To create an Intermediate Path Link item

Use the Intermediate Path item to control the movements of the probe between features on the part.

To create an Intermediate Path item:

1. In the inspection sequence, move the insertion cursor between the sequence items for which you want to create an intermediate probe path.
2. Click Home tab > Probe Path panel > Link > Intermediate Path. The Intermediate Path dialog is displayed in the Features tab, and the CAD view cursor changes to to indicate the Probe Path Editor is active.
3. In the Intermediate Path dialog:
   1. Select the UserDefined > Optimal in the Probing Method list.
   2. Enter the Clearance distance for the points.
4. Create the intermediate probe path:
   • To add an intermediate point, double-click the model. A yellow diamond is displayed at the intermediate position, and the normal distance from the model surface is shown as a green line terminated by a red diamond.

     Alternatively, right-click the CAD view, select Define First Point or Define Last Point from the context menu, and enter the point's location in the Point Coordinates dialog.

   • To insert an intermediate point between two intermediate points, right-click the probe path, select Insert from the context menu, and double-click the model.

     Alternatively, select Split Here from the context menu.

   • To move an intermediate point, left-click and hold the red diamond, drag the point to its new position, and release the mouse button. To restrict the move to one axis, press and hold the X, Y, or Z key before dragging the point.

     Alternatively, right-click the yellow diamond, select Move Point from the context menu, and enter the point's location in the Point Coordinates dialog.

   • To change the safe distance for an intermediate point, left-click and hold the yellow diamond, drag the diamond up or down, and release the mouse button.
   • To use the current probe-tip position for an intermediate point, right-click the yellow diamond, and then select Move to CMM Position from the context menu.
   • To delete an intermediate point, right-click the yellow or red diamond, and then select Delete from the context menu.
5. When you have completed the probe path, click in the Intermediate Path dialog to create the item in the inspection sequence and close the Probe Path Editor.