Step 5: Measure Datums B and C

In this step, the software measures the front line and left line for Datums B and C. Based on the intersection of the two lines, a point is also constructed to establish the XY origin.

To measure Datum B:

  1. Select the Magnification tab , and adjust the magnification to about 25% of maximum. The actual magnification value varies based on your lens.

  2. Select the Illumination tab , and set the Top Light to 0% (Off). Set the Bottom Light to 35%.

  3. Select the CAD tab.

  4. From the Graphic Modes toolbar, if it's needed, select Scale-To-Fit ().

  5. From the Graphic Modes toolbar, select the Curve Mode button ().

  6. From the Auto Feature toolbar, click the Line button () to open the Auto Feature (line) dialog box.

  7. Click a point for the left anchor point of the line and on the front edge towards the left end.

  1. Click a point for the right anchor point of the line and just to the left of the slot (to the right of the upside-down "V" as show in the image below). The software displays the target.

Since the line stretches across a void (the upside-down "V"), this region must be excluded so no points are taken in that segment.

  1. Right-click inside the rectangular target. From the popup menu, select Insert Hit Target. This divides the single rectangular target into two targets.

  2. Repeat the above step to insert a third target.

  3. Drag the two target dividers so that one is on each side of the upside-down "V".

  1. Select the Vision tab.

  2. Position the camera over the part.

  3. From the Illumination tab , adjust the Top Light to a value that makes the surface visible but not too bright. Move Z to focus as necessary.

  4. Select the Hit Targets tab . Notice three targets are shown: EA1, EA2, and EA3. You should not use the second target (EA2) that crosses the void. Double-click on Normal in the EA2 density field and select None.

Notice that the EA2 target segment shows hash lines to indicate the area where no data will be taken.

  1. From the Auto Feature dialog box, rename the default Line Auto feature name to DATUM B.

  2. Click Create and then Close.

To measure Datum C:

  1. From the Auto Feature toolbar, select the Line button () to open the Auto Feature (line) dialog box.

If you want to reset the number of targets to 1, close and then reopen the Auto Feature dialog box.

  1. Click two points on the left edge (one in the front and one in the rear).

  2. Change the default name to DATUM C.

  3. Click Create to add this line to the measurement routine.

  4. Click Close to exit the Auto Feature dialog box.

To construct a point from the intersection of the lines:

  1. Select the Insert | Feature | Constructed | Point menu item or Constructed Point () from the Constructed Features toolbar (View | Toolbars | Constructed Features). The Construct Point dialog box appears.

  2. Select the Intersection option.

  3. From the feature list, select DATUM B and DATUM C.

  4. Change the ID to FRNT LEFT CORNER, click Create, and then click Close.

The datum features are now created.

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