Offline Alignment and Programming

[JStewart]

Hello all,

We are using PCDmis 2010 MR2, and I have a few questions about programming offline with a CAD model.

1. After I hit my alignment points in CAD, and then hit them on the machine and align the two, can I then just save the alignment and recall it at the beginning of the program? Thereby avoiding having to manualy touch the points again to align the part? (Considering I am using a fuxture to hold the part and a locator plate to place it in the same position on the surface plate again and again.)

2. After the whole problem in question number 1 is solved, can I then just put all my dimensions in online, on the CAD model using auto features? The whole plan is to program as much as possible offline and have a program ready before a physical part comes off the machine. I realize I may have to at least hit the alignment points on the part still, but that is an issue we wil deal with if/when it happens. Until then, do I just click my features on the CAD model using auto, or measure?

Many, many thanks in advance for any and all advice!

[chadweston]

1. You need to have two alignments written offline. A manual followed by an auto. Once you get your part in, run BOTH alignments. After you measure the manual alignment the first time, mark that section off by highlighting then pressing F3 and save your program. You should really never have to do this manual alignment again after that, considering you have the part placed in the same position everytime.

2. Yes. You can then create all of your features on your CAD model using auto features.

[chadweston]

And make sure you translate your CAD coordinate system to the way you are going to have it on your machine. AND DON'T USE CAD=PART.

[pwhitsa]

Hello all,

We are using PCDmis 2010 MR2, and I have a few questions about programming offline with a CAD model.

1. After I hit my alignment points in CAD, and then hit them on the machine and align the two, can I then just save the alignment and recall it at the beginning of the program? Thereby avoiding having to manualy touch the points again to align the part? (Considering I am using a fuxture to hold the part and a locator plate to place it in the same position on the surface plate again and again.)

2. After the whole problem in question number 1 is solved, can I then just put all my dimensions in online, on the CAD model using auto features? The whole plan is to program as much as possible offline and have a program ready before a physical part comes off the machine. I realize I may have to at least hit the alignment points on the part still, but that is an issue we wil deal with if/when it happens. Until then, do I just click my features on the CAD model using auto, or measure?

Many, many thanks in advance for any and all advice!

1: Yes
2: You can put your dims in offline as well why wait to go online?
Use autofeatures as it is easier.

[pwhitsa]

And make sure you translate your CAD coordinate system to the way you are going to have it on your machine. AND DON'T USE CAD=PART.

Why?
Some people do and some dont.
Opinion is divided on the issue.

[JStewart]

Great advice! Thanks to all for the input. I have a great Engineering team that aligns the CAD model origins to whatever I need them to be before they send me the iges file, so no worries there. Other than that, I find it easier on the mind to do an iterative alignment rather than sort through cad=part.

Again, many thanks to all.

[John Riggins]

Great advice! Thanks to all for the input. I have a great Engineering team that aligns the CAD model origins to whatever I need them to be before they send me the iges file, so no worries there. Other than that, I find it easier on the mind to do an iterative alignment rather than sort through cad=part.

Again, many thanks to all.

You are lucky to have such a cooperative group. It might not always be that way.
If you have time you should learn what to do if the CAD is not aligned as per your setup.
This is quite easy once you learn it, but learning it is quite a PITA.

[Chally72]

Did you download the new, fixed version of MR2, by the way? The original release had some serious problems with autofeatures.

[johnP]

Without seeing a BP, watch your clearance moves to next feature to be measured when programming offline. Are you familiar with "clearplane" ?

[Slug Dawson]

"I have a great Engineering team that aligns the CAD model origins to whatever I need them to be before they send me the iges file, so no worries there."

What... and only 2 posts, sounds like a troll. Engineering team that is helpful indeed!

Shouldn't you be getting ready for the SX season?

[JStewart]

Did you download the new, fixed version of MR2, by the way? The original release had some serious problems with autofeatures.

I am currently using: PC-DMIS CAD++ Version 2010 MR2 Aug 26 2010 build. Hopefully that is the latest, if not then looks like I need to bother the IT guys again!

"I have a great Engineering team that aligns the CAD model origins to whatever I need them to be before they send me the iges file, so no worries there."

Trust me, I was just as shocked as you are, but they are actually quite helpful!

What... and only 2 posts, sounds like a troll. Engineering team that is helpful indeed!

Shouldn't you be getting ready for the SX season?

[sealevel]

I am currently using: PC-DMIS CAD++ Version 2010 MR2 Aug 26 2010 build. Hopefully that is the latest, if not then looks like I need to bother the IT guys again!

Get ready to bother them, amigo. The "fixed" version (if you can believe it) is build #78.......dated Oct 5. Me? I'm gonna skip MR2 and wait for MR3, 'cause I like my bugs fresh.

[JStewart]

Build #78?!?!?! Ouch. We literally just downloaded and installed the "latest" build last week due to all the machines being at 2009 MR1 when I got here! Oh well, time to call IT. Thanks for the heads up.

[dph51]

Better call tech support too.

[jjewell]

Great advice! Thanks to all for the input. I have a great Engineering team that aligns the CAD model origins to whatever I need them to be before they send me the iges file, so no worries there. Other than that, I find it easier on the mind to do an iterative alignment rather than sort through cad=part.

Again, many thanks to all.

Good on you for doing an iterative alignment using autofeatures, this is the easiest way to work offline.
+1 to doing 2 alignments, thats the easy way also.