To measure geometric features manually

  1. Select the item in the inspection sequence and choose Home > Execute > Play.

    PowerInspect switches to full-screen mode.

  2. In the Feature Probing dialog, select the probing options:
    • prevents PowerInspect from panning to the centre of the feature when probing a Probed Single Point item.
    • updates the measurement calculations as you probe each point. Deselect the button to calculate the measurements only after probing all the required points.
    • automatically saves your measurements and plays the next item in the sequence as soon as the required number of points is probed. Deselect the button to choose how many points you want to take. To use this option, you must specify a probe path for the item.
    • specifies a guided plane when probing a 2D feature with an arm. Enter the offset from the reference plane and the maximum deviation in the adjacent boxes. The option is not available for CMMs or 3D features.
    • compares the measurements to the feature nominals.
    • reports distance measurements as absolute values. The option is available only when measuring items that contain the Hide Sign Information check box.
  3. If the item has a probe path, probe each point as it is indicated in the full-screen view; if the item does not have a probe path, follow the instructions to probe the feature:
    • To delete all points so you can remeasure the feature, click .
    • To delete the last recorded point, click .
    • To display the coordinates and maximum deviation of each probed point, click . Click the button again to close the Points Details dialog.
    • To display and manage the probe database in the Machine Configuration dialog, click .
  4. If you have chosen to save the points yourself, click to save your measurements and close the dialog. To close the dialog without saving the points, click .
  5. If the item has a probe path or Auto-Accept is on, the dialog closes and the measurements are saved as soon as you have probed the required number of points for the item.