DCP - Diameter Cut Planes

• VTube-LASER Version: 2.6
• Date Released: July 15, 2016

VTube-LASER Diameter Cut Planes or the "DCP" feature in VTube-LASER, solves a scanning issue where multiple objects are in the view of the laser scanner at one time - but you must scan only one straight.

In previous versions, the only easy solution was to switch to using the ball probe in those sections where many objects were close to the tube straight being measured.

Measure Across Several Diameters - VTube will find the correct straight

However, this new feature lets you scan across several diameters or objects of any kind - and still AUTOMATICALLY scan in the single diameter you intend to measure.

The effect on the operator is to reduce stress and increase measuring speed drastically. See this image to understand the basic idea of the DCP feature and how it sorts detects the single diameter you intend to measure:

Wirebending Applications

The feature was developed to solve a need when measuring wire bent parts. The orange part shown below is a sample test piece that is formed from 0.2 inch diameter wire. This is a small part that can sit on a tablet (see the black tablet for scale). When measuring this part the FARO scanner stripe often crosses four straights at the same time.

Illustration of the Issue for Small Parts

Imagine the HD (blue) laser stripe measuring one of these four straights. In order to measure one, it is very hard to orient the beam in a way that scans only one straight. See this image to show the easiest way to measure straights 1, 3, 9 and 12:


In previous versions of VTube-LASER, this was not possible because the data from the four straights would have averaged into one large diameter, or (more likely), VTube would return an error during centerline calculation.

However, touching four straights at the same time will not allow VTube to calculate a centerline of any one of these straights - unless you use the DCP feature. The DCP feature follows some simple rules to allow VTube to sort out and select the one straight that you intend to measure - every time.

It works great on tube assemblies too - like headers and HVAC assemblies.