Performing a Multisection Manual Scan

The Multisection method of scanning functions much like the Body Axis manual scan with these differences:

• It can cross multiple sections.

• It does not have to be parallel to the X, Y, or Z axis.

To create a Multisection scan:

1. Select the Insert | Scan | Multisection menu option to open the MULTISECTION dialog box.

MULTISECTION dialog box

2. Specify a custom name for the scan in the ID box if you don't want to use the default name.

3. From the Section Type list, choose the type of sections you want to scan. Available types include:

1. • Parallel Planes

     - The sections are planes that run through your part. Every time the probe crosses a plane, PC-DMIS records a hit. Planes are relative to the start point and direction vector. If you select this type, define the vector of the initial plane in the Initial Vectors area.

   • Radial Planes

     - These sections are planes that radiate out from the start point. Every time the probe crosses a plane, PC-DMIS takes a hit. If you select this type, define two vectors in the Initial Vectors area: the vector of the initial plane (PlaneVec), the other, the vector around which the planes are rotated (AxisVec).

   • Concentric Circles

     - These sections are concentric circles with increasingly larger diameters centered around the start point. Every time the probe crosses a circle, PC-DMIS takes a hit. If you select this type, define a single vector in the Initial Vectors area that defines the plane in which the circle lies (AxisVec).

4. In the Number of Sections box, type how many sections you want to have in your scan.

5. If you chose at least two sections, specify the increment between sections in the Increment box. For parallel planes and circles, this is the distance between places. For radial planes, this value is an angle. PC-DMIS automatically spaces the sections on the part.

6. Define the scan's start point. In the Start Point area, type the X, Y, and Z values, or click on your part to have PC-DMIS select the start point from the CAD drawing. The sections are calculated from this temporary point based on the increment value.

7. If you're using a CAD model, type a Find Noms Tol tolerance in the Find Nominal Controls area. This defines how far away the actual ball center point can be from the nominal CAD location.

8. Set any other dialog box options as needed.

9. Click Create. PC-DMIS inserts the basic scan.

10. Execute your measurement routine. When PC-DMIS executes the scan, the Execution Options dialog box appears and PC-DMIS waits for data to come from the controller.

11. Manually drag the probe over the surface you want to scan. As the probe approaches each section, you will hear a continual audible tone that gradually increases in pitch until the probe crosses the section. This audible cue helps you determine how close the probe is to a section crossing. PC-DMIS accepts hits from the controller each time the probe crosses the defined section or sections.