Programming off CAD

[Sl33stak]

Hopefully a quick question.
I'm programming of a CAD model (well an IGES in curves and surfaces mode)
and I have created my manual alignment by going into probe mode to pick up my plane (then level it) then into auto features to pick up two circles (othe two datums) then I create my manual alignment. NOW, when I switch to DCC mode, what is the BEST way to create the DCC aligment? Re-do exactly what I did in manual mode? or can I cut and paste the previous alignment?

The quicker the responses....the faster my blood pressure will go down! LOL.

Thanks everyone.

[Ken379128]

You should do it the same way as in the manual aligment. That is what I learned in the classes do the same but using more hits on the datums. I am pretty new to this stuff myself but it has worked for me. Good Luck

[tking]

Yup, do it again in DCC, the machine will do a better job of probing the feature than you ever could with a joystick.

.02

TK

[John Kingston]

You can cut and paste the manual alignment features, but make sure you add move points and rename the features. I try to use the simplest manual alignment I can. It doesn't need to beset up to the datum scheme. I try to make it features I can probe easily. Then, I offset to whatever them datum scheme is. Finally I measure the datum scheme in DCC. Using that for an alignment. Makes it easier when running the program.

[Sl33stak]

.

I think I was misunderstood. I know I have to do a DCC alignment, I was wondering the best way to create the DCC aligment. Do I just re-do it the same way I created my manual alignment? Or can I "cheat" and copy and paste the manual alignment into DCC mode and get the same results?


EDIT: Thanks John, you were replying while I was typing this up.

[John Kingston]

I think I was misunderstood. I know I have to do a DCC alignment, I was wondering the best way to create the DCC aligment. Do I just re-do it the same way I created my manual alignment? Or can I "cheat" and copy and paste the manual alignment into DCC mode and get the same results?

It should work. I've done it.

[Shelley Liebman]

You can certainly cut and paste, I've done it many times. But I agree with John K, I always use the easiest features to probe when doing my manual alignment, then follow with 2 dcc alignments. The manual alignment is used primarily just to tell the machine, hey this is where my part is.....
We set up all of our parts here with one manual, and 2 dcc alignments cause we nest our parts in a way that allows us to repeat the placement on the table within about .05" or less. ONce the original manual alignment is done, we rarely need to re-do it, just plop the part on the fixure, in the right location and the 2 dcc alignments take care of the rest.

[Duckhunter]

I will copy and paste after the manual alignment, but I will change holes/slots to auto features, and modify the hit locations of other features so that they are taken at the same levels (lines).

Tim

[Tested]

I try to keep my manual to a minuim. I do a really simple align. "just enough so the CMM can find the part".
Then I go in and do a alignment that is going to really zero in on the part.
One thing to note here is I always use Iterative alignments.
If your doing CAD EQUALES PART this won't be a good way to go.

[david phillips]

iterative alignment

PC-DMIS instuction for CAD file import
create new program (note Measurement units (mm or Inch) must be the same as CAD file)
File Import (type of STEP and IGES are the easiest.) model.
Click on file name
import (note different files types have different bottons to click on)


after import.

Click on View Step Up button
Click on Solid
Apply - OK

edit - Preferences - Set up - Part/Machine
Part "Setup Field"
for the following determine how part will sit on CMM.
Cad "+X axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field
Cad "+Y axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field
Cad "+Z axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field

Insert - Feature - Auto (for example using circles)
Graphics window Zoom in on a Circle.
Click on edges of circle 3 places
(Important things to look for "Depth" probe will measure below surface
and "Distance" the distance the probe will be from the surface.)

Click create.

repeat on 2 more circles.

Insert - Alignment - New - Iterative
Click on all 3 circles (Could use 3 Auto Surface Points)
click on select
click on 2 circles
click on select
click on 1 circle
click on select

click Meas All Once.
(this will tell the machine measure all 3 features in DCC)
Click OK

POP UP Measure ALL inter align features now?
Click NO

Click OK on Alignment Utilities POP UP window.
POP UP Measure ALL inter align features now?
Click NO

File - Save

If you want, you can do another alignment to flip Graphics window axis to what you are use to.

Now run program.

after run you can insert MODE/DCC

Using auto Features just click on cad model

[calbritton]

PC-DMIS instuction for CAD file import
create new program (note Measurement units (mm or Inch) must be the same as CAD file)
File Import (type of STEP and IGES are the easiest.) model.
Click on file name
import (note different files types have different bottons to click on)


after import.

Click on View Step Up button
Click on Solid
Apply - OK

edit - Preferences - Set up - Part/Machine
Part "Setup Field"
for the following determine how part will sit on CMM.
Cad "+X axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field
Cad "+Y axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field
Cad "+Z axis equals Which machine axis? axis drop down field

Insert - Feature - Auto (for example using circles)
Graphics window Zoom in on a Circle.
Click on edges of circle 3 places
(Important things to look for "Depth" probe will measure below surface
and "Distance" the distance the probe will be from the surface.)

Click create.

repeat on 2 more circles.

Insert - Alignment - New - Iterative
Click on all 3 circles (Could use 3 Auto Surface Points)
click on select
click on 2 circles
click on select
click on 1 circle
click on select

click Meas All Once.
(this will tell the machine measure all 3 features in DCC)
Click OK

POP UP Measure ALL inter align features now?
Click NO

Click OK on Alignment Utilities POP UP window.
POP UP Measure ALL inter align features now?
Click NO

File - Save

If you want, you can do another alignment to flip Graphics window axis to what you are use to.

Now run program.

after run you can insert MODE/DCC

Using auto Features just click on cad model

What if the origin of the iges model is not on the part (soild model) but floating in space?

[bboyd]

What if the origin of the iges model is not on the part (soild model) but floating in space?

Doesn't matter, the origin can be anywhere, you are simply matching the part orientation to the CAD orientation with your alignment. In automotive we deal with incar coordinates all the time where the origin is in the middle of the car.