the loop counter,

please refer to the title "Loop Counter".
The new contour is displayed in the element graphics and
recorded in the result box..
Hint
In the window "Middle Contour" you can, of course, select just one contour
with a different pitch.

For details regarding general principles see under "Manipulate Contour".

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6.3.6 Prepare Leading Contour

A leading contour can be provided, e.g. by a CAD system. Upon completion of
the measurement, an actual / nominal comparison can be made with the
scanned contour.

You proceed in the following way:

Scanning following a leading contour requires the following actions to be done
previously:

You click on "CNC On" and on the functions "CMM/CNC On"

disposed at the menu bar.

You see in the GEOPAK-Win status line a yellow dot next

to the CMM symbol.

You click on the symbol in the symbol bar, and...

de-activate in the following dialogue window "Element

Contour" the function "Automatic Measurement".

For details as to whether and how to use the loop counter,

please refer to the title "Loop Counter".

You click on the symbol and confirm.

Upon completion of the above, the function " Scanning following a leading
contour" in the menu CMM is activated.
For details regarding general principles see under "Manipulate Contour".

6.3.7 Activate Leading Contour

Before the function "Scanning following Leading Contour" is activated, you
must perform a series of steps. For details see under the topic Prepare
Leading Contour.

This is what you must know

The points are established by probing.
For this purpose, every single point of the leading contour is probed.
Moreover, it is necessary that a probe is defined.

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You proceed in the following way:

In the menu "CCM" you click on the function "Scanning following
Leading Contour".
You select the leading contour in the window " Scanning following
Leading Contour".

For details as to whether and how to use the loop counter,

please refer to the topic "Loop Counter".
Using the known symbols you specify the plane along which
scanning is to take place.

In addition to the selection of the plane you

choose a probing direction.
A graphical sign in the dialogue window on the right shows you the
plane where and the direction from which probing takes place.

Clicking on the symbol you specify that traversing will take

place using "Probing Direction of the Leading Contour".
You enter the safety distance and measurement length.
The probe radius compensation, if necessary, will be carried out by you
at a later time, requiring a separate step.

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6.3.8 Scanning with Guiding Contour

Basis
If you want to scan according to a guiding contour, you must consider the
following items:
The points of the guiding contour and the measured points are
treated as probe centre points. The probe radius cannot be
compensated because when working e.g. on vaulted surface, the
exact point on work piece (P) is not known (see picture below).

In order to avoid a crash, enter the required safety distance.

The measured nominal length limits the search in the probing
direction. This way, you avoid a crash with the probe shaft (see also
the related subject Enter Z Offset).

In the first scanning with guiding contour, you should reduce the
movement speed of the CMM.

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Default:
Specify measurement direction (fixed measurement direction)
If you have selected e.g. the X/Y plane, you measure in the +Z or –-Z
direction.
In order to get a short measurement time, the (dash-lined) Z co-
ordinate adapts itself in our example with the X/Y plane (swung line
below) of the workpiece contour.

If you selected, like above, the X/Y-plain, the probing direction in the
X/Y plane is automatically calculated. It passes vertically to the
contour, namely to the inner or outer side. (see picture below [outer
side]).

Measuring Direction specified through Guiding Contour

If the contour of 3D-TOL-Win has been generated, also a probing direction
exists that you can use (see picture below).

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6.3.9 Loop Counter

For saving and exporting contours, you also can use „Loop Indicators“.

The procedure for „Saving“.

Via the symbol, click in the list field on the contour, with which
you want to begin in the loop, respectively you want to save as first
contour.

Activate the loop indicator via the symbol.

When saving, the loop indicator is not automatically registered.

Click on the symbol.

In the window „Save Contour as“ you must enter the special
characters „@LC“ at an independent place (see example below).
contour@LC.gws
At each m loop flow, a file is (example above) created:
contour1.gws, contour2.gws, .., contourN.gws
Notice
For the export of contours with the loop indicator the above mentioned steps
are analogously valid.

6.3.10 Recalculate Contour from Memory/ Copy

For your measurement task it can be necessary that an already saved contour
must be recalculated (e.g. in a new co-ordinate system). This can be useful if
two contours must be calculated being of two different co-ordinate systems.
Procedure

In the toolbar, click on the symbol ...

and in the following window „Element Contour“ on the

keypad.

You can also select via the „Menu Bar / Element / Contour“.

A window „Recalculate from Memory / Copy: Contour“ is

displayed.

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In the list field „Select Contour“, click the contour, which must
be recalculated (copied).

If and how to use the loop indicator, is fully shown in the topic
„Loop Indicator“.

Via one of the symbols (here the Phi Z plane), you decide in
which plane the contour must be projected.

Via the symbol, you determine whether the contour must be

recalculated as an open or closed contour.

6.3.11 Contour Connection Element

With the function „Contour Connection Element“, you can connect single
contours to a general contour.

Significant is the option with which you can select between the single
or group selection (see in detail the topic „Single Selection“ and „Group
Selection“; at the moment both are in development).
The general contour is located in the ...
actual co-ordinate system and in the
selected projection plane.
Procedure

You come to the dialogue window „Contour Connection Element“ by

clicking on the symbol in the toolbar.

In the window „Element Contour“, click on the symbol

(picture left).
Or select via the „Menu Bar / Element / Contour“.
In any case, you must confirm in the „Element Contour“ window.
Notice

How to proceed in the dialogue windows „Contour Connection Element (single

or group selection)“, learn also from the topics „Single Selection“ and „Group
Selection“.

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7 Appendix 1
7.1 Types of Co-ordinate Systems
GEOPAK-Win offers three types of co-ordinate system

Cartesian

Cylindrical

Spherical
You can always switch between these types.
For OUTPUT, select "settings/co-ordinate system mode" from the menu bar,
and select the type in the following window.
For INPUT, switching is possible by clicking on the corresponding symbol in
the input window. If you key-in an element, it is displayed using the co-
ordinates you have input.
If you want to see the element in a different co-ordinate system type, switch
the output (cf. above) to the required system type, then re-calculate the
element from memory.
After program start, the Cartesian co-ordinate system is active.

7.1.1 Cartesian co-ordinates

Here, the values of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes define the position of a point in
space.

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1 = X-co-ordinate
2 = Y-co-ordinate
3 = Z-co-ordinate

7.1.2 Cylindrical co-ordinates

In this system a point in space is defined by

the projected distance from the origin,
the angle Phi with the first (x-) axis, and
the value of the z-axis.
If you have used an axis different from Z to make the alignment in space, the
definitions are slightly different. The X-axis corresponds to the first axis of the
selected plane. This means for the Y/Z-plane the Y-axis, for the Z/X-plane the
Z-axis.

1 = angle Phi
2 = radius to origin
3 = Z-co-ordinate

7.1.3 Sperical co-ordinates

In this system a point in space is defined by

the distance from the origin in space,
the angle Phi with the first axis, and
the angle Theta. In GEOPAK-Win, the angle Theta is the angle
between the z-axis and the vector to the point.

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1 = angle Phi
2 = angle Theta
3 = (angle Theta)
4 = radius to origin

Remark: The definition of the angle Theta differs from one mathematical
publication to the next; sometimes Theta means the elevation angle above the
xy-plane.

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8 Appendix 2
8.1 Safety Distance
8.1.1 Definition
The safety distance is the distance between
the point where the machine switches from travelling to
measurement speed and
the expected probing point on the surface.

if you directly scan the measurement points, a too small safety

distance can occurr a collision if the contour is to much irregular.

8.1.2 High speed

• The probing is most accurate if the machine is at a constant
speed, not in acceleration.

• It depends on the CMM and the selected speed, when this

measurement speed is reached.

• You should make sure that the measurement speed is reached

before the part is touched.

• The recommended safety distance is 0,5 mm.

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