Measure the deviation between two objects

How to use the tools in the Locators > Deviation sub-palette to show comb plots measuring the deviation between objects.

Measure the exact deviation between two curves at a single location

  1. Choose Locators > Deviation > Deviation.
  2. Click the first curve on the point from which you want to measure.
  3. Click the second curve.

    A measurement appears indicating the distance between the selected point on the first curve and the closest point on the second curve.

    Note:

    The curves can be either free curves, surface edges, trim edges, isoparametric curves, or curves-on-surface.

  4. Do one of the following:
    • Drag the arrowhead to move the measurement along the first curve. The measurement updates to show the distance between the new point on the first curve and the closest point on the second curve.
    • Drag the label to move it.

Add a deviation comb plot between two objects

  1. Choose the appropriate tool for the object types you want to compare:
  2. Select the two objects. You must select the objects in the order specified by the tool name. For example, in Curve to Surface deviation, select a curve, followed by a surface. (For Object to Plane, the order does not matter.)
    Tip:

    Remember that for “curves” you can use surface edges, trim edges, isoparametric curves, and curves-on-surface in addition to free curves. For all tools, you can also select objects in reference layers.

    The tool displays a deviation comb indicating the deviation across the length of the objects, labeling the minimum, maximum, and mean. The Mesh to Surface deviation tool only displays the minimum and maximum deviations.

  3. Do any of the following:
    • Drag the to change the scale of the quills.
    • Drag the to change the density of the quills.
    • Drag a label to move it.

View the exact numeric values from a deviation locator

Choose Windows > Information > Deviation Table.