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=Flange Information and Controls=
__NOTOC__
[[File:flange context details 2.png|300px|thumb|automet® FAB - Analysis - Flange Context Details]]
<!-- ===================== HEADER ===================== -->
<div style="margin:0 0 15px 0; padding:18px 22px; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.35); border-left:5px solid #3366cc; border-radius:6px; background:rgba(51,102,204,0.06);">
<div style="font-size:170%; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom:4px;">Analysis Visual Report Information and Controls</div>
<div style="margin-bottom:8px;">Managing context parameters, best-fit calculations, zero translation, transform tools, and visual controls in automet® FAB.</div>
<div style="font-size:90%;">[[Main Page|← Main Page]] &nbsp;·&nbsp; [[Automet® FAB - General Survey Concept|← Data Analysis]]</div>
</div>


==Bolted up==
== Flange Context Details and Configuration Controls ==
The software algorithm automatically sets the '''bolted-up''' condition if it expects (based on survey data) that the flange is bolted up. This is determined by calculating the distance between the '''diameter-point plane''' and the '''stop point'''.


If the flange is not bolted up, the user can override it.
The sidebar menu displays detailed context metrics and adjustment settings for each component selected in the visual report.


==Diameter - Stop - Workpoint==
<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
The circled '''D''' (diameter point plane) and '''S''' (stop point) indicate the where you took these measurements during your survey.
[[File:flange context details 2.png|center|360px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Flange context details and configuration panel</div>
</div>


The '''tie-In''' flange and the '''design spool''' refer to the pipe spool loaded at the start of the survey.
=== Bolted up ===
automet® FAB automatically assigns the '''Bolted up''' condition when the calculated distance between the diameter-point plane ('''D''') and the stop point ('''S''') matches a two-flange joint thickness. Operators can manually uncheck this setting if a single heavy flange is misidentified.


Gap and flange thicknesses can be updated to tape-measured values; the database defaults are displayed initially.
=== Diameter, stop, and workpoint indicators ===
* '''D (Diameter plane) and S (Stop point):''' Circled interface markers indicating physical point locations recorded during field capture.
* '''Tie-in and design spool:''' Refers to the nominal pipe spool design loaded at project start.
* '''Gap and thickness overrides:''' Field-measured flange thicknesses and gasket gap values can be typed directly into the input fields, overriding default database values.


==Ignore length==
=== Ignore length ===
This option '''ignores''' the vector in the direction of length.
Enabling '''Ignore length''' removes the axial length vector from best-fit mathematical constraints:
* '''Open pipe ends:''' By default, open pipe ends are set to ignore length, allowing for excess material without distorting overall spool alignment.
* '''Custom configuration:''' Any flange can be configured to ignore length, or open pipe ends configured to enforce length, depending on site requirements.


When a pipe spool has pipe ends (i.e. open ends of pipe with no flanges), the default is to ignore the length. The length error is not considered and does not affect the best fit. This option allows for pipe over length. If this is not the case, then the pipe over length would affect the report results, so by default, pipe lengths are ignored.
=== Fit preference ===
The '''Fit preference''' slider controls the mathematical weighting applied during best-fit routines:
* '''Position:''' Prioritises reducing vector location errors (black arrows).
* '''Alignment:''' Prioritises reducing flange face angular touchpoint errors (gold values).
* '''Reset to defaults:''' Pressing '''Reset to defaults''' restores original parameters without risk of data corruption. Refer to [[Automet® FAB - Fit Preference Slider Analysis|fit preference slider analysis]] for further details.


Any flange can be configured to ignore length (if necessary), and any pipe open end can be configured not to ignore length.
=== Individual bolt hole observations ===
The lower table lists recorded bolt hole observations for the selected flange:
* '''Pitch and radius errors:''' Displays angular pitch error (degrees) and radial distance variance relative to nominal pitch circle diameter (PCD) dimensions.
* '''Excluding bad observations:''' Unchecking the '''Fit''' box for an individual bolt hole removes an outlier measurement from PCD calculations without deleting raw survey data.
* '''Pipe end radius:''' When evaluating open pipe ends, radial errors represent individual diameter observations.


==Fit preference==
=== Touchpoint at OD ===
The '''fit preference''' slider controls the best-fit weighting for each flange/pipe end.
By default, face gap calculations display clearance at the flange raised face. Selecting '''Touchpoint at OD''' projects gap dimensions to the outer diameter of the flange.


* '''Position''' prioritises reducing the vector/positional error (the black arrows).
=== Vector and touchpoint display scale ===
The visual scale of vector error arrows and touchpoint leader lines can be resized independently for each flange or pipe end to clean up visual report graphics.


* '''Alignment''' prioritises reducing the the touch point error (gold value) or the alignment of the flange faces.
== Fit and Show Control Options ==


All surveys deafult to position unless there is a large error, and then the user will have the option to change all flanges to alignment from the outset.
The primary controls panel manages component inclusion across the best-fit algorithm and graphical display layers:


The slider also allows you to balance the preference between the two. You can play with this to see if theres a position you prefer. Just use the Reset to Deafualts button to get back to where you started - your data is never corrupted.
* '''Fit checkbox:''' Controls whether a flange, hub, or pipe end is included in the mathematical best-fit alignment. Unchecking an item excludes it from alignment calculations while retaining its measured variance values in report tables.
* '''Show checkbox:''' Toggles the visibility of specific elements (such as circle-fit centerlines) on visual reports.


==Individual Bolthole Observations==
<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
There is a table under the flange which displays each of the bolthole measurements taken.
[[File:Fit Show Flange2.png|center|250px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Fit and show checkboxes in the primary analysis panel</div>
</div>


For your selected flange, you can see the '''pitch''' (the angle between the boltholes) and '''radius''' (the difference from the database radius) errors for each bolt-hole measurement.
== Zeroing a Flange to Isolate Gross Errors ==


If you see a large error with one of the measurements, you might want to take this out of the calculation, as it could distort the real assessment of PCD etc. Use the Fit checkbox to do this.
By default, automet® FAB uses a least-squares averaging algorithm that distributes measurement variance across all flanges. While optimal for compliant spools, this averaging method can mask localized fabrication errors.


When checking '''pipe ends''', the '''radius''' errors are diameter points.
Selecting the '''Zero''' checkbox on a specific flange anchors the coordinate origin directly to that component, transferring all relative variance onto remaining spools.


==Touchpoint at OD==
<div style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.3); border-left: 5px solid #3366cc; padding: 16px; margin: 16px 0; border-radius: 6px; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px;">
The size of the gap opposite the touchpoint is normally displayed for the location at the flange '''raised face'''.  
<div style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.2;">🎬</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; align-items: flex-start;">
<div>'''Video tutorial:''' Demonstrates zeroing a flange and dropping components from the fit to isolate gross fabrication errors: <span style="color: #666; font-size: 90%;">(2:14 mins)</span></div>
<span class="plainlinks">[https://youtu.be/V6BY8gX_uIk <span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive" style="margin: 0; padding: 6px 12px; font-weight: bold; color: white !important; text-decoration: none !important;">▶ Watch video</span>]</span>
</div>
</div>


If this option is selected, the size of the gap will be displayed at the flange '''outside diameter''' .
<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
[[File:AF1.png|center|650px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Default least-squares fit averaging error across all components</div>
</div>


==Pos/Face error==
Selecting '''Zero''' at Flange 01 translates coordinates along grid lines to align design and survey origins precisely at Flange 01:
These are for internal use - they can be ignored.


==Arrow/Touchpoint size==
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:16px; margin:16px auto 24px auto; justify-content:center; align-items:stretch;">
The size of the '''vector error arrow''' can be changed for an individual flange or pipe end.


Additionally, the length of the '''touchpoint leader-line''' can be changed for an individual flange or pipe end
<div style="flex:1 1 320px; text-align:center;">
[[File:AF2.png|center|450px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Zero option selected for Flange 01</div>
</div>


=Fit Checkbox=
<div style="flex:1 1 320px; text-align:center;">
Vector error graphical analysis is used to access and manipulate survey data; it also displays survey information such as flange thicknesses and the types of devices used.
[[File:AF3.png|center|450px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Report translated to zero vector error at Flange 01</div>
</div>


* The '''fit''' check box allows you to include spool elements in the fit. Unchecking this box removes that item from the mathematical best-fit analysis, but does not remove the values from the report.
</div>
* '''Show''' for circle fits reveals or hides the circle fit values on the report.


<gallery mode ="packed" heights = 600 px>
Translating the origin reveals gross fabrication errors located elsewhere on the spool, such as excessive vector displacement or face gaps at secondary flanges:
File:Fit Show Flange2.png
</gallery>


=Zero a Flange=
<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
[[File:AF5.png|center|650px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Isolating severe angular and vector error at Flange 02</div>
</div>


You can isolate a gross error using the fit and zero options within the automet analysis section.
== Dropping a Flange From the Fit ==


See the video on this topic here:
Unchecking the '''Fit''' checkbox for a specific component removes its data points from the mathematical fit.
<imagemap>
File:AF1.png|300px|Click the image to watch the video.
desc none
rect 0 0 1920 1080 [https://youtu.be/V6BY8gX_uIk]
</imagemap>


By default, automet will average out the error on all flanges and give you the best-fit option. All surveyed data points have been fitted to the design using a method known as least-squares averaging. Importantly, '''this method masks gross errors'''. We can use the option to drop a flange from the fit to show us where gross errors are located.
When surveying a two-flange spool, dropping Flange 02 forces the alignment model entirely onto Flange 01. Flange 01 displays zero position, orientation, and face error, while Flange 02 displays the true unadjusted error relative to Flange 01.


<gallery mode = "packed" heights =500 px>
On multi-flange spools (three or more connections), dropping a single flange fits the remaining components via least-squares averaging, isolating specific branch fabrication errors (such as an incorrect pipe leg length):
File:AF1.png
</gallery>


<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
[[File:AF6.png|center|650px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Multi-flange spool analysis with Flange 02 dropped from best-fit</div>
</div>


First, we zero flange one by selecting the zero-option box at flange one. Press the apply selections button to see the change in the visual report.
== Manual Spool Alignment Tools (Transform) ==


The zero option does not change the report's orientation - the coordinates are translated; shifted along the grid lines, to match the design co-ordinates at flange one.
Operators can manually rotate, translate, or align survey data relative to design coordinates using the '''Transform''' toolset:


You can now see that flange one has zero vector errors.
=== Aligning to grid axes ===
Aligns designated workpoints or circle-fit centerlines along primary coordinate axes (X, Y, Z).


<gallery mode = "packed" heights =300 px>
{| style="background-color:#f8f9fa; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.3); border-left:5px solid #3366cc; border-radius:6px; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; width:100%;"
File:AF2.png
| style="font-size:22px; vertical-align:top; width:30px;" | 🎬
File:AF3.png
| style="vertical-align:top;" | '''Video tutorial:''' Aligning survey workpoints and circle fits to grid axes: <span style="color:#666; font-size:90%;">(3:35 mins)</span><br><br><span class="plainlinks">[https://youtu.be/htBRhwdpzY8 <span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive" style="margin:0; padding:6px 12px; font-weight:bold; color:white !important; text-decoration:none !important;">▶ Watch video</span>]</span>
</gallery>
|}


This pipe-spool report contains some gross errors. You can see this at the touch points on both flanges - there are also large vector errors at flange two.
=== Manual rotation ===
Rotates survey dataset geometry around a chosen origin point across X, Y, or Z axes in defined angular increments.


<gallery mode = "packed" heights =300 px>
{| style="background-color:#f8f9fa; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.3); border-left:5px solid #3366cc; border-radius:6px; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; width:100%;"
File:AF5.png
| style="font-size:22px; vertical-align:top; width:30px;" | 🎬
</gallery>
| style="vertical-align:top;" | '''Video tutorial:''' Rotating survey datasets around selected component origins: <span style="color:#666; font-size:90%;">(2:11 mins)</span><br><br><span class="plainlinks">[https://youtu.be/csy13yclGL0 <span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive" style="margin:0; padding:6px 12px; font-weight:bold; color:white !important; text-decoration:none !important;">▶ Watch video</span>]</span>
 
|}
=Dropping a Flange From the Fit=
For this example, the zero option at flange one has been unchecked, as it will have no effect on the outcome of the next action. We uncheck the fit at flange two.
 
We call this 'dropping a flange from the fit'.


=== Manual translation ===
Translates (nudges) the complete survey model along East/West, North/South, or Up/Down axes to balance position errors across open ends.


Dropping a flange from the fit has a significant impact and the report now looks very different. Only flange one's surveyed data points have been fitted to the design.
{| style="background-color:#f8f9fa; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.3); border-left:5px solid #3366cc; border-radius:6px; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; width:100%;"
 
| style="font-size:22px; vertical-align:top; width:30px;" | 🎬
Because there are only two flanges, flange one can be zero in all aspects, including position, orientation, and alignment. Even though flange two was not included in the fit, its position, orientation, and alignment are still displayed.
| style="vertical-align:top;" | '''Video tutorial:''' Translating survey models along grid axes: <span style="color:#666; font-size:90%;">(2:11 mins)</span><br><br><span class="plainlinks">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhPrYXEIBpk <span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive" style="margin:0; padding:6px 12px; font-weight:bold; color:white !important; text-decoration:none !important;">▶ Watch video</span>]</span>
 
Here is a pipe spool with more than two flanges.
 
<gallery mode = "packed" heights =500 px>
File:AF6.png
</gallery>
 
=Ignore Length=
 
 
=Align to the Grid=
To see how to align parts of the spool to the grid, have a look at this video: [https://youtu.be/htBRhwdpzY8| Aligning to the grid in analysis transform].
 
=Rotate=
You can rotate the spool around its components in the X, Y and Z axes to see how the survey results might look better over the design requirements: [https://youtu.be/csy13yclGL0| Rotate your survey results]
 
=Translate=
You can also translate (nudge) the whole spool in 6 axis directions (east/west, north/south, up/down) to see how the survey results might look better over the design requirements: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhPrYXEIBpk| Translate your survey results]
 
=Analysis Tools=
Vector error graphical analysis is used to access and manipulate survey data; it also displays survey information such as flange thicknesses and the types of devices used.
 
* The '''fit''' check box allows you to include spool elements in the fit. Unchecking this box removes that item from the mathematical best-fit analysis, but does not remove the values from the report.
* The '''zero''' check box forces the flange to zero the error at this element. The default is no flange zeroed and all flanges show the best fit. 
* '''Show''' for circle fits reveals or hides the circle fit values on the report.
 
<gallery mode ="packed" heights = 400 px>
File:KB 234.png|Flange 01
File:KB 235.png|Flange 02
File:KB 236.png|Flange 03
</gallery>
 
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|-
! Flange 01 !! Flange 02 !! Flange 03
|-
| Surveyed using type 1 device. || Surveyed using type 7 device. On the back face of flange (indicated by the D).|| Surveyed using type 7 device. On the front face of flange.
|-
| Length is being considered. Fit preference is position.|| Length is being considered. Fit preference is position.|| Length is being considered. Fit preference is position.
|-
| No offset when using type 1.|| Offset when on back is the full flange thickness including the raised face beacuse D points taken on the back of the flange.|| Offset when on front is the raised face only.
|-
| || The initial value for thickness is our database value which can be changed at any time but is retained for future reference.|| The initial value for thickness is our database value which can be changed at any time.
|}
|}


=Drawing Controls=
== Graphical Display Controls ==
There are a variety of controls within the vector error graphical report. See the images to view a full list of all the available controls.


<gallery mode = "packed" heights= 300 px>
The graphical controls panel offers options for adjusting visual density, labels, and tolerance color highlighting:
File: KB 250a.png| Controls
File: KB 250b.png| Further controls
</gallery>


The controls allow you to improve the report layout and clarity. This is the report cleaned up and the tolerance set to 1.5mm. All values above 1.5mm are now shown in red.
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:16px; margin:16px auto 24px auto; justify-content:center; align-items:stretch;">


<gallery mode = "packed" heights= 300 px>
<div style="flex:1 1 320px; text-align:center;">
File: KB 251.png| Tolerance exceeded (example)
[[File:Analysis controls2.png|center|700px]]
</gallery>
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Primary graphical view controls</div>
</div>


Below are examples of the P button when switched on. This function displays observation-point locations. This function shows which face was observed, the type of device used and the coverage of observations.
<div style="flex:1 1 320px; text-align:center;">
[[File:KB 250b.png|center|700px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Secondary display sliders and scale options</div>
</div>


<gallery mode = "packed" heights= 200 px captions = "Type 7 survey positions">
</div>
File: KB 252.png|
File: KB 252a.png|
File: KB 254.png|
</gallery>


[[File:analysis visual report details.png|1200px|automet® FAB - Analysis - Visual Report Details]]
* '''Tolerance thresholding:''' Setting a specific tolerance (e.g. 1.5 mm) highlights all vector variances exceeding that value in red text on the report.


<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
[[File:KB 251.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Out-of-tolerance vector errors highlighted in red text</div>
</div>


* '''Point display mode (P button):''' Activating the **P** button displays individual observation point locations, revealing targeted flange faces, survey adapter device types, and circumferential coverage spread.


<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:16px; margin:16px auto 24px auto; justify-content:center; align-items:stretch;">


<div style="flex:1 1 200px; text-align:center;">
[[File:KB 252.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Targeted observation face</div>
</div>


<div style="flex:1 1 200px; text-align:center;">
[[File:KB 252a.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Adapter device type indicator</div>
</div>


=PDF Preview=
<div style="flex:1 1 200px; text-align:center;">
[[File:PDF Preview.png|700px|utomet® FAB - Analysis - Visual Report - PDF Preview]]
[[File:KB 254.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Circumferential point coverage</div>
</div>


</div>


<div style="text-align:center; margin:16px auto 24px auto;">
[[File:analysis visual report details.png|center|800px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Full analysis visual report layout with details enabled</div>
</div>


== PDF Preview, Transform, and Open Tie-In Interfaces ==


=Transform=
<div style="display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:16px; margin:16px auto 24px auto; justify-content:center; align-items:stretch;">
[[File:Transform Interface.png|800px|automet® FAB - Analysis - Visual Report - Transform]]


<div style="flex:1 1 240px; text-align:center;">
[[File:PDF Preview.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">PDF report export preview window</div>
</div>


<div style="flex:1 1 240px; text-align:center;">
[[File:Transform Interface.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Transform control setup panel</div>
</div>


<div style="flex:1 1 240px; text-align:center;">
[[File:Open Tie-In Button.png|center|500px]]
<div style="margin-top:6px; font-size:85%; font-weight:bold;">Open tie-in analysis interface button</div>
</div>


=Open Tie-In=
</div>
[[File:Open Tie-In Button.png|800px|automet® FAB - Analysis - Visual Report - Open Tie-In]]


== Isometric View Navigation Controls ==


{| style="background-color:#f8f9fa; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.3); border-left:5px solid #3366cc; border-radius:6px; padding:12px; margin:16px 0; width:100%;"
| style="font-size:22px; vertical-align:top; width:30px;" | 🎬
| style="vertical-align:top;" | '''Video tutorial:''' Navigating, rotating, panning, and adjusting element scaling in isometric view: <span style="color:#666; font-size:90%;">(2:41 mins)</span><br><br><span class="plainlinks">[https://youtu.be/uRAoadBmtv0 <span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive" style="margin:0; padding:6px 12px; font-weight:bold; color:white !important; text-decoration:none !important;">▶ Watch video</span>]</span>
|}


 
<table style="width:100%; border-collapse:separate; border-spacing:16px; margin:16px 0;">
=Controls for Iso View=
  <tr>
 
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
*[https://youtu.be/uRAoadBmtv0| '''Video''' - Controls for Iso View]
      [[File:North Button.png|center|340px]]
 
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-weight:bold; font-size:90%; color:#333;">North compass orientation button</div>
[[File:North Button.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - North]]
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Aligns the visual view's North (+Y) direction to the top-left corner.</div>
[[File:B button.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - B Button]]
    </td>
[[File:P button.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - P Button]]
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
[[File:Toggle Shrink 2.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - Full Shrink]]
      [[File:B button.png|center|340px]]
[[File:Toggle Shrink 1.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - Full Size]]
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-weight:bold; font-size:90%; color:#333;">B button (back vector toggle)</div>
[[File:Free Rotate.png|200px|automet® FAB - Controls for Iso View - Free or Turntable]]
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Displays flange weld face vector errors and back vectors.</div>
 
    </td>
.
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
      [[File:P button.png|center|340px]]
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-weight:bold; font-size:90%; color:#333;">P button (observed points toggle)</div>
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Shows exact surveyed point locations of the prism ball.</div>
    </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
      [[File:Toggle Shrink 2.png|center|340px]]
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-weight:bold; font-size:90%; color:#333;">Full shrink view toggle</div>
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Compresses long pipe runs to emphasize flange orientation.</div>
    </td>
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
      [[File:Toggle Shrink 1.png|center|340px]]
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-size:80%; font-weight:bold; color:#333;">Full size view toggle</div>
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Restores true proportional pipe spool lengths in 3D view.</div>
    </td>
    <td style="width:33%; vertical-align:top; background:#ffffff; border:1px solid rgba(128,128,128,0.25); border-radius:6px; padding:12px; text-align:center;">
      [[File:Free Rotate.png|center|340px]]
      <div style="margin-top:8px; font-weight:bold; font-size:90%; color:#333;">Free rotate vs turntable toggle</div>
      <div style="font-size:80%; color:#666; margin-top:4px;">Toggles between turntable axis rotation and free 3D rotation.</div>
    </td>
  </tr>
</table>

Latest revision as of 13:19, 9 October 2026

Analysis Visual Report Information and Controls
Managing context parameters, best-fit calculations, zero translation, transform tools, and visual controls in automet® FAB.

Flange Context Details and Configuration Controls

The sidebar menu displays detailed context metrics and adjustment settings for each component selected in the visual report.

Flange context details and configuration panel

Bolted up

automet® FAB automatically assigns the Bolted up condition when the calculated distance between the diameter-point plane (D) and the stop point (S) matches a two-flange joint thickness. Operators can manually uncheck this setting if a single heavy flange is misidentified.

Diameter, stop, and workpoint indicators

  • D (Diameter plane) and S (Stop point): Circled interface markers indicating physical point locations recorded during field capture.
  • Tie-in and design spool: Refers to the nominal pipe spool design loaded at project start.
  • Gap and thickness overrides: Field-measured flange thicknesses and gasket gap values can be typed directly into the input fields, overriding default database values.

Ignore length

Enabling Ignore length removes the axial length vector from best-fit mathematical constraints:

  • Open pipe ends: By default, open pipe ends are set to ignore length, allowing for excess material without distorting overall spool alignment.
  • Custom configuration: Any flange can be configured to ignore length, or open pipe ends configured to enforce length, depending on site requirements.

Fit preference

The Fit preference slider controls the mathematical weighting applied during best-fit routines:

  • Position: Prioritises reducing vector location errors (black arrows).
  • Alignment: Prioritises reducing flange face angular touchpoint errors (gold values).
  • Reset to defaults: Pressing Reset to defaults restores original parameters without risk of data corruption. Refer to fit preference slider analysis for further details.

Individual bolt hole observations

The lower table lists recorded bolt hole observations for the selected flange:

  • Pitch and radius errors: Displays angular pitch error (degrees) and radial distance variance relative to nominal pitch circle diameter (PCD) dimensions.
  • Excluding bad observations: Unchecking the Fit box for an individual bolt hole removes an outlier measurement from PCD calculations without deleting raw survey data.
  • Pipe end radius: When evaluating open pipe ends, radial errors represent individual diameter observations.

Touchpoint at OD

By default, face gap calculations display clearance at the flange raised face. Selecting Touchpoint at OD projects gap dimensions to the outer diameter of the flange.

Vector and touchpoint display scale

The visual scale of vector error arrows and touchpoint leader lines can be resized independently for each flange or pipe end to clean up visual report graphics.

Fit and Show Control Options

The primary controls panel manages component inclusion across the best-fit algorithm and graphical display layers:

  • Fit checkbox: Controls whether a flange, hub, or pipe end is included in the mathematical best-fit alignment. Unchecking an item excludes it from alignment calculations while retaining its measured variance values in report tables.
  • Show checkbox: Toggles the visibility of specific elements (such as circle-fit centerlines) on visual reports.
Fit and show checkboxes in the primary analysis panel

Zeroing a Flange to Isolate Gross Errors

By default, automet® FAB uses a least-squares averaging algorithm that distributes measurement variance across all flanges. While optimal for compliant spools, this averaging method can mask localized fabrication errors.

Selecting the Zero checkbox on a specific flange anchors the coordinate origin directly to that component, transferring all relative variance onto remaining spools.

🎬
Video tutorial: Demonstrates zeroing a flange and dropping components from the fit to isolate gross fabrication errors: (2:14 mins)

▶ Watch video

Default least-squares fit averaging error across all components

Selecting Zero at Flange 01 translates coordinates along grid lines to align design and survey origins precisely at Flange 01:

Zero option selected for Flange 01
Report translated to zero vector error at Flange 01

Translating the origin reveals gross fabrication errors located elsewhere on the spool, such as excessive vector displacement or face gaps at secondary flanges:

Isolating severe angular and vector error at Flange 02

Dropping a Flange From the Fit

Unchecking the Fit checkbox for a specific component removes its data points from the mathematical fit.

When surveying a two-flange spool, dropping Flange 02 forces the alignment model entirely onto Flange 01. Flange 01 displays zero position, orientation, and face error, while Flange 02 displays the true unadjusted error relative to Flange 01.

On multi-flange spools (three or more connections), dropping a single flange fits the remaining components via least-squares averaging, isolating specific branch fabrication errors (such as an incorrect pipe leg length):

Multi-flange spool analysis with Flange 02 dropped from best-fit

Manual Spool Alignment Tools (Transform)

Operators can manually rotate, translate, or align survey data relative to design coordinates using the Transform toolset:

Aligning to grid axes

Aligns designated workpoints or circle-fit centerlines along primary coordinate axes (X, Y, Z).

🎬 Video tutorial: Aligning survey workpoints and circle fits to grid axes: (3:35 mins)

▶ Watch video

Manual rotation

Rotates survey dataset geometry around a chosen origin point across X, Y, or Z axes in defined angular increments.

🎬 Video tutorial: Rotating survey datasets around selected component origins: (2:11 mins)

▶ Watch video

Manual translation

Translates (nudges) the complete survey model along East/West, North/South, or Up/Down axes to balance position errors across open ends.

🎬 Video tutorial: Translating survey models along grid axes: (2:11 mins)

▶ Watch video

Graphical Display Controls

The graphical controls panel offers options for adjusting visual density, labels, and tolerance color highlighting:

Primary graphical view controls
Secondary display sliders and scale options
  • Tolerance thresholding: Setting a specific tolerance (e.g. 1.5 mm) highlights all vector variances exceeding that value in red text on the report.
Out-of-tolerance vector errors highlighted in red text
  • Point display mode (P button): Activating the **P** button displays individual observation point locations, revealing targeted flange faces, survey adapter device types, and circumferential coverage spread.
Targeted observation face
Adapter device type indicator
Circumferential point coverage
Full analysis visual report layout with details enabled

PDF Preview, Transform, and Open Tie-In Interfaces

PDF report export preview window
Transform control setup panel
Open tie-in analysis interface button

Isometric View Navigation Controls

🎬 Video tutorial: Navigating, rotating, panning, and adjusting element scaling in isometric view: (2:41 mins)

▶ Watch video
North compass orientation button
Aligns the visual view's North (+Y) direction to the top-left corner.
B button (back vector toggle)
Displays flange weld face vector errors and back vectors.
P button (observed points toggle)
Shows exact surveyed point locations of the prism ball.
Full shrink view toggle
Compresses long pipe runs to emphasize flange orientation.
Full size view toggle
Restores true proportional pipe spool lengths in 3D view.
Free rotate vs turntable toggle
Toggles between turntable axis rotation and free 3D rotation.
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