Automet® FAB - Orientation Point: Difference between revisions
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== Why | == Why is an Orientation Point Needed? == | ||
Because a straight pipe spool is completely symmetrical, the software has no way of knowing which side is "top" or "bottom" simply by looking at the geometry. | Because a straight pipe spool is completely symmetrical, the software has no way of knowing which side is "top" or "bottom" simply by looking at the geometry. | ||
Latest revision as of 09:13, 7 October 2026
Orientation Point (OP) Concept
Understanding, marking, and surveying orientation points on straight pipe spools in automet® FAB.
Why is an Orientation Point Needed?
Because a straight pipe spool is completely symmetrical, the software has no way of knowing which side is "top" or "bottom" simply by looking at the geometry.
An orientation point (OP) is a physical mark on flange 01 that establishes a reference point. Without an OP, the software cannot align report outputs to the physical spool, making it impossible to correctly measure flange angles, miter offsets, or support plate directions.
Orientation point marked on flange 01
Software prompt requesting orientation point measurement
When and How to Use an OP
Straight spools with flange angles or miters
When a straight spool includes flange deflections or mitered cuts on either flange, follow this procedure:
- Mark the OP: Make a clear mark on the spool body at flange 01.
- Align fabrication: Set flange deflections according to drawing requirements relative to the marked OP.
- Survey the OP: Place the survey prism on top of flange 01, centered between the two bolt holes where the OP is marked. automet® FAB prompts for this measurement at the start of the survey routine.
- Tag the OP: Attach tags through the bolt holes on either side of the OP so the mark is not lost during painting or shot-blasting. This mark is vital for site installers.
Straight spools with support plates
When a straight spool features support plates without side branches, follow this procedure:
- Mark the OP: Mark the reference point on flange 01.
- Align support: Position and weld the support plate relative to the marked OP as required by the fabrication drawing.
- Survey the OP: Measure the marked OP during the initial survey prompt.
Accuracy and Special Considerations
- Flanged spools: The OP does not need to be millimeter-exact on flanged pipework. automet® FAB automatically averages bolt-hole alignment errors to achieve fine mathematical alignment. The OP simply tells the system which pair of bolt holes represents "up".
- Hubs and open pipe ends: When surveying hub fittings or plain open pipe ends, there are no bolt holes for fine-tuning. In these cases, **mark the OP accurately** as the software relies directly on the physical point location.
- Final report orientation: Regardless of how the spool is physically positioned on the shop floor during the survey, **all final reports display the spool with the orientation point at the top** (or pointing North if the spool is vertical).
- Site surveys: Marking an OP is equally essential during site surveys on straight pipework to ensure replacement spools match existing field alignment.