HEIDENHAIN ND 1300 User Manual

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Operating Instructions

ND 1300 QUADRA-CHEK

(QC 320)

Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems

English (en) 2/2010

QC-300 Series

User’s Guide

Video Edge Detection Systems

QC-320, QC-321, QC-323, QC-324

QC-300 Series Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems User’s Guide

Published by Metronics, Inc. 30 Harvey Road Bedford, New Hampshire 03110 www.Metronics.com

User’s Guide part number: 11A10568 Revision 4 Publishing date: December, 2007 Printed in United States of America

QC-300 software version: 2.00

All information set forth in this document, all rights to such information, any and all inventions disclosed herein and any patents that might be granted by employing the materials, methods, techniques or apparatus described herein are the exclusive property of Metronics Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire.

Terms, conditions and features referenced in this document are subject to change without notice.

No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Metronics, Inc.. Requests to Metronics, Inc. for permission should be addressed to the Technical Services Department, Metronics, Inc., 30 Harvey Road, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110.

Limit of liability and disclaimer of warranty

While this guide was prepared with great care, Metronics makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The advice, methods and instructions contained in this book might not be suitable for your situation. When in doubt regarding suitability, you are encouraged to consult with a professional where appropriate. Metronics shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

Trademarks

Metronics and QC-300 are registered trademarks of Metronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Conventions & Terms

QC-300 refers to any of the QC-300 series of instruments. System refers to the QC-300 and the measuring devices connected to it.

Icons

This guide uses the following icons to highlight information:

WARNINGS The raised hand icon warns of a situation or condition that can lead to personal injury or death. Do not proceed until the warning is read and thoroughly understood.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE The lightning icon warns of the presence of an uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product enclosure that might be of sufficient magnetude to cause serious shocks or death. Do not open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by Metronics, Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected.

CAUTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION The exclamation point icon indicates important information regarding equipment operation or maintentance, or a situation or condition that can lead to equipment malfunction or damage. Do not proceed until the information is read and thoroughly understood.

NOTE The note icon indicates additional or supplementary information about an activity or concept.

Safety & Maintenance Considerations

General safety precautions must be followed when operating the system. Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the equipment, or injury to personnel.

It is understood that safety rules within individual companies vary. If a conflict exists between the material contained in this guide and the rules of a company using this system, the more stringent rules should take precedence.

Safety information is also included on the next page and in Chapter 2: Installation.

WARNINGS Disconnect the QC-300 from power before cleaning.

The QC-300 is equipped with a 3-wire power plug that includes a separate ground

connection. Always connect the power plug to a 3-wire grounded outlet. The use of accessories that remove the third grounded connection such as a 2-wire power plug adapter create a safety hazard and should not be permitted. If a 3-wire grounded outlet is not available, ask your electrician to provide one.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE

Do not open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by

Metronics, Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected. There are no

user-serviceable components or assemblies inside. Refer servicing to qualified service

personnel.

General Maintenance

Disconnect the QC-300 from power and seek the assistance of a qualified service technician if:

• The power cord is frayed or damaged or the power plug is damaged

• Liquid is spilled or splashed onto the enclosure

• The QC-300 has been dropped or the exterior has been damaged

• The QC-300 exhibits degraded performance or indicates a need for service some other way

Cleaning the enclosure

Use only a cloth dampened with water and a mild detergent for cleaning the exterior surfaces. Never use abrasive cleaners, and never use strong detergents or solvents. Only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet. Instructions for cleaning the touch screen are different and are given below.

Cleaning the touch screen

The touch screen should be cleaned as described below to prevent scratching or wearing the screen surface and to prevent liquids from leaking into the enclosure.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water for cleaning the touch screen. Never use abrasive cloths or paper towels. Never use abrasive cleaners, and never use detergents or solvents. Only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet. Never spray the screen.

If the screen is badly soiled, the cloth can be dampened with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Remember, only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet, and never spray the screen.

Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

Overview of QC-300 features and functions ...................................................1

Chapter 2 Installation

Unpacking the QC-300 ....................................................................................5

Assembling the mounting stand .......................................................................6

Safety considerations .......................................................................................6

Power cord and plug .................................................................................6

Electrical wiring and connections .............................................................6

Location and mounting .............................................................................7

Power surge suppressor ............................................................................7

Connecting axis encoders ................................................................................7

Connecting an optional footswitch ..................................................................8

Connecting a printer .........................................................................................8

Connecting a computer ....................................................................................9

Connecting optional CNC outputs ...................................................................9

Connecting optional camera lighting and zoom ..............................................10

Connecting a video input .................................................................................10

Warranty registration form ..............................................................................11

Repackaging for shipment ...............................................................................11

Contents 1

Chapter 3 User Interface

Introduction ......................................................................................................13

Measurement functions ....................................................................................14

Selecting a measurement type ..................................................................14

Accessing programming functions ...........................................................15

Accessing part lighting adjustment tools ..................................................16

Storing JPEG stills of video images .........................................................17

Sending data to a computer from the Extra tab ........................................18

CNC and other Extra tab functions ...........................................................20

Extra tab functions ....................................................................................20

Space menu insert ..............................................................................20

Divider line menu insert ....................................................................20

Data prompt function .........................................................................20

Laser pointer ON/OFF .......................................................................20

Contents 2

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Joystick motor speed .........................................................................20

Axis lock ............................................................................................20

Part following ....................................................................................21

Stop motion .......................................................................................21

Goto feature .......................................................................................21

Multiple Extra tabs ...................................................................................21

Command buttons and wide keys ....................................................................22

Feature list ........................................................................................................23

LCD Screen functions ......................................................................................24

Number keys ....................................................................................................25

System functions ..............................................................................................26

Datum lock indication ...............................................................................26

Undo .........................................................................................................26

MX ............................................................................................................26

mm/in ........................................................................................................27

Setup .........................................................................................................27

Adjusting contrast threshold ............................................................................28

Video DRO panel .............................................................................................28

Auto-enter function ..........................................................................................29

Printing reports and sending data .....................................................................29

DRO screen functions ......................................................................................30

Toggling between cartesian and polar coordinate systems .......................30

Toggling between diameter and radius displays .......................................30

Selecting a fit algorithm ............................................................................31

LCD ON/OFF and deleting feature data ..........................................................32

Chapter 4 Quick Start Demonstration

Starting program recording ..............................................................................34

Selecting a probe ..............................................................................................34

Creating part skew and datum references ........................................................35

Creating a part skew .................................................................................35

Creating a datum zero point ......................................................................36

Probing a datum zero point .......................................................................36

Constructing a datum zero point ...............................................................37

Measuring features ...........................................................................................39

Measuring a circle with crosshairs ...........................................................39

Measuring a circle with the multiple edge probe ......................................40

Applying tolerances to feature measurements .................................................42

Printing a report ...............................................................................................44

Stopping the program recording ......................................................................45

Running the program .......................................................................................45

Chapter 5 Probes

Preparing to use video probes ..........................................................................48

System and part condition ........................................................................48

Selecting video magnification ..................................................................48

Adjusting light control ..............................................................................48

Adjusting video image contrast and brightness ........................................51

Adjusting video image contrast threshold ................................................53

Using video probes ..........................................................................................54

Selecting a probe .......................................................................................54

Selecting a probe color ......................................................................55

Specifying probe data collection parameters .....................................56

Collecting feature data .....................................................................................59

The auto-enter function .............................................................................59

Crosshair probes .......................................................................................60

Manual probing (crosshairs) .....................................................................60

Automatic probing (crosshairs) ................................................................61

Single edge probe .............................................................................................62

Manual probing (single edge) ...................................................................62

Automatic probing (single edge) ..............................................................63

Multiple edge probe .........................................................................................64

Probe seeding ............................................................................................64

Probing a line ...................................................................................................65

Probing a circle ................................................................................................66

Probing an arc ..................................................................................................68

Seeding to avoid erroneous data ......................................................................69

Recovering from data errors ............................................................................70

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Crosshair probe data collection parameters................................57

Edge probe data collection parameters .......................................58

Contents 3

Chapter 6 Measuring

Measurement activities ....................................................................................74

The measurement process ................................................................................74

Establishing the measurement reference ..................................................75

Leveling the part (optional) ...............................................................75

Skewing the part ................................................................................76

Creating a datum zero point ..............................................................77

Probing a datum zero point ........................................................77

Constructing a datum zero point ................................................78

Setting a datum at the current probe position .............................81

Probing and measuring features .......................................................................83

Probing with Measure Magic ....................................................................83

Contents 4

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Probing specific feature types ...................................................................84

Probing a single specific feature type ................................................84

Probing multiple specific feature type ...............................................84

Probing process .........................................................................................85

Supported feature types .....................................................................85

Backward/forward annotation ...........................................................86

Probing with crosshairs and video edge detection ....................................86

Probing specific feature types ...................................................................87

Probing points ....................................................................................87

Probing lines ......................................................................................88

Probing arcs .......................................................................................89

Probing slots ......................................................................................91

Probing rectangles .............................................................................92

Probing distances ...............................................................................93

Probing angles ...................................................................................94

Constructing features .......................................................................................95

Point constructions ....................................................................................95

Point constructed from a point ..........................................................95

Point constructed from a point and a line ..........................................95

Points constructed from an arc and a line ..........................................96

Points constructed from a line ...........................................................97

Point constructed from two lines .......................................................98

Points constructed from a distance ....................................................98

Point constructed from a distance and a point ...................................99

Point constructed from a circle ..........................................................99

Points constructed from a circle and a line ........................................100

Points constructed from two circles ..................................................101

Point constructed from a slot .............................................................102

Point constructed from a rectangle ....................................................102

Point constructed from an angle .......................................................102

Point constructed from an arc ............................................................103

Point constructed from multiple features ..........................................103

Line constructions .....................................................................................104

Line constructed from a line ..............................................................104

Line constructed from two points ......................................................104

Lines constructed from a point and a line .........................................105

Line constructed from a distance .......................................................105

Lines constructed from a point and a circle .......................................106

Line constructed from a point and a slot ...........................................107

Line constructed from a point and a rectangle ..................................107

Lines constructed from a point and an arc .........................................108

Lines constructed from two lines ......................................................109

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Line constructed from a line and a distance ......................................110

Lines constructed from a line and a circle .........................................110

Lines constructed from a line and a slot ............................................111

Lines constructed from a line and an arc ...........................................111

Line constructed from a line and an angle .........................................112

Lines constructed from a line and a rectangle ...................................112

Lines constructed from two circles ....................................................113

Lines constructed from a circle and an arc ........................................114

Lines constructed from a circle and a slot .........................................115

Line constructed from a slot ..............................................................116

Line constructed from two slots ........................................................116

Lines constructed from a rectangle and a circle ................................117

Lines constructed from a slot and an arc ...........................................118

Lines constructed from a rectangle and an arc ..................................119

Lines constructed from a slot and a rectangle ...................................120

Lines constructed between two rectangles ........................................120

Line constructed from a rectangle .....................................................122

Line constructed from multiple features ............................................122

Distance constructions ..............................................................................123

Distance constructed from a distance ................................................123

Distances constructed from two points ..............................................123

Distances constructed from a point and a line ...................................124

Distances constructed from a point and a rectangle ..........................124

Distances constructed from a point and a circle ................................125

Distance constructed from a point and a slot .....................................126

Distances constructed from a point and an arc ..................................127

Distance constructed from a line .......................................................128

Distance constructed from a line and a rectangle ..............................128

Distances constructed from two lines ................................................129

Distances constructed from a line and a circle ..................................130

Distances constructed from a line and an arc ....................................131

Distance constructed from a line and a slot .......................................132

Distance constructed from two distances ..........................................132

Distances constructed from two circles .............................................133

Distances constructed from a slot and a circle ..................................134

Distances constructed from a rectangle and a circle..........................134

Distances constructed from an arc and a circle .................................135

Distance constructed from two slots ..................................................136

Distances constructed from a slot and an arc ....................................136

Distances constructed from a rectangle and an arc............................137

Distances constructed from a slot and a rectangle .............................137

Distances constructed between two rectangles ..................................138

Contents 5

Contents 6

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Distances constructed from two arcs .................................................139

Circle constructions ..................................................................................140

Circle constructed from a circle ........................................................140

Circles constructed from two lines ....................................................140

Circle constructed from a circle and a distance .................................141

Circle constructed from two circles ...................................................141

Circle constructed from multiple features .........................................142

Arc constructions ......................................................................................143

Arc constructed from an arc ..............................................................143

Arc constructed from an arc and a distance .......................................143

Angle constructions ..................................................................................144

Angle constructed from an angle .......................................................144

Angle constructed from two lines ......................................................145

Creating features ..............................................................................................146

Creating a point .........................................................................................146

Creating a line ...........................................................................................147

Creating a circle ........................................................................................147

Creating an arc ..........................................................................................148

Creating a slot ...........................................................................................148

Creating a rectangle ..................................................................................149

Chapter 7 Tolerancing

Applying tolerances to features .......................................................................153

Selecting a feature .....................................................................................153

Displaying the tolerance screen ................................................................153

Selecting a tolerance type .........................................................................153

Selecting a specific tolerance ....................................................................154

Entering nominal, limit or tolerance values ..............................................154

Omitting a tolerance category ...........................................................155

Tolerance types .........................................................................................156

Bidirectional ......................................................................................156

Points ..........................................................................................156

Lines ...........................................................................................156

Circles and arcs ..........................................................................157

Slots and rectangles ....................................................................157

True position ......................................................................................158

Points and lines ...........................................................................158

Circles and arcs ..........................................................................158

MMC/LMC (Material condition) ......................................................159

MMC Circles and arcs ................................................................159

LMC Circles and arcs .................................................................160

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Runout ...............................................................................................161

Roundness ..........................................................................................161

Concentricity .....................................................................................161

Straightness ........................................................................................161

Parallelism .........................................................................................162

Perpendicularity .................................................................................162

Angle .................................................................................................162

Width .................................................................................................163

Chapter 8 Programming

Creating programs ............................................................................................167

Starting program recording .......................................................................167

Entering a program title (or user message) ...............................................168

Creating a skew and datum (including a message) ...................................169

Measure a feature (including a message) ..................................................170

Including safe CNC moves in programs (CNC option) ............................171

Applying a tolerance .................................................................................172

Reporting results .......................................................................................172

Stopping the program recording ...............................................................173

Specifying part fixturing (CNC option) ....................................................174

None ..................................................................................................174

Temporary .........................................................................................174

Permanent ..........................................................................................174

Editing Programs ......................................................................................175

Editing existing steps .........................................................................175

Editing magnifications ...............................................................175

Editing tolerances .......................................................................176

Editing brightness and contrast ..................................................177

Editing light intensities ...............................................................178

Editing user prompt messages ....................................................179

Appending new program steps to an existing program .....................180

Running programs ....................................................................................182

Archiving and retrieving programs ...........................................................183

Deleting programs ....................................................................................183

Contents 7

Chapter 9 Image Archiving (Option)

Introduction ......................................................................................................185

Capturing JPEG still images ............................................................................186

Image screen .............................................................................................186

Data screen ................................................................................................187

View screen ..............................................................................................187

Contents 8

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Metadata screen ........................................................................................188

Attaching metadata to a JPEG image ...............................................................189

Image file operations ........................................................................................191

Launching the file handler ........................................................................191

Selecting image files .................................................................................192

Selecting a drive ................................................................................192

Selecting files ....................................................................................193

Selecting individual files ............................................................193

Selecting groups of files .............................................................193

Selecting all files ........................................................................194

Viewing drive content ...............................................................................195

Preview mode ....................................................................................195

Details mode ......................................................................................195

Sorting files by name, date or title ............................................................196

Searching by keyword ..............................................................................197

Opening files for markup or edit ..............................................................198

From the feature list ...........................................................................198

From a storage drive ..........................................................................198

Renaming files ..........................................................................................199

Copying files to another drive ..................................................................200

Moving files to another drive ...................................................................201

Deleting files from either drive .................................................................202

Image markup and edit .....................................................................................203

Image markup and edit tools .....................................................................203

Beginning a markup or editing session .....................................................204

Drawing shapes and lines .........................................................................205

Squares and rectangles ......................................................................205

Circles ................................................................................................206

Text boxes .................................................................................................207

Data boxes ................................................................................................208

Editing shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes .............................................210

Shape .........................................................................................................210

Location and orientation ...........................................................................211

Shapes, lines text, text boxes and data boxes ....................................211

Text box pointer lines ........................................................................213

Size ...........................................................................................................214

Shapes, lines text, text boxes and data boxes ....................................215

Text ....................................................................................................215

Color .........................................................................................................217

Line thickness ...........................................................................................219

Line ends ...................................................................................................220

Deleting image markup items ..........................................................................221

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 10 Communication

Connecting to a computer ................................................................................223

Sending data to a computer .......................................................................224

Sending data using the Print key .......................................................224

Sending data using the Extra tab .......................................................225

Connecting a printer .........................................................................................226

Printer format strings ................................................................................226

Report formats ..........................................................................................226

Printing a report ........................................................................................227

Printing feature measurement data ....................................................227

Printing QC-300 system settings .......................................................228

RS-232 connector pin designations .................................................................229

ASCII Code table .............................................................................................229

Chapter 11 Setup

The Setup Menu ...............................................................................................232

Accessing and using the Setup Menu .......................................................232

Entering the supervisor password ......................................................233

Selecting items from the Setup Menu ...............................................234

Selecting setup parameter choices .....................................................234

Entering and deleting setup data ........................................................234

Storing a parameter and advancing to the next step ..........................235

Leaving the setup menu .....................................................................235

Minimum setup requirements ..........................................................................236

Setup screen descriptions .................................................................................237

Language screen .......................................................................................237

Specifying the displayed language ....................................................237

Supervisor screen ......................................................................................238

Entering the supervisor password ......................................................238

Keeping setup privileges until the power is cycled ...........................238

Hiding setup parameters from unauthorized personnel .....................238

Limiting access to program functions ...............................................238

Saving and loading settings ...............................................................239

Encoders screen ........................................................................................240

Selecting an axis to configure ............................................................240

Specifying encoder resolution ...........................................................240

Specifying encoder type ....................................................................240

Selecting reference marks ..................................................................241

None ...........................................................................................241

Manual ........................................................................................241

Single ..........................................................................................241

Contents 9

Contents 10

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Absolute .....................................................................................241

Setting a new machine zero reference ...............................................242

Reversing the encoder count direction ..............................................242

Enabling axis error messages ............................................................242

Specifying slew limit .........................................................................242

Squareness screen .....................................................................................243

SLEC screen .............................................................................................244

LEC or SLEC, which is right for my application? ...........................244

LEC (Linear error correction) ...........................................................244

SLEC (Segmented linear error correction) .......................................246

NLEC Screen ............................................................................................249

.acf Files ............................................................................................249

.acf file format ..........................................................................249

Example 3 X 3 grid ............................................................................249

Example .acf file ................................................................................249

Calibrating from features ...................................................................250

Calibrating NLEC by adjusting station values ..................................252

Calibrating NLEC by importing a text file ........................................253

VED screen ...............................................................................................254

Specifying minimum probed points ..................................................254

Specifying light settling time .............................................................254

Specifying contrast threshold ............................................................254

Locking the contrast threshold ..........................................................255

Enabling axis-zeroing on the video DRO ..........................................255

Enabling user access to magnification calibrations ...........................255

Displaying image controls .................................................................256

Adjusting the focus filter ...................................................................256

Performing camera skew calibrations ...............................................257

Specifying camera type .....................................................................257

Including the crosshair and stake marks in video archives ...............258

Specifying the quality of JPEG images .............................................258

Setting the JPEG image number ........................................................258

Magnifications screen ...............................................................................259

Adding video magnifications ............................................................259

Deleting video magnifications ...........................................................259

Calibrating video magnification pixel size ........................................260

Calibrating with a circle artifact .................................................260

Calibrating with a straight edge..................................................261

Assigning magnifications to zoom positions .....................................262

Performing video parcentric and parfocal calibrations......................263

Enabling magnification change messages .........................................266

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Measure screen .........................................................................................267

Annotation (forward and backward) .................................................267

Minimum points required for a feature measurement .......................267

Locking features to their original datums ..........................................268

Specifying signed distances ...............................................................268

Enabling and configuring point filtration ..........................................268

Enabling point filtration .............................................................269

Specifying a filtration error limit................................................269

Specifying a filtration standard deviation range.........................269

Specifying the minimum percentage of retained points .............269

Display screen ...........................................................................................270

Display resolution ..............................................................................270

Default units of linear measure ..........................................................271

Radix for numeric displays ................................................................271

Angular units of measure ...................................................................271

Time formats .....................................................................................271

Date formats ......................................................................................271

Display mode switching ....................................................................272

Video DRO alpha blending ...............................................................272

Configuring the Extra tab ..................................................................273

Extra tab functions .............................................................................274

Space menu insert .......................................................................274

Divider line menu insert .............................................................274

Data transmission functions .......................................................274

Data prompt function..................................................................274

Laser pointer ON/OFF................................................................274

Joystick motor speed ..................................................................274

Axis lock ....................................................................................274

Part following .............................................................................275

Stop motion ................................................................................275

Goto feature ................................................................................275

Header screen ............................................................................................276

Creating report headers ......................................................................276

Print screen ...............................................................................................277

Specifying a data type .......................................................................277

Specifying a data destination .............................................................277

Report Type .......................................................................................277

Lines per page ....................................................................................277

Specifying column separators ............................................................278

Selecting a USB printer .....................................................................278

Contents 11

Contents 12

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Ports screen ...............................................................................................279

Baud rate ............................................................................................279

Word length .......................................................................................279

Stop bits .............................................................................................279

Parity ..................................................................................................279

EOC delay .........................................................................................279

EOL delay ..........................................................................................279

Clock screen ..............................................................................................280

Sound screen .............................................................................................281

Miscellaneous screen ................................................................................282

Return to DRO threshold ...................................................................282

Touchscreen calibration rows and columns ......................................282

Calibrating the touchscreen ...............................................................283

Touch screen cursor ...........................................................................283

Touch screen repeat delay .................................................................283

Touch zone size .................................................................................284

Screen brightness ...............................................................................284

Showing the Extra tab .......................................................................284

Buttons screen ...........................................................................................285

Selecting button functions .................................................................285

Selecting button responses ................................................................286

Selecting button logic ........................................................................286

Joystick screen ..........................................................................................287

Enabling joystick motion ...................................................................287

Specifying a joystick deadband .........................................................287

Specifying axis direction ...................................................................287

Specifying normal and fine axis velocity ..........................................287

Specifying linear and nonlinear joystick motion control ..................288

Calibrating the Joystick range of motion ...........................................288

Digital positioner screen ...........................................................................289

Enabling digital positioner motion ....................................................289

Specifying axis direction ...................................................................289

Specifying normal and fine axis velocity ..........................................289

Specifying axis acceleration ..............................................................289

Specifying a digital positioner counter debounce .............................289

Current value display .........................................................................289

Hardware screen .......................................................................................290

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 12 Problem Solving

Symptoms, probable causes and solutions .......................................................292

No image is visible on the LCD screen ....................................................292

Values displayed on the LCD screen are incorrect ...................................292

Reports are not printed or are incomplete .................................................294

Reports are printed incorrectly .................................................................294

Data cannot be transmitted to a computer ................................................295

Getting help from your distributor ...................................................................295

Chapter 13 Reference Material

Product specifications ......................................................................................297

Electrical ...................................................................................................297

Environmental ...........................................................................................297

Dimensions ...............................................................................................297

LCD ..........................................................................................................297

ENC tests ..................................................................................................297

Footswitch wiring ............................................................................................298

RS-232 connector wiring .................................................................................299

Lighting/Zoom connector wiring .....................................................................299

Tolerances definitions ......................................................................................300

Concentricity tolerance .............................................................................300

Reference Features ....................................................................................300

Least squares best fit .................................................................................300

Maximum inscribed circle ........................................................................300

Minimum superscribed circle ...................................................................300

ISO (least radial distance) .........................................................................300

Contents 13

Chapter 14 Options

List of product options .....................................................................................301

Contents 14

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1: Overview

The Quadra-Chek 300 series is a family of advanced digital readout systems for performing 2, 3 and 4 axis measurements at very high levels of precision and accuracy. Dimensional inspection of components can be made using toolmaker’s microscopes and video measurement systems as part of in-line production activities or final quality inspection.

Feature points are entered manually using crosshairs or video edge detection, or automatically using the multiple video edge detection probe. Feature type can automatically be determined by the system when using Measure Magic. Part level and skew compensation can be performed on misaligned parts prior to measurements that eliminates the need for time-consuming fixturing.

Sequences of key-presses used to perform measurements can be recorded and stored as programs. These programs can be replayed later to perform complete measurement sequences. Sequences can be as simple as measuring a line, or can be expanded to include skew adjustment, datuming, the measurement of multiple features, tolerancing and printing reports of measurement results. Programs can include the CNC motion control option to fully automate program execution, increase thoughput and simplify operator tasks.

Overview

The intuitive interface will be familiar to users of the QC-200 and other Metronics digital readouts. Operators will find the QC-300 easy to understand and use thanks to the large color touch screen LCD display.

The color LCD displays alphanumeric and graphic information for the current measurement, part features and measurement data clearly on one screen, eliminating the need to page or scroll for information.

Touch screen controls select the feature to be measured, change operating and display modes, zero axes, and configure setup parameters. Touch screen controls change to support measurementspecific functions displayed on the LCD screen.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Wide keys

Print/Send data

Touch screen

controls

Numeric keypad

Command keys

Color touch

screen

LCD ON/OFF

Front panel keys enter numeric data, turn the LCD on or off and send data to a printer or computer. Two wide keys located over the LCD can quickly be pressed without looking at the front panel to initiate frequently used functions programmed by the user. All front panel keys provide tactile sensory feedback, and key-press operations can be configured to generate an audible sound.

Speaker and external speaker jack outputs are provided that can be adjusted for quiet or noisy environments. Ear phones can be plugged into the external speaker jack to facilitate silent operation in quiet environments.

Features

External footswitch

Lighting and zoom

Video inputs

Encoder inputs

CNC outputs

Not used

Tilt adjust

Overview

Speaker jack

USB port

RS-232 port

Video camera inputs are displayed on the color LCD and support NTSC and Pal formats as composite video and S-video signals. Video images can be stored as JPEG snapshots using the optional image archiving functions.

Measurements viewed on the LCD can be transmitted to a PC over USB or RS-232 ports or to a printer over the USB port.

The compact ergonomic design and adjustable-tilt front panel of the QC-300 allow users to locate and mount the instrument in a wide variety of environments that accommodate nearly any viewing requirement. The tilt front panel can be adjusted and secured in any convenient position. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent slipping when the system is not permanently bolted to a work surface using the bolt holes provided in the mounting stand.

Optional foot switch is available for operation when the user is not close to the front panel. All the optional accessories for the QC-300 are shown in detail at the rear of this guide in Chapter 14: Options.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 2: Installation

The QC-300 is easy to install in a variety of basic and advanced measurement applications. This chapter describes how to unpack and install the QC-300. Repackaging instructions are also included for return shipments and for distributors and OEM customers that are configuring a QC-300 and shipping it to an end-user.

Unpacking the QC-300

Carefully remove the contents of the shipping carton.

NOTE Save the carton and packaging materials in case future reshipment becomes necessary.

Installation

Inspect the components listed below for shipping damage. The contents of the carton includes:

• QC-300 instrument • Mounting stand and hardware

• Power cord • Warranty registration card

Shipments of other optional equipment in separate cartons might include:

• RS-232 serial cable • Video cable

• Light control cable • CNC output cable

• Foot switch • Taltech’s WinWedge® software

If any components were damaged in shipment, save the packaging materials for inspection and contact your shipping agent for mediation. Contact your Metronics distributor for replacement parts.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Assembling the mounting stand

The QC-300 is secured to the swivel slots of the mounting stand by a shoulder screw, a cap screw and associated washers.

Assemble the QC-300 to the mounting stand as shown. Tighten the shoulder screw (1), and then tighten the cap screw (5) and washers (3 & 4) so that the QC-300 will be secure when adjusted to the desired tilt position.

Safety considerations

The QC-300 is completely enclosed and no hazardous outputs can come in contact with the user. Safety considerations are related to power connections and physical mounting.

WARNING If the QC-300 falls from its mounting location, serious personal injury or damage to the equipment can result.

Power cord and plug

Do not locate the power cord where it can be walked on or will create a tripping hazard. Connect the 3-wire power plug to only a 3-wire grounded outlet. Never connect 2-wire to 3-wire adapters to the power cord or remove the third ground wire to fit the plug into a 2-wire electrical outlet. Modifying or overriding the third-wire ground creates a safety hazard and should not be permitted.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE Always disconnect the power cord from the source of AC power before unplugging it from the QC-300 power connector. The AC voltage available at electrical outlets is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.

Electrical wiring and connections

Perform regular inspections of all connections to the QC-300. Keep connections clean and tight. Locate cables away from moving objects. Do not create tripping hazards with power cords, input/output cables or other electrical wiring.

Use shielded cables to connect to the serial RS-232 port. Make certain that cables are properly terminated and firmly connected on both ends.

Safety, Power and Encoders

Location and mounting

Rest the QC-300 on a flat, stable surface, or bolt it to a stable surface from the bottom using four 10/32 screws fastened in the pattern shown at the right.

Power surge suppressor

Connect the QC-300 to power through a high-quality power surge suppressor. Surge suppressors limit the amplitude of potentially damaging power line transients caused by electrical machinery or lightning. When a surge suppressor is not used, power line transients can corrupt system memory or damage circuits.

Installation

Connecting axis encoders

Axis encoders are attached to interface connectors on the rear of the QC-300. Many encoder interfaces are available to match the wide variety of encoders that can be used with the QC-300. The type of axis encoder connectors will vary depending on the application. Encoder inputs are specified as analog or TTL at the time of purchase and cannot be changed in the field.

1 Verify that the QC-300 is off.

2 Connect the axis encoders tightly to their connectors. An axis label is provided near each connector. Do not overtighten the connector screws.

Encoder input parameters must be configured later using the Encoder setup screen. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding encoder setup.

X, Y, Z and Q axis

input connectors

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Connecting an optional footswitch

The optional foot switch is connected to the RJ-45 connector on the left side of the QC-300.

1 Verify that the QC-300 is off.

2 Connect the foot switch to the RJ-45 connector on the rear connector panel.

Footswitch connector

Connecting a printer

The QC-300 supports certain HP USB printers. Printer models must be specified when the QC-300 is ordered, or approved by Metronics later.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and printer power are off. Connect the USB printer to the USB Type A port on the side of the enclosure.

2 Make sure the USB cable plug is fully inserted.

USB printer

port

Connections

Connecting a computer

1 Verify that the QC-300 and computer power are off.

2 Connect a computer COM port to the QC-300 RS-232 serial port using a standard straight-through serial cable (Metronics part number 11B12176). Make sure the cable connectors are tight, but do not overtighten the connector screws.

3 Apply power to the computer, and then the QC-300. The default QC-300 settings for communication over the RS-232 serial port are shown here.

Installation

• Baud rate: 1200

• Parity: None

• Data bits: 7

• Stop bits: 1

• Flow control: Hardware

4 Launch the computer application that will be used to communicate with the QC-300, and configure the communication properties of the computer’s COM port and QC-300 to match.

RS-232 serial port

connector

Connecting optional CNC outputs

The optional CNC joystick and amplifier outputs are connected at the CNC output connector on the rear of the QC-300.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and CNC amplifier are off. Connect the CNC amplifier and joystick to the 26-pin D-sub connector on the rear of the QC-300.

2 Make sure the connector is fully inserted and make sure the cable connectors are tight, but do not overtighten the connector screws.

CNC output

connector

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Connecting optional camera lighting and zoom

The QC-300 supports top, back and ring lighting for image illumination. The lighting output connections are made to an external light control box through the 44 pin D-sub connector. The 0 to 5 Volt zoom control output connections to a zoom am- plifier are also made through the Lighting/Zoom connector.

1 Verify that the QC-300, camera light control box and zoom amplifier are off.

2 Tighten the lighting/zoom cable to the lighting/zoom connector on the back panel. Do not overtighten the connector screws.

The lighting and zoom outputs must be configured using the Lighting and Magnifications setup screens. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding lighting and zoom setup.

Camera lighting

and zoom

connector

Connecting a video input

The QC-300 supports composite and S-Video inputs for NTSC and PAL systems.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and video camera are off.

2 Connect the video input to the composite or S-video connector. Make sure the connector is properly oriented and do not force the connector into place.

The camera input must be configured later in the VED setup screen. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding video setup.

Composite video

connector

S-video connector

Warranty and Shipping

Warranty registration form

The warranty registration form included in the shipping carton should be completed and mailed as soon as possible. Also record the purchase and warranty information here so that it will be readily available later to support any necessary interactions with distributor or factory technical support personnel.

The software version can be found in the Hardware setup screen. Refer to Chapter 11: Setup for screen descriptions.

Repackaging for shipment

Repackage the QC-300 in the original packaging as received from the factory, or equivalent. It is not necessary to ship the base when shipping the QC-300 for repair.

CAUTION The original packaging must be duplicated and the LCD must be inserted face-up to prevent damage to the LCD screen.

Installation

Pay special attention to the following instructions:

1 Connect any loose mounting hardware to the QC-300 instrument

2 Repackage the foam and cardboard carton inserts as originally shipped from the factory.

3 Place the QC-300 into shipping carton with the LCD facing up.

4 Replace the warranty card and slip sheets found at the top of the carton. The “Before you begin” slip sheet should be inserted last.

What’s next?

Proceed to Chapter 11: Setup to configure your QC-300 for use. Follow the instructions for Essential Setup as a minimum.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 3: User Interface

The QC-300 user interface consists of hardware front panel buttons and number keys that work in cooperation with software menus, buttons, and data fields shown on the color LCD touch screen. The hardware/ software interface is divided into the function areas listed and shown below.

• Measurement functions • Contrast threshold adjustment

• Command buttons and wide keys • Number keys

• Feature list • System functions

• LCD Screen functions • Printing reports and sending data

• Auto-enter function • LCD ON/OFF or delete features

• DRO screen functions

User Interface

Feature

list

Command wide keys

LCD Screen functions

Auto-enter

function

Measure functions

System functions

Printing reports

and sending data

Video

DRO panel

Number

keys

Contrast

threshold adj

Command

buttons

LCD

ON/OFF

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Measurement functions

The measurement functions are divided into as many as four tabbed areas:

• Measure Select a measurement type, such as circle or line

• Program Record, edit or play back a program of measurement steps

• Light Adjust lighting for measurements on video systems

• Archive Store JPEG stills of video images (optional on VED systems)

Selecting a measurement type

Measurement types are selected from the Measure tab. Touch the Measure tab to display icons for the different measure types.

Touch the Measure tab... to display measure types

Touch a measure icon to select the desired measure type. In some cases, such as when selecting circles and slots, related measure types will also be presented as shown in this example of touching the circle icon to display the arc measure type.

Touching the circle measure icon... also provides access to the arc measure type

NOTE Details regarding performing measurements and the use of measurement tools are provided in Chapter 6: Measuring.

Measurement and Programming Functions

Accessing programming functions

Programming functions are accessed from the Program tab. Touch the Program tab to display a list of programs and programming tools.

Touch the Program tab... to display a list of programs and programming tools

Touch a program tool icon to play, record, edit, copy, stop or add a user message to a measurement program. Completed program steps are shown in the feature list.

User Interface

Programming tools shown before recording Programming tools shown during recording

Run a program Run a program

Record a program Stop recording

Open edit mode Open edit mode

Copy a program Include user message

Goto here: Used to define locations for

CNC program safe moves

NOTES Details regarding programming and the use of programming tools are provided in Chapter 8: Programming.

Additional CNC functions that can be included in programs are contained in the Extra

tab shown later in this chapter and described in Chapter 11: Setup, in the Display screen section.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Accessing part lighting adjustment tools

Lighting adjustment tools are accessed from the Light tab. Touch the Light tab to display the lighting adjustment tools.

Touch the Light tab... to display light adjustment tools

Touch an icon to select the desired light adjustment. Systems can be ordered with adjustments for backlights, surface lights and camera ring lights. Each area of lighting is adjusted by a slider that brightens or attenuates the light intensity of the selected area from 0 to 100 % in steps of 1 %.

Touch the Light area icon... and adjust the light intensity slider

The system can be configured in the VED setup screen to include Image controls in addition to the light adjustments. Touch the Light/Image control tab repeatedly to toggle between the light and image controls.

Touch the Light tab... to display Image controls

NOTE Details regarding the use of light adjustment and image control tools are provided in Chapter 6: Measuring.

Video archiving

Storing JPEG stills of video images

Video archiving is available as an option on systems that include video edge detection. Touch the Archive tab to display the video archiving tools.

Touch the Archive tab... to display video archiving tools

Snapshots of video images are captured as JPEG stills and then can be edited to include text, geometric shapes and file metadata.

User Interface

Touch the Camera icon... to capture a JPG snapshot of the video image

Selecting a captured image in the feature list causes additional icons to be displayed in support of text and graphic editing functions.

NOTE Details regarding the image archiving and editing functions are provided in Chapter 9: Image Archiving.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Sending data to a computer from the Extra tab

Touch a data icon shown in the Extra tab to send the corresponding data element for the current position or selected feature to a computer over the serial port. Touch the Extra tab to display the data choices.

Touch the Extra tab... to display the data choice icons

NOTE The Extra tab is configured in the Display setup screen. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details.

The data sent to the serial port always corresponds to the information displayed in the Video or DRO screens. The information types are shown in the upper-right corner of the screen and are:

Current position (no feature selected) • Feature measurement (feature selected)

•

• Archived image (image file selected)

Send current position data... send feature measurement data... or send archived image data

Sending Data from the Extra Tab

NOTES Archived image data only includes the X, Y or Z position of the image.

Touching an icon for an inappropriate data type produces no result. For example,

touching the diameter icon when a circle feature is selected in the feature list sends diameter data to the serial port, however, touching the angle icon when a circle is selected produces no result.

The Extra tab is typically used to send abbreviated data to the serial port since complete reports or screens of data can be sent using the Print function described in Chapter 10: Setup for the Print screen settings. However, a complete data set can be sent for a feature by touching the required series of icons in succession.

User Interface

The complete data set for the selected circle is sent to a computer by touching each data icon in succession

The transmission of data to the serial port from the Extra tab can be included in programs, like any other measurement, tolerancing or reporting activity.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

CNC and other Extra tab functions

Additional CNC functions for programming, motion control and Extra tab formatting functions can also be made available in the Extra tab as described in Chapter 11: Setup, in the Display screen section.

Extra tab functions

Space menu insert

The space insert are included in the Extra tab to separate control functions into

groups on the tab.

Divider line menu insert

The divider line insert are included in the Extra tab to separate control functions into groups on

the tab without using a space insert.

Data prompt function

The data prompt function is included in the Extra tab to send a user-defined measurement such as X

position, Y position, radius or angle to the serial port, USB printer or USB drive as a file. When the user touches the data prompt function, a prompt message is displayed and the user selects the desired piece of measurement data to be transmitted.

Extra tab divided by space into data and CNC groups

Extra tab divided by line into data and CNC groups

Laser pointer ON/OFF

The laser pointer ON/OFF function is included in the Extra tab to toggle the laser pointer on or off. When the user touches the laser pointer ON/OFF function, the laser is toggled on or off.

Joystick motor speed

The Joystick motor speed function is included in the Extra tab of systems with the CNC option to adjust the joystick control of motor speed. When the user touches the Joystick motor speed function, the joystick control of motor speed is toggled

between fast and slow.

Axis lock

The Axis lock function is included in the Extra tab of systems with the CNC option to restrict stage motion to only one axis. When axis lock is on, motion is permitted only along one axis; diagonal motion is not permitted.

When the user touches the Axis lock function, axis lock is toggled on or off.

Fast Slow

Axis lock onAxis lock

off

CNC and other Extra Tab Functions

Part following

The Part following function is included in the Extra tab of systems with the CNC option. Part following changes the motion

reference from the machine coordinate system to the part coordinate system after a part skew has been performed. For example, if a skew is performed along the part’s X-axis, when part following is enabled, subsequent X-axis motion will follow the part skew, not the machine coordinate’s X-axis. When the user touches the Part following function, part following is toggled on or off.

Part following onPart following

off

Stop motion

The Stop motion function is included in the Extra tab of systems with the CNC option to stop all stage motion. When the user touches the Stop motion function, motion is toggled on or off.

Goto feature

The Goto feature function is included in the Extra tab of systems with the CNC option. When the user touches the Goto function, the stage is moved to position the probe over the feature currently selected in the feature list.

Motion

stopped

Motion

enabled

Multiple Extra tabs

Multiple Extra tabs might be necessary to display all the Extra tab functions available. Touch the Extra tab repeatedly to access multiple tabs.

Touch the Extra tab repeatedly to cycle through available tabs

User Interface

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Command buttons and wide keys

The command buttons and wide keys are primarily used to support measurement and setup activities. The command wide keys are duplicates of the Enter and Finish functions which are the most frequently used command buttons, and can be located and pressed easily by the operator without looking at the front panel.

Enter function Finish function

Command wide keys

Command

buttons

• Enter Enters a point (or points) into a measurement, or enters a value into a measurement data field, tolerance data field, communication data field or a setup data field

• Finish Completes a measurement, tolerancing or setup session

• Cancel Removes the last point from a measurement, deletes a feature from the feature list, or removes the last character from a data field

• Quit Cancels a measurement in progress, ends a setup session without saving new settings and ends a programming session

NOTE Details regarding the use of the command keys are provided in Chapter 6: Measuring, and are distributed throughout the remainder of this user guide.

Feature list

The feature list provides access to all features that have been measured, constructed or created. Measurements are selected by touching them in the feature list, and then viewed or toleranced in other screens.

When the feature list contains too many entries to be displayed simultaneously, the arrow keys at the bottom of the list are used to scroll up or down to display all the entries.

Feature List

Feature

list

User Interface

Selected measurements can be... viewed... or toleranced in other screens

When recording, playing or editing programs, the program steps are shown in the feature list.

NOTE Details regarding the use of the feature list are distributed throughout the remainder of this user guide.

LCD Screen Functions

LCD Screen functions

The LCD screen functions are used to select the screen that will be presented on the color touch LCD, generally in support of the next operator activity

Touch a button to select the desired screen.

• Video Displays the camera’s view

• DRO Displays the digital readout

• View Displays the selected feature’s data cloud

• TOL Displays the tolerance screens for entering and editing tolerances

LCD Screen functions

Video screen DRO screen View screen Tol screen

NOTE Details regarding the use of the four basic screen types are distributed throughout the remainder of this user guide.

Number keys

The number keys are used to enter data into feature constructions and creations, tolerances, programs, and setup data fields.

Numbers are entered into data fields in the conventional manner, and can be erased when necessary by backspacing over them using the Cancel button.

NOTE Details regarding the use of number keys are distributed throughout the remainder of this user guide.

Number Keys

Number

keys

User Interface

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

System functions

System functions support a wide variety of measurement and setup activities. System functions include:

• Datum lock indication

• Undo

• Magnification (Mx)

• Unit of measure (mm/Inch)

• Setup

System functions

Datum lock indication

The lock icon indicates that features are locked to the datums used when they were measured. When the lock icon is not shown, new datums are applied to all features in the feature list as they are created.

Undo

The Undo function is very similar to the Windows undo function and erases the last measurement or feature list activity step. The Undo function only erases the last step, sequences of steps cannot be erased using undo.

The MX (shown here as M1) function provides access to a drop down list of available video magnifications. Touching the MX button shows the list of available magnifications. Touch the desired magnification to select it.

Touch the M1 button... to select a video magnication... from the drop-down list

System Functions

mm/in

The mm/in function toggles the linear unit of measure between metric and English. Touch the mm/in button to toggle the units of measure.

Touch the mm/in button... to change the linear unit of measure

Setup

The setup function provides access to all of the system setup screens required for configuring QC-300 measurement and operation. Touch the setup button to display the setup screen and menu. Access to the setup menu is given through two introductory screens that show the software version, the system options and a caution regarding the use of setup functions.

User Interface

Setup screen tools will be made available to those who can provide a valid supervisor password.

NOTE Detailed descriptions of all setup functions and tools are contained in Chapter 11: Setup.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Adjusting contrast threshold

Screen contrast is a combination of the illumination difference between adjacent light and dark regions on the screen and the sharpness of the transition from light to dark. Perfect contrast could be loosely described as very light and very dark regions that meet at a very sharp transition. The contrast of an edge is shown by the height of the gray bar as the video probe moves across an edge. The contrast threshold required for edge recognition is shown by the yellow arrow and must fall within the gray bar. When the threshold adjustment is unlocked in the VED setup screen, the contrast threshold can be increased or decreased by raising or lowering the yellow arrow on a contrast bar.

Adjust the contrast threshold by touching and sliding

Video DRO panel

A small digital readout panel is shown in the upper-right corner of the video screens. Touching the panel cycles it to one of three possible display modes:

the yellow arrow

• Current position display The current position of each axis is shown numerically in the current unit of measure.

• Minimized DRO icon Icon indicating the availability and position off the DRO panel.

• Current positions for zeroing axes Touching an axis value zeros the axis and creates a new measurement datum.

Current position Minimized DRO icon Current positions for... zeroing axis values

Auto-enter Function

Auto-enter function

Feature data can be collected manually by positioning a probe over a part feature and pressing the Enter key, or collected automatically by enabling the auto-enter function. In crosshair systems, a single point is acquired each time the stage is moved to a new probing position. In video systems, automatic probing can acquire many points simultaneously to greatly increase productivity when edge boundaries are clear and distinct.

The auto-enter function is enabled or disabled by touching the auto-enter icon located in the upper-left corner of the video screen.

When the auto-enter function is enabled, points will be acquired automatically after the stage motion stops to position the probe over a feature or edge. Refer to the descriptions of crosshair and edge timeout delays in Chapter 5 Probes.

When the auto-enter function is enabled, the icon dot rotates clockwise around the icon and changes color to indicate the crosshair or edge timeout delay period prior to acquiring the point. This delay is restarted if the stage is moved an amount equal to or greater than the Motion Distance value specified in the Tool Options portion of the probe pop-up screen.

Disabled

Enabling the auto-enter function

The Auto-enter icon dot rotates clockwise from 3:00 to 12:00 in

Auto-enter

icon

Enabled

the delay before a point is automatically probed

User Interface

Printing reports and sending data

Measurement data shown on the DRO screen or contained in the feature list can be printed in reports on the USB port or sent to a computer over the RS232 serial port. In either case, the printing of reports and the transmission of measurement data is initiated by pressing the Print button.

NOTE Report printing and data transmission are configured in the Print setup screen described in Chapter 11: Setup. Printing and data transmission are described

in Chapter 10: Communication.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

DRO screen functions

Touching certain items displayed on the DRO screen allows the user to:

• Toggle between cartesian and polar coordinate systems

• Toggle between diameter and radius displays

• Select fit algorithms

Toggling between cartesian and polar coordinate systems

Touch one of the X, Y or the R, θ coordinate designation characters to toggle between coordinate systems.

Touch a coordinate designation character to toggle between cartesian and polar coordinates

Toggling between diameter and radius displays

Touch the D or R designation characters to toggle between diameter and radius.

Touch the D or R designation character to toggle between diameter and radius displays

DRO Screen Functions

Selecting a fit algorithm

To change the fit algorithm used to determine form errors for the selected feature:

1 Touch the Fit designation on the right side of the screen to display the fit algorithm choices for the displayed feature.

2 Touch the button icon that corresponds to the desired fit algorithm. The new fit algorithm will be applied.

User Interface

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

LCD ON/OFF and deleting feature data

The LCD screen can be turned off without cycling power when the QC-300 will not be used for an extended period, but it is desirable to retain the original machine zero encoder references. Press the red LCD ON/OFF button to toggle the LCD on and off.

When the LCD ON/OFF button is pressed, the operator is given an opportunity to erase all feature measurement data and resume operation without turning the LCD off. If the operator presses the Enter key to delete feature data, the system will ask for confirmation. If confirmation is given, the feature data and datums will be permanently deleted.

You will be asked to press Enter... and asked to conrm the delete... then the feature data will be deleted

CAUTION Delete feature data only when you have saved the data in a report, transmitted it to a computer file or are sure that you no longer need them. Once the data are deleted, they cannot be restored.

Chapter 4: Quick Start Demonstration

This chapter demonstrates the operation of the QC-300 system. The demonstration is provided as a means of quickly helping experienced operators to use the system. This demonstration will be most helpful if you perform the measurements and other activities as you follow along.

The demonstration will use the Metronics QC Quickie slide to create a part skew and datum, measure some part features, apply a few tolerances, print a tolerance report and save all these activities as a program that can be recalled and run again later.

Quick Start

Individual steps are

The QC Quickie slide is shipped with each system

When the program is run on manual or CNC systems, the series of required points will be indicated by a green arrow that moves over the part outline in the Part View or Video window. For manual systems, the user need only probe locations indicated by the arrow to complete measurements. For CNC systems, the measurements are performed automatically.

The demonstration will show measurements being performed on a video stage using a video edge detection probe. However, the same measurements could also be performed on a microscope or comparator using crosshairs.

Detailed information regarding datuming and measuring is contained in Chapter 6: Measuring. Information regarding tolerancing is contained in Chapter 7: Tolerancing. Report printing is discussed in Chapter 10: Communication. Information regarding programming is contained in Chapter 8: Programming.

Summary of the Quick Start Demonstration

recorded as a program

Starting program recording

To record the following activities as a program:

1 Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch the Record icon. The text entry screen will be displayed.

2 Enter a program title and press the Finish key. The DRO or Video screen will be displayed. Touch the Measure tab to begin measurements.

Selecting a probe

To select a new probe:

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

1 Select a new probe type by touching any part of the current probe on the Video window. The four probe choices will be shown on the probe pop-up screen.

2 Touch the desired probe type button. The probe pop-up screen will close and the new probe will be displayed. In this example the straight crosshair probe is selected.

NOTE More information regarding preparing and using probes is contained in Chapter 5: Probes.

Selecting a Probe & Skew and Datum

Creating part skew and datum references

When the part is misaligned (twisted) in the X-Y plane, errors can be generated during the measurement process. These errors can be eliminated by creating a skew alignment for the part.

The skew alignment includes a precise measurement of the part misalignment. Once the misalignment is known to the system, subsequent feature measurements are automatically compensated to eliminate misalignment errors. Measurement data in the DRO will reflect measurements of a perfectly aligned part.

Creating a part skew

To skew the part:

1 Touch the Skew/Level Measure icon.

Quick Start

2 Perform the skew alignment by probing 2 or more points well distributed along the entire length of the desired part reference edge. Press the Enter key to enter each point. Press the Finish key to complete the Skew measurement. The skew line feature will be added to the Features list in blue.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Creating a datum zero point

Creating the datum zero point is the final step in establishing a valid Cartesian or polar coordinate system for subsequent measurements. The datum zero point will be used as the origin of Cartesian or polar systems. The datum zero point can be positioned in any location that satisfies the measurement requirements of the user and can be created by probing a point or by constructing a point from parent features.

Probing a datum zero point

The datum zero point can sometimes be created directly by probing a point. Simple probing is more often possible when the part is precisely aligned in the stage.

To probe a datum zero point:

Touch the Point Measure icon. Probe the desired point for the datum zero, and then press the Finish

1 key. In this example, the lower left corner of the QC Quickie slide was probed. The point will be added to the Features list in blue.

2 Select the DRO window, and while the point feature is selected touch the X and Y axis Zero buttons to zero the values and establish a datum zero at the probed point.

Creating a Datum

Constructing a datum zero point

The datum zero point can be constructed from parent features when simply probing the desired point is not desirable.

It would not be possible to provide a single description of this process for all measurement applications that require feature constructions. However, the concept illustrated by the following example and the construction techniques described later in Chapter 6: Measuring can be used to construct a datum zero point for any measurement application.

In this example, after the part skew is performed, and then a datum zero point is created at the intersection of the X-axis along the bottom of the part (skew axis), and the Y-axis along the left side of the part.

To construct the datum zero point:

1 Touch the Measure Line icon. Probe two or more points well distributed along the left side of the part, and then press the Finish button. The line feature will be added to the Features list.

Quick Start

3 Touch the Measure Point icon, touch the skew line, touch the line probed on the left side of the part and then press the Enter key. A point constructed at the intersection of the two lines will be added to the Features list.

4 Select the DRO window, and while the point feature is selected touch the X and Y axis Zero buttons to zero the values and establish a datum zero at the probed point.

NOTE More information regarding creating datums and constructions is contained in Chapter 6: Measuring.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Measuring Features

Measuring features

In this example, the largest of the three holes of the QC Quickie slide will be measured twice illustrating the use of two different probes. First the straight crosshair probe will be used, then the multiple edge probe will be used.

Measuring a circle with crosshairs

To measure using crosshairs:

1 Select the straight crosshair probe.

Touch any part of a probe... to display the probe tools... and select a new probe

Quick Start

2 Touch the measure circle icon and probe a minimum of three points evenly distributed around the perimeter of the circle. Eight points were probed in this example.

3 Press the Finish key to complete the feature measurement and store the feature in the feature list. The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the DRO or View button if desired.

Select the circle measurement...

probe points around the circle and

press Finish to complete

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Measuring a circle with the multiple edge probe

To measure using the multiple edge probe:

1 Select the multiple edge probe.

Touch any part of a probe...

2 Touch the probe again to display the probe tools screen, and then touch the Tool Options button to display probing parameters, set the number of circle points to 20 (or any number between 3 and 99), and touch the Finish button.

Touch any part of a probe...

3 Touch the probe circle icon to begin the measurement.

to display the probe tools...

then touch Tools Options ... and set the number of circle points

and select the multi edge probe

Measuring Features

4 Move the stage to position the multiple edge tool into the center of the large circle in the QC Quickie slide and press the Enter key. The measurement will be completed and the circle data will be stored in the feature list.

Move the stage to position...

The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the DRO or View button if desired.

NOTE More information regarding the use of the multiple edge probe is contained in Chapter 5: Probes. More information regarding performing measurements is contained in Chapter 6: Measuring.

the probe inside the circle... and press Enter to complete

Quick Start

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Applying tolerances to feature measurements

In this example, a true position tolerance will be applied to at the last circle measurement. To apply a tolerance:

Select the feature

Touch the circle feature in the feature list to select it.

Display the tolerance screen

Touch the Tol screen button to display the tolerance screen.

Select a tolerance type

Touch the desired tolerance type button to select a tolerance type. In this example, the position tolerance type is selected.

Applying Tolerances

Select a specific tolerance

Touch the Tolerance menu title and then select the specific tolerance from the drop-down menu. The true position tolerance is selected in this example.

Enter nominal, limit or tolerance values

In this example, the Nominal and Tol Dia (Tolerance diameter around the nominal position) values are entered by touching the desired data field and entering a new value using the number keys. Error and Deviation values are generated as soon as the Nominal and Tol Dia values are entered.

The Nominal, limit and Tol Dia values are entered...

Pass/fail results are indicated by green and red colors in the tolerance screen and in the feature list. Pass is indicated by green, fail is indicated by red in the tolerance screen. Any tolerance failure will be indicated by a red mark next to the feature in the feature list. A green mark will be displayed in the feature list when all tolerance tests pass.

NOTE More information regarding tolerances is contained in Chapter 7: Tolerancing.

resulting in new error and deviation values

Quick Start

Pass indication is a

green square

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Printing a report

To print a report of the current position (Display), the feature list (Report) or tolerances (Tol Report):

1 Verify that the QC-300 is attached to a USB printer as described in Chapter 10: Communication.

2 Verify that the report content and printer formatting are specified correctly in the Print setup screen described in Chapter 10: Communication and Chapter 11: Setup.

3 Press the Print key while displaying the Current Position in the Video or DRO screen.

NOTE More information regarding reports of feature measurement data and QC-300 system settings are contained in Chapter 10: Communication.

Printing Reports & Saving Programs

Stopping the program recording

Touch the Program tab to display the programming tools, and then touch the Stop icon to stop recording the program. The program title will be shown and program steps will be displayed in the feature list.

The program is now saved and can be edited or run on new parts. Touch the Measure tab to leave the record mode and return to the measure mode of operation.

Quick Start

Running the program

To run a program, Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch a program title to select the desired program.

Touch the Run icon to run the selected program.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 5: Probes

Measurements are conducted using manual crosshairs, video crosshairs or video edge detection on manual and CNC systems. Part features can be probed manually by the user or automatically under program control.

Video probe setup and calibration is described in Chapter 11: Setup. The measurement, construction and creation of features is explained in Chapter 6: Measuring.

Preparing to use video probes ..........................................................................48

System and part condition .........................................................................48

Selecting video magnification ...................................................................48

Adjusting light control ..............................................................................48

Adjusting video image contrast and brightness ........................................51

Using video probes ...........................................................................................54

Selecting a probe ......................................................................................54

Selecting a probe color ..............................................................................55

Specifying probe data collection parameters ............................................56

Crosshair probe data collection parameters .......................................57

Edge probe data collection parameters ..............................................58

Collecting feature data ..............................................................................59

The auto-enter function ......................................................................59

Crosshair probes ................................................................................60

Manual probing (crosshairs) .......................................................60

Automatic probing (crosshairs) ..................................................61

Single edge probe ..............................................................................62

Manual probing (single edge) .....................................................62

Automatic probing (single edge) ................................................63

Multiple edge probe ...........................................................................64

Probe seeding ..............................................................................64

Probing a line ..............................................................................65

Probing a circle ...........................................................................66

Probing an arc .............................................................................68

Seeding to avoid erroneous data .................................................69

Recovering from data errors .......................................................70

Probes

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Preparing to use video probes

The accuracy and repeatability of video probing depends on the condition of the system, the condition of the part, video magnification, part lighting and optical focus.

System and part condition

The system is presumed to be well-maintained which implies a clean stage and optical system, free of scratches and other damage. The part to be measured is also presumed to be clean and undamaged.

Selecting video magnification

Select a different video magnification by adjusting the camera optics, touching the magnification button and then touching the desired magnification in the drop-down menu. The magnifications that appear in the drop-down menu are added and calibrated in the Magnifications setup screen by supervisors, distributors and OEMs.

Adjusting light control

The video back light, surface light and ring lights are adjusted to optimize part illumination by selecting the desired light sources and operating the light slider controls. Light sources can be different in each system and can include:

• Back light Single light source directly under the part that provides back lighting

• Top light Single light source directly over the part that provides surface lighting, sometimes through the lens

• Ring lights Four light sources are enabled or disabled individually and distributed in a ring around the camera axis. The light intensities of all enabled ring lights are controlled simultaneously as a single group. The ring lighting is often provided by one source.

To adjust the light sources:

1 Touch the Light/Image tab at the bottom of the screen repeatedly to display the Light controls.

Preparing to Use Probes

When the Light tab is shown in the background...

Touch the Light tab... to display the light controls

When the Image tab is shown in the background...

Probes

Touch the Image tab...

2 Touch the desired light source to select it for adjustment.

Select the back light... Select the top light... or ring lights

twice... to display the light controls

When ring lights are selected, touch the ring light icon again to display individual ring right segments.

Any of the individual ring light segments can be turned on or off by touching them.

All ring light segments are off Two ring light segments are on All ring light segments are on

Touch the ring light icon again to display the adjustment slider.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Touch the ring light icon again... to show individual segments

3 Touch and drag an adjustment slider to adjust the illumination of any light source. All light sources are adjusted in this manner using its own slider.

Touch and drag the slider... to make light adjustments

Preparing to Use Probes

Adjusting video image contrast and brightness

The contrast and brightness of the video camera image displayed in the video window are adjusted to optimize edge detection by selecting the Image tab and using the image contract and brightness sliders.

NOTE The video image contrast and brightness adjustments are different than the overall screen brightness adjustment found in the Miscellaneous setup screen.

To adjust the video image contrast and brightness:

1 Touch the Light/Image tab at the bottom of the screen repeatedly if necessary to display the Image controls.

When the Image tab is shown in the background...

Probes

Touch the Image tab... to display the Image controls

When the Light tab is shown in the background...

Touch the Light tab...

twice... to display the Image controls

2 Touch the contrast icon and then touch and drag the contrast slider to adjust video contrast.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Touch the Contrast icon...

Drag left to decrease contrast... and right to increase contrast

3 Touch the Brightness icon and then touch and drag the brightness slider to adjust video brightness.

then touch and drag the slider... to adjust contrast

Touch the Brightness icon...

then touch and drag the slider... to adjust brightness

Preparing to Use Probes

Drag left to decrease brightness... and right to increase brightness

NOTE Contrast and brightness can be fine-adjusted by

one unit of contrast or brightness by touching the slider bar on either side of the slider control.

Probes

Touch left to adjust down 1 unit Touch right to adjust up 1 unit

Adjusting video image contrast threshold

The contrast of an edge is shown by the height of the gray bar on the right side of the screen when the crosshair probe is positioned over an edge. The contrast threshold required for edge recognition is shown by the yellow arrow and must fall within the gray bar. When the threshold adjustment is unlocked in the VED setup screen, the contrast threshold is increased or decreased by raising or lowering the yellow arrow on a contrast bar.

Adjust the contrast threshold by touching and sliding

the yellow arrow

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Using video probes

Four video probes are available for creating reference levels, skews and datums and for measuring regular geometric features including points, lines, arcs, circles, slots, rectangles, distances and angles. Probes include:

• Crosshair Standard crosshair of two lines crossed at 90 degrees. Single points can be acquired manually or automatically.

• Offset crosshair Crosshair of two lines with a regular pattern 3 pixel square wave offsets, crossed at 90 degrees. Single points can be acquired manually or automatically.

• Single edge Standard crosshair with a small circle at the center for positioning the edge detector. Single points can be acquired manually or automatically.

• Multiple edge Standard crosshair with 2 small concentric circles at the center for positioning the edge detector. Multiple points can be acquired for certain feature types automatically.

Crosshair

Firing a video probe generates one or more orthogonal scan lines, which acquire points as the scans cross an edge bounded by light and dark areas of the screen image. The use of these four probes is very straightforward, as shown below.

Offset crosshair Single edge Multiple edge

Selecting a probe

To select a new probe:

1 Select a new probe type by touching any part of the current probe on the Video window. The four probe choices will be shown on the probe pop-up screen.

Using Video Probes

2 Touch the desired probe type button. The probe pop-up screen will close and the new probe will be displayed. In this example the Multi-edge probe is selected.

Selecting a probe color

The probe color can be selected at any time from one of nine colors that are shown on the probe pop-up screen. To select the probe color:

1 Touch any part of the current probe on the Video window. The nine color choices will be shown on the probe pop-up screen.

Probes

2 Touch the desired probe color button. The probe pop-up screen will close and the new probe color will be displayed. In this example the red probe color is selected.

NOTE

The color of the single edge and multiple edge probe circles (at the center of the probes)

cannot be changed because color is used to indicate whether or not an edge has been

detected. Red circles indicate that no edge has been detected. Green circles indicate

that an edge has been detected. The color of the remaining straight line portions of

edge probes can be changed.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Specifying probe data collection parameters

Video probe data collection parameters are specified in the Tool Options portion of the probe pop-up screen and include:

• The number of points to be collected for line, circle and arc measurement by the multiple edge probe

• Delays after the stage motion stops for auto-point entry using crosshair and edge probes

• The minimum stage motion required to restart the crosshair timeout delay for auto-point entry using crosshair probes

• The line thickness of the crosshair probe

Usually, the data collection parameters are specified for a probe and remain unchanged until significant changes are encountered in the part probing process, or the system hardware is changed.

To specify probe data collection parameters:

1 Touch any part of the current probe on the Video window. The probe pop-up screen will be displayed.

2 Touch the Tool Option button. The probe data collection parameter setup fields will be displayed.

Only a few data collection parameters are required, and they are different for crosshair and edge probes.

Specifying Collection Parameters

Crosshair probe data collection parameters

Data collection parameters for crosshair probes include:

• Crosshair timeout delay

• Motion distance

• Line thickness

Crosshair timeout delay

When the auto-enter function is enabled during feature measurement on the LCD Video screen, a point is collected by the system each time the stage is moved to position the part under the crosshair. This automatic point entry is delayed until the stage has been motionless for a short time to ensure that the crosshair is located where the user intended. This delay is the Crosshair Timeout. This parameter is identical for the straight and offset crosshair probes. The default value will provide adequate delay for most applications, but can be increased to accommodate more relaxed probing.

The auto-enter function is enabled on

the LCD video screen

To specify Crosshair Timeout, touch the Crosshair Timeout data field and enter the desired delay in seconds using the number keys.

Motion distance

As described above, when the auto-enter function is enabled, a point is collected by the system each time the stage is moved to position the part under the crosshair at a new location. This automatic point entry is delayed until the stage has been motionless for a short time to ensure that the crosshair is located where the user intended. This delay is restarted if the stage moves again during the timeout interval to facilitate final fine adjustments of stage position.

To specify the minimum stage movement required to restart the crosshair timeout delay, touch the Motion Distance data field and enter the desired stage motion in the current unit of measure (millimeters or inches).

Line thickness

The lines of the crosshair probes can be changed in one-pixel increments from 1 to 3 pixels. To specify the line width of the crosshair probe, touch the Crosshair Thickness data field and enter 1, 2 or 3 pixels.

Probes

Edge probe data collection parameters

Data collection parameters for edge probes include:

• The number of points to be collected for lines, circles and arcs by the multiple edge probe

• Edge timeout delay

Number of points probed for a line, circle and arc

When the multiple edge probe is used, the probe is seeded with a small number of points to define the feature type, and then the remaining points are collected automatically by the system. Up to 99 points can be collected for line, circle and arc features.

To specify the number of points collected for line, circle or arc features, touch the Line, Circle or Arc Point data field and enter the desired number of points using the number keys.

Edge timeout delay

When the auto-enter function is enabled for feature measurement on the LCD Video screen, a point is collected by the system each time the stage is moved to position the part under the edge probe. This automatic point entry is delayed until the stage has been motionless for a short time to ensure that the edge probe is located where the user intended. This delay is the Edge Timeout. This parameter is identical for the single and multiple edge probes. The default value will provide adequate delay for most applications, but can be increased to accommodate more relaxed probing.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

The auto-enter function is enabled on

the LCD video screen

To specify Edge Timeout, touch the Edge Timeout data field and enter the desired delay in seconds using the number keys.

Specifying Collection Parameters

Collecting feature data

Feature data can be collected manually by positioning a probe over a part feature and pressing the Enter key, or collected automatically by enabling the auto-enter function and using the multiple edge probe. Manual probing with crosshairs is useful when part edges are indistinct and feature edge contrast is poor. Automatic probing can acquire many points simultaneously and increases productivity when feature edge boundaries are clear and automatic point entry is possible.

The auto-enter function

The auto-enter function is toggled on or off by touching the auto-enter icon in the upper-left corner of the video screen.

When the auto-enter function is toggled on, the crosshair and edge probes will acquire a point automatically after the stage motion stops to position the probe over a feature or edge. Refer to the descriptions of crosshair and edge timeout delay on the previous two pages for more details regarding point acquisition timing.

When the auto-enter function begins to acquire a point, the icon dot rotates clockwise around the icon to indicate the passage of the crosshair or edge timeout delay period. This delay is restarted if the stage is moved an amount equal to or greater than the Motion Distance value described earlier.

OFF

The auto-enter function is

toggled on

Probes

Crosshair probes

The crosshair probes consist of two lines crossed at 90 degrees in the video window. Probing is identical for straight and offset crosshairs. Single points can be acquired manually or automatically.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Manual probing (crosshairs)

Disable auto-enter for manual probing. To probe part features manually:

1 Select the feature to be measured. The Circle measurement is selected in this example.

2 Position the probe over the desired feature location.

3 Press the Enter key to acquire a point.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the required points have been probed.

5 Press the Finish key to complete the feature measurement and store the feature in the feature list. The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Straight crosshairs

Offset crosshairs

Probing

Automatic probing (crosshairs)

The process of probing automatically with crosshairs is identical to probing manually with crosshairs except that the user does not press the Enter key to enter points.

Enable auto-enter for manual probing. To probe part features automatically:

1 Select the feature to be measured. The Circle measurement is selected in this example.

2 Position the probe over the desired feature location.

3 The point will be acquired after the crosshair timeout delay, unless the stage is moved before the delay is complete. If the stage is moved, the delay will be reinitiated.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the required points have been probed.

5 Press the Finish key to complete the feature measurement and store the feature in the feature list. The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probes

Single edge probe

The single edge probe consists of a standard crosshair with a small circle at the center for positioning the edge detector. Single points can be acquired manually or automatically.

Manual probing (single edge)

Disable auto-enter for manual probing. To probe part features manually:

1 Select the feature to be measured. The Circle measurement is selected in this example.

2 Position the probe over the desired feature edge. A blue cross with indicate the point that will be acquired. Reposition the probe if necessary to acquire the desired point.

3 Press the Enter key to acquire a point.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Single edge probe

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the required points have been probed.

5 Press the Finish key to complete the feature measurement and store the feature in the feature list. The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probing

Automatic probing (single edge)

The process of probing automatically with the single edge probe is identical to probing manually with the single edge probe except that the user does not press the Enter key to enter points.

Enable auto-enter for manual probing. To probe part features automatically:

1 Select the feature to be measured. The Circle measurement is selected in this example.

2 Position the probe over the desired feature edge. A blue cross with indicate the point that will be acquired. Reposition the probe if necessary to acquire the desired point.

3 The point will be acquired after the edge timeout delay.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the required points have been probed.

Probes

5 Press the Finish key to complete the feature measurement and store the feature in the feature list. The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Multiple edge probe

The multiple edge probe consists of a standard crosshair with two small concentric circles at the center for positioning the edge detector. Points will be probed manually for some features as they are when the single edge probe is used, and automatically for line, circle and arc features when the probe is seeded.

Probe seeding

When points are probed automatically as diagrammed at the right, the probe must first be seeded by probing the minimum number of points required for a geometric definition of the feature type. Only lines, circles and arcs can be probed automatically.

• Line Points probed automatically after seeding with 2 points

• Circle Points probed automatically after seeding with 3 points

• Arc Points probed automatically after seeding with 3 points

• Point Points probed manually - identical to single edge probe

• Distance Points probed manually - identical to single edge probe

• Angle Points probed manually - identical to single edge probe

• Slot Points probed manually - identical to single edge probe

• Rectangle Points probed manually - identical to single edge probe

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

When probing lines, circles and arcs, the multiple edge probe must be seeded to provide the system with a general description of the feature location. The location of seed points is important. The order of seed points is important for arcs.

• Line Seed by probing 2 points at the extreme ends of the line.

• Circle Seed by probing 3 points evenly distributed around the perimeter of the circle.

• Arc Seed by probing 3 evenly distributed points in sequence from the beginning to end of the arc.

The seed points can be entered manually by pressing the Enter key, or automatically using the auto-enter function.

When all the required points have been seeded, a green arrow and red circle are displayed. Move the stage to place the green arrow into the red circle to initiate automatic probing of the remaining points and complete the measurement.

When the probe is seeded... move the stage to place... the arrow in the circle

Auto-enter

disabled

Auto-enter

enabled

Probing

Probing a line

The same basic technique is used to probe a line whether the line is completely within or outside the field of view. To probe a line using the multiple edge probe:

1 Select the Line feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe.

2 Seed the multiple edge probe at the two extreme ends of the line. The green arrow and red circle will be presented.

Seed the multiple edge probe at the two extreme ends of the line

3 Move the stage to place the green arrow inside the red circle. The remaining line points will be probed at roughly regular intervals along the line, the measurement will be completed and the feature data will be stored in the feature list.

Move the stage to place the arrow in the circle

Probes

4 The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probing a circle

Two techniques can be used to probe a circle using the Multiple edge probe. The first technique is that described earlier for probing lines and arcs and can be used to probe a circle whether the circle is completely within or outside the field of view. To probe a circle using the first technique with the multiple edge probe:

1 Select the Circle feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe.

2 Seed the multiple edge probe at 3 points evenly distributed around the perimeter of the circle.

3 Move the stage to place the green arrow inside the red circle. The remaining circle points will be probed at roughly regular intervals around the perimeter of the circle, the measurement will be completed and the feature data will be stored in the feature list.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Seed the multiple edge probe at 3 points evenly distributed around the circle

Move the stage to place the arrow in the circle

4 The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probing

The second technique can only probe a circle located within the field of view that is large enough to enclose the center of the Multiple edge probe, but the technique is extremely simple and productive. To probe a circle using the second technique with the multiple edge probe:

1 Select the Circle feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe. Select a circle that will completely enclose the center of the Multiple edge probe.

2 Move the stage to place the center of the Multiple edge probe inside the circle. The center of the Multiple edge probe should be red to indicate that no edge is detected.

3 Press the Enter key. All the circle points will be probed at roughly regular intervals around the perimeter of the circle, the measurement will be completed and the feature data will be stored in the feature list.

Probes

4 The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probing an arc

The same basic technique is used to probe an arc whether the arc is completely within or outside the field of view. To probe an arc using the multiple edge probe:

1 Select the Arc feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe.

2 Seed the multiple edge probe at 3 points in sequence from the beginning to the end of the arc.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Seed the multiple edge probe at 3 points in sequence from the beginning

3 Move the stage to place the green arrow inside the red circle. The remaining line points will be probed at roughly regular intervals along the length of the arc, the measurement will be completed and the feature data will be stored in the feature list.

4 The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

to the end of the arc

Move the stage to place the arrow in the circle

Probing

Seeding to avoid erroneous data

The multiple edge probe can be seeded manually using the single edge probe to avoid collecting data over keyways, protrusions and other feature anomalies. This is accomplished by:

1 Seeding points very close to, and enclosing the area of anomaly using the single edge probe 2 Switching to the multiple edge probe to complete the measurement by probing the reminder of specified points automatically

Normally, the multiple edge probe attempts to collect the specified number of points from an even distribution of probed points along the feature edge, which includes the seed points.

As shown in the example below, when a line without anomalies is probed, the multiple edge probe is seeded with the two endpoints, and then automatically probes the remainder of the specified points at locations distributed evenly between the endpoints.

16 Points are specied

for a line

Probes

The multiple edge probe is seeded with the endpoints of the line, and evenly distributes the remaining points

This process works well when the feature probed includes few or no edge anomalies. However, discontinuous or indistinct edges can lead to data errors if no preventive action is taken.

Since a combination of seeded locations and system-generated locations are used to distribute and probe points, tightly enclosing any edge anomaly between two seeded points greatly reduces the possibility that the multiple edge probe will probe the anomaly.

The single edge probe seeds the endpoints of the line and then probes additional seed points that enclose the

line anomaly. The multiple edge probe is then selected and the remaining points are probed automatically.

Recovering from data errors

Data errors are rare when the part, stage and optical system are clean and well maintained, and the lighting, contrast and brightness are properly adjusted. In addition, the QC-300 is extremely forgiving of typical cleanliness and lighting issues. However, it is possible that an occasional data error will occur while the Multiple edge probe is attempting to collect data from feature locations calculated from the seed points and the specified number of total data points.

When a data error occurs, the system switches from automatic probing using the multiple edge probe to manual probing using the single edge probe, and prompts the operator to either complete the measurement with the available points, or to probe the remaining points manually. When the operator elects to continue probing, he or she is guided to the required points by the green arrow. In either case the operator must press the Finish key to complete the measurement.

While it is not expected that measurements would be conducted on a dirty stage like the one shown in this example of a circle measurement, this dirty stage was used to produce a data error and illustrate the error recovery process.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

The Multiple edge probe seeds three points and user is prompted to move the green arrow into the red circle

When the seed points are probed the red target circle is displayed and the stage is positioned to place the green arrow in the target circle. The system begins to probe the remaining points automatically, however, the stage is dirty and makes the feature edge indistinct producing a data error. The operator is then asked to complete the measurement using the existing points or probe the remaining points manually using the single edge probe.

Probing

When the operator elects to continue probing the remaining points, the green arrow points to each missing point which is signified by a large X. When the stage is moved to position the single edge probe and arrow at the X and the Enter button is pressed, the next missing point is shown and the green arrow points to it. When all the remaining missing points are entered, the Finish key is pressed to complete the measurement and store the feature data in the Feature list.

The Multiple edge probe seeds three points and user is prompted to move the green arrow into the red circle

The feature and probed points can be reviewed in detail by touching the View button if desired.

Probes

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 6: Measuring

Measurements can be conducted using video edge detection probes or using crosshairs. Measurements can be limited to probing feature points, or can include the construction or creation of new features in addition to probing. However measurements are conducted, the fundamental measurement process and the tools required to perform measurements remain unchanged. Here’s what you’ll find in this chapter:

Measurement activities.....................................................................................74

The measurement process ................................................................................74

Establishing the measurement reference ..........................................................75

Leveling the part (optional) ......................................................................75

Skewing the part .......................................................................................76

Creating a datum zero point ......................................................................77