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CNC CMM Essentials for PolyWorks|Inspector™

CNC CMM Essentials for PolyWorks|Inspector™

PolyWorks® Metrology Suite 2020

[2020/06/01] – TEC-1180-2020-EN-2.0
Contents

CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

8 Introducing the CNC CMM Essentials
8 Using CNC CMMs in the PolyWorks Metrology Suite
9 Inspection workflow using a probing tool mounted on a CNC CMM
12 Inspection workflow using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM

FUNDAMENTALS
17 Understanding the graphical user interface
18 Toolbars
18 Devices toolbar
19 Probing Device toolbar for CNC CMMs
20 Probing Device Control toolbar for CNC CMMs
21 Activating the CNC CMM plug-in
22 Creating a CMM configuration
23 Connecting to the CNC CMM in PolyWorks|Inspector
24 Understanding tools and tool orientations
24 Specifying a measurement tool
24 Tool display in the 3D scene
25 Specifying a tool orientation
25 Using the list
25 Using Pick Tool Orientation
28 Managing tool orientations
28 The List tab
29 The Grid tab
30 The vertical toolbar
31 Controlling machine displacements
32 Understanding CNC Parameters
32 Setting CNC Parameters
33 CNC Parameters overview

INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

35 Introducing the Sequence Editor

3
35 The Sequence Editor pane
42 The display in the 3D scene
43 Understanding the display of measurement paths
44 Using the Sequence Editor
44 Creating measurement sequences
44 From recorded actions
46 From selected objects
46 The Edit Sequence and Measurement Path mode
50 Verifying the measurement path for issues
50 Detecting potential collisions
52 Analyzing the path for issues
54 3D scene Measurement Path Analysis toolbar
59 Avoiding collisions
60 Customizing a measurement sequence
61 Modifying the order of sequence steps
62 Adding sequence steps
62 Choosing steps from the Insert menu
63 Selecting objects in the Tree View
64 Dragging objects from the Tree View
65 Inserting macro script steps
65 Editing sequence steps
66 Defining conditional blocks
68 Mirroring measurement sequence steps
70 Adjusting tools and tool orientations for a different CMM
71 Computing new tool orientations

IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

73 Introducing Reference objects
73 Using CAD models to describe nominal parts
73 Importing a CAD model
74 Specifying the surfaces used for computations on CAD models

ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

79 Acquiring surface and boundary Data objects
79 Using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM to scan a part
81 Scanning toolbar
83 Understanding scan paths
83 Creating area paths

4
85 Editing area paths
86 Creating linear paths
88 Editing linear paths
89 Managing scan paths
91 Using a clipping plane

ALIGNING DATA OBJECTS TO REFERENCE OBJECTS

94 Aligning using a CMM prealignment

MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Features
99 Defining part geometry using features
99 Feature types
100 Creating nominal primitives
100 Obtaining measured primitives
101 CNC probing lines
104 CNC probing planes
106 CNC probing circles
110 CNC probing slots
113 CNC probing rectangles
116 CNC probing polygons
119 CNC probing ellipses
122 CNC probing cylinders
125 CNC probing cones
128 CNC probing spheres
131 CNC probing surfaces
133 Customizing measurement points
133 Defining intermediate positions between measurement
points
135 CNC probing curved-based features on highly deviated parts
135 Offsetting measurement points
136 Setting the measurement point offset using pre-
measurement routines

Comparison points
139 Measuring specific locations on a part using comparison points
139 Types of comparison points
140 Getting the nominal geometry

5
140 Measuring the geometry on the part
141 CNC probing surface comparison points to inspect the surface
of a part
143 CNC probing trimmed edge comparison points to inspect sharp
edges of a part
146 CNC probing hemmed edge comparison points to inspect the
hemmed edges of a sheet metal part

USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

149 Introducing the Offline Simulation mode
149 Activating/deactivating the Offline Simulation mode
150 The workflow when performing an inspection using simulated probed
data
154 The workflow when performing an inspection using simulated scanned
data
159 Particularities when acquiring simulated scanned data
159 Scanning options
161 Creating a nominal project
162 Interactive machine movements in the Offline Simulation mode
162 Using the Go To Position button
162 Using keyboard keys
164 Using a gamepad or a joystick

APPENDIX
166 Saving a compressed copy of a project
167 PolyWorks keyboard shortcuts
169 Getting help
169 Getting help through the software interface
170 Getting help outside of the software interface
170 The website
170 The Technical Support Zone (TSZ)
170 For direct assistance

6
CNC CMM Essentials
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Introducing the CNC CMM Essentials

About
The CNC CMM Essentials guide is a complement to the PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.
The purpose of the CNC CMM Essentials guide is to explain the particularities of using a
CNC CMM with PolyWorks|Inspector, either for scanning or for probing a part. For
information on standard functionalities of PolyWorks|Inspector, refer to the
PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

Approach
The Essentials content is presented following a workflow-based approach. The document is
divided into sections according to specific workflow steps.

Each section is then organized using a tool-based approach, where each tool pertaining to the
subject is documented following the established presentation layout (recipe).

Generally, the Essentials has been documented using the default configuration and visual
layout with the exception of the background color of the 3D scene and the font size for certain
annotations. Also, in most cases, only the basic parameters are described.

Menus and toolbars

In the PolyWorks Metrology Suite, most of the functionalities offered on the menus are also
available through toolbars. In this document, the menu paths are documented in the
procedure. The corresponding toolbar buttons are shown to the right, as shown in the
example below.

1. Choose Align > CMM Prealignment.

Using CNC CMMs in the PolyWorks Metrology Suite

The PolyWorks Metrology Suite offers a universal workflow for all metrology devices, including
CNC CMMs. No matter the device used, the same methods, processes, and tools can be used
in the PolyWorks Metrology Suite to build a measurement plan, execute it, and review the
measurement results.

CNC CMMs mounted with scanning or probing tools are supported in the PolyWorks
Metrology Suite using a plug-in. Once the plug-in is activated and the CMM is configured, the
inspection process can be performed as explained in the following sections:

• Inspection workflow using a probing tool mounted on a CNC CMM on page 9

• Inspection workflow using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM on page 12.

8
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Inspection workflow using a probing tool mounted

on a CNC CMM
The workflow to set up an inspection project using a CNC CMM device is presented below. It is
assumed that the connection to the device is established.

Import
Reference object

Start the
recording mode

Align part to
Reference object

Measure
dimensions and
deviations
Stop the
recording mode

Report
measurement results

9
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Understanding the workflow

Import Reference object

Import the nominal information of the part,
typically a CAD model, into the inspection
project.
If the CAD model contains PMI, it can be
imported as well when importing the model.

Start the recording mode

Open Sequence Editor

Using the button on the Multipiece Inspection
toolbar, open the Sequence Editor.

Create a sequence
From the Sequence Editor pane, start the
recording mode to automatically add steps to
the empty sequence area to build the
measurement sequence.

Align part to Reference object

Prealignment
Prealign the part mounted on the machine to
the CAD model using the CMM Prealignment
functionality.

Refine alignment
Refine the alignment to the CAD model using
one of the available alignment tools.

10
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Measure dimensions and deviations

Create the necessary measurement objects in
order to perform the inspection of the part.
Set the required dimensional and GD&T
controls, if applicable.
Measure the different objects.

Stop the recording mode

From the Sequence Editor pane, stop the

recording mode.

Report measurement results

Report the measurement results through the
use of control views, tables, snapshots, and
formatted reports.

11
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Inspection workflow using a scanning tool

mounted on a CNC CMM
The typical workflow when inspecting a part, on which data acquisition is performed using a
scanning device mounted on a CNC CMM, is presented below:

Import
Reference object

Start the
recording mode

Align part to
Reference object

Acquire
Data object

Align Data object to

Reference object

Measure
dimensions and
deviations

Stop the
recording mode

Report
measurement results

12
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Understanding the workflow

Import Reference object

Import the nominal information of the part,
typically a CAD model, into the inspection
project.
If the CAD model contains PMI, it can be
imported as well when importing the model.

Start the recording mode

Open Sequence Editor
Using the button on the Multipiece Inspection
toolbar, open the Sequence Editor.

Create a sequence
From the Sequence Editor pane, start the
recording mode to automatically add steps to
the empty sequence area to build the
measurement sequence

Align part to Reference object

Prealignment
Prealign the part mounted on the machine to
the CAD model using the CMM Prealignment
technique.

13
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Acquire Data object

Using a scanner mounted on a CNC CMM, scan
the part.

Align Data object to Reference object

Refine alignment
Refine the alignment of the Data object and the
Reference object using one of the many
alignment techniques.

Measure dimensions and deviations

Create the necessary objects in order to

perform the inspection of the part.
Set the required dimensional and GD&T
controls, if applicable.
Measure the different objects using the Extract
method, when applicable.

14
 CNC CMM ESSENTIALS

Stop the recording mode

From the Sequence Editor pane, stop the

recording mode.

Report measurement results

Report the measurement results through the

use of control views, tables, snapshots, and
formatted reports.

15
Fundamentals
 FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding the graphical user interface

Once the plug-in is selected in the module, the user interface offers different toolbars, as
shown below.

1 2 3 4 5

1 Devices toolbar: Offers items to connect to the device.

Probing Device Offers quick access to set properties of the probing device.
2
toolbar:

Used to control the probing device (for example, to return to

Probing Device
3 the home position, go to a specific position, or interrupt any
Control toolbar: movement of the device).

Probing Control Used to control the probing session that is being performed.
4
toolbar:

Offers quick access to device-position-related operations such

Device Positions
5 as defining targets, moving the device, and managing device
toolbar: positions and targets.

17
 FUNDAMENTALS

Toolbars
The following toolbars contain tools that are specific to the CNC CMM context.

Devices toolbar
The Devices toolbar contains the following tools:

Connect to Device/Disconnect from Device

Connects to or disconnects from the current probing device.

Scan

Opens the Scan dialog box for the current scanning device.

Activate/Deactivate Offline Simulation

Activates/Deactivates a simulation mode in which operations can

be performed without having to be physically connected to the
device.

When the Offline Simulation mode is activated and the CNC CMM plug-in is enabled, the
following functionality becomes available:

Simulation Speed

Opens a slide bar that allows users to decrease or increase the

simulation speed, up to a maximum speed that is twenty times
(20x) faster. Click Run operation at maximum speed to obtain
the maximum speed for the current operation. Hovering over
the button shows the current simulation speed specified using
the slider.

18
 FUNDAMENTALS

Probing Device toolbar for CNC CMMs

For CNC CMMs, the Probing Device toolbar contains the following functionalities:

Device Properties

Opens the Probing Device Properties dialog box of the

CNC CMM.

CNC Parameters

Opens the CNC Parameters dialog box. The default parameters

come from the CMM configuration, but they can be edited.

Tools and Tool Orientations

Opens the Tools and Tool Orientations pane that allows users to
define tool orientations.

Tool

Sets the tool used for measurement.

Orientation

Sets the orientation of the selected tool used for measurement.

Pick Tool Orientation

Launches an interactive picking mode used to specify a tool

orientation.

Tip Diameter

Displays the current tool tip diameter.

19
 FUNDAMENTALS

Locate Reference Sphere

Opens the Locate Reference Sphere dialog box, which allows

users to relocate the reference sphere with respect to the
machine coordinate system.

Locate Tool Changer

Opens the Locate Tool Changer dialog box, which allows users to
locate the tool changer with respect to the machine coordinate
system.

Define Device Origin

Opens the Define Device Origin dialog box, which allows users to
refine the device origin. This is useful for a multi-CMM setup.

Probing Device Control toolbar for CNC CMMs

The Probing Device Control toolbar allows users to control the probing device:

Go Home

Orders the current probing device to move to its home position.

Go to Position

Opens the Go to Position dialog box, which allows users to order

the current automated device to move to the specified location.

Stop

Stops and terminates all pending operations for the current

automated device.

20
 FUNDAMENTALS

Activating the CNC CMM plug-in

The plug-ins that are made available in PolyWorks|Inspector depend on the options set in the
Workspace Manager Options. These options are displayed the first time that the PolyWorks
Metrology Suite is opened. They are also available at any time by following these steps.

Steps

1. In the Workspace Manager, choose Tools >

Options.
The Workspace Manager Options dialog box
opens.
2. On the Plug-ins page, select the CNC CMM
plug-in.
3. Click Apply, then OK.
The options set on the Plug-ins page are
automatically saved and are used when the
next module is opened.
4. Start PolyWorks|Inspector.
5. On the Devices toolbar (located in the lower
part of PolyWorks|Inspector), click the down
arrow next to the Connect to Device button.
6. Choose CNC CMM from the drop-down list.

21
 FUNDAMENTALS

Creating a CMM configuration

One of the first steps when working with the CNC CMM plug-in consists in specifying one or
more machine configurations, which means defining the machine components (CMM model,
controller, probe head), the default and maximum speeds, the home position for the quill,
and the working volume within which the quill moves.

Steps

1. On the Probing Device toolbar, click the Device

Properties button.
The Probing Device Properties dialog box of
the CNC CMM plug-in opens.
2. Click the Create button.

The Create Configuration dialog box opens.

3. Specify a Name, then click Create.

The Edit Machine dialog box opens.

4. Specify the required parameters, then click OK.
For information on the parameters offered for
the creation of a CMM configuration, refer to
the CNC CMM Plug-in Guide, which is available
from the Help menu.

22
 FUNDAMENTALS

Connecting to the CNC CMM in

PolyWorks|Inspector
Connecting to the CNC CMM means establishing communication with that device.

Steps

1. On the Probing Device toolbar, click the Device

Properties button.
The Probing Device Properties dialog box
opens.
2. In the Configuration list, choose a CMM
configuration, then click OK.
3. Click the Connect to Device button to connect
to the device.
The button changes, as shown to the right, and
the Connect to CNC CMM dialog box opens.
4. In the list, choose the tool currently mounted
on the machine.
5. Click OK.

Note

If the CNC CMM device is not physically connected to the computer, the Offline Simulation
mode can be used so that the inspection project can be created offline. For information, see
Introducing the Offline Simulation mode on page 149.

23
 FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding tools and tool orientations

Specifying a measurement tool

When connecting to the CNC CMM plug-in, the tool currently mounted on the machine must
be specified. The current tool can then be changed through the Probing Device toolbar.

Steps

1. In the Tool list, select a tool.

When scanning using a CNC CMM, the
scanning device is considered a machine tool
like any other tool. For more information, see
Using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM to
scan a part on page 79.
2. Specify a tool orientation. For more
information, see Specifying a tool orientation on
page 25.

Notes

To create new tools, click the Device Properties

button on the Probing Device toolbar. For
information on how to create tools, see the
CNC CMM Plug-in Guide, which is available from
the Help menu.

Tool display in the 3D scene

Once a tool is specified, the graphical display of the
different tool parts (quill, head, components) represents
the real tool. This is useful to plan measurement paths,
tool orientation changes, and to avoid collisions with the
part or its fixture.

24
 FUNDAMENTALS

Specifying a tool orientation

For each tool, an orientation must be specified
using an A and a B angle. The A angle corresponds
to the vertical movement of the tool, while the B
angle corresponds to the horizontal movement of B axis
the tool.
The orientation of the tool should be optimal,
depending on the orientation of the feature or
surface that will be inspected. It is possible to
change the tool orientation, for example, by using
the list on the Probing Device toolbar or by using a
picking mode in the 3D scene. A axis

Using the list

1. On the Probing Device toolbar, choose a tool
orientation from the list.

A warning message is displayed. When

changing the orientation, make sure that the
probe head and the tool are clear for
movement and will not collide with an object.

Using Pick Tool Orientation

To use the picking mode, an object must be available (usually a Reference object such as a CAD
model or a polygonal model), and this object must be shown in the 3D scene. Also, the
CNC CMM must be aligned to that object.

1. On the Probing Device toolbar, click Pick Tool

Orientation.

25
 FUNDAMENTALS

2. In the 3D scene, place the mouse pointer over

the object, on or close to the area that will be
measured. One of the following situations
occurs:
• A green arrow appears, along with the
values of the A and B axes, when a tool
orientation close to the in-space orientation
of the detected surface is available.

• A yellow arrow appears when no tool

orientation matches the orientation of the
detected object surface.

• A red arrow appears, along with Out of

range, when it is not possible for the device
to measure in the detected orientation.

3. Click the surface to specify the tool orientation.

Otherwise, press ESC to exit the interactive
picking mode.
If the arrow is yellow when clicking the surface,
a message dialog box appears.
• Click Create to create the new orientation.
• Click Create and Calibrate to create the
new tool orientation and cycle through the
calibration routine.
• Click Don’t Create to cancel the operation.

26
 FUNDAMENTALS

Once a tool orientation is specified, a warning

message is displayed. Make sure that the probe
head and tool are clear for movement and will not
collide with an object.

Notes

A tool orientation must be calibrated in order to be used for measurement.

When a tool orientation is selected:
• The tool orientation is calibrated when a
green background appears on the status
icon located on the Status bar.
• The tool orientation is not calibrated when a
red background appears on the status icon
located on the Status bar.

To define and calibrate tool orientations, click

Tools and Tool Orientations on the Probing
Device toolbar, which gives access to the Tools
and Tool Orientations pane. See Managing tool
orientations on page 28.

27
 FUNDAMENTALS

Managing tool orientations

An inspection project using a CNC CMM device requires at least one tool and likely multiple
tool orientations to complete the measurement of a part. Tool orientations are managed in
the Tools and Tool Orientations pane, which provides access to the existing tools, the related
tool orientations, and the calibration information, if available. The pane also allows users to
create and calibrate new tool orientations.

The current section presents a brief overview of the Tools and Tool Orientations pane. For
information on the creation and calibration of tool orientations, refer to the CNC CMM Plug-in
Guide, which is available from the Help menu.

The Tools and Tool Orientations pane is available from the Probing Device toolbar.

Steps

1. From the Probing Device toolbar, click Tools

and Tool Orientations.

The Tools and Tool Orientations pane opens. It offers the List tab and the Grid tab, as well
as a vertical toolbar used to perform various operations.

The List tab

The List tab presents the tool orientations for all tools, or for the selected tool, in the form of
a list that displays the following information by default: Name, A and B angles, Calibration
Type, Calibration Date and Time, Tip Diameter, Reference Sphere, and RMS Dev.

When connected to the CNC CMM, the current tool and tool orientation of the machine are
shown in bold.

28
 FUNDAMENTALS

The Grid tab

The Grid tab presents the tool orientations for the selected tool, in the form of a grid, for the
possible combinations of A and B angles.

The following graphical tool orientation statuses can be seen in the grid:

Tool orientation is created and calibrated.

Tool orientation is created but not calibrated.

Tool orientation is selected.

Click a square of the grid to select a tool orientation.

It is possible to select multiple tool orientations, and then launch the creation
and calibration of the selected orientations.

29
 FUNDAMENTALS

The vertical toolbar

In the pane, most operations are performed using the vertical toolbar. These operations are
performed differently depending on whether they are launched from the List tab or from the
Grid tab.

Create Orientations

Allows users to create tool orientations numerically or using a grid,

depending on whether it has been pressed from the List tab or the Grid
tab.

Calibrate Orientations

Opens the Calibrate Tool Orientations dialog box, which is used to

launch the calibration routine of the selected tool orientations.

Reset Calibrations

Resets the calibration of the tool orientations selected in the list or in

the grid to return them to an uncalibrated state.

Delete Orientations

Deletes the tool orientations selected in the list or in the grid.

Change Tool on Device/Change Tool and Orientation on Device

Changes the tool on the current machine (for a probe head that is fixed
or unknown) or changes the tool and the tool orientation (for a probe
head that is motorized or allows for manual indexing).

Tool Orientation 3D View

Opens a window that allows users to view the selected tool orientation
in 3D.

30
 FUNDAMENTALS

Controlling machine displacements

Measurements performed with a CNC CMM are intended to run automatically. It is important
that the movement of the machine between inspection locations is done in a manner that
avoids collisions. This can be achieved by defining intermediate, or go to, positions.

Steps

1. On the Probing Device Control toolbar, click

the Go to Position button.
The Go to Position dialog box opens.
2. Two movement types are offered:
• Absolute: The movement is done with
respect to the active coordinate system.
• Relative: The movement is done with
respect to the current position of the tool.
3. Enter the destination/offset values in the
corresponding text boxes.
Alternatively, if Absolute is the movement
type, the go to position can be defined interac-
tively in the 3D scene. Refer to the Notes
section for more information.
4. Click Go.

Notes

When the movement type is Absolute, it is possible to define a position interactively in the 3D
scene.

1. In the Go to Position dialog box, click the Pick

Go to Position button.

2. In the 3D scene, place the mouse pointer over

the CAD model on or close to the area that will
be measured.
3. Using the mouse wheel, specify the normal
distance from the Reference object surface.
4. Left-click the surface to set the position to
which the machine is going to move.
Otherwise, press ESC to exit the interactive
mode.
5. Click Go.

31
 FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding CNC Parameters

Setting CNC Parameters

When connecting to the CNC CMM plug-in, maximum and default values of parameters that
control the speed are typically read from the controller when creating the CMM configuration.
However, specific parameters that control the machine movement can be set at any time, if
needed.

Steps

1. On the Probing Device toolbar, click the CNC

Parameters button.
The CNC Parameters dialog box opens.

2. In the Speed unit type list, select the speed

unit type of the movement and approach
speed:
• Absolute: speeds are expressed in mm/s
• Relative to Max Speed: speeds are
expressed as a percentage of the maximum
speed, as defined in the CMM configuration.
3. In the available text boxes, enter the
corresponding desired values.
4. Click OK.

Notes

• Use the Reset to Default Speed button to

restore the default value.

• Use the Reset to Maximum Speed to quickly

set the speed to the maximum value.

32
 FUNDAMENTALS

CNC Parameters overview

Approach Nominal Real

position position position

1 6 5

1 Movement speed: Speed of the machine before reaching the approach position.

2 Approach speed: Speed of the machine past the approach position.

Distance between the outside of the tool tip and the nominal
3 Approach distance:
position. It defines the approach position.

Once the nominal position is reached, it is the maximum

distance within which the search continues for a contact point.
4 Search distance: The displacement is performed at approach speed. Traveling
the distance without a successful contact point results in
invalid probing.

Retraction distance Distance from the contact point where a retraction movement
5
(fixed): is performed.

Retraction distance Retraction movement to the approach position is performed.

6 (Go to approach
position):

33
 Inspecting
multiple pieces
 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

Introducing the Sequence Editor

Automated inspections performed on CNC CMMs are driven by a measurement sequence.
The measurement sequence contains the measurement context (data alignment, coordinate
system), tool and tool orientation specifications, CNC parameter specifications, and the
objects that will be measured.

The Sequence Editor is used to create a custom sequence where steps can be added one by
one. Instructions for the operator can be added, the order of measurements can be changed,
and additional steps for measuring can be included.

The Sequence Editor pane

To open the Sequence Editor pane:

1. Choose Tools > Sequence Editor.

Alternatively, click the Sequence Editor button
from the Multipiece Inspection toolbar.

The Sequence Editor pane is displayed. It features a menu bar, a standard toolbar, and a
sequence area.

Menu bar

Standard
toolbar

Sequence
area

Menu bar
Provides access to all Sequence Editor functionalities.

35
 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

Standard toolbar
Provides quick access to the main functionalities of the Sequence Editor.

Create From Autogenerated Sequence / New Sequence

Split button used to create a new sequence, either from the autogenerated
sequence or from scratch.

Insert Step

Displays the Insert toolbar (see Insert toolbar on page 37) that offers quick
access to the steps that can be added to the sequence.

Start Recording

Starts the recording mode.

Edit Sequence and Measurement Path Interactively

Launches the interactive Edit Sequence and Measurement Path mode. A

corresponding toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the 3D scene. It offers
quick access to editing operations.

Execute One by One From Marker

Executes the next step in the sequence based on the marker position.

Execute From Marker

Executes steps starting at the marker position.

Stop Execution

Stops the execution of the sequence.

Reset Execution Status

Removes all information concerning step execution. The marker is

positioned at the beginning of the sequence.

36
 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

Show Path

Menu button that allows users to view the measurement path for all steps
or for the selected steps only. It is useful to view a measurement path to
make sure it follows a logical order and that collisions are avoided.

Insert toolbar
To open the Insert toolbar, click the Insert button on the Standard toolbar. It offers quick
access to the steps that can be added to the sequence.

Guiding Instructions

Inserts a step used to add text and/or an image that will be displayed when
running the sequence.

Question

Inserts a question step composed of a question and an answer variable.

Conditional Statement for Selected Steps

Inserts a conditional statement based on the content of an answer

variable.

Comment

Inserts text to provide useful information about the sequence.

Tool

Inserts a step to change the tool.

Tool Orientation

Inserts a step to change the tool orientation.

Go to Position

Inserts a step to move the device to a specific location.

37
 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

CNC Parameters

Inserts a step to change the CNC parameters.

Scanning Options

Inserts a step to change the scanning profile or customize scanning

options.

Coordinate System

Inserts a step to activate a different coordinate system in the sequence.

Alignment

Inserts a step to create or activate a data alignment.

Device Position

Inserts a step to activate a device position or to perform a move device

operation.

Data Object

Inserts a step to acquire a Data object.

Measurement Object

Inserts a step to measure an object.

Add Probed Data Points

Inserts a step to add probed data points to a specified object.

Macro Script

Inserts a macro script by creating a new one or by importing a copy of a

script.

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Sequence area
This area lists all the steps that make up a sequence.

Execution status
color

Step number

Edit Step
shortcut

Marker

Icons

Marker

The marker sets the position from which the execution of the sequence starts or from which
sequence steps are added with the recording mode. Also, the real-time sequence validation
considers the steps starting at the marker position. Choose Sequence > Set Marker Position to
set the marker position. Alternatively, the marker can be dragged to the desired position.

Step number

Incremental number for each sequence step.

Execution status color

The execution status of steps is indicated by their

background color.
• Light green: step has been executed.
• White: step has not been executed.
• Gray: step was interactively skipped during
the execution of the sequence.

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Icons

When creating a measurement sequence, a real-

time sequence validation is performed in the
background. If a step may cause a problem, an
icon is displayed to inform the user.
Warning icons are displayed to inform the
user of a potential problem.
Error icons are displayed when there is an
error in the step.
Information icons are displayed when a step
is unusual or unnecessary.
Issue icons are displayed when a potential
collision or an out-of-reach issue has been
detected along the measurement path. For
more information, see Verifying that the
measurement path is collision-free on page 55.

Collision detection information icons are

displayed when collision detection cannot be
performed for certain segments along the
measurement path. For more information,
see Verifying that the measurement path is
collision-free on page 55.

Moving the mouse pointer over an icon displays a

tooltip with the details.

The status bar at the bottom of the Sequence Editor

pane provides a summary of the problems detected
in the measurement sequence.

Note that the collision detection information icon is

not displayed in the status bar.

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Edit step shortcut

Opens a dialog box to define or edit a sequence

step. The content of the dialog box depends on
the step that is currently defined or edited.
For example, when editing guiding instructions,
edit the step to add instructions (message and/or
image) for the operator to illustrate how to mount
a part into its fixture.

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The display in the 3D scene

When building a measurement sequence, it is useful to show the measurement path to make
sure that it follows a logical order and that collisions are avoided.

Objective: Show the CNC CMM measurement path for the measurement sequence.

Required: An inspection project with a measurement sequence.

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose

Sequence > Show Path > [select a display mode].

• Choose All Steps to show the measurement

path for the entire sequence.

• Choose Selected Steps to show the

measurement path for only the steps
selected in the Sequence Editor.

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Results

The measurement path is shown in the 3D scene.

It is possible to verify that the measurement path is

collision-free using various tools. For more
information see Verifying that the measurement path
is collision-free on page 55.

Understanding the display of measurement paths

• The trajectory of the tool is displayed using a

solid green line.

• If the exact trajectory cannot be calculated,

such as for tool orientation changes and go to
position segments, the suggested trajectory is
displayed using a dotted green line.
• The display of the measurement path differs
when collision detection is enabled and when
analyzing the measurement path and potential
collisions. For more information, see Verifying
that the measurement path is collision-free on
page 55.

Notes

Icons are displayed along the measurement path,

highlighting events associated to specific steps
during the measurement sequence.

• Tool changes

• Problematic measurement points

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Using the Sequence Editor

Creating measurement sequences

A measurement sequence can be created by recording operations, which are called steps. The
measurement sequence can then be completed by selecting objects and adding them to the
sequence.

From recorded actions

Once a measurement device is properly configured and connected, it is possible to start the
inspection of a part and create the sequence at the same time. Once recorded, subsequent
pieces can be inspected just by playing the inspection sequence.

Objective: Create a measurement sequence by recording operations.

Required: A measurement device is configured and connected.

Steps

1. Choose Tools > Sequence Editor.

Alternatively, click the Sequence Editor button
on the Multipiece Inspection toolbar.

2. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose

Sequence > New.

3. Type the Name and Description of the

sequence.
4. Click Create.

5. Start the recording mode. Choose

Edit > Start Recording.
The actions performed subsequently are added to
the sequence (for example, alignments, activation
of a coordinate system, measurement operations,
selection of tools and tool orientations, as well as
machine displacements).

To stop recording actions, choose Edit > Stop

Recording.

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Results

A sequence is created. The initial condi-

tions are automatically added to the
sequence area.

Notes

Although less common when using a CNC CMM, it is possible to create a custom sequence
from an autogenerated one. However, additional steps related to the device itself need to be
added, such as tool orientations and go to operations.

To create an autogenerated sequence that contains the objects from the Tree View along with
initial conditions and device positions, choose Sequence > Create from Autogenerated Sequence.

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From selected objects

Once a measurement sequence contains a measurement context and, optionally, the required
alignments, it can be completed by adding the required objects. An optimized measurement
path can also be created at the same time.

To add objects to a measurement sequence:

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, click the Edit

Sequence and Measurement Path
Interactively button.

The Edit Sequence and Measurement Path interactive mode is enabled.

The Edit Sequence and Measurement Path mode

Once the interactive mode is enabled, the following toolbar is displayed at the bottom of the
3D scene.

Edit Sequence and Measurement Path toolbar

It offers the following buttons:

Add Selected Objects to End of Sequence

Adds all selected objects to the end of the measurement sequence.

Add Selected Objects to Optimal Location in Sequence

Each object is added at the optimal location within the measurement

sequence.

Options for Adding Objects to Sequence

Offers quick access to options for measurement path optimization.

Pick Go to Positions

Launches an interactive mode that can be used to pick go to position

points along measurement path segments between measurement objects
and between measurement points (see Avoiding collisions on page 59).

Hide Objects Added to Sequence

Allows viewing only the objects not yet in the sequence.

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Adding selected objects to the sequence

Once the Edit Sequence and Measurement Path interactive mode is enabled, proceed as
follows to add objects in the measurement sequence.

Objective: Add the objects to be measured to the measurement sequence.

Required: A measurement sequence is created. The project contains the objects to be

measured.

Steps

1. Select objects in the 3D scene.

These objects must use the CNC Probe
measurement method.

2. Add the objects by clicking the appropriate

button on the toolbar displayed at the bottom
of the 3D scene:

• Add Selected Objects to End of Sequence:

All objects are added to the end of the
measurement sequence.

• Add Selected Objects to Optimal Location

in Sequence: Each object is added at the
optimal location within the measurement
sequence.

By default, the measurement path is optimized

(see the following results), and the objects that
are included in the measurement sequence are
hidden in the 3D scene.

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Results

Depending on the chosen location, the objects The measurement path is displayed in the
are either all added to the end of the 3D scene.
measurement sequence, or each one is added
at the optimal location within the sequence.

• Existing tool orientations are used when possible, only creating new tool orientations when
needed.
• Existing tool orientations changes in the measurement sequence are used when possible;
new tool orientation changes are only inserted when needed.
• Go to position points are added to keep the path collision free.

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Notes

• In the Edit Sequence and Measurement Path

mode, a contextual menu is offered when
right-clicking a measurement path segment. It
offers the following items:
• Select Sequence Step: selects the step in
the Sequence Editor that corresponds to the
measurement path segment in the
3D scene.
• Pick Go to Position: used when an issue is
detected, such as a potential collision; Go to
positions can be added to avoid the collision
(see Avoiding collisions on page 59).
• Analyze Path: launches the interactive
Measurement Path Analysis mode (see
Analyzing the path for issues on page 52).

• Objects can also be added to a measurement

sequence by selecting them in the Tree View,
right-clicking and choosing Add to Sequence. A
dialog box is displayed, which offers the same
options as the ones available through the Edit
Sequence and Measurement Path toolbar.

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Verifying the measurement path for issues

When using the CNC CMM plug-in, it is important to verify that there are no issues along the
measurement path, such as potential collisions or out-of-reach issues. These types of issues
can be detected and analyzed. Collisions can also be avoided.

Detecting potential collisions

The collision detection mode can be used when working offline or online, within a
measurement sequence or outside of the context of a measurement sequence.

Two types of measurement path issues can be detected:

• Potential collisions
• Potential collisions between the mobile components of the tool assembly (from the
quill up to the tip of the probe) and the fixed components (Reference object and
CNC CMM table) can be detected. These types of issues are detected according to the
collision avoidance options specified.
• Out-of-reach issues
• Out-of-reach issues are detected and flagged when the center of the bottom of the
probe head must move outside of the working volume of the machine configuration to
continue along the measurement path or to reach a measurement object. These types
of issues are detected according to the working volume of the CNC CMM configuration.

The collision detection mode can be enabled or

disabled using the Collision detection split
button on the Status bar and selecting or clearing
the Collision detection item. By default, it is
enabled and the split button icon appears as
shown to the right.

When enabled, the following occurs:

• In the Sequence Editor pane, an icon is

displayed next to problematic steps in the
measurement sequence. Only the steps after
the marker are validated.
• An issue icon is displayed when potential
collisions and/or out-of-reach issues are
detected. The icon is also displayed on the
status bar of the Sequence Editor pane with
the total number of issues detected after
the marker.

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Hovering the mouse pointer over the icon

displays a tooltip that gives more information on
the type of issue detected.

• If collision detection cannot be performed

(i.e., for segments that cannot be calculated
because the starting point or the endpoint
of the segment is unknown), the
undetermined collision information icon is
displayed next to each applicable step.

• In the 3D scene, problematic measurement

path segments are highlighted.
• Measurement path segments are
highlighted red when at least one issue is
detected.

• Measurement path segments are

highlighted gray when collision detection
was not performed because the segment
could not be calculated.

• When launching CNC CMM-related operations

that involve tool displacements, such as
CNC Probe Measured, CNC Scan, and Go to
Position operations, a warning is displayed in
the corresponding interface when issues are
detected.

Placing the pointer over the warning displays a

tooltip.

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• When a Tool Orientation change could

potentially cause a collision, a warning
message is displayed before changing the
orientation of the tool.

Notes

Parameters related to collision detection and avoidance are available in the

PolyWorks|Inspector Options.

1. Choose Tools > Options to access the

PolyWorks|Inspector Options.

Alternatively, click the Collision detection split

button on the Status bar.

2. Navigate to the Collision Avoidance page.

Analyzing the path for issues

Different segments of the measurement path can be analyzed more closely in the 3D scene.
When collision detection is enabled, issues such as potential collisions and out-of-reach
issues can also be analyzed one at a time in the 3D scene. Tools found in the Sequence Editor
pane can be used to analyze measurement path segments for sequence steps and detected
issues.

To analyze the measurement path and issues along the measurement path:

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose Tools > Analyze Path.

Since there are several ways to launch the analysis mode, it is also possible to proceed as
follows:

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• Place the pointer over the issue icon next to the pertinent step in the measurement
sequence and click the Analyze issue fixer. In some cases a potential collision may be
detected. In other cases an out-of-reach issue may be detected.

• In the Edit Sequence and Measurement

Path mode, right-click a measurement path
segment, then choose Analyze Path.

For information on this mode, see The Edit

Sequence and Measurement Path mode on
page 46.

The interactive Measurement Path Analysis

mode is launched and the measurement path,
as well as any issues, can be analyzed using the
corresponding toolbar displayed at the bottom
of the 3D scene.
For more information on the 3D scene display
when the interactive mode is launched, see
Understanding the visual cues of the analysis
mode on page 56.

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3D scene Measurement Path Analysis toolbar

Once the Measurement Path Analysis interactive mode is launched, a toolbar is displayed at
the bottom of the 3D scene. The functions offered through this toolbar depend on the
specified parameters (collision detection is enabled or not).

It offers the following buttons, depending on the context:

Previous Step

Navigates to the previous step in the measurement sequence, in

both the 3D scene and in the Sequence Editor.

(step description)

Displays the number and description of the step that corre-

sponds to the measurement path segments currently being
analyzed. It also displays any step validation icons and
measurement object icons that are associated with that step.
If the tool assembly is positioned at the end of the last segment
of the measurement path, End of measurement path is displayed.
Note that clicking the text box selects the step in the Sequence
Editor pane.

Next Step

Navigates to the next step in the measurement sequence, in

both the 3D scene and in the Sequence Editor.

Center on Current Step

Can be used to center the 3D scene on the measurement path

segments for the step that is currently being analyzed.

The following buttons are only offered when collision detection is enabled and when there is a
collision and/or an out-of-reach issue detected before or after the current step:

Previous Issue

Navigates to the previous issue detected along the measurement

path, in both the 3D scene and in the Sequence Editor.

Next Issue

Navigates to the next issue detected along the measurement

path, in both the 3D scene and in the Sequence Editor.

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Objective: Analyze the measurement path as well as issues along the measurement path.

Required: A measurement sequence. To analyze issues, collision detection must also be

enabled.

Steps

1. Use the toolbar at the bottom of the 3D scene

to analyze measurement path segments and
issues more closely.

• Use the Previous/Next Step buttons to

navigate from one measurement sequence
step to the next, when available.

• Use the Previous/Next Issue buttons to

navigate from one potential collision and/or
out-of-reach issue to another, when
available.
The measurement sequence step that corre-
sponds to the measurement path segments or
issues currently being analyzed is displayed on
the toolbar. The step being analyzed is also
indicated in the Sequence Editor pane using a
red rectangle.

2. Press ESC to exit the interactive mode.

Results

The measurement path segments and issues can be analyzed more closely in the 3D scene.

Note

The Center on Current Step button, available on

the 3D scene Measurement Path Analysis toolbar,
can be used to quickly center the 3D scene on the
measurement path segments for the sequence
step that is currently being analyzed.

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 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

Understanding the visual cues of the analysis mode

While in the interactive Measurement Path Analysis mode, the 3D scene display changes:

• Measurement path segments that are part of

the step being analyzed are displayed in bold.
• Measurement path segments for the previous
step and the following step in the
measurement sequence are also displayed.
• The tool that is specified in the measurement
sequence for that step is displayed.

Collision detection particularities

• When collision detection is enabled, the virtual
shapes and theoretical sphere surrounding the
tool assembly are displayed reflecting the
default collision detection parameters set.
Note that these shapes are hidden when
analyzing out-of-reach issues.
Default collision detection parameters can be set
on the Collision Avoidance page of the
PolyWorks|Inspector Options (available by
choosing the Tools > Options).

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 INSPECTING MULTIPLE PIECES

• The color of the tool assembly and the CMM

table may vary:

• Green: when analyzing the next or previous

measurement sequence steps.

• Red: when analyzing the next or previous

issue; the tool assembly is positioned where
the issue being analyzed occurs.

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• Unchanged: if collision detection is not

enabled or cannot be performed for at least
one of the measurement path segments
currently being analyzed.

Notes

When analyzing out-of-reach issues, the working volume of the CNC CMM configuration for
the active measurement sequence is also displayed. The side of the working volume related to
the out-of-reach issues being analyzed is displayed in red wireframe.

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Avoiding collisions
Once collision detection is launched and potential collisions are detected, items are offered to
fix the sequence and avoid potential collisions.

Inserting go to position steps

Additional go to positions can be added when

potential collisions are detected between steps in
the measurement sequence.

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, place the pointer

over the issue icon.
2. Click the Insert Go to Position steps fixer.

Picking go to positions

When the Edit Sequence and Measurement

Path mode is enabled (see The Edit Sequence and
Measurement Path mode on page 46), go to
positions can be picked in the 3D scene along
measurement path segments between
measurement objects and between measurement
points.

1. On the Edit Sequence and Measurement

Path toolbar, click Pick Go to Positions, then
click the segment where a go to position point
needs to be added.
Alternatively, right-click the measurement path
segment, then choose Pick Go to Position.
2. Move the pointer to the new position and use
the mouse wheel to change the distance along
the surface normal vector.
3. Click to confirm the new position.
4. Right-click to exit the picking mode.

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Optimizing go to position steps

The tool path defined in the measurement
sequence can be optimized, generating a collision-
free trajectory. All existing go to position steps are
removed and new optimized ones are added.

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose Edit >

Optimize Go to Positions.

• Optimizable Go to Position steps are

identified with a different icon.

• When optimizing the measurement path,

certain Go to Position steps may need to be
preserved. It is possible to specify whether
optimization is allowed or not.
To allow or disallow the optimization of Go to
Position steps, click the corresponding edit
step shortcut arrow and select or clear the
Allow optimization check box.
Alternatively, select the steps in the sequence,
then right-click and choose Go to Position Steps
> Allow Optimization or Go to Position Steps >
Disallow Optimization.

Customizing a measurement sequence

Once the measurement sequence is created, changes can be made. For example, it is possible
to change the order of sequence steps to optimize an inspection, add instructions and images
to facilitate the inspection of the part, or include macro scripts to increase efficiency.

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Modifying the order of sequence steps

Steps in the sequence can be reordered, if required.

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, select the

sequence steps that will be moved in the
sequence area.

2. Drag the selected sequence steps to the

desired position in the sequence.

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Results

In the Sequence Editor, the steps are displayed at

the new position.

Adding sequence steps

Steps can be added to the sequence. They can be broadly categorized as follows:

• General steps
• Context steps
• Measurement steps
• Macro script steps

When a step is added, a contextual dialog box is opened to specify a Tree View object or
required information. If an object is preselected in the Tree View, then the inserted step is
automatically set to the selected object.

Choosing steps from the Insert menu

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose Insert >

[select which step to add].
A step is added to the sequence and a
contextual dialog box is displayed.

2. Specify the required information in the

contextual dialog box.

3. Click outside the dialog box to confirm.

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Notes

• Steps added using the Insert menu can be

used as placeholders if relevant objects have
not yet been created in the project. A warning
icon appears. These steps must be defined
before executing the sequence.

• Moving the mouse pointer over the object

displays a tooltip with recommended actions
to correct the issue.

• When a step is inserted, it appears at the end

of the sequence, except if there is a selection in
the sequence; in this case, the step is inserted
above the selection.

Selecting objects in the Tree View

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the objects associated

with the steps that will be added to the
sequence.

2. In the main menu, choose Measure > Add to

Sequence.

Results

The steps are added to the sequence.

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Dragging objects from the Tree View

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the objects associated

with the steps that will be added to the
sequence.

2. Drag the objects to the desired position in the

active sequence.

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Notes

A convenient way to add steps for existing objects is to drag the objects from the Tree View.

Inserting macro script steps

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose Insert >

Macro Script. Two items are offered.
• New: The Macro Script Editor opens,
allowing users to create a macro script.
• Import: Allows users to browse for an
existing macro script.

Results

The step is added to the sequence. The macro

script or, when imported, a copy of the macro
script is saved in the current piece.

Editing sequence steps

Once added, sequence steps can be modified by accessing the step’s contextual dialog box.

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor pane, select the

sequence step that will be modified and
choose Edit > Step.
Alternatively, click the Edit Step shortcut arrow
that corresponds to the step that will be
modified.
The sequence step contextual dialog box
opens.
2. Set the required parameters.

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Defining conditional blocks

Depending on the inspection requirements, some measurement objects can be excluded
from the inspection. It is possible to define these requirements, in a measurement sequence,
as conditional statement steps. These steps allow users to construct a sequence that is
adaptable to certain variations in an inspection, like the presence of an optional part.

Steps

1. Choose Insert > Question.

2. Type in a Yes or No question.

3. From the Answer variable list, select the
variable where the answer will be stored.
If a new variable must be created, choose
(Create New) and type the Variable name.
4. Set the initial value of the variable using the
Sequence validation answer list. Refer to the
Notes section for more information.

5. Select the steps in the sequence that are

affected by the conditional statement.
6. Choose Insert > Conditional Statement.

7. Select the variable that will be used in the

conditional statement.
8. Set the conditional value of the variable. If the
variable is equal to the answer provided by the
operator, the steps that are part of the
conditional statement are executed.
Otherwise, they are shown in gray and will not
be executed.

Results

The steps are added to the sequence.

The steps that were selected when the conditional

statement was inserted are grouped under the
conditional statement.

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Notes

The Sequence validation answer allows users to visualize the measurement path and
validate the corresponding conditional statement steps for a given scenario. This value is not
used when the measurement sequence is executed in the Sequence Editor or processed by
the Play Inspection tool.

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Mirroring measurement sequence steps

When a part contains symmetrical geometries, significant time
gains can be made by using mirroring tools. Once the first half of
a sequence has been completed, mirroring existing steps may
be sufficient to complete the entire measurement sequence.

It is possible to mirror sequence steps such as CNC

measurements, tool orientation changes, “Go to” positions, and
scan paths.

The operation to mirror object measurement steps can

automatically find the corresponding symmetrical
measurement object to use.

Objective: Mirror sequence steps.

Required: A complete or a partial sequence.

Steps

1. In the Sequence Editor, select the

sequence steps that will be mirrored.
2. Choose Edit > Copy on the Sequence Editor
menu bar.

3. In the sequence, select a location where

the selected steps will be pasted.
4. Choose Edit > Paste, on the Sequence
Editor menu bar, to paste the steps into
the sequence.
5. Select the newly copied steps and choose
Edit > Mirror, on the Sequence Editor menu
bar, to mirror them.
The Mirror Steps dialog box opens.

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6. In the Method list, select About Plane.

This method mirrors the objects about a
specified plane.
7. Select a Plane.
If using a standard plane, specify a
coordinate along the remaining axis to
position the symmetry plane.
Copy measurement parameters to the
mirror objects is selected by default. The
copied parameters are mirrored.
8. Click Mirror.

Results

• The mirrored sequence steps are created.

• The steps linked to measurement objects
are now linked to the mirrored
measurement objects. The link is based
on geometric properties and not on a
naming convention.
• Tool orientations and go to positions are
mirrored as well.

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Adjusting tools and tool orientations for a different

CMM
It is possible to share inspection projects and use a different CNC CMM to execute a
measurement sequence. To be fully functional, the measurement sequence that will be used
must be modified in terms of tools and tool orientations. The Adjust to Current Device dialog
box allows users to specify the tools that need to be converted from one machine
configuration to another.

Objective: Specify replacement tools for the tools used in the previous configuration.

Required: A completed inspection project, a opened measurement sequence in the

Sequence Editor pane, and a ready to use CNC CMM device.

Steps

1. Specify the new machine configuration in the

Probing Device Properties dialog box.

2. In the Sequence Editor pane, choose Tools >

Adjust to Current Device.
If a tool conversion is required, the Adjust to
Current Device dialog box opens.

3. In the Sequence Tool column, select the tool

that will be converted. Sequence tools are the
tools in the active sequence that are in error
and unavailable on the current machine.
4. In the Replacement Tool column, select a
corresponding tool for the currently selected
device.
5. Click Adjust.
Tool orientations are also converted once the
tools are converted.

Results

The tools and tool orientations are modified accordingly in the sequence. If the new tool has
no corresponding tool orientation, a message window appears to guide the user.

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Computing new tool orientations

In a measurement sequence, tool orientation steps are based on the existing tool
orientations. If, for example, the part can no longer be mounted on the CMM table the same
way as when the sequence was built, it is important to compute the new tool orientations
required for the inspection.

Two situations may arise:

• When running the sequence, error messages appear on certain tool orientation steps
once the alignment is computed. Launch the command to fix the sequence steps. In the
Sequence Editor, choose Tools > Compute New Tool Orientations.
• When running the Play Inspection, an error message appears. User input is then
required to launch the conversion.

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 Importing
Reference objects
 IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

Introducing Reference objects

Reference objects are the nominal objects (typically a CAD model or a polygonal model) to
which the Data objects are measured.

Using CAD models to describe nominal parts

It is common practice, in the industry, to design the shape of
parts using 3D drawing software, commonly known as
computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD models greatly
simplify the task of defining nominal geometries and
dimensions, an essential step in the process of inspecting parts.

Importing a CAD model

Objective: Import a CAD model, into the inspection project, as a Reference object.

Required: A CAD file in a neutral format (IGES or STEP file) or a native format (such as CATIA,
NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or Inventor).

Steps

1. Choose File > Import > CAD Models.

A file browser opens.

2. Browse for the CAD file and select it.

3. Click Open.

Results

The CAD model is added to the Tree View, The CAD model is displayed in the 3D scene.
under the Reference branch.

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 IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

Specifying the surfaces used for computations on

CAD models
PolyWorks|Inspector displays an imported CAD model as a Reference object using a
tessellated polygonal surface. Data-to-Reference computations may either use the tessellated
polygonal surfaces or the NURBS surface definition contained in the CAD model file. Users can
choose the behavior by selecting the appropriate option under Surfaces used for
computations in the property sheet of the CAD model.

Coarsely tessellated CAD model

(Flat + Curve display)

Tessellated surfaces
Typically, Data-to-Reference computations are based on Tessellated surfaces. This option is
recommended when:

• Using a scanning device that collects a large number of data points.

• The CAD model represents a part within a 10-meter range.

To ensure accurate Data-to-Reference deviation computations, it is recommended to set a

small enough tessellation tolerance.

Limitations

Data-to-Reference computations based on tessellated surfaces can lead to long CAD import
and computation operations as well as very large memory consumption when the number of
generated polygons is high. This will likely be the case when:

• The CAD model contains a very large part, for example a ship hull.
• The CAD model contains lots of details, for example engravings and threads.
• Inspection accuracy requires a very small tessellation tolerance.

In the above-mentioned cases, consider using the NURBS surfaces option.

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 IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

NURBS surfaces
Data-to-Reference deviation computations against a NURBS surface are the most accurate but
this comes with a longer processing time for a given number of points.

NURBS surfaces should be used when:

• High-accuracy devices, such as CNC CMMs, are used.

• Using a probing device that collects a low number of data points.

When importing a CAD model, tessellated surfaces are used by default. However, it is possible
to change the applied parameter and value through the property sheet of the CAD model.

Objective: Set which surfaces of the CAD model are used for computations.

Required: A CAD model is in the project.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the CAD model.

2. Choose Edit > Object Properties.
Alternatively, right-click the selected CAD
model and choose Properties.

3. Click the Reference tab and expand the

Surfaces section.
4. Select one of the following settings:

Tessellated surfaces
1. Select Tessellated surfaces.
The Tessellation tolerance parameter is
shown.

2. Specify the Tessellation tolerance, which Tessellation

is the largest allowable deviation from the tolerance
original NURBS surfaces.

It is recommended to use 1/10 of the

smallest tolerance in the project. Polygonal
representation
Original CAD
surface

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 IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

The Max stitching distance displays the

parameter value.

CAD models are imperfect, and there are

often gaps between two adjacent CAD
surfaces that should be connected. If the
width of a gap is smaller than the Max
stitching distance, then the two surfaces
are considered to be connected and their
common boundary is not considered as
being a CAD model boundary.
3. Click Apply.

NURBS surfaces
1. Select NURBS surfaces.
The Tessellation tolerance and Cross-
section extraction tolerance parameters
are shown.
2. Tessellation tolerance:
Specify the tolerance value that is suitable
for both display purposes and to
accelerate mathematical operations on
NURBS surfaces.
Typically, the value of the Tessellation
tolerance is relatively higher than when
using the Tessellated surfaces option.
3. Cross-section extraction tolerance:
Specify the largest possible deviation of
nominal cross-sections created from
NURBS surfaces.
The Max stitching distance displays the
parameter value.

CAD models are imperfect, and there are

often gaps between two adjacent CAD
surfaces that should be connected. If the
width of a gap is smaller than the Max
stitching distance, then the two surfaces
are considered to be connected and their
common boundary is not considered as
being a CAD model boundary.
4. Click Apply.

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 IMPORTING REFERENCE OBJECTS

Results

The tessellation tolerance is applied to the CAD model. A small value produces a fine
resolution while a large value produces a coarse resolution.

Small tessellation tolerance Large tessellation tolerance

(Flat + Curve display) (Flat + Curve display)

Notes

The default value for the Max stitching

distance is specified in the Objects >
Reference/Data > CAD Models page of the
PolyWorks|Inspector Options. The
PolyWorks|Inspector Options are available by
choosing Tools > Options.

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Acquiring Data
objects
 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Acquiring surface and boundary Data objects

Using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM to scan a

part
A scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM can be used to automatically perform the scanning
of the surfaces of parts, or the surfaces and boundaries of parts. This data is acquired in the
form of a polygonal model or a point cloud. Like all tools, scanning tools are controlled
through the CNC CMM. They need to be defined and their orientations need to be calibrated
in order to be used (see Understanding tools and tool orientations on page 24).

When using a CNC CMM, specifying the scanning parameters involves defining scan paths.
Scan paths dictate the movement of the automated device when scanning. Each scan path is
defined as a step in a measurement sequence.

Objective: Scan a part using a scanning tool mounted on a CNC CMM.

Required: A CNC CMM probing device is ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the
part is prealigned to the Reference object. A scanning tool is specified and
mounted on the CNC CMM. A tool orientation that allows an optimal scan of the
part surface is specified.

Steps

1. Click the Scan button.

The Scan dialog box opens, and a connection
to the scanning tool is established. A scanning
toolbar is also displayed (see Scanning toolbar
on page 81).

2. In the Scan dialog box, select the Scan type.

Two types are offered:
• Surface Scanning
• Surface and Boundary Scanning
3. In the Method list, select CNC Scan.
4. In the Surface list and, if applicable, in the
Boundary list, select (Create New) to create a
new Data object, or select an existing Data
object to which data will be added.
5. If (Create New) is specified, specify the Name
of the new surface Data object and, if
applicable, of the new boundary Data object.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

6. In the Scan path list, select a scan path.

If no paths are available, click Add Path. The
Create Scan Path dialog box opens. For more
information on creating scan paths, see Under-
standing scan paths on page 83.
7. Select Real-time quality meshing.
8. Select Polygonal model as the final data type.
9. If desired, enable the Clipping plane.
10. Under Scanning options, select the
appropriate Profile based on the size of the
smallest details on the part.
11. If required, click Options to set the options
specific to the scanning tool.
12. Click Start Scan.

The scanning toolbar appears in the 3D scene,

providing quick access to the quality metrics.
13. Analyze quality issues and enhance areas of
low quality based on the quality metrics.
14. Create a new scan path, if required, and launch
the scanning operation.
Repeat this operation to create all the required
scan paths for the part.

15. Click Finalize Mesh to complete the polygonal

Data object. The mesh is automatically
optimized by stitching, smoothing, and
reducing.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Results

A polygonal Data object is added to the Tree A polygonal Data object is displayed in the
View. All scan passes are added to one 3D scene.
surface Data object and, if applicable, to one
boundary Data object.

Scanning toolbar
Once the scan operation is launched, a scanning toolbar appears in the 3D scene. The
functions offered through this toolbar depend on the specified parameters (real-time quality
meshing enabled or not) while scanning.

The toolbar offers the following buttons:

Delete Last Scan Pass

Deletes the last scan passes of the current scanning session. Offered in both
cases, for scanning using real-time quality meshing or not.

Feature Scanning Guidance

Activates or deactivates feature scanning guidance.

When a clipping plane has been defined, the following button becomes available:

Clipping plane

Activates or deactivates the use of the clipping plane when surface scanning
is performed.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

The following buttons are offered only when real-time quality meshing is used:

Recover Last Deleted Elements

Recovers the last-deleted elements of the current scanning session.

High Scanner-to-Surface-Normal Angle

Activates or deactivates the High Scanner-to-Surface-Normal Angle quality

metric.

Low Scan Density for Mesh Curvature

Activates or deactivates the Low Scan Density for Mesh Curvature quality
metric.

High Noise Level

Activates or deactivates the High Noise Level quality metric.

The following buttons are only offered when the scanning session is launched from a
measurement sequence:

Start Scan

Starts or resumes the scanning session.

End Scan

Pauses or ends the scanning session, depending on whether scanning is

performed with or without real-time quality meshing.

For information about scanning plug-ins (including real-time quality meshing and quality
metrics), refer to the PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Understanding scan paths

Scan paths are used to automate the scanning of a part using a scanning tool mounted on a
CNC CMM. The scanner follows the paths to scan the part. Once defined, scan paths can be
added to a measurement sequence.

The Create Scan Path dialog box allows users to define and visualize scan paths for a specific
part. Two path types are offered:

Area Path: Defines the area that will be scanned on the part. The scanning
trajectory is automatically constructed.

Linear Path: Defines a linear path, composed of multiple segments, for the
scanning tool to follow when scanning the part.

Creating area paths

Objective: Create an area path by anchoring points on objects (typically CAD models) in the
3D scene.

Required: At least one object is displayed in the 3D scene. The device is aligned to the
objects in the 3D scene.

Steps

1. In the Scan dialog box, click Create Path.

The Create Scan Path dialog box opens.

2. Specify the Name of the scan path.

3. Select the Area scan path type.
The Anchor Points interactive mode is
automatically launched.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

4. In the 3D scene, click to anchor the points that

define the area of the path:
1 2
• The first point is the start point of the path.
• The second point defines the direction of
the scan and the width of the area.
• The third points defines the height of the 3
area.

The area path is displayed in the 3D scene. The

area it covers is framed by a blue border and
red corners.
5. Edit the area path, if necessary.
For more information on editing the area path,
see Editing area paths on page 85.

Results

The coordinates for the points are displayed A scan path is automatically calculated and
in the Area table. shown in the 3D scene as a dark-blue line.
The points that define the area are shown in
red. The pale blue lines indicate the
segments of the scan path where no data
points are acquired.

Notes

It is possible to define points by reading

coordinates from the scanner.
Move the scanner head to the desired
position and click Add Point from Device
Coordinates.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Editing area paths

Once the area path is defined, editing tools are available in the Create Scan Path dialog box.

Edit the point coordinates numerically

1. Under Area, select one of the points that
define the area.

2. Click Edit Point Coordinates.

The Edit Scan Path Point dialog box opens.

3. Edit the coordinates and click OK.

Alternatively, the coordinates of the points can
be edited directly in the Create Scan Path
dialog box. Click a coordinate to edit its value.

Edit the area interactively

When all the points that define the area are created, the Edit Area Interactively interactive
mode is automatically launched.

1. Edit the measurement area directly in the 3D

scene. It is displayed in blue.
• To resize the measurement area, click the
blue border and drag.
• To rotate the measurement area in its plane,
click a red corner and drag.
• To move the measurement area, middle-
click the blue border and drag.

Delete the points

1. Click Delete All Points to delete all the points.
All points that define the area are deleted. The
Anchor Points interactive mode is launched
automatically in order to redefine the area.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Creating linear paths

Objective: Create a linear path by anchoring points on objects (typically CAD models) in the
3D scene.

Required: At least one object is displayed in the 3D scene. The device is aligned to the
objects in the 3D scene.

Steps

1. In the Scan dialog box, click Create Path.

The Create Scan Path dialog box opens.

2. Specify the Name of the scan path.

3. Select the Linear scan path type.
The Anchor Points interactive mode is
automatically launched.

4. In the 3D scene, click to anchor the points that

define the segments of the path.
A path segment is added between points.
5. Anchor as many points as required.
6. Right-click to exit the anchoring mode.
By default, each segment of the path is scanned.
However, it is possible to press CTRL while
anchoring a point to indicate that the device will
move to that point without scanning.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Results

The coordinates for each point of the scan The scan path is shown in the 3D scene as a
path are displayed in the Points section. dark-blue line. Each anchored point is
numbered in correspondence to its index in
the Point list.

Notes

• In the Scan dialog box, an icon indicates The device scans the path while
whether the segment to that point will be going to the specified point.
scanned or not.
The device moves to the
specified point without
scanning.

Afterwards, it is possible to change this

setting through the drop-down menu
next to the icon.

• It is possible to define points by reading

coordinates from the scanner.

Move the scanner head to the desired

position and click Add Point from Device
Coordinates.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Editing linear paths

Once the linear path is defined, editing tools are available in the Create Scan Path dialog box.

Edit the point coordinates numerically

1. Under Points, select one of the points that
define the linear path.

2. Click Edit Point Coordinates.

The Edit Scan Path Point dialog box opens.

3. Edit the coordinates and click OK.

Alternatively, the coordinates of the points can
be edited directly in the Create Scan Path
dialog box. Click a coordinate to edit its value.

Drag points
1. Click Drag Points to enter an interactive
dragging mode.

2. Relocate the points by dragging them directly

in the 3D scene.
3. Right-click to exit the mode.

Delete points
1. Under Points, select one or more points that
define the linear path.
2. Click Delete Points to delete the selected
points.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Delete points interactively

1. Click Delete Points Interactively to enter an
interactive deleting mode.

2. Click the points in the 3D scene to delete them.

The path segments are automatically adjusted.
3. Right-click to exit the mode.

Managing scan paths

The scanning of a part typically requires multiple scan paths. The Scan Paths pane allows
users to visualize, manage, and edit different scan paths. It is available by choosing
Tools > Scanning > Manage Scan Paths.

The following tools are available in the Scan Paths pane:

Create Path

Click Create Path to add a scan path to the project. The Create Scan Path
dialog box automatically opens.

Edit Path

Select a scan path in the list and click Edit Path. The Edit Scan Path dialog
box automatically opens.

Delete Paths

Select scan paths in the list and click Delete Paths.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Mirror Paths

Select scan paths in the list and click Mirror Paths. The Mirror Scan Paths
dialog box automatically opens. It is used to mirror the selected scan paths
about a plane or about the origin of the coordinate system.

Add Paths to Sequence

Select scan paths in the list and click Add Paths to Sequence to add them
at the end of the active measurement sequence.

Notes

The Data Objects column displays the Data objects measured using the corresponding scan
path. Only the scan paths that are used in the active sequence are displayed.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Using a clipping plane

When scanning a part, oftentimes, a portion of the CMM table on which the part lies is also
scanned. In these situations, a clipping plane is useful to automatically delete points on the
table while scanning.

This reduces the manual clean-up of scanned data, which makes it easier to scan both sides of
a part.

The data points are shown during the scan pass but are permanently deleted at the end of
the pass.

The same clipping plane can be reused from one piece to another, and from one project to
another, as it is saved in the user configuration.

Objective: Define a clipping plane prior to scanning.

Required: A CNC CMM probing device is ready to use. The required plug-in is loaded in
PolyWorks|Inspector.

Steps

1. From the Scan dialog box, enable Clipping

plane.

2. Choose a Method from the list.

CMM Table

This method considers the CMM table as the clipping plane. The position of the CMM table is
defined in the machine configuration. To view the coordinate associated with the position of
the table, edit the machine configuration and navigate to the General tab.

Custom
This method is used to define the clipping plane by either probing a plane or specifying a
plane already in the Tree View. For more information on defining a clipping plane, refer to the
PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

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 ACQUIRING DATA OBJECTS

Results

• The clipping plane is saved in the user configuration when the method is Custom.
• The data points filtered by the clipping plane while scanning are permanently deleted.

92
Aligning Data objects
to Reference objects
 ALIGNING DATA OBJECTS TO REFERENCE OBJECTS

Aligning using a CMM prealignment

A rapid CMM prealignment method is offered that first
matches the axes of a CMM device with those of a Reference
object (typically a CAD model) and then an alignment point is
measured to position the part. The operation makes use of a
Reference object, which should be positioned with respect to
the coordinate system axes, and a corresponding part
installed in the working volume of the CMM.

Objective: Prealign the part mounted on the CMM to the

Reference object.

Required: A Reference object is available. A CMM is ready

for use. The part is mounted on the CMM.

Steps

1. Choose Align > CMM Prealignment.

The CMM table, its working volume, and its

coordinate system are displayed in the 3D
scene.

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 ALIGNING DATA OBJECTS TO REFERENCE OBJECTS

The CMM Prealignment dialog box opens.

This alignment is performed in two steps.
2. Orient the CMM by choosing the proper axis
match to the Reference object.
3. By default, the Position in working volume
check box is cleared and the Reference object
is displayed in the center of the working
volume, providing a preview of the axis match
in the 3D scene.
When using the Offline Simulation mode,
select the Position in working volume check
box. Use the sliders to position the piece
within the CNC CMM working volume to better
represent its actual position on the CNC CMM
table. Note that when the sliders are moved,
the position of the part in the 3D scene is
displayed in real-time.

4. An Alignment point is required to position the

part.
• Feature center point: Select a curve-based
feature from the list.
Alternatively, click the Pick Curve-Based
Feature button, to the right of the list, to
pick a feature directly in the 3D scene.
• Custom: Manually enter the x, y, and z
coordinates of the point.
Alternatively, click Pick Alignment Point
and pick a point directly on the Reference
object surface in the 3D scene.
5. Click Probe Point.
6. Probe the corresponding point with the CMM.

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 ALIGNING DATA OBJECTS TO REFERENCE OBJECTS

Results

Two data alignments are added to the Tree The system made by the CMM and the part is
View, under the Data Alignments branch. The prealigned to the Reference object.
first one corresponds to the axis match. The
second one corresponds to the alignment
point.

Notes

• Although less common, if the part is not

mounted square to the device axes (or
when the Reference object is not aligned
to the standard axes), it is possible to pick
a location on the Reference object, which
corresponds to the device axis direction,
and obtain a custom vector instead of
using standard axes.

To do so, the Pick Reference Object First

Axis and Pick Reference Object Second
Axis buttons are offered next to the
Reference object lists.

• Since two alignments are produced by the

CMM Prealignment, they appear as two
different steps in a measurement
sequence.

96
 Measuring
dimensions and
deviations
Features

Lines Ellipses

Planes Cylinders

Circles Cones

Slots Spheres

Rectangles Surfaces

Polygons

98
 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Defining part geometry using features

Features define geometric characteristics of a part, such as holes and planar surfaces, and are
typically used for part alignment and dimensional inspection purposes.

A feature typically contains a nominal and/or a measured component, also referred to as

primitives. The nominal primitive represents the theoretical or ideal measurement, such as
that found on a CAD model. The measured primitive is created from the measured data points
on the actual part being inspected.

Feature types
This guide focuses on the feature types that can be measured using the CNC Probe method.
These features can be categorized as follows:

Individual features Features containing a nominal and/or a measured primitive.

Individual features can be categorized by their geometrical
properties. The most common categories are:

Surface-based:
Features that have a
surface.
Plane Cylinder Cone Sphere
Curve-based:
Planar curves with a center
point (x, y, z) and a direc-
tional vector (i, j, k). Circle Slot Rectangle Polygon Ellipse

Other:

Line

**Feature composed of CAD surfaces (nominal

component) and data points (measured
component).
Surface**

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Creating nominal primitives

Features must be created with a nominal primitive in order to be measured using the
CNC Probe method. For information on the different methods used to create features, refer to
the PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

Obtaining measured primitives

For an existing feature with a nominal primitive, the corresponding geometry on the part can
be obtained by automatically probing the part using the CNC Probe measurement method.
This method uses measurement points to automate measurements. Therefore, a feature can
only be CNC probed once its measurement points are defined.

By default, measurement points are generated automatically from the nominal primitive.
However, if this method does not give satisfactory results, it is possible to define and edit
measurement points using the Measurement Points pane. For more information, see
Customizing measurement points on page 133. The CNC Probe measurement method is
presented in the sections that follow.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

CNC probing lines

The measured primitive of a line feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured line primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal line primitive and a measured plane that will be
used as constraining plane. A CNC CMM probing device is ready to use. The
system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Standard.

6. Specify a constraining plane.

In the Method list, select Use Plane Feature,
then, in the Name list, select the measured
plane that will be used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

7. In the Measurement points list, select From

Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.
8. Set the Location, which specifies the location
of the feature on the part:
• Click Convex Edge if the line is located on an
edge with an angle pointing outward.
• Click Concave Edge if the line is located on
an edge with an angle pointing inward.
9. Enter the Number of points to be evenly
distributed along the line.
10. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the feature plane and the measurement
points. The direction of offset is based on the
Location.
11. Set the Measurement side:
• Click Left when the measurement points are
located on the left side of the line and the
material is on the right side of the line.
• Click Right when the measurement points
are located on the right side of the line and
the material is on the left side of the line.
12. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters, or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error. A minimum number of points must
be CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in an acquisition failure. If

there is no reference surface at all, this
behavior is used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

13. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
feature specified in the Specific list. Once the
feature is CNC probed, the next one is
automatically specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the line The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
feature, under the Features branch of the
Tree View.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

CNC probing planes

The measured primitive of a plane feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured plane primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal plane primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Standard.

6. In the Measurement points list, select From

Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.
7. Specify the Pattern. Two patterns are offered:
• The Along Boundary pattern is used to
evenly distribute measurement points along
the external boundary of the plane. A
Number of points is used to specify how
many points are distributed within the
pattern.
• The Grid pattern is used to evenly distribute
measurement points within the plane using
a Sampling step.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

8. In the Points not on reference surface list,

specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters, or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in an acquisition failure. If

there is no reference surface at all, this
behavior is used.
A preview of the measurement path, and the
points that will be probed, is shown.

9. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
feature specified in the Specific list. Once the
feature is CNC probed, the next one is
automatically specified in the list.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Results

The measured primitive is added to the plane The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
feature, under the Features branch of the
Tree View.

CNC probing circles

The measured primitive of a circle feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured circle primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal circle primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Standard.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

6. Specify a Constraining plane.

When using the CNC Probe method, it is
usually recommended to select the Probe
Local Plane method to define a local
constraining plane. The measurement points
for both the circle and the local constraining
plane need to be configured.
7. In the Measurement points list, select From
Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

8. Set the Location, which specifies the location

of the feature on the part:
• Click Top if the circle is located at the top of
the part geometry.
• Click Bottom if the circle is located at the
bottom of the part geometry.
The in-space orientation of the circle feature is
obtained from its nominal component.
9. Enter the Number of points that will be evenly
distributed along the feature.
10. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the constraining plane and the measurement
points.
11. Define the measurement points for the
Constraining plane. Enter the Number of
points used to probe the local constraining
plane and the Tangent offset distance
between the measurement points of the plane
and the perimeter of the feature. The distance
is in the direction that is perpendicular to the
primitive and its normal.
12. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters, or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error. A minimum number of points must
be CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in an acquisition failure. If

there is no reference surface at all, this
behavior is used.

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A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

13. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the local
constraining plane, then the feature specified
in the Specific list. Once the feature is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the circle The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
feature, under the Features branch of the
Tree View.

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CNC probing slots

The measured primitive of a slot feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured slot primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal slot primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is ready
to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the Reference
object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Arcs Only.

6. Specify a Constraining plane.

When using the CNC Probe method, it is
usually recommended to select the Probe
Local Plane method to define a local
constraining plane. The measurement points
for both the slot and the local constraining
plane need to be configured.
7. In the Measurement points list, select From
Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.

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8. Set the Location, which specifies the location

of the feature on the part:
• Click Top if the slot is located at the top of
the part geometry.
• Click Bottom if the slot is located at the
bottom of the part geometry.
The in-space orientation of the slot feature is
obtained from its nominal component.
9. Enter the Number of points per arc that will
be evenly distributed around each arc of the
feature.
10. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the constraining plane and the measurement
points.
11. Define the measurement points for the
Constraining plane. Enter the Number of
points used to probe the local constraining
plane and the Tangent offset distance
between the measurement points of the plane
and the perimeter of the feature. The distance
is in the direction that is perpendicular to the
primitive and its normal.
12. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters, or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in an acquisition failure. If

there is no reference surface at all, this
behavior is used.

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A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

13. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the local
constraining plane, then the feature specified
in the Specific list. Once the feature is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the slot The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
feature, under the Features branch of the
Tree View.

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CNC probing rectangles

The measured primitive of a rectangle feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured rectangle primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal rectangle primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. Specify a Constraining plane.

When using the CNC Probe method, it is
usually recommended to select the Probe
Local Plane method to define a local
constraining plane. The measurement points
for both the rectangle and the local
constraining plane need to be configured.
6. In the Measurement points list, select From
Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.

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7. Set the Location, which specifies the location

of the feature on the part:
• Click Top if the rectangle is located at the top
of the part geometry.
• Click Bottom if the rectangle is located at
the bottom of the part geometry.
The in-space orientation of the rectangle feature
is obtained from its nominal component.
8. Enter the Number of points per side that will
be evenly distributed on each side of the
feature.
9. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the constraining plane and the measurement
points.
10. Define the measurement points for the
Constraining plane. Enter the Number of
points used to probe the local constraining
plane and the Tangent offset distance
between the measurement points of the plane
and the perimeter of the feature. The distance
is in the direction that is perpendicular to the
primitive and its normal.
11. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters, or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in an acquisition failure. If

there is no reference surface at all, this
behavior is used.

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A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

12. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the local
constraining plane, then the feature specified
in the Specific list. Once the feature is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
rectangle feature, under the Features branch
of the Tree View.

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CNC probing polygons

The measured primitive of a polygon feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured polygon primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal polygon primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. Specify a Constraining plane.

When using the CNC Probe method, it is
usually recommended to select the Probe
Local Plane method to define a local
constraining plane. The measurement points
for both the polygon and the local constraining
plane need to be configured.
6. Enter the Number of sides for the polygon.
7. In the Measurement points list, select From
Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.

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8. Set the Location, which specifies the location

of the feature on the part:
• Click Top if the polygon is located at the top
of the part geometry.
• Click Bottom if the polygon is located at the
bottom of the part geometry.
The in-space orientation of the polygon feature is
obtained from its nominal component.
9. Enter the Number of points per side that will
be evenly distributed on each side of the
feature.
10. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the constraining plane and the measurement
points.
11. Define the measurement points for the
Constraining plane. Enter the Number of
points used to probe the local constraining
plane and the Tangent offset distance
between the measurement points of the plane
and the perimeter of the feature. The distance
is in the direction that is perpendicular to the
primitive and its normal.
12. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in acquisition failure. If there is

no reference surface at all, this behavior is
used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

13. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the local
constraining plane, then the feature specified
in the Specific list. Once the feature is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
polygon feature, under the Features branch
of the Tree View.

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CNC probing ellipses

The measured primitive of an ellipse feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured ellipse primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal ellipse primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. Specify a Constraining plane.

When using the CNC Probe method, it is
usually recommended to select the Probe
Local Plane method to define a local
constraining plane. The measurement points
for both the ellipse and the local constraining
plane need to be configured.
6. In the Measurement points list, select From
Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.

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7. Set the Location, which specifies the location

of the feature on the part:
• Click Top if the ellipse is located at the top of
the part geometry.
• Click Bottom if the ellipse is located at the
bottom of the part geometry.
The in-space orientation of the ellipse feature is
obtained from its nominal component.
8. Enter the Number of points that are evenly
distributed around the feature.
9. Enter the Offset to plane distance between
the constraining plane and the measurement
points.
10. Define the measurement points for the
Constraining plane. Enter the Number of
points used to probe the local constraining
plane and the Tangent offset distance
between the measurement points of the plane
and the perimeter of the feature. The distance
is in the direction that is perpendicular to the
primitive and its normal.
11. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in acquisition failure. If there is

no reference surface at all, this behavior is
used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

12. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the local
constraining plane, then the feature specified
in the Specific list. Once the feature is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
ellipse feature, under the Features branch of
the Tree View.

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CNC probing cylinders

The measured primitive of a cylinder feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured cylinder primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal cylinder primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Standard.

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6. In the Measurement points list, select From

Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.
7. Enter the Number of circles, which specifies
the number of equidistant circles on which
measurement points are defined.
8. Enter the Number of points per circle, which
specifies how many measurement points are
evenly distributed on each defined circle.
9. Enable the Max depth item, if needed. It
allows users to define the maximum distance
of the deepest circle. The depth considers the
axis orientation of the cylinder.
10. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in acquisition failure. If there is

no reference surface at all, this behavior is
used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

11. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
feature specified in the Specific list. Once the
feature is CNC probed, the next one is
automatically specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
cylinder feature, under the Features branch
of the Tree View.

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CNC probing cones

The measured primitive of a cone feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured cone primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal cone primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

5. In the Submethod list, select Standard.

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6. In the Measurement points list, select From

Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.
7. Enter the Number of circles, which specifies
the number of equidistant circles on which
measurement points are defined.
8. Enter the Number of points per circle, which
specifies how many measurement points are
evenly distributed on each defined circle.
9. Enable the Max depth item, if needed. It
allows users to define the maximum distance
of the deepest circle. The depth considers the
axis orientation of the cylinder.
10. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in acquisition failure. If there is

no reference surface at all, this behavior is
used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

11. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
feature specified in the Specific list. Once the
feature is CNC probed, the next one is
automatically specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the cone The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
feature, under the Features branch of the
Tree View.

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CNC probing spheres

The measured primitive of a sphere feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe method.

Objective: Create the measured sphere primitive by CNC probing it.

Required: The project contains a nominal sphere primitive. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the features that will be

CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Features > Define Measured.

Alternatively, right-click the selected features in
the Tree View and choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Feature Components
dialog box opens.

3. Under Feature selection, make sure that the

Specific probing mode is specified.
It is used to probe the selected features
following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

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5. In the Measurement points list, select From

Nominal to generate measurement points
from the nominal primitive.
6. Enable Point on top of the sphere, if needed.
This creates a measurement point at the top of
the sphere.
7. Enter the Number of circles, which specifies
the number of equidistant circles on which
measurement points are defined.
8. Enter the Number of points per circle, which
specifies the number of measurement points
that are evenly distributed along each defined
circle.
9. For the First circle:
Set the Angle from top at which the first circle
is positioned.
10. For the Last circle:
Set the Angle from top at which the last circle
is positioned.
11. In the Points not on reference surface list,
specify the behavior when one or more
defined measurement points are not on a
reference surface:
• Select Disallow to prevent the CNC probe
mode from launching when some points are
not on a reference surface.

To correct this situation, edit the point

acquisition parameters or edit the
measurement points through the
Measurement Points pane.

• Select Skip to skip the measurement points

in error.

A minimum number of points must be

CNC probed to form a valid feature.

• Select Acquire to attempt to CNC probe the

measurement points in error.

This may result in acquisition failure. If there is

no reference surface at all, this behavior is
used.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

points that will be probed, is shown.

12. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
feature specified in the Specific list. Once the
feature is CNC probed, the next one is
automatically specified in the list.

Results

The measured primitive is added to the The primitives are displayed in the 3D scene.
sphere feature, under the Features branch of
the Tree View.

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CNC probing surfaces

The measured primitive of a surface feature can be obtained using the CNC Probe Measured
Comparison Points method. This method consists in CNC probing surface comparison points
linked to the surface feature in order to measure the surface feature.

Objective: Measure a surface feature by CNC probing existing surface comparison points
linked to the surface feature.

Required: The project contains a nominal surface feature. A CNC CMM probing device is
ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the
Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select a surface feature.

2. Choose Measure > Comparison Points > Create >

Surface Points.
The Create Surface Comparison Points dialog
box opens.

3. In the Method list, select Sample using Grid.

4. Specify the Sampling step.
Here, the value is specific to the part.
5. Specify the Projection axis.
6. Specify the Radius.
7. In the Link to object list, select Surface
Feature.
8. Click Create.

The surface comparison points are created on

the surface feature and added to the Tree View
in a group named according to the surface
feature.
Each surface comparison point is automatically
linked to the surface feature on creation.

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9. In the Tree View, select the surface feature that

will be measured.
10. Right-click and choose CNC Probe Measured
Comparison Points.
The Define Measured Comparison Point
Components dialog box opens.

11. Click CNC Probe to CNC probe the comparison

points linked to the surface feature.
The CNC CMM automatically probes the
comparison point specified in the Specific list.
Once the comparison point is CNC probed, the
next one is automatically specified in the list.
12. Click CNC Probe again, until all comparison
points have been CNC probed.

Results

The surface feature and the surface comparison points are displayed as measured in the Tree
View and in the 3D scene.

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Customizing measurement points

Measurement points are created by default using the From Nominal method. However, if this
method does not give satisfactory results, it is possible to define and edit measurement
points using the Measurement Points pane.

Steps

1. Under Point acquisition, click the

Measurement Points button.
The Measurement Points pane opens.
2. Define and edit the measurement points of the
feature and its local constraining plane, if any.
For information on defining and editing
measurement points, refer to the
PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

Notes

When measurement points are customized using the Measurement Points pane, the
measurement points method is changed to Custom. Custom measurement points are
nonparametric, which means that they are not updated automatically if the nominal primitive
is modified.

Defining intermediate positions between measurement points

Intermediate positions, or go to position points, can be added between measurement points
along the measurement path to avoid collisions with the part or its fixture.

Objective: Add a Go to Position point to avoid an obstacle along the measurement path of a
feature.

Required: A feature and the CAD model are available. The system made by the CMM and the
part is prealigned to the Reference object. A tool is specified and mounted on the
CNC CMM, and the Reference object is visible in the 3D scene.

Steps

In the Measurement Points pane:

1. Click the Pick Go to Positions button to launch

an interactive picking mode.

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2. In the 3D scene, position the mouse pointer on

a segment of the measurement path along
which an intermediate position must be
inserted.
The corresponding segment is highlighted.

3. Left-click the segment.

• A preview of the Go to Position point is
displayed at the clicked position.
• The Go to Position point follows the mouse
pointer.
4. Move the mouse pointer over the CAD model
to the desired location, where the Go to
Position point associated with the intermediate
position will be defined.
5. Using the mouse wheel, specify the normal
distance from the Reference object surface.
6. Left-click to confirm the point location.
If necessary, repeat the steps to add other Go
to Position points.
7. Right-click to exit the mode.

Results

The Go to Position point is added in the list of A new point is displayed in the 3D scene.
points in the Measurement Points pane. The tool now avoids a collision.

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CNC probing curved-based features on highly deviated parts

When performing an automated inspection on a part highly deviated, it may be difficult to
measure the required features since their location on the part differs considerably from their
nominal counterparts.

Parameters are offered to offset the measurement points of curved-based features allowing
to facilitate the inspection process and avoid collisions.

Offsetting measurement points

When CNC probing curve-based features,
measurement points can be offset.

Two choices are offered:

• Relative: The measurement point offset is

relative to the specified objects. The position
that will be CNC probed for the current feature
will be adjusted according to the measured
location of the specified objects.

• Absolute: The (x, y, z) coordinates are specified

numerically. The absolute offset can be
manually entered or it can be obtained using
one of the following methods:

• From the probing tool position by clicking

the adjacent Compute Offset from
Current Probe Position button.

• From the results obtained when finding

holes and hole centers (see Setting the
measurement point offset using pre-
measurement routines on page 136).

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Setting the measurement point offset using pre-measurement routines

When CNC probing circle features using the
Standard submethod, additional parameters
are offered to ease the measurement process
on highly deviated parts by launching a pre-
measurement routine that will adjust the
measurement points accordingly.

Searching for holes on the part

The Search hole functionality is used to trigger a search for circular holes on the actual part
when they deviate from the holes on the CAD model. The search is automatically launched
before the circle feature is CNC probed. Its starting point is based on the nominal primitive of
the feature, taking in consideration absolute or relative offsets, if applicable.

A spiral movement takes place and evenly spaced

locations are probed until the hole is found.

The size of the search area considers the radius of

the nominal primitive and the approach distance
specified in the CNC parameters. See Setting CNC
Parameters on page 32.

Locating the center of holes on the part

When the Locate center functionality is enabled, measurement points are offset according to
the center located for the circle feature on the part, without having to manually edit them.

An approach movement takes place until the

displacement is equal to the Offset to plane value
specified.

Three points are probed and the center of the hole

is computed.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Notes

• Search hole and Locate center parameters can be enabled at the same time, in which
case, the search hole spiral movement takes place first, followed by the center localization.
• The Search hole and Locate center results are stored in (x,y,z) coordinates and are
specified as an Absolute measurement point offset for subsequent measurements of the
feature, except if a relative offset is specified, in which case the results are used only for
the current measurement.

The default behavior that automatically specifies the results as an Absolute measurement
point offset can be changed in the PolyWorks|Inspector Options (Objects > Features >
Probe > Curve-Based page). The PolyWorks|Inspector Options are available by choosing
Tools > Options.

137
Comparison points

Surface comparison points

Trimmed edge comparison points

Hemmed edge comparison points

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Measuring specific locations on a part using

comparison points
A comparison point contains an exact coordinate, usually located on a CAD object, at which
the data deviation is to be measured. It contains nominal and measured information in order
to obtain results.

Types of comparison points

There are five types of comparison points, each one tailored to calculate deviations in a
specific context. This guide presents the comparison point types that can be measured using
the CNC Probe method.

Each type of comparison point is identified by a specific icon.

Surface comparison points

Trimmed edge comparison

points

Hemmed edge comparison

points

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Getting the nominal geometry

In PolyWorks|Inspector, the nominal geometry of a measurement object is called its nominal
component. The nominal component contains the exact coordinate at which the deviation is
measured. It is created using different creation methods. For information on the methods
used to create comparison points, refer to the PolyWorks|Inspector™ Essentials guide.

Measuring the geometry on the part

For an existing comparison point, the corresponding geometry on the part can be obtained by
automatically probing the part using the CNC Probe measurement method. In
PolyWorks|Inspector, the geometry obtained from the part is called its measured component.

The CNC Probe measurement method is presented in the sections that follow.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

CNC probing surface comparison points to inspect the surface of a

part
The geometry of the surface on a part can be obtained by CNC probing the measured
component of a surface comparison point.

Objective: CNC probe the corresponding geometry on the part to obtain the measured
component of the comparison point.

Required: The project contains a Reference object and a surface comparison point with a
nominal component. A CNC CMM probing device is ready to use. The system
made by the CMM and the part is prealigned to the Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the surface

comparison points that will be CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Comparison Points > Define

Measured.
Alternatively, right-click the selected
comparison points in the Tree View and
choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Define Measured Comparison Point
Components dialog box opens.

3. Under Comparison point selection, make

sure that the Specific probing mode is
specified.
It allows probing the selected comparison
points following the order in the Tree View.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

point that will be probed, is shown in the 3D
scene.

5. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
comparison point specified in the Specific
list. Once the comparison point is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.
6. Click CNC Probe again until all comparison
points have been CNC probed.

Results

A measured status icon is displayed in the The surface comparison points are displayed
Tree View, indicating the measured status of in the 3D scene with a solid measurement
the surface comparison points. zone. The color of the comparison points is
determined by the defined color scale.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

CNC probing trimmed edge comparison points to inspect sharp

edges of a part
The geometry of a sharp edge on a part can be obtained by CNC probing the measured
component of a trimmed edge comparison point.

Objective: CNC probe the corresponding geometry on the part to obtain the measured
component of the comparison point.

Required: The project contains a Reference object, a trimmed edge comparison point with a
nominal component, and its back point with a nominal component. A CNC CMM
probing device is ready to use. The system made by the CMM and the part is
prealigned to the Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the trimmed edge

comparison points and the back points that
will be CNC probed.
Two points must be probed to probe a trimmed
edge comparison point: first the back point,
then the corresponding trimmed edge
comparison point.

2. Choose Measure > Comparison Points > Define

Measured.
Alternatively, right-click the selected
comparison points in the Tree View and
choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Defined Measured Comparison Point
Components dialog box opens.

3. Under Comparison point selection, make

sure that the Specific probing mode is
specified.
It allows probing the selected comparison
points following the order in the Tree View.
You will always be prompted to probe the back
point first and then the trimmed edge
comparison point.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

point that will be probed, is shown in the 3D
scene.

5. Click CNC Probe.

The CNC CMM automatically probes the
surface comparison point.

Once the surface comparison point is

CNC probed, the corresponding trimmed
edge comparison point is automatically
specified in the list.

6. Specify the Depth at which to CNC probe the

trimmed edge comparison point.

To avoid probing the edge itself, the depth

defines the distance from the edge at which
the trimmed edge comparison point will be
probed.
For thin parts, the depth should be
approximately half of the part thickness.

Depth

A preview of the measurement path, and the

point that will be probed, is shown in the 3D
scene.

7. Click CNC Probe again until all comparison

points have been probed.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

Results

A measured status icon is displayed in the The trimmed edge comparison points and
Tree View, indicating the measured status of their back points are displayed in the 3D
the trimmed edge comparison points and scene with a solid measurement zone. The
their corresponding back points. color of the comparison points is determined
by the defined color scale.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

CNC probing hemmed edge comparison points to inspect the

hemmed edges of a sheet metal part
The geometry of the hemmed edges on a sheet metal part can be obtained by CNC probing
the measured component of a hemmed edge comparison point.

Objective: CNC probe the corresponding geometry on the part to obtain the measured
component of the comparison point.

Required: The project contains a Reference object, a hemmed edge comparison point with a
nominal component, and its back point with a nominal component. A CNC CMM
probing device is ready to use.The system made by the CMM and the part is
prealigned to the Reference object.

Steps

1. In the Tree View, select the hemmed edge

comparison points that will be CNC probed.

2. Choose Measure > Comparison Points > Define

Measured.
Alternatively, right-click the selected
comparison points in the Tree View and
choose CNC Probe Measured.
The Defined Measured Comparison Point
Components dialog box opens.

3. Under Comparison point selection, make

sure that the Specific probing mode is
specified.
It allows probing the selected comparison
points following the order in the Tree View.
You will always be prompted to probe the back
point first and then the hemmed edge
comparison point.

4. In the Method list, select CNC Probe.

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 MEASURING DIMENSIONS AND DEVIATIONS

A preview of the measurement path, and the

point that will be probed, is shown in the 3D
scene.

5. Click CNC Probe.

• Two points must be probed to probe a
hemmed edge comparison point: first the
back point, then the corresponding
hemmed edge comparison point.
• The CNC CMM automatically probes the
comparison point specified in the Specific
list. Once the comparison point is
CNC probed, the next one is automatically
specified in the list.
6. Click CNC Probe again until all comparison
points have been probed.

Results

A measured status icon is displayed in the The hemmed edge comparison points, and
Tree View, indicating the measured status of their back points, are displayed in the 3D
the hemmed edge comparison points and scene with a solid measurement zone. The
their corresponding back points. color of the comparison points is determined
by the defined color scale.

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Using the Offline
Simulation mode
 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Introducing the Offline Simulation mode

The Offline Simulation mode allows users to perform simulated data acquisition without
using a physical device. Simulated data is provided for all scanning and probing operations. As
a result, an entire inspection project, including data color maps, device positions,
measurement sequences, and formatted reports, can be prepared. Once the inspection
project is complete, it can be used with an actual device to play the inspection, acquire the
data, and measure the part.

Activating/deactivating the Offline Simulation mode

To create inspection projects offline using simulated data, the Offline Simulation mode must
first be activated.

1. On the Devices toolbar, click the Activate

Offline Simulation button.

The Simulated Data watermark is displayed at

the bottom of the 3D scene as a reminder that
simulated data is being used in the project.
The inspection can be performed using:
• simulated probed data (see The workflow
when performing an inspection using
simulated probed data on page 150)
• simulated scanned data (see The workflow
when performing an inspection using
simulated scanned data on page 154)
Note that the watermark is displayed as long
as the Offline Simulation mode is activated and
the project contains simulated data.
The collision detection functionality can be used
while in the Offline Simulation mode. For more
information see Verifying that the measurement
path is collision-free on page 55.
2. To deactivate the Offline Simulation mode,
press the same button on the Devices toolbar,
now named Deactivate Offline Simulation.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

The workflow when performing an inspection

using simulated probed data
The workflow for an inspection using a probing device mounted on a CNC CMM and the
Offline Simulation mode is illustrated below:

Import
Reference object

Activate the Offline

Simulation mode
Start the
recording mode

Align part
to Reference object

Measure
dimensions and deviations

Stop the
recording mode
Deactivate the Offline
Simulation mode

Report
measurement results

Create nominal project

and share

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Understanding the workflow

Import Reference object

Import the nominal information of the part
(CAD model) into the inspection project.

Activate the Offline Simulation mode

Activate the Offline Simulation mode
Click the button on the Devices toolbar to
activate the Offline Simulation mode.

Specify the probing plug-in

In the probing plug-in list, select the CNC CMM
plug-in.

Define device properties

In the probing device properties dialog box,
choose a machine configuration.

Connect to the probing device

Connect to the probing device to simulate the
connection.

Start the recording mode

Open Sequence Editor
Using the button on the Multipiece Inspection
toolbar, open the Sequence Editor.

Create a sequence
From the Sequence Editor pane, start the
recording mode to automatically add steps to
the empty sequence area to build the
measurement sequence.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Align part to Reference object

Prealignment
Simulate the prealignment of the part typically
mounted on the machine to the CAD model
using the CMM Prealignment functionality.

Refine the alignment

Refine the alignment of the part to the CAD
model using one of the many alignment
techniques once the required objects are
available.

Measure dimensions and deviations

Create the necessary objects in order to
perform the inspection of the part.
Set the required dimensional and GD&T
controls, if applicable.
Then, specify the CNC Probe method, set the
related parameters, and measure the different
objects using simulated probed data.

Stop the recording mode

From the Sequence Editor pane, stop the

recording mode.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Deactivate the Offline Simulation mode

Disconnect from the probing plug-in
Click the button on the Devices toolbar to
disconnect from the probing plug-in.

Deactivate the Offline Simulation mode

Click the button on the Devices toolbar to
deactivate the Offline Simulation mode.

Report measurement results

Report the measurement results based on the
probed data through:
• Control views in the Control Reviewer;
• Tables and snapshots in formatted reports.

Create nominal project and share

Save the inspection project

Create nominal project

The creation of the nominal project removes all
measurements and saves the project under a
new name.

The project is now ready to be used to play the

inspection.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

The workflow when performing an inspection

using simulated scanned data
The workflow for an inspection using a scanning device mounted on a CNC CMM and the
Offline Simulation mode is illustrated below:

Import
Reference object
Activate the Offline
Simulation mode Start the
recording mode

Align part to
Reference object

Acquire
Data object

Align Data object

to Reference object

Measure
dimensions and deviations
Stop the
Deactivate the Offline recording mode
Simulation mode

Report
measurement results

Create nominal project

and share

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Understanding the workflow

Import Reference object

Import the nominal information of the part
(typically a CAD model) into the inspection
project.

Activate the Offline Simulation mode

Activate the Offline Simulation mode
Click the button on the Devices toolbar to
activate the Offline Simulation mode.

Specify the plug-in

In the probing plug-in list, select the CNC CMM
plug-in.

Define device properties

In the probing device properties dialog box,
choose the machine configuration.
Connect to the device
Connect to the CMM device to simulate the
connection.

Start the recording mode

Open Sequence Editor
Using the button on the Multipiece Inspection
toolbar, open the Sequence Editor.

Create a sequence
From the Sequence Editor pane, start the
recording mode to automatically build the
measurement sequence in the empty sequence
area.
The steps required to inspect the part are added
to the sequence.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Align part to Reference object

Prealignment
Simulate the prealignment of the part typically
mounted on the machine to the CAD model
using the CMM Prealignment functionality.

Acquire Data object

Acquire simulated scanned data, based on the
Reference object.

Align Data object to Reference object

Refine alignment
Refine the alignment of the Data object to the
Reference object using one of the many
alignment techniques.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Measure dimensions and deviations

Create the objects required to perform the
inspection of the part.
Set the required dimensional and GD&T
controls, if applicable.
Measure the different objects using simulated
scanned data.

Stop the recording mode

From the Sequence Editor pane, stop the

recording mode.

Deactivate the Offline Simulation

mode
Click the button on the Devices toolbar to
deactivate the Offline Simulation mode.

Report measurement results

Report the inspection measurement results
using:
• Control views in the Control Reviewer;
• Tables and snapshots in formatted reports.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Create nominal project and share

Save the inspection project

Create nominal project

The creation of the nominal project removes all
measurements and saves the project under a
new name.

The project is now ready to be used to play the

inspection.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Particularities when acquiring simulated scanned data

Before using a scanning device to acquire simulated scanned data, make sure that the
following requirements have been met:

• The project contains a Reference object.

• The Offline Simulation mode is enabled.
• The CNC CMM probing plug-in is selected, the device properties are defined, the
connection has been established, and a prealignment to the Reference object has been
simulated.
• The scanning tool is mounted on the CNC CMM and is specified on the Probing Device
toolbar.
• A tool orientation, that allows an optimal scan of the part surface, is specified on the
Probing Device toolbar.

Scanning options
If required, set options for the acquisition of simulated scanned data. The goal is to have data
dense enough so that the extraction of measurement objects is successful. Note that these
options are not applicable when scanned data is acquired with an actual scanning device.

1. Click the Scan button.

The plug-in dialog box opens.

For information on the parameters offered for

scanning, see Using a scanning tool mounted on
a CNC CMM to scan a part on page 79.

2. Under Scanning options, select the

appropriate Profile based on the size of the
smallest details on the part.
3. If required, click Options to set the options
specific to the device.

The Line Scan Options dialog box opens.

4. On the Offline Simulation page, set the
required parameters.
This page contains the default parameters
used to configure the acquired simulated
scanned data.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

• Point-to-point distance: Controls the

distance between two neighboring points on
the same scan line.
• Noise: Introduces noise into the simulated
scanned data based on a tolerance.
• Scan nominal primitives for measured
primitive extraction: Additional data is
simulated for features in the Tree View for
which the measurement method is set to
Extract or Undefined. This ensures that
feature extraction is done successfully.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Creating a nominal project

Once the inspection project containing simulated data is completed, the simulated data must
be removed before sharing it with operators. This can be done by creating a nominal project.
The project can then be used to start measuring the different pieces of a part.

Objective: Create a nominal project ready for use with a measurement device.

Required: A completed inspection project made with simulated data.

Steps

1. Make sure that the Offline Simulation mode is

deactivated.
2. Choose File > Create Nominal Project.
The Create Nominal Project dialog box opens.
3. Click Create.
A browser opens.

4. Specify a file name and location.

5. Click Save.

The project is ready to use. All measurements

are deleted.

6. Connect to the measurement device.

7. Choose Tools > Piece > Play Inspection.

Results

The Play inspection is launched, guiding the

user through the steps necessary to measure
the measurement objects.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Interactive machine movements in the Offline

Simulation mode
The Offline Simulation mode allows users to perform simulated data acquisition without
using a physical device. Measurements performed with a CNC CMM device are intended to
run automatically. It is therefore important to plan the intermediate movements of the
machine, especially to avoid collisions.

Several functions are available to move the machine while in the Offline Simulation mode:

• Go To Position button
• Keyboard keys
• Gamepad or joystick

Using the Go To Position button

For all the details on using the Go To Position button, see Controlling machine displacements on
page 31.

Using keyboard keys

It is possible to use predefined keys to move the probe while in the Offline Simulation mode.
The focus must be on the 3D scene to do so.

The following keys can be used for interactive movements in the 3D scene. The description
below is based on the Current viewpoint option, which is the default option. Refer to the
Notes section for more information.

Right arrow

Moves the machine horizontally toward the right, following the closest
axis of the active coordinate system.

Left arrow

Moves the machine horizontally toward the left, following the closest
axis of the active coordinate system.

Up arrow

Moves the machine upward, following the closest axis of the active
coordinate system.

Down arrow

Moves the machine downward, following the closest axis of the active
coordinate system.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

Page Page up
Up
Moves the machine toward the viewpoint, following the closest axis that
represents depth in the active coordinate system.

Page Page down

Down
Moves the machine away from the viewpoint, following the closest axis
that represents depth in the active coordinate system.

Home
Home
Moves the machine to its Home position.

The two following keys can also be used regarding point acquisition in the Offline Simulation
mode:

Insert
Insert
• When in an interactive probing mode: acquires a point at the location of
the probe.
• If not in a probing mode and the measurement sequence is in recording
mode: adds a Go To Position step in the sequence set with the current
coordinates of the probe.

End
End
Ends a data acquisition mode.

Notes

• The movement direction is based on the

option set on the Offline Simulation page of
the PolyWorks|Inspector Options (available by
choosing Tools > Options).
• Active coordinate system: the movements
are based on the active coordinate system
and correspond to specific axes.
• Current viewpoint: the current viewpoint in
the 3D scene is taken into account. The
movements are mapped to the closest
standard axes.
• Tool orientation: the movements are based
on the tool orientation.

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 USING THE OFFLINE SIMULATION MODE

• To use the Insert key for manual probing, the

Manual scanning and probing option must
be set to Interactively acquired data. This
option is available in the Offline Simulation
page of the PolyWorks|Inspector Options
dialog box.

Using a gamepad or a joystick

It is possible to configure a gamepad or joystick to simulate the movements of the probe head
in the 3D scene when working in the Offline Simulation mode. The game controller can be
configured to replicate the actions triggered by the jogbox of the machine, as well as perform
3D scene manipulations, and acquisition start/stop operations.

The correspondence between the controls of

the game controller and the CNC CMM
actions is established on the Gamepads and
Joysticks page of the PolyWorks|Inspector
Options (available by choosing Tools > Options
> Offline Simulation).

Notes

To use a game controller for Manual

scanning and probing, the Interactively
acquired data option must be set. This
option is available in the Offline Simulation
page of the PolyWorks|Inspector Options
dialog box.

164
Appendix
 APPENDIX

Saving a compressed copy of a project

When only one specific inspection project needs to be shared or exported, it is possible to
create a compressed copy of this project directly from an open PolyWorks|Inspector project.

When opening this compressed file in the PolyWorks Metrology Suite, or in the free
PolyWorks|Reviewer™, a new workspace is automatically created.

Objective: Share inspection results by saving a compressed copy of an inspection project.

Required: A completed, open inspection project.

Steps

1. To create a compressed copy of the project,

choose File > Save Compressed Copy.

2. In the message window that is displayed, click

OK.
The PolyWorks|Inspector project is saved and
closed.
A file browser opens.

3. Browse for the location to save the file and click

Save.

Results

A copy of the project is saved to a new

workspace that is compressed and then
saved at the specified location as a .pwzip
file. It can be opened with the PolyWorks
Metrology Suite or the PolyWorks|Reviewer.

Notes

From the Workspace Manager, it is also possible to create a compressed copy of one or more
PolyWorks|Inspector projects. Simply open the workspace, select the projects, and choose File
> Export > Objects to Compressed Workspace.

166
 APPENDIX

PolyWorks keyboard shortcuts

General interfaces

Select objects mode CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR

Switch to local split view CTRL+SPACEBAR
mode
Exit interactive modes ESC
Cancel macro script ESC

File >
Open project CTRL+O
Save project CTRL+S

Edit >
Undo CTRL+Z
Redo CTRL+Y
Undo transformation CTRL+SHIFT+Z
Duplicate objects (E, I) CTRL+U
Ignore objects CTRL+SHIFT+E
Use objects CTRL+SHIFT+U
Delete >
Objects SHIFT+DEL
Elements DEL

Select >
Elements > Objects >
All CTRL+A All CTRL+SHIFT+A
Invert CTRL+I Invert CTRL+SHIFT+I
None CTRL+N None CTRL+SHIFT+N
Interactively SPACEBAR

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 APPENDIX

View >
Normal View (E,I) SHIFT+F9 Hide >
Center> Objects CTRL+SHIFT+D
All Objects CTRL+C Elements CTRL+D
Objects CTRL+SHIFT+C Restore >
Standard Views > Objects CTRL+SHIFT+R
+X SHIFT+F1 Elements CTRL+R
-X SHIFT+F2 Keep>
+Y SHIFT+F3 Objects CTRL+SHIFT+K
-Y SHIFT+F4 Elements CTRL+K
+Z SHIFT+F5
-Z SHIFT+F6
Rotate 90° around SHIFT+right-
View click

To display the color map CTRL+T

Object Display Options

Static display > Dynamic display >

Flat CTRL+F Flat CTRL+SHIFT+F
Flat + Wireframe CTRL+L Flat + Wireframe CTRL+SHIFT+L
(E, I) (E,I)
Point CTRL+P Point CTRL+SHIFT+P
Smooth CTRL+G Smooth CTRL+SHIFT+G
Wireframe CTRL+W Wireframe CTRL+SHIFT+W
Bounding box CTRL+SHIFT+B

168
Getting help
Users can access help resources both within the software interface and externally. Resources
include reference guides, illustrated tips, video tutorials, and webinars.

Getting help through the software interface

Reference Guides
PDF documents located on the Help menu of the Workspace Manager and of
each module. The reference guides define all of the functionalities of the
PolyWorks Metrology Suite.

Question mark
Found on the title bar of displayed dialog boxes. Clicking the question mark
icon opens the appropriate reference guide at the section documenting the
active dialog box.

F1
Pressing F1 opens the reference guide to the section documenting the active
dialog box. If the 3D scene has the focus during an interactive mode, pressing
F1 opens the How To window.

Release Notes
A PolyWorks Metrology Suite intermediate release is produced approximately
once a month. These releases contain new tools along with bug fixes. The
“Release Notes” document gives the details of the intermediate release and is
available through Help > Release Notes.

169
Getting help outside of the software interface

The website
The InnovMetric website (www.innovmetric.com) offers technical webinars (Support >
Webinars page), which introduce new major functionalities and demonstrate the use and
benefits of existing PolyWorks tools.

The Technical Support Zone (TSZ)

The secure Technical Support Zone offers PolyWorks users 24/7 online access to:

Software Releases:

This is where you will find the downloadable versions of the PolyWorks Metrology Suite
and intermediate release notes.

Knowledge Base:

This section provides videos and tutorials to help you get the most out of PolyWorks:
• The Video Learning Center offers workflow-oriented videos to help you learn the basic
capabilities of PolyWorks.
• The Tutorials section contains tips & tricks.
Macro Zone:

The PolyWorks Metrology Suite offers the possibility of creating macro scripts to automate
repetitive tasks or generate a personal set of tools to save time and perform tasks in a
predefined, controlled manner. In the Macro Zone, you will find a variety of useful macro
scripts developed by our Technical Support team.

Data Exchange:

This section is dedicated to your troubleshooting purposes and allows you and a
PolyWorks expert to confidentially exchange data for review.

For direct assistance

Contact the Technical Support team of your PolyWorks provider.

170