How to Use VTube-LASER Tube Data Storage (TDS)
Written by Michael Cone
Updated at January 27th, 2026
Table of Contents
See how to use the Tube Data Storage tab inside VTube-LASER.
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Tube Data Storage (TDS) captures and stores the information created when a tube is measured and aligned to Master data. This allows users to measure a part multiple times, compare scans, look back at past scans, average scans together, and print past reports as needed. This information is for Version 4.4 Build 1743 or newer.
What data gets saved in TDS?
- The TDS captures the unique setup of each VTube project every time an alignment is made. This data is saved to preserve the timeline of a project.
- Because VTube saves each alignment as its own unique project in TDS, users can use TDS to find previous scans and re-print reports as needed.
- Users can compare multiple parts at once by checking ON the relevant scans using the checkboxes in TDS.
How to create tube averages with TDS.
- TDS allows users to select multiple scans and create an averaged part that can be sent to a bender or used to create a report.
- The Measured Tube Averages (MTA) can be used on two or more parts.
How to Import/Export the TDS libraries.
- Users can export libraries (multiple scans) to a folder of their choice.
- Exported libraries can be imported at a later date and overwrite the current library.
- Users can import libraries to APPEND the incoming data.
How to Reset the internal TDS library.
- If users appended or replaced the TDS library, they can always go back by Resetting the internal TDS library.
- Users must first save the appended, or replaced TDS library project.
- Close the TDS window and save the project as a NEW VTube Project (.VTP)
- Users can then go back to the TDS window and "Reset the internal TDS to the most recent saved project TDS data"
- Users will now have a .VTP with the original scanned data AND a new .VTP with appended or replaced scanned data with a new name.
- Original scans. Part# VTube-LASER Demo 5
- Appended/Replaced scans. Part#TDS2
- A warning window will appear when users reset the library to the original TDS.
Storage notes.
- VTube will automatically backup and auto trim the libraries so users do not have to worry about computer file storage. See more info here.