Multiple parts at once

[dyost]

Hello all,
Thought maybe the gurus could help a newbie. I currently have 10 programs for 10 parts (all different shapes & sizes) that come off of a 3 axis mill. They are pretty simple parts (2d outline with holes and slots). What i would like to do is combine the programs (deleting the intitial and dcc alignments) then do 1 intitial alignment for all and a dcc for each part. i have threaded equally spaced holes about the table to locate my batch of parts.
My question is how do i get the reporting to report an individual report for each part. We currently use a standard report that is generated when i insert my print report command. If i do this 10 times will each report show the previous parts dimensions.
Currently running pc-dmis cad++ 3.7 MR1
Any help input would be greatly appreciated

[MrComment]

Are you always going to have 10 parts to measure at once, and each one different?

If so or as long as there is some order to what your planning on doing I would just create a new "master" program which would then only execute each of your 10 seperate external PCDMIS programs. You wouldnt have to screw with deleting alignments and combining programs. Which IMHO is asking for Trouble with a Capital T. Also at the end of each program it could print the report for the program that just ran with your Print report command.

You could go so far as to create a form for your master program which only executed the parts you currently had setup on the table also, which would likely be a more powerful tool, then being stuck running all 10 at once.

[#2#]

Are you always going to have 10 parts to measure at once, and each one different?

If so or as long as there is some order to what your planning on doing I would just create a new "master" program which would then only execute each of your 10 seperate external PCDMIS programs. You wouldnt have to screw with deleting alignments and combining programs. Which IMHO is asking for Trouble with a Capital T. Also at the end of each program it could print the report for the program that just ran with your Print report command.

You could go so far as to create a form for your master program which only executed the parts you currently had setup on the table also, which would likely be a more powerful tool, then being stuck running all 10 at once.

That is what I was thinking but as I have never tried it I didn't want to go and suggest it. I think it would be pretty easy to have it skip certain programs/parts with if/end statements.

[Underspec]

I am currently trying to develop a GUI using Visual Basic and PCDMIS's object library to achieve this. I think this is the best way. Of course you would have to use individual DCC alignments just like any standalone program would.

You can configure the GUI to be able to run chosen programs sequentially. Each program would have to contain a picture of the setup and each setup must not be in the same spot. This would be time consuming to setup but it would help tremendously.

My GUI will contain 4 quadrants which will represent the 4 quadrant locations of the surface plate. In each quadrant a program will have to be made for each part. The GUI would have drop down menus which you can choose the appropriate program off of.

Just an idea which I have been working on.

[dyost]

I will always be running the 10 different parts. They are run in a batch program on the mill. Are there any print commands or formatting that will produce one report for each individual part. I need the machine to run all 10 parts and produce 10 reports. That way once proven I can run all 10 while i drink beer out back!!!!

[MrComment]

PRINT/REPORT,EXEC MODE=END,$
              TO_FILE=OFF,AUTO=1,$
              TO_PRINTER=OFF,$
              TO_DMIS_REPORT=OFF,FILE_OPTION=INDEX,FILENAME=,$
              REPORT_THEORETICALS=NONE,REPORT_FEATURE_WITH_DIMENSIONS=NO,$
              PREVIOUS_RUNS=DELETE_INSTANCES

Sure you can print a report whenever you like.

Insert>Report Command>Print Command

Just place a print report command at the end of each program and then F9 it to edit however you prefer.

What your asking (running multiple programs in batches) shouldnt be too difficult as a long as your careful on how you set it up.

[JacobMag]

This is interesting. I would like to run five identical parts in one program. Can someone tell me how to set it up? I would think you would align the 1st piece DCC it and create all the features to be measured and do the same step for part 2, 3, and so on. Or, Is there an easyway or better way of doing this?

[AJHVW93]

This is interesting. I would like to run five identical parts in one program. Can someone tell me how to set it up? I would think you would align the 1st piece DCC it and create all the features to be measured and do the same step for part 2, 3, and so on. Or, Is there an easyway or better way of doing this?

If you know the fixed locs of the other parts you could use the pattern feature. I am sure there are other better ways. Cant think right now i'm burnt!!

[AJHVW93]

This is interesting. I would like to run five identical parts in one program. Can someone tell me how to set it up? I would think you would align the 1st piece DCC it and create all the features to be measured and do the same step for part 2, 3, and so on. Or, Is there an easyway or better way of doing this?

If you know the fixed locs of the other parts you could use the pattern feature. I am sure there are other better ways. Cant think right now i'm burnt!!

[RClone]

jacobmag, first rule of computer is you should only have to do it once.
You could try loop/ offset for 5 identical parts.

[T Miller]

Try a master program calling each part as a sub program. In your master program save alignment as external - Then in each of your part programs call that external alignment up. You will need 11 programs in all put print command in each program

[cmmguy]

Tom, when you do it that way, does it see each "sub" program as a separate program or one big program?

[RClone]

Is there any way to clear the report command que?
I think he wants 10 different reports not one long one.
delete instances?
IR idot

[#2#]

What I have found usefull in the past when trying to measure more than one part...

Do a readpoint alignment for each part. That way they don't have to stay in the same place from one run to the next. You just take a readpoint at the appropriate spot for each part at the beginning. Then later, when you switch from one part to the next you just align to the readpoint on the next part and go.

For reports, you can probably dimension each part right after it is run before moving to the next part. Also, before moving to the next part, insert a print command send the report to file or printer or both. The only problem with that is you lose the header on all but the first report.

[T Miller]

Tom, when you do it that way, does it see each "sub" program as a separate program or one big program?

I guess you could use labels to get around to each part. I did a few small subs and each one printed a seperate report. I'll have to pull some of my older subs up and add print command and test it.