All posts by vrsim

User Workflow (Modes), Using SimSpray

Selecting a SimSpray™ Mode

SimSpray™ offers a variety of Modes (learning paths) to help users learn skills:

  • Tutorial mode provides interactive guidance on fundamental paint skills and how to use key SimSpray™ features to develop those skills.

  • Activity mode (SimSpray Powder only) provides users the ability to test specific skills in an interactive, controlled environment.

  • Lesson mode provides a structured environment to test user skills.  Users perform Project, Tutorial, or Activity Lessons and their performance is tracked.

  • Free Paint, Free Blast, and Free Coat modes offer Users the most options and the ability to practice their skills without being tracked.

Not all Modes are available for all SimSpray™ Products.  

The Modes Page

Users select the Mode they want to use from the Modes page.  Tap the Proceed button on the Home page to access the Modes page. Then tap the Mode you want to select it, and tap the Proceed button.

Note: Unavailable Modes are dimmed and cannot be selected.

User Workflow (Modes), Using SimSpray

Performing Tutorials

Tutorials are performed in Tutorial Mode or as Lessons in Lesson Mode.

The images below describe the workflows for Tutorials:


 To perform a Tutorial:

  1. Select Tutorial from the Modes page.
  2. Select a Tutorial to perform from the Tutorial Selection page.

Or

  1. Select Lesson from the Modes page.
  2. Log in using your username and password.
  3. Select a Tutorial to perform from the Courses and Lessons page.

Then:

  1. Tap the Proceed button.
  2. Follow onscreen instructions on the Calibrate page to calibrate sensors and proceed to the Live Scene.
  3. Watch and respond to onscreen guidance in the Live Scene. Users will be guided through specific steps.  Users must perform these steps to continue the Tutorial.
  4. When Tutorials are complete, a Message Box appears to prompt Users for how they want to proceed.  Tap the Replay button to replay the Tutorial.  Tap the Finish button to close the Tutorial and return to the Tutorials page.  Tap the Next button to play the next Tutorial.

Instructors may add Tutorials to Courses from the Content Management portion of the Admin Portal.

User Workflow (Modes), Using SimSpray

Performing Activities

Activities are performed in Activity Mode or as Lessons in Lesson Mode.

The images below describe the workflows for Activities:

To perform an Activity:

  1. Select Activity from the Modes page.

  2. Select an Activity to perform from the Activity Selection page.

Or

  1. Select Lesson from the Modes page.
  2. Log in using your username and password.
  3. Select an Activity to perform from the Courses and Lessons page.

Then:

  1. Tap the Proceed button.
  2. Follow onscreen instructions on the Calibrate page, if needed, to calibrate sensors and proceed to the Live Scene.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions in the Live Scene to perform the Activity.
    Users will be guided in their FMD (Face Mounted Display) view to perform specific steps.  Users must perform these steps to perform the Activity.

When Activities are complete, a Message Box appears in the FMD to prompt Users how to proceed.  An Activity Score may also display, if applicable.  Tap the Replay button to replay the Activity.  Tap the Finish button to close the Activity and return to the Activities page. Tap the Next button to play the next Activity.

Instructors may add Activities to Courses from the Content Management portion of the Admin portal.

User Workflow (Modes), Using SimSpray

Performing Lessons

Lessons provide Users a structured learning environment with defined curriculum goals.  Users select Lessons to perform the associated Activities, Tutorials, and/or Projects.  

The images below describe the workflows Users follow to perform Lessons.  

Users select Lesson Mode from the Modes page.  

Note: Lessons are not available for Blasting in v2.x software. 

To use Curriculum Mode or Lesson Mode:

Software v3.3 introduced “Curriculum Mode” with an online connection to Performance Portal.  This takes the place of the “Lesson Mode”, available in earlier software versions.

  1. Select Curriculum or Lesson on the Modes page then tap the Proceed button.
  2. On the Login page enter your username and password then tap the Proceed button.
  3. First Time Users:  
    • Enter the username and password you want to use.
    • Tap the Proceed button.
    • Tap the Yes button on the Login Failed message box to create your User account. 
  4. Choose a Lesson from the Courses and Lessons page then tap the Proceed button.
  5. Prepare to Paint, Blast or Powder Coat, Perform Tutorials, or Perform Activities.
Using SimSpray

Preparing To Paint, Blast, or Powder Coat

Users need to prepare to Paint, Blast, or Powder Coat their selected Project by:

  • Selecting Colors to use
  • Selecting appropriate Equipment Settings
  • Calibrating motion sensors to track movements

Users will encounter these steps in Free Paint, Free Blast, Free Coat and Lesson Modes and must complete them in order to continue to the Live Scene.


Selecting Colors

Users select one Color to use for all Primer Coats and one Color to use for all Color Coats in the selected Project.

Selecting Colors to use for a Project is done from the Colors page.

  1. On the Colors page tap a Color to use for Color Coats.
  2. Select the paint finish (matte, semi-gloss, or gloss) for the coat.
    • Available starting in v3.1.x software.
  3. If Primer Coats are included in the selected Project tap the Primer Color indicator then tap a Color to use for Primer Coats.

Selecting or Reviewing Equipment Settings

To Paint or Powder Coat, you must first select Equipment Settings appropriate for the selected Project.  Blast Equipment Settings are preset but are displayed so you can review them.

Note: Equipment Settings are meant to expose Users to proper settings.  With the exception of Tip Sizes, changing the Equipment Settings does not change how the Paint or Powder goes down in the Live Scene.  For Powder Coating, Users can use Faraday Mode in the Live Scene to change how the Powder goes down.

Paint Equipment Settings

On the Equipment Settings page, rotate the Air and/or Fluid Pressure Dial(s) to set the Pressure Gauge(s) to the selected pressure setting(s) and tap to select a Paint Cup configuration and Tip Size.  Tap the Proceed button.


Paint Tip Sizes

Available in software v2.2 and later:

Selecting a different Tip Size changes the paint flow volume rate for HVLP and the paint flow volume rate and pattern size in Airless and Air-Assisted Airless.

HVLP:

  • 0.5 – 2.5 in intervals of 0.1 (e.g., 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, …, 2.5) (software v3.2 and later)
  • 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.5 (software v2.2-v3.1.0)

Airless and Air-Assisted Airless:

  • Fan size: 2-15 in intervals of 1 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, …, 15)  (software v3.2 and later)
    Orifice Size: 7 – 35 in intervals of 2 (e.g., 7, 9, 11, …, 35)  (software v3.2 and later)
  • 313, 415, 517, and 614 (software v2.2-v3.1.0)
Live Gun Adjustments

Available in v2.2.x software and later:

When in the environment, adjust the Spray Gun dials for real-time effects.

HVLP

The back, top physical dial on the Gun adjusts the fan pattern size. Increasing the % increases the size.

  • Available in v2.2.x software and later, increasing the size spreads (decreases the thickness of) the paint reaching the Part. The default is set to 100% fan pattern size. Decreasing this knob directly affects and increases the target Travel Speed and Travel Speed Cue.

The back, bottom physical dial adjusts the fluid flow amount. Increasing the % increases the amount of paint.

  • Available in v2.2.x software and later, this knob much more significantly affects the amount of paint. In earlier versions, the fluid flow amount adjusted only slightly. The default is set to 50% fluid amount. Increasing this knob directly affects and increases the target Travel Speed and Travel Speed Cue.

Rotate the front nozzle by 90 degrees to change the pattern orientation between vertical and horizontal.

Air-Assisted Airless

Available in v2.2.x software and later:

The back, bottom physical dial on the Gun adjusts the air amount. Increasing the % increases the amount of the paint reaching the Part. Increasing this knob directly affects and increases the target Travel Speed and Travel Speed Cue.

 

Amount of Paint

Available in v2.2.x software and later:

To increase the amount of liquid paint going down:

  • All processes (Air-Assisted Airless, Airless, HVLP):
    • Increase the tip size. Adjustable on the Equipment Settings screen.
    • Decrease the travel speed. Adjustable in the Admin Portal.
    • Decrease the distance to the part. Adjustable in the Admin Portal.
  • Air-Assisted Airless:
    • Increase the air amount by opening up (increasing  the % of) the bottom dial. Adjustable in Live Painting.
  • HVLP:
    • Decrease the fan pattern size by closing down (reducing the % of) the top fan pattern dial. Adjustable in Live Painting.
    • Increase the fluid amount by opening up (increasing  the % of) the bottom fluid dial. Adjustable in Live Painting.

To increase how fast paint builds up in Coverage Map Mode:

  • Follow the above.
  • Decrease the mil target. Adjustable in the Admin Portal.

Blast Equipment Settings

On the Equipment Settings page, review the blast media, damage level and clean rate for the selected Project.  Tap the Proceed button.

Blasting Rate

Available starting in v3.1.x software:

  • The Blasting Gun’s Angle and Distance affect how quickly the paint and rust get blasted away.
  • Rust is removed slower than paint.
  • The overall blasting rate was increased from previous versions.

Powder Coat Equipment Settings

On the Equipment Settings page, select the desired settings and Tip Size.  Tap the Proceed button.

Incorrect Equipment Settings

Attempting to use Equipment Settings outside of the acceptable Equipment Setting Ranges prevents continuing beyond the Equipment Settings page and into the Live Scene.

Equipment Settings for Default Projects can be found on the Default Projects list.  See Managing Projects for Custom Projects.

Calibrating Sensors

A Calibration process is necessary to align all tracking sensors before entering the Live Scene.  The Calibration process takes place on the Calibration page.

Users will arrive at the Calibration page from the Equipment Settings page. Follow the onscreen instructions to perform the Calibration process.

Note: as indicated on the touch screen, you will need to stand still during Calibration.  When complete the Live Scene will appear. Users will be able to view the selected Environment and Part through the FMD and perform the selected Project or Lesson.

See Recalibrate for additional information on how to Recalibrate if the Calibration process was unsuccessful.

Painting, Blasting, or Powder Coating, Using SimSpray

Free Paint, Free Blast, or Free Coat

Free Paint, Free Blast and Free Coat Modes give Users the freedom to select and practice Projects anonymously.  Users are guided to the appropriate Pages to Filter, select, and prepare their selected Projects.  Users select from and perform any available Project and receive an anonymous Student Report for completing Projects.  

The image below describes the workflow for Free Paint, Free Blast, Free Coat.

To use Free Paint, Free Blast or Free Coat Mode:

  1. Tap Free Paint, Free Blast or Free Coat Mode on the Modes page and then tap the Proceed button.
  2. Select an Environment from the Environment page by tapping it.  Tap the Proceed button.Note: Selecting a Conveyor Environment allows you to Paint or Powder Coat on moving Parts.

  3. Select a Process from the Processes page by tapping it.  Tap the Proceed button.
  4. Select a Part on the Parts page by tapping it.  Use the Parts Filter to help locate Parts.  Tap the Proceed button.

  5. Select a Project from the Projects page by tapping it.  Tap the Proceed button.

  6. Prepare to Paint, Blast or Free Coat.
Painting, Blasting, or Powder Coating, Using SimSpray

Live Scene

Users land on the Live Scene from the Calibration page or the Equipment Settings page. Painting, Blasting and Powder Coating in SimSpray™ are performed in the Live Scene.

Here, Users will work with their chosen Lesson or Part and use Feedback Tools to view, evaluate, and improve their performance.  After doing this, Users End Coat, End Project, or Bake the Part.

End Coat Button

A Paint Coat is considered complete when Users tap the End Coat button.

Opens the Equipment Settings page so Paint Users can select the appropriate settings for the next Coat of their Project.

End Project Button

A Paint or Blast Project is considered complete when Users tap the End Project button. The End Project button appears when Users are Painting or Blasting the final Coat.

The End Project button:

  • Saves the last Coat Scores, gun Passes and Project Scores.
  • Opens the Project Review page.
  • Creates a Student Report for the completed Project and attempts to write it to a USB drive.

Bake Button – Powder Coating

A Powder Coat Project is considered complete when Users tap the Bake button. The Bake button appears when Users are Powder Coating

The Bake button simulates the Powder Coating Bake step and generates Post-Bake Scores.  Post-Bake Coverage and Mil Build Scores may change from Pre-Bake Scores because during the Baking process, paint may spread.

The Bake button:

  • Saves the last Pre-Bake Scores and gun Passes.
  • Performs a Bake step and generates Post-Bake Scores.
  • Opens the Project Review page.

  • Creates a Student Report for the completed Powder Coat Project and attempts to write it to a USB drive.
Painting, Blasting, or Powder Coating, Using SimSpray

Faraday Mode

Faraday Mode makes adjustments to the Powder Coat Gun to better handle the Faraday Cage effect.  These changes make it easier to cover internal corners and recesses on a Part.  

Quickly double-tap the Powder Gun’s trigger to toggle Faraday Mode on or off. (Available starting in v2.2.x software)

Otherwise, toggle the Faraday Mode button On in the Live Scene.  This reduces the Powder Coat Gun voltage and powder flow rate.

While in Faraday Mode, the default Powder Gun distance acceptable range increases.  Additionally, angle is not scored while using Faraday Mode.

Feedback Tools, Using SimSpray

Feedback and Tools Overview

Feedback and Tools available in the Live Scene assist in quickly developing their Paint, Blast and/or Powder Coat skills.  

Users have the ability to:

Feedback Tools

In-Sim Tablet Controls

Overview

Note: requires 3.x software.  See Versions.  Available starting in v3.x software.

The In-Sim Tablet makes it easy to do common actions while keeping the HMD (helmet) on. The Tablet is a moveable, dockable control ‘tablet’ that lets the User access project controls and performance feedback while staying immersed in the training environment.

Positioning

By default, the Tablet will follow and reposition based on the User’s position. The Tablet will typically be found docked on the closest of the four walls of the tracking environment. Note that the User will normally need to turn around to see the Tablet.  Also note that if you do not see the Tablet, then move closer to one of the walls until the Tablet appears.

To reposition the Tablet in a fixed location, aim the Gun over the left or right side of the Tablet, the virtual Gun will change to a hand, pull and hold the Gun trigger to grab the Tablet, move the Gun to reposition the Tablet, and release the Gun trigger to let go of the Tablet.

To redock the Tablet to the side walls, point the Gun at any of the ‘Return’ boxes located on the walls.

Controls

  1. Coating – View Coating Mode.
  2. Coverage Map – Enable or disable Coverage Map Mode.
  3. Defects – View Defects. Select the defect to highlight from a secondary menu. Note: defect selection is limited to applicable defects in the selected process.
  4. Angle – Enable or disable the Angle Cue.
  5. Distance – Enable or disable the Distance Cue.
  6. Speed – Enable or disable the Speed Cue.
  7. Controls shown here are dictated by the selected processes. These controls include:
    Conveyor Speed – Adjust the conveyor line speed. Note: this is only visible in the conveyor environment.Edge Blending – Enable or disable the Edge Blending Cue. Note: this is only visible in the HVLP Edge Blending process.
  8. Remove One – Remove the current Coat.
  9. Remove All – Remove all Coats.
  10. Equipment Settings – Adjust Equipment Settings, including Tip Size, Pressures, and part height location.
  11. Lines – Enable or disable 3D line replay of Gun movement.
  12. End Coat / Project – End the current Coat. If on the last Coat, this ends the Project. Note: in the conveyor environment, use this button to also start the conveyor line.
  13. Coat Selection – Use the left and right arrows to view the information (Score, Coating, Coverage, 3D lines, Defects) of the ‘previous’ or ‘next’ Coat(s).

To learn more about these controls, see the following support articles for more details: