Measuring Coping

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This article discusses how to measure a coping along with the tube shape in VTube-LASER. The method is to find a way to measure the coping as if it were an additional straight on the end of the tube.

In order to do this, the pipe straight that joins the main pipe at the coping can be treated like and extra end-straight on the pipe in VTube-LASER

STEP 1: Design a Coping Adapter in a Solid Modelling Program

In this example, we designed an adapter in SOLIDWORKS that simulates the joining pipe to the main pipe. This adapter acts like an additional leg on the end of the tube (see the red section). Remember that, because VTube calculates diameters on the fly, it never matters if the adapter diameter is the same as the main pipe. VTube-LASER will be able to find the centerline of this geometry - which is exactly what you need to check the coping. The length of the adapter is not important - but the longer it is, the more accurate the VTube math engine can be in projection to the centerline. Now, export this model to a STEP file for import into VTube-LASER.

STEP 2: Import the Model with the Adapter into VTube-STEP

VTube-STEP is included as one of the modes with every VTube-LASER. Switch to STEP mode, then clear the project, then import the STEP model created in the solid modelling program.

STEP 3: Collect the Surfaces with the Adapter in VTube-STEP

Use the Collect feature to build a collection of cylinder surfaces. Include the adapter as the end straight.

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