MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 2.2 Mechanism-Editor > Function-Blocks > Modeling Function-Blocks

Why should I use a Point-Cloud FB?

You can use a Point-Cloud FB to, for example, reverse-engineer the shape of a Cam and then find the motion of a Follower.

Terminology and Definitions

Point-Cloud :

Data-points that represent the planar shape of a body. The data-points can be cartesian () or polar () coordinates.

Curve :

A smooth, continuous function that we fit to the Point-Cloud to replace the data-points. From the continuous function, we can evaluate the coordinates of the planar shape at any machine-angle.

Point Cloud FB :

A Function-Block that you add to a Part.
Use the Point-Cloud dialog to:

•to import coordinates of a planar shape, and

•to fit a Curve to replace the coordinates

Add Point-Cloud FB

STEP 1Add a Point-Cloud FB to a Part

1.Click Function-Blocks menu > Point-Cloud

1.Click Modeling FB toolbar > Add Point-Cloud FB

The Command-Manager has one selection box. You must select a Part.

2.Click a Part in the graphics-area or Assembly-Tree

3.Click in the Command-Manager

The Point-Cloud FB is now in the graphics-area.

STEP 2Open the Point-Cloud dialog:

1.Double-click a Point-Cloud FB in the graphics-area or Assembly-Tree

See How to Open a dialog.

The Point-Cloud dialog is now open.

STEP 3See Point-Cloud dialog.

Video : See YouTube: http://youtu.be/IME9Eb4mpQE