Many times a CMM program may have a manual alignment followed by a DCC alignment. In some cases, the manual alignment does not need to be executed each time the program is run. This is true if subsequent running of the program is done with each part in a repeatable location. A simple square mounted to the table is typically sufficient to fixture the parts in a repeatable location.

One method of running parts in this arrangement would include a small program that establishes and saves the Ref Frame, then the main program that recalls this alignment at the beginning. The problem with this method is when the program is transferred to another CMM; it requires the user to transfer multiple programs and know the procedure to set up the alignment.

Note: Do not depend on "remembered" last run values for future program runs.  You should always begin with either a manual alignment (As simple as a Free-Position point) or recalling a previously saved alignment as shown here.

A much easier solution involves using a simple VB Script to control the flow of a program. i.e., Prompt the user if the manual alignment is required. When running the part in the same location, there is no need to perform the manual alignment each time. Such a program is set up as follows:

001: Programs Settings

002: Get Prb Assy

003: Get Tip

004: VB Script

005: 3-2-1 Alignment

006: Save Ref Frame MyManualAlignment

007: VB Script

008: Recall Ref Frame MyManualAlignment

009: Meas Plane1

010: Level Plane1

011: Meas Line1

012: Align Line1

013: Meas Point1

014: Set Origin Point1

When running this program, a message is displayed... Is Manual Alignment Required?

If the user selects Yes, the entire program is run. If NO, steps 1-3 are run followed by 8-14 - the manual alignment is skipped, and the program runs in DCC from the same location as the recalled alignment.

The big benefit is the user only needs to copy ONE file from machine to machine if transferring the project, AND no special procedure is required. The prompt in the program takes care of this for us. The operator only needs to know how to answer a simple YES or NO question accurately.

Attached is a usable example of the VBS Option.