Probe orientation in CAD mode

[dcoss]

I'm trying to do some offline programming from a CAD model. I got my manual and DCC alignments fine, but my probe is oriented wrong. My angle is A0B0 and my workplane is Z-plus, so the probe should be parallel with the Z axis, but for some reason the probe shows up in the simulation as being parallel with the Y axis. Can this be changed or am I doing something wrong? I haven't done any programming from CAD since I took training about a year ago...

[Schlag]

You need to transform your model inside DMIS before you start programming or you need to have the coordinate system on the CAD match the orientation that it will sit on your CMM. This is what the transform is doing for as well.

[A-machine-insp]

Also check your part/machine setup settings. F5, Part/Machine tab and check the Part setup parameters. X+ should be set to X+ and the same for Y and Z.

This is a common issue for me because of how some people program at my job. They don't know how to transform and they refuse to learn... Annoying as h***.

[dcoss]

Ok, I checked the part/machine setup settings and those were good. But I went to the transform window, and I can't figure out how or what I'm supposed to change/manipulate.

[A-machine-insp]

The translate box controls position and will move the model by what ever number you enter in the axis you put the number in and you can move all 3 axis at one time. I usually use the "Select" button to move a feature to the origin. When you use the "Select" button you have to select a CAD feature (not a DMIS feature) such as a corner or circle and it will move that feature to the trihedron.

Rotate will rotate the model about the selected axis the number of degrees you enter around the trihedron. The "Select" button in the rotation selection also works but it is trial and error to the point where I can't describe it without actually showing you. Maybe someone else can give you a description of how to use it.

If you have time to experiment, open a new program and import a model (the Hex block works good for this) and play around with it until you understand how it works and what does what. That is how I learned and now I use it for every new program unless it imports exactly where I want it which is very rare. Most of our stuff is in aircraft coordinates which puts it 200+ inches out in space and at a strange orientation so I have to translate and rotate the model to get it right where I want it.

This can all also be done with an alignment but I don't like doing that.

[NinjaBadger]

Great description. Took me ages to figure out the selecting from CAD methods.

In terms of the rotation I believe if you select one feature it uses that feature vector, of you pick a pair or circles it rotates between the line through the centers.

[A-machine-insp]

I know selecting feature faces works when making an alignment. Using that thinking, this is one way you can do it. Use the faces to make an alignment and get the part where you want it then write down the numbers (axis offsets and rotations), delete the alignment, then plug those numbers into the transform window in the order they were done in the alignment. That has got me there before but not my preferred way.

However, you can't do face selection in the transform window. It will snap the point to the nearest CAD circle/corner/intersection. Transform uses points instead of faces which is why it always snaps to the closest CAD circle/corner/intersection. I just tried it to confirm that I wasn't full of it.

[dcoss]

I got it now. Thanks for the help. That transform box is a little intimidating at first. There's a lot of extra stuff on there that I will likely never use. The help file didn't help me out worth the dang. Thanks again.

[A-machine-insp]

It is intimidating at first sight. I only use translate and rotate.