The Sequential Alignment provides a streamlined means to apply one relationship optimization after another, in a specific sequence. It is a variation from the Relationship fit with a couple of specific advantages.
Individual degrees of freedom can be set with each relationship or group of relationships and are then used when that particular relations is optimized. This functions much like using the Apply and Continue button in the Move Objects by Minimizing relationships option.
Additionally, the reporting frame for that relationship can also be used to define different reference frames for the applied degreeās of freedom. This is important in that it is not dependent on the current working frame and offers a great deal of flexibility.
A great example is this tool is ideal for GD&T style alignments, providing a way to align to curvy surfaces in a sequential way with defined degrees of freedom.
To perform an alignment do the following:
Press the Select Existing Relationships button and select the relationships you wish to use in the optimization process.
Press the Select Objects and Instruments to Move button and choose what you wish to move. Typically instrument selection is all that is required. Measured points and associated geometry will be moved with the instrument automatically.
Order the relationships in the relationship dialog in the order you wish to apply them and select the degrees of freedom you wish to influence through the relationship.
The Sequential Alignment process will used the Working Frame to defined the degrees of freedom so a relevant frame should be built and set as working. If you wish to align using degrees of freedom referenced by a different frame you can set a Reporting Frame in the relationship right-click properties.
Once content that the alignment process has been defined correctly press the Run (Re-Run) the Alignment Fit button to compute a fit. This will compute the resulting Error RMS.
Finally when the numbers look good you can apply the fit by selecting the Apply Alignment Fit button . This will apply the alignment which can then be viewed in the graphics. You can also use the Undo Applied Alignment button
to put the instrument back in its starting location.
Sequential alignments, along with RPS alignments are saved in the tree and can be re-opened and recomputed at any time.