Using CYLINDER in iterative alignment?

[dfiola66]

Just wondering how you go about using a cylinder (1) in an iterative alignment (using it to align to). I assume measuring a cyl creates a line. I'd like to align my part to it but not sure how in iterative (easy enough in manual alignment).

Also, congrats to you Winston....MAY YOU PROBE WHERE NO MAN HAS PROBED BEFORE!!!

[Jeffrey Lovely]

I have never done it
but you may be able to create an off set point and 2 end points

[BSchwark]

The cylinder will create a 3D line. Take another point at the end of your cylinder feature and you can create a perpendicular plane to that line. Interscect line and plane for point. Just a start. Would have more ideas if I knew more about your part.


BS

[\v/inston]

i have never used a cylinder for an iterative.

[dfiola66]

Pic probably helps...

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/5910/inshot1ws.jpg

[\v/inston]

the iteraive alignment rules say you can use a cylinder but it also says you need to use sample hits, i don't see any good spots on that part for sample hits.

"If measured points (VECTOR, EDGE, or SURFACE) are being used, then all three sets of elements are needed (three features to Level, two features to Rotate, and one feature to Set Origin) to define the alignment. Any feature type can be used, but three-dimensional elements are better defined elements and therefore improve the accuracy. Some of the possible 3D elements are sheet metal circle, slot, cylinder, sphere, or a corner point.

Note: The sheet metal circle, slot and cylinder need at least three sample hits."

[dfiola66]

the iteraive alignment rules say you can use a cylinder but it also says you need to use sample hits, i don't see any good spots on that part for sample hits.

"If measured points (VECTOR, EDGE, or SURFACE) are being used, then all three sets of elements are needed (three features to Level, two features to Rotate, and one feature to Set Origin) to define the alignment. Any feature type can be used, but three-dimensional elements are better defined elements and therefore improve the accuracy. Some of the possible 3D elements are sheet metal circle, slot, cylinder, sphere, or a corner point.

Note: The sheet metal circle, slot and cylinder need at least three sample hits."

I agree....not sure where I should take the samples...luckily for me, we're deadly slow right now and I can horse around with this a bit. I hope we get busy before my patience runs out!

[Schrocknroll]

Why do you need an iterative? Wouldn't a straightforward alignment do?

[dfiola66]

sure

a regular alignment would (does) work. But when I have CAD data, I like to take full advantage of it by using the iterative alignment

Actually, I'm going to program the part both ways if there's a way to use the cylinder in an iterative, just for general knowledge. If not, there are other iterative options I'll try as well.

[BSchwark]

Just use 6 points (3 on top surface, 2 on an angled edge, 1 on the end) this will marry your part alignment and machine alinment together. Do it again in DCC. This will be close if the part is close. Now you will be able to measure geometric features and build the alignment you want and can use. Only problem is if the Cad and Part vary by alot. Good Luck.

BS