CAD Alignment (Best Fit)

CAD Alignment (Best Fit)

What is CAD Alignment?

CMM-Manager’s CAD Alignment operation is a Best-Fit alignment that optimizes the relationship between measured data and the nominal CAD model. Instead of relying on discrete datums or simple geometric features, this method fits collected measurement points directly to the corresponding 3D CAD surfaces, minimizing overall deviation across the dataset.

This approach is especially effective for organic or freeform shapes, where traditional alignments may not provide accurate results, as well as for establishing a reference frame that is not local to the part. By leveraging the full surface geometry, CAD Alignment delivers a more representative and stable alignment for complex inspection tasks.

Example Video Tutorial



How to perform CAD Alignment

  1. Import 3D CAD
  2. Open CAD Alignment Operation
  3. Press Pick button
  4. Select a minimum of (6) points on the 3D CAD model

    2. Pick 7+ points for better results
    3. Be sure to pick points in varying orientation - e.g. roughly in 3-2-1 fashion
  5. Press Measure button
    1. Measure 6+ points in same order as picked from CAD
    2. The picked points are displayed on the 3D model in yellow
    3. The points will toggle from yellow to green as each is measured.
  6. See the results of the Best Fit
  7. Press the Confirm button or check / uncheck individual points and press Re-calculate  as needed to eliminate alignment points with large deviation.