VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER allow for multiple tubes in one project using the Assembly.

Feature 1 - Green Shaded Assembly Button

This is how the user interface gives you the clue that multiple tubes exist in the VTube project.

Feature 2 - VTube-LASER can combine multiple parts in an assembly into one part for bending as a single stick.

See this video for how to combine parts into one part.

Feature 3 - How to Control the Order of the Parts in a Combination Part

Feature 4 - How to compensate a tube shape for post-process deformation using Assembly

VTube-LASER allows you to compensate for post-process deformation by creating a second set of MASTER data. Follow the steps below to work through this process.

Suggested Process Steps

1 - In ASSEMBLY, copy the first tube to a second tube. Make the new second tube the current part.

2 - Using the second assembly tube, perform a corrections loop with the bender until the pre-post-process part is within shape tolerance.

3 - Perform the secondary operation that deforms the part.

4 - Measure the deformed part to calculate new correction data. With this operation, we assume that the part is pulled out of tolerance.

5 - Enter the command dialog and press OK.

6 - Save the VTube project.

7 - Now you can test the process by measuring the second assembly tube with the compensated MASTER to qualify part shapes BEFORE the secondary operation deformation.

8 - Use the first assembly tube with the original MASTER to qualify the part shapes AFTER the secondary operation deformation.

Repeat the Process if Secondary Operations Change the Shape

The steps assume that the secondary operation process consistently deforms the part. If the post-process changes, repeat the steps. If the secondary operation changes so that the deformation changes, then this process must be repeated.

The Command is Also in the Data Handling Menu

The command can be found in the popup menus for both XYZ and LRA in the MASTER data and in the DATA HANDLING menu.

Feature 5 - Using the Assembly Grid Popup Menu

The Assembly window has a popup menu of grid actions.

Feature 6 - Assembly Reports

VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER reports now output the entire assembly when multiple parts are in a project.

While building multiple parts to one report, VTube can display individual models in the tube images, or it can show the entire assembly in any tube image.

Feature 7 - Measure tube sections of long parts using Assembly Trim.

Feature 8 - Control which parts in the assembly transform with the current tube alignment.

Assembly Control has two buttons to allow the entire selection of tubes to influence the alignment or only the currently selected tube to influence the alignment by pressing one of two buttons in the new Assembly Control ALIGN tab menu.