Aberlink 3D CNC

Mk3 MEASUREMENT SOFTWARE MANUAL CNC
ABERLINK LTD. VATCH LANE EASTCOMBE GLOS. GL6 7DY UK

Website www.aberlink.co.uk
Email [email protected]
Tel +44 (0)1453 884461
INDEX
1 .0 INTRODUCTION TO CMM MEASUREMENT ........................................ 13
1.1 Preparation & general hints for solving measurement problems

.............................................................................................................. 13
2.0 STARTING THE SOFTWARE ................................................................ 14

2.1 Before starting the software ................................................ 14
3.0 EXPLORING THE MAIN SCREEN.......................................................... 17
4.0 THE JOYSTICK ....................................................................................... 23
4.1 Movement X, Y and Z .................................................................... 24
4.2 Taking Points (at constant feed) .................................................. 24
4.3 Indexing the Probe ........................................................................ 24
4.4 Locking the Axes ........................................................................... 25
4.5 The Speed Control......................................................................... 25
4.6 The Trigger Button ........................................................................ 25
5.0 DATUMING THE PROBE ........................................................................ 26
5.1 The Probe Datumming Button ...................................................... 26
5.2 Datummıng the Probe ................................................................... 27
5.3 Using a non-indexible probe ........................................................ 32
5.4 Manually datum star stylus .......................................................... 34
5.4 Automatically datum star stylus .................................................. 34
5.5 Saving Probe list ........................................................................... 36
5.6 Datumming using a Disc Stylus ................................................... 37
5.7 Tool changing rack....................................................................... 37
6.0 ALIGNING THE AXES OF A COMPONENT .......................................... 40

6.0.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 40
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6.0.2 Example of traditional part alignment using a surface

table, straight edge & pins. ........................................................ 40
6.0.3 Example of alignment using Aberlink 3D ......................... 41
6.1 Basic Alignment ............................................................................ 49
6.2 Plane & two circles Alignment ..................................................... 51
6.3 Aligning components using a cylinder ........................................ 52
6.4 Drive shaft (aligning along shaft’s centre line) ........................... 54
6.5 Optimising Alignment ................................................................... 56

6.5.1 Optimising to Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions ......... 56
6.6 Optimising to a DXF File ............................................................... 58
6.7 3,2,1 Optimised Alignment.......................................................... 59
Y ............................................................................................................ 59
Z ............................................................................................................ 59
7.0 CREATING A CNC PROGRAM – A GENERAL INTRODUCTION ......... 63
7.1 Teach and Repeat ...................................................................... 63
7.2 Off-Line Programming ............................................................... 63
8.0 THE PLANE UNIT ................................................................................... 64
8.1 Measuring Planes Directly ............................................................ 64
8.2 Teach and Repeat .......................................................................... 64
8.2. Off-Line Programming ................................................................. 67
8. 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data calculator’ button ............. 72
8.4 When to OK a plane, and when to reference it............................ 73
8.5 Constructing a Plane through previously measured points ...... 75
8.6 Constructing a Plane offset from another Plane ........................ 77
8.7 Constructing a mid plane between two measured planes ......... 78
9.0 THE LINE UNIT ....................................................................................... 80
9.1 Measuring Lines Directly .............................................................. 80

9.1.1 When to OK a line, and when to reference it. .................. 84
9.1.2 Measuring a line in a user defined plane ......................... 86
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9.2 Constructing Lines ........................................................................ 88

9.2.1 Constructing Lines through 2 or more points ................. 88
9.2.2 Constructing a Line at the Intersection of 2 Planes ........ 89
9.2.3 Constructing a Centre Line between 2 Other Lines ........ 91
9.2.4 Constructing a Tangent Line between 2 circles or a point
& circle ......................................................................................... 92
9.2.5 Constructing a Gauge Line of Fixed Length between 2
other Lines................................................................................... 95
10.0 THE SPHERE UNIT............................................................................... 98
10.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates ............. 100
10.2 When to OK a Sphere, and when to reference it. .................... 101
11.0 THE CIRCLE UNIT .............................................................................. 103
11.1 Measuring Circles Directly ....................................................... 103

11.1.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates .. 108
11.1.2 Off-line Programming. ................................................... 108
11.1. 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button................ 113
11.1.4 When to OK a Circle, and when to reference. .............. 114
11.1.5 Measuring a circle in a user defined plane .................. 115
11.2 Constructing Circles ................................................................. 116

11.2.1 Constructing a Pitch Circle Diameter ........................... 116
11.2.2 Constructing a Circle at the Intersection of Two
Features ..................................................................................... 118
11.2.3 Constructing of gauge circle of a fixed diameter
between two points or lines ..................................................... 120
12.0 THE POINT UNIT ................................................................................ 122
12.1 Measuring Points Directly......................................................... 122
12.1.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates .......... 126

12.1.2 Off Line Programming ................................................... 126
12.1.3 Measuring with Compensated Approach ..................... 129
12.1.4 When to OK a Point, and when to reference it............. 131
12.2 Constructing Points .................................................................. 131

12.2.1 Entering the Co-ordinates for the Point ....................... 131
12.2.2 Constructing points between features with a single
intersection................................................................................ 133
12.2.3 Constructing Points between features when there is
more than one intersection ...................................................... 136
12.2.4 Constructing Points between two cylinders ................ 137
12.2.5 Constructing a Point at the Mid-Point or the end of a
Line............................................................................................. 141
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13.0 THE CYLINDER UNIT ......................................................................... 145
13.1.2 Off-Line Programming ........................................................... 148
13.1 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button ......................... 153
13.1.4 When to OK a Cylinder, and when to reference it................ 154
14.0 THE CONE UNIT ................................................................................. 158
14.1 Measuring cones without defining their axis .......................... 158
14.2 Measuring cones having defined their axis ............................ 162
14.3 Off Line Programming ............................................................... 163
14.4 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button ............................ 167
14.5 When to OK a Cone, and when to reference it. ....................... 168
14.6 Measuring the maximum diameter of a cone. ......................... 170
14.7 Determining the Position on a cone of a given diameter. ...... 171
15.0 THE CURVE MEASURE UNIT ................................................... 172
15.1 Creating a Curve Measure Program Unit ................................. 172
15.2 Measuring a 2D curves in a fixed plane (XY,ZX,YZ) using the

curve button. ...................................................................................... 172
15.3 Compare a Curve Profile to nominal DXF Profile ................... 177
15.4 Measuring a 3D surface area using the curve button ............ 183
15.5 Measuring multiple points using the curve button ................. 189
16.0 ERASING DATA POINT ...................................................................... 191
16.1 Retake ......................................................................................... 191
16.2 Clear ........................................................................................... 192
16.3 Delete.......................................................................................... 193
17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS ..................................................... 194
17.1 Zoom Out ................................................................................... 194
17.2 Zoom Full ................................................................................... 194
17.3 Zoom In ...................................................................................... 194
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17.4 Re-sizing & re-positioning the Graphics windows ................. 196
17.5 Erase........................................................................................... 197
17.6Undo and Redo ........................................................................... 197
17.7 Redraw ....................................................................................... 198
18.0 SHIFTING, ROTATING AND CANCELLING REFERENCES ............. 199
18.1 Applying Rotations or Shifts .................................................... 199
18.2 Machine Grid (Cancelling References) .................................... 201
18.3 Optimising Alignment ............................................................... 201

18.3.1 Nominal optimization:- .................................................. 202
18.3.2 Tolerance optimization:- ................................................ 203
19.0 BRINGING UP DIMENSIONS ON THE SCREEN ............................... 204
19.1 Selecting Features..................................................................... 205
19.2 Using the Feature Select Buttons ............................................ 206
19.3 Aligned Dimensions .................................................................. 208

19.3.1 Three Dimensional ......................................................... 208
19.3.2 Two Dimensional............................................................ 211
19.4 Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions ........................................ 213
19.5 Angular Dimensions .................................................................. 214

19.5.1 Three Dimensional ......................................................... 214
19.5.2 Two Dimensional............................................................ 215
19.6 Diameter Dimensions ................................................................ 216
19.7 Dimensioning between two Lines or Planes ........................... 217
19.8 Dimensioning to a Cone ........................................................... 218
19.9 Aligned to Feature & Ant-aligned to Feature........................... 221
19.10 Leader option from ‘Dimension type drop down menu’....... 222
19.11 Circle Max & Min Measure Option .......................................... 222
19.12 Setting Nominal Values and Tolerances for Dimensions .... 223
20.0 GEOMETRICAL TOLERANCES ......................................................... 227
Geometric Characteristic Symbols .................................................. 231
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20.1 Straightness ............................................................................... 231
20.2 Flatness ...................................................................................... 231
20.3 Roundness or Circularity.......................................................... 232
20.4 Cylindricity ................................................................................. 232
20.5 Parallelism ................................................................................. 233
20.6 Angularity ................................................................................... 233
20.7 Perpendicular (Squareness) .................................................... 233
20.7 Concentricity.............................................................................. 234
20.8 Total Runout .............................................................................. 234
20.8.1 Run out. ................................................................................... 236

1. Plane to Cylinder ................................................................... 236
2. Circle to Cylinder .................................................................. 236
20.9 True Position.............................................................................. 237

20.9.1 True Position relative to specified datum(s) ................ 238
20.9.2 Maximum Material Condition ........................................ 240
20.10 Symmetry ................................................................................. 242
21.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MEASURED UNITS .................. 244
21.1 Recalling a measured Unit ........................................................ 244
21.2 Labelling Specific Measurement Units .................................... 244
21.3 Counting Down .......................................................................... 245
22.0 QUICK MEASUREMENTS USING THE SCALE READ OUTS .......... 247
23.0 SAVING MEASUREMENTS ................................................................ 250
23.1 Save As ...................................................................................... 250
23.2 Save File ..................................................................................... 251
24.0 STARTING A NEW INSPECTION ....................................................... 252
25.0 OPENING A PREVIOSLY SAVED INSPECTION ............................... 254
26.0 PRINTING RESULTS .......................................................................... 255
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26.1 Graphic Details .......................................................................... 256
26.2 Tabulated Units.......................................................................... 257
26.3 Tabulated Dimensions .............................................................. 258
26.4 Point Positions .......................................................................... 260
26.5 Feature Profile ........................................................................... 260
26.6 Multiple Components ................................................................ 261
27.0 THE PLAY FUNCTION – RUNNING A PROGRAM AUTOMATICALLY

..................................................................................................................... 263
27.1 The Safe Volume........................................................................ 263
27.2 The Approaches ........................................................................ 264
27.3 The Workpiece Co-ordinate (or WPC)...................................... 266
27.4 The CNC Program Window ....................................................... 267

27.4.1 The Program Tree .......................................................... 267
27.4.8 Run Program and Cancel (8) ......................................... 271
27.5 The work piece co-ordinate (WPC or Work off set) ................ 273
27.6 Setting rotations with WPC....................................................... 274

27.6.1 Setting Multiple Workpiece Co-ordinates (multiple
components) ............................................................................. 275
27.6.2 Automatically setting work offsets for a grid of
components ............................................................................... 275
27.6.3 The Safe Volume Values ................................................ 276
28.0 SOFTWARE SET UP .......................................................................... 278
28.1 Units Tab .................................................................................... 279

28.1.1 Metric or English ............................................................ 279
28.1.2 Display Angles as Deg, Min, Sec or as a decimal ....... 279
28.1.3 Round Nominals To ....................................................... 279
28.1.4 Default Tolerance ........................................................... 279
28.1.5 Smile / Frown Threshold ............................................... 280
28.1.6 DXF Hole Found Tolerance ........................................... 280
28.1.7 Default True Pos. Tolerance .......................................... 280
28.1.8 Display D.P. .................................................................... 280
28.1.10 The ISO 2768 Tolerance standard............................... 280
28.2 Display Tab ................................................................................ 282

28.2.1 Selection Box Size ......................................................... 282
28.2.2 Point Size (when drawing) ............................................. 282
28.2.3 Display Font.................................................................... 282
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28.2.4 Max Font Size ................................................................. 283

28.2.5 Display Averaging .......................................................... 283
28.2.6 Polar Co-ordinates ......................................................... 283
28.3 Feature Points............................................................................ 284
28.3 Feature Points............................................................................ 284
28.4 Company .................................................................................... 285
28.5 General ....................................................................................... 286

28.5.1 Temperature (deg C) ...................................................... 286
28.5.2 Material ........................................................................... 287
28.5.3 Thermal Expansion coefficient (PPM) .......................... 287
28.5.4 Results Folder ................................................................ 287
28.5.5 Probe Override ............................................................... 287
28.5.6 Auto Point Capturetime ................................................. 288
28.6 Ref Ball Tab ................................................................................ 288

28.6.1 Reference Ball ................................................................ 288
28.6.2 Ref. Dia ............................................................................ 289
28.6.3 Threshold ........................................................................ 289
28.6.4 No. of points ................................................................... 289
28.6.5 Stylus Len. and Stylus Dia. ........................................... 289
28.6.6 Stem Vector and Stem Dia. ........................................... 289
28.6.7 Stand Off ......................................................................... 289
28.6.8 B Angle Set ..................................................................... 289
28.6.9 How to re-calibrate the reference ball position. .......... 290
28.7 CNC Tab ..................................................................................... 291

28.7.1 Default Approach Distance ........................................... 291
28.7.2 Message Box Count down Time ................................... 291
28.7.3 Default Over Travel ........................................................ 291
27.7.4Message Box Count down Time .................................... 292
28.8 Offsets Tab ................................................................................. 292
29.0 SPC BATCH INFORMATION ..................................................... 294
30.0 THE JOG MACHINE BUTTON ................................................... 298
31.0 THE STOP BUTTON .................................................................. 299
32.0 THE PARK FUNCTION .............................................................. 300
33.0 DISPLAYING THE PROGRAM TEMPLATE .............................. 301
34.0 THE AIR SWITCH....................................................................... 303
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35.0 THE MOTOR DRIVES BUTTON ................................................ 304
36.0 THE CCD CAMERA SYSTEM BUTTON .................................... 305
37.0 THE RING / GRID ARRAY ......................................................... 306
37.1 A Ring Array............................................................................... 306
37.2 A Grid Array ............................................................................... 308
38.0 DISPLAYING PROBE CONTACT POINTS ................................ 311
38.1 Moving the measurement points.............................................. 311
38.2 Adding ‘Move Via’ graphically .................................................. 313
39.0 INSERTING A ‘MOVE VIA’ INTO A MEASURING ROUTINE ............ 315

39.1 The Joystick Method......................................................... 316
39.2 On the Screen Method ...................................................... 316
39.3 Edit Measurement Grid Method ....................................... 317
40.0 THE STORE POINTS FUNCTION...................................................... 320
41.0 THE FEATURE PREDICT FUNCTION ....................................... 321
42.0 CHANGING THE COLOUR OF A FEATURE ........................... 322
43.0 INPUTTING AND OUTPUTTING DXF FILES ..................................... 324
43.1 Import Hole Positions ............................................................... 325
43.2 Import Program Template ......................................................... 325
43.3 Import As Measured .................................................................. 325
43.4 Import As Curve Profile ............................................................ 325
44.0 THE PLAY FUNCTION ........................................................................ 332
44.0.1 Useful Hints............................................................................. 336
44.1 More information on the Program Tree ................................... 337
44.2 Collecting SPC Batch Information .......................................... 337
45.0 INSPECTION NOTES .......................................................................... 339
45.1 Adding Text ................................................................................ 339
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45.2 Adding Images ........................................................................... 340
46.0 DISPLAY LAYERS .............................................................................. 341
47.0 CHANGE HISTORY ............................................................................ 344
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1 .0 Introduction to CMM measurement
1.1 Preparation & general hints for solving measurement problems
Before you start measuring with your CMM you must go through some
preparation functions. These functions include:
• Give some thought to how you are going to position and clamp the part
to be measured.
Reason: - Ensure good accessibility, you can access
all the features you want measure.
• Decide which stylus & extension you are going to need and if you are
using an indexible head which probe angles you are going to need to
measure the part before you start.
Reason: - Save time while programming.
-Saves you having to move the part.
• It is good working practice to write the feature numbers on the drawing.

Reason: - Easy verification of the inspection report.
-Easy guidance when running a part
inspection program.
• It is good working practice to assign the datum letters to measured

features as they are shown in the drawing.
Reason: - Easy verification of the inspection report.
-Easy true positions, just enter the datum as
shown on drawing.
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2.0 Starting the software
2.1 Before starting the software
• Check the air supply

Before starting check your CMM has a minimum clean dry air supply
of 3.9 bar (55 psi) with an airflow greater than 20l/min.
Check the filters (pots) are free of oil and water contamination ( oil &
water must never get through to air bearings as this could
damage your machine )
• Check the computer is switched on and is displaying windows

correctly without showing any error messages.
• Check the slide ways of the CMM for any damage or

contamination.
To start the software,

Select ‘Start’ / ‘Programs’ / ‘Aberlink3D’ from the Windows XP Desktop.
Fig. 1.0-1 Showing the Windows XP Start Path to the Aberlink 3D software
Or an alternative way to start the software is to double click on

the Aberlink 3D icon on the windows desktop.
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When the Aberlink 3D software starts. The first message that will appear will
be:
Click ‘OK’ to switch the air on automatically. at this stage in the start up
sequence it is possible to move the machine by hand in to a safe area.
After you click ‘OK’ another message will then be displayed on the screen:
Again click ‘OK to engage the motor drives with the motors engage. the
machine will now move with the joystick.
The following window will then be displayed on the screen:
Click the ‘OK’ button to start the

reference sequence.
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Each time that the machine is switched on, before you can start to take
measurements, the machine has to be referenced. This is done because each
of the scales on the machine needs knows where it is with respect to the
global error map.
To reference the machine, click ‘OK’. The machine will now move in a
positive direction (Z first, upwards, followed by X and then Y) to find each axis
reference mark. When the machine is successfully referenced the above
reference window will disappear.
Note:- that before clicking on ‘OK’ you should make sure that the machine is
on the negative side of each of the 3 reference marks.
Should you ever need to re-reference the machine, this can be done at any
time afterwards by clicking on the ‘Reference Machine’ button from the top
tool bar on the main screen:
This will bring back up the Machine Reference Screen as previously

described.
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3.0 EXPLORING THE MAIN SCREEN
The Aberlink 3D software has been written to be extremely intuitive, based

around a graphical interface, operating under Windows XP.
As a component is inspected, a graphical representation of it is built up in the

three 2 dimensional views in the main screen. All the functionality of the
software is available from the main screen, and this will only ever bring up one
further layer, or window. In this way the screen can never become too
confusing, as closing the top window will always return to the main screen.
Dimensions can be ‘picked off’ the screen in a way that corresponds directly
to the way the component has been dimensioned on the drawing.
It is therefore worthwhile to take a few minutes to become familiar with the

buttons available in the main screen.
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2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47 48
49 50
51 52 33 31
53
54
34
56
35
36 Fig. 3.0-1 The Main Screen 32
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1. New Inspection (24.0 STARTING A NEW INSPECTION)

Click on this button when you wish to start a new inspection.
2. Open File (25.0 OPENING A PREVIOSLY SAVED INSPECTION )

Click on this button when you wish to recall a previously saved inspection.
3. Save File (23.0 SAVING MEASUREMENTS )

This button will save an inspection under its existing name.
4. Save As (23.1 Save As)

Use this button when you wish to save an inspection giving it a new name.
5. Name & save File ( )

Use this button when you wish to save an inspection with password
protection.
6. Print (26.0 PRINTING RESULTS)

Click on this button when you wish to produce a hard copy inspection
report.
7. Set Up (28.0 SOFTWARE SET UP )

For setting up the user definable parameters that the software uses.
8. Play (44.0 THE PLAY FUNCTION)

Prompts the measurement sequence for multiple components.
9. Reference Machine (2.0 Starting the software)

This button allows the user to re-reference the machine at any time.
10. DXF File & Curve File save / open (43.4 Import As Curve Profile )
This button will save or open data / curves in DXF format for use with
CAD or curve compare function.
11. Import and measure against solid CAD models

This button allows you to import a solid CAD model and measure against it
(this is an optional software module ).
12. Inspection Notes (45.0 INSPECTION NOTES )

This allows text and images to be stored with inspections.
13. Display Drawing Layers (46.0 DISPLAY LAYERS )

This button turn layers on and off the ‘Display Drawing Layers’
14. Work piece co-ordinate (27.3 The Workpiece Co-ordinate (or WPC))
This button opens the work piece co-ordinate (WPC) window
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15. External SPC Data Link (chapter)

This button allows you export data to third party SPC software
(this is an optional software module).
16. Jog Button (30.0 THE JOG MACHINE BUTTON)

This button allows you move the CMM without using the joystick.
17. Stop Button (31.0 THE STOP BUTTON)

This button stops a CNC program.
18. Ring array Button (37.0 THE RING / GRID ARRAY)

This button opens the ring array window.
19. Park CMM Button (32.0 THE PARK FUNCTION)

This button Parks the CMM.
20. Geometric Tolerance (20.0 GEOMETRICAL TOLERANCES )

This button will display relevant geometric tolerances on the screen.
21. Store Points (40.0 THE STORE POINTS FUNCTION )

This function will store measurement points and then apply them to a
feature when called up retrospectively.
22. Feature Predict (41.0 THE FEATURE PREDICT FUNCTION )

This function will predict what feature to fit to taken measurement points.
23. Display measured Details or template Details (33.0 DISPLAYING

THE PROGRAM TEMPLATE)
This button switches the display between template and measured details.
24. Display probe contact points (38.0 Displaying probe contact

points
This button displays the probe path & points.
25. Air on (34.0 THE AIR SWITCH)

This button turns the air on or off.
26. Drives on or off(35.0 THE MOTOR DRIVES BUTTON)

This button turns the dives on or off.
27. Joystick (4.0 THE JOYSTICK)

This button turns the joystick on or off.
28. Camera on/off Button

This button is will activate the camera and allow you to measure the work
piece visually. (this is an optional software module)
29. Touch Probe on / off Button

This button will activate the touch probe and allow you to measure the
work piece using point data.
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30. Tool Tip Bar

Gives useful hints when performing functions.
31. XY Graphics Area (17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS)

The XY view of the measured features will appear in this area.
32. XZ Graphics Area (17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS)

The XZ view of the measured features will appear in this area.
33. YZ Graphics Area (17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS )

The YZ view of the measured features will appear in this area.
34. X Axis Readout (22.0 QUICK MEASUREMENTS USING THE SCALE

READ OUTS )
Can be used for performing quick check measurements.
35. Y Axis Readout (22.0 QUICK MEASUREMENTS USING THE SCALE

READ OUTS )
36. Z Axis Readout (22.0 QUICK MEASUREMENTS USING THE SCALE

READ OUTS )
37. Probe Datum Button(Chapter )

This is used to datum new styli and probe positions.
38. Probe Head Icon (Chapter )

This will change the Probe Datum Button between probe head A & B
angles and the star stylus .
39. Circle Measure Button (11.0 THE CIRCLE UNIT)

Used when measuring or constructing arcs, holes or circular bosses.
40. Line Measure Button (9.0 THE LINE UNIT)

Used when measuring or constructing straight lines.
41. Point Measure Button (12.0 THE POINT UNIT)

Used when measuring or constructing single points.
42. Plane Measure Button (8.0 THE PLANE UNIT)

Used when measuring or constructing flat faces.
43. Sphere Measure Button (10.0 THE SPHERE UNIT )

Used when measuring internal or external spheres.
44. Cylinder Measure Button (13.0 THE CYLINDER UNIT )

Used when measuring holes or circular bosses in 3 dimensions.
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45. Cone Measure Button (14.0 THE CONE UNIT )

Used when measuring conical shapes in 3 dimensions.
46. Curve measure Button (15.0 THE CURVE MEASURE UNIT)

Used when measuring curves & profiles
47. Zoom Full (17.2 Zoom Full )

Will zoom the graphics areas to cover the full size of the table.
48. Zoom Out (17.1 Zoom Out )

Will zoom the graphics areas out by a fixed percentage.
49. Zoom Last (17.3 Zoom In )

Will return the graphics areas to their last view.
50. Dimension Type (Chapter)

Can be used to define the type of dimension brought up onto the screen
51. Erase (17.5 Erase )

Can be used to remove any given feature or dimension.
52. Auto Zoom Redraw (17.7 Redraw)

Will automatically zoom the graphics areas to fit the existing features and
dimensions.
53. Undo (17.6Undo and Redo )

Will undo the last action performed.
Redo
Will redo the last action undone.
54. Grid Shift (18.0 SHIFTING, ROTATING AND CANCELLING

REFERENCES )
Allows a rotation or translation of the measured features, or an optimum
alignment to minimise the errors for selected dimensions.
55. Machine Grid ( 1 .0 Introduction to CMM measurement)

Cancels all references that have been set, and returns to the machines
own reference position.
56. Feature Select

Allows specific features to be selected, even when overlapping
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4.0 THE JOYSTICK
The Aberlink 3D software works with a PC compatible joystick provided that

the correct drivers have been installed. The CMM is supplied with a Logitech
Extreme 3D pro Joystick, as shown:-
BUTTON 3
Hat Switch
BUTTON 4
TRIGGER
SPEED
CONTROL
X Axis : Hold Y Axis : Hold Z Axis : Hold
The joystick can be engaged and disengaged in the Aberlink 3D software

using the following button:
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4.1 Movement X, Y and Z
Moving the CMM in the X axis direction is achieved by moving the joystick to
the left and right.
Moving the CMM in the Y axis direction is achieved by moving the joystick
forwards and backwards.
Moving the CMM in the Z axis direction is achieved by twisting the joystick.
The default setting for the joystick is clockwise drives in a Z positive direction
(upwards) and anti-clockwise drives in a negative direction (downwards),
although this can be altered in the machine set up.
4.2 Taking Points (at constant feed)
The joystick provides the additional function of allowing measurement points

to be taken at a constant feed rate. This means that the probe does not have
to be driven into the component being inspected. It can be positioned within
10mm of the desired point, and then the following buttons will produce a
move at the default probing speed in the directions as detailed below. If the
probe does not take a point within 20mm of the measurement direction it will
retreat to its’ previous position.
Button 3 - Will travel in positive Z (upwards) until the probe is

triggered.
Button 4 - Will travel in negative Z (downwards) until the

probe is triggered.
Button 1 - Is a hat switch. Moving the switch to the left and

right moves the machine in the X- and X+ direction
Moving the switch forwards and backwards moves
the machine in the Y- and Y+ direction. The hat
switch also allows for probing at 45˚ in the XY
plane.
4.3 Indexing the Probe
Buttons 5 – 8 can be used for indexing the probe head position in place of
the 4 little black arrows adjacent to the Probe Datum Button in the top left
hand corner of the main software screen.
Each button will index the probe to the next datumed position:
either with a higher A value

or with a lower A value
or with a higher B value
or with a lower B value
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You can press one button repeatedly to cursor through all the datumed
positions, or you can use a combination of buttons to take the most direct way
to get to the required position. As soon as you pause for more than 2 seconds
the probe head will automatically index to that position, and you will have to
wait until the index is completed to select an alternative position.
4.4 Locking the Axes
Any of the machine axes can be locked as follows:
X Axis : Hold down the shift button (button 2) and press button 5
Y Axis : Hold down the shift button (button 2) and press button 6
Z Axis : Hold down the shift button (button 2) and press button 7
Remember that if you do not hold the shift button (button 2) down then the
probe will index.
Repeat the sequence to unlock each axis.
When an axis is locked the corresponding readout will appear in red.
4.5 The Speed Control
The speed control is located in the base of the joystick as shown in the figure
above. When the control knob is towards the operator the speed is minimum,
and away from the operator is maximum.
The default settings for this control are 10% speed at minimum and 100% at
maximum, although these values can also be changed in the Machine Set Up.
4.6 The Trigger Button
The trigger button is located on the front of the joystick. This can be used for
entering the machines current position into a ‘Move Via’ command.
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5.0 DATUMING THE PROBE
Background
When using the Aberlınk 3D software to inspect a component, the software
must know the relative position and diameter of the stylus ball being used.
This is achieved by using the probe stylus ball to measure the reference ball,
which is mounted on the granite table. As the size and position of the
reference ball are known, this measurement is used to determine the size and
relative position of the stylus ball. This information is stored as three position
offsets X,Y and Z, and a diameter.
Obtaining this information is known as datuming the probe. The probe must
be datumed every time you change a stylus, or if you have an indexible probe,
each time you move the probe head to a position that has not previously been
datumed.
Try to datum all relevant probe positions prior to commencing your inspection.
A change of styli in the middle of an inspection should be avoided, if possible.
5.1 The Probe Datumming Button
The probe datumming button in the top left hand corner of the maın screen
can be used to display either star stylus information, as follows:
Or if you click on the small probe head symbol, the icon will change to display
probe head position (A and B axes).
Click here to display star
stylus information
Click here to display

probe head
position
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5.2 Datummıng the Probe
To bring up the Probe status Window click on the Probe Datumming button:-
Either on the light blue area when it is displaying star stylus information:
Click here to datum

probe
Or on the green background when it is displaying probe head positions:
Click here to datum

the probe
This will bring up the probe status window:
Probe Stylus Icon for Slıder bars for selectıng

selectıng star probe probe head posıtıon.
posıtıon.
Stylus Rack Posıtıon

Selector – only relevant
ıf an auto-change rack
ıs fıtted .
Enter length and

diameter of probe
here.
Calibrated probes are

shown here
This window shows

selected probe
position before
calibrated
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The top of the window is split into 3 sections which you can use to select
which stylus position you wish to datum:
The Probe Stylus Icon is used to select which ball is being datummed if a
star stylus is used.
The 2 slider bars are used to select the probe head position A and B axis
(only relevant for an indexible probe). The horizontal bar at the top selects B
axis position and the vertical bar at the bottom selects A axis position.
The Stylus Rack Position selector (1-6), which is only relevant if an auto
change rack is fitted to a CNC machine and will default to position 1.
If you are using a star stylus you will need to click on the relevant ball position
within the Probe Stylus Icon.
If you are using an ordinary straight stylus (or even position 1 on a star stylus)
there is no need to click on the Probe Stylus Icon, as it will automatically
default to position 1 (straight down).
If you are using an indexible probe head (eg. PH10T) use the 2 slider bars to
select the probe head position that you want to datum. The horizontal bar at
the top selects B axis position and the vertical bar at the bottom selects A axis
position.
The Rack Position selector is not relevant for a manual machine – it is only
used if an auto-change rack is fitted to a CNC machine and will always default
to position 1.
We also need to enter approximate values for the length and diameter of the
stylus being used. Roughly measure (+/-1mm) the length protruding below the
probe head:
The method for determining the probe length in the probe status window
varies according to probe type. The table below lists the more common probe
types and the method of determining the correct probe length.
Probe Type Probe Length

MIP Stylus length - from centre of ruby ball to face of screw fixing
PH50 Stylus length - from centre of ruby ball to face of screw fixing
R1/PH6 Stylus length - from centre of ruby ball to face of screw fixing
TP8 Stylus length - from centre of ruby ball to face of screw fixing
RTP Stylus length - from centre of ruby ball to face of screw fixing
PH9/PH10 Stylus length plus complete module length - from centre of ruby ball to probe
body screw fixing
MH20i Stylus length plus probe module - from centre of ruby ball to probe module
magnetic joint (usually the probe length plus 20mm)
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Some examples are shown below.
R1
Centre of ruby ball to

face of screw fixing
Centre of ruby ball

to probe body
screw fixing
Centre of ruby ball to
probe module
magnetic joint
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Enter this length and the ball diameter at the top of the Probe Status
Window as show below.
Now click on the ‘Add’ button at the bottom of the window. The probe
position selected will now be entered into the grey area at the bottom of the
window:
Here we have selected Probe Head position A0 B0, star position 1, (and also
by default rack position 1).
Click on ‘start’. The machine will now start to automatically datum the probe
in all of the positions selected. When it has completed the 5th point at the first
position, the following prompt will appear:
If the offsets previously measured relate to the previous stylus, click on ‘Yes’.
These will then be erased, and only the offsets for the new position selected
will be valid.
If the offsets previously measured relate to the current stylus and you wish to
keep them click on ‘No’. The new position selected will then be added to the
original offsets.
Note: This prompt will only appear after the first position has been datummed,
and will not be repeated for subsequent datumming positions unless the
Probe Status Window is closed and then re-opened.
When a probe position has been successfully datummed the information

about the probe will be transferred to the central white area:
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This includes the probe head position, star position, rack position, X,Y,Z and
diameter offsets and fit for the points taken.
This information will be preceded with a green dot to show that it is the current
stylus position. Any other positions that have been datummed will be
preceded with a red dot to show that this position has been datummed but is
not current.
A yellow dot denotes that the points fit is too high and the calibration is not
‘safe’. This can be caused by a loose stylus or a dirty ball etc. Check for the
cause and repeat again.
To Repeat this process in a different datuming position click on the sidebar

slider, drag to desired probe head position (say A 90 B 0) click on the ‘Move
to’ button. Probe head will automatically index to that qualified position. Click
on the ‘Add’button. The probe selected will now be entered into the grey area
at the bottom of the window . Click on the ‘start’ button. The machine will now
start to automatically measure the probe in its current datuming position.
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5.3 Using a non-indexible probe
With a non-indexible probe the maximum number of position that can be

datummed is 5, when using a star stylus. Therefore this can be represented
using an icon (rather than the grid for an indexible probe).
If the probe datumming button is showing an A and B value (which relates to a

indexible probe), click on the small non-indexible probe icon in the bottom left
hand corner of the button:
Click here if you are using

a non-indexible probe
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The appearance of the button will now change to show a star stylus icon:
Click here to datum

stylus
Now to datum the probe click on the light blue background area. This will
bring up the Probe Status window
You can select which star stylus position you require

by using the star stylus icon or by using the ‘start’
drop down menu below
The star sylus icon is replicated at the top of the window. Position 1
represents a straight stylus or the ball in the straight down position of a star
stylus. The other positions are purely for a star stylus with position 2 pointing
towards the front of the machine, position 3 to the right, position 4 to the back
and position 5 to the left.
When using a star stylus you can manually datum position 1 to 5 by taking
points on the ref sphere using the joystick.
Or you can automatically datum position 1 to 5 by using the software.
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5.4 Manually datum star stylus
Pick stylus position 1 in the star stylus window (it will now turn red) using the
joystick take 5 points evenly spread around the reference ball, using the ruby
ball in position 1.
When it has completed the 5th point at this position, the following prompt will
appear
will be valid.
If the offsets previously measured relate to the current stylus and you wish to
keep them click on ‘No’. The new position selected will then be added to the
original offsets.
The ball position selected will now turn green, showing that it has been
datummed and is current.
Note : Every time the stylus is changed you should select

‘Yes’ for the above question. If the stylus has not been
changed, and you simply want to add another position (on a
star stylus) to those previously datummed then select ‘No’.
Now for example to datum the ball in position 2, click on its representation so
that it turns red. Using the joystick take 5 points evenly spread around the
reference ball, using the ruby ball in position 2.
After 5 points the ball in position 2 will now turn green, showing that it has
been datummed and is current, and any previously datummed positions will
turn red, showing that they have been datummed but aren’t current.
When you have finished datumming all required positions, the last position
datummed will be coloured green (current), and the other positions
datummed will be red (datummed but not current), with the positions not
datummed remaining grey.
Click ‘OK’ and the software will return to the main screen, with the updated
icon being replicated in the Probe Datum button.
5.4 Automatically datum star stylus

1. Pick stylus position 1 using the star stylus icon or by using the ‘start’ drop
down menu below:-
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2. Enter the length of stylus 1 in the ‘length box’, then enter the diameter of
the ball in the ‘Diameter box’
Length from centre of

Width from centre of star to the balls
centre of ball.
Diameter of Ball.
Now click on the ‘Add’ button at the bottom of the window. The probe
position selected will now be entered into the grey area at the bottom of the
window:
Here we have selected Probe Head position A0 B0, star position 1, (and also
by default rack position 1).
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Click on ‘start’. The machine will now start to automatically datum the probe
in all of the positions selected. When it has completed the 5th point at the first
position, the following prompt will appear:
will be valid.
If the position previously measured relate to the current star stylus you need
to click on ‘No’.
The ball position selected will now turn green, showing that it has been
datummed and is current.
Note: This prompt will only appear after the first position has been datummed,
and will not be repeated for subsequent datumming positions unless the
Probe Status Window is closed and then re-opened.
When a probe position has been successfully datummed the information
about the probe will be transferred to the central white area:
Repeat this process for star stylus 2 to 5 (remembering to change the length
in the ‘Length Box’)
When the prompt box appears remember to click on ‘NO’ as this will add the
stylus to the calibrated stylus box.
5.5 Saving Probe list
6 7 5
5. By clicking on the ‘Save As’ button you can save the current calibrated
probe list to a file.
6. By clicking on ‘Open ‘ button you can load saved probe files
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7. By clicking on the ‘Program’ button the software looks at the current

measurement program and will list the probe needed to measure that
part.
5.6 Datumming using a Disc Stylus
Spherical form on
Spherical
Dia
1. Position the disc half way up the reference sphere ,Call up the probe
status window and select offset 1 on the star probe graphic (the ball will
go Red) for redatuming and take five points around the outside
diameter of the ref sphere varying the height to cover the spherical
form along the edge of the disc
2. Measure the length f the stud using a micrometer or vernier and note.
The length will also be its diameter.
3. Select offset 2 from the star probe graphic ,the ball will go red. Take
about 10 points using the spherical form on the bottom of the stud (only
a small area on top of the ball is accessible). This will give a position of
the sphere,s center relative to the bottom of the Z quill.
4. Edit the ball diameter on offset 2 so its matches the length previously
measured. Also you need edit the diameter of offset 1 to match the
actual disc diameter.
Click ‘OK’ at the bottom of the probe status window using the star probe
graphic it is now possible to toggle between the two offsets by clicking on
the relevant ball position.
5.7 Tool changing rack

If you have a Renishaw MCR 20 probe rack fitted to your machine it is
possible to change modules automatically from within a program saving you
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the trouble of having to datum the probe every time you change to a different
probe.
The probe rack can hold up to six modules each with a different stylus set up
which can include star stylus, disk stylus & long reach stylus.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Fig 5.7-1 Modules in tool change rack
The ‘Set Button’ is used to

allocate module numbers to
modules.
The ‘Swap Button’ is used to

change the modules
automatically when calibrating
the probes.
The stylus rack section of the

probe window is used to
change from one module to
another.
It can also tell you which is
the current module.
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Fig5.7-2 Modules selection box in probe status
The six black buttons in the stylus rack selection window corresponds to the
six module positions in the tool rack.
If button one is black (•) this means ‘module one’ has been selected from the
tool changer. If you were to click on button number two it will go black (•) and
the CMM will automatically change from module one to two.
When the CMM changes modules it follows a predefined probe change

routine, which moves the probe head along safe path between the part and
the change rack.
The ‘Set Button’

This button tells the CMM which module is currently being used to measure
parts.
If you click on button six (•) and then click on the set button this will allocate
position six to the module in the probe head.
Note:- There is no feedback between the CMM and the change rack so if you
have a problem and have to restart the software it is possible for the machine
to think it has the wrong module in the probe head.
This where the ‘swap button’ is useful in allocating the correct module to the
probe head.
The ‘Swap Button’.

This button is used to change modules when calibrating probes.
After calibrating all the A & B angles for module one, click on the number two
button in the stylus rack window and this will change the module automatically
from one to two. You can now calibrating all the A & B angles for module two.
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6.0 ALIGNING THE AXES OF A COMPONENT
6.0.1 Introduction
When using the CMM to inspect a component, it is not necessary to physically
align the component to the axes of the machine. By measuring specific
features on the component and setting them as references, you will be able to
define the orientation of the axes and position of the component.
This is important when measuring 2 dimensional shapes ie. lines and circles,
or points, as the software will project the measurement points into a plane
which must be fully defined. Also the alignment of the component must be
properly defined in order to produce meaningful horizontal and vertical
dimensions on the screen. Grasping this concept is fundamental to utilising
these features to their full potential, and hence it is important to understand
the principles described in this chapter before continuing with the rest of the
manual.
6.0.2 Example of traditional part alignment using a surface table, straight

edge & pins.
When you place a part on a surface table you are aligning the bottom face of
that part, true to the top of the surface table, you can still move the part about
in the X-Y plane & rotated about the Z axis but you can not move it up and
down in the Z axis or rotated around the X or Y axis. This is called a primary
alignment.
If you then push the part up to a straight edge fixed to the surface table this
will stop any rotation about the Z axis as well any movement along the Y axis.
Now you can only slide the part along the X axis.
This is called a secondary alignment.
If you now slide the part along the X axis up to a pin in the surface table,
the part is now fixed in all six degrees of freedom. It cannot move or be
rotated in X Y or Z.
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6.0.3 Example of alignment using Aberlink 3D

When you place the component on the table of the machine it has 6 degrees
of freedom which will need to be defined, in order to fully define the alignment
and position of the component. Namely these are translation along, and
rotation about each of the 3 axis.
Depending on what measurements you wish to perform, not all of these

degrees of freedom will necessarily have to be defined. Take for example a
cube with holes in its top, front and side faces:
X
Fig. 6.0-1 A cube with holes in its top, front and side faces
Measure a plane on the top face of the cube and set it as a reference. This
defines the XY plane for the cube. In effect it defines 3 of the degrees of
freedom, which are rotations about X and Y, and also translation in Z.
Now measure the hole in the top face of the cube as a circle. The software will
automatically determine that the hole is in an XY plane by looking at the
direction of motion of the probe, and this plane will be shown in the diagonal
corners of the graphics window. Note that the X,Y,Z and D values for the hole
will be shown in red, denoting that the XY plane and Z position have been
defined, and that the diameter for the hole has been correctly calculated.
Fig. 6.0-2 The Circle Measure window
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Clicking on OK will return you to the Main Screen:
Fig. 6.0-3 The Main Screen showing a measured plane and circle
Now measure the front, back and side faces of the cube as lines. Again the
software will automatically determine that the lines are in an XY plane and the
I,J,K and L values for the lines (when the lines have been fully extended) will
be shown in red.
Fig. 6.0-4 The Main Screen showing the top face of the cube fully dimensioned
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If these were the only measurements that you wished to perform on the cube,
then there would be no requirement to further define the orientation and
position of the cube. If however, you now measure the hole on the front face
of the cube, the software will automatically determine that the hole is in an XZ
plane by looking at the direction of motion of the probe. However, the X,Y,Z
and D values for the hole will be shown in a light grey colour, rather than the
usual red, by way of a warning that the XZ plane, and the position in Y have
not been properly defined.
Fig. 6.0-5 A Circle Measure window showing a circle that has been measured in the XZ
plane, which has not been defined
The software will know that the XZ plane of the component is perpendicular to
the XY plane, but its rotation about the Z axis and position along the Y axis
have not yet been defined. The information shown in grey has therefore been
calculated using the machine’s X axis to define the rotation about Z, and the
average Y value of the measurement points taken has been used to define
the circle’s position in Y. If the cube is not aligned to the machine’s axes, this
will lead to errors in both the position and diameter of the hole.
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Click on OK to return to the main screen anyway.
Fig. 6.0-6 The Main Screen showing the hole in the front face in an undefined plane
You will notice that the hole has not been projected into the front face of the
cube. Now recall the line unit representing the front face of the block, and set
it as a reference:
Fig. 5.0-7 The Main Screen showing the hole in the front face now in a defined plane
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By setting this line as a reference we now define two further degrees of

freedom, namely rotation about the Z axis, and translation along the Y axis.
Hence the orientation and position of the cube’s XZ plane has now been fully
defined and the graphical representation will now be aligned to the front face
of the block. The circle that we measured in the front face is now projected
into this plane. If you recall the circle unit you will see that the position and
diameter of the hole will probably have changed slightly, but now will be
displayed in red.
Fig. 6.0-8 A hole in the XZ plane, which has now been defined
Now measure the hole on the side face of the block. Again the software will
automatically determine the plane of the hole, this time a YZ plane. In this
instance, however, as we have already defined the XY and XZ planes, the
orientation of the YZ plane is also defined, but the sixth degree of freedom
which has not yet been set, is it’s position along the X axis. The software will
therefore be able to calculate the diameter and YZ positions of the hole
correctly, but will still have to use the average X values of the measurement
points taken to determine the circle’s position in X. In this case the Y,Z and D
values for the hole will be shown in red, but the X value will be in light grey.
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Fig. 6.0-9 A Circle Measure window showing a circle that has been measured in the YZ
plane, which has been defined, but which does not have a position
Fig. 6.0-10 showing the hole in the side face with its X position not defined
Now take a point measurement on the side of the block, adjacent to the hole,
and set it as a reference. This point now defines the sixth degree of freedom,
and the YZ plane of the block will now be positioned at this X value.
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Fig. 6.0-11 The Main Screen showing the cube and holes fully defined
The circle that we measured in the side face is now projected into this plane,
and if you recall the circle unit you will see that the X position of the hole is
now also displayed in red.
Fig. 5.0-12 The Hole in the YZ plane, now fully defined
This final reference point could also have been set by recalling the line
representing the right hand edge of the cube and setting it as a reference. In
this case the cube would then be aligned to the right hand edge not the front
edge, as the latter reference overrides the initial one. In this case the front
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edge is still to be used to define the 6th degree of freedom, (position in Y), and
is treated as a point at it’s mid-point.
In summary the six degrees of freedom for a component are usually fully
defined by referencing a plane, a line and a point. Different features when
referenced will define various degrees of freedom, and this is more fully
discussed in appendix 1.
It is worth noting before finishing this chapter, that cylinders and cones when
referenced will define four degrees of freedom. Take a cylinder that has been
referenced to define the X axis of the component.
Z
Fig. 6.0-13 A cylinder referenced to define the X axis of a component
The axis of the cylinder defines both the rotations about, and the translations
along the Y and Z axes. This can be a useful technique for defining the
orientation and position for turned components.
If the component being measured does not include these features.

There are other common features that can be used as references these are
as follows:
1. No straight edge for alignment
1. Measure circle – Set Ref 2. Measure circle – OK
3. Construct Line – Set Ref.
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2. No Suitable Hole
2. Measure line
– OK
3. Construct Point – Set 1. Measure line – Set

Ref
6.1 Basic Alignment
To measure a block type component like the Aberlink testpiece
1. Measure at least 4 points

on top face for Primary
alignment.
Fig. 5.1-1 Basic 3-2-1(2) Alignment
1. Measure a plane on the top of the block, by clicking on the measure

‘plane button’. When the measure plane window opens take 4 points
on the top face (Plane 1). Press the ‘Set Ref’ button (this will align the
Z axis 90° to the measured plane this is our Primary alignment ) then
click ‘OK’
2. Next measure a line along the side of the block, by clicking on the
measure ‘line button’. When the measure line window opens take 3
points along the side of the part (Line 2). Press the ‘Set Ref’ button
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(this will rotate the axis system to align the Y axis to the side of the part
this our secondary alignment.) then click ‘OK’
3. The last thing we need to do is to measure a line along the back face of
the part, by clicking on the measure ‘line button’. When the measure
line window opens take 3 points along the back face of the part (Line
3). Press the ‘Set Ref’ button.( this will create an origin (zero point) in
the corner where the two lines intersect each other on the top face)
then click ‘OK’
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6.2 Plane & two circles Alignment

Measure a circle(2) in one of the Measure a plane(1) on the top
small bores in the top face Press face press ‘set ref’ button this is
‘set ref’ button this now your now your Primary alignment
origin (zero point)
Construct a line(4) joining the

centres of the two circles (2 & 3) Measure a circle(3) in the
Press ‘set ref’ button this now opposite small bore in the top
your secondary alignment. face Do not the press ‘set ref’
Fig. 6.2-1 Plane & two circles Alignment
1. Measure a plane on the top of the block, by Clicking on the measure

‘plane button’. When the measure plane window opens take 4 points
on the top face (Plane 1). Press the ‘Set Ref’ button (this will align the
Z axis 90° to the measured plane, this is our Primary alignment ) then
click ‘OK’.
2. Measure a circle, one of the small bores, by Clicking on the measure

‘circles button’. When the measure circle window opens take 4 points in
one of the small bores (circle 1). Press the ‘Set Ref’ button this now is
your origin (zero point).
3. Measure the small bore opposite the one you just measured, by
clicking on the measure ‘circles button’. When the measure circle
window opens take 4 points (circle 2). Do not press the ‘Set Ref’
button as we are going to use this circle to construct a line.
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4. The last thing we are going to do is to align the Y axis of the CMM to a
constructed line between the two circles. By clicking on the measure
‘line button’ when the measure line window opens , click on the
‘construct button’ then select circle 1 by left hand clicking on it in the
graphic window. You will now see a window which asks you if you want
to construct a line between two points . Click ‘YES’ select the other
circle in the same way by left hand clicking on it in the graphic window.
You now have a Constructed line, press the ‘Set Ref, button and then
click ‘OK’ this will align the Y axis the along constructed line this is our
secondary alignment.
6.3 Aligning components using a cylinder
To measure a flange type component 3
100 mm Dia
Z Axis
2 10 mm Dia
Y Axis
Fig. 6.3-1 Basic cylinder Alignment
1) Place the part on the table with the 100mm diameter facing up & two of the
10.0 mm holes aligned along the Y axis of the CMM.
2) Measure the 100 mm O/D as a cylinder by clicking on the cylinder

measure button / icon with left hand mouse button (LHMB) When the
cylinder measure window opens take 4 point at the top of the cylinder in a
circle and 4 measure points around the bottom of the cylinder. Press the
‘Set Ref, and then click ‘OK’ the Z axis is now aligned to the centre line of
the cylinder.
3) Measure a plane on the end of the 100 mm cylinder, by clicking on the

measure ‘plane button’. When the measure plane window opens take 4
points on the top of the 100mm cylinder Do not press the ‘Set Ref’ button
(this will be used as a working plane to project the point into) and click
‘OK’.
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Y Axis
4 X Axis
Fig. 6.3-2 Basic cylinder Alignment top view
4) Next we are going to construct a datum at the point where the cylinder
meets the plane( X,Y datum centre of cylinder, Z datum on the top plane).
Click on the measure ‘point button’ when the measure point window opens
click on the ‘construct button’ then select the plane by left hand clicking on
it in the graphic window. You will now see a window asking you if you want
to construct a intersection point. click ‘YES,’ select the cylinder by left hand
clicking it in the graphic window, you have now constructed a point, press
the ‘Set Ref’, and then click ‘OK’ this zeros X,Y & Z axis.
5) The last thing we need to do is to align the Y axis through one of the
10mm holes. Click on the measure ‘circle button’. When the measure
circle window opens take 4 points in the 10mm hole at the 12 o’clock
position then click ‘OK’. You now have a 10mm circle in our working
plane. We are now going to align the Y axis of the CMM via a constructed
line between the datum point and the 10mm hole. Click on the measure
‘line button’. When the measure line window opens, click on the ‘construct
button’ then select the datum point by left hand clicking on it in the graphic
window, you will now see a window which asks you if you want to
construct a line between two points click ‘YES.’ Select the circle in the
same way by left hand clicking on it in the graphic window. You now have
a constructed line, press the ‘Set Ref’, button and then click ‘OK’ to align
the Y axis along the constructed line.
The component is now aligned true to the centre line of the 100mm cylinder
(Primary alignment) with the Y axis going through the 10mm hole (secondary
alignment) with the X Y Z axis zeroed where the cylinder meets the top face.
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6.4 Drive shaft (aligning along shaft’s centre line)
Place the shaft on the CMM table with the shaft facing down the table (along
the Y axis)
2 4 X Axis
1
Y Axis
CMM Table
Fig. 6.3-1 Basic drive shaft Alignment
As the main datum is the centre line of the shaft we need to align the Y axis of
the cmm to the centre line to do this:-
1) Click on the measure ‘plane button’ when the measure plane window
opens take 4 points on one end of shaft Click ‘OK’ ,this is plane 1.
2) Click on the measure ‘circle button’. When the measure circle window
opens take 4 points around the end of shaft by plane 1, circle (2) is
automatically projected into plane 1. Press the ‘Set Ref, button this sets
the XYZ datum on this end of the shaft (Zero point) click ‘OK’.
3) Repeat this process for the other end of the shaft but do not press the
‘Set Ref’, button this time you now have 1 plane and 1 circle at each end
of the shaft, we can make a centre line by jointing these two circles
together (constructed) and by pressing ‘Set Ref’ this is our (Primary
alignment) .
4) To do this click on the measure ‘line button’ when the measure line
window opens , click on the ‘construct button’ then select one of the circles
by left hand clicking on it in the graphic window, you will now see a window
which asks you if you want to construct a line between two points, click
‘YES’ select the other circle in the same way by left hand clicking on it in
the graphic window. You now have a constructed line, Press the ‘Set Ref,
button and then click ‘OK’ this will align the Y axis along constructed line.
If the shaft has any cross holes, keyways or flats these can be aligned to one
of the other axes (secondary alignment, Timing).
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To do a secondary alignment using a cross hole measure the cross hole as a

cylinder press the ‘Set Ref’ button, click ‘OK’ this will align either Z or X axis to
the centre of the cylinder.
X Axis
Y Axis
To do a secondary alignment using a keyway or flat measure the bottom of

the keyway or flat as plane press the ‘Set Ref’ button click ‘OK’ this will align
either Z or X axis to a line 90 deg to the plane.
If you use a plane as a X

alignment feature to an axis ,
this is aligned at 90 deg to
the plane
Y
The component is now aligned true to the centre line of the shaft (Primary
alignment) with the Z or X axis going through the cross hole or at 90 deg to
the flats (secondary alignment) with the X Y Z axis zeroed in the centre of the
shaft at the front end.
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6.5 Optimising Alignment
6.5.1 Optimising to Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
It is possible with some shapes that the optimum alignment for the component
is not achieved by referencing any combination of measured features. It is
possible to select certain horizontal and vertical dimensions on the measured
component, and then optimise the alignment of the component in order to
minimise the errors of these dimensions.
Fig. 6.5-1 Align part to 250 , 180 , 50 Dimensions
Firstly select the horizontal and vertical dimensions that you wish to use to
optimise the alignment of the component, by right mouse clicking on the
dimension to bring up the dimension detail window.
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Enter the correct

nominal here
When using optimisation alignment this box

must be ticked
Fig. 6.5-2 Dimension Details
Type in the correct value for the nominal dimension, if necessary, and then
tick the box labelled ‘ Use in Optimisation’. Click on OK to return to the main
screen.
When you have selected all the dimensions that you wish to use in the
optimisation, click on the Grid Shift button.
Fig. 6.5-3 Grid Shift
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When aligning to horizontal and vertical dimensions it is possible to select

either ‘Nominal’ or ‘Tolerance’.
‘Nominal’ will align the part to get all of the selected dimensions as close as
possible to their nominal value.
‘Tolerance’ will align the part to try and get all of the selected dimensions as
close as possible to their tolerance bands.
Then click on ‘Start’. The software will take a few seconds to calculate the
best alignment, and when it has finished click on OK.
Note:- That the minimum number of dimensions should be selected that best
define the rotation required for the component, ie. Typically this will be one
dimension for X, one for Y. This will help to minimise the calculation time
required, although this is primarily dependant on the number of features that
have been measured.
Fig. 6.5-4 Grid Shift Window
6.6 Optimising to a DXF File
If the component shape has been measured as a Curve profile, it is possible

to import the DXF file for the shape, and perform a best-fit optimisation to get
the measured points to fit the DXF file.
The software will report the error of each measured point from the
corresponding closest point on the DXF file.
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This is discussed fully in chapter (43.0 INPUTTING AND OUTPUTTING DXF

FILES.
6.7 3,2,1 Optimised Alignment
You can align using three points in space using 3,2,1 optimised alignment.
• All of the three points are used for the primary alignment of the part
(plane).
• Two of the three points are used for the secondary alignment /
timing of the part (line).
• One of the three points is used to set the datum on the part (point).
Point 3 has only the Z box

Z
ticked this is used for the Y
primary alignment Point 2 has only the X,Z boxes
100,50,0 ticked this is used for the primary
X and secondary alignments 100,0,0
Point 1 has all the X,Y,Z boxes ticked this is used for primary
alignment, secondary alignment and the datum 0,0,0
If you have three feature on the part you are measuring which have known
X,Y,Z position in space, like a sphere or a circle measure within a plane.
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It is possible to align the part using the 3,2,1 optimised alignment.
Fig. 6.7-1 3,2,1 optimised alignment
The position shown on the drawing for A is X=0, Y=0, Z=0 for B is X=100,
Z=0 for of C is Z=0
Enter X,Y,Z
nominal here
If these boxes are

ticked they will be used
for optimisation
Tick this Box
Fig. 6.7-2 3,2,1 Tick boxes for optimised alignment
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1) Measure the true position of features A,B,C.

2) Display the position on the screen.
3) In the Dimension details window enter the correct nominal in the X,Y,Z
boxes.
4) At the bottom of the window tick the ‘use in optmisation’.
5) There is a tick box next to X,Y.Z nominal boxes. For feature A tick all the
boxes, for feature B Tick the X & Z boxes and for feature C only tick the Z
box.
Fig. 6.7-3 Grid Shift Window
6) Click on the ‘Grid Shift’ icon

7) In the ‘Grid shift’ window click on the ‘cal321 button’ the software will now
align the part using the ticked nominal.
8) There are always four solutions for each alignment by clicking on the ‘NN’
button next to the ‘cal321 button’ the software to cycle through each
alignment 1 to 4.
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7.0 CREATING A CNC PROGRAM – a general introduction
When using the Aberlink 3D CNC software there are 2 ways to create a CNC
program, as follows:
7.1 Teach and Repeat
By driving the machine around using the joystick and measuring a component
you are also creating a program that can afterwards be run automatically.
How to use the joystick is detailed in section 4.
7.2 Off-Line Programming
Sometimes it will be quicker simply to type in the size and position of a feature
to be measured rather than to measure it directly. Alternatively it may be that
you simply wish to create a program without using the CMM. In this situation
you can enter the feature details using the keyboard and click on ‘Template
from Details given’. This is described in detail in each of the Measurement
Unit sections.
Programs can even be created by a combination of the two methods, and

often this can be the most efficient solution.
If you wish to run the program automatically you will need to define the
position and alignment of the component by measuring certain features and
setting them as references. This idea is discussed the last chapter.
When you are ready to run the program read chapter 27.0 THE PLAY
FUNCTION – running a program automatically
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8.0 THE PLANE UNIT
The plane unit is used to measure flat surfaces, such as one face of a cube,
by taking 3 or more measurement points spread across the surface.
Planes can also be constructed through 3 or more previously measured

points.
You can also construct a plane, offset from another plane by a fixed distance,
which can be entered via the keyboard.
8.1 Measuring Planes Directly
Background
Planes are used to measure flat surfaces on components, and the software
will construct the ‘best fit’ plane through the measurement points taken.
In order to apply the stylus compensation in the correct direction, the software
will look at the direction of motion of the probe when taking the measurement
points.
If you measure a plane and set it as a reference, this will align the component
to this plane, ie. You will have defined 3 of the 6 degrees of freedom for the
component (see 6.0 ALIGNING THE AXES OF A COMPONENT). This
allows features that are perpendicular to the plane to be measured as 2
dimensional lines and circles.
8.2 Teach and Repeat
Method
To measure a plane, click on the Plane Measure button, from the main
screen:
Fig. 8.1-1 The Plane Measure Button
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This will bring up the Plane Measure window:
Fig. 8.1-2 The Plane Measure Window
Now take measurement points on the surface that you wish to measure. After
3 points have been taken a pictorial representation of the plane will appear in
the graphics part of the window, which will be updated every point thereafter.
The number of points taken will be shown as the large character in the ‘Points
Taken’ box. The I,J and K values displayed represent the direction vector of
the nominal to the plane and the D value represents the distance between the
plane and the current origin. (Normally this information will not be
particularly relevant).
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Fig. 8.1-3 A Graphical Representation of a plane after 3 measurement points
A plane can always be calculated to fit through three points, therefore the first
3 points will always produce single bleeps and the yellow face will remain
smiling. Also the ‘Points Fit’ box next to the yellow face will remain blank and
the flatness value for the plane, shown under the graphical representation, will
show zero.
It is therefore good practise to take at least one more point. On the fourth
point the software will now be able to calculate a value for the fit of the points
(2 sigma) on its calculated ‘best fit’ plane and a value for the geometric
flatness of this plane. Also there is now some meaning to the ‘bad point’
sound and face warnings. If the last point taken doesn’t fit the plane very well,
then the face will start to frown. If it doesn’t fit at all well, the face will become
sad, and the computer will make the ‘bad point’ sound. The threshold values
for the smile and frown warnings can be user specified, see 28.1.5 Smile /
Frown Threshold
In general the more points taken on a plane, the more information can be
gleaned, and a minimum of 4 points is recommended. Similarly the points
taken should cover as much of the surface of the plane as possible.
The graphical representation of the plane shows the points taken as a red
circle with a blue isometric rectangle representing the ‘best fit’ plane through
those points. You can adjust the scale of the pictorial representation by
holding the left mouse button down while, sliding the pointer either to the left
or right to increase or decrease the scale respectively.
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Fig. 8.1-4 A Plane with the scale of the point errors maximised
Fig. 8.1-5 A Plane with the scale of the point errors minimised
If you have accidentally probed on the wrong place on the component, or are
unhappy with a point, you can always erase either an individual point or all the
stored points. See 16.0 ERASING DATA POINT.
8.2. Off-Line Programming
Instead of directly measuring the plane using the probe it is possible to enter
the co-ordinates for the plane and let the software calculate a grid of points to
be taken uniformly across the plane. In this situation note that the plane is
always rectangular by default and that the points automatically calculated will
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form a regular grid, even if there are other features or obstacles in the way:
For instance we want to produce an off-line program for the plane on the top
face of a cube with a hole in it. Assume the cube size is 40mm and the hole
diameter is 25mm. The circle has been set as a reference, so its centre is
X=0, Y=0, Z=0.
Click on the Plane Measure button, from the main screen to bring up the
Plane Measure window. Now instead of taking points with the probe we are
going to type in the template details directly:
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‘Enter the pre travel, over

travel & number of points
here.
‘Enter the positions of the ‘Enter the A & B ‘Plane template

3 corners here angle of the probe calculator’ button
you wish to measure
the plane with here
Fig. 8.2.2-1 Plane template window
A plane is defined by entering the positions of three of the four corners of the
rectangle. In this case the front left corner of the plane is at X=-20, Y=-20, Z=0
but if we probed at this position we would catch the edge of the block.
Therefore it may be wise to move in by 2mm hence we can enter the position
for corner 1 as X=-18, Y=-18, Z=0. Similarly corner 2 could be X=-18, Y=+18
Z=0, and corner 3 X=+18, Y=+18, Z=0.
The pre-travel and the over travel will be set at their default values, but can be
modified as required. Similarly you can change the probe head position and
plunge vector (direction from which the probe will approach the plane) if
required. The default number of points on the plane has been set to 4 so lets
leave it at 4 for the moment.
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‘Plane template
calculator’ button
Fig. 8.2.2-2 Plane template calculator button
Now click on the ‘Plane template calculator’ button. The probe moves grid will
now be automatically filled in, and the 4 points will be positioned at the
corners of the plane defined:
Fig. 8.1.2-3 Plane window showing the probe move grid
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You can now click on ‘OK’. The plane will appear as a grey template in the
main screen. If you click on the ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ button the
measurement points will be displayed as dots:
Say that we now changed our mind and decided that measurement of the
plane was far more critical than at first thought, and we now wanted to take 9
points. Recall the Plane Measurement window (by right clicking on the
representation of the plane) and change the number of points to 9. Now click
on the ‘Plane template calculator’ button again and the probe moves grid will
be recalculated now with 9 points in it. Click on OK to return to the main
screen:
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Note that the software has now produced a grid of 9 points across the plane,
and that the central point will in fact try to probe down the hole in the cube.
There are 2 courses of action available:
1. Move the point so that it doesn’t probe down the hole.

Simply click on the red dot and drag it to a convenient point where it misses
the hole. When you release the mouse button the point will be taken at that
position:
2. Erase the point.

In this case this point is point number 5. Recall the Plane Measure window
and in the probe moves grid left click on ‘Approach 5’, then right click and
select ‘Delete Cells’. Then repeat this exercise for the move called ‘Final 5’.
8. 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data calculator’ button
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‘Template from measured

data calculator’ button
When you create a program unit using the ‘teach and repeat’ method the
program template is automatically calculated from measurement points taken.
If however, you need to re-calculate the template at any time, but cannot use
the template details (for instance the points cannot be equi-spaced) then it is
possible as follows:
- Clear the existing points, by clicking on the ‘Clear’ button.

- Take some new measurement points with the probe.
- Click on the ‘Template from Measured Data’ button to create a new
program template from the points taken.
Note when you click on the ‘Template from Measured Data calculator’ button
the probe moves grid is re-calculated using the points taken. These points are
shown in the top left hand corner of the window.
It is bad practice to re-calculate the template for a feature that has been
set as a reference once the program has been run.
8.4 When to OK a plane, and when to reference it.
Having measured a plane, you can either click on the ‘OK’ button or the ‘Set
Ref ‘ button.
If you OK the plane, the measurement window will close, and the program will
return to the main screen.
If any, or all of the graphics screens are blank, it is probably because they are
outside the range currently shown on the screen. In this instance you will
need to zoom to the appropriate position. See 17.0 MANIPULATING THE
GRAPHICS
The graphical representation of the plane should be shown as a dashed

rectangle in all of the 3 views. This representation will be pictured at whatever
angle the plane is positioned relative to the machine table.
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Fig. 8.4-1 The Main Screen showing a Plane which has been OK’d
If you set the plane as a reference plane by clicking on ‘Set Ref’ button if you
then clicking on the ‘OK’ button the measurement window will close, and the
program will again return to the main screen.
The graphical representation of the plane will again be shown as a dashed
rectangle, but this time it will be aligned to the plane.
Fig. 8.4-2 The Main Screen showing a Plane which has been Referenced
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The main reason for setting a plane as a reference is to define the alignment
of the component in order for features, which are perpendicular to the plane,
to be measured as 2 dimensional shapes (ie. lines and circles). Hence, if the
top face of a cube is measured as a plane and set as a reference, then each
of the side faces may be measured as lines, with all of the measurement
points taken (at whatever depth) projected on to the reference plane to
produce a straight line. Similarly, points taken in a hole perpendicular to the
reference face may be projected on to the reference face to produce a 2
dimensional circle.
Lines and circles are a very quick and accurate method of inspecting a
component. See chapters , The Line and Circle Units.
Note – Only one plane can ever be set as a reference at any point in
time. If a second plane is set as a reference, this will override the
initial reference plane, and the graphical representation will now re-
align itself to the second plane.
8.5 Constructing a Plane through previously measured points
As well as measuring planes directly, they can also be constructed through

features which have previously been measured, or constructed themselves.
For this purpose, circles and spheres may be considered as points, and lines,
cones and cylinders can be considered as 2 points at the ends of their axis. A
minimum of three points is required to construct a plane.
To construct a plane, click on the Plane Measure button, from the main
screen. This will bring up the Plane Measure window. Now click on the
‘Construct’ button. The Plane measure window will now shrink to a small box
at the bottom of the screen:
Fig. 8.5-1 The Main Screen showing a Shrunken Plane Measure Window
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Now simply select the features through which you wish to construct the plane
by clicking on them. After you have selected the first feature a prompt will
appear to confirm what is happening:
Fig. 8.5-2 ‘Constructing a Plane’ prompt
Click on OK, and then continue to click on the remaining features. When you
have selected all the desired features bring the Plane Measure window back
by clicking on the right hand end of the shrunken box. A graphical
representation of the plane will appear with values for the fit and flatness
given if more than 3 points were selected.
Fig. 8.5-3 A representation of a Plane which has been constructed
You may now click on ‘OK’ or ‘Set Ref’ as appropriate, as for any plane. The
software will now return to the Main Screen.
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8.6 Constructing a Plane offset from another Plane
Measured plane
Off-set plane
This plane is parallel to the measure
plane but off-set by a set amount
A plane may be constructed which is offset from an existing plane by a fixed

distance. To construct such a plane, click on the Plane Measure button, from
the main screen. This will bring up the Plane Measure window. Now click on
the ‘Construct’ box.
Fig. 8.6-1 An ‘Offset Plane’ Prompt
The Plane measure window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the
screen. Now simply click on the plane from which you wish to construct an
offset plane. A prompt will appear on the screen confirming what is
happening, and inviting you to enter the offset distance.
Enter the desired offset, and then click ‘OK’. This will bring back the Plane
Measure window. Click ‘OK’ again. The screen will now return to the Main
Screen, with the new plane shown offset from the original by the entered
amount.
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8.7 Constructing a mid plane between two measured planes
Measured plane
Constructed mid plane
Measured plane
Fig. 8.7-1 constructed mid plane
It is possible to construct a plane midway between two other planes.

To do this you need to click on the ‘Plane Measure button’, from the main
screen. This will bring up the Plane Measure window.
Now click on the ‘Construct’ button. The Plane measure window will now
shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen:
1. Left-hand click on plane 1
2. Left-hand click on plane 2
Fig. 8.7-2 selecting the planes
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The next step is to left hand click on plane 1 then on plane 2 after you have
done this a prompt will appear on the screen confirming you are constructing
an mid plane.
Fig. 8.5-3 mid plane prompt window
When you see the above prompt click ‘OK’ and you now have a construct
plane midway between the two selected planes.
3. Constructed mid plane
Fig. 8.7-4 constructed mid plane
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9.0 THE LINE UNIT
The line unit is a very quick and accurate method of measuring flat faces, by
taking 2 or more points along the length of the face, and projecting them into a
defined plane to produce a 2 dimensional line.
• Lines may also be constructed through 2 or more previously measured

points. In this case the line will have 3 dimensional properties.
• Lines can also be construct at the intersection of 2 non-parallel planes.

Again this line will have 3 dimensional properties.
• You can also construct a tangent line between two circles or a point
and a circle
• It is also possible to construct a perpendicular gauge line of a fixed

length between too two other lines.
• Finally, It is also possible to construct a line that is the centre line

between 2 other lines.
9.1 Measuring Lines Directly
Background
When measured directly, lines are 2 dimensional features that are used to
represent flat faces, which by their nature are 3 dimensional features. This is
achieved by projecting the measurement points taken (at whatever height) on
to a defined plane to produce a straight line.
The software will decide whether the line best fits an XY, XZ or YZ plane, by
looking at the direction of motion of the probe when the points are taken, If the
plane of the line has previously been defined, then the position of the line can
be calculated correctly, and its vector values will be displayed in red. If the
plane has not been defined, then the machine XY, XZ or YZ plane will be
used, which could lead to errors which may be significant. In this case the
vector values of the line will be displayed in a light grey colour, by way of a
warning.
Usually a plane is defined by setting it as the reference plane, but to fully

define the orientation and position of a component see chapter 6.0 ALIGNING
THE AXES OF A COMPONENT
When measuring a line the software will automatically look for meaningful
intersections with other lines, in order to produce a complete outline of the
component being inspected. The line will extend itself by a factor which may
be set in the software set up – see28.0 SOFTWARE SET UP, to meet other
co-planar lines. If a line has not been extended at both ends, its length will not
be meaningful, and hence the L value will be shown in grey. If however, a line
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has been successfully extended at both ends, its length is now relevant and
the L value will be displayed in red.
Method
To measure a line, click on the Line Measure button, from the main screen:
Fig. 9.1-1 The Line Measure button
This will bring up the Line Measure window:
Fig. 9.1-2 The Line Measure window
Now take measurement points on the face that you wish to measure. After 2
points a pictorial representation of the line will appear in the graphics part of
the window, which will be updated every point thereafter. The number of
points taken will be shown as the large character in the ‘Points Taken’ box.
The I,J and K values displayed represent the direction vector for the line and
the L value represents its length. The plane of the line is shown in the
diagonal corners of the graphics window.
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Fig. 9.1-3 The representation of a line through 3 measurement points
Note – That as long as a relevant plane has previously been defined, the I,J
and K values will be shown in red. If these values are shown in grey, it is a
warning that the software has had to use the machine’s planes to calculate
the position of the line, and if the component has not been aligned on the
table could lead to errors.
Note also – That if a line is measured in isolation, the length given will be the
distance between the extreme measurement points and will therefore be of
little relevance. In this case the L value will be shown in grey. The software
does, however, automatically extend lines to look for obvious intersections
with other features. The extent to which a measured line can be extended can
be set in the software set up. If a line has been successfully extended at both
ends then the length value will be meaningful, and will be displayed in red.
A line can always be calculated to fit through two points, therefore the first 2
points will always produce single bleeps and the yellow face will remain
the straightness value for the line, shown under the graphical representation,
will show zero.
It is therefore good practise to take at least one more point. On the third point
the software will now be able to calculate a value for the fit of the points (2
sigma) on its calculated ‘best fit’ line and a value for the straightness of this
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line. Also there is now some meaning to the ‘bad point’ sound and face
warnings. If the last point taken doesn’t fit the line very well, then the face will
start to frown. If it doesn’t fit at all well, then the face will become sad, and the
computer will make the ‘bad point’ sound. The threshold values for the smile
and frown warnings can be user specified, see 28.1.5 Smile / Frown
Threshold.
In general the more points taken on a line, the more information can be
taken should cover as much of the face being measured as possible. The
graphical representation of the line shows the points taken as a red circle with
a blue line representing the ‘best fit’ line through those points. You can adjust
the scale of the pictorial representation by holding the left mouse button down
while, sliding the pointer either to the left or right to increase or decrease the
scale respectively.
Fig. 9.1-4 A line with the error scale maximised
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Fig. 9.1-5 line with the error scale minimised
stored points. See chapter 13 - Erasing Data Points.
9.1.1 When to OK a line, and when to reference it.
Having measured a line, click on the ‘OK’ button .
If you OK the line, the measurement window will close, and the program will
need to zoom to the appropriate position.
The graphical representation of the line should be shown as a solid blue line
in all of the 3 views.
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Fig. 9.1-6 The Main Screen showing a line that has been OK’d
If you set the line as a reference by clicking on ‘Set Ref’ then the
measurement window will say open until you click on the ‘OK’ button the
program will again return to the main screen.
The graphical representation of the line will once again be shown as a solid
blue line within the reference plane in 2 of the 3 views, but this time the
graphics picture in the third view will be aligned to the line itself. This line will
now define the alignment, and position in one direction, of the reference
plane. See 6.0 ALIGNING THE AXES OF A COMPONENT.
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Fig. 9.1-6 The Main Screen showing a line that has been referenced
Note – Only one line can ever be set as a reference at any point in time. If a
second line is set as a reference, this will override the initial reference line,
and the graphical representation will now re-align itself to the second line. The
first line that was referenced will now be treated as a reference point at its
mid-point, and may be used to define the position of another plane.
9.1.2 Measuring a line in a user defined plane
If the software should have trouble in defining which plane a line is in, or if it is
in a plane which cannot be defined by the orthogonal axes of the component,
then it is still possible to measure the line, by the user defining the correct
plane.
Having clicked on the Line Measure button to bring up the Line Measure
window, click on the ‘Plane’ button. This will bring up a window as follows:
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Fig. 9.1-8 The Line Measure window showing the Plane Select Feature
If you are simply defining the correct orthogonal plane, just click on the
appropriate XY,XZ or YZ button that defines the line in the direction that you
require, and then continue with the line measurement. If the required plane is
not one of the orthogonal planes, you can still measure the line, as long as the
relevant plane has previously been measured. Now click on the ‘User’ button,
and the following prompt will appear:
Fig. 9.1-9 The User Defined Plane prompt
Now simply click on ‘OK’ and then click on the previously measured plane
before continuing with the line measurement in the usual way.
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9.2 Constructing Lines
9.2.1 Constructing Lines through 2 or more points
Background
Lines can be constructed through existing points in a very similar way to
measuring then directly. The only difference is that instead of fitting a line
through measurement points taken with the probe, you construct it through
previously measured circles, points or spheres.
Method
To construct a line, click on the Line Measure button, from the main screen.
This will bring up the Line Measure window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box.
The Line Measure window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the
screen.
Fig. 9.2-1 The Main Screen showing a shrunken Line Measure window
Now simply select the features that you wish to use to construct the line by
clicking on them. After you have selected the first feature a prompt will
appear, to confirm what is happening:
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Fig. 9.2-2 The Constructing a Line prompt
Choose the ‘Center line through points’ option then Click on OK, after this
continue to click on the remaining features that make up the line. When you
have selected all the desired features bring the Line Measure window back by
clicking on the right hand end of the shrunken box. A graphical representation
of the line will appear with values for the fit and straightness given if more
than 2 points were selected.
Fig. 9.2-3 Showing a line that has been constructed
You may now click on ‘OK’ or ‘Set Ref’ as appropriate, as for any line. The
screen will then return to the Main Screen, and the line will form a part of the
graphical representation.
9.2.2 Constructing a Line at the Intersection of 2 Planes
Background
In addition to constructing lines through existing points, lines can also be
constructed at the theoretical intersection of two non-parallel planes.
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Method
To construct a line at the intersection of two planes, click on the Line Measure
button, from the main screen. This will bring up the Line Measure window.
Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Line Measure window will now shrink to
a small box at the bottom of the screen. Now simply select the planes that you
wish to use to construct the line by clicking on them. After you have selected
the first plane a prompt will appear, to confirm what is happening:
Fig. 9.2-4 The constructing the intersection between two planes prompt
Click on OK, and then click on the other plane that creates the desired line.
The Line Measure window will reappear. The number of points taken will be 2,
and the graphics part of the window will show two points jointed with a line:
Fig. 9.2-5 line constructed between 2 planes
You may now click on ‘OK’ as for any line. The screen will then return to the
Main Screen, and the line will form a part of the graphical representation.
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9.2.3 Constructing a Centre Line between 2 Other Lines
Background
One other line that can be constructed is a centre line between two other
lines. If the 2 lines selected are not parallel, then the centre line constructed
will bisect the angle between them.
Method
To construct a centre line between 2 other lines, click on the Line Measure
button, from the main screen. This will bring up the Line Measure window.
Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Line Measure window will now shrink to
a small box at the bottom of the screen. Now simply select the lines that you
wish to use to construct the centre line by clicking on them. After you have
selected the first line a prompt will appear, to confirm what is happening:
Fig. 9.2-6 The Constructing a centre line (Mid-Line) prompt
Choose the ‘Mid-line’ option then Click on OK, and after this click on the
other line that creates the desired centre line. The Line Measure window will
reappear. The number of points taken will be 2, and the graphics part of the
window will show two points jointed with a line:
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Fig. 9.2-7 A small line is show when constructing a centre line
9.2.4 Constructing a Tangent Line between 2 circles or a point & circle
Background
With this function you can construct a tangential lines between two circles or
between a point and a circle.
Tangent lines between two Tangent lines between a Point and a
Method
To construct a tangential line between two circles or between a point and a

circle
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Click on the ‘Line Measure button’, from the main screen. This will bring up
the Line Measure window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Line
Measure window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen.
Note that between 2 circles there are actually 4 possible tangent lines that can
be constructed, and 2 possible tangent lines between a point and a circle.
Now simply select the first circle (or the point) followed by the second circle
being careful to click on it at the position closest to where the desired tangent
line will pass. The following prompt will then appear:
Choose the ‘Tangent line’ option then Click on ‘OK’.
The Line Measure window will now reappear. The number of points taken will
be 2, and the graphics part of the window will show two points jointed with a
line:
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Example 1: constructing a tangent line between a point and a circle.
Note that there are 2 possible options, as follows:
1) Open a Line Measure Window and click on ‘Construct’ so that the

window shrinks to a small box at the bottom of the screen.
2) Click on the Point to select it.
3) Now click on the circle at the appropriate position to choose the desired
tangent line.
Click somewhere near the bottom of the

circle to construct the tangent line shown.
or somewhere near the top of the circle to

construct this one.
4) OK the Line Measure Window to return to the Main Screen.
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Tip : Often the tangent lines between 2 circles can touch the circles at a very
similar position making it difficult to choose the correct line required. In this
case highlight the 2nd circle using the Feature Select buttons and click at a
position that will clearly define the desired tangent line. For example, if you
select the larger circle second, using the Feature Select function you can now
click high up on the box labelled ‘2’ in order to construct tangent line no2.
Note that this position is through where tangent line no.2 will pass, and is
clearly closer to no.2 than any of the others. Similarly the other boxes also
show possible positions to click that will uniquely define the other tangent
lines.
2
1
1
2
3
4
4
9.2.5 Constructing a Gauge Line of Fixed Length between 2 other Lines
Background
This function lets you construct a gauge perpendicular line of a fixed length
between two other lines set at an angle to each other.
25.0 mm
Fig. 7.2-11 Constructing a Gauge line of a fixed length
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Method
To construct a perpendicular gauge line of a fixed length between 2 other

lines, click on the Line Measure button, from the main screen. This will bring
up the Line Measure window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Line
Measure window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen.
Now simply select the lines that you wish to use to construct the gauge to by
clicking on them. After you have selected the first line a prompt will appear, to
confirm what is happening:
Fig. 9.2-12 The Constructing a gauge line prompt
Choose the ‘Gauge line of fixed length’ option then Click on ‘OK’, and after
this click on the other line that you wish to connect the gauge line too. A
prompt window will appear asking you for the length of the gauge line:
Fig. 9.2-13 The Constructing a gauge line size enter prompt
Enter the size of the gauge and click ‘OK’ . The Line Measure window will
now reappear. The number of points taken will be 2, and the graphics part of
the window will show two points jointed with a line:
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Fig. 9.2-12 A small line is show when constructing a gauge line
Now click on ‘OK’ The screen will then return to the Main Screen, and the line
will form a part of the graphical representation.
Datum ‘B’
25.0 mm
Example
You have measure two lines on opposite
sides of a cone and you wish to know
Dimension ‘A’ how far from the datum is the point were
the two lines are precisely 25mm apart
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10.0 THE SPHERE UNIT
Spheres can be measured directly by taking 4 or more measurement points

on the surface of the sphere.
Background
The software will construct the ‘best fit’ sphere through the measurement
points taken.
In order to determine whether it is an internal or external sphere, and apply

the correct stylus radius offset, the software will look at the direction of motion
of the probe when taking the measurement points.
As a sphere is a 3 dimensional feature, no reference planes will need to be

defined.
Method
To measure a sphere, click on the Sphere Measure button, from the main
screen:
Fig. 10.0-1 The Sphere Measure button
This will bring up the Sphere Measure window:
Fig. 10.0-2 The Sphere Measure window
Now take measurement points on the sphere that you wish to measure. After
4 points a pictorial representation of the sphere will appear in the graphics
part of the window, which will be updated every point thereafter. The number
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of points taken will be shown as the large character in the ‘Points Taken’ box.
The X,Y and Z values displayed represent the centre of the sphere and the D
value represents its diameter.
Fig.10.0-3 A graphical representation of the sphere will appear after 4 points
A sphere can always be calculated to fit through four points, therefore the first
the profile value for the sphere, shown under the graphical representation, will
show zero.
It is therefore good practise to take at least one more point. On the fifth point
sigma) on its calculated ‘best fit’ sphere and a value for the profile of this
sphere. Also there is now some meaning to the ‘bad point’ sound and face
warnings. If the last point taken doesn’t fit the sphere very well, then the face
will start to frown. If it doesn’t fit at all well, then the face will become sad, and
the computer will make the ‘bad point’ sound. The threshold values for the
smile and frown warnings can be user specified, see 28.1.5 Smile / Frown
Threshold
In general the more points taken on a sphere, the more information can be
taken should cover as much of the surface of the sphere as possible.
The graphical representation of the sphere shows the points taken as a red
circle with a blue line representing the best fit sphere through those points.
You can adjust the scale of the pictorial representation by holding the left
mouse button down while, sliding the pointer either to the left or right to
increase or decrease the scale respectively.
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Fig. 10.0-4 A Sphere with the error scale maximised
Fig. 10.0-5 A Sphere with the error scale minimised
10.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates
By default the centre co-ordinates of spheres are displayed as X,Y and Z

values (carthesian co-ordinates). In order to display them in polar co-ordinate
form, simply click on the ‘P’ button, situated below the ‘Point Fit’ box.
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Now instead of displaying X,Y and Z values for the sphere, the screen will
now display R, A and B values. This is now in polar co-ordinate form, with the
R representing the distance from the X,Y origin, A being the angle in XY, and
B being the elevation angle from the XY plane.
Fig. 10.1-1 A sphere described in polar co-ordinates
Note – that for these values to have any real meaning, a correct
X,Y origin must have previously been set.
To revert to carthesian co-ordinates simply click on the ‘C’ button.
10.2 When to OK a Sphere, and when to reference it.
Having measured a sphere, you can either click on the ‘OK’ button to close
the sphere widow or click on the ‘Set Ref ‘ button to reference the cmm in
the centre of the sphere .
The only effect that setting a sphere as a reference has, is to set it’s centre
co-ordinates to X=0, Y=0, Z=0.
If you select ‘OK’ the centre co-ordinates of the sphere will be relative to any
references previously set, or if none have been set then to the machine’s own
reference point.
Note – Only one sphere (or point feature) can ever be set as a
reference at any one time. If a second sphere (or another point) is set
as a reference, this will override the initial reference point, and the
centre co-ordinates of the second sphere will be set to 0,0,0.
When you click on either ‘OK’ , the measurement window will close, and the
program will return to the main screen. If any, or all of the graphics screens
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are blank, it is probably because they are outside the range currently shown
on the screen. In this instance you will need to zoom to the appropriate
position. See 17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS.
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11.0 THE CIRCLE UNIT
The circle unit is a very quick and accurate method of directly measuring
holes, round bosses or arcs by taking 3 or more measurement points around
the circumference.
Circles can also be constructed through 3 or more previously measured

circles or points to create a pitch circle diameter.
In addition, circles can also be constructed at the intersection of various 3-

dimensional features, such as the intersection of a plane with a perpendicular
cylinder.
11.1 Measuring Circles Directly
Background
Circles are 2 dimensional features that are used to measure holes, bosses or
arcs, which by their nature are 3 dimensional features. This is achieved by
projecting the measurement points taken (at whatever height) on to a defined
plane to produce a 2 dimensional circle.
The software will decide whether the circle best fits an XY, XZ or YZ plane, by
looking at the direction of motion of the probe when the points are taken,
(unless a user plane has been defined - see section 8.1.4). If the plane of the
circle has previously been defined, then the position and size of the circle can
be calculated correctly, and its centre co-ordinates and diameter will be
displayed in red.
If the plane has not been defined, a warning window will be displayed telling
you ‘The plane this feature is in can not be determined ‘ if you click ‘OK’ the
machine XY, XZ or YZ plane will be used as the projected plane, which could
lead to significant errors.
Fig. 11.1-1 The plane in which this feature be in can not be determined warning window
Usually a plane is defined by setting it as the reference plane, but to fully

define the orientation and position of a component see chapter 6.0 ALIGNING
THE AXES OF A COMPONENT
If the circular feature consists of less than 180 degrees, then the software will
describe an arc between the extreme points. As soon as the measurement
points span more than 180 degrees then a full circle will be described.
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This window You can enter This window displays

displays the a name for the centre co-ordinates of the
number of feature or some circles are displayed as X
points taken instructions in and Y values (carthesian
and fit of the the light blue co-ordinates)
points (2 area
sigma)
When you have finished

your measurement Click
the ‘OK’ button
This is the set ‘Ref Set’

button.
If you press it the feature
you just measured will be
used as part of an
alignment system.
(You normally only use
the ‘Ref Set’ 3 times at
the beginning of the
measurement to set the
part alignment up)
The ‘Plane’ button

If you wish you can project the circle into a plane
other than that chosen by the software.
If you press the button you can choose which of
orthogonal planes to project the circle into.
The ‘Retake’ The ‘Clear’ The ‘Delete’ By‘clicking on the appropriate XY,XZ or YZ button
button removes the button removes button deletes that defines the plane you want, you can also
last point taken all the points so the measured project the circle in to any other relevant plane has
(this could be a bad you can start feature from the previously been measured
point) again computer
Fig. 11.1-2 The circle Window explained
Method
To measure a circle, click on the Circle Measure button, from the main
screen:
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Fig. 11.1-3 The Circle Measure button
This will bring up the Circle Measure window:
Fig. 11.1-4 The Circle Measure window
Now take measurement points on the hole or boss that you wish to measure.
After 3 points a pictorial representation of the circle will appear in the graphics
The X,Y and Z values displayed represent the centre of the circle and the D
value represents its diameter.
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Fig. 11.1-5 After 3 measurement points a graphical representation will start to appear
Note – As long as a relevant plane has previously been set as a

reference, the X,Y,Z and D values will be shown in red. If the
warning window appears, it is telling you that either no reference
plane has been set, or alternatively that the orientation or position of
the circle has not fully been defined.
A circle can always be calculated to fit through three points, therefore the first
the roundness value for the circle, shown under the graphical representation,
will show zero.
It is therefore good practise to take at least one more point. On the fourth
point the software will now be able to calculate a value for the fit of the points
(2 sigma) on its calculated best fit circle and a value for the roundness of this
circle (Rmax-Rmin. Also there is now some meaning to the ‘bad point’ sound
and face warnings. If the last point taken doesn’t fit the circle very well, then
the face will start to frown. If it doesn’t fit at all well, then the face will become
sad, and the computer will make the ‘bad point’ sound. The threshold values
for the smile and frown warnings can be user specified, see 28.1.5 Smile /
Frown Threshold
In general the more points taken on a circle, the more information can be
taken should cover as much of the circumference of the circle as possible.
The graphical representation of the circle shows the points taken as a red
circle with a blue line representing the best fit circle through those points. You
can adjust the scale of the pictorial representation by holding the left mouse
button down while, sliding the pointer either to the left or right to increase or
decrease the scale respectively.
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Fig. 11.1-6 A circle with the error scale maximised
Fig. 11.1-7 A circle with the error scale minimised
If you have accidentally probed on the wrong place on the work piece, or are
stored points. See 16.0 ERASING DATA POINT.
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11.1.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates
By default the centre co-ordinates of the circles are displayed as X and Y

values (carthesian co-ordinates). In order to display them in polar co-ordinate
form, simply click on the ‘P’ button, situated below the ‘Point Fit’ box.
Fig. 11.1-8 A circle shown in polar co-ordinates
Now instead of displaying X,Y and Z values for the centre of the circle, the
screen will now display R, A, and B values. This is now in polar co-ordinate
form, with the R representing the distance from the X,Y origin, A being the
angle in the XY plane, and B being the angle of elevation from the XY plane.
Note: – that for these values to have any real meaning, a correct
X,Y origin must have previously been set.
11.1.2 Off-line Programming.
Instead of directly measuring a circle using the probe it is possible to enter the
co-ordinates for the centre of the circle and let the software calculate the
measurement points to be taken around the circle. In this situation note that
the points around the circle will be equally spaced, even if there are other
features or obstacles in the way:
For instance we want to produce an off-line program for a circle at the centre
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of the top face of a 40mm cube. Assume that the hole diameter in the centre
of the top face is 25mm and that the top, front, left hand corner of the cube
has been set as a reference, ie. is at X=0, Y=0, Z=0.
Click on the Circle Measure button, from the main screen to bring up the
Circle Measure window. Now instead of taking points with the probe we are
going to type in the template details directly:
‘Template from Details Given’

button
This button generates a circle
from the information in the
circle template window
Fig. 11.1.2-1 ‘Template from Details button’

A circle is defined by entering the X, Y, Z position of the centre of the circle
and its diameter. In this case the centre of the circle is at X=20, Y=20, Z=0
and the diameter is 25.
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Where it says ‘CAL’ in the Plane No. box, it means that the software will
automatically calculate the most appropriate plane for the circle.
Note also that although the circle is at Z=0 we have entered a penetration of
2mm, which means that the points will be taken with the centre of the ruby
stylus at 2mm below the surface or Z=-2. This value defaults to the radius of
the stylus being used.
The pre-travel and the over-travel will be set at their default values, but can be
plunge vector (direction from which the probe will plunge prior to approaching
the circle) if required. The default number of points on the circle has been set
to 4.
Note that the ‘Bore’ or ‘Boss’ buttons will denote whether the circle is internal
or external. In this case we want to measure a hole so the default ‘Bore’ is
correct.
Now click on the ‘Template from Details Given’ button. The probe moves grid
will now be automatically filled in, and the 4 points will be positioned equally
spaced around the circle defined:
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Fig. 11.1.2-2 ‘Circle Template from Details button’
Note that the Plane No. has now been filled in as 2. This means thats the
plane the software thought was most appropriate for the circle was feature no.
2. You could change the plane no. to a more appropriate feature, if desired,
and then you would have to recalculate the template by clicking on the
‘Template from Details Given’ button again.
You can now click on OK. The circle will appear as a grey template in the
main screen.
If you call up any dimensions relative to this circle they will be shown in
brackets, as at the moment the circle is just a program template, ie. It has not
yet been measured.
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Fig.11.1.2-3
When the program has been run and the circle is measured then the
dimensions will no longer be bracketed.
If you click on the ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ button the measurement
points will be displayed as dots:
‘Display Probe
Contact
Click on the line Points’ Button
between the
approach & final
position to move
measured point
Fig. 11.1.2-4
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If any of the points on the circle were in an inappropriate position (for instance
they coincided with a slot or other feature) there are 2 courses of action
available:
1. Move the point to a more suitable position

With the ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ button pressed so that the
measurement points are visible, simply click on the measurement line that
connects the approach point to the final point and drag it to a convenient
position on the circumference of the circle. When you release the mouse
button the point will snap to the closest position on the circle from where
you release it. See 38.0 Displaying probe contact points
2. Erase the point

In this case recall the Circle Measure window and from the probe moves
grid delete the 2 lines that go to make up the point. For instance if you
wish to erase point number 3, click on the box that says ‘Approach 3’, then
right click and select ‘Delete Cells’. Repeat the process for the move called
‘Final 3’.
11.1. 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button
Template from Measured

Data’ button- If you click
this button it will re-
calculate the template using
the original measured
points
Fig 11.13-1 ‘Template from Measured Data’ button
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Note when you click on the ‘Template from Measured Data’ button the probe
moves grid is re-calculated using the points taken. These points are shown in
the top left hand corner of the window.
11.1.4 When to OK a Circle, and when to reference.
Having measured a circle you can click on the ‘OK’ button to close the window
or click on the the ‘Set Ref ‘ button to make the circle a reference feature.
Setting a circle as a reference will set it’s centre co-ordinates to (0,0).
If you select ‘OK’ the centre co-ordinates of the circle will be relative to any
reference point.
Note – Only one circle can ever be set as a reference at any point in time. If a
second circle (or other point) is set as a reference, this will override the initial
reference point, and the centre co-ordinates of the second circle or point will
be set to 0,0.
When you click on the ‘OK’ button, the measurement window will close, and
the program will return to the main screen. If any, or all of the graphics
screens are blank, it is probably because they are outside the range currently
shown on the screen. In this instance you will need to zoom to the appropriate
position.
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11.1.5 Measuring a circle in a user defined plane
If the software should have trouble in defining which plane a circle is in, or if it
is in a plane which cannot be defined by the orthogonal axes of the
component, then it is still possible to measure the circle by the user defining
the correct plane. Having clicked on the Circle Measure button to bring up the
Circle Measure window, click on the ‘Plane’ button. This will bring up a
window as follows:
Fig. 11.1.4-1 The Circle Measure widow showing the Plane Select feature
If you are simply defining the correct orthogonal plane, just click on the
appropriate XY,XZ or YZ button, and then continue with the circle
measurement. If the required plane is not one of the orthogonal planes, you
can still measure the circle, as long as the relevant plane has previously been
measured. Now click on the ‘User’ button, and the following prompt will
appear:
Fig. 11.1.4-1 The prompt telling you to select a previously measured plane
Now simply click on ‘OK’ and then click on the previously measured plane
before continuing with the circle measurement in the usual way.
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11.2 Constructing Circles
11.2.1 Constructing a Pitch Circle Diameter
Background
Pitch circle diameters can be inspected in a very similar way to measuring a
circle directly. The only difference is that instead of fitting a circle through
measurement points taken with the probe, you construct a circle through
previously measured circles or points. The plane of measurement will be
taken as that of the first point selected.
Method
To construct a pitch circle diameter, click on the Circle Measure button, from
the main screen. This will bring up the Circle Measure window. Now click on
the ‘Construct’ box. The Circle measure window will now shrink to a small box
at the bottom of the screen.
Fig. 11.2-1 The Main Screen showing a shrunken Circle Measure window
Now simply select the features that you wish to use to construct the circle by
clicking on them. After you have selected the first feature a prompt will appear
to confirm what is happening:
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Fig. 11.2-2 The Prompt asking if you want to construct a PCD
Select the PCD option then click on Yes, and then continue to click on the
remaining features that make up the PCD. When you have selected all the
desired features bring the Circle measure window back by clicking on the right
hand end of the shrunken box. A graphical representation of the circle will
appear with values for the fit and roundness given if more than 3 points were
selected.
Fig. 11.2-3 A graphical representation of the constructed PCD
You close the window by click on ‘OK’ button, as for any measured circle. The
screen will then return to the Main Screen, and the circle will form a part of the
graphical representation, as would any measured circle.
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11.2.2 Constructing a Circle at the Intersection of Two Features
Background
In addition to constructing pitch circle diameters, circles can also be
constructed at the intersection of two 3-dimensional features, such as a plane
and a perpendicular cylinder. In fact circles may be constructed when any of
the following features overlap:
Plane/Cylinder (if perpendicular)

Plane/Cone (if perpendicular)
Plane/Sphere
Cylinder/Sphere (if on common axis)
Cone/Sphere (if on common axis)
Sphere/Sphere (if on common axis)
Cone/Cylinder (if on common axis)
Cone/Cone (if on common axis)
Method
To construct a circle at the intersection of two features, click on the Circle
Measure button, from the main screen. This will bring up the Circle Measure
window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Circle measure window will
now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen. Now simply select the
features that you wish to use to construct the circle by clicking on them. After
you have selected the first feature one of two prompts will appear, to confirm
what is happening, for instance:
Fig. 11.2-4 Prompt for constructing a circle at an intersection
Click on OK, and then click on the other feature that creates the desired circle.
If you are creating the intersection of a cylinder or cone with a plane, a
different prompt will appear, telling you the angle between the cylinder or cone
and the plane
Fig. 11.2-5 Prompt stating angle between features
This is because if the features are not truly perpendicular, their intersection
will not be a perfect circle, and this information allows the user to make a
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judgement of the validity of the circle that they are constructing. Now click
‘OK’.
The Circle Measure window will reappear. The number of points taken will be
0, and the graphics part of the window will be blank:
Fig. 11.2-6 No representation is given when constructing a circle at an intersection
You may now click on ‘OK’ or ‘Set Ref’ as appropriate, as for any measured
circle. The screen will then return to the Main Screen, and the circle will form
a part of the graphical representation.
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11.2.3 Constructing of gauge circle of a fixed diameter between two

points or lines
25mm Fixed
diameter
circle
25mm
Fixed
diameter
circle
Constructing a fixed diameter circle Constructing a fixed diameter circle

(25mm dia) tan gentle to two other (25mm dia) between two angled lines
Background
It is now possible to construct a fixed diameter circle tan gentle to two

measured circles or between two angled lines.
Method
To construct a fixed diameter circle between two other features, click on the
Circle Measure button, from the main screen. This will bring up the Circle
Measure window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. The Circle measure
window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen.
Now simply select the first feature that you wish to use to construct the gauge
circle through by clicking on it. After you have selected the first feature a
prompt will appear, to confirm what is happening.
Fig. 11.2-7 The Prompt asking if you want to construct a Gauge circle
Select the ‘Gauge circle, of fixed diameter’ option then click on Yes a second
prompt window will appear asking for the diameter of the gauge circle
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Fig. 11.2-8 The Prompt asking for the diameter of the Gauge circle
Enter the diameter of the gauge circle to be fitted between the two features,
Click on ‘yes’
Finally click on the second feature bring the Circle measure window back by
clicking on the right hand end of the shrunken box. Then click ‘OK’ The screen
will then return to the Main Screen, and the circle will form a part of the
graphical representation.
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12.0 THE POINT UNIT
Points are an infinitesimally small position in space, which will have an X,Y
and Z co-ordinate, and can be measured directly using the probe.
Points can also be constructed at the intersections of various features, or at

the mid-point of a line.
Points may also be constructed at co-ordinates that can be entered via the
keyboard.
12.1 Measuring Points Directly
Background
Measuring a point directly will give a single point co-ordinate on the surface of
the component. As long as the direction of the measurement point has been
defined using the direction button, the software will apply the stylus radius
offset, by looking at the direction of motion of the probe when the
measurement point is taken.
As the probe can strike the component only in one direction, only one of the
X,Y,Z co-ordinates will have any real meaning. This should be noted when
bringing up dimensions to a measured point.
Setting a measured point as a reference can define the position of a plane

along the relevant axis of the point, ie. It will define 1 degree of freedom for
the component, see chapter 5 – Aligning the Axes of a Component.
Method
To measure a point, click on the Point Measure button, from the main screen:
Fig. 12.1-1 The Point Measure button
This will bring up the Point Measure window:
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Fig. 12.1-2 The Point Measure button
Click on the ‘Direction ‘button and the following prompt will appear:
Fig. 12.1-3 The select direction prompt
You now need to pick one of four options depending on the direction you are
measuring in:
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1. If you are moving the probe along the Z axis to measure a point you
need to select the ‘XY’ option
2. If you are moving the probe along the X axis to measure a point you
need to select the ‘YZ’ option
3. If you are moving the probe along the axis to measure a point you
need to select the ‘XZ’ option
Probing a point along

the Z axis you need to
select the ‘XY’ option in
the direction prompt
window
Probing a point along

the X axis you need to
Z select the ‘YZ’ option in
the direction prompt
Y window
Probing a point along the Y

X axis you need to select the
‘XZ’ option in the direction
prompt window
Fig. 12.1-4 Diagram showing you how to select a direction when measuring a point
Now take a measurement point on the component at the position that you
wish to measure.
4. If you are measuring a point on a surface which is offset to the

machine co-ordinate system you need to select the ‘user’ option from
the direction window. When you click on the ‘user’ button, the
following prompt will appear:
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Fig. 12.1-5 The prompt telling you to select a previously measured feature
Now simply click on ‘OK’ and then L/H click on a previously measured feature
before continuing with the point measurement in the usual way.
After the correct direction for the point has been defined the software looks at
the route that the probe was moving along when it took the point and then it
applies the correct stylus radius offset to that point.
This means that the measured point will actually lie on the surface of the part
being measured and not at the centre of the stylus ball. If you have been
successful the X,Y and Z co-ordinates will appear in red.
Fig. 12.1-5 Showing a point in a plane that has been defined
As a point measurement is a single point, the smiley face warnings are

irrelevant and the Point Fit box and graphics part of the window will always
remain blank.
If you have accidentally probed on the wrong place on the workpiece, or are
unhappy with the point, simply take the point again. As the point
measurement function is only ever a single point, this will override the initial
point taken.
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12.1.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates
By default the centre co-ordinates of points are displayed as X,Y and Z values
(carthesian co-ordinates). In order to display them in polar co-ordinate form,
simply click on the ‘P’ button, situated below the ‘Point Fit’ box.
Fig. 12.1-6 Showing a point displayed in polar co-ordinates
Now instead of displaying X,Y and Z values for the point, the screen will now
display R, A and B values. This is now in polar co-ordinate form, with the R
representing the distance from the X,Y origin, A being the angle in XY, and B
being the elevation angle from the XY plane.
Note – that for these values to have any real meaning, a correct X,Y origin
must have previously been set.
12.1.2 Off Line Programming
Instead of directly measuring a point using the probe it is possible to enter the
co-ordinates for the point in order to create a measurement program for it.
For instance if we want to measure the Z height on a component at the

position X=5, Y=5 we can produce an off-line program for the point as follows:
Click on the Point Measure button, from the main screen to bring up the Point
Measure window. Now instead of taking the point with the probe we are going
to type in the template details directly:
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Fig.12-7
A point is defined by entering the X, Y, Z position of the point and the direction
of approach for the point. In this instance if we assume that we are measuring
a point on the reference plane then the position of the point will be X=5, Y=5,
Z=0. The approach for the point wants to be in a straight down direction so the
Approach vector should be 0,0,1 (plunge vector will be 0,0,-1). Click on the
‘Template from details given’ button and the probe moves will be calculated:
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Fig.12-8
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12.1.3 Measuring with Compensated Approach
The I,j,k values shown in the Point Template window gives the direction the
probe moves along when measuring a Point.
The I,j,k values (vectors) are displayed as tangents of an angle, so it is

possible to work out the angle of the probe path the probe moves along by
converting the tangents back in to angles, (0.707 = 45°) or if you wish the
probe to move along known angle when measuring you need to convert the
angle back into a tangent and then re-enter that value into the correct I,j,k
box.
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The Compensated Approach tick box

Normally then you measure a point the software compensate for the probes
radius in the direction of the reference plane (X,Y) you selected using the
‘direction button’ but if you tick the compensated approach box (C.O.A) the
software will compensate for the probes diameter along the approach (I,j,k)
angle.
This is used on curved surfaces were you want a true surface point.
Probe
radius
added in Z
45°
When you measure a point the software When you measure a point with the
only knows were the centre of the probe compensated approach box ticked the
is to get a true surface point the software adds the radius of the probe in
software must add the radius of the the direction set out in the I,j,k boxes in
probe in the direction you picked with the Point measure window.
the ‘Defines Plane’ in the Point measure Example If you measured a point on a 45°°
window. angle the software will add the radius in
Example If you measured a point in the direction of the I,j,k values
X-Y plane the software will add the 0.00,0.707,0.707 or 45°°
radius in Z (I,j,k value =0,0,-1)
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12.1.4 When to OK a Point, and when to reference it.
Having measured a point you can either click on the ‘OK’ button or the ‘Set
Ref ‘ button and then the ‘OK’ button.
If you select ‘OK’, the co-ordinates of the point will be relative to any
reference point.
Setting a point as a reference will perform different functions depending on

whether the point is constructed or measured. If a point has been constructed,
then setting it as a reference will set it’s co-ordinates to (0,0,0).
If however, it has been measured, then it can only be projected into one
defined plane, and therefore only one of its X,Y,Z co-ordinates will have any
real meaning. In this case setting the point as a reference will set only the
meaningful co-ordinate to zero. In this way a point can be used to define the
position of the plane in which the point was taken, as long as it has not
previously been defined, ie. It can define 1 degree of freedom for the
component, see chapter 5 – Aligning the Axes of a Component.
Note – Only one point can ever be set as a reference at any time. If a second
point is set as a reference, this will override the initial reference point.
When you click on either ‘OK’ , the measurement window will close, and the
program will return to the main screen. If any, or all of the graphics screens
are blank, it is probably because they are outside the range currently shown
on the screen. In this instance you will need to zoom to the appropriate
position. See chapter 14 - Manipulating the Graphics.
12.2 Constructing Points
As well as measuring points directly, they can also be constructed either by

typing the point co-ordinates via the keyboard, or alternatively by constructing
it at the intersection of features which have previously been measured, or
constructed themselves.
Points can be constructed at the intersection of many features, such as

between 2 lines, lines and circles, or at the intersection of lines (including
cylinders and cones) with planes, etc. Some of these features will produce a
single intersection point, such as 2 lines, and some will have 2 or more
intersection points, such as an overlapping line and circle.
One other use for points is that they can be constructed at the mid-point or
end points of a line.
12.2.1 Entering the Co-ordinates for the Point
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Method
To construct a point by entering the co-ordinates for the point via the
keyboard, click on the Point Measure button, from the main screen. This will
bring up the Point Measure window. Now click on the ‘Construct’ box. A
prompt will now appear on the screen asking if you would like to enter the co-
ordinates of the point.
Fig.12.2-1 The prompt asking if you wish to enter the co-ordinates for the point
If you click on yes, another window will appear, allowing you to enter the X,Y
and Z (carthesian) co-ordinates or the R, A and B (Polar) values of the point
with the ‘R ‘representing the distance from the X,Y origin, ‘A’ being the angle
in XY, and ‘B’ being the elevation angle from the XY plane via the keyboard.
Fig. 12.2-2 The widow allowing you to enter the co-ordinates for the point
You have the choice of linking the constructed point to the reference system
or to the component.
• If you link the point to the component and then rotate or translate that
component the point will rotate and move with that component.
• If you link the point to original reference system it will say fixed to that
original reference system even if you rotate or translate the component
in the software.
Having entered your desired co-ordinates click ’OK’ and the Point Measure
window will automatically reappear. The graphics part of the window and the
Points Fit box will of course be blank, but the X,Y and Z co-ordinates that you
entered will be displayed in red.
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Fig 12.2-3 The Point Measure window displaying the co-ordinates of the point entered
You may now click on ‘OK’

The screen will now return to the Main Screen, and the point will form a part of
the graphical representation.
12.2.2 Constructing points between features with a single intersection
Points of intersection can be constructed not only at the intersection of

features which touch, but can also be used to produce the closest point to
both features, when they do not touch.
To construct such a point, click on the Point Measure button, from the main
screen. This will bring up the Point Measure window. Now click on the
‘Construct’ box. The Point Measure window will now shrink to a small box at
the bottom of the screen.
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Fig. 12.2-4 The Main Screen showing a shrunken Point Measure window
Now simply select one the features, whose intersections create the desired
point you want, by clicking on it.
After you have click on the second feature the Point Measure window will
automatically reappear. The graphics part of the window and the Points Fit
box will of course be blank, but the X,Y and Z co-ordinates of the constructed
point will be displayed in red.
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Fig. 12.2-6 The Point Measure window for a point constructed at an intersection
You may now click on ‘OK’ or ‘Set Ref’ plus ‘OK’ as appropriate, as for any
point. The screen will now return to the Main Screen, and the point will form a
part of the graphical representation.
Fig. 12.2-7 The Main Screen showing a point constructed at the intersection of 2 lines
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12.2.3 Constructing Points between features when there is more than

one intersection
There are a few situations where the intersection of features can construct
more than one point, such as two overlapping circles have 2 points of
intersection. In this instance the intersection point closest to the cursor when
the last feature is selected will be constructed.
Note – Using the feature select function will allow you to always select a
position close to the required intersection
For example when constructing an intersection point between two overlapping

circles, if you select the second circle as shown, then the following
intersection point will be created.
If you select the last circle

by click here the point will
be at the top intersection
of the circles
Fig. 12.2-8 Showing a constructed intersection point between 2 circles
Now to select the other intersection point simply repeat the exercise, but this
time select the second circle at the position shown below:
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If you select the

last circle by click
here the point will
be at the bottom
Fig. 12.2-9 Showing both constructed intersection points between 2 circles
12.2.4 Constructing Points between two cylinders

A special case is the intersection of two cylinders. In this instance there are 5
possible intersection points, namely the intersection of the two centre lines,
and then 2 intersections for each centre line with the edges of the other
cylinder.
Now when you are constructing these intersections they will appear in the
following manner
The first constructed point will be the intersection of the 2 centre lines (or
closest point if they do not exactly meet), irrespective of the order in which the
cylinders were selected.
Fig. 12.2-8 Cylinder point construction ’Centre line options’ window
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After you have clicked on the 2nd cylinder the above options window will
appear giving you two options select the first option ‘Centre Line Intersection’
This constructions a point were the centre line of the two cylinders meet.
CYLINDER
CYLINDER
Fig. 12.2-10 Showing the centre line intersection point between 2 cylinders
Having constructed this first point, the order of selecting the cylinders for the
remaining intersection points now has some relevance. The second
intersection point will be positioned at the point where the second cylinder
selected (cylinder B) intersects the wall of the first cylinder (cylinder A).
After you have clicked on the second cylinder the options window will re
appear this time take the 2nd option ‘Mouse Click Selection’ to construct a
point where the second cylinder selected (cylinder B) intersects the left hand
wall of the first cylinder (cylinder A) where you click on the 2nd cylinder will
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determine if the point intersects the left hand wall or the right hand wall of the
first cylinder.
So if we click on the left hand side of cylinder B you will get a point on the left
hand side.
Note – Using the feature select function will allow you to always select a
position close to the required intersection
CYLINDER A CYLINDER B
Click on left hand side of

the cylinder B will give you
a point were the centre line
of cylinder B intersects the
left hand side of Cylinder A
Fig. 12.2-11 Showing the second intersection point between 2 cylinders
If you now repeat this construction, selecting the cylinders in the same order
but clicking on the right hand side of cylinder B , a second intersection point
will be created where the centre line of the cylinder B intersects the right hand
side of the cylinder A.
Now if you construct an intersection point, by selecting the cylinders in the

reverse order The points you created will be where the centre line of cylinder
A intersects with inner or outer walls of cylinder B.
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To do this construction select cylinder B before A, this will construct fifth

intersection point where the centre line of cylinder A intersect the wall of
cylinder B
Click on left hand side of

the cylinder A will give
you a point were the
centre line of cylinder A
intersects the left hand
side of Cylinder B
Fig. 12.2-13 Showing the fourth intersection point between 2 cylinders
As before after you have clicked on the second cylinder the options window
will re appear this time take the 2nd option ‘Mouse Click Selection’ to construct
a point where the second cylinder selected (cylinder A) intersects the wall of
the first cylinder (cylinder B) where you click on the 2nd cylinder will determine
if the point intersects the left wall or the right wall of the first cylinder
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Click on right hand side of the

cylinder A will give you a
point were the centre line of
cylinder A intersects the
right hand side of Cylinder B
Fig. 12.2-14 Showing the fifth intersection point between 2 cylinders
12.2.5 Constructing a Point at the Mid-Point or the end of a Line
One further useful technique allows the construction of a point at the mid-point
or the end of a line.
To construct such a point, click on the Point Measure button, from the main
screen. This will bring up the Point Measure window. Now click on the
‘Construct’ box. A prompt will appear on the screen asking if you would like to
enter the co-ordinates of the point. Click on ‘No’, and the Point Measure
window will now shrink to a small box at the bottom of the screen.
Now simply select the line twice. After you have selected it for the first time, a
prompt will appear, to confirm what is happening:
Fig. 11.2-15 The Constructing a point prompt
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Click OK, and then click on the line a second time near it’s centre. Now the
Point Measure window will automatically reappear. The graphics part of the
window and the Points Fit box will of course be blank, but the X,Y and Z co-
ordinates of the constructed point will be displayed in red.
You may now click on ‘OK’ . The screen will now return to the Main Screen,
and a point will have been constructed at the mid-point of the line.
To get a mid point

select the line twice
nd
the 2 click must be
near the centre of the
Fig. 12.2-16 A line with a point constructed at its mid-point
Now if you repeat the process for a third

nd
time, but this time, the 2 click must near
the other end of line this will constructed
a point at this end of the line making
three points
Fig. 12.2-17 The line with a point now constructed at one end
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Now repeat exactly the same process but this time, the 2nd click must be near
one end of the line this will constructed a point at one end.
To get a point at one end

of the line select the line
twice the 2nd click must be
near one end of the line
\Fig. 9.2-18 The line with a point now constructed at the other end
Now if you repeat the process for a third time, but this time, the 2nd click must
be near the end other end, this will constructed a point at the other end
making three points.
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13.0 THE CYLINDER UNIT
The cylinder unit can be used to measure cylindrical shapes (holes or shafts
etc.) by taking 5 or more measurement points on their surface.
Background
The software will construct the ‘best fit’ cylinder through the measurement
points taken. In order to determine whether it is an internal cylinder (hole) or
external cylinder (shaft etc.), and apply the correct stylus radius offset, the
software will look at the direction of motion of the probe when taking the
measurement points.
The accuracy to which the software will calculate the best fit cylinder, and the
maximum number of iterations that it will perform to achieve the best fit, can
be set in the software set up – see chapter 26 – Software set up
As a cylinder is a 3 dimensional feature, no reference planes will need to be

defined.
Method
To measure a cylinder, click on the Cylinder Measure button, from the main
screen:
Fig. 13.0-1 The Cylinder Measure button
This will bring up the Cylinder Measure window:
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Fig. 13.0-2 The Cylinder Measure window
Now take measurement points on the cylinder that you wish to measure. After
5 points a pictorial representation of the cylinder will appear in the graphics
The I,J and K values displayed represent direction vector for the cylinder, and
the D value represents its diameter.
Fig. 13.0-3 A representation of a cylinder will appear after 5 points
The software requires a minimum of five points in order to calculate a cylinder,

therefore the first 5 points will always produce single bleeps and the yellow
face will remain smiling. Also the ‘Points Fit’ box next to the yellow face will
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remain blank and the cylindricity value for the cylinder, shown under the
graphical representation, will show zero.
It is therefore good practise to take at least one more point. On the sixth point
sigma) on its calculated ‘best fit’ cylinder and a value for it’s cylindricity. Also
there is now some meaning to the ‘bad point’ sound and face warnings. If the
last point taken doesn’t fit the cylinder very well, then the face will start to
frown. If it doesn’t fit at all well, then the face will become sad, and the
computer will make the ‘bad point’ sound. The threshold values for the smile
and frown warnings can be user specified, see chapter 23 – Software set up.
In general the more points taken on a cylinder, the more information can be
taken should cover as much of the surface of the cylinder as possible.
The graphical representation of the cylinder shows the points taken as a red
circle with two blue circles joined by grey lines representing the best fit
cylinder through those points. You can adjust the scale of the pictorial
representation by holding the left mouse button down while, sliding the pointer
either to the left or right to increase or decrease the scale respectively.
Fig. 13.0-4 A cylinder with the error scale maximised
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Fig. 13.0-5 A cylinder with the error scale minimised
13.1.2 Off-Line Programming
Instead of directly measuring a cylinder using the probe it is possible to enter

the co-ordinates for the cylinder and let the software calculate the
measurement points to be taken uniformly around the cylinder.
In this situation note that the points calculated will always be evenly
distributed around the cylinder, even if there are other features or obstacles in
the way:
To create an off-line program for a cylinder click on the Cylinder Measure

button, from the main screen to bring up the Cylinder Measure window. Now
instead of taking points with the probe we are going to type in the template
details directly:
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A cylinder is defined by entering the X,Y,Z co-ordinates of both ends of its

centre line and its diameter. Assume we have a flat bottomed hole that we
wish to measure as a cylinder at X=25, Y=50, Z=0 and its diameter is 12mm.
The depth of the hole is 6mm and we want to use a 2mm stylus. Enter the co-
ordinates for the cylinder into the Cylinder Template section of the window, as
follows:
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Make the top end of the cylinder at Z=-0.5 so that all points are taken with the
centre of the stylus 0.5mm below the surface (you may need to increase this
value if the hole has a larger chamfer, for instance). Make the bottom of the
cylinder at Z=-4.5 . This allows 1mm for the stylus radius plus 0.5mm
clearance at the bottom of the hole. Enter the diameter at 12.
plunge vector (direction from which the probe will approach the cylinder) if
required. Note that the default vector is defined by the orientation of the probe
at the time of programming. The default number of points on the cylinder has
been set to 6 – lets leave it at 6 for the moment.
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will now be automatically filled in, and the 6 points will be positioned around
the cylinder defined:

button
This button generates a
cylinder from the information
in the circle template window
You can now click on OK (or Set Ref and OK) as desired. The cylinder will
appear as a grey template in the main screen.
Say that we now changed our mind and decided that measurement of the
cylinder was far more critical than at first thought, and we now wanted to take
10 points. Recall the Cylinder Measurement window (by right clicking on the
representation of the cylinder) and change the number of points to 10. Now
click on the ‘Template from Details Given’ button again and the probe moves
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grid will be re-calculated now with 10 points in it. Click on OK to return to the
main screen.
If you click on the ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ button the measurement
points will be displayed as dots:
‘Display Probe
Contact
Click on the line Points’ Button
between the
approach & final
position to move
measured point
Fig. 8.1.2-4
If any of the points on the cylinder were in an inappropriate position (for
instance they coincided with a slot or other feature) there are 2 courses of
action available:
3. Move the point to a more suitable position

With the ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ button pressed so that the
measurement points are visible, simply click on the measurement line that
connects the approach point to the final point and drag it to a convenient
position on the circumference of the cylinder. When you release the mouse
button the point will snap to the closest position on the cylinder from where
you release it. See Chapter 40 – The ‘Display Probe Contact Points’ function
4. Erase the point

In this case recall the Circle Measure window and from the probe moves grid
delete the 2 lines that go to make up the point. For instance if you wish to
erase point number 3, click on the box that says ‘Approach 3’, then right click
and select ‘Delete Cells’. Repeat the process for the move called ‘Final 3’.
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13.1 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button

this button it re-calculate
the template using the
original measured points

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13.1.4 When to OK a Cylinder, and when to reference it.
Having measured a cylinder, you can either click on the ‘OK’ button or the ‘Set
Ref ‘ button to reference the cylinder.
If you OK the cylinder, the measurement window will close, and the program
will return to the main screen.
need to zoom to the appropriate position. See chapter 14 - Manipulating the
Graphics.
The graphical representation of the cylinder should be shown as two solid

blue lines representing the ends of the cylinder, with grey lines joining them.
This should be visible in all of the 3 views
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Fig. 13.1-1 The Main Screen showing a cylinder that has been OK’d
The angle at which the cylinder is shown will be relative to any previous
references that have been set, or relative to the machine axes if no references
have been set.
You can set the cylinder as a reference by clicking on ‘Set Ref’ button.
If a plane has previously been measured and set as a reference, the cylinder
will be used to define 2 further degrees of freedom (see chapter 6 – Aligning
the Axes of a Component), and will define one of the orthogonal planes to the
reference plane.
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Fig. 13.1-2 A referenced cylinder with a reference plane
If however, no reference plane has previously been set, the cylinder will be
aligned to one of the axes, thus defining 4 degrees of freedom.
Fig. 13.1-3 A referenced cylinder with no reference plane
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If a second cylinder is then set as a reference, this cylinder will supersede the
first as the primary reference, but the original cylinder will still be used to
define any degrees of freedom that are not defined by the second cylinder.
Fig. 13.1-4 Two cylinders that have been referenced
In this case the second, longer cylinder is now aligned with the Y axis, and the
original cylinder is now orientated to define the XY plane.
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14.0 THE CONE UNIT
The cone unit can be used to measure conical features such as countersinks
and circular chamfers. The method required to measure a cone, and the
number of measurement points needed, depends upon whether the user is
able to define the axis for the cone before taking the measurement points.
Background
The software will construct the ‘best fit’ cone through the measurement points
taken.
If the user is not able to define the axis of the cone before starting the
measurement, then the measurement points must be taken in a specific order.
A first set of measurement points must be taken near one end of the cone,
followed by a second set at the opposite end of the cone. The number of
measurement points in a set can be defined by the user, (the default number
is defined in the software set up – see chapter 23 – Software set up), but must
be a minimum of 3.
If the user is able to define the axis of the cone, then the measurement points
may be taken in any order, and a minimum of 6 points is required.
In order to determine whether it is an internal or external cone, and apply the

correct stylus radius offset, the software will look at the direction of motion of
the probe when taking the measurement points.
14.1 Measuring cones without defining their axis
Method
Click on the Cone Measure button, from the main screen:
Fig 14.1-1 The Cone Measure button
This will bring up the Cone Measure window:
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Fig 14.1-1 The Cone Measure button
Note that instead of having one large figure on the screen displaying points
taken, there are now two figures on the screen, one under the heading ‘Points
at First End’ and one under the heading ‘Points at Second End’. These
numbers can be adjusted using the slider bar in each box, and the default
number can be set in the software set up – see chapter 23 - Software set up.
The split box denotes that it is important to take some measurement points
(minimum 3) near one end of the cone, and some points (again minimum 3) at
the other end. It is important to try to keep the depth of these sets of
measurement points consistent, and also to try to spread the two different
sets of points as far apart as possible.
Each time you take a measurement point at the first depth in the cone, the
number under ‘Points at First End’ will reduce by 1, until it is zero. You must
then start to take points at the other depth on the cone. Now for each point
taken the number under ‘Points at Second End’ will reduce by 1.
When you have reduced both numbers to zero, and providing that the
software can calculate a cone to the required accuracy, then the window will
revert to the usual single figure of ‘Points Taken’ and a pictorial representation
of the cone will appear on the graphics part of the window.
The X,Y and Z values displayed represent the co-ordinate for the apex of the
cone, and the A value represents its included angle.
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Fig. 14.1-3 The cone will appear once both sets of points have been taken
You may now continue to take extra measurement points at any depth on the
cone. After each point the software will update the graphical representation
and calculate fresh values for the fit of the points on the calculated ‘best fit’
cone, and for the profile of the cone. Also there is now some meaning to the
double bleep and face warnings, and if any of the points that have been taken
were ‘bad’ points this will now be highlighted.
In general the more points taken on a cone, the more information can be
gleaned, and a minimum of 6 points is required. Similarly the points taken
should cover as much of the surface of the cone as possible.
The graphical representation of the cone shows the points taken as a red
circle with a blue circle and a point joined by grey lines representing the best
fit cone through those points. You can adjust the scale of the pictorial
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Fig. 14.1-4 A cone with the error scale maximised
Fig. 14.1-5 A cone with the error scale minimised
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14.2 Measuring cones having defined their axis
Method
Click on the Cone Measure button, from the main screen. This will bring up
the Cone Measure window. Now click on the ‘Axis’ button, and the following
window will appear:
Fig. 14.2-2 The prompt when defining a User Defined plane
You can now define the direction of the axis of the cone, Click the ‘OK’ button
in the above prompt window.
And then click on a previously measured feature to define the axis of the
cone.
The measurement window will revert to the usual Zero figure for ‘Points
Taken’, and you can now proceed to take measurement points on the cone in
any order.
Fig. 14.2-3 The Cone Measure window having defined the axis of the cone
After 6 points, providing that the software can calculate a cone to the required
accuracy, a pictorial representation of the cone will appear in the graphics part
of the window, which will be updated every point thereafter. The number of
points taken will be shown as the large character in the ‘Points Taken’ box.
The X,Y and Z values displayed represent the co-ordinate for the apex of the
cone, and the A value represents its included angle.
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You may now continue to take extra measurement points at any depth on the
cone. After each point the software will update the graphical representation
and calculate fresh values for the fit of the points on the calculated ‘best fit’
cone, and for the profile of the cone. Also there is now some meaning to the
double bleep and face warnings, and if any of the points that have been taken
were ‘bad’ points this will now be highlighted.
In general the more points taken on a cone, the more information can be
gleaned, and a minimum of 6 points is required. Similarly the points taken
should cover as much of the surface of the cone as possible.
The graphical representation of the cone shows the points taken as a red
circle with a blue circle and a point joined by grey lines representing the best
fit cone through those points. You can adjust the scale of the pictorial
14.3 Off Line Programming
Instead of directly measuring a cone using the probe it is possible to enter the
co-ordinates for the cone and let the software calculate the measurement
points to be taken uniformly around it.
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In this situation note that the points calculated will always be evenly
distributed around the cone, even if there are other features or obstacles in
the way:
To create an off-line program for a cone click on the Cone Measure button,
from the main screen to bring up the Cone Measure window. Now instead of
taking points with the probe we are going to type in the template details
directly:
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A cone is defined by entering the X,Y,Z co-ordinates of both ends of its centre
line and its diameter at each end. Assume we have a 90 degree countersunk
hole that we wish to measure as a cone at X=25, Y=50 in the Z reference
plane (Z=0). The diameter of the cone at the top face is 10mm and we wish to
use a 2mm stylus. Enter the co-ordinates for the cone into the Cone Template
section of the window, as follows:

button
This button generates a circle
from the information in the
circle template window
Make the top end of the cone at Z=-0.5 so that all points are taken with the
centre of the stylus 0.5mm below the surface (you may need to increase this
value if the hole has a larger chamfer, for instance). Make the bottom of the
cone at Z=-3.5 as this is about as far as we can go down with a 2mm stylus.
The diameter at the top end of the cone (0.5mm below the surface) is 9mm.
Also the diameter at the bottom end of the defined cone (3.5mm below the
surface) will be 3mm.
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plunge vector (direction from which the probe will approach the cone) if
required. Note that the default vector is defined by the orientation of the probe
at the time of programming. The default number of points on the cone has
been set to 8.
Note that if we enter the diameter of the cone at both ends then the include
angle will be calculated automatically. Alternatively you can enter the diameter
of the cone at end 1 and the include angle and the software will automatically
calculate the diameter at end 2.
will now be automatically filled in, and the 8 points will be positioned at the
around of the cone defined:
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You can now click on OK (or Set Ref and OK) as desired. The Cone will
appear as a grey template in the main screen.
14.4 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button

this button it re-calculate
the template using the
original measured points
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14.5 When to OK a Cone, and when to reference it.

Having measured a cone, you can either click on the ‘OK’ button or the ‘Set
Ref ‘ button.
If you OK the cone, the measurement window will close, and the program will
need to zoom to the appropriate position. See chapter 14 - Manipulating the
Graphics.
The graphical representation of the cone should be shown as a solid blue

circle representing the large end of the cone, with grey lines showing the
shape and depth of the cone. This should be visible in all of the 3 views.
Fig. 14.5-1 The Main Screen showing a Cone that has been Ok’d
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The angle at which the cone is shown will be relative to any previous
references that have been set, or relative to the machine axes if no references
have been set.
If you set the cone as a reference by clicking on ‘Set Ref’ then the
measurement window will say open with the referencing doing two things.
Firstly it will align the pictorial representation to the axis of the cone, and
secondly it will set a point in space to X=0, Y=0, Z=0. This point, and also the
alignment depends on whether a reference plane has previously been set.
If a plane has previously been set as a reference, the cone will be used to
define 2 further degrees of freedom (see chapter 5 – Aligning the axes of a
component), and will define one of the orthogonal planes to the reference
plane.
Fig. 14.5-2 A referenced cone with a reference plane
If however, no reference plane has previously been set, then the graphics
picture will be aligned to the axis of the cone in all 3 views.
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Note – Only one cone can ever be set as a reference at any point in time. If a
second cone (or line or point) is set as a reference, this will override the initial
reference, and the graphical representation will now re-align itself to the
second cone.
14.6 Measuring the maximum diameter of a cone.
Often it will be important to know the diameter of the cone at its large end,
where it meets a plane. Obviously the measured cone will only have
information over the area that the actual measurement points were taken.
In this case the required diameter can be obtained by constructing a circle at

the intersection of the cone and the plane. This is described in section 8.2 –
Constructing Circles.
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14.7 Determining the Position on a cone of a given diameter.
Sometimes it may be necessary to determine at what position on a cone is a

given diameter. This is done by constructing a circle (as described in chapter
8.2) and selecting the cone twice. This will bring up the following prompt:
Fig. 14.5-1 The prompt for constructing a circle of given diameter on a cone
Now simply enter the desired diameter via the keyboard, and then click ‘OK’,
and a circle will be constructed on the cone at this diameter.
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15.0 THE CURVE MEASURE UNIT
The curve measure unit is a method for taking multiple point data over a
surface without pre-programming each point.
Using 3 points to define an area and defining the required step size will allow
the software to automatically scan discrete points over the surface.
The curve measure unit can therefore be used to take point data over a
complex surface. However, to analyse this data or to fit curves or surfaces
through the points the measurement file must be exported to CAD.
15.1 Creating a Curve Measure Program Unit
Background
The curve measure unit will scan discrete points over a surface, even of
complex geometry. The software will intelligently predict the position of the
next point on its scan path having determined the gradient from previous
points measured.
The curve measure function can also cope with quite rapid changes in
gradient or even step changes providing that the pre-travel has been set
sufficiently high to cope with the distances involved.
The Aberlink 3D software will even compensate for the stylus radius so that
the measured data truly represents the surface being inspected.
Analysis of the data must however be performed outside of the Aberlink 3D

software by exporting the measurement file either to CAD or to another
package perhaps using the Excel function.
15.2 Measuring a 2D curves in a fixed plane (XY,ZX,YZ) using the curve

button.
To create a 2 D curve in a fixed plane , click on the Curve Measure button,
from the main screen:
This will bring up the Curve Measure window:
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1. Click on the plane button to select which plane you wish to measure
2D curve in(XY,ZX,YZ)
2. Tick the ‘I.P’(In Plane) box
The cursor will already be positioned in the boxes under the heading ‘Start’
and the colour of the boxes will turn red. Take the first point at the beginning
of the 2D curve you wish to scan and the X,Y,Z position of this point will
automatically be filled in to the start box :
To measuring a curve take a start point on the work piece
this X,Y,Z position will be entered into start box in the curve
template window
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Take a second point in the

direction you wish to scan
along
Also the cursor will automatically jump to the next set of boxes under the
heading ‘End 1’. Now take a second point to defining the direction wish to
scan along. Again the X,Y,Z position of this point will automatically be filled in
and the cursor jump to the last set of boxes labelled ‘End’.
Take a second point on the work piece the CMM will scan in
this direction
Now take a third point defining the end of the curve. All three sets of X,Y,Z
position boxes should now be filled in defining the length and direction of the
curve you wish to scan.
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The third point you take

defines the end of the
scanned line
The third point you take defines the end of the scanned line the
cmm will start at the first point move in the direction of the
second point and stop at the third point
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3
1
4
1. You will now need to enter the step size desired. For instance if you
choose 2 (mm) the area will divided into a grid and points will be taken
at 2mm intervals
2. The Pre-travel and over-travel boxes will be filled in with the default
values. Make sure that these are suitable for the surface that you are
trying to measure. In general the more severe the gradients that you
are trying to measure the larger values you will require, but the slower
the program will run.
3. Also make sure that the probe head position (if relevant) and approach
vector are as required.
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4. The last thing to check is the ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ buttons. These define
which side of the defined surface will be measured. It may be easier to
determine which button is required after the probe moves have been
calculated once you click on the ‘Template from Details Given’ button.
For example assume that we are measuring a surface primarily in the
XY plane, and we wish to probe down onto the surface:
The button defaults to ‘Left’ – leave it on left and click on the ‘Template from
Details Given’(calculator) button. The probe moves grid will now be filled in
with just 2 moves:
NOTE:-
WHEN AUTOMATICALLY RUNNING THE CURVE MEASURE UNIT THE
DRY RUN FACILITY WILL NOT BE OF ANY USE AND THEREFORE
SHOULD BE SWITCHED OFF
15.3 Compare a Curve Profile to nominal DXF Profile

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Firstly measure the component as a Curve. This will appear as a series of

blue dots in the Main Screen:
Select ‘Import As Curve Profile’ in the DXF window. Also type in the default
profile tolerance required, and then browse to the DXF file. When you OK the
DXF window the DXF file will be drawn in the Main Screen, but will not
necessarily be in the same position as measured component, so it may be
necessary to zoom out in order to see it:
The nominal DXF file is shown as a red line, with the default tolerance shown
as grey lines on either side.
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Now open the Grid Shift window as follows:
Whilst this window is open, the measured data points can be dragged using
the right mouse button so that they are approximately over the top of the
imported DXF file:
You will see that where the points are within the specified tolerance band they are
shown in green, and where they are outside they are shown in red.
Now to perform a best fit, tick the DXF box under the ‘Optimise’ option and then
click start. The software will now take a few seconds to calculate the rotation and
translations required to fit the measured data to the DXF file. When it is finished the
measured points will snap to the DXF file. Click OK and the software will return to
the Main Screen:
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At a glance the areas outside of the tolerance can be seen as they are shown in red.
Right clicking on the representation of the curve (or using the Feature Select buttons)
will re-open the Curve Measure window:
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Right click in the graphic area and choose ‘expand’ to make the graphical
representation fill the whole screen:
The measurement point shown in blue denotes the biggest error.
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This value will be shown as the Profile of a Surface value in the bottom, left hand
corner of the window.
The scale can be modified by using the slider bar, which is located next to the Profile
of a Surface box. A scale indicator line is shown above the slider bar.
Right clicking in the window will bring up the following menu:
Shrink - will return to the full Curve Measure window.
Redraw - will refresh the image.
Zoom Full - will zoom to fit the whole of the Curve to fit the window.
Zoom Out - will zoom out by a fixed percentage.
Show Error - will bring up a box showing the error of any point right clicked on.
Erase - will erase any point right clicked on.
Erase All In View - will allow a box to be dragged over multiple points to be erased.
Print - will allow this representation to be printed as a Feature Profile report.
ReFit to DXF - will allow the best fit routine to be repeated.
DXF Profile Tolerance - will allow the default tolerance that was imported with the DXF
file to be changed for any feature within the DXF file. Right
click on that feature and select this option.
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If the DXF file happens to contain gaps for any reason, this can produce errors
because the error for the measured data within the gap(s) will be reported to the
closest point on the DXF file, as follows:
Measured data in this

area snaps to nearest
point on the available
DXF file
In this situation simply tick the ‘Ignore Points Off Profile’ box, which will now produce a
representation as follows:
15.4 Measuring a 3D surface area using the curve button
By use 3 points to define an area the software will automatically scan the
surface in a grid Pattern
To create a 3 D area, click on the Curve Measure button, from the main
screen:
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This will bring up the Curve Measure window:
The ‘I.P’(In Plane) box must not be ticked
The ‘I.P’(In Plane) box

must not be ticked
The cursor will already be positioned in the boxes under the heading ‘Start’
and the colour of the boxes will turn red. Take the first point at the beginning
of the 3D area you wish to scan and the X,Y,Z position of this point will
automatically be filled in to the start box :
The first point on the

surface of the work
piece defines the start
of the scanned area
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Also the cursor will automatically jump to the next set of boxes under the
heading ‘End 1’. Now take a second point to defining the length of the area
you wish to scan. Again the X,Y,Z position of this point will automatically be
filled in and the cursor jump to the last set of boxes labelled ‘End’
The second point defines

the length of the area you
wish to scan.
The second point defines the

length of the area you wish to
scan
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The third point defines the

width of the area you wish to
scan.
Now take a third point defining the width. All three sets of X,Y,Z position
boxes should now be filled in defining the length and width of the area you
wish to scan.

scan.
The machine will now
automatically scan a
rectangular area defined
between the 3 points
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1. You will now need to enter the step size desired. For instance if you
choose 2 (mm) the area will divided into a grid and points will be taken
at 2mm intervals
2. The Pre-travel and over-travel boxes will be filled in with the default
values. Make sure that these are suitable for the surface that you are
trying to measure. In general the more severe the gradients that you
are trying to measure the larger values you will require, but the slower
the program will run.

scan.
2
4 1 3
3. Also make sure that the probe head position (if relevant) and approach
vector are as required.
4. The last thing to check is the ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ buttons. These define
which side of the defined surface will be measured. It may be easier to
determine which button is required after the probe moves have been
calculated once you click on the ‘Template from Details Given’ button.
For example assume that we are measuring a surface primarily in the
XY plane, and we wish to probe down onto the surface:
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The button defaults to ‘Left’ – leave it on left and click on the ‘Template from
Details Given’(calculator) button. The probe moves grid will now be filled in
with just 2 moves:
NOTE:-
When automatically running the Curve Measure Unit the dry run facility will
not be of any use and therefore should be switched off
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15.5 Measuring multiple points using the curve button
This allows you measure multiple points on a work piece as one feature, this
function is used a lot when measuring against a CAD model.
The A-P and the I.P tick boxes must not be ticked to take multiple points
As you measure points on the part they are listed below in the curve
measurement window.
The machine will always take the shortest path between points so if you need
to move around some thing you must enter via moves to stop the machine
crashing.
You have to do this because the probe only moves to the safety zone
between different measured features.
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The A-P and the I.P tick boxes must be un-ticked to

take multiple points
via move point With the boxes un-ticked take as many points as you
want remembering to enter via move when need.
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16.0 ERASING DATA POINT
stored points. The methods for erasing data points are common to all
measurement types.
16.1 Retake
Fig. 16.1-1 The ‘Retake’ button
The ‘Retake’ button is used to erase a single measurement point. By default

this will be the last taken point, however to erase a different individual point
click on the down arrow situated just above the cancel button.
Fig. 16.1-2 Showing the pull down list of measurement points taken
A list of the X,Y,Z values for all previously taken points together with an ‘e’
value representing the error of that point from the calculated best fit shape will
now be displayed on a pull down menu. Highlight the desired point by clicking
on it, and then click on ‘Retake’.
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The screen will now recalculate the feature as if that measurement point had
not been taken, ie. the number of points taken will reduce by one, and the
erased point will no longer be shown on the graphical representation or taken
into account in the displayed data.
Fig. 16.1-3 The circle with the last measured point having been re-taken
16.2 Clear
Fig. 16.2-1 The ‘Clear’ button
To erase all the taken points on a particular measurement simply click on

‘Clear’. The number of points taken will now return to zero, and the
measurement window will appear as when first opened.
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Fig. 16.2-2 A Circle Measure window having been cleared
16.3 Delete
Fig. 16.3-1 The ‘Delete’ button
Clicking on the delete button will erase all the taken points on a particular
measurement and also close the measurement window and return to the main
screen.
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17.0 MANIPULATING THE GRAPHICS
During the inspection of a component, a pictorial representation of the part is

built up on the screen in three 2-dimensional views. If a view is ever blank, it
is probably because that view is focussed on the wrong position in the
machine’s measurement volume. In this situation you will need to zoom to the
correct position.
This chapter explains how to manipulate the graphics windows in the main
screen. These techniques can be used to adjust the size and position of the
graphical representation on the screen at any time during an inspection.
17.1 Zoom Out
Fig. 17.1-1 The Zoom Out button
This button will make all 3 views zoom out by a fixed percentage.
17.2 Zoom Full
Fig. 17.1-2 The Zoom Full button
This button will make all three views zoom out to make the entire
measurement volume fill the screen. The edge of the measurement volume
will be represented by a red rectangle.
17.3 Zoom In
There is no button for zooming in. This is done by dragging the cursor, with
the left mouse button depressed, to create a box around the desired area.
When you take your finger off the mouse button the screen will zoom to the
size of the box drawn.
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DRAG CURSOR TO PRODUCE

A BOX LIKE THIS
Fig. 17.1-3 The Main Screen showing a Zoom box created by dragging the mouse
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Fig. 17.1-4 The Main Screen having zoomed in
17.4 Re-sizing & re-positioning the Graphics windows
It is possible to re-size & re-positioning the graphic windows by moving the

mouse pointer over the place on the screen where the frames of the four
graphic windows meet at the intersection between the windows the mouse
point will change to a four headed arrow.
When you see the mouse pointer change you can click the left mouse button
and drag the frames of the four graphic windows around the main screen
changing the size of the individual graphic windows in the process.
If you move the mouse pointer over the

frames of the graphic windows the pointer
will change to a four headed arrow to
change the size of the window hold down
the left hand mouse button and drag the
arrow across the screen this will re sizes
the windows.
Fig. 17.4-1 Re-sizing the graphic windows
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Fig. 17.4-1 Re-sizing the graphic windows dragging the mouse
17.5 Erase
Fig. 17.6-1 The Erase button
To erase a feature or a dimension from a graphics window, simply click on the

‘erase’ button to highlight it, and then click on the feature that you want to
erase.
Beware though, because the ‘erase’ button is latching, and you need to switch
it off when finished, by clicking on it again.
17.6Undo and Redo
Fig. 17.7-1 The Undo and Redo buttons
If at any stage you make a mistake, for instance you have erased more
features than you intended, you can click on the ‘Undo’ button, which will
undo the last function performed. In this case the last erased feature will
reappear. Similarly if you have undone a function by mistake, you can click on
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the ‘Redo’ button to bring it back.
17.7 Redraw
Fig. 17.8 The Auto Zoom Redraw button
This is probably the most useful zoom button of all. When you click on this
button the screen will automatically zoom to display all the measured features
in all 3 views, and also refresh the screen view.
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18.0 SHIFTING, ROTATING AND CANCELLING REFERENCES
18.1 Applying Rotations or Shifts
It may be necessary during an inspection to apply a rotation or shift to the

inspected features. This can be achieved by using the Grid Shift button:
Fig. 18.1-1 The Grid Shift button
Clicking on this button will bring up the following window:
Fig. 18.1-2 The Grid Shift window
Now it is possible to apply a rotation or a translation to the measured features

by typing the required angle(s) or distance(s) into the relevant box(es).
For instance, consider a component that consists of a plate with holes in its
diagonal corners, which define a datum at 45 degrees. The best method for
inspecting the plate is to measure the position of the 2 holes, construct a line
between them and then set this line as a reference.
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Fig. 18.1-3 The line between 2 holes having been referenced
Now click on the grid shift button, and type in 45 in the rotation about Z box.
Click on ‘Apply’ followed by ‘OK’.
Fig. 18.1-4 Two holes Aligned at 45 degrees

The component will now be aligned at 45 degrees to the line between the 2
holes.
It is worth noting that when applying a rotation to inspection results, the
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rotation will be performed about the origin set at the time. Also if rotations are
required about more than one axis, then the order in which the rotations will
be applied is Z first, Y next and then finally about X.
Applying translations to measured features works in exactly the same way.

Note however that the rotations and translations are non-associative, ie. If you
wish to apply a combination of translations and/or rotations to measured
features, then they must all be applied at the same time.
18.2 Machine Grid (Cancelling References)
If at any point during an inspection you become confused with which

references have been set, or about any rotations or shifts that have been
applied, then click on the Machine Grid button
Fig. 16.2-1 The Machine Grid button
This will cancel all references that have been set, and all rotations and shifts
that have been applied. The new datum position will be the machine’s own
reference position.
Note that this means that there will not be a reference plane set, and therefore
any lines and circles that have been measured, will not be projected into a
defined plane. In this situation any necessary references must now be reset.
Note:- You can not cancelling references after run through the program for the
first time .
18.3 Optimising Alignment
It is possible with some complex shapes that the optimum alignment for the
component is not achieved by referencing any one, or series of components.
In this instance it is possible to select certain dimensions on the measured
component, and then optimise the alignment of the component in order to
minimise the errors of these dimensions.
Firstly select the dimensions that you wish to use to optimise the alignment of
the component, by right mouse clicking on the dimension to bring up the
dimension detail window.
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Fig. 15.3 –1 The Dimension Detail window
Change the nominal dimension to its correct value, if necessary, and then tick
the box labelled ‘ Use in Optimization’. Click on OK to return to the main
screen.
When you have selected all the dimensions that you wish to use in the
optimisation, click on the Grid Shift button this will open the grid shift window,
in the Optimise section of the grid shift window you have two modes of
dimension optimization which you select by clicking on the small buttons next
too Nominal / Tolerance.
18.3.1 Nominal optimization:-

If you select this option the software will translate & rotate the alignment
system to get the optimum dimensions as close as possible to the nominal.
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18.3.2 Tolerance optimization:-

If you select this option the software will translate & rotate the alignment
system to get the optimum dimensions within the upper & lower tolerance for
that dimension.
Note If some of the dimension are more important than others you can bias
the optimization by make their tolerance smaller, forcing any errors on to the
other dimension.
It is also possible to optimize the alignment with out rotating the part in X,Y or
Z
To do this you need to switch off the X,Y,Z rotation options in the optimum
dimensions alignment window by click the ticks on or off in the ‘tick boxes’
next to X Rot, Y Rot, Z Rot
After you have select the option you want click on the ‘start button’
The software will take a few seconds to calculate the best alignment, and
when it has finished click on OK.
Fig. 18.3 –2 The Dimension Detail window
Note that the minimum number of dimensions should be selected that best
define the rotation required for the component, ie. Typically this will be one
dimension for X, one for Y and one for Z. This will help to minimise the
calculation time required, although this is primarily dependant on the number
of features that have been measured.
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19.0 BRINGING UP DIMENSIONS ON THE SCREEN
One of the features of the Aberlink 3d software is that the dimensions for the
measured component can be brought up on it’s graphical representation, in
the same way as they are shown on the component’s engineering drawing.
Fig. 19.0-1 Example of a dimensioned graphical representation
To bring up the dimensions onto the screen all you have to do is select the
features that you wish to measure between, by clicking on their graphical
representation. If the software doesn’t default to the type of measurement that
you want (horizontal, aligned etc.), then you will also have to select the correct
dimension type.
In most cases the order in which you select the features will make no
difference. The instances in which the order of selection does make a
difference are highlighted later in this chapter.
It is important to grasp the following principles when bringing up dimensions:
1. Circles and spheres are treated as single points in space, with all
dimensions being to their centre.
2. Cylinders are treated as 3 dimensional lines along their axis. When
dimensioning between 2 lines (or cylinders etc.) the order of their selection
is important. (see section 16.5 – Dimensioning between two Lines or
Planes)
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3. Cones may be treated either as a line along it’s axis, or as a point at it’s
apex, depending on whether the cone is selected as the first or second
feature. (see section 16.6 – Dimensioning to a Cone)
4. When linearly dimensioning a feature to a plane, the dimension will be

perpendicular to the plane. When dimensioning between 2 planes the
order of their selection is important. (see section 16.5 – Dimensioning
between two Lines or Planes)
19.1 Selecting Features
When bringing up dimensions on the screen, it is necessary to select the

features that you wish to dimension in the graphical representation.
To select a feature, click on the dark blue outline of the feature. Make sure
that at the point that you click on the feature, there are no other overlapping
features within the selection box.
NOT
HERE
SELECT HERE
Fig. 19.1-1 Showing where to select a Feature
Note – You cannot select a 3 dimensional feature by clicking on the grey lines
that represent its depth.
Also Note – If you are dimensioning in the side view of a reference plane,
which has had 2 dimensional features projected into the plane, then a single
line on the graphics will represent both the plane and the features. In this
instance clicking on the line may select any one of the features. To define the
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specific feature required you must use the feature select buttons. See section
16.7 of this chapter.
The feature selected will become pink.
The feature
selected will
become pink.
Fig. 19.1-2 Showing a Feature that has been selected
• If you have trouble selecting a feature there are various courses of

action.
• You can use the feature select button to assist selection of the feature.
See section 19.2 of this chapter.
• You can zoom in more closely onto the feature, to make it easier to
select. See chapter 14 – Manipulating the Graphics.
• You can change the size of the selection box, in the software set up.
See chapter 23 – Software set up.
19.2 Using the Feature Select Buttons

In some instances it will be difficult to select a feature by clicking on it directly.
For instance, the same line will represent both the side view of a circle, and
also the plane into which it is projected. If you have difficulty in selecting a
feature, the Feature Select buttons will provide the solution.
Fig. 19.2-1 The Feature Select buttons
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The red number (initially zero) refers to the feature number in the order that it
was measured. For instance if you measured a plane first, followed by a circle
and then a line, the plane would be feature number 1, the circle number 2 and
the line number 3. Now you can use the right and left arrows to increment and
decrement the feature number, to obtain the feature desired.
So that you don’t have to memorise the order that the features are taken in,
as the feature number is selected, the graphical representation of that feature
will become red.
Fig. 19.2-2 Showing a circle that has been highlighted using the Feature Select buttons
Now click on any bit of blank background within the view that you are
dimensioning, and the desired feature will be selected.
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Fig. 19.2-3 Showing a circle that has been selected
Note – When using the Feature Select buttons you must click on blank
background to ensure selection of the desired feature. Clicking on an
alternative feature may still select it.
The Feature Select button will only work to select a feature once. If you need
to select the same feature twice (for instance to display the diameter of a
circle), simply click on the red number again to re-highlight that feature. (This
removes the necessity to use the right and left arrows to move off, and return
to the desired feature). Now click on blank background again to re-select the
feature.
19.3 Aligned Dimensions
19.3.1 Three Dimensional
An aligned dimension can be described as either the shortest distance

between two points in space, or as the perpendicular distance between a line
and a point. If the 2 features being dimensioned are not in the same plane
then this will produce a 3 dimensional aligned dimension.
When selecting two points (or circles or spheres) to dimension between, or a

line and a point (or equivalent) the software will automatically default to
producing a 3 dimensional aligned dimension.
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Now select the second feature to which you wish to dimension. Again, if
correctly selected the second feature will also turn pink, and the outline of
some aligned dimension leader lines will appear.
Fig. 19.3-1 Showing 2 Features that have been selected
These leader lines can be positioned at any length on either side of the
features by moving the cursor on the screen. When they are at a convenient
position click for a third time. The aligned dimension will now appear.
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Fig. 19.3-2 Showing a 3D Aligned dimension between 2 circles
Note – If when trying to select the second feature you click on blank screen
by mistake, (ie. the second feature is not selected correctly) the measurement
will be aborted, and the first feature that was selected will return to it’s normal
dark blue colour. This can be a useful technique for aborting a measurement
where the first feature has been selected in error.
Note that as the 2 circles being dimensioned are in different planes, the
aligned dimension is 3 dimensional. This is best shown by bring up the same
dimension in the other 2 views.
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Fig. 19.3-3 Showing a 3D Aligned Dimension in all 3 views
19.3.2 Two Dimensional

It is possible to force aligned dimensions to be aligned only in the 2
dimensions of the view in which it is called up. For instance perhaps you are
interested only in the X,Y separation of the 2 holes dimensioned above.
In this case select the 2 circle features as before, but this time before placing
the dimension, click on the Dimension Type button on the side toolbar.
Fig. 16.3-4 The Dimension Type Button
This will bring up the following window:
Fig. 16.3-5 The Dimension Type window
Click on the 2D aligned dimension button, and then click OK. The window will
disappear, and you can now position the dimension as before.
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An alternative method to one above is to use the ‘dimension type drop down
menu’ to use this method you need to press the right hand mouse button after
you have selected the 2nd feature, the drop down menu will appear giving a
list of dimension types, select the 2D Aligned option
Then left hand click on the screen to place the dimension
Note - Using the ‘dimension type drop down menu’ is the preferred method
of change the dimensional type.
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Fig. 19.3-6 Showing a 2D and a 3D Aligned Dimension between the same features
Also note -that the 2D and 3D aligned dimensions will appear identically in
the 2 dimensional views, although having different values. Care should
therefore be taken when dimensioning between features that are not in the
same plane.
19.4 Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
A horizontal or vertical dimension can be described either between two points

in space, or between a line or plane and a point, in which case the dimension
will be attached to the mid-point of the line or plane. Instead of being aligned
between the features, these measurements will be perpendicular to the
alignment of the component (which is defined by setting references, see
chapter 5 – Aligning the axes of a component). If no reference has been set,
then the axes of the machine will be used.
Note – If the alignment of the component has not been defined, and the
horizontal and vertical dimensions are perpendicular to the axes of the
machine, these measurements will have little or no significance.
A horizontal or vertical dimension can also be described between two lines, or

two planes, but in this case the dimension will attach to the mid point of the
first line or plane selected only, and give their separation in the direction
perpendicular to this line or plane. Dimensioning between two lines or planes
is described in sections 19.5
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When selecting two points (or circles or spheres) to dimension between, or a

line and a point (or equivalent) the software will automatically default to
producing an aligned dimension. A horizontal or vertical dimension must be
defined as follows:
Select the features between which you wish to dimension, as for aligned
dimensions in section 16.1 above. The features will turn pink and the outline
of some aligned dimension leader lines will appear. Now before positioning
the dimension, click on the Dimension Type button, which will bring up the
Dimension Type window. The aligned dimension type will be highlighted by
default, but click on the horizontal or vertical type button as required, and this
button will now become highlighted. Now click on ‘OK’ and the software will
return to the main screen with the outline of the dimension leader lines now
showing the horizontal or vertical dimension, as selected.
These leader lines can be positioned at any length on either side of the
features, as for aligned dimensions, by moving the cursor on the screen.
When they are at a convenient position click the mouse for a third time and
the dimension will now appear on the screen.
Fig. 19.4-1 Showing Horizontal, 2D Aligned and 3D Aligned Dimensions
19.5 Angular Dimensions
19.5.1 Three Dimensional
Angular dimensions may be created between two lines (or equivalent), or two
planes, or between a line and a plane. Any combination of these features will
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create an included angle, which may be dimensioned irrespective of the

alignment of the component. As with aligned dimensions, if the features are
not in the same plane, the angle created will be 3 dimensional.
Select the features between which you wish to dimension, as for aligned
dimensions in section 16.1 above. The features will again turn pink if correctly
selected. The software may now default either to an angular dimension or an
aligned dimension, depending on what the angle between the features is, and
the outline of the appropriate dimension leader lines will appear on the
screen. If the software has correctly selected an angle dimension, the leader
lines can be positioned at any length in any quadrant of the angle, by moving
the cursor on the screen. When they are at a convenient position click for a
third time and the dimension will now appear on the screen.
Fig. 19.5-1 A 3D Angular dimension between 2 Planes
If however, the software selected an aligned linear dimension, you must click
on the Dimension Type button to bring up the Dimension Type window, prior
to positioning the dimension. Click on the 3D Angular Dimension type button,
and it will now become highlighted. Now click on ‘OK’ and the software will
return to the main screen with the outline of the angular dimension leader
lines showing. You can now position the dimension as previously described.
19.5.2 Two Dimensional
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It is possible to split angles into the 2 dimensional components of the view in

which it is called up. For instance perhaps you are interested only in the X,Y
component of the angle between the 2 planes dimensioned above.
Once again use the Dimension Type button to select a 2D angle dimension.
Fig. 19.5-2 2D and 3D Angular Dimensions between 2 Planes
Again note that the 2D and 3D angle dimensions will appear identically in the
2 dimensional views, although having different values. Care should therefore
be taken when dimensioning between features that are not in the same plane.
19.6 Diameter Dimensions
The diameter of a circle or a cylinder may be brought up on the screen as

follows:
Select the circle, sphere or cylinder as previously described. If correctly

selected the feature will turn pink.
Note – You cannot select a cylinder by clicking on the grey lines that indicate
its depth.
Now select the same feature again. The outline of a single dimension leader
line will appear on the screen, and this can be positioned anywhere on the
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screen by moving the cursor. When it is at a convenient position, left click the
mouse for a third time and the diameter will now appear on the screen.
Fig. 19.6-1 A diameter dimension
19.7 Dimensioning between two Lines or Planes
A linear dimension may be produced between two lines or planes by attaching

the dimension to the first line or plane selected, and extending it either
perpendicularly (for an aligned dimension), or horizontally or vertically (for
horizontal and vertical dimensions), until it reaches the mid-point of the
second one.
If the lines or planes are not parallel, different dimensions will be achieved
depending on which line or plane is selected first. Also the value for run out is
calculated by projecting perpendicular construction lines from the first
selected line, to meet the ends of the second line. The run out (or
perpendicularity) will be the difference between these two values.
Selecting the long line first:
L
RUN
OUT
Fig. 19.7-1 Showing the separation and run out between the long line and the short line
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Selecting the short line first:
L RUN
OUT
Fig. 19.7-2 Showing the separation and run out between the short line and the long line
The first line selected, in effect, becomes the reference line for the
measurement. If you are measuring the distance between a long line and a
short line it will be better to select the long line first (unless the short line is
specifically defined as a datum).
19.8 Dimensioning to a Cone
A cone is a special case, as when measuring to it, it may be treated either as

a line along it’s axis, or alternatively as a point at it’s apex.
Similarly, its measured diameter has little meaning (as all the measured points
will be below the surface). Therefore selecting the cone twice will not display
its diameter, as for circles and cylinders, but it’s included angle.
Fig.19.8-1 Showing the include angle of a cone
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To measure the diameter of a cone at its end requires the construction of

circle at the intersection of the cone with the plane forming its end. See
chapter 12.4 – Measuring the maximum diameter of a cone.
When bringing up dimensions to a cone, the cone is treated either as a line or

a point, depending on whether it is selected as the first or second feature.
If selected first, the software will treat the cone as a line along its axis, and
produce a relevant dimension accordingly.
Fig. 19.8-2 Showing the cone treated as a line through its axis by selecting it first
If however, the cone is selected as the second feature, the software will treat
it as a point at its apex, and again produce a relevant dimension accordingly.
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Fig. 19.8-3 Showing the cone treated as a point at its apex by selecting it second
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19.9 Aligned to Feature & Ant-aligned to Feature
A dimension which is aligned or ant-aligned (perpendicular) to a feature, can

be described as a dimension between two points in space, or between a line
or plane and a point, in which case the dimension will be attached to the mid-
point of the line or plane. Instead of being aligned between the features, these
measurements will be perpendicular or parallel to the feature you have
selected.
This dimension has been ant -aligned

(perpendicular) to line A
This dimension has been aligned

(parallel) to line A
Fig. 19.8-4 Showing dimension aligned and ant-aligned to feature A
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19.10 Leader option from ‘Dimension type drop down menu’
If you need to know the concentricity between two selected circles or cylinders
rather than the horizontal or vertical dimensions you can pick the ‘Leader
option’ from the Dimension type drop down menu.
This will give you a geometric box snowing the concentricity between the
features.
Fig. 16.8-4 Geometric Box with Leader showing concentricty
19.11 Circle Max & Min Measure Option
The standard way to measure the distant between circles is from centre to
centre But you can also measure the distant between the outside of the circle
(max) and the inside of the circles (min)
Centre to Centre
outside to outside inside to inside
To do this dimension the distant between the centre of the circles as per
normal
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Then right hand click on the dimension to bring up the ‘Dimension Details’
window, at the bottom of the window there are three button marked ‘centre’
‘Max’ & ‘Min’ selecting these button will changes the outputted dimensions
between centre, outside & inside measurements.
19.12 Setting Nominal Values and Tolerances for Dimensions
When printing out inspection reports using Tabulated Dimensions, it is

possible to print out nominal values (and hence measured error) and
tolerance bands (and hence pass/fail statements). If no nominal value has
been set for a dimension, then the software will use the measured value
rounded to the precision defined in the software set up – see chapter 24. In
this instance the tolerance band assumed will be plus or minus half the
rounding value.
If however you wish to set a nominal value or tolerance band other than that
defaulted to, this can be done by right mouse clicking on the relevant
dimension. This will bring up the dimension details window, as follows:
Fig. 19.9-1 The Dimension Detail window
Now the nominal dimension and tolerances can be set by simply typing over
the default values that the software has selected.
Note that there is also a tick box to indicate whether you want to use this
dimension when performing an optimisation. Optimisations calculate the best
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alignment of the measured component to minimise the error of the selected

dimensions – see chapter 16, Shifting, Rotating or Cancelling References.
Note also that if the measured dimension falls outside of the tolerance band
set, then the background of the measured dimension value will become red.
Fig. 19.9-2 The Dimension Detail window showing a measured value out of tolerance
When you OK this window and return to the main screen, the dimension
leader lines will also appear red on the graphical representation.
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Fig. 19.9-3 Showing a graphical representation with dimension out of tolerance
Now printing out a tabulated dimensions report, it will be possible to show the
nominal value, the error, the upper and lower tolerances and also a pass/fail
statement.
Fig. 19.9-4 A Tabulated dimensions inspection report
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Obviously in this example there will only be one dimension contained in the
report. For more information on tabulated dimension reports see chapter 23 –
Printing Results.
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20.0 GEOMETRICAL TOLERANCES
Interdiction to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a universal language of
symbols, much like the international system of road signs that advise drivers
how to navigate the roads. GD&T symbols allow a Design Engineer to
precisely and logically describe part features in a way they can be accurately
manufactured and inspected. GD&T is expressed in the feature control frame
(Figure 17.0-0). The feature control frame is like a basic sentence that can be
read from left to right. For example, the feature control frame illustrated would
read: The 5 mm square shape (1) is controlled with an all-around (2) profile
tolerance (3) of 0.05 mm (4), in relationship to primary datum A (5) and
secondary datum B (6). The shape and tolerance determine the limits of
production variability.
-A-
5.0
(1) (6)
(2) (3) (4)
0.05 A B
5.0 (5)
∅ 2.0
-B-
Fig. 20.0-0
There are seven shapes, called geometric elements, used to define a part and
its features. The shapes are: point, line, plane, circle, cylinder, cone and
sphere. There are also certain geometric characteristics that determine the
condition of parts and the relationship of features.
Where relevant the geometric tolerance applicable to each measurement unit

(eg. Roundness of circles, straightness of lines) will be displayed underneath
the graphical representation of that unit.
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Fig. 20.0-1 Graphical representation of a circle in the Circle Measure window
Additionally the True Position and Maximum Material Condition for circles may
be obtained from the ‘Dimension Details Window’.
Fig. 20.0-2 A Circle Measure window showing additional information
None of these geometric tolerance values will by default be displayed on the

graphical representation of the component that is built up during the
inspection.
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Fig. 20.0-3 Dimensions displayed without Geometric Tolerances
To display on the screen all geometric tolerance values relevant to the

inspection simply click on the Geometric Tolerance button.
Fig. 20.0-4 The Geometric Tolerance button
The geometric tolerance values that are relevant to the measurements on the
screen will now be displayed.
Fig. 20.0-5 Dimensions displayed with Geometric Tolerances
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Now to display the geometric tolerances that are relevant to any particular
feature, (for instance flatness of a plane, straightness of a line) click twice on
that feature and the outline of a leader line will appear. Move the cursor to a
convenient position on the screen, where you would like to site the dimension,
and click for a third time. The geometric tolerance will now appear on the
screen.
Fig. 20.-6 Geometric Tolerances displayed for specific features

It is also possible to choose to display either the standard values like
diameter, distances and angles or the geometric values like roundness,
parallelism and angularity.
This is useful feature because some reports like multiple components and
SPC reports only record one value for each measured element.
For example if wanted to record the diameter and the roundness of a circle in
an SPC report you would need to dimension to circle twice the 1st time you
would select the display standard value ( diameter) option, the 2nd time you
dimension the circle would select the display geometric values (roundness)
option now both values will be display in the report.
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If both of these boxes are tick both

values will be displayed if you un-
tick the geometric tolerance box
only the measured values will be
displayed and vice versa if you un-
tick the measured dimension box
and leave the geometric tolerance
box ticked only the geometric
values will be displayed.
Fig. 20.-7 Switching between Geometric Tolerances and Measured Dimension
Geometric Characteristic Symbols
20.1 Straightness
— A condition where all points are in a straight line, the tolerance
specified by a zone formed by two parallel lines
To display the straightness of a line click twice on the line and the
outline of a leader line will appear. Move the cursor to a convenient
position on the screen, where you would like to site the dimension, and click
for a third time. The geometric tolerance will now appear on the screen.
20.2 Flatness
— All the points on a surface are in one plane, the tolerance
specified by a zone formed by two parallel planes.
To display the flatness of a plane click twice on the plane and the
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outline of a leader line will appear. Move the cursor to a convenient position
on the screen, where you would like to site the dimension, and click for a third
time. The geometric tolerance will now appear on the screen
20.3 Roundness or Circularity

— All the points on a surface are in a circle. The tolerance is
specified by a zone bounded by two concentric circles
If the geometric tolerance button is switch on, the roundness of a
circle will be displayed automatically underneath the diameter in the graphic
window.
20.4 Cylindricity
— All the points of a surface of revolution are equidistant from a
common axis. A cylindricity tolerance specifies a tolerance zone
bounded by two concentric cylinders within which the surface must
lie.
If the geometric tolerance button is switch on, the cylindricity of a cylinder will
be displayed automatically underneath the diameter in the graphic window.
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20.5 Parallelism
— The condition of a surface or axis equidistant at all points from a
datum plane or axis. Parallelism tolerance specifies one of the
following: a zone defined by two planes or lines parallel to a datum
plane or axis, or a cylindrical tolerance zone whose axis is parallel to a datum
axis.
If the geometric tolerance button is switch on, the parallelism of between two
lines or planes will be displayed automatically underneath the dimension in
the graphic window.
20.6 Angularity
— The condition of a surface or axis at a specified angle (other than
90°) from a datum plane or axis. The tolerance zon e is defined by
two parallel planes at the specified basic angle from a datum plane or axis.
If the geometric tolerance button is switch on, the angularity of between two
lines or planes will be displayed automatically underneath the angle in the
graphic window.
20.7 Perpendicular (Squareness)

— The condition of a surface or axis at a right angle to a datum
plane or axis. Perpendicularity tolerance specifies one of the
following: a zone defined by two planes perpendicular to a datum
plane or axis, or a zone defined by two parallel planes perpendicular to the
datum axis.
If the angle is between 96° 84° and geometric tolerance button is switch on,
the perpendicular (squareness) between two lines or planes will be displayed
automatically underneath the angle in the graphic window.
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20.7 Concentricity
— The axes of all cross sectional elements of a surface of revolution
are common to the axis of the datum feature. Concentricity
tolerance specifies a cylindrical tolerance zone whose axis coincides
with the datum axis.
To display the concentricty of two circles click on the first and then click on the
second after this outline of a leader line will appear. Move the cursor to a
convenient position on the screen, where you would like to site the dimension,
and click for a third time. The geometric tolerance will now appear on the
screen.
20.8 Total Runout

— Provides composite control of all surface elements. The
tolerance applied simultaneously to circular and longitudinal
elements as the part is rotated 360 degrees. Total runout controls
cumulative variation of circularity, cylindricity, straightness, coaxiality,
angularity, taper, and profile when it is applied to surfaces constructed around
a datum axis. When it is applied to surfaces constructed at right angles to a
datum axis, it controls cumulative variations of perpendicularity and flatness.
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In Aberlink 3D its possible to display the Total Runout between two cylinders /
lines or between an cylinder / line and a plane perpendicular to the cylinder.
The cylinders surface

must lie within the
specified runout tolerance
zone (0.001 full indicator
movement) when the part
is rotated 360°° about the
datum axis anywhere
along the cylinders
length.
The top of the

cylinders must lie
within the specified
runout tolerance zone
(0.001 full indicator
movement) when the
part is rotated 360°
about the datum axis
anywhere along the
top of the cylinder.
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20.8.1 Run out.
1. Plane to Cylinder
0.1 A
Measured points on
the Plane
A
RUN OUT
Run Out between Cylinder (datum A) and a Plane will be defined as the
maximum variation between the measured points on the plane in the direction
parallel to the axis of the cylinder.
To call up the run out click on the Cylinder first and then the Plane second.
If the Plane is selected first, then the squareness between the features will be
reported instead of Run Out
2. Circle to Cylinder
Max
0.1 A
Min
Run Out between Cylinder (datum A) and a Circle will be defined as the
maximum variation between the measured points on the Circle in the direction
perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder (Max – Min).
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To call up the run out of the Circle relative to the Cylinder click on the Cylinder
first and then the Circle second.
If the Circle is selected first, then the Total Run Out of the Cylinder relative to
the circle will be reported. Again this will use the maximum variation in the
measured points on the cylinder relative to the Axis of the Circle, which will be
defined by whichever plane the circle is projected into.
Total Run Out will apply exactly the same principles and will be available for
Cylinder to Cylinder measurements or Cylinder to Circle measurements, as
detailed above.
20.9 True Position

— A positional tolerance defines a zone in which the center axis or
centre plane is permitted to vary from true (theoretically exact)
position. Basic dimensions establish the true position from datum
features and between interrelated features. A positional tolerance is the total
permissible variation in location of a feature about its exact location. For
cylindrical features such as holes and outside diameters, the positional
tolerance is generally the diameter of the tolerance zone in which the axis of
the feature must lie. For features that are not round, such as slots and tabs,
the positional tolerance is the total width of the tolerance zone in which the
centre plane of the feature must lie.
To display the True Position of a point or circle L/H click twice on that point or
circle then R/H click you will see a drop down menu pick ‘Cartesian / Polar
Position’ option and the outline of a leader line will appear. Move the cursor to
a convenient position on the screen, where you would like to site the
dimension, and L/H click for a third time. The geometric tolerance will now
appear on the screen.
It is possible to allocate datum letters to the features after you have measure
them this is useful if wish to match the datum letters marked on the draw to
the feature you have measured.
Fig. 200-7 Datum Letter displayed for specific features
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To allocate a datum letter to a feature ‘right click’ on that feature with the
mouse this will open the ‘Measurement Window’ you can now use the drop
menu next to the word ‘Datum’ to select the letter you wish to assign to that
feature.
It is possible to display the datum letters in the graphic windows by left hand
click on a feature twice then ‘right hand click’ the mouse you will get a drop
down menu select the ‘datum option’ from the menu then left hand click on the
screen to display the datum letter.
20.9.1 True Position relative to specified datum(s)

If the true position that you are measuring is relative to some other point on
the component other than that which has been set as 0,0,0 then it is possible
to show it relative to other specified datums. For instance if you have chosen
a large hole as the reference (because it is an easy feature to measure
automatically) but need to show the true position of a hole relative to a smaller
hole specified as datum B, then this can also be done in the dimension details
window:
Note:- to display the true position of a circle or a point from features
other than the origin you must to allocate datum letters to those
features .
Select the datum’s

by using the drop
down menu.
After you have

select the new
datum the nominal
will change to
show the position
from the new
datum
Select datum B and click on the ‘Add’ button. Also make sure that the nominal
position of the hole is now relative to this datum. When you now return to the
main screen the true position will now be displayed relative to datum B:
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Fig. 20.0-8 True position of circle from datum B
It is possible to select up to 3 datums relative to a true position:
Fig. 20.0-9 True position of circle from datum C,A & B
The software will not automatically know the correct position for the circle and
will just have rounded the measured values to achieve a ‘guess’ at its
position. You must therefore check that the correct position values have been
entered. Right click on the green dimension line attached to the position
information to bring up the dimension details window:
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Fig. 20.0-10 True position of circle from datum B
The position of the circle is at the bottom of the details section. If you change
these nominal values the true position value will change accordingly. Note
that these values are relative to the datum position on the component being
measured.
20.9.2 Maximum Material Condition

The maximum material condition for a hole can also be displayed if required.
Again in the dimension details window tick the ‘mmc’ box. This will make two
further boxes appear. In the top box type the minimum allowable diameter for
the hole. The lower box will then be automatically filled in with the ‘bonus’
tolerance due to the ‘mmc’:
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Enter the bottom limit for the

diameter here
mmc ’bonus’ tolerance is show here

the closer to bottom limit the
diameter is the bigger the positional
tolerance is.
Click to get the two ‘mmc’ boxes to

appear
Fig. 20.0-11 True position of circle from datum B with ‘MMC’
When you return to the main screen the ‘mmc’ symbol will be present and the
true position value will be adjusted by the bonus tolerance:
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20.10 Symmetry
- The condition where the median points of all opposed elements of
two or more feature surfaces are congruent with the axis or centre
plane of a datum feature.
If the geometric tolerance button is switch on, the symmetry between
two features and a centre line will be displayed automatically underneath each
dimension in the graphic window
In Aberlink 3D the symmetry result is calculated from three features the centre
line feature (A), and the mid point (B) between two other features the
difference between the mid point and the centre line feature is displayed as
symmetry under both dimension in the graphic window.
10.000 10.740
0.37 0.37
0.37
A
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20.11 Profile
— A Tolerancing method of controlling irregular surfaces, lines, arcs,
or normal planes. Profiles can be applied to individual line elements
or the entire surface of a part. The profile tolerance specifies a
uniform boundary along the true profile within which the elements of the
surface must lie.
If you best-fit a DXF file to a measured curve it is possible to display the
profile tolerance by L/H click twice on the curve If you than R/H click you will
see a drop down menu pick ‘Profile’ option and the outline of a leader line will
appear. Move the cursor to a convenient position on the screen, where you
would like to site the dimension, and L/H click for a third time. The geometric
tolerance will now appear on the screen.
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21.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MEASURED UNITS
21.1 Recalling a measured Unit
When you ‘OK or ‘Set Ref’ a measurement unit, and the measurement
window disappears and the measured feature is displayed on the main
screen, it is not too late to modify the unit by adding or deleting measurement
points, or changing its reference status.
Each measured unit can be recalled by right mouse clicking on the graphical
representation of the feature in the main screen.
Having recalled a measurement unit it can be modified in exactly the same

way as when first being measured. Hence the ‘Retake’, ‘Clear’ and ‘Delete’
buttons are all functional, or alternatively extra measurement points may be
taken on the feature. When you have completed the required modifications
the ‘OK’ and ‘Set Ref’ plus ‘OK’buttons apply as usual.
21.2 Labelling Specific Measurement Units
The light blue bar at the top of every measurement unit is designed to allow
text to be typed in it, in order to label each specific measurement unit. This
may be useful if an inspection consists of similar or close features.
To insert text, simply click on the bar, and then enter the text via the
keyboard.
Fig. 21.2-1 A Line Measurement unit with stored text
This may be particularly useful when using the Play function – see chapter 25
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21.3 Counting Down
By default all measurement units (except cones when the axis cannot be
defined) will display Zero when called up, and then start counting upwards as
measurement points are taken.
However if desired, there is an option within the Software Set up (see chapter
24) to select counting down when measuring features. If selected, each type
of measurement unit will start at the number defined in the Set up, and then
start counting down as measurement points are taken
Fig. 21.3-1 A Circle Measure window ready to count down 4 points
Note that no points have yet been taken, but the large number shows 4 points
to take. When 4 measurement points have been taken the window will
automatically close, and the software will return to the main screen.
When measuring a plane, a line or a circle in this way, the software will
automatically reference the feature if no similar feature has previously been
referenced. If a similar feature has been referenced then the software will
simply OK the new feature.
This function will speed up inspections by reducing the need to close

measurement windows, but takes away the flexibility of the operator deciding
how many measurement points are necessary to adequately inspect a
feature.
Again this function may be particularly useful when using the Play function –
see chapter 25. When this function is in operation the play function will both
automatically open and close all measurement windows. It is worth noting that
when used in conjunction with the play function, that features will be
automatically referenced if previously referenced, and OK’d if previously OK’d
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22.0 QUICK MEASUREMENTS USING THE SCALE READ OUTS
It is possible to take quick linear measurements on some features by simply

touching the probe on two different positions on the feature and taking the
measurement from the scale readouts on the screen. These measurements
however, should only be regarded as quick checks, as they cannot be saved
or printed, and will only take into account single measurement points, with no
stylus ball compensation.
This type of measurement is aided by the fact that the scale readouts can be
reset by clicking on them with the mouse.
To zero the
readout for each
axis you can left
hand click in the
readout box’s with
the mouse.
Hence, if you wish to make a quick check on the depth of a hole (in the Z
axis), reference the plane at the top of the hole. Now gently bring the probe
down until it is triggered on the surface at the top of the hole. Now with the
probe still in contact with the surface, click on the Z axis readout, and the
number displayed will be reset to zero.
TRIGGER PROBE ON
3 BOTTOM OF HOLE &
DEPTH = Z AXIS
2 READOUT
TRIGGER
PROBE ON TOP
FACE & RESET 1
Z AXIS SCALE SET
REF
Fig. 22.0-1 A quick check on the depth of a hole
Now bring the probe down to trigger at the bottom of the hole. With the probe
still in contact with the bottom of the hole, the reading on the Z axis readout
will be a single point reading for its depth.
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Note - This method of measurement is prone to inaccuracy if there is any run

out between the top and bottom faces of the hole, as we are measuring its
depth at one position only. If a more accurate method is required, or a method
which can be saved or printed, then the bottom of the hole should be
measured as a plane, and the distance between the top and bottom planes
measured as the hole depth. In this way any run out between the two faces
will be noted and averaged.
The reason that using this quick method gives the correct depth for the hole,
even without any stylus compensation, is that the same side of the ball was
used to take both point measurements. In actual fact the scale is reset to the
centre of the stylus ball, and so both points were offset from each surface by
the radius of the ball, which in this case cancels out to give the correct depth.
If however, you wanted to measure the length of a block, in the X axis say,
then measure a face on the block which will define the X axis alignment, and
set it as a reference. Now, in the same way as for the hole, we can touch the
probe on one end of the block.
Fig.22.0-2 Touch the probe on one side of the block
With the probe in contact with the end of the block, and triggered, click on the
X axis readout to zero it. Now bring the probe across and touch it on the other
end of the block.
Fig.22.0-3 Then touch the probe on the other side of the block
Now in this case the reading on the X axis readout will be the length of the
block plus the diameter of the stylus ball, as in this case opposite sides of the
ball were used to take the measurement points.
Note that if you used this technique for measuring the separation of the
internal faces of a groove, for instance, the readout reading would give you
the desired separation minus the stylus ball diameter.
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Fig.22.0-4 Measuring internal faces using the scale readouts
Remember these measurements give you the distance from ball centre to ball
centre.
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23.0 SAVING MEASUREMENTS
When you have completed an inspection you can save the measurements to
disc either by clicking on the ‘Save File’ button or the ‘Save As’ button.
23.1 Save As
Fig. 23.1-1 The Save As button
The Save As button should be used when you wish to save the inspection to
disc, allocating it a new file name. This could be simply because you are
saving the inspection for the first time. When clicking on the Save As button
the following window will appear.
Fig. 23.1-2 The Save As window
The ‘Save In’ box will default to the file path specified in the Results Folder in
the software set up, see Chapter 24 – Software Set Up. This can still be
altered at this point, if desired. The ‘Save As Type’ box will default to CMM
Files (*.cmm), and the cursor will be flashing in the ‘File Name’ box, waiting
for the user to type in the desired file name. As the software runs under
Windows 95 this can be long file name. When you have typed in the name,
click on ‘OK’.
Should you type in an exact replica of an existing file name, then the following
warning will appear on the screen.
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Fig. 23.1-3 The Warning Prompt that a file of the same name already exists
You can either overwrite the existing file by clicking on ‘Yes’, or if you click on
‘No’, the window will return inviting you to type in a different file name.
23.2 Save File
Fig. 23.2-1 The Save File button
The Save File button should be used when the inspection has been previously
saved, and you are happy with the file name allocated to the inspection.
Note however, that any changes that have been made to the inspection since
it was last saved will now overwrite the previously saved inspection, which will
be lost. If you wish to keep both the changes and the previously saved
inspection then you will have to save the changes under a new file name by
using the ‘Save As’ button.
If you click on the Save File button and the inspection has not been previously
saved, then you will be prompted to enter a file name, as for the Save As
button.
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24.0 STARTING A NEW INSPECTION
When the CMM is switched on at the start of the day, and then referenced
(see chapter 2.0 – Referencing the Machine) the software will automatically
be ready to accept a new inspection.
If you need to start a new inspection at any other time, however, you will need
to click on the ‘New Inspection’ button.
Fig. 24.0-1 The New Inspection button
If the previous inspection has already been saved as the last action, the
graphics screens will go blank, and the software will be ready to start a new
inspection.
Fig. 24.0-2 The Main Screen ready for a new inspection
If however, something has been modified in the last inspection, subsequent to

the last time that the inspection was saved, then the following prompt will
appear.
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Fig. 24.0-3 The Warning Prompt that the current measurements have not been saved
You will now have three options. If you click on ‘Yes’ you will save the
previous inspection, as though you had clicked on the Save File or Save As
buttons, and a fresh screen will be displayed. If you click on ‘No’ the previous
inspection will not be saved, but a fresh screen will still be displayed. Finally if
you click on ‘Cancel’ then the screen will return to its previous state, and the
new inspection button will be ignored.
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25.0 OPENING A PREVIOSLY SAVED INSPECTION
If you wish to open an inspection that has previously been saved, click on the
‘Open File’ button.
Fig. 25.0-1 The Open File button
When clicking on the Open File button the following window will appear.
Fig. 25.0-2 The Open File window
The Look In’ box will default to the file path specified in the Results Folder in
the software set up, see Chapter 26 – Software Set Up. This can still be
altered as necessary. The ‘Files of Type’ box will default to CMM Files
(*.cmm), and the cursor will either be flashing in the ‘File Name’ box, waiting
for the user to type in the desired file name, or the last opened file name will
appear, but highlighted in dark blue ready to be overwritten if necessary.
Now to open the saved inspection either type in the file name required, or
alternatively click on the file name displayed in the list above. When you have
selected the file name, click on ‘OK’.
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26.0 PRINTING RESULTS
Introduction
Whenever you wish to produce a hard copy of inspection results the print
function is used.
Fig. 26.0-1 The Print button
Fig. 26.0-2 The Print window
All inspection reports will be printed with a border around them, which can
contain information about the part being inspected. This information can be
entered in the border details frame. It is not essential to enter this information,
and if not entered, the border will remain blank except for the date, which is
entered by default. Your company name and address, as entered in the
Software Set Up (see chapter ) will also be printed on each page.
There are six different print routines that you can select.
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• Graphic Details, prints results in the same form as the graphic display,
i.e. an XY, XZ or YZ view of the component and dimensions.
• Tabulated Units, prints the details of the each feature, similar to the
information in the measure window of that feature.
• Tabulated Dimensions, prints all dimensions that are added to report

from the current or previous inspections.
• Point Positions, prints the co-ordinates of points and the co-ordinates

and size of circles.
• Feature Profile, prints the graphical representation of how well the

individual points taken fit the theoretical shape i.e. the profile of a surface
or the roundness of a circle.
• Multiple Components, by printing the dimensions in a line format you can

get multiple parts on one sheet of paper.
You select the type of report that you require by clicking on the relevant option
button.
Printouts can be in either black and white or colour. Again to select which, you
simply click on the relevant option button. If you have a single cartridge printer
then it is normally more convenient to leave the black cartridge in the printer
and print in black and white. However if you do have a duel cartridge printer
then the colour can help highlight dimensions which are out of tolerance.
Notes (for single cartridge printers)
• If you have a black cartridge in the printer and print in colour then the
printer will dither the output to produce a grey scale; this can result in very
faint lines.
• If you have a colour cartridge in the printer and print only black then the
printer will use all three primary colours to produce black: this can be quite
expensive in ink cartridges.
Before committing to printing a report a preview of the output can be seen by

first clicking on the print preview button. Only the first three sheets are shown
in the print preview, and if the text or result becomes too long for the
resolution of the screen then it will be replaced by a box containing a diagonal
cross.
26.1 Graphic Details
This is the most commonly used print routine as it closely mimics the output
that the software produces during use. When this option is selected the user
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can then select one or more of the three possible views XY, XZ and YZ for
printing. If more than one view is selected the individual views are printed on
separated sheets. The extent of the area that is printed is based on the
current software view, but as the aspect ratio of the page and screen are
different it is advisable to click print preview before printing. This will confirm
exactly what will be printed, especially useful if key dimensions are close to
the edge of the view. If all necessary dimensions are not on the print preview
then re-zoom the view in the software and recheck the print preview.
Click this ‘Button’

to cancel Print
Click this ‘Button’ to select which printer

Click this ‘Button’ you wish to output the graphic to.
to Print
Fig. 26.1-1 A Print Preview of a Graphic Details print
26.2 Tabulated Units
This routine will print the properties of the units that have been inspected e.g.
for a circle unit its centre co-ordinates and diameter will be printed or for a line
unit the start and end co-ordinates will be printed, as well as its directional
vector. In order for these co-ordinates to have any real meaning the part origin
must have been defined, by referencing the appropriate features.
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Click this ‘Button’ Click this ‘Button’

to Print to cancel Print
you wish to output the graphic to.
Fig. 25.2-1 A Print Preview of a Tabulated Units print
26.3 Tabulated Dimensions
The dimensions that have been added to a part inspection can be printed in
tabulated form. This is often more useful than printing Tabulated Units as
these dimensions should be the same as on the original component drawing.
When printing Tabulated Dimension reports, it is possible to select what

information is printed in the report using the check boxes in the Print window.
Note that if you wish to print nominal values, then the software will simply use
the measured values rounded to the precision set in the Software Set Up, and
default tolerances will be plus or minus half of this rounding value, unless you
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have typed in a value for the nominal and tolerance using the Dimension
Detail box (see chapter 16.8 – Setting Nominal Values and Tolerances for
Dimensions).
Click this ‘Button’ Click this ‘Button’

to Print to cancel Print
you wish to output the graphic to.
Fig. 26.3-1 A Print Preview of a Tabulated Dimensions print
It is possible to add the dimensions from more than one inspection to a

Tabulated Dimensions report, which is why the ‘Clear Report’ and ‘Add to
Report’ buttons appear on the Print window. Every time you click on the ‘Add
to Report’ button, the dimensions that are displayed on the main screen will
be added to the report. This will continue until the ‘Clear Report’ button is
clicked.
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to close the ‘Print
Window’

Click this ‘Button’ to to Print the report
print the report to
Excel
Click this ‘Button’ to clear the report from Click this ‘Button’ to add the measurements you have just
the computer s memory . taken into the computers memory.
the computer s memory .
Fig. 26.0-2 The Print window showing tabulated dimension
26.4 Point Positions
This print routine is similar to the Tabulated Units routine; the main difference
is that only the X,Y position and diameter of circles and points are printed.
This is very useful if you are only interested in hole positions, say if inspecting
a PCB or a drill jig. If you wish to print the positional error then the nominal
position of each of the holes must be checked; this is done by clicking on the
down chevrons in the measurement window (see chapter 8.1.2 – Extra
information about measured circles)
Note that once again, the amount of information printed can be selected using
the check boxes in the Print window.
26.5 Feature Profile

As a feature is inspected, the fit of the individual points to the theoretical
shape is shown in the picture box on the right side of the measurement
window. If enough points are taken then a useful representation of the true
surface is built up. This picture can be printed using the feature profile routine.
When you click on Print or Print Preview buttons, then the software asks you
to click on the feature you wish to print.
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When you click on OK, the feature profile will be displayed as follows:
26.6 Multiple Components

If when measuring a batch of components using the ‘Play’ function with ‘SPC
All Components’ ticked on, the Aberlink 3D software will collect all the
measured data for the entire batch. These values can be printed out in a
single report using this option:
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Note:- that any dimensions out of tolerance will be shown in red.
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27.0 THE PLAY FUNCTION – running a program automatically
A program can be created either in ‘Teach and Repeat’ mode by actually

measuring a component with the CMM, or by programming features ‘Off Line’
typing in the size and position of features, or by a combination of both
methods. This was previously discussed in chapter 7 – Creating a CNC
Program – a general introduction.
When you are happy with the program and ready to run it automatically click
on the Play button:
It is important if your program is to run successfully that the position and

alignment of the component has been properly defined by setting features as
references, see chapter 6 – Defining the Alignment of a Component.
The golden rules for choosing reference features are as follows:
1. References must be selected that fully define all 6 degrees of freedom

for a component when it is placed on the table. Usually this will be
done using 1 plane, 1 line and 1 circle or point. However, if these
features do not exist on your component other alternatives are
available.
2. Measure the reference features as close to the start of your program as

possible. When running a program automatically the exact position and
orientation of a component will not be defined until all the reference
features have been measured.
3. Choose reference features that are easy to measure eg. Large planes,
edges or holes, rather than important features that are perhaps defined
as datums on the drawing. Remember setting a feature as a datum is
totally different to setting it as a reference – reference features are
simply used to define the position and alignment of the component.
4. Once you click on the Play button it is not possible to modify or change
your reference features. So once you have measured your reference
features at the start of the program do not touch them again
27.1 The Safe Volume
When you are running a program for the first time, having clicked on the Play
button there are 3 things that the software must do before the program can
run. The first thing is to define a ‘Safe Volume’ around the component through
which the probe must not travel when moving between features or when
indexing. When you click on the Play button the following prompt will appear:
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In almost all cases it will be acceptable to automatically calculate the safe

volume by clicking on ‘Yes’. The default size of the safe volume is defined in
the Machine Set Up – see chapter 26. Now the program will automatically
move to the edge of the safe volume between measuring units to avoid
crashing into the component.
The Safe volume is

automatically calculate
around the part you are
measuring
Note that the safe volume can only be created around features that have been
measured. If your component has protrusions that are not measured as part
of the program you may need to adjust the safe volume to account for them.
The safe volume is always infinite in a negative Z direction, so the probe can
never go underneath the part being measured.
The values of the safe volume are shown in the workpiece co-ordinate
window – see section 27.5 of this chapter.
27.2 The Approaches
The position that the probe goes to prior to measuring a unit is known as the
‘Plunge’ position. This position we be directly above the feature being
measured on the edge of the safe volume. When it has finished measuring
the feature it will also return to the edge of the safe volume. This position is
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known as the ‘Rise’ position. Collectively the Plunge and the Rise are known
as the Approaches for the measurement unit.
Having calculated the Safe Volume as described in section 27.1 above, the
software must now calculate the Plunge and Rise values for all measurement
units. The following prompt will appear:
Again it will almost always be correct to let the software calculate the
approaches by clicking on ‘Yes’.
The Plunge and Rise values are stored in the probe moves grid for each
measurement unit. The Plunge move will be the very first line, and the Rise
will be the very last:
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It is possible to modify these values by simply overwriting them in the grid, but
do not then re-calculate the template, simply OK the unit. Similarly if you
answer ‘Yes’ again to the original prompt these values will be automatically
calculated again and overwrite your modifications.
27.3 The Workpiece Co-ordinate (or WPC)
Having automatically calculated the Safe Volume and Approaches for the
program, the third piece of information required to automatically run the
program is the workpiece co-ordinate, (sometimes called the work offset), and
the following prompt will appear on the screen:
The reference features that you will have measured will have defined a 0,0,0
position on the component being measured. (This will be identified by a small
datum symbol on the Main Screen). The workpiece co-ordinate defines where
this position on the component is within the machines measurement volume –
ie. where the component is on the table.
If the component has not been moved since the program was created (and
the reference features measured), or it has been put back on the table in the
same position (perhaps using a fixture to locate it) then the workpiece co-
ordinate (or WPC) can be automatically calculated, so you can simply click on
‘Yes’
The X,Y and Z values for the WPC are stored along with the safe volume in
the workpiece co-ordinate window – see section 27.5 later in this chapter.
If you have moved the component since the program was created you must
click ‘No’ and define the WPC as discussed in section 27.5.
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27.4 The CNC Program Window
When you have defined the Safe Volume, the Approaches and the WPC the
CNC Program window will appear as follows:
27.4.1 The Program Tree
All the measurement units are shown in the program tree on the left hand side
of the window. The reference features will be shown in bold.
More information about the units can be obtained by clicking on the plus sign
adjacent to it. It is possible to look at the template for the unit and even the
probe moves that will be made, although it is not possible modify the moves at
this window. This must be done by recalling the unit from the main screen and
modifying the probe moves grid within the measurement window.
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All the features you have measured are listed here

in the order you measured them.
When you run a program the software works its
way from top of the list to the bottom
You can modify the order of the program by clicking on a unit within the tree
and dragging it to a new position. Care however, must be taken not to infringe
the basic rules of the Aberlink 3D measuring software such as dragging a
circle or a line in front of the Plane into which they are projected, for instance.
It is also recommended not to move the position of the reference features.
Finally you will discover that it is not possible to drag a unit to the very bottom
of the tree. If you need to do this you will have to drag the unit as low down
the tree as possible (to the penultimate position) and then drag the last unit
above it.
Also it is possible to run only part of a program, if desired. Right clicking on a

unit on the tree will bring up the following menu:
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The program can be edited by either running or not running a unit, running the
program up to a unit or from the unit, or even running a single unit only. You
should only choose not to run the reference features if they have been
measured previously and the component has not been moved, otherwise the
exact position and alignment of the component will not have been defined.
3
4
5
7
8
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1 Feed Rate
It is possible to adjust the feed rate of the probe moves using the slider bar in
the top right of the CNC Program window. This may be useful to slow a
program down when initially proving it out.
2 Single Blocking a Program
You can also choose to step a program through each individual move by
ticking the Single Block box. When you run the program the next X,Y,Z move
for the probe will appear in the white boxes and the probe will move there
when you click on the Step button.
3 Run Current Component only or All Components
It is possible to run a single program on multiple components by setting the

workpiece co-ordinate for each component as discussed in section 27.5
below. Under the Options in the CNC Program window it is possible to select
for the program to run the current work offset only or alternatively all the work
offsets that have been set.
4 Collecting SPC Batch Information
If you wish to collect SPC batch information for a batch of components tick the
SPC All Components box. The information collected is discussed in
chapter 34 – SPC Batch Information.
5 Dry Run
By default when you first go into the CNC Program window the Dry Run
option will be ticked. If you click on the Run Program button now you will get a
simulation of the probe moves with a red circle representing the stylus ball
moving around the main screen where the probe will move. This may be
useful for spotting programming errors.
6 Auto Save
If you are running multiple components each subsequent time that the
program runs it will overwrite the previous inspection. If the SPC box is ticked
all the measurement results will be saved to the batch information but
individual reports for the overwritten components will not be possible unless
you tick the Auto Save box.
Now each time the component is run the software will automatically save a file
for it. For instance if the program has been saved under the name of ‘Test
Piece’ the first time the component is run the results will be saved as Test
Piece #1 and then Test Piece #2 etc. Now when the batch finishes if you wish
to print an inspection report for the first component you can now open the
Test Piece #1 file and create the desired report.
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If the program has not been saved then you will automatically be prompted for
a name when you try and run the program.
7 Feed Hold
If you ‘click’ on this button the CMM will pause the program if you ‘click’ the
button again the CMM will carry no from were the program stopped.
Manually measure Ref.
If you run a program with this box tick the features that you used to align the
part (mark in bold letters in the program tree) turn green in the main window
and must be measured manually before the program can run.
27.4.8 Run Program and Cancel (8)
If you are happy that the program is correct and that the safe volume,
approaches and WPC have all been correctly set then, if you un-tick the dry
run option and click on Run Program the CMM will now drive round and
measure the component automatically.
Note that the position that the program is started from is the position that it will
return to at the end. This position is known as the Home Position. It is
advisable to start a program from a safe position above the component. If you
are measuring multiple components start the program from above the first
component. If the program fails to run successfully you will be asked ‘Do you
wish to return to the Home Position?’ If you answer ‘Yes’ the probe will return
to the home position travelling in Z first. If this path is blocked you must
answer ‘No’
If the SPC option is ticked you will get the following question:
This is because the data on the screen is about to be overwritten and you
need to decide whether you require these results to be added to the batch
information.
If the program runs successfully a summary of the inspection will appear on

the screen listing any dimensions that are out of limits:
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Cancel will close the window and the program will not run.
During the running of the program the CNC Program window is minimised to
the bottom of the screen. If you wish to cancel the program while it is running
click on the minimised button to bring the window back up and click on
Cancel. The following prompt will appear:
If you answer ‘Yes’ to this question the probe will get away form the
component moving to the edge of the safe volume.
Follow the rest of the prompts until the program is finally cancelled.
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27.5 The work piece co-ordinate (WPC or Work off set)
Most of the time the work piece co-ordinate and the safe volume will be
automatically set by the software. These values are stored in the workpiece
co-ordinate window:
The X, Y, Z work piece co-ordinate values are shown in top left hand section
of the WPC window.
Enter WPC offset here
Enter work piece safety volume

here
If the component has been moved on the table since the programme was
created then it will not be possible to automatically calculate the WPC and
therefore you will have to define it as follows:
Drive the probe so that the ruby ball is physically

at the position of the datum on the component. If
your datum is a hole, the ruby ball should be at
the centre of the hole so that the centre of the ball
is at the top face of the hole:
If you have chosen a point on a plane (such as

the corner of a block) so that this is not possible,
drive the ruby ball so that its bottom is just over
the corner of the block – we will have to adjust in
Z by the radius of the ball later.
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Note that you only have to set the WPC accurately enough so that the
programme will find the datum features. Once these have been measured
automatically in the program the WPC
will be updated to an exact value.
Tick the ‘Measure this Component’ box and then click on the ‘Teach’ button.
The position of the ruby ball will then automatically be entered as the WPC. If
you have positioned the ball away from the datum on the component (eg
above the corner of the block) then you will now have to modify the values
accordingly.
The ‘Measure’ button will automatically calculate the WPC from the reference
features that have been measured in the current inspection. In effect this
button will perform the same calculation as the calculation performed when
prompted to automatically calculate it when running a programme for the first
time. It assumes that the component has not been moved since the last time it
was measured.
27.6 Setting rotations with WPC
Set the zero in the center of the

large circle by placing the probe
in the center of the large circle
Y (X=0, Y=0) then press the
Teach button
To set rotations with WPC find a feature like this

X small circle (X=50, Y=0) which has either the X or
Y axis running through it. For this move the probe
along the X axis but do not move it in Y until its in
the centre of the small circle right hand click on
the ‘Teach Button’ and select from the drop
down menu the ‘Z Rotation’ option this will turn
the Co-ordinate system around Z axis and align
the X axis through the centre of the two circles
Set the zero in the centre of the large circle by placing the probe in the centre
of the large circle (X=0, Y=0) then press the ‘Teach Button’ This will
automatically set the position centre of the ball as the new WPC.
To set rotations using WPC window find a feature like the small circle (X=50,
Y=0) which has the X or Y axis running through it. Move the probe along one
of the axis (like X) but do not move it in the other (like Y) until the probe in the
centre of the other feature (both feature lie along the same axis.)
If you right hand click on the ‘Teach Button’ you see a drop down menu with
four options origin, Z rotation, Y rotation and Z Rotation select the ‘Z Rotation’
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option this will rotate the co-ordinate system around Z and align the X axis
through the centre of the 2nd feature which lie along the same axis as the
WPC.
Problems you can have with WPC
To run a program it’s important to have the correct WPC (datum) entered into
the offset box in the WPC window. If the wrong co-ordinates have entered the
machine will not be able find the part on the table and could crash into the
part or table.
Note: Sometimes when loading a programme the WPC can set itself to zero.
If you tried to run the programme with the WPC at zero the machine will try to
move to the reference position (zero position machine co-ordinate system) in
the top right hand corner of the CMM.
If you are not using rotation option when setting a WPC you must place the
parts on the table square to the machine axis system
If you have positioned the ball away from the datum on the component (e.g.
above the corner of the block) then you will now have to modify the values
accordingly by taking away half the diameter of the ball.
27.6.1 Setting Multiple Workpiece Co-ordinates (multiple components)
To the left of the WPC values are 2 black arrows and a number (initially 1). If
you click on the upper black arrow the number will change to 2 and the offset
values for X, Y and Z will be refreshed.
You can now set the WPC for a 2nd component in exactly the same manner as
for the first component as described above. As long as you tick the ‘Measure
this Component’ box for item 2 the program will automatically run both
components when you run it. You can continue to set as many workpiece co-
ordinates as you like and control which positions are run using the ‘Measure
this component’ tick box.
27.6.2 Automatically setting work offsets for a grid of components
If you are using a fixture that holds a grid of components at a regular spacing
then it is not necessary to set the WPC for each component. Simply set the
WPC for position 1 and then using the ‘Grid’ section to define the spacing and
quantity of components in both the X and Y directions.
For example, if you had a fixture that held 12 components in a 4 x 5 grid with
the X spacing at 130mm and the Y spacing at 100mm, then fill in the grid
details as follows:
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Now when you click on the ‘Set’ button the other 19 work offsets will
automatically be filled in (relative to position 1) and their ‘Measure this
Component’ boxes will be ticked in the WPC window.
At the bottom of the WPC is a graphic showing the offsets as they would be
spaced out on the CMM table, the current work piece offset is always shown
with a circle around it.
Note that if you don’t have a full fixture of components you can control which
positions are run by un-ticking the relevant ‘Measure this Component’ box.
27.6.3 The Safe Volume Values
Most of the time the software will automatically calculate the safe volume.
These values are stored in the WPC window in the bottom left hand section
under ‘Workpiece Volume’
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You can modify these values by simply typing in new values, if required.
NZ in the Z- box implies an infinite safe volume below the component so that
the probe can never travel below the part.
The ‘Measure’ button will automatically calculate the safe volume from the
features that have been measured in the current inspection. In effect this
button will perform the same calculation as the calculation performed when
prompted to automatically calculate it when running a program for the first
time.
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28.0 SOFTWARE SET UP
Many of the parameters used by the software may be set by the user to suit
their particular requirements. In order to change any of these parameters click
on the Set Up button:
Fig. 28.0-1 The Software Set up button
This will bring up the Set Up window, as follows:
Fig. 28.0-2 User Definable Parameters - Units
Clicking on the heading tabs will bring up each of the lists of user definable
parameters. To change any of the parameters simply type in the new value
over the existing. If you wish to use the new value simply for the current
inspection, and revert to the saved value next time the software is used, then
click only on ‘OK’. If however you wish to save the new value, and use it until
such times as it is modified again, then click on the ‘Save’ button followed by
‘OK’
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The ‘Tech….’ Button will allow access to more technical information such as
the machine’s error map. To bring up this information a code must be typed
in. This code is available from Aberlink for servicing and problem solving only.
28.1 Units Tab
This is the information shown in the figure above (Fig 28.0-2) The 2 columns
of boxes allow different values to be entered when working in metric values
compared to when working in English values:
28.1.1 Metric or English
Use the option buttons to select whether the results are given in millimetres or
inches.
28.1.2 Display Angles as Deg, Min, Sec or as a decimal
Use the option buttons to select whether angles are reported as degrees,
minutes and seconds or decimal angles. When changing between the two
options the screen will need to be refreshed before showing the new angle
information. The Redraw function will do this
28.1.3 Round Nominals To
When printing out inspection reports of Tabulated Dimensions, it is possible to

print out a list of nominal dimensions alongside the measured values, and
hence also produce values for the measured errors.
The nominal values may be entered by right mouse clicking on the dimension,
to bring up the dimension detail box – see chapter 27, Printing Results.
If however, no nominal dimension has been entered for a given dimension,

then the default nominal will be the printed as the measured value rounded to
the precision set in this box, and the tolerance on the dimension will be set to
plus or minus half this rounding value.
28.1.4 Default Tolerance

Unless otherwise specified the software will apply +/-the value given as the
tolerance for each dimension. To modify the tolerance for a specific dimension
right mouse click on the dimension line, to bring up the dimension detail box
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28.1.5 Smile / Frown Threshold
When measuring any type of feature there are 2 levels of warning

that are given to let the operator know if a particular measurement
point does not fit the form of the feature very well. The thresholds at
which these warnings are given can be set in these boxes The Smiley Face
feature will remain smiling providing that the error of the last measurement
point does not exceed the threshold value set in the Smile Threshold box.
If the error of the last measurement point falls between the smile threshold
and the frown threshold the smiley face feature will have an open mouth
(frown). If the last measurement point error exceeds the frown threshold then
the Smiley Face feature will become unhappy and an audible warning will be
given.
28.1.6 DXF Hole Found Tolerance
It is possible to import hole positions for a component in a DXF file format.

When doing this the software will intelligently pair the measured results to the
positions defined in the DXF file. In this case the software will use the
tolerance set in this box to determine whether a measured hole is paired with
inputted values.
28.1.7 Default True Pos. Tolerance
When printing point position reports (see chapter 27 – Printing Results) the
true position of points and circles can be printed. This box can be used to set
a default tolerance for true position values, which can then be used to
produce a Pass/Fail statement.
28.1.8 Display D.P.

Use this box to modify the number of decimal places shown on the readouts,
measured dimensions and in all inspection reports.
28.1.9 Display Resolution
This box is used to modify the display resolution if you enter 0.001 the display
will count 1 micron steps, if you enter 0.005 the display will count in 5 micron
steps.
28.1.10 The ISO 2768 Tolerance standard
You can use the ISO 2768 tolerance standard to tolerance your parts by
clicking on the buttons marked f,m,c & v the software will than apply the
correct tolerances take from the tables below to the parts you are measuring.
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28.2 Display Tab
Fig. 28.2-1 User Definable Parameters – Display
28.2.1 Selection Box Size
The slider bar can be used to adjust the size of the selection box, that
appears in the graphical areas of the Main Screen.
28.2.2 Point Size (when drawing)
When measuring or constructing points, they appear in the Main Screen as

blue filled circles. Modifying the value in this box will alter the size of these
points.
Bigger points are easier to select small look better in the reports.
28.2.3 Display Font
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The font, style and size of the results can be selected by clicking on the grey
box. This will bring up the following window:
Fig. 28.2-2 The Font window
The font, style and size of the printed results may now be selected from the
lists available within Windows XP.
28.2.4 Max Font Size

If the font size is bigger than 9 the letters will be to big to fit the buttons or
drop down menus
28.2.5 Display Averaging

This box affects the stability of the readouts. The software will take this
number of position readings from the readheads on the machine (max 1024)
before displaying the average. The higher this number the more stable the
readings will appear, hence this facility will control the flicker of the readouts.
28.2.6 Polar Co-ordinates

BS 308 defines the angle of a polar co-ordinate as 3 o’clock on a clock face
equating to zero degrees, and anti-clockwise defining a positive angle (hence
12 o’clock = 90 degrees and 6 o’clock = 270 degrees etc.)
If you wish to work to an alternative standard you can use these boxes to
define zero degrees and which direction defines a positive angle.
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28.3 Feature Points
Fig. 28.3-1 User Definable Parameters – Feature Points
During normal operation, features are inspected by the operator taking an

unspecified amount of measurement points, and the software will count these
points upwards from zero. It is up to the operator to decide when they have
taken sufficient points.
If however, the Count Down box in this window is ticked, then the
measurement windows will start to count down from the specified number of
points defined in the boxes above.
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28.4 Company
Fig. 28.4-1 User Definable Parameters – Company
The name and address shown in this window will appear on all printed
inspection reports.
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28.5 General
Fig. 24.5-1 User Definable Parameters – General
28.5.1 Temperature (deg C)
Most CMM structure are made from a single material like Aluminium, it will
expand and contract uniformly with temperature. It is therefore possible to
compensate for the ambient temperature of the machine in the software. This
value should therefore represent the mean ambient working temperature, and
may for instance be changed between the winter and the summer.
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28.5.2 Material
Different materials expand and contract at various rates as the temperature

changes, by selecting from the list of materials shown in the ‘Matrial drop
down menu’ the material your measured part is made from, you can
compensate for that part expand and contract as the ambient working
temperature changes over time.
28.5.3 Thermal Expansion coefficient (PPM)
Most of the materials you are ever going need are listed in the ‘Materials Drop
down menu’ if they are not listed you can select ‘other’ from drop down menu
After you have selected ‘other’ you must enter the thermal expansion
coefficient in ppm for the material into the thermal expansion coefficient box.
If you have selected a specific material from the ‘Materials Drop down menu’
then its expansion coefficient is stored in the software and will have
automatically been entered.
28.5.4 Results Folder
The path shown in this box will be the default path called up by the software
when saving results using the Save File and Save As buttons.
This path can of course be changed each time an inspection is saved, but if
inspection results are generally saved to a specific results folder, then this
results folder path should be entered here.
In the example above, the Save File and Save As buttons would by default
bring up the root directory C:\
28.5.5 Probe Override
Ticking this box will have the effect of ignoring the signal from the probe. This
may be useful during faultfinding etc. when the probe may need to be
bypassed.
This box would also need to be ticked if a solid probe were ever used in the
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place of the touch trigger probe.
28.5.6 Auto Point Capturetime
If you are using a solid probe on a manual machine to measure profiles by

dragging the probe across the surface it is possible to capture points at set
intervals over time.
You enter the time between points here.
28.6 Ref Ball Tab
It is possible to have
multiple positions for
the reference ball by
use these arrows to
change the Reference
ball number
Each ref. ball position
number can have an
Fig. 28.6-1 User Definable Parameters- Ref. Ball
28.6.1 Reference Ball

The 3 boxes denote the position of the reference ball in the measurement
volume of the machine relative to the machine’s datum position (top, back left
corner). If the reference ball is moved to another position within the
measurement volume its position must be entered here. The procedure for
measuring the reference ball position is detailed in chapter….
Note:- If you move the reference ball to different place on the machine table it
is import to re-enter the new position in to the X,Y,Z boxes relative to the
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machine’s datum position If you are running an error map on your machine
and you fail to do this you will get measurement errors.
28.6.2 Ref. Dia

The diameter of the reference ball must be entered here.
28.6.3 Threshold
This box allows the user to set a threshold for the 3 sigma value of the points
fit when Datuming a stylus. If the 3 sigma value should exceed this threshold
value then the appropriate box on the stylus Datuming window will turn yellow,
rather than green or red.
28.6.4 No. of points

In this box you can enter the number of point you need to take when
calibrating your probes
28.6.5 Stylus Len. and Stylus Dia.

The approximate length and diameter of the stylus used when measuring the
reference ball position should be entered into these boxes. The procedure for
measuring the reference ball position is detailed in chapter….
28.6.6 Stem Vector and Stem Dia.

The stem vector tells the software which from which direction the reference
ball is attached to its pillar (0,0,-1 is straight down). The stem diameter is the
diameter of the pillar that the probe must avoid when Datuming a stylus.
28.6.7 Stand Off

Defines the pre-travel for each measurement point when Datuming a stylus.
28.6.8 B Angle Set

This button is used for automatically measuring the reference ball position.
This should only be done if the reference ball position has moved within the
measurement volume of the machine, for instance been screwed into a
different insert or if the granite table has been moved.
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28.6.9 How to re-calibrate the reference ball position.
To re-calibrate the reference ball

Position the probe approximately
10mm above the centre of the
reference ball. Ensure that the stylus
length and diameter have been
entered (as described above) and
then click on the ‘Set’ button
To do this position the probe approximately 10mm above the centre of the
reference ball. Ensure that the stylus length and diameter have been entered
(as described above) and then click on the ‘Set’ button. The machine will now
automatically measure the position of the reference ball. If an indexible probe
is fitted the probe will also index through 90 degrees and measure the
reference ball a second time. The X,Y,Z position of the ball will automatically
be entered at the top of the screen. Be sure to click ‘save’ to permanently
save these values before clicking OK.
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28.7 CNC Tab
28.7.1 Default Approach Distance

Defines the default value for pre-travel used when creating a program. Pre-
travel is the distance from a theoretical measurement point to which the probe
will travel at rapid speed. A small pre-travel will increase the speed of
measurement but a large pre-travel will allow more uncertainty of positioning
of a component on the table.
28.7.2 Message Box Count down Time

This is the time a message box is displayed in seconds
28.7.3 Default Over Travel

Defines the default value for over travel used when creating a program. Over
travel is the distance past a theoretical measurement point to which the probe
will continue travelling at probing speed until the program will give up trying to
measure a point and register an error.
Safety Border
If you ask the software to automatically calculate the Safe Volume for a
program it will create a volume around all of the measured features of this
size in X,Y and Z through which the probe must not travel between measuring
different features. The safe volume is always considered to be infinite in a –Z
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direction, ie. the probe can never travel underneath the component being
measured.
27.7.4Message Box Count down Time

This is the time a message box is displayed in seconds
28.8 Offsets Tab
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29.0 SPC Batch information
The Aberlink 3D software will collect batch information as well as calculate

some simple SPC information and plot both a histogram and a scatter graph
for any given dimension.
In order to collect this information when running a batch of components you

need to tick the ‘SPC All Components’ box on the CNC Program Window (see
Chapter – The Play Function).
Now when you click on ‘Run Program’ you will get the following message box:
If you wish to add the previous inspection to the batch information click on
‘Yes’, otherwise click ‘No’.
The batch information is contained within the Dimension Details box. To look
at it right click on a particular dimension line. For instance if we select a
dimension between a hole and the edge of a workpiece that is nominally
10.5 mm:
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The last measured result is shown large numbers under ‘Current

Measurement’ and the dimension for previously measured components are
listed under ‘Statistics’.
For the batch the software calculates the following:
1. The Maximum value

2. The Minimum value
3. The Mean +3 sigma value
4. The Mean value
5. The Mean –3 sigma value
6. The 3 sigma value for the batch
7. The CpK value for the batch
8. The Mean shift for the batch (mean – nominal)
In addition the software plots a scatter graph and a histogram for the batch
results. To increase the size of these graphs simply click on them.
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The scatter graph will show the mean, the nominal and the plus and minus
sigma values. Measurements within limits are shown as blue dots, and out of
limits are shown as red dots.
To return to the original view simply click on the graph again. To expand the
histogram just click on it.
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Again the mean, the nominal and the plus and minus sigma values are
shown. To return to the original view click on the histogram again. To return to
the main screen click ‘OK’.
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30.0 THE JOG MACHINE BUTTON

Should the joystick become broken for any reason the machine can still be
driven around using the ‘Jog’ function.
The machine can now be moved around by left clicking on the appropriate
direction box. Note that speed can also be controlled by using the slider bar at
the bottom of the window.
Right clicking on a direction button will produce a probing move equivalent to
using buttons 1,3 and 4 on top of the joystick.
The Jog function will also allow the user to move to a defined position using
the ‘Go To’ boxes. Type in the desired X,Y,Z position and also select whether
this is:
1. Relative - Relative to the current position of the probe
2. Component - Relative to the datum on the component being measured
3. Machine - Relative to the machine’s datum position
Then click on ‘Go To’.

Finally, there is a ‘Stop’ button to halt the travel at any point if required.
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31.0 THE STOP BUTTON
The ‘Stop’ button can be used to halt a program at the end of its current
move:
Then follow the prompts to exit the program.
Note that this button does not perform quite the same function as an
emergency stop button on the machine, which will halt all movement
immediately and cut the air supply to the machine and disengage the motor
drives.
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32.0 THE PARK FUNCTION
The ‘Park’ function will drive the machine to a safe position in the machine
volume (usually towards the top, back, right-hand side of the machine) and if
an I/O card is fitted to the machine will automatically switch off the air and
drives in readiness for the controller to be switched off after use.
When you click on the ‘Park’ button the machine will move upwards in Z first
before moving in X and Y, so make sure that the path is clear prior to using
this function.
When the machine reaches the safe position the air and drives will be
switched off automatically.
This position will be suitable to start from when referencing the machine next
time that it is switched on – see chapter 1 – Starting the Machine.
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33.0 DISPLAYING THE PROGRAM TEMPLATE
Each inspection program created in Aberlink 3D can be automatically run.

(see Section 27.0 – The Play Function)
In order to create this program the software will use either the features from
the very first component measured or alternatively the features downloaded
from a dxf file of the component as a template. This template becomes fixed
and is used to prompt the measurement of subsequent components.
By default features measured will be shown in blue on the main screen:
These measured features will be displayed as long as the ‘Display Measured

Details or Template Details’ button is set to ‘M’, as follows:
If the user wishes to view the template, simply click on this button and it will
change to a ‘T’ for template.
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The main screen will now show the template for the component with the
features now depicted in grey:
To return to viewing the measured features simply click on the button again
and it will change back to ‘M’.
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34.0 THE AIR SWITCH
The air button is used for switching on and off the air supply as long as an I/O
card is fitted to the controller.
Note that the air supply cannot be switched off if the motor drives are
engaged. If you try to do this the air supply and motor drives will both be
switched off simultaneously.
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35.0 THE MOTOR DRIVES BUTTON
The Motor Drives button is used for engaging and disengaging the motor
drives.
Note that the motor drives cannot be engaged if air supply is switched off. If
you try to do this, the following window will appear:
If you answer ‘Yes’ the air supply and motor drives will both be switched on
simultaneously.
If you answer ‘No’ the motor drives will remain off.
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36.0 THE CCD CAMERA SYSTEM BUTTON
The CCD Camera button is situated at the right hand end of the top row of
icons on the Main Screen:
If the machine is fitted with the Aberlink Camera system this button will bring
up the image from the camera onto the computer monitor and allow non-
contact measurement using the Aberlink 3D software.
The use of the camera is detailed in a separate manual.
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37.0 THE RING / GRID ARRAY
The Ring / Grid array function can be used for the multiple copying of
programmed measurement units that form a regular ring or grid pattern
This means for example that if you need to inspect an array of holes using the
circle function it is only necessary to create a program for one of them and
then use this function to copy the rest of the pattern. Similarly a regular,
square or rectangular grid pattern of holes can similarly be measured.
37.1 A Ring Array
Assume we have a pattern of holes in a surface as follows: 6 holes in a PCD

of 24mm, and one hole at the centre of the PCD.
Measure the central hole and also one of the holes in the PCD:
Now click on the Ring / Grid Array function button, which will bring up the
following window:
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The first box asks for ‘Units to be Copied’. Simply click on the circle that has
been measured in the PCD. The unit number of this circle will now be added
to the box:
Note that it is possible to select multiple items to be copied, ie. a plane and a
circle if measuring holes around the circumference of a cylinder.
Now choose the ‘Ring’ option and click on ‘Next’. The window will now change
as follows:
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The first box now asks for the centre of the array. Click on the circle at the
centre of the PCD and the unit number of this circle will be added to the box.
The second box asks for the total number to be copied. In this case enter 6.
The third box asks for the total angle through which we want to copy the
circles. As we have a complete PCD we should enter 360.
The last box is the angle between the circles. This will automatically be
calculated from the information that we have already given, ie. 6 circles
through 360 degrees will be spaced at 60-degree intervals.
Alternatively we could have entered 60 degrees in this box prior to entering

the total angle of 360 degrees and the total angle would then have been
automatically calculated.
Now click on ‘Finish’ and the remaining 5 circle units will be automatically
calculated and displayed as program templates in the main screen:
37.2 A Grid Array
It is also possible to copy features in a regular grid pattern (square or

rectangular) as follows:
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Measure one of the features in the pattern, for instance we have measured a
hole as a circle in the following example:
Now click on the Ring / Grid Array function button and select the circle to be
copied, as in the previous Ring Array example.
This time choose the ‘Grid’ option before clicking on ‘Next’. The window will
now change as follows:
We define the required grid by inputting the number of columns to the left and
right of the measured unit together with their spacing, and also the number of
rows above and below together with the row spacing.
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In this example enter 1 column to the left and 2 to the right, with a spacing of
10mm, and 2 rows above and 3 below with a12mm spacing. This will create a
grid of 4 columns by 6 rows, ie. a total of 24 holes.
Now click on ‘Finish’ and the unmeasured 23 circle units will be automatically
calculated and displayed as program templates in the main screen as follows:
Note that as with the Ring Array function it is also possible to copy multiple
units in the same grid pattern.
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38.0 Displaying probe contact points
The Aberlink 3D software will allow the user to view on the main screen where
measurement points on features have actually been taken. To do this simply
click on the ‘Display Probe Contact Position’ button next left hand click on the
feature you wish to see the contact points displayed :
On the main screen the probe contact positions will now be shown as
coloured lines & dots:
Final point
Approach
Plunge &
Rise Points
Move via
points
To turn the points off simply click on the button again.
38.1 Moving the measurement points
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You can actually move the measurement points in a unit graphically by simply
clicking on the desired point and dragging it to its new position. When you let
go of the point it will snap to the closest point on the feature being measured.
When you come to run the program automatically the software will re-prompt
for the calculation of a safe volume and approaches.
To move a measurement
point graphically click on
the line between the
approach and final point
and dragging it to its new
‘Move via’ added by left position. When you let go
hand clicking the line of the point it will snap to
between the approach the closest point on the
points feature being measured
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38.2 Adding ‘Move Via’ graphically

You can add ‘move via’ points graphically by left hand clicking on the connect
lines between the measured points this will add extra ‘Move Via’ graphically
(shown as pink points), if you keep the mouse button pressed, it is possible to
move the ’move via’ points around on the screen so clearing any obstruction.
Rise to Safety Zone

Plunge from Safety Zone
New path using move via
points to go round
If you keep the obstruction If you left hand
mouse button click on the
pressed, it is connect lines
possible to move between the
measured points
Approach point Approach point
Final measurement point Final measurement point
Old path hitting obstruction
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39.0 Inserting a ‘Move Via’ into a measuring routine
When the Aberlink 3D software creates a measuring routine it will measure

the points on a feature in the most efficient way, ie if three points are
measured on a plane the machine will measure the plane as follows:
1. It will rapid to the edge of the safe volume above the first point.
[plunge position]
2. It will rapid to the pre-travel distance above point 1 (typically 2mm)
[Approach 1]
3. It will probe point 1 and come back up to the pre-travel distance above the
plane. [Final 1 represents the over travel distance past the point]
4. It will then rapid at the pre-travel height above the plane to a position
above point 2. [Approach 2]
6. It will then rapid at the pre-travel height above the plane to a position
above point 3. [Approach 3]
8. It will then rapid to the edge of the safe volume above point 3 (rise
position). [Rise Position]
In other words when measuring the points on the plane the probe never
moves more than the pre-travel distance above the plane.
So what happens if there is an obstruction in the middle of the plane between

the points that the probe will crash into?
Obstruction in the way of measuring

plane
Measured plane
The answer is that you will have to insert a ‘Move Via’ into the measurement
cycle for the plane. Say for instance that points 1 and 2 are on the left hand
side of the obstruction and point 3 is on the right hand side. As the software
would create the program the probe would crash into the obstruction after the
first 2 points. We must therefore insert a ‘Move Via’ between the 2nd point
[Final 2] and the move to above the 3rd point [Approach 3] that will take the
probe up and over the obstruction.
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There are three methods in which this can be done:
39.1 The Joystick Method

Using the joystick trigger button it is possible to enter the machines current
position as a ‘Move Via’ command. Every time you press the trigger on the
joystick it enters a ‘Move Via’ into the measuring routine.
Every time you pull the trigger on

the joystick you enter a Move Via’
Measure points 1 and into the measuring routine Measure point 3
2
Measured plane
39.2 On the Screen Method

If you press this button you can see the path the probe takes along with
the plunge, rise positions, pre-travel and measurement points graphically on
the screen. You can edit these paths by left hand clicking on the connect
lines between the measured points this will add extra ‘Move Via’ graphically
(shown as pink points), if you keep the mouse button pressed, it is possible to
move the ’move via’ points around on the screen so clearing any obstruction.
Plunge from Safety Zone Rise to Safety Zone

New path using move via
points to go round
If you keep the mouse obstruction If you left hand click on
button pressed, it is the connect lines
possible to move the between the measured
’move via’ points points you can create
around on the screen Move Via points
Approach point Approach point
Final measurement point Final measurement point
Old path hitting obstruction
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39.3 Edit Measurement Grid Method

You can type the X, Y, Z information, speed and probe head position directly
into directly into the measurement grid.
1. To enter a ‘move
via’ between points
2 and 3 you need
to left hand click on
the ‘Approach 3’
box to select that
row of the grid. The
row will turn dark
blue.
2. Now right click

on the ‘Approach 3’
box to bring up the
following menu:
3. Select ‘Insert
Cells’ and a blank
move via line will
be added into the
programme:
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4. The X, Y, Z
information and
speed and probe
head position
could all be typed
directly into this
new row, if
desired. It is much
easier, however,
to simply drive the
probe to a suitable
safe position
above the
obstruction and
then click the
trigger of the
joystick to
automatically
enter this position
into the Move Via
line:
Click the trigger of the

joystick when the probe is
roughly in this position
When following prompt appears you can click either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If you click
‘Yes’ the X, Y, Z position of the joystick will be automatically entered into the
Move Via line. If you click ‘No’ the procedure will be aborted.
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The ‘Move Via’

position will now
be added. All you
need to do is now
click the ‘OK’
button.
DO NOT click
‘Template from
measured
Points’ or
‘Template from
Details Given’
as these
buttons will
cause the probe
path to be
recalculated.
The program will

now move as
follows: It will
take points 1 and
2 staying at the
pre-travel height
above the plane.
It will then move to the inserted position above the obstruction before moving
down to the pre-travel distance above point 3, and then take point 3 before
going up to the edge of the safe volume.
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40.0 THE STORE POINTS FUNCTION
The Store Points function allows the software to record measurement points
taken, even when it is not expecting any.
To put the software into this mode, click on the Store Points button.
This button is a latching type, which when on, will become highlighted. To
switch the Store Points function off again you must click on the button for a
second time, and the button will return to its normal grey colour.
With the Store Points function switched on, the software will now memorise
every measurement point taken. Now if you measure a feature before having
clicked on the particular measurement button, you have not wasted your time.
Each point will now make the usual measurement point sound (rather than
than ‘No Form Open sound). After taking the measurement points, simply
click on the required measurement button, and the software will fit the stored
measurement points to that feature.
Be careful however, because sometimes the probe may be triggered when

you are not taking a genuine measurement point, for instance when you are
changing the probe stylus. The software will still record these points, and the
next time a measurement window is opened, it will try to fit these points to the
feature. The result is likely to be some massive errors, and so if this does
happen, you need to erase any erroneous points, or simply clear all the stored
points before you commence your measurement. See Chapter 15 – Erasing
Data Points.
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41.0 THE FEATURE PREDICT FUNCTION
The feature predict function is a time saving function, aimed at cutting down
the amount that the user has to interface with the PC. In this mode the
software will predict the feature required to fit the measurement points taken.
This function will work for 2 dimensional features, such as lines, circles and
planes, but cannot be used for either one dimensional points or 3 dimensional
features such as cylinders, cones or spheres.
To put the software into this mode, click on the Feature Predict button.
This button is a latching type, which when on, will become highlighted. It will
also automatically bring on the Store Points function, which will also become
highlighted. To switch the Feature Predict function off again you must click on
the button for a second time, and the button will return to its normal grey
colour. Note that the Store Points function will also have to be turned off
separately.
With the Feature Predict function switched on, you can immediately start to
take the measurement points on a feature that you are measuring, without
clicking on the measurement button first.
If the first 3 measurement points taken can be fitted to a line, a Line

Measurement window will automatically appear on the screen displaying the
points taken.
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42.0 CHANGING THE COLOUR OF A FEATURE
It is now possible to change the colours that features appear on the screen. In
the top right hand corner of the graphic representation within any
measurement window there will be a dot of the same colour that the feature
will appear. To change the colour click on this dot.
Click here to change the

colour of the feature
This will bring up a colour palette on the screen:
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42.0 Display Measured details or template details or
When a program is first made the software will create a template for each
feature, that will be used for each subsequent measurement. Usually this
information will be taken from each feature on the first time that is was
measured, however, it is also possible to download a program template from
a DXF file. This information can be seen in the template area of each
measurement window.
When the button shows ‘M’ the Main Screen will show measured features
drawn in blue.
If you click on the ‘M’ the button will change to ‘T’ and the template for the
inspection will now be shown in grey.
Click on the ‘T’ again to change it back to ‘M’.
This function has lttle significance on a manual machine .
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43.0 INPUTTING AND OUTPUTTING DXF FILES
Introduction
The DXF function outputs the current drawing in DXF file format and imports
hole position / template data from a DXF file.
Fig. 29.0-1 The DXF File button
When this button is pressed the following form is displayed;
Click on this check

box to export the data
as an DXF CAD file
Click on this check

box to export the data
as an DXF CAD file
Fig. 29.0-2 The DXF Options window
This option will allow the measured data to be exported as a DXF file. The
geometry of the measured features can then be imported into a CAD package, for
example for reverse engineering purposes.
Select the ‘Export Data as DXF’ option, and then use the ‘Browse’ button to save
the DXF file where desired.
Note that this will export the measured features only. The dimensions, which may
have been called up are not compatible with a DXF file format.
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43.1 Import Hole Positions
The Point Unit Details report will compile a tabulated report of the nominal and
actual measured XY centres of all circles arcs and points in an inspection. The
nominal values for the centres can either be entered by typing in the values within
the template area for each unit, or alternatively by importing the hole positions
using a DXF File.
Select the ‘Import Hole Positions’ option and browse to the relevant DXF File. The
software will now match each measured hole to its corresponding position in the
DXF file, so long as it is within the tolerance set under the ‘DXF Hole Found
Tolerance’ setting under the ‘Units’ tab in the Machine Set Up window. The holes
within this tolerance will temporarily change colour on the screen, and their nominal
XY centre positions will automatically be updated.
Note that the reference point (0,0 position) and alignment for the measurement
must match that of the DXF file.
43.2 Import Program Template
This function can be used to import a DXF file, which can then be run as a program
using the Play function. The features to be measured will appear as light grey on
the Main Screen. When the program is run the feature to be measured will turn
green, and its measurement window will automatically open.
The advantage of this is minimal on a manual machine, such as Project X.
43.3 Import As Measured
This function exactly the same as above. A DXF file can be imported and run as a
program. However, the only difference with this option is that the features to be
measured will appear as dark blue (measured features) rather than light grey
(template).
43.4 Import As Curve Profile

Firstly measure the component as a Curve. This will appear as a series of

blue dots in the Main Screen:
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Select ‘Import As Curve Profile’ in the DXF window. Also type in the default
profile tolerance required, and then browse to the DXF file. When you OK the
DXF window the DXF file will be drawn in the Main Screen, but will not
necessarily be in the same position as measured component, so it may be
necessary to zoom out in order to see it:
The nominal DXF file is shown as a red line, with the default tolerance shown
as grey lines on either side.
Now open the Grid Shift window as follows:
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Whilst this window is open, the measured data points can be dragged using
the right mouse button so that they are approximately over the top of the
imported DXF file:
You will see that where the points are within the specified tolerance band they are
shown in green, and where they are outside they are shown in red.
Now to perform a best fit, tick the DXF box under the ‘Optimise’ option and then
click start. The software will now take a few seconds to calculate the rotation and
translations required to fit the measured data to the DXF file. When it is finished the
measured points will snap to the DXF file. Click OK and the software will return to
the Main Screen:
At a glance the areas outside of the tolerance can be seen as they are shown in red.
Right clicking on the representation of the curve (or using the Feature Select buttons)
will re-open the Curve Measure window:
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Right click in the graphic area and choose ‘expand’ to make the graphical
representation fill the whole screen:
The measurement point shown in blue denotes the biggest error.
This value will be shown as the Profile of a Surface value in the bottom, left hand
corner of the window.
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The scale can be modified by using the slider bar, which is located next to the Profile
of a Surface box. A scale indicator line is shown above the slider bar.
Right clicking in the window will bring up the following menu:
Shrink - will return to the full Curve Measure window.
Redraw - will refresh the image.
Zoom Full - will zoom to fit the whole of the Curve to fit the window.
Zoom Out - will zoom out by a fixed percentage.
Show Error - will bring up a box showing the error of any point right clicked on.
Erase - will erase any point right clicked on.
Erase All In View - will allow a box to be dragged over multiple points to be erased.
Print - will allow this representation to be printed as a Feature Profile report.
ReFit to DXF - will allow the best fit routine to be repeated.
DXF Profile Tolerance - will allow the default tolerance that was imported with the DXF
file to be changed for any feature within the DXF file. Right
click on that feature and select this option.
If the DXF file happens to contain gaps for any reason, this can produce errors
because the error for the measured data within the gap(s) will be reported to the
closest point on the DXF file, as follows:
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Measured data in this

area snaps to nearest
point on the available
DXF file
In this situation simply tick the ‘Ignore Points Off Profile’ box, which will now produce a
representation as follows:
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43.4 Export As Curve Profile
When a DXF file is imported as a Curve Profile, the default tolerance will be
applied to all features within the DXF file. It is possible to change the tolerance for
each individual feature of the DXF file by right clicking on it and selecting the ‘DXF
Profile Tolerance’ option, as described above.
If you wish to save the DXF file again complete with the modified tolerances, then
the Export As Curve Profile option can be used.
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44.0 THE PLAY FUNCTION
When inspecting multiple components, you may wish to measure them in a

similar manner to each other. In this situation the ‘Play’ function will prove to
be useful.
When you have finished the inspection of the first component of a batch, or
have called up a previously saved inspection, click on the ‘Play’ button
Fig. 44.0-1 The Play button
The play function will now take you through the inspection of the part in the
same order as previously measured, by highlighting in green each of the
features previously measured in turn.
For instance, consider an inspection that consisted of a plane, a line and a

circle measured in that order, with a single dimension giving the distance
between the line and the circle.
Fig. 44.0-2 An example of a simple inspection

Now to measure a similar component in the same manner, click on the Play
button, this will open the program window shown below
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If you click this Box the

results are save
automatically to be used
with SPC.
All the features you have measured

are listed here in the order you
results are printed out after
measured them
each measurement.
When you run a program the
software works its way from the top
of the list to the bottom
results are save
automatically on the
computer after each
measurement.
Fig. 44.0-3 Program Window

To run the program press the ‘Run Program’ button this will close the program
window and open the ‘Program Notes window’ as shown below
Fig. 44.0-4- Program Notes Window
In this window it is possible to give the operator a list of instructions on how to

set up and measure the part it is also possible to display picture of the part in
the image window.
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After you have read the instruction click the ‘OK’ button this will close the
notes window and the plane that was originally measured (plane No1 in the
list shown in the program window) will become highlighted in green, and the
Plane Measure window will automatically open.
Fig. 44-5 Showing the first feature to be re-measured using the Play function
Now measure 4 points on the plane on the second component as you take the
points the ‘Points to take’ window will count down to zero when the count
reach’s
Zero you have finished measuring the plane.
Note:- At any time before you taking the last point you can retake or clear
points
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Fig.44.0-6 Showing the second feature to be re-measured using the Play function
On completion of the plane measurement, the second feature, in this case the
line, will become highlighted in green, and the Line Measure window will
automatically open.
Fig. 44.0-7 Showing the third feature to be re-measured using the Play function
After measuring the all points in the line the ‘line window’ will close and the 3rd
feature in this case the circle, will become highlighted in green, and the circle
Measure window will automatically open.
Repeat the process for all the features listed in the program window, After you
have measured the last feature in the list the ‘Inspection Results’ window will
be displayed telling you if the part has pass or failed inspection.
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If the part has failed inspection you will get a list of all the feature that have
failed in the ‘Inspection Results’ window which you can save or print.
Fig. 44.0-8 Inspection Report Summary Window
To repeat the inspection again for a third component, you must click on the
Play button again.
44.0.1 Useful Hints
1. To abort the Play function in the middle of an inspection, simply click on

the Play button again.
2. If you cancel a measurement window, this will not only abort the Play
function, but will also erase the particular feature from the inspection.
3. Each Measurement window can contain text in the light blue bar at the top
– see chapter 18.2 Labelling Specific Measurement Units. This may be
useful for identifying similar or close units.
4. The Counting Down feature may also be useful during the Play function,
as the window will then automatically close when the required number of
data points have been taken. The reference status will be set as for the
previous feature. (this is set as standard.)
5. When using the Play function, it will help to have the components situated
at approximately the same position on the table, in order to avoid the
necessity to zoom in and out between previous and current inspections.
6. The Play function can also be used on inspections that have previously
been saved. Hence for the first component of a regular batch, the previous
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inspection can be recalled, and the play function used to obtain results
using an identical inspection method.
7. If an inspection consists of constructed features as well as measured

ones, these will be automatically re-calculated when the relevant
measured features have been re-measured.
44.1 More information on the Program Tree
All the measurement units are shown in the program tree on the left hand
side of the window. The reference features will be shown in bold.
More information about the units can be obtained by clicking on the plus sign
adjacent to it. It is possible to look at the template for the unit and even the
probe moves that will be made, although it is not possible modify the moves at
this window. This must be done by recalling the unit from the main screen and
modifying the probe moves grid within the measurement window.
You can modify the order of the program by clicking on a unit within the tree
and dragging it to a new position. Care however, must be taken not to infringe
the basic rules of the Aberlink 3D measuring software such as dragging a
circle or a line in front of the Plane into which they are projected, for instance.
It is also recommended not to move the position of the reference features.
Finally you will discover that it is not possible to drag a unit to the very bottom
of the tree. If you need to do this you will have to drag the unit as low down
the tree as possible (to the penultimate position) and then drag the last unit
above it. Also it is possible to run only part of a program, if desired. Right
clicking on a unit on the tree will bring up the following menu:
44.2 Collecting SPC Batch Information
The only other useful option when using the Play function is the ‘SPC All
Components’ option. The Aberlink 3D software will collect batch information
as well as calculate some simple SPC information and plot both a histogram
and a scatter graph for any given dimension.
In order to collect this information when running a batch of components you

need to tick the ‘SPC All Components’ box on the Program Window.
Now when you click on ‘Run Program’ you will get the following message box:
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If you wish to add the previous inspection to the batch information click on
‘Yes’, otherwise click ‘No’.
The batch information can be displayed within the Dimension Details

window for each dimension - this is detailed in chapter – Showing SPC
Batch Information.
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45.0 INSPECTION NOTES
If you wish to save text or images with the inspection results, then click on the
Inspection Notes button:
Fig. 45.0-1 The Inspection Notes button
This will bring up the Inspection Notes window:
Fig. 45.0-2 The Inspection Notes window
45.1 Adding Text
The inspection window shows two tabs ‘Text’ and ‘Image’. The text area
allows any inspection notes to be added e.g. comments on the number of
points to take on a particular feature, or the type of stylus to use.
To add text click on the ‘Text’ tab. The background of the window should now
be white. Click on the background area to bring the cursor into the window.
Now simply add the required text using the keyboard.
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Fig. 45.1-1 Showing some saved inspection notes
45.2 Adding Images
The image area allows an image to be imported, to help identify similar

components. To import an image click on the Image tab, and then the ‘Load
Image’ button. A windows Open dialog box will appear to allow input or
selection of an image file. Bitmap, metafile, enhanced metafiles, JPEG and
GIF files can all be imported. When the inspection is saved, the software
saves a pointer to the image not the image itself. This means that if the image
is erased from the disk or moved into a different folder the inspection software
will not be able to display the image.
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46.0 DISPLAY LAYERS
The main screen can occasionally become too cluttered to display information
clearly. For this purpose the features and dimensions can be placed in up to
10 display layers, which may then be switched on and off to make the feature
or dimension either visible or invisible, so that the information may be
displayed more clearly.
By default all features (Circle, Arcs, Points etc.) are placed into display layer 1
and all the dimensions are placed into layer 2.
To change the layer of a feature click on the Measurement Window as shown

below:
The layer selected will become the default layer for any further features
measured.
To change the layer of a dimension right click on the dimension to bring up

the Dimension Details window:
Click here to select display

layer for a feature
The layer selected will become the default layer for any further features
measured.
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Click here to select display

layer for a dimension
To change the layer of a dimension right click on the dimension to bring up

the Dimension Details window:
Click on the black arrow adjacent to ‘Display Layer’ and select the desired
layer. The layer selected will become the default layer for any further features
measured.
To turn layers on and off click on the ‘Display Drawing Layers’ button:
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Simply clicking on them and typing in the new name can change all of the
layer names.
The default layers for both the features and dimensions are shown in bold
type. You cannot switch these layers off. If you try to do this, the following
warning will appear:
To change the default layer right click on the desired layer to bring up the
following menu:
Having changed the default layer you will now be able to switch the original
layer off.
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47.0 CHANGE HISTORY
Date of Change Description of Change Changed

by
12-Oct-07 Chapter 37 ‘Move via updated CJH
12-Oct-07 Chapter 10.1.3 Compensated point CJH
graphic changed
30-Oct-07 Chapters 11 to 47 updated CJH
19-Oct-09 5.2 Datummıng the Probe probe length CJH
up dated.
21-Apr-10 Address on front cover and header CJH
updated
18-Nov-10 Choosing between measured & CJH
geometric display option added
19-Nov-10 Update geometric run-out and total run- CJH

out
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Mk3 MEASUREMENT SOFTWARE MANUAL CNC

ABERLINK LTD. VATCH LANE EASTCOMBE GLOS. GL6 7DY UK

1 .0 INTRODUCTION TO CMM MEASUREMENT ........................................ 13

1.1 Preparation & general hints for solving measurement problems

2.0 STARTING THE SOFTWARE ................................................................ 14

3.0 EXPLORING THE MAIN SCREEN.......................................................... 17

4.0 THE JOYSTICK ....................................................................................... 23

4.1 Movement X, Y and Z .................................................................... 24

4.2 Taking Points (at constant feed) .................................................. 24

4.3 Indexing the Probe ........................................................................ 24

4.4 Locking the Axes ........................................................................... 25

4.5 The Speed Control......................................................................... 25

4.6 The Trigger Button ........................................................................ 25

5.0 DATUMING THE PROBE ........................................................................ 26

5.1 The Probe Datumming Button ...................................................... 26

5.2 Datummıng the Probe ................................................................... 27

5.3 Using a non-indexible probe ........................................................ 32

5.4 Manually datum star stylus .......................................................... 34

5.4 Automatically datum star stylus .................................................. 34

5.5 Saving Probe list ........................................................................... 36

5.6 Datumming using a Disc Stylus ................................................... 37

5.7 Tool changing rack....................................................................... 37

6.0 ALIGNING THE AXES OF A COMPONENT .......................................... 40

6.0.2 Example of traditional part alignment using a surface

6.1 Basic Alignment ............................................................................ 49

6.2 Plane & two circles Alignment ..................................................... 51

6.3 Aligning components using a cylinder ........................................ 52

6.4 Drive shaft (aligning along shaft’s centre line) ........................... 54

6.5 Optimising Alignment ................................................................... 56

6.6 Optimising to a DXF File ............................................................... 58

6.7 3,2,1 Optimised Alignment.......................................................... 59

7.0 CREATING A CNC PROGRAM – A GENERAL INTRODUCTION ......... 63

7.1 Teach and Repeat ...................................................................... 63

7.2 Off-Line Programming ............................................................... 63

8.0 THE PLANE UNIT ................................................................................... 64

8.1 Measuring Planes Directly ............................................................ 64

8.2 Teach and Repeat .......................................................................... 64

8.2. Off-Line Programming ................................................................. 67

8. 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data calculator’ button ............. 72

8.4 When to OK a plane, and when to reference it............................ 73

8.5 Constructing a Plane through previously measured points ...... 75

8.6 Constructing a Plane offset from another Plane ........................ 77

8.7 Constructing a mid plane between two measured planes ......... 78

9.0 THE LINE UNIT ....................................................................................... 80

9.1 Measuring Lines Directly .............................................................. 80

9.2 Constructing Lines ........................................................................ 88

10.0 THE SPHERE UNIT............................................................................... 98

10.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates ............. 100

10.2 When to OK a Sphere, and when to reference it. .................... 101

11.0 THE CIRCLE UNIT .............................................................................. 103

11.1 Measuring Circles Directly ....................................................... 103

11.2 Constructing Circles ................................................................. 116

12.0 THE POINT UNIT ................................................................................ 122

12.1 Measuring Points Directly......................................................... 122

12.1.1 Displaying the centre position in polar co-ordinates .......... 126

12.2 Constructing Points .................................................................. 131

13.0 THE CYLINDER UNIT ......................................................................... 145

13.1.2 Off-Line Programming ........................................................... 148

13.1 3 The ‘Template from Measured Data’ button ......................... 153