How to compare 2 different scans

[ktw101]

Hello, I'm brand new to this site as well as to the polyworks software. I went through the 1 week training at innovmetric. I can do basic comparisons with a Cad model and a scan.

But what I was wondering is how can I compare a scan with another scan of the same part?

I work in R&D and we will scan our parts before and after certain tests (temp change, durability, vibration, etc). 

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[jrayself]

That option exists under the measure menu.

[Jeff]

You can also right click on the data object and go to edit and convert to reference object. Then you can use it just like you would cad.

[ktw101]

Thanks guys, so it looks like if I right click on the data object to convert to ref object, I need to convert my original scan into a mesh first?

[jrayself]

Correct. You can't use a point cloud as a reference object.

[ktw101]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot.

Is it better to do the original scan in IMalign then to merge then to edit(to clean and fill holes) then import it in inspect when trying this type of comparison?

[jrayself]

I've always preferred to scan and perform my alignments in IMInspect then export the PSL for meshing in IMAlign and IMMerge.

You CAN scan inside IMAlign, but each scan pass has to mesh as soon as you collect it. So a 30 minute scan will take 60 minutes. Where if you do your 30 minute scan in IMInspect then dump it into IMAlign, you can walk away or check your Facebook while it is processing for 30 minutes.

It's really all the same in the end, but I'd rather not hold the scanner for any longer than necessary.

[ktw101]

Thanks for all your help.

[cappleby1]

I also need to do this but the attachments to this post no longer work can you please post more information on how to do this?