CAD file problems

[JCcmm]

Guys,
We're new to PCDMIS and having some difficulties getting things going. Jes' looking for some things we may have overlooked before seeking help from higher up!
1. The 3D Cad files we are importing are in IGES format. They have "blank" surfaces in various places that appear to have no relationship (i.e. planes, radii, cylinders etc.). These are surfaces that should be filled in and are empty (you can actually see through the part).
2. After creating a program in 2D (2D IGES format), when executing the program we lose our origin and the probe wanders in some unknown, unexplored territory!
3. When we start PCDMIS up we have no definite reference. The startup alignment seems to alter with no particular pattern. It just goes where it wants to!
4. We installed a patch for the RCU and now we can't print up our report statements. They come up blacked out.

I'm sure many of you have experienced similar or even worse problems when starting up this platform, so ANY help you can give will be GREATLY appreciated!!

[rebeldude]

Hi,

(1) What is this cad exported from, before you bring it in as an iges? The reason I ask, is that some software, such as catia, will give you broken up cad out of their iges translator when it is not used correctly. Let me ask you this, these "blank" areas you talk about. Have you "offline" tried to select a surface to see if it is actually is there even though you can't see it? I've had that problem before ocasionally. If this is the case, it is probably your video card. May need a driver update or even a new card.

(2) After creating a program, you lose your origin. That may mean that your aligment is incorrect. Do you mean after you do the manual alignment, it just takes off?

(3) When pcmdis starts up, you have no reference. Do you mean that your machine does not home? What kind of machine do you have?

I know it's hard, but please try to be more specific, so we can help you

[Rich P]

For 3d models it was reccommended to me to use .STP files instead of .IGS files for 3d models ---3d models translate better in step than in igs from CATIA

---im not a CAD guy but can say ive had less model issues since requesting files in STEP format and our cad seems happier too --- less hassles

[mds_toronto]

Regarding the iges with missing surfaces, if it came from CATIA format especially V5 version - ask the source of this iges file if the EXPORT option has the same setup as the following:

TOOLS-OPTIONS-GENERAL-COMPATIBILITY
TOGGLE ON B-SPLINE
TOGGLE ON SURFACE

Missing surfaces and extra surfaces flying around the cad model is coming from the wrong option setup.

[rebeldude]

Thats very useful information. Thank you mds toronto

[Bill **********]

Invisable surfaces MAY be a surface with the vector swapped. I've seen this before. If you can pick the surface where none appears to be, check the vectors and I bet they're swapped. You may simply have junk CAD. I see that all the time. The trade off is is it worth it to attempt to get it repaired or is it possible to use it as is. Typically I'm told to use it as is. "That is the only CAD we have". In those cases I try to avoid the surface holes and work around them.

What kinda jo you got there? Mines a Crafters of Tennessee. Man can she call attention to herself if I dig in and let her howl.

Bill

[JCcmm]

The CAD surfaces are empty. "offline" the probe will actually pass through what is in reality solid surfaces. We are going to try and work some of these suggestions. I'll get back with you guys in a day or two. We have to work this platform start-up in with production and other project launches. I VERY much appreciate your help!

Bill,
I have a '90 RB-4 Mastertone (not actually pictured). It was made a year or two before Gibson went down the tubes. Now they charge twice what I paid for mine and they don't sound NEAR as good!! I've actually been VERY impressed with the Stellings! I got my eye on a Staghorn! We should talk!

Jim

[rebeldude]

Good Luck JC

[Carolyn McKean]

It may be a wire frame model and not have the surfaces. Ask your cad or pro-e people if this is the case. I work with both wire frame and solids on a daily
basis. Most of the time I prefer the wire frame.

[JCcmm]

Carolyn,
We are going to try and work with the wire frame module and see if we can't get something going there. We are getting NO support from our corporate engineers who design this stuff. Our other plants have resigned themselves to working with 2D IGES files and not getting full capapbility of their software. The files we import start off as wire frame and when we try to make them solid some of the surfaces are only partially covered. This has created a problem for us because some of the missing surfaces are at critical locations to get proper touchpoints. We are also experimenting with our setup to see if that is the issue as well. When we select "B" or "C" curves in the import set up menu we get better coverage, but there are some "extra" surfaces that are not part of the original drawing. Only one of our programmers has been to "Basic" training. She came back and shared it with our other programmer. We intend to send them both to the Advanced class. But we have to wait for "Corporate Approval". I'm sure you all know what that's like. Anyway, we are trying to feel our way around the best we can.

The problem with our alignments is very frustrating! To clarify some points:
1) Yes, after manual alignment our probe will just take off.
2) We have a Sheffield D-28 with CAD++. When PCDIMIS starts up our reference always starts our as "Startup" reference. The question I now have is this:
Would it help solve our wandering reference problem if we established a reference from our sphere vs. using the machine reference (startup alignment)? My thinking is that this would be a 3D origin froma fixture vs. a machine zero to relate a 3D part from. Am I way off base?
Thanks for helping!!

Jim

[rebeldude]

Sounds like you all need to find some "real engineers". Apparently the ones you have now are generic