Do away with manual alignments - use Readpoint

Its amazing how people view stubbornness. Not until something is accomplished does it change to perseverance. Well done!

Took a couple days, but I got it. Thank you Gomo.

I use readpoints in most all my programs ranging from a corner point to a circle. I prefer to first transform the trihedron into the feature I intend to use as a readpoint. This actually enhances location finding. Once this is done then I create my first readpoint (ctrl+G) then alignment (ctrl+alt+A) prior to going into DCC mode ( labeling this my load). I find doing it this way has given me the best results as far as locating part prior to doing my DCC_Alignment.

My 2 cents

I use readpoints in most all my programs ranging from a corner point to a circle. I prefer to first transform the trihedron into the feature I intend to use as a readpoint. This actually enhances location finding. Once this is done then I create my first readpoint (ctrl+G) then alignment (ctrl+alt+A) prior to going into DCC mode ( labeling this my load). I find doing it this way has given me the best results as far as locating part prior to doing my DCC_Alignment.

My 2 cents

That does sound like it would work out real nice. Is there any manual points taken to accomplish this kind of alignment? I would like to eliminate all manual hits from having to be taken. This way there is no error from just taken the hits where ever felt like, which seems to be what happens sometimes.

That does sound like it would work out real nice. Is there any manual points taken to accomplish this kind of alignment? I would like to eliminate all manual hits from having to be taken. This way there is no error from just taken the hits where ever felt like, which seems to be what happens sometimes.

There are no manual alignments. ..your readpoint is your manual alignment. ...however, keep in mind along with the readpoint you have to make features to level to and to control your last few translations and rotations. ..example: if I have a hole near a corner....I will typically use the hole as my starting point...then make a small plane around the hole to level...and a small line (preferably in Xplus direction) then do this [hole, align xy..] [Plane , align Zplus level, Z origin] [Line, rotate to ♧
xplus]....then create my dcc align according to the print...keep in mind...your manual alignment is also in dcc mode....so all you are going to do is place your probe in the hole and hit ok or start. ..pc dmis does the rest. ...takes idiot out of cmm operating. ...there is a little bit more to it but there is more on this string further back. ..it goes into more detail. ...like prior to going into dcc mode...you hit "control +G " this creates your readpoint. ..then you clean up your theos...leaving your actual as is...make theos.... <0,0,0>...then create an alignment XYZ origin then ok....then if you are like me and want to assure your readpoint alignment will work you create another readpoint prior to going into dcc mode.. call it "start" ...make another alignment...XYZ...then dcc...
Finally...actually should have been mentioned first....it helps if you transform your model to match how the part will sit on the CMM..then transform your trihedron into the hole you intend to use. ..this helps greatly when using the readpoint alignment. ...

"I'M NOT OCD, I'M CDO!"

Hello everyone I'm new here. I was just wondering what the difference was between using a readpoint and a movepoint. I've noticed on some of the programs written where I work, there will be a move point with a breakpoint before continuing where the operator has to make sure the probe is centered over a hole. What is the difference between that and using a readpoint? All programs run in DCC mode, I've never pulled up a program with a manual alignment in it. I run a Brown & Sharpe. I do use manual alignments as well as importing the IGES file when I program. Before I came along no one here even knew that we had a CAD license or how to use it.

I think I'm following. If the part were not in exactly the same place as the last time it tells the machine where it is, as opposed to the machine telling the operator where to put the part. Does that make sense?

We don't have any "button pushers" here. We all write programs and execute our programs.

We align on fir tree roots. It's easier to just do a more precise manual align every once in a while on good repeatable fixturing. I do use readpoints when doing 1 off non-production programs though just to speed up my workflow.