Page 1 Operating Instructions ND 1300 QUADRA-CHEK (QC 320) Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems English (en) 9/2013...
Page 3 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Video Edge Detection Systems QC-320, QC-321, QC-323, QC-324 ...
Page 4 QC-300 Series Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems User’s Guide 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 permis- sion 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...
Page 5: Dangerous Voltage
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.
Page 6: General Maintenance
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.
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Contents Contents Chapter 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 ................
Page 8 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...
Page 9 Contents 3 QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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 ..................
Page 10 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...
Page 11 Contents 5 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 .........
Page 12 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...
Page 13 Contents 7 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) ..........
Page 14 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...
Page 15 Contents 9 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Chapter 0 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 ..................
Page 16 Contents 0 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...
Page 17 Contents 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 .............
Page 18 Contents 2 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...
Page 19 Contents 3 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Chapter 2 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 ..............
Page 20 Contents 4 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 21: Chapter Overview
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.
Page 22 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.
Page 23 Features External footswitch Not used CNC outputs Speaker jack Lighting and zoom USB port Video inputs Encoder inputs RS-232 port Tilt adjust Video camera inputs are displayed on the color LCD and support NTSC and Pal formats as composite video and S-video signals.
Page 24 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 25: Chapter 2 Installation
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.
Page 26: Assembling The Mounting Stand
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 &...
Page 27: Location And Mounting
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 bot- tom 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.
Page 28: Connecting An Optional Footswitch
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. Verify that the QC-300 is off. Connect the foot switch to the RJ-45 connector on the rear connector panel.
Page 29: Connecting A Computer
Connections Connecting a computer Verify that the QC-300 and computer power are off. 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.
Page 30: Connecting Optional Camera Lighting And Zoom
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.
Page 31: Warranty Registration Form
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.
Page 32 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 33: Chapter 3 User Interface
Chapter 3: User Interface The QC-300 user interface consists of hardware front panel buttons and number keys that work in coopera- tion 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. •...
Page 34: Measurement Functions
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 •...
Page 35: Accessing Programming Functions
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 pro- gram.
Page 36: Accessing Part Lighting Adjustment Tools
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 back- lights, surface lights and camera ring lights.
Page 37: Storing Jpeg Stills Of Video Images
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.
Page 38: Sending Data To A Computer From The Extra Tab
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...
Page 39 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.
Page 40: Cnc And Other Extra Tab Functions
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 Ex-...
Page 41: Part Following
CNC and other Extra Tab Functions Part following The Part following function is included in the Extra tab of sys- tems with the CNC option. Part following changes the motion reference from the machine coordinate system to the part coordi- Part following Part following nate system after a part skew has been performed.
Page 42: Command Buttons And Wide Keys
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.
Page 43: Feature List
Feature List Feature list The feature list provides access to all fea- tures 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. Feature list When the feature list contains too many entries to be displayed simultaneously, the arrow keys at the bottom of the list are...
Page 44: Lcd Screen Functions
LCD Screen Functions 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. •...
Page 45: Number Keys
Number Keys Number keys The number keys are used to enter data into feature constructions and creations, tolerances, programs, and Number setup data fields. keys Numbers are entered into data fields in the conventional manner, and can be erased when necessary by back- spacing over them using the Cancel button.
Page 46: System Functions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide System functions System functions System functions support a wide variety of mea- surement and setup activities. System functions include: • Datum lock indication • Undo • Magnification (Mx) • Unit of measure (mm/Inch) • Setup Datum lock indication The lock icon indicates that features are locked to the datums used when they were measured.
Page 47: Mm/In
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.
Page 48: Adjusting Contrast Threshold
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Adjusting contrast threshold Screen contrast is a combination of the illumina- tion 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.
Page 49: Auto-Enter Function
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.
Page 50: Dro Screen Functions
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...
Page 51: Selecting A Fit Algorithm
DRO Screen Functions Selecting a fit algorithm To change the fit algorithm used to determine form errors for the selected feature: Touch the Fit designation on the right side of the screen to display the fit algorithm choices for the displayed feature. Touch the button icon that corresponds to the desired fit al- gorithm.
Page 52: Lcd On/Off And Deleting Feature Data
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 en- coder references.
Page 53: Quick Start Demonstration
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.
Page 54: Starting Program Recording
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Starting program recording To record the following activities as a program: Touch the Program tab to dis- play the program screen and then touch the Record icon. The text entry screen will be displayed. Enter a program title and press the Finish key.
Page 55: Creating Part Skew And Datum References
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.
Page 56: Creating A Datum Zero Point
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 sys- tems.
Page 57: Constructing A Datum Zero 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.
Page 58 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Select the DRO window, and while the point feature is selected touch the X and Y axis Zero but- tons to zero the values and estab- lish a datum zero at the probed point. NOTE More information regarding creating datums and constructions is contained in Chapter 6: Measuring.
Page 59: Measuring Features
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.
Page 60: Measuring A Circle With The Multiple Edge Probe
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Measuring a circle with the multiple edge probe To measure using the multiple edge probe: Select the multiple edge probe. Touch any part of a probe... to display the probe tools... and select the multi edge probe 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.
Page 61 Measuring Features 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.
Page 62: Applying Tolerances To Feature Measurements
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.
Page 63 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.
Page 64: Printing A Report
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): Verify that the QC-300 is attached to a USB printer as described in Chapter 10: Communication. 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.
Page 65: Stopping The Program Recording
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 re- cording the program. The pro- gram title will be shown and pro- gram steps will be displayed in the feature list.
Page 66 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 67 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.
Page 68: Preparing To Use Video 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.
Page 69 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... Touch the Image tab... twice... to display the light controls Touch the desired light source to select it for adjustment.
Page 70 QC-300 Series User’s Guide When ring lights are selected, touch the ring light icon again to display individual ring right seg- ments. Touch the ring light icon again... to show individual 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...
Page 71: Adjusting Video Image Contrast And Brightness
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.
Page 72 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the contrast icon and then touch and drag the contrast slider to adjust video contrast. Touch the Contrast icon... then touch and drag the slider... to adjust contrast Drag left to decrease contrast... and right to increase contrast Touch the Brightness icon and then touch and drag the brightness slider to adjust video brightness.
Page 73: Adjusting Video Image Contrast Threshold
Preparing to Use Probes Drag left to decrease brightness... and right to increase brightness NOTE Contrast brightness can be fine-adjusted by one unit of con- trast or brightness by touching the slider bar on either side of the slider control. Touch left to adjust down 1 unit Touch right to adjust up 1 unit Adjusting video image contrast threshold...
Page 74: Using Video Probes
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.
Page 75: Selecting A Probe Color
Using Video Probes 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.
Page 76: Specifying Probe Data Collection Parameters
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 •...
Page 77: Crosshair Probe Data Collection Parameters
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 measure- ment on the LCD Video screen, a point is collected by the sys- tem each time the stage is moved to position the part under the crosshair.
Page 78: Edge Probe Data Collection Parameters
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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.
Page 79: Collecting Feature Data
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.
Page 80: Crosshair Probes
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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. Straight crosshairs Offset crosshairs Manual probing (crosshairs) Disable auto-enter for manual probing.
Page 81: Automatic Probing (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: Select the feature to be measured.
Page 82: Single Edge Probe
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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 au- tomatically. Manual probing (single edge) Disable auto-enter for manual probing.
Page 83: Automatic Probing (Single Edge)
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: Select the feature to be mea- sured.
Page 84: Multiple Edge Probe
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Multiple edge probe The multiple edge probe consists of a standard crosshair with two small concen- tric 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.
Page 85: Probing A Line
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: Select the Line feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe. Seed the multiple edge probe at the two extreme ends of the line.
Page 86: Probing A Circle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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 com- pletely within or outside the field of view.
Page 87 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: Select the Circle feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe.
Page 88: Probing An Arc
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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: Select the Arc feature measurement, and then select the multiple edge probe. Seed the multiple edge probe at 3 points in sequence from the beginning to the end...
Page 89: Seeding To Avoid Erroneous Data
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: Seeding points very close to, and enclosing the area of anomaly using the single edge probe 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...
Page 90: Recovering From Data Errors
QC-300 Series User’s Guide 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.
Page 91 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.
Page 92 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 93: Chapter 6 Measuring
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.
Page 94: Measurement Activities
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Measurement activities QC-300 measurement sessions can include one or all of the following activities: • Establishing a measurement reference • Constructing features • Probing and measuring features • Creating features The measurement process The basic measurement process shown here is identical for all feature types. The details of individual measurement steps are described in the remaining pages of this section.
Page 95: Establishing The Measurement Reference
The Measurement Process NOTE When video probes are used, the stage and optical system must be well maintained, free of scratches and other damage and clean. The optical magnification and part lighting must be prepared as described in Chapter 5: Probes. Establishing the measurement reference A reliable measurement reference must be established before part features can be probed and measured.
Page 96: Skewing The Part
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the Level icon and perform the leveling measurement by probing three or more points that are well distributed across the surface of the desired part plane. Use the Crosshair to probe, move the Z-axis of the stage to focus the part surface under the Crosshair and then press the Enter key to enter each point.
Page 97: Creating A Datum Zero Point
Establishing a Measurement Reference 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 com- plete the Skew measurement.
Page 98: Constructing A Datum Zero Point
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Select the DRO window, and while the point feature is selected touch the X and Y axis Zero buttons to establish a datum zero at the probed point. The datum point will be shown in blue. Constructing a datum zero point The datum zero point can be constructed from parent features when simply probing the desired point is not possible.
Page 99 Establishing a Measurement Reference 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. Touch the Measure Point icon, and the touch the line probed on the left side of the part in the Features list and then press the Enter key.
Page 100 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the constructed point in the Features list and then select the DRO window. Touch the Zero buttons of the X and Y axes to define the point location as the zero datum. The datum point will be shown in blue. Select the View window to see the zero datum at the intersection of the X and Y axes.
Page 101: Setting A Datum At The Current Probe Position
Establishing a Measurement Reference Setting a datum at the current probe position A datum can be set at the point indicated by the current crosshair probe position. The datum can be set to zero, or to a desired value. NOTE The datum point created using this method is not shown as a feature in the features list.
Page 102 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the axis value fields and enter the zero or non-zero values to define the datum location. Press the Enter key to enter each value. In this example, a datum is specified at X=0.5, Y=0.5. Touch the X-axis value field... to select it for data entry...
Page 103: Probing And Measuring Features
Probing and Measuring Features Probing and measuring features Part features are measured by creating a part datum, and then by probing points that define the feature’s shape and location. Feature points can be probed using Measure Magic or by using a specific measure- ment function such as the line or circle function.
Page 104: Probing Specific Feature Types
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Probing specific feature types When measure magic is not used a measure icon must be touched before each specific feature type is probed. However, a series of features of the same type can be probed by touching the desired measure icon and then touching multiple measurement icon.
Page 105: Probing Process
Probing and Measuring Features Probing process The feature probing process is essentially the same for all feature types. Touch the desired measure icon Probe and enter features, then press Results are displayed in the Finish to complete measurements Video, DRO and View windows Supported feature types The following feature measurements are supported by the QC-300: •...
Page 106: Backward/Forward Annotation
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Backward/forward annotation Forward annotation is used to specify a required number of probed points for each feature type. Backward annotation allows the user to probe any number of points beyond the minimum requirement for any feature type.
Page 107: Probing Specific Feature Types
Probing and Measuring Features Probing specific feature types While the probing process is essentially the same for all feature types, the minimum number of points required and the geometric placement of these points are different. The unique requirements for probing each feature type are described in the remainder of this section.
Page 108: Probing Lines
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Probing lines A minimum of two probed points is required to measure a line. There is no practical limit to the number of points that can be probed, and in general accuracy is increased by probing more points. Three points are probed to measure a line When only two points are probed, Measure Magic will correctly recognize a line and assign the correct feature.
Page 109: Probing Arcs
Probing and Measuring Features Probing arcs A minimum of three probed points is required to measure an arc. There is no practical limit to the number of points that can be probed, and in general accuracy is increased by probing more points. Three points are probed to measure an arc When the arc is less than 185 degrees, Measure Magic will correctly recognize the arc and assign the cor- rect feature.
Page 110 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Probing circles A minimum of three probed points is required to measure a circle. There is no practical limit to the number of points that can be probed, and in general accuracy is increased by probing more points. Four points are probed to measure an circle When 185 degrees or more of the circle is probed, Measure Magic will correctly recognize the circle and assign the correct feature.
Page 111: Probing Slots
Probing and Measuring Features Probing slots Five probed points are required to measure a slot. The five points must be probed in a prescribed pattern, and must be probed in clockwise or counterclockwise order. As shown above, the correct pattern of points probed around the slot is: •...
Page 112: Probing Rectangles
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Probing rectangles Five probed points are required to measure a rectangle. The five points must be probed in a prescribed pattern, and must be probed in clockwise or counterclockwise order. As shown above, the correct pattern of points probed around the rectangle is: •...
Page 113: Probing Distances
Probing and Measuring Features Probing distances Two probed points are required to measure a distance. Measurement results are shown in the Features list, View win- dow, DRO window and the DRO overlay. The View window shows the fea- ture and the points used to define it.
Page 114: Probing Angles
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Probing angles Four probed points are required to measure an angle. The four points must be probed in a prescribed pattern on the two lines that form an angle. There is no practical limit to the number of points that can be probed, and in general accuracy is increased by probing more points.
Page 115: Constructing Features
Constructing Features Constructing features Features can be constructed from one or more existing features. Existing features used to construct new features are called parent features, and can be features that were measured, constructed or created. Existing features are shown in black, and constructed features are shown in blue in the View window. Point constructions Points can be constructed from: •...
Page 116: Points Constructed From An Arc And A Line
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Points constructed from an arc and a line Up to three point constructions can be made from an arc and a line: • Intersection point 1: The first intersection of the arc and line • Intersection point 2: The second intersection of the arc and line •...
Page 117: Points Constructed From A Line
Constructing Features Points constructed from a line Up to four point constructions can be made from a line: • Midpoint: The center of the line • End point 1: The first endpoint of the line • End point 2: The second endpoint of the line •...
Page 118: Point Constructed From Two Lines
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Point constructed from two lines The intersection point of the lines will be constructed. The virtual intersec- tion point will be calculated and shown if the lines do not actually cross. To construct a point from two lines: Touch the Measure Point icon Touch one desired line feature Press the Enter key...
Page 119: Point Constructed From A Distance And A Point
Constructing Features Point constructed from a distance and a point A point feature will be constructed and offset from the parent point fea- ture by the parent distance feature. To construct a point from a point and a distance: Touch the Measure Point icon Touch the point feature Press the Enter key Touch the distance feature...
Page 120: Points Constructed From A Circle And A Line
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Points constructed from a circle and a line Up to three point constructions can be made from an circle and a line: • Intersection point 1: The first intersection of the circle and line • Intersection point 2: The second intersection of the circle and line •...
Page 121: Points Constructed From Two Circles
Constructing Features Points constructed from two circles Up to three point constructions can be made from two circles: • Intersection point 1: The first intersection of the two circles • Intersection point 2: The second intersection of the two circles •...
Page 122: Point Constructed From A Slot
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Point constructed from a slot A point feature will be constructed at the center of a slot. To construct a point from a slot: Touch the Measure Point icon Touch the slot feature Press the Enter key Press the Finish key A point feature will be constructed at the center of the slot.
Page 123: Point Constructed From An Arc
Constructing Features Point constructed from an arc A point feature will be constructed at the center of an arc. To construct a point from an arc: Touch the Measure Point icon Touch the arc feature Press the Enter key Press the Finish key A point feature will be constructed at the center of the arc.
Page 124: Line Constructions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line constructions Lines can be constructed from: • Points • Angles • Lines • Arcs • Distances • Slots • Circles Line constructed from a line A duplicate feature can be useful when it becomes desirable to perform new operations with the original while retaining a copy.
Page 125: Lines Constructed From A Point And A Line
Constructing Features Lines constructed from a point and a line Two line constructions can be made from a point and a line: • Perpendicular line: The line from the point to the line, perpendicular to the line • Parallel line: The line through the point parallel to the line To construct a line from a point and a line:...
Page 126: Lines Constructed From A Point And A Circle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Lines constructed from a point and a circle Up to three line constructions can be made from a point and a circle: • Two point line: The line from the point to the center of the circle •...
Page 127: Line Constructed From A Point And A Slot
Constructing Features Line constructed from a point and a slot The line will be constructed from the point to the center of the slot. To construct a line from a point and a slot: Touch the Measure line icon Touch the point feature Press the Enter key Touch the slot feature Press the Enter key...
Page 128: Lines Constructed From A Point And An Arc
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Lines constructed from a point and an arc Up to three line constructions can be made from a point and an arc: • Two point line: The line from the point to the center of the arc •...
Page 129: Lines Constructed From Two Lines
Constructing Features Lines constructed from two lines Up to three line constructions can be made from two lines: • Midline 1: Bisects the acute angle between the two lines • Midline 2: Bisects the obtuse angle between the two lines •...
Page 130: Line Constructed From A Line And A Distance
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line constructed from a line and a distance A line feature will be constructed and offset from a parent line feature by a parent distance feature. To construct a line from a line and a distance: Touch the Measure Line icon Touch the line feature Press the Enter key...
Page 131: Lines Constructed From A Line And A Slot
Constructing Features Lines constructed from a line and a slot Two line constructions can be made from a line and a slot: • Perpendicular line: The line from the center of the slot, to the line, perpendicular to the line •...
Page 132: Line Constructed From A Line And An Angle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line constructed from a line and an angle The line will be constructed and rotated counterclockwise the amount equal to the parent angle. To construct a line from a line and an angle: Touch the Measure Line icon Touch the line feature Press the Enter key Touch the angle feature...
Page 133: Lines Constructed From Two Circles
Constructing Features Lines constructed from two circles Up to three line constructions can be made from two circles: • Two point line: The line between the two circle centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to both circles on the same side •...
Page 134: Lines Constructed From A Circle And An Arc
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Lines constructed from a circle and an arc Up to three line constructions can be made from a circle to an arc: • Two point line: The line between the circle and arc centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to the circle and arc on the same side •...
Page 135: Lines Constructed From A Circle And A Slot
Constructing Features Lines constructed from a circle and a slot Up to three line constructions can be made from a slot to a circle: • Two point line: The line between the slot and circle centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to the slot and circle on the same side •...
Page 136: Line Constructed From A Slot
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line constructed from a slot The line feature will be constructed from the arc center at one end of the slot to the arc center at the other end. To construct a line from a slot: Touch the Measure Line icon Touch the slot feature Press the Enter key...
Page 137: Lines Constructed From A Rectangle And A Circle
Constructing Features Lines constructed from a rectangle and a circle Up to three line constructions can be made from a rectangle to a circle: • Two point line: The line between the rectangle and circle centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to the rectangle and circle on the same side •...
Page 138: Lines Constructed From A Slot And An Arc
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Lines constructed from a slot and an arc Up to three line constructions can be made from a slot to an arc: • Two point line: The line between the slot and arc centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to the slot and arc on the same side •...
Page 139: Lines Constructed From A Rectangle And An Arc
Constructing Features Lines constructed from a rectangle and an arc Up to three line constructions can be made from a rectangle to an arc: • Two point line: The line between the rectangle and arc centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to the rectangle and arc on the same side •...
Page 140: Lines Constructed From A Slot And A Rectangle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Lines constructed from a slot and a rectangle The line feature will be constructed from the center of the slot to the center of the rectangle. To construct a line from a slot and a rectangle: Touch the Measure Line icon Touch the slot feature Press the Enter key...
Page 141 Constructing Features Line constructed from two arcs Up to three line constructions can be made from two arcs: • Two point line: The line between the two arc centers • Tangent line 1: The first line tangent to both arcs on the same side •...
Page 142: Line Constructed From A Rectangle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line constructed from a rectangle The line feature will be constructed from the radius center at one end of the rectangle to the radius center at the other end. To construct a line from a slot: Touch the Measure Line icon Touch the rectangle feature Press the Enter key...
Page 143: Distance Constructions
Constructing Features Distance constructions Distances can be constructed from: • Points • Circles • Lines • Arcs • Distances • Slots Distance constructed from a distance A duplicate feature can be useful when it becomes desirable to perform new operations with the original while retaining a copy. To construct a distance from an existing distance: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the desired distance...
Page 144: Distances Constructed From A Point And A Line
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distances constructed from a point and a line The distance feature will be construct- ed from the point to the line perpen- dicular to the line, or perpendicular to the extended virtual line if the line feature is short.
Page 145: Distances Constructed From A Point And A Circle
Constructing Features Distances constructed from a point and a circle Up to three distance constructions can be made from a point to a circle: • Distance between features: The distance between the point and circle center • Nearest distance: The distance between the point and nearest circle circumference •...
Page 146: Distance Constructed From A Point And A Slot
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distance constructed from a point and a slot The distance feature will be constructed between the point and the cen- ter of the slot. To construct a distance from a point to a slot: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the point Feature Press the Enter key Touch the slot Feature...
Page 147: Distances Constructed From A Point And An Arc
Constructing Features Distances constructed from a point and an arc Up to three distance constructions can be made from a point to an arc: • Distance between features: The distance between the point and arc center • Nearest distance: The distance between the point and nearest arc circumference •...
Page 148: Distance Constructed From A Line
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distance constructed from a line The length-of-axis distance feature will be constructed from a parent line feature. To construct a distance from a line: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the line Feature Press the Enter key Press the Finish key The new distance feature will be constructed over the line.
Page 149: Distances Constructed From Two Lines
Constructing Features Distances constructed from two lines Up to three distance constructions can be made from two lines: • Center distance: The perpendicular distance from the first line in the features list to the center of the second • Min distance: The perpendicular distance from the first line in the features list to the nearest point of the second •...
Page 150: Distances Constructed From A Line And A Circle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distances constructed from a line and a circle Up to three distance constructions can be made from a line and a circle: • Center distance: The perpendicular distance from the line to the center of the circle •...
Page 151: Distances Constructed From A Line And An Arc
Constructing Features Distances constructed from a line and an arc Up to three distance constructions can be made from a line and an arc: • Center distance: The perpendicular distance from the line to the center of the arc • Min distance: The perpendicular distance from the line to the nearest point of the arc •...
Page 152: Distance Constructed From A Line And A Slot
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distance constructed from a line and a slot The distance feature will be constructed from the center of the slot per- pendicular to the line. To construct a distance from a line and a slot: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the line Feature Press the Enter key Touch the slot Feature...
Page 153: Distances Constructed From Two Circles
Constructing Features Distances constructed from two circles Up to three distance constructions can be made from two circles: • Center distance: The distance from the center of one circle to the center of the other • Min distance: The minimum distance between the two circle circumferences •...
Page 154: Distances Constructed From A Slot And A Circle
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distances constructed from a slot and a circle The distance feature will be constructed between the centers of the slot and the circle. To construct a distance from a slot and a circle: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the slot Feature Press the Enter key Touch the circle Feature...
Page 155: Distances Constructed From An Arc And A Circle
Constructing Features Distances constructed from an arc and a circle Up to three distance constructions can be made from an arc and a circle: • Center distance: The distance from the center of the circle to the center of the arc •...
Page 156: Distance Constructed From Two Slots
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distance constructed from two slots The distance feature will be constructed between the centers of two slots. To construct a distance between two slots: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the first slot Feature Press the Enter key Touch the second slot Feature Press the Enter key Press the Finish key...
Page 157: Distances Constructed From A Rectangle And An Arc
Constructing Features Distances constructed from a rectangle and an arc The distance feature will be constructed between the centers of the rect- angle and the arc. To construct a distance from a rectangle and an arc: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the rectangle Feature Press the Enter key Touch the arc Feature...
Page 158: Distances Constructed Between Two Rectangles
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Distances constructed between two rectangles The distance feature will be constructed between the centers of two rectangles. To construct a distance between two rectangles: Touch the Measure Distance icon Touch the first rectangle Feature Press the Enter key Touch the second rectangle Feature Press the Enter key Press the Finish key...
Page 159: Distances Constructed From Two Arcs
Constructing Features Distances constructed from two arcs Up to three different distance constructions can be made from two arcs: • Center distance: The distance from the center of one arc to the center of the other • Min distance: The minimum distance between the two arc circumferences •...
Page 160: Circle Constructions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Circle constructions Circles can be constructed from: • Points • Slots • Lines • Distances • Circles • Arcs Circle constructed from a circle A duplicate feature can be useful when it becomes desirable to perform new operations with the original while retaining a copy.
Page 161: Circle Constructed From A Circle And A Distance
Constructing Features Circle constructed from a circle and a distance An offset circle will be constructed from circle and distance parent fea- tures. A circle equal to the parent circle will be constructed, offset the amount equal to the parent distance. To construct a circle from a circle and a distance: Touch the Measure Circle icon Touch the circle feature...
Page 162: Circle Constructed From Multiple Features
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Circle constructed from multiple features A circle feature can be constructed from any number of parent features. The parent features can be any combination of points, slots, rectangles, arcs and circles. The center points of the parent features will be used to construct the new circle feature.
Page 163: Arc Constructions
Constructing Features Arc constructions Arcs can be constructed from: • Points • Slots • Lines • Distances • Circles • Arcs Arc constructed from an arc A duplicate feature can be useful when it becomes desirable to perform new operations with the original while retaining a copy. To construct an arc from an existing arc: Touch the Measure Arc icon Touch the desired arc...
Page 164: Angle Constructions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Angle constructions Angles can be constructed from: • An angle • Two lines Angle constructed from an angle A duplicate feature can be useful when it becomes desirable to perform new operations with the original while retaining a copy. To construct an angle from an existing angle: Touch the Measure Angle icon Touch the desired angle...
Page 165: Angle Constructed From Two Lines
Constructing Features Angle constructed from two lines Up to four angle constructions can be made from two lines: • Interior angle: The angle included between the lines • 180 minus: 180 degrees minus the angle included between the lines • 180 plus: 180 degrees plus the angle included between the lines •...
Page 166: Creating Features
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Creating features Features can be created by entering information that describes feature size and position. Information can be entered in metric or English units of measure. The following feature types can be created: • Points • Lines •...
Page 167: Creating A Line
Creating Features Creating a line To create a line: Touch the measure line icon, and then touch the data entry icon. The data entry box will be dis- played. Enter the feature data in the fields provided and press Finish. Creating a circle To create a circle: Touch the measure circle icon, and then touch the data entry icon.
Page 168: Creating An Arc
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Creating an arc To create an arc: Touch the measure circle icon, the measure arc icon and then touch the data entry icon. The data entry box will be displayed. Enter the feature data in the fields provided and press Finish. Creating a slot To create a slot: Touch the measure slot icon, and then touch the data entry icon.
Page 169: Creating A Rectangle
Creating Features Creating a rectangle To create a rectangle: Touch the measure slot icon, the measure rectangle icon and then touch the data entry icon. The data entry box will be displayed. Enter the feature data in the fields provided and press Finish.
Page 170 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 171: Chapter 7 Tolerancing
Chapter 7: Tolerancing Tolerances can easily be applied to position, size, orientation, form, runout and concentricity measure- ments using the tools found in the tolerance screens. CAUTION Discrete point measuring machines estimate the size, position, orientation, and form of geometric features based on points probed. When parts are designed with critical tol- erances, be sure that you have probed sufficient points to calculate a reliable estimate.
Page 172 QC-300 Series User’s Guide This chapter includes the following tolerance information: 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...
Page 173: Applying Tolerances To Features
Applying Tolerances to Features Applying tolerances to features Tolerances are applied to feature measurements using tolerance screens. The method of applying toler- ances to features is diagrammed below and is nearly identical for all tolerance types. In the following example, a true position tolerance is applied to a circle feature. Selecting a feature Touch the desired feature in the feature list to select it.
Page 174: Selecting A Specific Tolerance
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Selecting 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. Entering 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 fields and entering a new values using the number keys.
Page 175: Omitting A Tolerance Category
Applying Tolerances to Features Omitting a tolerance category When a tolerance category is unnecessary, it can be omitted. To omit a category, select the Nominal data field, remove any data by repeatedly pressing the Cancel key and press the Enter key. In this example, the Diameter category is omitted.
Page 176: Tolerance Types
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Tolerance types As mentioned earlier, the method of applying tolerances to features is nearly identical for all tolerances. This section describes the tolerance screen for each tolerance type. The following tolerances can be ap- plied to feature measurements: •...
Page 177: Circles And Arcs
Tolerance Types Circles and arcs The tolerance screens for circles and arcs are identical, and are used to specify the acceptable deviation from nominal positions in the X and Y axes, and from the nominal diameter or radius. The bidirectional tolerance compares the measured location of the center point of the arc or circle to the nominal center point and compares the measured diameter or radius to the nominal.
Page 178: True Position
QC-300 Series User’s Guide True position True position tolerances can be applied to points, lines, circles and arcs. Points and lines The tolerance screens for points and lines are identical, and are used to specify the acceptable deviation from the nominal feature position. The true position tolerance compares the measured location of the center point to the nominal center point.
Page 179: Mmc/Lmc (Material Condition)
Tolerance Types MMC/LMC (Material condition) MMC and LMC tolerances can be applied to bosses or to bores, compare measured center locations to the nominal centers and compare measured diameters to nominal diameters. MMC and LMC tolerances can be applied to circles and arcs. MMC Circles and arcs The MMC tolerance screens for circles and arcs are identical, and are used to specify the maximum mate-...
Page 180: Lmc Circles And Arcs
QC-300 Series User’s Guide LMC Circles and arcs The LMC tolerance screens for circles and arcs are identical, and are used to specify the minimum material that can exist within a bore or on the surface of a boss. LMC tolerances can generate position bonuses as a result of size tolerance surpluses.
Page 181: Runout
Tolerance Types Runout Runout tolerances can be applied to circles and arcs. The tolerance screens are identical, and are used to specify the acceptable deviation from a circle or arc around the center of the Reference feature axis. Enter the acceptable position deviation into the Tol Zone data field and then enter the number of the reference feature for the runout toler- ance into the Ref Feature data field.
Page 182: Parallelism
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Parallelism Parallelism tolerances can be applied to lines and are used to specify the acceptable deviation from a line perfectly parallel to a Reference feature. Enter the acceptable parallelism deviation into the Tol Zone data field, and then enter the number of the reference feature for the Parallelism tolerance into the Ref Feature data field.
Page 183: Width
Tolerance Types Width Width tolerances can be applied to distances and are used to specify the acceptable deviation from a nomi- nal length. The length can be specified as a vector length (L) or as separate X, Y and Z lengths. Enter the allowed width lim- its into the Limit data fields as +/- ranges or as absolute limits.
Page 184 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 185: Chapter 8 Programming
Chapter 8: Programming QC-300 programs are sequences of measurement activities performed on a part by the operator and stored by the system for playback later on other identical parts. Programs can be run on manual or CNC sys- tems. Using the programming capabilities of the QC-300 greatly increases productivity by compressing the many manual steps required to measure, tolerance and report part dimensions into a few semi-automated steps which are little more than operator responses to system prompts.
Page 186: Creating Programs
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Creating programs The basic programming process shown here is identical for all part types. The details of program record- ing are described in the remaining pages of this section and are included in an example that measures the largest hole in the QC Quickie slide, applies a position tolerance and prints the results.
Page 187: Starting Program Recording
Creating Programs and Starting Recording Starting program recording Touch the Program tab to display the programming tools. When no previous programs have been recorded, only the record icon will be shown. When other programs already exist, all the program tool icons will be shown.
Page 188: Entering A Program Title (Or User Message)
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Entering a program title (or user message) The method used to enter a program title is also used to enter any text message that will be played back during program execution as a user prompt. To enter a program title: Touch the character and control keys on the text entry screen to enter a unique name for your new...
Page 189: Creating A Skew And Datum (Including A Message)
Creating a Skew and Datum Creating a skew and datum (including a message) Skew and datum operations are described in Chapter 6: Measuring. In this example, the bottom edge is measured for skew compensation, the left edge is measured and the intersection point of the bottom and left edge lines is zeroed in the X, Y and Z axes and used as a datum for subsequent measurements.
Page 190: Measure A Feature (Including A Message)
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Measure a feature (including a message) Feature measurements are described in Chapter 6: Measuring. In this example, the largest hole in the QC Quickie slide is measured. First, you may optionally create a message that prompts the user to measure the hole. Press the Finish key to complete the message.
Page 191: Including Safe Cnc Moves In Programs (Cnc Option)
Measuring a Feature and Safe CNC Moves Including safe CNC moves in programs (CNC option) Systems equipped with optional CNC capabilities position the part under the video camera automatically as programs are played back. Sometimes it becomes necessary to add safe moves to the program to avoid collisions when mechanical obstructions are present.
Page 192: Applying A Tolerance
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Applying a tolerance Tolerance operations are described in Chapter 7: Tolerancing. In this example, a true position tolerance of 0.025 mm will be applied to the hole feature measured in the last step. Touch the Tol button to display the Tolerance screen, apply the 0.025 mm true position tolerance and touch the Video button to return to the Video screen.
Page 193: Stopping The Program Recording
Tolerances, Reports and Stopping Recording Stopping the program recording Touch the Program tab to display the programming icons, 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 title is shown with pro- gram steps are in the feature list Touch the Program tab...
Page 194: Specifying Part Fixturing (Cnc Option)
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Specifying part fixturing (CNC option) Default part fixturing is configured in the CNC General setup screen by OEMs and Distributors for CNC systems. In most cases, part fixturing will remain unchanged. However, if fixturing requirements change, the part fixture configuration can also be changed to insure that subsequent program runs will include the correct measurement reference and datum.
Page 195: Editing Programs
Part Fixturing and Editing Programs Editing Programs Programs can be edited to: • Revise magnifications • Revise tolerances • Revise brightness and contrast • Revise lighting • Revise user prompt messages • Append new steps to the end of the list of program steps Editing existing steps The process for editing existing steps is diagrammed below and is identical for all types of revisions.
Page 196: Editing Tolerances
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the magnification set- ting to display all magnification alternatives. Touch the desired magnifi- cation and then either press the Finish key to save the revision and return to the measure mode, or proceed to the next revision. Editing tolerances To revise or add a tolerance: Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch a program title to select the...
Page 197: Editing Brightness And Contrast
Editing Programs Editing brightness and contrast To revise a brightness and contrast levels: Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch a program title to select the desired program. Touch the brightness/con- trast step to display the brightness and contrast settings.
Page 198: Editing Light Intensities
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Editing light intensities To revise light intensity levels: Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch a program title to select the desired program. Touch the light intensity step to display the light intensity set- tings.
Page 199: Editing User Prompt Messages
Editing Programs Editing user prompt messages To revise message text: Touch the Program tab to display the program screen and then touch a program title to select the desired program. Touch the desired message step to display the message text. Touch the message text to display the text editing window and then enter the new text.
Page 200: Appending New Program Steps To An Existing Program
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Appending new program steps to an existing program The process for appending new steps to an existing program is diagrammed below. As shown in the diagram, it is necessary to run the existing program before appending new steps so that all the preceding conditions created by the program will be correct when the new steps are added.
Page 201 Editing Programs Scroll to the end of the pro- gram list if necessary and select the last program step. Touch the Record icon, touch the Measure tab and perform all the new program steps. Touch the Program tab and touch the Stop icon to complete and save the program with its new steps.
Page 202: Running Programs
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Running programs Programs are run by selecting the desired program and touching the Run icon as shown in this diagram. The operator will position the part and collect measurement data points in response to program text and the green run-time arrow displayed on the screen.
Page 203: Archiving And Retrieving Programs
Running, Archiving, Retrieving and Deleting Programs Archiving and retrieving programs Programs are included in the settings files and can be saved and retrieved as part of the complete col- lection of all QC-300 system settings. To save or retrieve programs (and all system settings), touch the Save Settings or Load Settings button on the Supervisor setup screen.
Page 204 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 205: Introduction
Chapter 9: Image Archiving Image archiving is optional for QC-300 products that include video edge detection. The image archiving option can be included in the original purchase or purchased later and enabled in the field. The image archiving functions allow users to capture JPEG still images of video measurement content. The captured images can be marked up to include text and graphics that highlights feature data and pro- vides additional information regarding the part or part measurements.
Page 206: Capturing Jpeg Still Images
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Capturing JPEG still images Touch the Camera icon to capture the current video image as a JPEG still. The captured image will be saved on the QC-300 internal C: drive and will include the measurement crosshairs and stake marks if the Archive Crosshair feature is enabled in the VED setup Screen described in Chapter 11: Setup.
Page 207: Data Screen
Capturing Images Data screen Touch the Data button to show the JPEG image feature’s X-Y position, image size and the time/date stamp. Touch the Data button... to show image data View screen Touch the View button to show a preview of the image with the image data. Touch the View button...
Page 208: Metadata Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Metadata screen Touch the Metadata button to show the JPEG image metadata. Touch the Metadata button... to show the JPEG image metadata...
Page 209: Attaching Metadata To A Jpeg Image
Attaching Metadata Attaching metadata to a JPEG image Metadata text files can be composed and attached to JPEG images and can include: • Image title • Caption text • Keywords used for searches • Author’s name • Date and time of JPEG file creation •...
Page 210 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each Metadata text cate- gory that you wish to use. In this example, informa- tion was entered into the Title, Caption, Keywords and Author categories. NOTE The File and Date/Time categories are filled in automatically by the system.
Page 211: Image File Operations
Image File Operations Image file operations Image files can contain metadata, markups consisting of lines and geometric shapes and descriptive text. Image files are managed using the QC-300 file handler. The file handler is used to perform file operations on individual files or groups of files. File operations include: •...
Page 212: Selecting Image Files
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Selecting image files Image files can be located on either of two drives: • An external USB thumb drive (A:) • The internal flash drive (C:) Files are selected by choosing the source drive, and then selecting the desired file(s). An external USB drive will be recog- nized by the system if it is inserted into the USB port when the file handler is...
Page 213: Selecting Files
Image File Operations Selecting files File Operation Individual Groups Viewing in preview and details ü Individual files or groups of files can be selected Sorting by file name, date or title ü individually or in groups for the operations shown Searching by keyword ü...
Page 214: Selecting All Files
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Selecting all files To select all of the files on the current drive: Touch the checkbox in the bottom left corner of the screen. All files on the current drive will be selected and checkmarks will be set in front of the file names.
Page 215: Viewing Drive Content
Image File Operations Viewing drive content Image files on the internal (C:) or USB (A:) drives can be viewed in the preview or detail modes. Preview mode The preview mode shows a list of image files by file name and also shows a large thumbnail of the highlighted image.
Page 216: Sorting Files By Name, Date Or Title
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Sorting files by name, date or title Image files can be sorted in the preview or details mode. Sorting in the preview mode is limited to sorting by filename. Sorting in the details mode can be performed using the file name, date or title. Files can be sorted by filename Files can be sorted by filename, date or title in the preview mode...
Page 217: Searching By Keyword
Image File Operations Searching by keyword Keywords included in metadata files can be used to find files on the internal C: drive or on an external USB A: drive. Metadata keywords To perform a keyword search: Touch the binocular icon. The Keywords text entry screen will be displayed.
Page 218: Opening Files For Markup Or Edit
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Opening files for markup or edit Image files contained in the feature lists are often a subset of files contained on the C: drive. This is be- cause the C: drive stores image files across multiple measurement sessions (from multiple feature lists). From the feature list When image files are shown in the feature list, they can be...
Page 219: Renaming Files
Image File Operations Renaming files Files are renamed in the file handler screen and can be renamed on the internal C: drive or on the external USB A: drive. When a file is renamed, only the file name is changed and existing file titles are retained. NOTE File information can also be changed by editing the contents of the Metadata text entry screen.
Page 220: Copying Files To Another Drive
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Copying files to another drive Image files can be copied from either drive to the other; internal (C:) to USB (A:), or USB (A:) to internal (C:) drive. The original files will be retained on the source drive. To copy image files: Select the source drive and then select the files to be copied.
Page 221: Moving Files To Another Drive
Image File Operations Moving files to another drive Image files can be moved from either drive to the other; internal (C:) to USB (A:), or USB (A:) to internal (C:) drive. The original file will be removed from the source drive. The move operation is typically used to simultaneously delete files creating space on the C: drive while creating backups of the deleted files.
Page 222: Deleting Files From Either Drive
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Deleting files from either drive Files can be deleted from either drive; internal (C:) or USB (A:). To delete files from a drive: Select the desired drive, select the files to be deleted and press the Cancel key. All the selected files will be deleted.
Page 223: Image Markup And Edit
Image Markup and Edit Image markup and edit Image files can be marked up and edited to include text and graphics that highlight feature data and provide additional information regarding the part or part measurements. Images can be marked up to include: •...
Page 224: Beginning A Markup Or Editing Session
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Beginning a markup or editing session Image markup and editing sessions begin by selecting an image and displaying the archive tools. Select the desired image file Touch the Archive tab to display the archive markup and editing tools...
Page 225: Drawing Shapes And Lines
Image Markup and Edit Shapes and lines Shapes and lines can be: • Drawn on an image file • Edited to change shape line thickness, color or fill color • Resized for appropriate fit • Moved to new locations • Deleted from the image file Drawing shapes and lines Use the image archive pencil tool to draw shapes and lines.
Page 226: Circles
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Circles To create a circle: Draw a square or a rectangle as described on the previous page. Touch the square or rect- angle to select it. The selected shape will be shown with dashed lines. Touch the edit tool to display the tool palette.
Page 227: Text Boxes
Image Markup and Edit Text boxes Text can be added to image files with or without text boxes. Text boxes can be added with or without pointer lines. Text Text with box Text with box and pointer line To add a text note: Touch the text tool to enable text entry.
Page 228: Data Boxes
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Use the Text Box keyboard and front panel keypad to enter the desired text, and then press the Finish key. Text will be added at the center of the screen. The location, size and other characteristics of the text can be edited as described later in this chapter.
Page 229 Image Markup and Edit Touch the desired data button to select the data category that will be added to the image. • Act: Actual measurement data, location, size and form error • Nom: Nominal tolerance values • Dev: Deviations from the nominal tolerance values •...
Page 230: Editing Shapes, Lines, Text Boxes And Data Boxes
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Editing shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes Shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes can be edited to change: • Shape • Color of shapes, lines and text • Location • Line thickness of lines and shapes •...
Page 231: Location And Orientation
Image Markup and Edit Touch the screen at a dis- tance from the new shape to de- select it. Location and orientation Shapes, lines, text, text boxes and data boxes can be edited to change location. Text box pointer lines can also be edited to change pointer line angle and endpoint location.
Page 232 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the item and drag your finger across the screen to change the location of the center point of the selected item. Touch the location tool again to disable it, and then touch the screen at a distance from the shape to deselect it.
Page 233: Text Box Pointer Lines
Image Markup and Edit Text box pointer lines To edit the end-point location and line angle orientation of pointer lines attached to text boxes: Touch the pointer line at its endpoint. Touch the location tool to enable it. It will be displayed in bold.
Page 234: Size
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Size Shapes, lines, text, text boxes and data boxes can be edited to change size. Shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes The method used for changing the size of shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes is identical. In this example the size of a circle is changed.
Page 235: Shapes, Lines Text, Text Boxes And Data Boxes
Image Markup and Edit Touch the size tool again to disable it, and then touch the screen at a distance from the selected item to deselect it. Text Text contained within text boxes or data boxes, and text without boxes can be edited to change size. When the text is enclosed by a box, the size of the box changes in proportion to the change in text size.
Page 236 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the text button icon to cycle through the available text sizes. Select the desired text size and press the Finish key. In this example the largest text size is selected. The text box will be shown with dashed lines.
Page 237: Color
Image Markup and Edit Color Shapes, lines, text, text boxes, data boxes and text box fills can be edited to change color. In this example, the fill, line, and text colors of a text box are changed. To edit color: Select the desired item.
Page 238 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch the line button... and change line color to red Touch the text button... and change text color to cyan Press the Finish key to com- plete the color edit, and then touch the screen at a distance from the selected item to deselect it.
Page 239: Line Thickness
Image Markup and Edit Line thickness Shape, line, text box and data box lines is can be edited to change thickness. To change line thickness: Select the desired item. In this example a circle is selected. Touch the edit tool to display the edit palette.
Page 240: Line Ends
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Line ends Lines can be edited to add or delete arrowheads. In this example, an arrowhead is added. To add or delete arrowheads: Select the line. The line will be shown in dashes. Touch the edit tool to display the edit palette.
Page 241: Deleting Image Markup Items
Deleting Image Markup Items Deleting image markup items Any image markup item can be deleted from the image file by selecting it and pressing the Cancel key. To delete a markup item... select it... and press the Cancel key...
Page 242 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 243: Chapter 0 Communication
Chapter 10: Communication The QC-300 can communicate with a computer over a standard RS-232 serial port and with printers over the USB port. Connecting to a computer Verify that the QC-300 and computer power are off. Connect a computer COM port to the QC-300 RS-232 serial port using a standard straight-through serial cable (Metronics part number 11B12176).
Page 244: Sending Data To A Computer
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Sending data to a computer Feature data can be sent to a computer using the Print key or button icons found in the Extra tab. Sending data using the Print key Pressing the Print key can send feature measurement data to a computer over the RS-232 serial port in the following formats: •...
Page 245: Sending Data Using The Extra Tab
Sending Data to a Computer Sending data using the Extra tab Touching one of the icon buttons in the Extra tab sends the corresponding feature measurement data to a computer over the RS-232 serial port: To send data to a computer: Touch the Extra tab to dis- play icon buttons.
Page 246: Connecting A Printer
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Connecting a printer The QC-300 supports certain HP USB printers. The printer must be approved for use by Metronics. The current printer is shown in the Print setup screen dis- cussed in Chapter 11: Setup. Verify that the QC-300 and printer power are off.
Page 247: Printing A Report
Connecting a Printer and Printing Reports Printing a report Feature measurement data or record of QC-300 system settings can be printed at the USB port. Printing feature measurement data Feature measurement data can be printed in the following formats: • None No data will be printed •...
Page 248: Printing Qc-300 System Settings
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Printing QC-300 system settings To print a report of the QC-300 setup parameters: Touch the question mark Icon and display the setup menu. Press the Print key.
Page 249: Rs-232 Connector Pin Designations
Printing Settings, RS-232 Pinouts and ASCII Codes RS-232 connector pin designations Pin No. Description Direction Data in Input Data out Output Signal ground Reference Power on Output (always high) ASCII Code table...
Page 250 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 251 Chapter 11: Setup The operating parameters of the QC-300 must be configured prior to using the system for the first time, and any time part measurement, reporting or communication requirements change. Day to day use of the QC-300 does not require reconfiguration of the system settings. The Setup Menu ....................232 Accessing and using the Setup Menu ..............232 Minimum setup requirements ................236...
Page 252: The Setup Menu
QC-300 Series User’s Guide The Setup Menu All setup operating parameters of the QC-300 are con- figured using screens accessed from the setup menu. Touching setup menu items on the left side of the setup screen display the corresponding setup parameter data fields and choice fields on the right side of the screen.
Page 253: Entering The Supervisor Password
Accessing and Using the Setup Menu Entering the supervisor password The supervisor password must be entered into the Supervisor setup screen to access most setup fields. To enter the supervisor password: Access the setup menu as described on the previous page. Touch the Supervisor menu item, enter the supervisor password using the number keys on the front...
Page 254: Selecting Items From The Setup Menu
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Selecting items from the Setup Menu Setup menu items are selected by touching the item on the left side of the screen. Menu items will become highlighted to indicate that the selection is complete and the correspond- ing setup parameter choice and data fields will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Page 255: Storing A Parameter And Advancing To The Next Step
Accessing and Using the Setup Menu Storing a parameter and advancing to the next step Press the Enter key to store the highlighted value and advance to the next setup field. Leaving the setup menu Press the Finish key to conclude the setup session.
Page 256: Minimum Setup Requirements
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Minimum setup requirements In most cases, the QC-300 will be provided by a Metronics distributor or an OEM and will be config- ured and ready to use. Setup by the end-user will be unnecessary. However, if some setup is required, a minimum sequence of steps should be performed in the order shown by the block diagram.
Page 257: Setup Screen Descriptions
Language Screen Setup screen descriptions The setup screen descriptions are presented in the order of their appearance in the setup menu. However, the first time the QC-300 is configured, the order of setup screen use should follow the essential setup requirements diagram, and then continue in the order that best satisfies the application or the user’s prefer- ences.
Page 258: Supervisor Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Supervisor screen The Supervisor screen contains fields for entering the supervisor password, choosing to keep privileges until the power is cycled and locking the setup menu so that setup parameters cannot be viewed. Button controls are also provided for saving system settings to, or loading setting from the USB port.
Page 259: Saving And Loading Settings
Supervisor Screen Saving and loading settings System settings can be saved to storage devices, or loaded from storage devices attached to the USB port by connecting the USB storage device and touching the Save Settings or Load Settings button.
Page 260: Encoders Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Encoders screen The Encoders screen contains data and choice fields for specifying encoder resolution, units of measure, en- coder type, reference marks and other critical encoder parameters for each measurement axis. Selecting an axis to configure Selections are made by repeatedly touching the Axis choice field to cycle through all the available measure- ment axes.
Page 261: Selecting Reference Marks
Encoders Screen Selecting reference marks Selections are made by repeatedly touching the Reference marks choice field to cycle through all the avail- able encoder reference mark types. In this example, the reference mark choices (None, Manual, Single and Absolute) are cycled by repeatedly touching the Axis choice field.
Page 262: Setting A New Machine Zero Reference
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Setting a new machine zero reference A machine zero is established each time the QC-300 is powered. However, it might be necessary or con- venient to change the location of the machine zero position to a new “home” position for measurements. To set a new machine zero position: Select the Machine Zero Offset data field, move the stage to the desired new machine zero position and touch the Set button.
Page 263: Squareness Screen
Squareness Screen Squareness screen The Squareness screen contains data and choice fields for calibrating the squareness of the measuring system. The calibration of stage squareness requires the use of a certified square artifact. To calibrate squareness: Place the square calibration artifact on the stage with one edge along the X-axis.
Page 264: Slec Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide SLEC screen The SLEC screen contains fields for enabling and con- figuring linear error correction (LEC) or segmented linear error correction (SLEC) for each encoder axis. LEC or SLEC, which is right for my application? Any channel input device can include slight nonlineari- ties over its measurement range.
Page 265 SLEC Screen Make sure the Enabled choice field is toggled to Off, and erase any existing data in all the data fields using the methods described earlier in this chapter. Sta- tion 0 should be displayed with zeros in the Standard, Observed and MZ Offset fields when this step is complete.
Page 266: Slec (Segmented Linear Error Correction)
QC-300 Series User’s Guide SLEC (Segmented linear error correction) SLEC compensates for encoder non-linearities by applying correction values to individual nonlinear seg- ments. These SLEC correction values are created by the QC-300 system using data provided by the user in the SLEC Setup screen. The SLEC setup data provided by the user consists of Standard (certified) and Observed (measured) values of a standard, or standards that cover the entire range of axis motion.
Page 267 SLEC Screen Make sure the Enabled choice field is toggled to Off, and erase any existing data in all the data fields using the methods described earlier in this chapter. Sta- tion 0 should be displayed with zeros in the Standard, Observed and MZ Offset fields when this step is complete.
Page 268 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Enter the MZ Offset value noted earlier in step 2. Zero the DRO for the axis being calibrated at the part zero position of the standard and enter zeros into the Standard and Observed data fields for Station zero.
Page 269: Nlec Screen
NLEC Screen NLEC Screen The NLEC screen contains fields for enabling and configuring nonlinear error correction (NLEC) for the X and Y encoder axes. Nonlinear error correction minimizes or elimi- nates the small inaccuracies in the X-Y measure- ment plane due to encoder linearity, mounting and machine-travel imperfections.
Page 270: Calibrating From Features
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Nonlinear error correction calibration can be performed using one of three methods: • Calibrate from features obtained by measuring the calibration grid using the QC-300. • Edit existing QC-300 calibration values if calibration adjustments are required. •...
Page 271 NLEC Screen Exit the setup mode, measure the skew through the bottom grid points of the calibration grid and create a zero datum at the lower left point of the grid. Skew Zero datum Measure the grid values starting at the bottom left corner of the grid (X1, Y1) and proceed from left to right and from bottom to top.
Page 272: Calibrating Nlec By Adjusting Station Values
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Calibrating NLEC by adjusting station values The process of calibrating by adjusting sta- tion values is shown by this chart and de- scribed below. This process is generally used to adjust existing NLEC calibration data. Make sure that NLEC is disabled (En- abled checkbox is cleared).
Page 273: Calibrating Nlec By Importing A Text File
NLEC Screen Measure only the grid values that need to be adjusted, starting at the bottom left corner of the grid (X1, Y1) and proceeding from left to right and from bottom to top. Return to the NLEC setup screen. Touch the (Machine 0 Offset) Use Feature button to set the zero datum.
Page 274: Ved Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide VED screen The VED screen contains fields for specifying edge detection and auto-enter parameters, setting user per- missions for zeroing axes on the video DRO and for performing video magnification and camera skew cali- brations. Specifying minimum probed points The number of points to be collected for a circle, arc or line is specified by the user in the probe pop-up screen discussed in Chapter 5: Probes.
Page 275: Locking The Contrast Threshold
VED Screen Locking the contrast threshold When the contrast threshold adjustment is unlocked, the user can change the contrast threshold requirement for edge detection by touching and sliding the yellow arrow up or down the contrast bar on the right side of Cannot be the LCD.
Page 276: Displaying Image Controls
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Displaying image controls Image controls can be displayed in addition to the light adjustment tools for optimizing the video image for measurement. The im- age controls can be used to adjust the contrast and brightness of the image.
Page 277: Performing Camera Skew Calibrations
VED Screen Performing camera skew calibrations Small amounts of rotational camera misalignment exists in most camera mounting systems. The camera skew calibration measures this misalignment and applies a skew compensation to subsequent measure- ments to eliminate the effect of rotational misalignments. To perform a camera skew calibration: Touch the Magnification button to cycle to the lowest magnification.
Page 278: Including The Crosshair And Stake Marks In Video Archives
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Including the crosshair and stake marks in video archives Still JPG images of the video screen can be captured with or without the crosshairs and measurement stake marks that are shown during and after measurements. Touch the Archive Crosshair choice field to toggle to Yes to archive the crosshair and measurement stake marks.
Page 279: Magnifications Screen
Magnifications Screen Magnifications screen The magnifications screen contains fields and tools for adding and deleting video magnifications, calibrating video pixel size, and performing video parcentric and parfocal calibrations. Adding video magnifications To add a video magnification, touch the New button. The next higher ID number and default button label will be added.
Page 280: Calibrating Video Magnification Pixel Size
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Calibrating video magnification pixel size The pixel size of each video magnification must be calibrated before conducting measurements. Pixel sizes are calibrated by measuring a circle artifact of known diameter using the Teach function, or by measuring a straight edge using the Teach X and Teach Y functions.
Page 281: Calibrating With A Straight Edge
Magnifications Screen Calibrating with a straight edge To calibrate pixel size using a straight edge or line: Select the desired magnification by touching the Magnification button or by touching the ID number field. Touch the Teach X button. The video screen will be shown with instructions for measuring a straight edge on the x-axis.
Page 282: Assigning Magnifications To Zoom Positions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Follow the instructions to position and measure the edge on the top and bottom of the y-axis. The y-axis pixel size will be displayed in the Y pixel size data field. Measure a horizonal edge on the top and... on the bottom of the screen Assigning magnifications to zoom positions Magnifications can be assigned to zoom positions at the discretion of the user.
Page 283: Performing Video Parcentric And Parfocal Calibrations
Magnifications Screen Performing video parcentric and parfocal calibrations Parcentric calibration eliminates X and Y axis measurement offset errors that can occur when changing video magnifications. Parfocal calibra- tion eliminates z-axis measurement offset errors that can occur when the video focus is adjusted when changing magnifications. NOTES As shown in the essential setup requirement diagram earlier in this chapter, camera skew calibration,...
Page 284 QC-300 Series User’s Guide Focus the circle artifact image in the video window using the video camera focus adjustment. Focus the circle artifact image... using the camera focus adjustment Perform a level measurement using the circle artifact. The level measurement will zero the z-axis at the highest video magnification.
Page 285 Magnifications Screen Select the next lower magnification. This is M2 in this example. Focus the circle artifact image in the video window at the new magnification. Focus the circle artifact image... at the new magnification Measure the circle artifact at the new magnifi- cation.
Page 286: Enabling Magnification Change Messages
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Enabling magnification change messages Magnification levels are always changed manually by the user by: • Selecting a new magnification by touching a value in the magnification drop-down list • Manually bringing the new lens into the field of view A reminder can be displayed on the QC-300 screen when a new magnification is selected if desired.
Page 287: Measure Screen
Measure Screen Measure screen The Measure screen contains fields for specifying the method of data point collection, specifying the mini- mum number of points required to measure different geometries, locking the reference frame, selecting dis- tance presentations and configuring point filtration. Annotation The annotation type defines the method of data point collection.
Page 288: Locking Features To Their Original Datums
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Locking features to their original datums Features can be locked to their original datums or can be referred to new datums as datums are created. In the following example illustrating locked and unlocked features, 6 features are measured using 2 datums. Measurement activity Datum 1 is created, then Feature 1 is measured, feature 2 is measured and feature 3 is measured...
Page 289: Enabling Point Filtration
Measure Screen Enabling point filtration Touch the Point Filtration choice field and toggle the choice to Yes to enable point filtration. Specifying a filtration error limit The quantization factor is the maximum acceptable error. For most measurements, a quantization factor of 3 microns or less can be applied.
Page 290: Display Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Display screen The Display screen contains fields for configuring dis- play resolution and other LCD display parameters. Display resolution The display resolution fields are used to specify the res- olution of measurements shown on the DRO and other screens.
Page 291: Default Units Of Linear Measure
Display Screen Default units of linear measure The Startup Units field is used to specify the default display of linear measurements when power is applied to the system. These display settings can be changed temporarily but will revert to the startup defaults when the power is cycled.
Page 292: Display Mode Switching
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Display mode switching The QC-300 provides two display modes for measurements, Single View and Dual View. In the Single View mode, the screen used for a measurement (DRO or Video) will be displayed again when the measurement is com- plete.
Page 293: Configuring The Extra Tab
Display Screen Configuring the Extra tab The Extra tab can be configured to contain controls for transmitting measurement data, controlling CNC functions, performing datum operations and a variety of other functions. Up to 99 Extra tabs can be configured to be available on each system. Repeatedly touching the Extra tab cycles through the available configurations.
Page 294: Extra Tab Functions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Extra tab functions Space menu insert The space insert are included in the Ex- tra tab to separate control functions into groups on the tab. Extra tab divided by space into data and CNC groups Divider line menu insert The divider line insert are included in the Extra tab to separate control functions into groups on Extra tab divided by line into data and CNC groups...
Page 295: Part Following
Display Screen Part following The Part following function is included in the Extra tab of sys- tems with the CNC option. Part following changes the motion reference from the machine coordinate system to the part coordi- Part following Part following nate system after a part skew has been performed.
Page 296: Header Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Header screen The Header screen contains fields for formatting text headers for printed and exported reports. Creating report headers Two columns of three text headers can be created for the top left and right sides of reports, as shown in this example.
Page 297: Print Screen
Print Screen Print screen The Print screen contains fields for formatting printed reports and RS232 data streams of feature measurement data. Specifying a data type The Print button initiates the transfer of data to the USB port for printing, or to the RS232 serial port for com- munication with a computer.
Page 298: Specifying Column Separators
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Specifying column separators Columns of feature measurement data in printed reports and in transmitted data can be contiguous or can be separated by dividing lines, commas or Tabs. Touch the Column Separator choice field to cycle through the choices.
Page 299: Ports Screen
Ports Screen Ports screen The ports screen contains fields for configuring the RS-232 serial communication port. The RS-232 com- munication port is used to send data to computers. RS- 232 port settings can be changed to match those of the receiving system.
Page 300: Clock Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Clock screen The clock screen contains fields for setting the date and time included in data transmissions and printed on reports. To change a date or time value, touch the desired choice or data field and enter the desired value. Touch and cycle through choices Touch and enter numbers...
Page 301: Sound Screen
Clock and Sound Screens Sound screen A sound can be generated by the system to call atten- tion to point entries. The sound is generated each time the Enter button is pressed to enter a point as part of a measurement.
Page 302: Miscellaneous Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Miscellaneous screen The Miscellaneous screen contains fields for calibrating and configuring the LCD touchscreen. Return to DRO threshold The display automatically switches to display current position on the DRO from the View, Tolerance or DRO screens when the stage movement reaches or exceeds the DRO threshold value.
Page 303: Calibrating The Touchscreen
Miscellaneous Screen Calibrating the touchscreen The touch-pressure of the touchscreen should be calibrated as part of the initial setup and when a new operator begins using the system. To calibrate the touchscreen: Confirm that the number of calibration rows and columns provide adequate touch-points to satisfy typical use requirements.
Page 304: Touch Zone Size
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Touch zone size The size of the touch zone can be changed to accommodate different users. When the touch zone size value is zero, the touch zone extends only to the limits of the choice or data field. As the touch zone value is increased, the touch zone is increased beyond the perimeter of the field on all sides.
Page 305: Buttons Screen
Buttons Screen Buttons screen The Buttons screen contains fields for assigning fre- quently used QC-300 functions to joystick and foot switch buttons. Using preassigned buttons saves the time normally required to navigate menus. Each of the joystick and foot switch buttons can be assigned to functions shown in the choice fields.
Page 306: Selecting Button Responses
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Selecting button responses All button responses are either momentary or toggle. Momentary functions are level-based and are ac- tive only while the button is pressed and held. Toggle functions are activated when the button is pressed and released, and deactivated when the button is pressed and released again.
Page 307: Joystick Screen
Joystick Screen Joystick screen The Joystick screen contains fields calibrating and configuring overall joystick motion. Enabling joystick motion Check an axis Enable box to enable joystick motion, or clear the box to disable joy- stick motion on that axis. Joystick Specifying a joystick deadband A deadband area of joystick inactivity is specified around the zero position of each axis to eliminate er- roneous axis motion due to joystick vibration or noise.
Page 308: Specifying Linear And Nonlinear Joystick Motion Control
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Specifying linear and nonlinear joystick motion control The axis velocity controlled by the joystick is changed from linear to varying degrees of exponential by entering values into the axis Expo% fields. Expo % values are entered from 0 (linear) to 100 (very expo- nential.
Page 309: Digital Positioner Screen
Digital Positioner Screen Digital positioner screen The Digital positioner screen contains fields calibrat- ing and configuring overall digital positioner motion. Enabling digital positioner motion Check an axis Enable box to enable digital positioner motion, or clear the box to disable digital positioner motion on that axis.
Page 310: Hardware Screen
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Hardware screen The Hardware screen contains fields that describe the software and hardware configuration of your system. This information will be essential to Metronics techni- cal support personnel if your system is upgraded or repaired.
Page 311: Chapter 2 Problem Solving
Chapter 12: Problem Solving The QC-300 is based on years of experience manufacturing the Metronics QC-100, QC-200 and QC-5000 products. Years of continuous improvement have resulted in extremely reliable operation and few, if any problems. Problems experienced with the operation of the QC-300 are likely to be the result of printer or cable incompatibilities, instrument configuration or setup errors, encoder incompatibilities or malfunctions or video configuration and calibration issues.
Page 312: Symptoms, Probable Causes And Solutions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Symptoms, probable causes and solutions Some common symptoms of problems are listed in the following pages with probable causes and possible solutions. No image is visible on the LCD screen Probable cause 1: Power is not applied to the QC-300 Possible solutions: Activate the main power source.
Page 313 Symptoms, probable causes & solutions Probable cause 4: The wrong encoder is connected to the axis Possible solutions: Connect the axis encoder specified in the Encoders setup screen. Confirm that the each encoder is connected to the correct axis input. Probable cause 5: The wrong in/mm unit of measure is specified Possible solution:...
Page 314: Reports Are Not Printed Or Are Incomplete
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Reports are not printed or are incomplete Probable cause 1: The channel input device is not connected or is malfunctioning Possible solution: The printer is not supported by the QC-300. Probable cause 2: The USB cable is not firmly connected or is damaged Possible solution: Connect or replace the printer cable.
Page 315: Data Cannot Be Transmitted To A Computer
Symptoms, probable causes & solutions Data cannot be transmitted to a computer Probable cause 1: The wrong serial cable (or no cable) is connected between the computer and the QC-300 Possible solution: Connect the computer to the QC-300 using an RS-232 serial cable that does not include crossed transmit and receive wires.
Page 316 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 317: Chapter 3 Reference Material
Chapter 13: Reference Material This chapter contains technical information regarding: • QC-300 product specifications • RS-232 connector wiring • Footswitch wiring • Lighting/Zoom connector wiring • Tolerances Product specifications Electrical Input Voltage Range: 85 VAC to 264 VAC. 100 W maximum (Auto switching) Fuse: 1.6 Amp 250 VAC Slow Blow 5 x 20 mm Input Frequency:...
Page 318: Footswitch Wiring
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Footswitch wiring The optional foot switch is connected to the RJ-45 connector on the left side of the QC-300. The wiring of the footswitch is sometimes duplicated by other external switching devices to facilitate remote operation in conjunction with other devices in a Footswitch and larger semi-automated system.
Page 319: Rs-232 Connector Wiring
Connector wiring Lighting/Zoom RS-232 connector wiring connector The RS-232 wiring is shown by the table below. Pin No. Description Direction Data in Input Data out Output Signal ground Reference Power on Output (always high) Lighting/Zoom connector wiring RS-232 connector The Lighting/Zoom connector wiring is shown by the table below.
Page 320: Tolerances Definitions
QC-300 Series User’s Guide Tolerances The following information is supplemental to the tolerance discussions provided earlier in Chapter 7: Tolerancing. Concentricity tolerance The mathematical definition of concentricity is explained in detail in the ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard and involves “the midpoints of opposing elements” in the determination of actual concentricity. This is not practical in a discrete point measuring system, so the QC-300 uses the center of the feature (determined by the best fit) to estimate the concentricity.
Page 321: Chapter 4 Options
Chapter 14: Options Available options for the QC-300 are listed and shown here with Metronics part numbers: • Foot switch for remote operation • RS-232 cable without crossed cable wiring for communication with computers • Arm-mounting bracket and bracket adapter for mounting the QC-300 on vertical surfaces (must be ordered together) •...
Page 322 QC-300 Series User’s Guide...
Page 323 Index INDEX Archive tab 186 Archiving and retrieving programs 183 Archiving functions 185 Arm-mounting bracket 301 Arrow keys 23 ASCII code table 229 ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard 151 Assistance, getting 291 Auto-enter function 29, 57, 59 Symbols Auto-point entry 56 Avoid erroneous data 69 -/+++ 209 Axis...
Page 324 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Calibrations 263 Line 147 Camera Point 146 Icon 186 Rectangle 149 Lighting and zoom 10 Slot 148 Optics 48 Crosshair Skew calibrations 257 Probes 1, 54, 60 Cancel key 22 Timeout delay 56 Captured image 186 Cursor 283 Cartesian and polar coordinate systems 30 Channel input devices 7...
Page 325 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Screen 270 Export results 33 Tolerance screen 42, 153 Extra tab 18, 224 Distance constructions 123 Distances 64, 85, 93, 268 Drawing shapes and lines 205 Feature, goto instruction 21, 275 Drive 192 Feature Drive content 195 Anomalies 69 DRO 24...
Page 326 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Hiding setup parameters 238 Humidity specification 297 Labeling axes on display printouts 278 Language screen 237 LCD 1, 13, 297 Identification 258 Image Contrast or backlighting 292 Archiving 185 Screen 292 Contrast and brightness 51, 53 LEC (Error correction) 244 Control 16, 256 LEC or SLEC, which for my application? 244...
Page 327 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Manual Comparator 33 New program steps 180 Probing NLEC (Error correction) 242 Crosshairs 60 No image is visible on the LCD screen 292 Single edge 62 Noisy environments 2 Reference mark 241 Nominal 43, 154 Marking up and editing images 203 No part fixturing 174 Measure magic 83...
Page 328 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Pointer lines 213 Rectangles 92 Points 85, 87, 156, 158, 254 Slots 91 Specific feature types 84, 87 Points 58, 64 Points required for a feature measurement 267 Probing with Points to be collected 56 Crosshairs 60 Polar coordinate system 30 Single edge probe 62...
Page 329 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Reports Setup Are not printed or are incomplete 294 Menu 232 Are printed incorrectly 294 Parameter choices 234 Printing 13, 29 Privileges 238 Requirements, setup 236 Requirements 236 Resolution 240, 270 Screen descriptions 237 Responses, button 286 Screens and functions 232 Retaining feature data through a power cycle 268...
Page 330 Index QC-300 Series User’s Guide Text Using video probes 48 Boxes 207, 210 Box fills 217 Box pointer lines 213 Values displayed on the LCD are incorrect 292 Button 216 VED screen 254 Entry screen 168 Velocity, axis 287, 289 Message 168 Version, software 11 Tool 207...
Page 331 734 903 · 01 · A · 02 · 9/2013...

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Qc 320

HEIDENHAIN ND 1300 QUADRA-CHEK Operating Instructions Manual

Chapter 2 Installation

Chapter 3 User Interface

Chapter 11: Setup for Details

Chapter 6 Measuring

Chapter 7 Tolerancing

Chapter 8 Programming

Chapter 10: Communication, and in Chapter 11: Setup

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