User Manual

ARCO User Manual

Introduction
Arco is a modular software for Coordinate Measuring Machines. It consists of three modules for different
uses, and a complete module – ARCOCAD –, which comprises all functions of the other modules.

Modules:

- ArcoQuick
This is the base module. It allows simple and quick measurement, the programming of simple procedures for guided
measurement, and the programming of advanced procedures for complex measurement.

- ArcoGraphics
This module includes all the functionsof ArcoQuick, and also offers the possibility of producing the graphic
representation and views of the measured geometrical elements. It also allows the analysis of form errors, and the
export of measured elements, curves and rebuilt profiles in IGES format.

- ArcoOffline
This module allows the programming and simulation of measurement by the use of CAD models.

- ArcoCad
This module is the complete one. It includes all the functions of ArcoQuick and ArcoGraphics, and also the functions
for measuring and viewing geometrical characteristics of elements defined in CAD models. It imports elements in
IGES format (default) and in optional formats such as CATIA V4, CATIA V5, UNIGRAPHICS, PRO ENGINEER, VDA,
STEP, and SOLID WORKS.

ArcoQuick ArcoGraphics ArcoCad ArcoOffline

Manual measurement √ √ √
Point topointmeasurement √ √ √
Manual thermal compensation √ √ √
Automatic thermal compensation √ √ √
Double arm √ √ √
DMISeditor √ √ √ √
Programming panel √ √ √ √
Sensors manager √ √ √ √
Reference systems √ √ √ √
Automatic cycle mesurement √ √ √ √
ANSI/GD&Ttolerances √ √ √ √
Advanced programming √ √ √ √
Data viewer √ √ √ √
Probe change manager √ √ √ √
Report (text, graphics, HTML) √ √ √ √
IGESformat export √ √ √
Graphic view of CMM andsensor √ √ √ √
GOTO graphics √ √ √
Views of measured elements √ √ √
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Preview of reference system √ √ √
Measurement strategy √ √ √
Graphic Output of results √ √ √
Use of native formats √ √
Layers management √ √
Groups Management √ √
Definition of elements from CAD √ √
Measurement programming from CAD √ √
Definition of measurement strategies from CAD model √ √
Creation of reference system on surfaces √ √
Measurement of surfaces and borders √ √
Creation of CAD model profile √ √
Measurement of profile √ √
Alignment optimization √ √

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM):

Arco may be used with a variety of measurement machines, such as manual counting cards (RD77, ENC7480,
DEVA001, Renishaw UCC Lite), CNC controllers (CC3, DEVA 004, PANTEC Eagle, PANTEC WSP2030, Renishaw
UCC lite, Renishaw UCC-2), and articulated arms (Faro, Baces, Nikon, Romer, Micro Scribe).

Starting the measuring system

For ArcoQuick, ArcoGraphics and ArcoCad the execution follows the same steps, as indicated below.

Common Functions (ArcoQuick / ArcoGraphics / ArcoCad)

ARCO Execution

Turn on the measuring machine connected to Arco. Click on the icon “Inspection” ( ) on the Desktop, or open
the Start menu of the PC and click on the icon “Inspection” ( ) on the program tree.

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New Project
In order to start a measuringprocess it is necessary to create a new project by clicking on
“File>New Project”on the main commands menu, or clicking on the icon on the
shortcuts bar.

Save Project
After the measuring process, it is possible to eliminate the project, or to save the project as
an automatic measurement program (CNC execution) or semi-automatic measurement
program (manual execution) for later use.In order to save a project, click on “File> Save
Project” on the main commands menu.

Open Project
A measurement project saved as a measuring procedure may be executed in automatic
mode (CNC execution mode) orin semi-automatic mode (manual execution mode). In
order to execute a measuring procedure click on “File>OpenProject” on the main
commands menu, orclick on the icon on the shortcuts bar.

ARCO Interface

ARCO’s measuring tools are located in panels (Viewers,

CAD Component, DMIS Editor, Quick Programmer) on
the main screen. These panels offer easy and quick
access to all tools during each step of the measuring
process.

CAD Component

The Viewers Panel allows the graphic view of measured

elements and/or the CAD model associated to the
measuring process.

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 DMIS Editor
The DMIS Editor automatically records the actions taken during the
measuring process as instructions for measuring procedures. The DMIS
Editor also allows the writing of complex measuring procedures, such as loop
functions, decision, automatic calculation etc.

Quick Programmer
On the Quick Programmer Panel you can find the main tools necessary for
measuring and building elements, defining tolerances and alignment, producing
reports and qualifying probes. In order to have access to each panel you can click
on the respective label on the right side of the Quick Programmer Panel.

Viewers
The Viewers Panel is divided in two different parts:

- Data Base Viewer: it allows the view of all values related to measurement such as elements,
alignment, tolerances, probes and variables at any point of the measuring process.

- Project PropertiesViewer: it allows the view of all components of the project: the writing
procedure, the graphic representation of measured elements, the report etc.

- Data Base Viewer

This Panel shows the elements and their respective values. These elements are sorted by type.When you select one of
them, the respective window shows the values of each element:

Elements

Tolerances

Coordinate Systems
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 Sensors

Variables

This window shows the full extent of control data, in accordance to the respective mode of representation (coordinate
systems, measurement unities, or coordinate types).

- Project Properties Viewer

It is possible to use a tag image and comment to identify the actions

related to a project. You can write a comment and add an image by
clicking on the respective fields on the Project Properties window.
You can use images in the following formats: bitmap (bmp), GIF,
JPEG (jpg), Windows Metafile (WMF) oricon (ICO).

In order to define the Project Properties:

1. open the project;

2. select the command menu "File> Project Properties" or

click onicon “Project Properties” on the toolbar to

openthe "Project Properties" window;

3. select an image file to associate to the project by clicking on the command button "Load";

4. click on the command "Comment" to open the respective field for writing a comment;

5. click on "OK" to save changes.

Definitionofsphere and calibrationon

Quick Programmer Panel
The definition and calibration of sensors (probes) is the first task to be
executed with Arco.Before starting any measurement process, it is
necessary to define the number and type of probes required for the
complete measuring of a piece. For each probe, it is necessary to define
diameter, length and orientation.

1. Defining a gauge caliber: Open the “Quick Programmer”

panel,

2. click on “Sensors”,

3. click on“Caliber Definition”.

4. Measuring the gauge: click on “Sensor Calibration”.

After these two actions you will have defined and calibrated the gauge
for the measuring process.

It is also possible to use a sensor that has already been calibrated

during a previous measuring process. In this case you will only have to

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selectthe probe.

You can storethegaugedefinitionas part of the project by selecting the option “Add DMIS Commands”.

Defining a new gauge:

1. Define the name for the new sensor on the field "Sensor".

2. Define the physical characteristics of the new sensor by clicking on "Sensor Definition":

- for indexed head sensors: select "Indexed". Define in "len" the distance between the head articulation
center and the point center. Define in "tilt" and "rot" the head angles. Define in "diam" the diameter of the
sensor’s point.

- for fixed head sensor: select "Fixed". Define in "dx", "dy" and "dz" the off-sets between the head
articulation center and the point center. Define in "diam" the diameter of the sensor’s point.

3. After setting all definitions, click on "Define".

4. Click on "Calibrate". It will open the window "Quick Programmer " for the measuring of the gauge. Define
in "Calibre" a name for the new gauge.

5. If you wish to start the automatic measuring cycle of the gauge, define in
“diam” its diameter, define in "Stem direction" the fixing stem
direction, and the measuring angle, which may be measured in
"Latitude ".

6. Touch manually at least five points on the surface of the gauge, or, if you
prefer to activate the automatic measuring cycle, place the sensor at the

sphere’s pole and click on the command of the measuring panel.

Defining a new gauge for a recorded sensor:

1. Click on the field "Sensor" to open the list of calibrated sensors.

2. Select the sensor. You will find on the window "Sensor Definition" the physical parameters of the
selected sensor. If the selected sensor is not the one in use, click on "Call S" to select it from the list.

3. Click on "Calibrate". On the "Quick Programmer" window you can measure the gauge, to name it, just
type the desired value in the field “Name

4. To start the automatic measuring cycle of the gauge, define the diameter on the field “diam”, the direction
of the fixing stem on "Stem direction", and the measuring angle on the field "Latitude" (it shows 0 as
default position, which means the upper hemisphere).

5. Catch, manually, at least five different points from the sphere surface, OR activate the automatic

measuring cycle by placing the sensor on the sphere pole and clicking on the command on the
measuring panel.

Sensor Calibration

For the definition and calibration of a new sensor:

1. On the panel "Quick Programmer", open the window "Sensors" and click on the icon
"Sensor Calibration".There you find the commands for the definition and calibration of a new
sensor.

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Sensor calibration requires two actions: the definition of a sensor and the calibration of the gauge.

- Definition of a new sensor: Click on the field "Sensor". It will show a list of all sensors previously calibrated,
and a field for the definition of a name for the new sensor. The name must be composed by the letter "P" and a
number in a progressive series.

It is also possible to use a sensor that has already been calibrated during the measuring process; in this case, at
the end of the operation, the new data will replace the previous record.

You may select a recorded sensor and use it for the current measuring process, either using it as it is or
changing its characteristics.

These settings may be saved as part of the current project by clicking on the option "Add DMIS Comands ".
Otherwise, the new sensor will be created without changing the program.

- Calibration of the new sensor:

1. After defining the name of the new sensor, click on the field "GAUGE" to choose a gauge to proceed with
the calibration.

2. On the window "Sensor Definition", define the physical characteristics of the new sensor:

- for indexed head sensors: select "Indexed". Define in "len" the distance between the head
articulation center and the point center. Define in "tilt" and "rot" the head angles. Define in "diam"
the diameter of the sensor’s point.

- for fixed head sensor: select "Fixed". Define in "dx", "dy" and "dz" the off-sets between the head
articulation center and the point center. Define in "diam" the diameter of the sensor’s point.

3. After setting all definitions, click on "Define".

4. Click on "Calibrate". It will open the window "Quick Programmer " for the measuring of the gauge.
Define in "Calibre" a name for the new gauge.

5. To start the automatic measuring cycle of the gauge, define the diameter on the field “diam”, the direction
of the fixing stem on "Stem direction", and the measuring angle on the field "Latitude

6. If you wish to start the automatic measuring cycle of the gauge, define in “diam” its diameter, define in
"Stem direction" the fixing stem direction, and the measuring angle, which may be measured in
"Latitude". (it shows 0 as default position, which means the upper hemisphere).

Catch manually at least five points on the surface of the gauge, or, if you prefer to activate the automatic

measuring cycle, place the sensor at the sphere’s pole and click on the command of the measuring
panel.

- Calibration of a defined sensor:

1. Click on the field "Sensor" to open the list of calibrated sensors.

2. Select a recorded sensor. You will find on the window "Sensor Definition" the physical parameters of
the selected sensor. If the selected sensor is not the one in use, click on "Call S" to select it from the list.

3. Click on "Calibrate". On the "Quick Programmer" window you can measure the gauge. Write the
name of the new gauge you created on the field "Name".

4. To start the automatic measuring cycle of the gauge, define the diameter on the field “diam”, the direction
of the fixing stem on "Stem direction", and the measuring angle on the field "Latitude" (it shows 0 as
default position, which means the upper hemisphere).

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 5. Catch, manually, at least five different points from the sphere surface, OR activate the automatic

measuring cycle by placing the sensor on the sphere pole and clicking on the command on the
measuring panel.

Sensor Wizard

Sensor Wizard is a tutorial for the definition of measuring probes. You

start it by clicking on “Wizard > Sensor Wizard” on the commands
bar.

STEP 1

On the first window you will find the section “Sensors definition
mode”. Choose one of the options: “Standard” or “Graphical”.

A )Standard

If you use a star tip, check the option “Star tip”.

- Star tip

Click on “Add” to add the star tip.

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 Each one of the star components (S1,
S2, S3, S4 e S5) has a particular
diameter and off-sets (X, Y and Z).

Therefore, each value for each probe

must be added. After inserting all
values for each probe, click on
“CreateStar”.

Once the star is created, you may click on:

 “Finish” to conclude the process,

 “Back” to return to the previous action, or on

 “Cancel” to cancel the definitions of the star probe.

Note: the “Probe change” window will be active if there is a tool changer connected to the CMM.In
this case, select on the field “Name” the respective tool changer. Select on the field “Slot” the slot
number assigned to the probe.

B) Graphical

Click on the button “Sensor Designer”to define

graphically the characteristics of the probe.

On the window “Sensor Designer” you will find a list

of probe characteristics. Select one each time directly
from the list, starting from the items on the top of the
list. Click on the “Add” button to select the item or click
on “Deselect” to remove the selected item.

After selecting all characteristics of the probe, click on

“OK” to conclude the graphic definition of diameter and
length or click on “Cancel” to cancel the graphic
definitions.

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 Note: Probe diameter and length will be automatically calculated from the selected data.It is not necessary to
type the respective values on the “Step 2” window.

Click on “Continue” for the next step, or on “Back” to return to the previous step, or on “Cancel” to cancel
the process.

STEP2

On this window, it is possible to change the root name

of the probe:

 Type the new name in the field “Root name”.

 Type the nominal value of the probe diameter

on the field “Probe diameter”.

 Type the value of probe length on the field

“Length”.

If the CMM is equipped with an indexed head, it is possible to define

different orientations for the probe:

 Click on the button “Angles Map”.

 Select directly the probe angles by clicking on the angles provided

on the map.

 Click on “OK” to conclude the selection and close the “Angles

Map” window.

After finishing the selection of angles, click on “Continue” for the next step, or on “Back” to return to the previous
step, or on “Cancel” to cancel the process.

STEP3

This window informs you that data collection is concluded. Click on “End”
to conclude the process. By doing so, the DMIS Editor will record the probe
characteristics.

It is also possible to go back to the previous step by clicking on “Back”, or

to cancel the process by clicking on “Cancel”.

Calibration Wizard
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 The Calibration Wizard is a tutorial for the qualification of probes.
You can start it by clicking on “Wizard >Calibration Wizard” of
the main commands bar.

STEP 1

On the first window, click on

 “Next” to go to the next step or click on

 “Cancel” to cancel the process.

STEP 2

On the next window, select the probe to be qualified. It is possible to

qualify more than one probe, by checking them on the list.

 It is also possible to qualify one or more new probes by clicking

on “New” to open the “Sensor Wizard”.

 You can deletethe selected probes by clicking on “Remove”.

 After selecting the probes, click on “Next” to go to the next step,

or on “Back” to return to the previous step, or on “Cancel” to cancel the
process.

STEP 3

On this window you can select the gauge by clicking on the respective
name on the list.

 It is possible to define one or more gauges by clicking on “New”.

 You can remove an existing

gauge by clicking on “Remove”.

By clicking on “New” you open the

“New gauge” window.

 Type the name of the new gauge on the field “Name”.

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  Type the calibrated diameter of the gauge on the field “Diameter”.

 You can limit the probing distance in relation to the equator of the gauge on the field “Latitude”.

 Type on the coordinate fields “X”, “Y” and “Z” for the definition of the “Stem Direction” the values for the
orientation of the gauge stem.

 Type the number of points to be caught for the qualification of the

gauge.

 Click on “OK” to conclude the process and define the new gauge.

 On the window “Calibration” click on “Run” to open the probes list.

Select the gauge and the probe from the list.

 Click on “Next” to go to the next step, on “Back” to go back to the

previous step, or on “Cancel” to cancel the process.

STEP 4

On the “Calibration Wizard” window you must select:

 the speed and distance parametersfor probemeasuring and

movement on the fields “Measure” and “Position” on the section “Feed
rate”;

 “Approach”, “Search”and“Retraction”on the section

“Measure”

Such parameters will be applied for the qualification of probes selected on

Step 2.

After defining all measuring parameters, click on “Next” to go to the next step, on “Back” to go back to the previous
step or on “Cancel” to cancel the process.

Step 5

On the window “Calibration Wizard” you must select the options

related the modalities of measurement:

 Select “Direct measurement” if you want to measure the gauge

directly, without the definition of a particular measuring procedure.

 Select “Repeat the calibration process using the actual

sensor” if you want torepeat the process for each probe as double-
checking.

 Select “Use always the safe position” if you want to activate

the safe movement around the gauge.

If the CMM is equipped with a toolbox it is possible to create a complete automatic procedure for each slot, by
selecting the option “Create a complete automatic program”.

After the selection, click on “End” to generate the measurement procedure (DMIS Part Program), or click on “Back”
to go back to the previous step, or click on “Cancel” to cancel the calibration process.
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Probe change(Toolchanger)[CNC]
Probe change is a collection of probes, where you can find many differenttips to assemble a particular probe.

When a tool changer is available, each sensor is related to a slot. By selecting a sensor for a measuring procedure, the
measuring system places the probe in its respective slot and takes the requiredprobe from the respective slot. The
automatic probe change system works only if it recognizes the exact position of the tool changer and its respective
slots.This means that, if any change in position occurs (resulting from any kind of shock, or if the tool changer is
moved in a different position) the tool changer must be calibrated again.

There is a tutorial available for the commands of the probe

changer. If you want to activate it:

 On the main ARCO window, select from the

commands menu "Wizard>Quick change calibration
Wizard".

The calibration procedure may vary according to the kind ofchangesonda installed on the measuring machine.

Note: You need a calibrated sensor to calibrate the changer.

Dialog box to load and download tips [CNC]

Sensor tips may be taken from and placed on their respective slots on the tool changer of the measuring system:

 Select the command “System>Load/Download sensors”.

 A message warns that the collision control will be turned-off.

 Click on “OK”.You will open the window "Load / Download sensors".

 You can also cancel the process at this point by clicking on“Cancel”.

Select the "Quick change rack" from the list and select the slotfor probe load or download
on the list “Position”.

Clickon“Download”to download the probe on the selected slot or click on “Load”to load
the probe from the selected slot.

NOTE 1: If you select a slot which has no probe, the system will indicate a collision error
at the end of the process. In this case of emergency, it is possible to install a probe
manually.

Nota 2: The process of loading or downloading a probe is not recorded as DMIS instruction
of the Part Program of the current project.

Measured Sensors (SA) and Nominal Probes (S) List

For correct measurement it is necessary to use qualified probes.

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On the “CMM” toolbar you can find the list of nominal probes “S List” and the list of qualified probes “SAList”.

 Click directly on the list name: or .

For measuring, you must always use the qualified probes from the “SA List”.

Difference between nominal elements (F) and measured elements (FA)

The goal of measurement is the checking of dimensional values andgeometrical

characteristics of a piece.

The starting point is a pre-defined value, which is called nominal value. These values and
geometrical characteristics are applied togeometrical elements (plane, circles, lines, etc...)as
nominal elements (F) to be compared to measured (actual) geometrical elements (FA).

Probe Position Viewer (CART and POL)

If you want to check the actual position of the probe in relation to the current coordinate

system during the measuring process, click on the icon on the toolbar “CMM” to
open the window“Coordinates Display”.

You can measure using two different coordinate systems:

Cartesian or Polar.Default view is Cartesian (X,Y,Z).

To change to Polar system view (a, r, e, h), right

clickonDisplay >Show> Customize. On the window
“Customize” you can find the “Coordinates” box.Check
the option “Polar coordinates” andclick on “OK” to
confirm changes.

Geometric Elements Panel

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Defining elements

 On the “Quick Programmer” window, click on the icon on the commands bar. The light-blue box
shows the icon of the selected element on the left side and the icon of the selected
process on the right side.

 On the field "Group", select the CAD group of the element to be created.

 On the field "Name" you can define the name of the element to be
created. By default, this name starts with the kind of element followed by
progressive number.You will find on the list the measured elements or nominal
elements of the same type. You can select:

a. a nominal element: the characteristics values will be defined and the

window will be ready to measure the element; or

b. a measured element: the characteristics values (nominal and actual) will

be displayed. The commands for the definition and application of tolerances and
repetition will be available.

 You can choose the coordinate system of the display by checking on

"Cartesian" or "Polar".

 You can specify the reference for the inspection, which may vary according to the kind of element selected:

a. Circle: check “Inner” to measure a hole or “Outer” to measure

an axis.

b. Line: check “Bound” if the line is between two defined points, or

“Unbound” if the line is define with a starting point and a
vector.

 On the table "Values" you can define the nominal values of the
element. According to the kind of element selected, you will find further
commands, such as the reference plan for point, circle and line.

Measuring elements

 On the “Quick Programmer” window, click on the icon on the commands bar. The window shows
the commands for the creation of an element, which may vary according to the requirements of the selected
process and of the selected function. For measuring, you will find the “measuring panel”, which allows the
control of the measuring process before it starts and also when it is in progress.

Before starting the process you can:

 Select the measuring process: “standard” or “relative”;

 Define the error indicator to check the process of catching points;

 Select the kind of measurement report;

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  Change the number of points;

 Activate the automatic measuring cycle (this action depends on the selected function).

During the measuring process you can:

 Cancel the last point acquired;

 Conclude the measuring process creating an element from the collected points, or exclude the element.

On the top of the window you will find measuring commands, which vary depending on the selected element and on
the selected measuring process

Current Carriage: shows the measuring machine in use, which may be“1” or“2”.

Measuring Mode: shows the current measuring mode and allows the selection of a measuring mode, which may
be:

a. point to point; or

b. scanning. The use of the scanning mode is possible only when supported by the Numeric Control.

Measurement type: shows the current measuring type and allows the selection of a measuring type, which may be:

Standard:the nominal coordinates are direct references for the catching of points; or

Relative: the coordinates are defined in relation to actual characteristics.

Start Automatic cycle: starts the automatic cycle for measuring an element.This command is active only for
some elements and can be used only when the required nominal values have been defined or selected.

Form error indicator, opens the dialog box in which you can define the limits for the form error indicator.

Reliability index:shows the form error indicator, which allows the control of the progress of the measuring
process while the points are caught.

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 Delete point: cancels the last point caught from the part.It is possible to cancel all collected points. The
command is active after catching at least one point from the part.

Switch Colors: changes the color of the measuring panel.

Standard and Relative Measuring Processes

In some cases, like in automobile production, the models are subject to a period
of optimization in which characteristics related to position and orientation may
change. For these cases, the Relative Measuring process allows you to adapt the
part control program.

The sintax of relative measures is different from the standard ones. In the
Relative Measuring Process you have RMEAS / ENDMEScommands, and in the
Standard Measuring Process you have MEAS / ENDMEScommands.

 To select the measuring mode, open the window “Measurement Type” on the measuring panel.

 To select the standard mode, check the option “Standard measurement” ( ).

 To select the relative mode, check the option “Relative measurement” ( ). If you select this mode, you have
to check the options related to “Mode”, which are: measurement “Related to the Element” or
“Automatic”.

a. “Related to the element”: the measurement of an element is made regardless orientation or position errors
of the actual element, or of an element selected from the “Feature” list.

b. “Automatic”: the measurement of an element depends on orientation and position errors defined from a 3-
points plane defined on the “Parameters” box on the right, on the field “Number of points”. It also
depends on the position error of a point specified on the field “Number of points” in relation to a distance
defined on the field “Extra-Radius Sample”), calculated from the edge of the nominal element.

Output Settings

On the measuring panel you find a list of output settings. You can select one of the following options::

 "No output"

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  "Show output settings"

 "Show output with previous settings"

 "Automatic output"

Form error

The form error indicator is a color bar that indicates the range limits
of form error. It is above the list of measuring reports.

The bar shows three colors for the actual value of the error form of
the characteristic to be measured: green means good, yellow means
critical and red means bad.

The width of the bar or the percentual number indicated in the center quantifies the error value within the defined
limits.

The value of the bar changes as the form error is calculated and the limits of the different bands are defined in the

dialog “form error indicator” .

To change these values click on the icon “form error indicator” and then adjust the three text boxes to establish the
limits. Specifically:

 the first band shows “good” values in green colour,

 the second band shows “critical” in yellow color,

 the third band shows “bad” values in red color,

 above the bad value, a an error message is shown.

Para abrir essa janela, clique no comando " indicador de erro de Forma ". Na janela de três caixas de texto definir
os limiares, em mm para a mudança do status bar. Em particular, se o erro de forma:

- é inferior ao limite máximo estabelecido na boa, a barra fica verde;

- é superior ao limite máximo estabelecido em "Bom" e inferior ao limite máximo estabelecido em " Crítico", a barra
se torna amarela;

- é superior ao limite estabelecido em " Crítico" e inferior ao limite definido em " Ruim", a barra fica vermelha

- é superior ao limite estabelecido em " Ruim", uma mensagem de erro específico é exibida.

The icon shows the form error of the feature being measured. It is important to have defined the nominal feature
otherwise the form error dialogue will not be shown.

Number of points

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 In the central part of the dialogue it shows the number of points of the feature being measured.
This number represent:

 number of points to be measured when the measure is decremental (the user set the numbers of points to be
touched and when all of them are measured the next feature restarts with the same number of points.

 Number of points measured when the measure is incremental. In this case, the type “0” and the counter

increase at each measure, to confirm the element press the button ( ).

Pass through feature

The “pass through” or “best fit” feature is calculated using existing feature instead of triggered points.

The constructed element is calculated based on previously measured features. By selecting the icon the panel goes into
“best fit mode” and you can now:

 Set the parameters of the element

 Define the nominal feature

 Select the feature to be used for the construction.

The feature that can be used for a best fit calculation can be nominal or actual and can be selected within:

 Point

 Circle

 Slot

 Sphere

 Arch

 Elipse

For all the above listed elements the coordinates are the one of the center point, in order to build a feature using the
points cloud of an existing feature, please refer to the Dmis language tutorial, since this method cannot be created by
user interface but only by typing Dmis code.

Geometrical construction

The “geometrical construction” return a feature

which is calculated applying relations or
constructions between existing features.

For example, a mid point between two points or a

line as intersection between two planes.

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In order to calculate a geometrical construction, open the dialog related to the feature you expect to get and then click
on the icon to open the bar from where you can select the type of construction.

Once selected, the panel goes into “construction mode” and you can now:

 Set the parameters of the element

 Define the nominal feature

 Select the feature to be used for the construction.

The feature that can be used for a construction can be nominal or actual and can be selected within the whole types.
The dialog filters the features that shall be used for each specific construction.

For certain constructions it is required to set nominal data that will be manually written either in the nominal
definition (example: a circle tangent to two lines needs the diameter which will be set in the nominal definition of the
feature) or in the construction dialogue (for example, a translation point needs a distance which is set in the
“construction” part of the dialog).

When multiple solutions are possible, the dialogue will show the number of results and the user can select the needed
by clicking the result button until the requested result is found.

In “execution mode” the correct result will be found automatically, since the nominal definition clearly discriminate
the requested result.

Data base
The data base panel is located on the left of the user interface of Arco and shows all the elements, reference systems
and variables that are used during the measurement.

From this window you can explore the results and make an initial evaluation of your measurement.

The data base dialog is divided in five groups (feature, tolerances, reference systems, sensors and variables) that you
can browse by clicking each individual button in the upper toolbar.

Specifically, for the feature, the dialogue shows the following information:

 Reference system used to calculate the feature;

 Nominal, actual and deviation values.

The numbers are shown in the current reference system, which is listed in the reference system list box. If needed,
each individual feature can be viewed in different reference systems by simply selecting a different reference system
from the reference system list box.

Right clicking on the dialog, the contextual menu opens and some extra feature are shown:

 Change of units

 Change from polar to cartesian

 Manual update of elements (this operation is required if the data base needs to be refreshed)

 Delete features from the database

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  Toggle the modifier of a feature from inner to outer (this operation is required if a feature has been measured
as ‘inner’ but actually it is an ‘outer’, once executed, this operation updates the value of the diameter and the
nominal definition of the feature in the program.

 Save the database to store the data into a file (which will carry the extension .adb).

You can select whether to save the full database or the reference system only. Once selected, the path of the file
is chosen and the command line is sent to the editor.

If the user decides to automatically save the data, then the name of the .adb file will be the same as the name
of the project.

 Load the database into the program, it is possible to load an “.adb” file into an existing program. This will
result with all the features stored into the “.adb” to be available.

Alignments
Click on the tab “Alignment” to open the possible alignment methods.

On feature
This icon is used to establish a reference system based on features. For example, a simple plane – line –
point alignment.

Once the dialog is open, you can set the name of the reference system and then start to select the feature
required.

The first step is to establish the primary axis selecting the feature (actual or nominal)
from the list.

Optionally, it is possible to define this feature as datum by giving a two-letter name to the combo box datum (see Dmis
standard for the meaning of datum definition).

Once the feature is selected, you must identify which axis will be aligned to the selected feature.

Optionally, it is possible to establish the origin on the selected feature using the dedicated checkbox.

Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the primary axis and automatically
will be proposed the setting page for the secondary axis.

If the alignment procedure is finished, you can press “ok” on the bottom of the dialogue box to activate the alignment.
If setting the secondary axis is required, the procedure shall carry on in a similar way of the primary axis.

This second step will establish the secondary axis selecting the feature (actual or nominal) from the list.

Optionally, it is possible to define this feature as datum by giving a two-letter name to the combo box datum (see Dmis
standard for the meaning of datum definition).

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Once the feature is selected, you must identify which axis will be aligned, for the secondary direction, to the selected
feature.

Optionally, it is possible to establish the origin on the selected feature using the dedicated checkbox.

Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the secondary axis and automatically
will be proposed the setting page for the translation.

Again, if the alignment procedure is finished, you can press “ok” on the bottom of the dialogue box to activate the
alignment. If the settingsof the translationare required, the procedure shall carry on as follows:

The feature (actual or nominal) for the origin shall be selected from the list.

Optionally, it is possible to define this feature as datum by giving a two-letter name to the combo box datum (see Dmis
standard for the meaning of datum definition).

Once the feature is selected, you must click on the checkbox to select the cartesian axis for the origin and then type the
preset value of each axis as being selected.

The value written at this time is the value the feature will have once the alignment is established.

Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the translation, the dialogue will
propose a possible new translation until the alignment is finally completed, to finish the alignment press “ok” on the
bottom of the dialogue box.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing
the button “preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing the button “modify” and
adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

Translation
This icon is used to move the origin of the current reference system.

Once the dialog is open,you can set the name of the reference system and then start to select the features
required.

The dialog sows two possibletype of alignments:

 Feature: This procedure set the origin ono a feature and then apply an offset if
required:

The feature (actual or nominal) for the origin shall be selected from the list.

Optionally, it is possible to define this feature as datum by giving a two-letter name to the combo box datum
(see Dmis standard for the meaning of datum definition).

Once the feature is selected, you must click on the checkbox to select the Cartesian axis for the origin and then
type the offset value of each axis as being selected.

The value written at this time is the value the feature will have once the alignment is established.

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 Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the translation, the dialogue
will propose a possible new translation until the alignment is finally completed, to finish the alignment press
“ok” on the bottom of the dialogue box.

 Value: this procedure translates the current reference system along the specified direction:

On the dialogue you shall type the translation value for each axis.

The value written at this time is the amount the reference system will move on each direction.

 Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the translation, the dialogue
will propose a possible new translation until the alignment is finally completed, to
finish the alignment press “ok” on the bottom of the dialogue box.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing
the button “preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing the button “modify” and
adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

Rotation

This icon is used to rotates the reference system around on specific axis. Once the dialog is open, you can set the name
of the reference system and then start to select the features required.

The dialog shows two possibletypes of alignments:

 Feature: This procedure rotates current reference system around a specific axis until the selected axis will be
parallel to the direction of the selected feature.

The feature (actual or nominal) for the origin shall be selected from the list.

Optionally, it is possible to define this feature as datum by giving a two-letter name to the combo box datum
(see Dmis standard for the meaning of datum definition).

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 Once the feature is selected, you must select, from the “axis” list box, the axis you need to be parallel to the
above selected feature.

Clicking on the “add” button you will send to the definition tree the definition of the rotation, the dialogue will
propose a possible new rotation until the alignment is finally completed, to finish the alignment press “ok” on
the bottom of the dialogue box.

 This procedure rotates current reference system around a specific axis

by the value specified in the text box.

You must select, from the “axis” options

button, the axis around which you need to
rotate the reference system.

Once the axis is selected you shall type the

amount of degrees the rotation shall be done.

Clicking on the “add” button you will send to

the definition tree the definition of the
rotation, the dialogue will propose a possible
new rotation until the alignment is finally completed, to finish the alignment
press “ok” on the bottom of the dialogue box.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing
the button “preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing the button “modify” and
adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

Best Fit
Construct a coordinate system using the Best fit function means getting the coordinate system which better
approximates the measured values with their nominal. The concept is to rotate and translate the coordinate system
until ARCO finds the position that minimizes the deviation on each feature. The system created by the best fit
represents the best approximation of the measured points again their nominals.

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Starting from measured feature, the Best fit alignment can be created. The user has to first define the nominal feature
and then perform the measure of the corresponding actual elements.

Starting from that set of feature the alignment can be created.

To start the calculation, you must open the dialog "Quick Programmer" in the tab “Alignment” and
then activate the “Best fit” Page.

Once the dialog is open, you can set the name of the reference system and then start to
select the feature required.

- Standard

In the area “Select a Feature” you shall select the feature to be add and the calculation list.
The nominal and measured data are show in the grid.

In the “Group” list box you can select the CAD group on which to Project the points,
normally the default group to be used is “ALL_THE_MODEL” but, when it is necessary to
limit the calculation on certain surfaces only then you can create a
group from the CAD menu and choose it at this stage.

Once all the features are added to the tree in the bottom of the
dialog you can press “OK” to send the new reference system to the
program.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference

system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing the button
“preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing
the button “modify” and adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes
press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

- Interativo

The iterative option is used when you require to re-measure the features with the
CMM in order to pick at one specific position.

In order to activate this feature, you must click the check button “ITERATIVE
PROCEDURE”, the rest of the procedure it is exactly ad per the standard method,
the differences start after the bottom click is pressed, in fact a pop up dialog will
show the list of the feature and you will be able to double check it and set the
tolerance for the alignment as well as the maximum number of iteration allowed.

Once confirmed this dialog the calculation is done and the commands are sent to the program, it is necessary at this
stage to move the starting line to the point where you want to cycle with your alignment, consider that the program
you created must be in a reference system similar as the CAD one (so a pre alignment is required) and the path must
be collision free.

RPS
The RPS alignment procedure follow the same procedure as the best fit procedure (RPS it is actually a best fit), the
only differences are that, when the feature is selected and , before being add to the list, you must inform which

25
constraint you will apply to the feature, the constraint is chosen within the possibilities X-Y-Z-XY-YZ-ZX-XYZ from
the “Constraint” list.

To start the calculation, you must open the dialog "Quick Programmer" in the tab “Alignment” and
then activate the “RPS” Page..

Once the dialog is open, you can set the name of the reference system and then start to
select the feature required.

In the area “Select a Feature” you shall select the feature to be add and the calculation list.
The nominal and measured data are show in the grid.

In the “Group” list box you can select the CAD group on which to Project the points,
normally the default group to be used is “ALL_THE_MODEL” but, when it is necessary to
limit the calculation on certain surfaces only then you can create a group from the CAD
menu and choose it at this stage.

From the list “Constraint” you must select the correct constraint for each feature.
Normally, as tip, you should select the axis closest to the feature direction when using point
and the 2 axis perpendicular to the closest direction of the feature
when using bi- dimensional elements such as circles and slot, in any
case the correct RPS sequence is defined by the drawing and a wrong
sequence of constraint might make the alignment to fail.

Once all the features are added to the tree in the bottom of the dialog
you can press “OK” to send the new reference system to the program.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing
the button “preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing the button “modify” and
adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

- Interativo

The iterative option is used when you require to re-measure the features
with the CMM in order to pick at one specific position.

In order to activate this feature, you must click the check button
“ITERATIVE PROCEDURE”, the rest of the procedure it is exactly as per
the standard method, the differences start after the bottom click is
pressed, in fact a pop up dialog will show the list of the feature and you
will be able to double check it and set the tolerance for the alignment as
well as the maximum number of iteration allowed.

Once confirmed this dialog the calculation is done and the commands are sent to the program, it is necessary at this
stage to move the starting line to the point where you want to cycle with your alignment, consider that the program
you created must be in a reference system similar as the CAD one (so a pre alignment is required) and the path must
be collision free.

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Plane and 2 Features
To start the calculation, you must open the dialog "Quick Programmer" in the tab “Alignment” and
then activate the “Plane and 2 Point” Page.

Once the dialog is open, you can set the name of the reference system and then start
to select the feature required

The alignment is realized by filling 4 tabs each one representing a specific step of the
alignmentdefinition.

In the Tab “Primary Axis” you define the plane in which your alignment lies, the
orientation is takes from the nominal definition of the feature, therefore if the definition
has been without mistakes or from CAD model, the default is correct, if necessary you can
set the origin/preset of your alignment by choosing the axis and setting the value in the 3
boxes associated to translation.

Once the setting for the primary axis are done, then you shall press “ADD” to move to the
second step.

In the tab “EL1” you set the first reference point, again, the nominal values are taken
from the nominal, so they should be correct if the proper definition were made, if
not, the you can still set the correct position of the first element.

The value to be type are the bi-dimensional position of the point as it will be located
after the alignment.

The check box establishes whether the feature will contribute to the datum in the
translation, example, is you select both axes it means that the error will be
accumulated all in the second element since the goal is the create an alignment where
EL1 has no error.

Once the setting for the first element of the rotation are done, then you shall press
“ADD” to move to the second step.

In the tab “EL2” you set the second reference point, again, the nominal values are taken from the nominal, so they
should be correct if the proper definition were made, if not, the you can still set the correct position of the first
element.
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 The value to be type are the bi-dimensional position of the point as it will be located
after the alignment.

The check box establishes whether the feature will also contribute to the datum in the
translation, example, is you select both axes it means that the error will be
accumulated all in the first element since the goal is the create an alignment where
EL2 has no error.

Warming:

In case the check boxes of EL1 were also selected, then the error will
be divided.

As example: if EL1 has X and Y checked and EL2 has only Y

checked, it means that the residual error of X will be totally
accumulated on EL2 (El1 will be origin for X) while the residual
error along Y will be divided equally within EL1 and EL2.

Once the setting for the first element of the rotation are done, then you shall press
“ADD” to move to the second step.

The last tab is associated to the rotation.

In this stage you must select if you want to have an absolute rotation or an optimized
one.

The absolute solution it is chose in order to make a theoretical rotation of a fixed angle
in order to achieve the correct alignment, in this case the residual error will be located
in both the 2D axis and dived according the check boxes previously indicated.

The optimized rotation, will make one of the 2D dimension to

be with zero error along a certain axis. You have then you to
select which axis will be optimized.

Once this decision has been made, then you can press “ADD”
and finally “OK” to calculate the alignment.

Note: at any stage of the alignment construction, the reference

system can be previewed on the Cad Area by pressing the button “preview”.

If the alignment is not as expected, it is possible to select the step to be modified pressing the
button “modify” and adjusting the step according to the needs, to apply the changes press “replace” on the dialogue.

If a step need to be deleted, then it is possible to select it and then press the button “remove” to delete the step.

Matrix
The Matrix alignment it is used to save and export reference system into a file or, in very rare situations, to declare a
reference system manually by typing the mathematical matrix.

To start the calculation, you must open the dialog "Quick Programmer" in the tab “Alignment” and
then activate the “MATRIX” Page

Once the dialog is open, you can set the name of the reference system and then start to
28
select the feature required, if you need to export an existing reference system in a file, the you shall select it from the
list.

- Manually define a refence system

In the rare event of need to declare a manual reference system you will write in the table,
the wh3 x 3 matrix of your alignment plus the 3 x 1 vector of your translation.

Once you click OK the matrix will be send to the program and this command will activate
the new reference system.

- To export a reference system in a file

To export the reference system, you have to select from the list an existing one, then
pressing the button “SAVE” you will locate the file here this information will be stored.

The check box “ADD to Dmis” allow you to create a statement to repeat this procedure
on each execution of the program.

Clicking “OK” the alignment is stored in a file and the command line is sent to the program if required.

The file extension for this information is “.PCS”

- To import a reference system from a file

To import the reference system, you have to select the file where this information is
stored, to do so, you click on “IMPORT” to locate the file.

The check box “ADD to Dmis” allow you to create a statement to repeat this procedure
on each execution of the program.

Clicking “OK” the alignment is stored in a file and the command line is sent to the program if required.

The file extension for this information is “.PCS”

Load, Save and Delete Reference Systems

During the programming it is possible to recall, save or delete reference systems.

- Recalling an existing reference system:

29
In the menu bar “CMM” there is a list of reference systems. Open the list to select an existing reference system and
recall it to the program.

- Saving an existing reference system:

In certain situations it is necessary to usethe same reference system in different programs (for example, to use the
same fixture to several parts).To save the current reference system as global system, click on the icon “SAVE” next to
the reference systems list.

Once you do it, the current reference system will be included in the reference systems list of each Project (both new
and existing projects).

- Deleting an existing reference system:

If you want to delete a reference system, first make sure it is not the current reference system.Then, go to “DATA BASE
VIEWER” and select the reference system to be deleted and press “D” or “Right Mouse Button-Delete”.

MAC reference system cannot be deleted.

Mode/AUTO,PROG,MAN[CNC]
From the list "Mode" you can select the use mode of the CMM.

MAN – the CMM will move only in manual mode

PROG – the CMM will move in CNC mode and the PTMEAS command will be executed

AUTO – the CMM will move in CNC and the PTMEAS will be executed ONLY if an automatic cycle is not present for
the current feature; if present, then the CMM will execute the automatic cycle REGARDLESS the PTMEAS
distribution.

Parameters
The parameters of the measurement are located in the dialog box “PARAMETERS” which is identified by the icon

in the top menu bar.

Measurement
In this section you can set all the parameters related to the measurement
conditions.

Specifically, you can set the distances for:

 Approach
 Retract
 Search
 Measurement Depth
 Probe Compensation
 Thermal Compensation
The Thermal compensation option allows the correction of the
expansion of the part and/or of the CMM.

30
 The expansion coefficient of the CMM is taken from the control panel
while the part’s expansion coefficient is set at this time it is activated.
It is also possible to choose the probe to be used for part
temperatures, when available.

 Clearance Plane.

The Clearance plane can be set in order to have ARCO creating intermediate point between features
automatically.

Once a plane is chosen, the probe will move to the safety plane when moving from feature to feature.

The target point on the safety plane is the nominal of the feature projected on the safety plane.

If the target Plane is not set, then the clearance path will create a temporary plane starting from the feature,
along the direction of the feature itself and at a distance specified in this dialog; once it is set, then the
clearance operation will be calculated as per the standard clearance plane.

The option to apply to all points makes the clearance operation to proceed as described, but using extra goto
point, which is calculated projecting each PTMEAS to the current safety plane.

It is important to remember that this option facilitates the creation of programs, but it also requires attention
in order to avoid unexpected collision.

[Scanning]
In the section Scanning you can define which scanning option is to be
activated (Point to Point or Continuous).

Once you define the kind of scanning to be used, then you can also set the
parameters for data collection such as:

 “Chordal Error” (resolution of the point scan)

 Maximum distance between points
 Stop radius: maximum distance from target
 Deflection in case of analogue probes.

Dynamics [CNC]
In the Dynamics section it is possible to set all the parameters related to the
speed and acceleration of the CMM.

In the central part of this dialog box you find the maximum values taken from
the controller when it was installed.

31
The FLY option it is used to smooth the movement between the various GOTO and PTMEAS point. It is represented by
a radius of smoothing, but the actual application depends on the implementation of each individual CNC .

Units and Format

In this section you find the measuring units used for the current execution and the
number of digits used for self-teach.

The units can be changed at any time during the programs. Output will reflect the
current units even if a feature has been measured in a different setting.

5 Axis
In this section it is possible to disable the 5 AXIS capability in a program. If you do it, a full 5 axis program will be run
in 3 axes only (CMM MODE).

It is the user’s responsibility to make sure that the probe will be properly oriented for a 3 axis execution. Changing
mode without reviewing the program might lead to collision and probe damage.

Working plane
The Working plane shows the current reference system.You can select one of the following options:
XYPLAN for plane XY, ZYPLAN for plane YZ and ZXPLAN for planeZX.

Options Dialogue Box

On the "CMM" toolbar you find the icon "Options" , which opens the
Options Dialogue Box. In this dialogue you can set the measuring system
options:

Modes
The section "Modes" allows you to define the modes of:

- Sequences

32
- Nominal values

- Measured values

- Measure block

- Calibration options

- Auto-save

- Reporter

Click on "OK" to save the changes to these parameters and to add the respective DMIS commands to the current part
program.

Elements (Number of points& Algorithm)

On the section "Elementos" you can:

- define the standard number of points for measuring a specific element by

typing it on the respective field of the column"Padrão";

- define the name of the respective element on the column "Name"; and

- define the algorithm on the respective column "Algorithm".

In the area "Algorithm of Cartesian error" you can choose one of the
options "DEFALT" or "NOSYM".

In the area "Algorithm of form error" you can choose one of the options
"DEFALT" or "STDDEV".

Click on "OK" to save the changes to these parameters and to add the
respective DMIS commands to the current part program.

Form error
In the section "Formerror" you can set a reference value for the evaluation of
the measuring of an element by checking the respective box of the "Activate"
column, and then typing a reference value on the respective field on the
column "Form error limit".

Click on "OK" to save the changes to these parameters and to add the
respective DMIS commands to the current part program.

Record of current position

On the "CMM" toolbar you find the icon "Actual position" , which opens thewindow "Actual position" for the
acquisition of a point at the actual position of the sensor.

33
The field "Name" indicates a unique name for the created point, which is composed by the
sequence "CURRPOS" followed by a progressive number, by default. You can also choose
the system: "Cartesian" or "Polar". If you check the option "Assign variables", the
respective coordinates will be recorded as variables.

Click on "OK" to create the new element “point” and to add the respective DMIS commands
to the current part program.

Declaring a tolerance
Tolerances are limits to be observed in actual characteristics or in the ones to be created.A tolerance must be defined
within the tolerance range, and then be applied to a characteristic or to one of its dimensions.

In most cases you can:

- define a new nominal tolerance;

- define a new nominal tolerance and apply it to a characteristic; or

- select an existing nominal tolerance and apply it to a characteristic.

The procedure for the definition and application of tolerances or of a new sequence of tolerances of the same kind is as
follows:

1 –On the"CMM" toolbar, click on "Options"to open the respective window.Open the
section "Modes".

- To define and apply a single tolerance, go to the area "Sequences" and select the option
"Do not restart automatically the last measurement type"; or

- To define and apply a sequence of tolerances of the same type, select the option"Restart
automatically the last type of measurement".

Click on"OK" to close the window.

2 –On the section "Tolerances" of the "Quick Programmer" window, double-click on the icon
tolerance icon to be defined.

The window for the definition of a new nominal tolerance opens and assingns a new name for the
new nominal tolerance, which appears in the field "Name". You may:

- keep the assigned name and go to the next step, or

- select a name from the list of nominal tolerances previously defined:you will see the pre-defined
values of that tolerance and also the commands of the window. At this point it is ready to be
applied: go to step 4.

3 –Type in the respective fields of the table "Values"the characteristics of tolerance, such as the
value for the " Tolerance area", the material condition (RFS, LMC or MMC), the system
reference.

Click on "OK" to finish and add the respective DMIS commands to the piece program.

4 –In the area of application of the tolerance, open the respective group by clicking on the node
and selecting the relevant element for the function.

In case of tolerances of linear distance (DISTB) and angular distance (ANGLB), select the first element on "First
Element"and the kind of element "Actual" or "Nominal". Then, select the second element on"Second Element".

34
5 –Click on the button "Calculate"to apply the tolerance to the selected element. You can find the measured value on
the respective field of the values table. If the measured value is within the defined tolerance, it appears on a green
background. If the value is out of the tolerance, it appears on a red background.

Click on "OK" to finish the procedure, o procedimento termina e no programa de peça atual que são aprendidos os
comandos DMIS relativas à definição de uma tolerância nominal ea aplicação tolerância ao elemento escolhido.

For the definition of a series of tolerances, the "Quick Programmer"window is ready for the definition of new
tolerances of the same kind. The procedure re-starts from step 2.

Tolerances of reference systems

The telerance of reference systems (CORTOL) cannot be defined through the icons of the Tolerance icons of the
"Quick Programmer" window.

After creating a real element (measured or best-fit built) the output is produced according to the values defined for the
relevant dimensions for the reference system. Alternatively you can:

- open the list available on the field Tolerance and select a pre-defined CORTOL. The fields of the maximum
and mininum values are defined accordingly.

Clicking on "OK" on the "Quick Programmer" window you add the DMIS commands related to the creation and
application of tolerance to the relevant element.

OR

- type the maximum and minimum tolerance values on the respective fields. The program assigns a new
tolerance name for the new definitions.

Clicking on "OK" on the "Quick Programmer" window you add the DMIS commands related to the definition of
nominal tolerance and application of the tolerance to the relevant element.

You can select or define a new form tolerance or dimension tolerance in the respective fields of the elements.For form
tolerances only, the tolerance value can be defined only for the superior range, while the inferior is disabled.

Form error viewer

On the "Action" toolbar, click on the icon "Form Error" to view the form error of the selected measured
elements.

In the area "Amplification" you can define the

amplification factor.
In the area "Options" you can choose the
options:
- "Show Nominal"
- apply "Tolerance" and define a reference value
- "Show Curve"
- "Show Points"
- "Show Circularity"
- "Print points"
-"Add DMIS" to add a DMIS command to the
part program.
In the area "Data" you find the geometrical
characteristics of the element and their respective
nominal and measured values, and the
difference.To show the values related to the points
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of a given element in graphic form, click on "Show all".

You can print a form error report by clicking "Print", and close the window by clicking on "Close".

Output
The measurement report shows the information related to the measurement or construction of an element.

Measured information is sent to all open output devices, according to the output definitions associated.

You can produce a measurement report directly after a measuring process or after the constructio of an element, or
after the recall of a previously created element, according to the procedure of output repetition.

To prepare the system for the presentation of measured data, you must define at least one output format – if you want
an output format different of the defaultDMIS output), and define at least one output device.

You can manage the measurement reports at any time during the recording of the part program, before the
presentation of the results of the process. All definitions regarding formats and output devices are made through tools
found at the section "Input / Output" of the "Quick Programmer" window.

Defining output formats

The format of a report is defined by an identifier, by a format type and by the selection of data to be shown for each
dimension of output.

Further to the default DMIS output, ARCO offers the following output formats:
- Vendor, text format
- HTML
- Graphic, DMG format of graphic reports created with ArcoReporter
- Statistic , statistic format for QIS reports
Data informed for each format: nominal value, measured value, deviation, tolerance
value, all dataavailable.

First you must define at least one output format, than you will be able to define an
output device, unless you use a default DMIS output, which can be selected directly
during the definition of output devices.

You can find the commands for the definition of four formats with all possible data on
the DMIS code lines at the header of the part program (included between the two
comment lines *** Program default section*** and ***End of default
section***).

- Defining an output format

To define a new output format, click on "Format"in the section"Input / Output" of

the "Quick Programmer"window.

Type the name of the output format on the field"Name".

In the area"Type", select the type of the output format:

- Vendor

- HTML

- CSV for Excel

- Graphic, DMG format of graphic reports created by ArcoReporter

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- Statistic, forQISreports.

In the area "Data", select the data to be shown in the output format for each dimension:

- Nominal for nominal value

- Measured for actual value

- Deviation for the deviation value (nominal - measured)

- Out of tolerance

- All data available, for all the above mentioned values.

Click on"Add"in the area "Definition of format".

Click on"OK" at the bottom of the "Quick Programmer" window to create the respective DMIS commands and to
add them to the part program.

Default Format
Arco offers four different types of output devices:
- Terminal,
- Printer, the one connected to the measuring system
- File,
- Progressive file, which contains in its name a progressive number for each time it is open.

It is necessary to open the selected output device and make it ready to receive the data before using it in the measuring
process.After using it, the device must be closed, to ignore any further output data received.

Click on the icon "Default" in the section "Input / Output" of the "Quick
Programmer" window. The window for the definition of output format will open.

To define an output device:

1 –In the area "Status", select the option"Open".

2 – In the area "Instrument" select the type of output format:

- Terminal
- Printer
- File
- Progressive file.

3 – In the area "Format" select the type of report format to be associated with the
selected device:
- DMIS, to obtain a default DMIS report format
- Vendor, to obtain the report format previously defined.

4 –In the area "define the Report" click on"Add" to resume the definition of the
defined output device.

Now it is possible to repeat the procedure from step 2 to define another device of a
different type, or to click on "OK" at the bottom of the "Quick Programmer" window
to add the command to the current part program.

To closing all output devices:

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Click on the icon "Default" in the section "Input / Output" of the "Quick Programmer" window.The window for
the definition of output format will open.

In the area "Status", select the option "Close all".

Clique on "OK" at the bottom of the "Quick Programmer" window to add the command to the current part
program.

Format Extension
Arcoalso offers the possibility of customizing output devices:

Click on the icon "Extension" in the section "Input / Output" of the "Quick Programmer" window
to open the window for the definition of output format.

To define a personal device:

1 –In the section"New instrument", on the field "Name",define the name of the new output
device.

2 – In the area "Type",select the type of device:

- Terminal: type the name of the window
- Printer: select the model from the list
- Serial line: select a name from the list
- File: Type the complete path or select an existing file
- Progressive file: type the complete path or select an existing file.

3 –Click on "Add" on the area "definitions of the Report" to resume the definition of the
device.

Now you can repeat the procedure from step 1 to define a new device of a different type, or you
can click on "Open/Close"to customize an output device.

4 –Select the name of the output device from the list.

5 – In the area "Status":

- select the option"Open text file"to define a general input-

output device.

- select the option "Open report file"to define an output

device with the output format associated with it.

6 –In the area "Format":

- If in the area"Status"you checked "Open text file", select the type of input-
output device.

- If in the area "Status" you checked"Open report file", select from the list the
type of output format: default DMIS or Vendor

7 –For the option File: in the area "Mode" select"Overwrite"to overwrite the file each time
it is opened or "Attach"to add the text at the end of the file.

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8 –Click on"Add". In the area " Definitions of the Report" the definition of the output device is resumed: type,
name and settings, output format associated, access mode (file only) and status.

9 –Now it is possible to repeat the procedure from step 1 to customize another device, or to click on"OK" at the bottom
of the"Quick Programmer" window to add the respective DMIS command to the current part program.

Closing a customized device:

1 – Click on the icon "Extended" in the section "Input / Output" of the "Quick Programmer" window.

2 –Click on"Open/Close" to customize the output device.

3 –Select from the list the output device you want to close.

4 –In the area "Status" select the option "Close"

5 –Click on"Add". Click on "OK" at the bottom of the "Quick Programmer" window to add the respective DMIS
command to the current part program.

Header
The header of the report is the section that appears only in the first page of the report.It is usually used to report the
title, index and other relevant information about the report.

On the "CMM" toolbar, click on the icon "Definitions of the QIS

report" to open the "QIS setup"window, where you can

define the information to appear on the header.

You can include additional information not provided by Arco by

clicking on "Add" of the area "Header".

The information provided by Arco may be changed or removed.

Click on "Customize variables", then "change" and "Remove"
buttons are enabled in the area "Header".

You can define the customization as default by checking the option "Define as default".

Or keep the initial default by clicking on the button "Define as default".

Click on "Add to program" to add the respective DMIS commands to the current part program.

Including text on ARCO

On the "CMM" toolbar, click on the icon "Programming text" to open the window where you can write
comments, messages to the operator or add text to the report.

Comments
On the window "Programming text", click on "Comment".
In the area "Add comment to the program" you can add a
comment to the program.

Click on "Apply" to add the text to the current part program.

Message to users

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On the window "Programming text", click on "Message". In the area "Ask to operator" you can add an alert or
advice to the part program. Choose an option:

- "TEXT/OPER"to add information to the measuring program. Click on "Apply" to add the command to the current
part program.

When you run the program the comment will pop up on ArcoCad main window.

- "TEXT/MAN"to add orientation to the measuring program.Click on "Apply" to add the respective commands to the
current part program.

When you run the program the orientation window will pop up on ArcoCad main
window.

- "TEXT/QUERY"to add information to the measuring program. Click on "Apply" to add the respective commands
to the current part program.

When you run the program the information window will pop up on ArcoCad main
window. The program will be in pause until the operator clicks on "OK"

Comment to Reporter
On the window "Programming Text", click on "Text". On
the field "Add text to the report" you can add a descriptive
text to the text report.Click on "Apply " to add the respective
DMIS command to the current part program.

Comment /page break on Graphic Report

On the "Programming text" window, click on "Report
Viewer". In the field "Add description of Report viewer"
you can add text to the title page of the graphic report. Click on
"Apply" to add the respective DMIS command to the current
part program.

Creating Output with Tolerances

To create a report with the use of tolerances you must follow these steps:

1 – open a report of any kind;

40
 2 – create or apply tolerances to measured or created elements.

To create a report, click on "Intput/output" of the "Quick Programmer" window and choose one of the following
options: "Format", "Default", "Extended" or "Element Output".

You must define and apply the relevant tolerance during the measurement or construction of the element, or after you
conclude it. To define and/or apply a tolerance, click on "Tolerances" in the "Quick Programmer"window, and
click on the icon of the relevant tolerance. Fill in the fields for the definition of the tolerance, or select a pre-defined
tolerance.

Creating Output via measurement pannel

No output
- Before measuring an element, choose the option "No output" in the measuring window, so no output will be
produced after the measurement of the element.

Show output settings

- Before measuring the element, choose the option "Show output settings" in the
measuring window to open the "Report" window once measurement is done. It shows
the nominal values and measured values of the element, and the "Element output"
window shows the previously defined tolerances which may be applied to that element.

Show previous settings

- Before measuring the element, choose the option "Show output with previous
settings " in the measuring window to open the "Report" window showing the nominal values and the measured
values of the element created, and the "Element output" window shows the previously defined tolerances which may
be applied to the element. Tolerances are already defined as the last tolerances used for measuring the previous
element of the same type. You can modify these settings before confirming the conclusion of the measuring process.

Automatic Output
- Before measuring the element, choose the option "Automatic output creation" in the measuring window. At the
end of the measuring process, tolerances selected for the last process of the same type are automatically applied to the
current element. You can modify these settings only selecting a different type of output from the view list.

Part program
The "Debug" mode allows the use of editing
window to test the capabilities of the part
program: the possibility of establishing the
initial execution line, the use of interruption
markers, step-by-step execution of the
commands.

It allows a precise analysis of the execution

flow and the setting of inspection cycles. During the execution phase, a green marker on the editing window indicates
the line in process of execution. The part program code is accessible from the window and the section in progress is
always visible. The interaction operator-program is the same as the one for an inspection cycle, except for the control
during the execution of the program, which may be done directly through the editing window.

Execution (Standard)

- Standard

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To execute the standard part program, click on the main "Debug>Ir" toolbar, or use the "F5" key, or click on the icon
of the "Debug" toolbar of the DMIS editor window.

Current line
The departure line for the execution defines the starting point for the execution of the part program. On the editor
window, the code line is highlighted in yellow, and the corresponding number on the left side is indicated by a yellow
marker.

Stop line
The interruption marker stops the execution of the part program. The command on which the marker is placed is not
executed until the progress is restored. The relevant code line appears highlighted in brown, and its respective number
is indicated by a brown marker on the left column.

Execution Step-by-Step
For the execution step-by-step of the part program, click on teh main toolbar "Debug>Overpass" or use the "F8"

key, or click on the icon of the "Debug" toolbar of the DMIS editor window.

Add instructions at the end of the execution of a program

The command added may be included at the end of the part program, before the ENDFIL command, or in the next line
after the current position of the cursor. You can select this mode through the option "Append mode" on the window
menu.

The selected mode is indicated by the background color of the editor window: green if the insertion goes to the end of
the part program, light pink in the insertion goes to the current line.

Sintax check

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You can easily check the syntax of DMIS commands and of the part program code through the editor window. You
must:

1 – Choose the command from the main menu "Tools> check syntax" , or clicking on "check syntax" of the
"Tools" toolbar.

2 - In case of syntax error, you will find an error message offering three options:

- "Close", concludes the process without indicating the syntax error

- "Find next", the current syntax error is indicated and the checking process keep searching for other errors

- "Ignore", the checking process contionues to the end, indicating all errors without asking for confirmation.

Indentifying syntax errors:

1 – Choose the menu command "Tools> Next message", or click on "Next message" of "Tools" toolbar to
identify the relevant comment line for a syntax error.

2 – To remove all comment lines about syntax errors from the Part Program, choose the menu command "Tools>

Remove error messages" , or click on "remove error messages" on the "Tools" toolbar.

List of Read Me functions

The "Read Me" file contains the history of the software development and the characteristics added to the intalled
version.

To open this file, open the menu "Start > All Programs > Metrostaff> ArcoCad Inspection > Read Me".

ArcoCad Functions
This section presents the use of CAD models with ARCO.
You find the CAD models in ARCO’s graphic area "CAD model window". Menu items and available functions of
ARCO may vary according to the current object in "ARCO main window"; therefore it is necessary to activate the
menus related to the management of CAD models through the "CAD model window", by clicking in any point of the
graphic area, or by selecting the command "View>Project_Name.alg", if the graphic area is not visible on the
screen. Once the graphic area is active you can access the menu "Import / Export", "Modify" (which contains the
commands for the management of CAD models, and not of the part program), and "View CAD".

Menu Import / Export

Save images
This function saves the active vista of the CAD model in a file, which may be .ALG, .BMP or .JPG.

Export selection (IGES)

This function adds to the CAD model window an external mathematical model. You can include the formats IGS, DXF,
STL, while other formats (such as: VDA, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Unigraphics, Pro-E, etc...) you will need a specific
license.

Menu modify
Select all
Selects all the characteristics of the CAD model. To de-select all the elements, click on this tool and click in any empty
point of the graphic window.
43
Select by type
Allows the selection of the characteristics of the CAD model according to the structure of data defined by the creator of
the CAD model.

General
Allows the general definition for viewing the properties of a CAD model by selecting directly groups, levels or files.

Transformation
Allows the application of translations, rotations or symmetries to the selected elements.

Options
Allows the definition of the general view options of the graphic window and of each type of resource.

Synchronize / De-synchronize the model

Sinchronizes the system’s reference system to the CAD model reference system defined by the user.

De-synchronize the reference systems of the system and of the CAD model, restoring the previous settings.

Creating borders
Creates the curves of a selected surface.

Pierce Point
Pre-defined coordinates of a point.

Best Fit
Executes the best fit of the measured values.

Curve reconstruction
Allows the reconstruction of a curve from the measure points of a profile element.

Re-projection of points
Restores the normal vector to the the surface in relation to a given point.

Properties
- Shows the properties of a selected element.

Handling
- Allows the change of point of view of the graphic window.

Select
- Allows the selection of an element present on the graphic area.

Surface Inversion
- Inverts the selected surface.

Re-synchronize Model
- Allows you to re-synchronize the model of the graphic area in relation to the active reference system.

Form error
- Shows the error form window of a selected element.

Pierce Point
- Opens the window "Pierce Point" for the definition of pre-defined coordinates for a point.

44
Create border
- Creates the curves for a given surface.

Create plane surface

- Creates a surface from a selected plane.

View CAD Menu

Select, Save and Cancel a Vista
- - To select a plane screen (XY, YZ ou ZX) or a 3D screen.

- “Create point of view” allows the creation of a specific point of view.

- - Saves a vista

- “Select point of view” allows the selection of a point of view from the previously saved points of view.

- - Cancels a previously saved vista.

Zoom
- allows a better view of the selected object:

- - Better view of the sensor on the graphic area.

- - Expands the view of the selected area.

- - Defines a rotation point for the vista.

- - Provides a ortogonal view of the selected element.

- - View of all current objects.

- - Ortographic view

- - Perspective view

Delete
Deletes the selected object

View Options:

45
- View nominal elements - View measured elements

- Show the name of elements - Show points deviation

- Show CAD reference

- Show GOTO (points related to the movement and CNC mode)

- Show CMM

- Auto Zoom

- - Puts the sensor as the center of the vista.

Vista X,Y,Z e-X,-Y,-Z (from keyboard)

You can define the point of view parallel to one of the ortogonal axes by using the keyboard. If the graphic view

window is active, type the keys or or to view the respective axis in the positive orientation. You

can also view the negative orientation by typing + or + or + .

CMM Menu
Create GOTO[CNC]
You activate the function "Create GOTO" when you activate modes PROG or AUTO. Click on "CMM >Create

GOTO" or to open the tools for the execution of the " GOTO" function.

You have two options to create GOTO:

1 – GOTO window

46
 - a) type the absolute reference on the fields X,Y and Z or the relative reference on the
fields DX, DY or DZ

- b) Click on "Apply" to obtain a pre-view of the defined position

- c) Click on "Create GOTO" to effect the movement to the defined position.

2 – GOTO cursor

- a) Select directly on the GOTO cursor and drag to the desired position.

- b) Click on "Create GOTO" to effect the movement to the defined postion.

Measuring tracks [CNC]

On modes AUTO or PROG it is possible to measure an element using a specific measuring strategy with the button

"Measuring track" of the "CMM" toolbar.

A measurement strategy is applied when the measurement of an element follows a particular collection of points. It is
possible, for example, to limit the acquisition area of a given element.

This command can be executed only in automatic mode (AUTO or PROG ).Click on the list "Mode" of the
"CMM" toolbar. Then, select an element: "Quick Programmer >Elements".

To proceed the measuring strategy:

- Select the element to be measured: "Quick Programmer >Elements";

- Click on "Measurement track" of the "CMM" toolbar;

- When the dialog box "Information" pops us, click on "OK";

- Using the tool select on the graphic area the element to be measured on the CAD model. Aternatively use

the tool + to select more elements. Then click on "OK";

- The window "Strategy..." opens. It allows you to define the required parameters for the application of the
measurement. Aspects and functions may vary according to the selected element.;

- On the right side of the window you find the selected element. On the left side you find the respective
parameters list;

- The graphic area of teh window "Strategy..." presents many functions of the CAD model graphic window. It
shows a preview of the defined measurement parameters. It shows the orientation of the selected element in relation
to the current reference system. It shows the normal vectors of the measuring points and of the measuring strategy.
The green vector indicates the first point of acquisition, the red vector indicates the last point of acquisition, and the
others indicate intermediary points.

47
 - In the area "Parameters" you can adjust the speed of measurement clicking on "Medição" and
"Movement". You can specify the distance of "Approach" and "Retraction", or confirm the given values.

- Click on "OK" to execut automatically the strategy, or on "Cancel" to cancel.

CAD Learning[CNC]

In mode AUTO or PROG it is possible to measure an element selecting the points directly from the CAD model using

the button "CAD Learning" of the "Status" toolbar. Click on "Mode" of the "CMM " toolbar, and then
select an element: "Quick Programmer >Elements".

Steps for the measurement with CAD Learning:

- Select an element "Quick Programmer >Elementos";

- Select on the model the element you want to measure;

- Click on the button " CAD Learning" of the "Status" toolbar;

- The cursor will look like a sensor now;

- Select the point to be measured, and the sensor will move accordingly to measure the corresponding point;

- After measuring all the points of the relevant element, click on "OK" on the "Quick Programmer " to
conclude the process.

Construction from points

On modes AUTO or MAN you can build elements which are not present on the CAD model using the button
"construction from points" of the "Status" toolbar. The construction from points is used for the definition of a
local plane in a surface or for the definition of the nominal value of a circumference on the border of a surface.

To build an element:

- Select the element: "Quick Programmer >Elementos";

- Click on "Construction from points" of the "Status" toolbar;

- Click on the points to define the element on the CAD model;

- On the graphic window the selected points are highlighted in yellow and progressively numbered;

- After selecting all required points, the element will be automatically defined.

- Click on "OK" on the "Quick Programmer" pannel to confirm the action.

[Measuring profiles]
The measurement of profiles is executed from the definition of a profile present on the CAD model. To define a profile
it is necessary to create its respective border.

48
Steps to create a border:
1 – Select the surface which limits the border

2 – Create a border with the tool "Create borders" of the "Action" toolbar.

Once the border is created it is possible to define a curve: "Quick Programmer >Elements >Curve ". With the element curve

open, select the border with the tool to define the curve. In case the curve is composed of more than one border, use +

to select the other borders which form the relevant curve.

Once you defined the curve, the measurement may proceed in manual or automatic mode. The element curve is calculated
between 2 and 999.

For automatic measurement you can define the measurin method using the tool "Measuring track" of the "CMM" toolbar.

Reporter

ARCO Reporter is an application that allows you to create graphical reporting out of DMISprogram: for graphical
report is meant both the reports based on a CAD image or a picture manually imported in the program.

The reporting application it is based on the concept of Template, the templates represent the visual aspect that a
certain report should have, for example a report with a CAD image represented in landscape mode is a template as well
as a report represented by a table with result below a Cad image on a vertical page.

Arco provides a series of templates in which all the characteristic is preset in order to fit the need of a typical user, in
any case the template can be customized to meet different requirement.

The templates are stored and are used only to create a new report based on that, the extension in XMLT.

The report itself is the graphical representation of the results of an inspection, the representation is composed by a
series of callouts with the metrological data, each callout is linked with a line to the feature as per the representation in
the CAD model (or in a picture of the real part).

Each callout contains the metrological information and each callout can be located as preferred inside the page of the
report, while generating the report ARCO is able to automatically locate all the callout according a pre-determined
configuration as set in the template.
49
The report is an “empty shell” with all the callout pointing to the feature, each execution of a program creates a data
file (with extension XMLD) the combination of the data file with the report (extension XMLR) create the inspection
report.

The report can be created manually at each execution or automatically sent to printer or PDF format.

The data file is created during the output process, the file is created as any other format; in order to create an XMLD
data file, you must select from the format (INPUT/OUTPUT- STANDARD-FILE) one of the following formats:

 XMLDF – To manually create the report on each execution

 XMLDV – To automatically create the report on each execution
 XMLDP – To automatically print the report on each execution
 XMLDA – To automatically save in PDF format the report on each execution
 XMLDO – To automatically save in proprietary Arco format the report on each execution

The report is created only one form the template, once the creation is successful then the report will be always re
executed automatically without any further intervention from the user.

Once the report is created using the DMIS code, then the device shall be closed (DISPLY/OFF) and now the creation of
the report can start.

To start the creation of the report you must select in the menu Bar “CMM” the “REPORTER” icon .

The report is created with the steps as follow.

1. Start the REPORTER from

2. If the program has not been saved yet, then you will be request
to save it
3. You will be asked the save a series of snap shot as will be
represented in the report (the number of snapshots depends
from the number or TEXT/VIEW defined in the program)
4. After saving the images you will be requested to select the
desired template (if you have set a default template then this
step will be pulled).
5. After choosing the template the report is created and shown in
preview ready to be save and add to the project

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