Setting Boundary Points Using the CAD Data Method

PC-DMIS allows the selection of boundary points using both wireframe and surface data.

When you use CAD surface data:

  1. Make sure that you have imported solid CAD data.

  2. Make sure that the Draw Surfaces icon is selected from the Graphic Modes toolbar (View | Toolbars | Graphic Modes).

  3. Access the scan dialog box that requires boundary points. Then, to select a boundary point, click on the desired location in the Graphic Display window.

The selected surface is highlighted. PC-DMIS automatically updates the value of the boundary point that is currently selected in the boundary list. The focus then moves to the next boundary point (if any are available). In the case of a PATCH scan, an extra boundary point is added automatically if the current point is the last point in the list.

When you use CAD wireframe data, there are two ways to select curve elements:

Mode 1 - Depth Curve

PC-DMIS uses a Depth curve during FindNoms operations to form a plane using two curves. Ideally, the Depth curve is normal to the other curves selected so that PC-DMIS can cross the two vectors (the vector of the Depth curve and the vector of any other selected curve) and form a plane from which it can find the nominals.

To indicate a Depth curve, select the Depth check box and then select a curve. Only one Depth curve is to be selected and this should be done after other curves have been selected.

  1. Make sure that the Curve mode icon is selected from the Graphic Modes toolbar.

  2. Select the Select check box.

  3. Select the Depth check box.

  4. Select a curve.

  5. Indicate the two CAD edges that are normal to each other.

  6. Clear the check box.

  7. Click on the part.

If a Depth curve is provided, PC-DMIS forms a plane by crossing the vector of each edge with the vector of the depth curve and piercing that plane to create a point.

Mode 2 - No Depth Curve

  1. Select the Select check box.

  2. Indicate the two CAD edges that are normal to each other.

  3. Deselect the check box.

  4. Click on the part.

If a depth curve is not selected, PC-DMIS simply drops the selected point onto the curve.

Only LINEAROPEN, LINEARCLOSE, and PATCH scans can use wire frame data.