Compare Workpieces with Reference Elements
After reference elements are set up, you can use them as standard outlines to visually compare against workpieces in the live image.
The usage is similar to a traditional profile projector: reference elements stay visible in the image area while you move the workpiece or adjust the stage position to align the actual profile with the reference outline, then directly observe the deviation between the two.
Basic Comparison Workflow
When comparing workpieces using reference elements, the general steps are:
- Create the required reference elements.
- Set the dimensions and angles of the reference elements according to the drawing or inspection requirements.
- Place the workpiece to be inspected on the measuring stage.
- Adjust the workpiece or stage position to align it with the reference elements' datum position.
- Observe how well the actual workpiece profile overlaps with the reference outline.
- Judge whether the workpiece meets the current inspection requirements based on profile deviations.
- Replace with the next workpiece and continue comparison.
Because reference elements are overlaid directly on the live image, you can see the changes between the actual profile and the standard outline immediately as the workpiece moves.
Comparing Circular Workpieces
For holes, cylindrical shafts, or other circular features, you can create a circle with a specified diameter as the reference outline.
After aligning the workpiece's circular profile with the reference circle, you can observe:
- Whether the actual profile largely overlaps the reference circle
- Whether it is noticeably larger or smaller
- Whether obvious profile deviations appear at different positions around the circumference
The circle's diameter can be set directly to the target dimension, making it suitable for quick circular profile inspection.
Using a Double Circle to Establish a Reference Range
For applications that require observing two circular boundaries at the same time, you can use a double circle.
For example, set:
- A smaller reference circle
- A larger reference circle
This forms two concentric reference boundaries in the image.
You can observe the positional relationship between the workpiece's actual circular profile and the two reference circles, allowing a more intuitive judgment of profile changes.
The two diameters of a double circle can be set separately.
A double circle provides an intuitive profile reference and does not automatically replace dimensional measurement or tolerance judgment.
Comparing Rectangular Profiles
For rectangular workpieces, you can create a rectangular reference element according to the standard length, width, and orientation.
After aligning the actual workpiece profile with the rectangular reference lines, you can quickly observe:
- Whether there is an obvious deviation along the length direction
- Whether there is an obvious deviation along the width direction
- Whether the workpiece edges are inclined
- Whether the workpiece orientation matches the standard angle
Rectangular reference elements support length, width, and rotation angle settings.
Comparing Arcs and Angles
For partial profiles, you can use arc or angle reference elements.
Arc is suitable for observing partial profiles such as fillets and curved edges.
Angle is suitable for observing inclined edges, V-shaped grooves, and structures with a specified angle.
For example, if a workpiece has a standard included angle of 60°, you can create a corresponding angle reference element and compare the two sides of the workpiece profile against the reference lines.
Using a Crosshair for Positioning
A crosshair is suitable as a center and orientation reference.
For example, when inspecting a workpiece with a circular hole, you can use both:
Circle + Crosshair
First use the crosshair to help determine the center position and orientation, then observe the relationship between the hole's actual profile and the reference circle.
For workpieces that require more directional references, you can also use a grid crosshair.
Comparing with Multiple Reference Elements
For workpieces with more complex structures, you can display multiple reference elements at the same time.
For example:
Rectangle + Circle
Establishes reference outlines for both the workpiece shape and the internal circular hole.
Circle + Arc + Angle
Establishes multiple geometric references at different locations.
Reference elements that are not needed can be temporarily hidden to keep only the outlines currently under observation, making the image area clearer.
Suitable for Fast Batch Inspection
When the same type of workpiece needs to be inspected continuously, you only need to set up the reference elements once.
After that, you can repeat:
Place workpiece → Align with reference outline → Observe deviation → Replace with next
Therefore, comparison objects are well suited for applications that require fast visual profile inspection or batch screening.
Differences from Dimensional Measurement
"Comparison Objects" is mainly used for intuitive comparison between the reference outline and the actual image.
Its focus is on quickly observing:
- Whether the profile is close to the standard
- Whether it is noticeably larger or smaller
- Whether partial shapes show obvious deviations
- Whether the workpiece position or orientation matches the reference
If accurate dimensional values, errors, or tolerance judgment results are needed, use the corresponding Easson2D measurement and tolerance features.
Therefore, you can choose based on the inspection purpose:
Fast visual profile comparison → Comparison Objects
Specific dimensions and tolerance results needed → Measurement functions