What is a Point-Cloud?
In general, the term Point-Cloud is used for an array-of-numbers that are coordinates that specify the shape of a 2D or 3D object..
In MechDesigner, the coordinates frequently specify the shape of a 2D-Cam, and the cam has been measured with a Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM).
Point-Cloud FB
We use the Point-Cloud FB to import-data that represents a 'shape'.
We use the Point-Cloud FB to fit a curve to the imported-data. The curve is mathematically smoother than the imported-data
| 1. | Measure an old Cam, import the Point-Cloud and define it as a new curve with the Point-Cloud dialog-box. |
| 2. | Use the curve, in combination with a Magnetic-Joint and a Graph FB to find the motion of a Cam-Follower. |
| 3. | Use the tools in MotionDesigner to identify the motion of the Cam-Follower. |
| 4. | We would frequently redefine the motion with an improved motion. We use the improved motion to re-calculate the 2D-Cam. |
| 5. | Finally, you can recalculate the cam-coordinates and export them for cam manufacture. |
See also  Tutorial-21 Reverse Engineer a Cams
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Point-Cloud FB
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Menu :
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Dialog-box :
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Point-Cloud dialog-box
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What to do :
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The Point-Cloud is an element that is child to the Part.
| STEP 1. | Add the Point-Cloud FB to the graphic area |
The Command-Manager shows one selection box
| 2. | Click a Part in the graphic-area or the Assembly-Tree |
| 3. | Click  in the |
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The Point-Cloud FB is now in the graphic-area and .
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Edit :
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| STEP 2. | Edit the Point-Cloud FB to import a Point-Cloud and fit a curve to the imported-data, with the Point-Cloud dialog-box |
To open the Point-Cloud dialog-box:
| 1. | Explore the Assembly-Tree to find the Point-Cloud ; it is a child to a Part |
| 2. | Double-click the Point-Cloud FB to open the Point-Cloud dialog-box |
-or...
...see 'How to open a Dialog-Box'.
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Video :
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See YouTube: http://youtu.be/IME9Eb4mpQE
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