QUESTION
I use my CMM to inspect parts and QC-CALC to display the results in the live plots. I need an extra plot to calculate a feature that cannot be done on the CMM. Can I add a calculated dimension to an existing QC-CALC file that was created many months ago?
ANSWER
You can add Dimensions that are made up of measurements, constants, calculations and other plot data. These are useful for creating features that are not available from the gage. For example, if a plot contains a measured value for one side of a panel and a second value for the other side, you can calculate thickness by subtracting the two dimensions. Or you may wish to add a bias to the nominal of a number that is zeroed out on a gage block. There are a total of 3 different measurement types QC-CALC can plot in Real-Time.
- Machine Dimension - Received from your CMM part program
- Calculated Dimension - Extra dimension calculated by QC-CALC
- Manual Dimension - Extra dimension typed by you
This unique capability means you can add separate features that cannot be measured on your CMM to your existing QC-CALC file.
Please see the Modify Database Structure section of the help file for directions for adding a calculated dimension to an existing file and the Edit > Nominals and Tolerances section for directions relating to the Calculation Editor.