1 (866) 979-0453
Knowledge Base
LOG IN
Skip to main content
< All Topics
Print

Aligning Assemblies Over 30ft

Aligning Assemblies Longer Than 30 ft

When working with assemblies longer than 30 ft, it is important to align the structure in 30 ft sections in order to maintain alignment accuracy.

FabStation devices maintain the following tolerances:

  • HoloLens: up to 1/16 inch accuracy across 30 ft

  • iPad Pro: up to 1/2 inch accuracy across 30 ft

To maintain these tolerances, assemblies longer than 30 ft should be divided into sections of approximately 30 ft and aligned one section at a time.

Aligning the 1st Section

Start by identifying a reference point within the first 30 ft of the assembly. This reference point will act as the third point used for scaling.

Good reference points include:

  • Stiffeners

  • Plates

  • Bolt holes

  • Any clear feature that can be used to pull scale

Once the reference point is identified:

  1. Place the QR code on the assembly as you normally would.

  2. Place magnets along the assembly as usual.

  3. Map and align the first section using the standard FabStation alignment workflow.

  4. Once alignment is complete, inspect the section before moving on.

Moving to the Next Section

After completing the first section, the QR code must be repositioned to continue aligning the assembly.

Move the QR code to the next reference point along the assembly or if the assembly is 60ft or less move the QR code to the opposite end.

On the device:

  • Tablet > Tap Home
  • HoloLens > Select Home / Change Device

Once you return to the Part Selector screen:

  1. Update the QR code location so it matches the new position on the assembly.

  2. Confirm the QR placement screen.

  3. Scan the QR code again from the new location

Next Section Alignment Process

After rescanning the QR code:

  1. Map the next section of the assembly

  2. Align the components as required

  3. Inspect the section

This process can be repeated for the full length of the assembly, ensuring each section stays within the supported alignment range.

Aligning 4th side of Assemblies

If you are working with an assembly that is 30 ft or shorter, you can typically map, align, and inspect three sides of the assembly using the standard workflow.

To inspect the fourth side, the map must be cleared and recreated from the new position.

Step 1: Align & Inspect 3 sides

Inspect the first 3 sides as normal. Map, align and inspect. 

STEP 2: After completing the inspection of the first three sides, tap Tools.

  1. Select Clear Map.

  2. The system will immediately prompt you to start mapping again.

STEP 3: Begin mapping the fourth side of the assembly.

Because the hologram has already been aligned for the first 3 sides, the alignment should already be very close.

At this stage:

  1. Perform a micro-alignment 

  2. Continue with the inspection process for the 4th side

Table of Contents