Quick Align to CAD
Quick Align is a tool used to align a measurement device to a nominal CAD model. Like its name suggests, it is a fast, easy process.
When the quick align dialog opens, it first expects you to specify points on the CAD model where you wish to measure and use for the fit. A minimum of six points are needed to align to a CAD model and these should be defined such as to fully constrain it in space. Starting with a 3-2-1 type laying is usually most effective. First, pick three points on the primary interface. Next, pick two points on the secondary interface, and finally at least one point on the tertiary interface of the CAD model. You can think of this as a plane, line, point alignment.
Point selection can be performed simply by clicking on the CAD model where you wish the measurements to be taken. These points should be laid out in the order, as you wish to measure them, and the view should be oriented such that it is clear where the points should be taken (both the view orientation and zoom depth is saved with each point). Red dots (bull’s-eyes) are used to guide the user where to measure. The Backspace key can be used to remove unwanted points if you select an incorrect location, and the Enter key will end the selection process.
As soon as Enter is pressed the inspection process begins. The user will be guided point by point through the list of inspection points. Measurements can be added in either of two ways. Any measurements taken by an instrument while the quick align process is active will be used for the alignment. Alternatively, the Pick Measurement button can be used to select pre-existing measurements either from the graphics or from within the tree to use for the alignment.
Quick Align Points to Faces.
This alternative menu item is very much the same as a standard Quick Align to CAD, the only difference is that it is more restrictive. Where a Quick Align to CAD performs a final points to surface alignment, this option forces point deviations to fit to the specific surface faces used for the nominal designation. With small surface faces or larger errors in the measurements this option provides the means to ensure that the points are pulling the alignment toward the correct surface face even if the optimal RMS is reduced.