Post each tool into separate independent file for nest operation.

[medvezh0n0k]

Hello! I have made a little search and can't find any solution, but I think it is very common problem, so it might be helpful, or I am missing something obvious..
I am looking for a way to mill multiple parts, organized on a sheet with CNC mill without tool changer. So, I have written code for each part, nested it with toolpath nesting, and it is very cool and nice to set up, but then I have to post that nest operation, open exported NC file, search for tool change code and separate it into different programs manually. And.. It is OK when you have only two tools, but right now I am reposting 3 tools sheet for the third time, and it is such a pain.. If you are making some mistake.. Pasted block of code with empty line, controller falled into error, have to correct manually again.. How to solve this? Is there any setting, I am missing like a checkbox "post tool into separate file"? Thanks!

I have tried to make unique program name for each operation, so it would post into separate files, if I post only one part, but transform and nesting operations kills that feature.

[IbanezTim]

I do not know much about nesting. (I still have a lot of MC to learn yet, was only trained to get jobs done the rest is on me to learn )

But. I have a Machine that doesn't like tool changes so when I post, it has to be a separate program for each tool. I am able to Toolpath Transform with a different program and Toolpath Transform is pretty powerful at translating and moving NC or Geometry. 

I hope this helps.

[medvezh0n0k]

2 hours ago, IbanezTim said:

I do not know much about nesting. (I still have a lot of MC to learn yet, was only trained to get jobs done the rest is on me to learn )

But. I have a Machine that doesn't like tool changes so when I post, it has to be a separate program for each tool. I am able to Toolpath Transform with a different program and Toolpath Transform is pretty powerful at translating and moving NC or Geometry. 

I hope this helps.

 

 

Yeah, I knew that, even written in the original post, the problem is: Transform transforms several operations and different tools, but when you change transform's NC file name it is not assigning unique names to each operation/tool, but only for the transform. So if I'd post something + transform I'd get two progs, but if I have to transform two differently tooled operations with a transform I'd get unique named transform, but in the one prog... 

[Aaron Eberhard]

You might be able to do it with some post trickery, but I think the easiest thing to do would be just to make multiple transform/nesting ops, each with their own NC name.

Is there a reason your machine can't handle a tool change command?  I've ran plenty of manual machines that will retract to tool change position and nicely wait for the operator to press cycle start after manually change a tool with the normal M6 command?

[IbanezTim]

1 hour ago, medvezh0n0k said:

Yeah, I knew that, even written in the original post, the problem is: Transform transforms several operations and different tools, but when you change transform's NC file name it is not assigning unique names to each operation/tool, but only for the transform. So if I'd post something + transform I'd get two progs, but if I have to transform two differently tooled operations with a transform I'd get unique named transform, but in the one prog... 

You might try the "Create new operations and geometry" button then. Will be a fast Copy and Past then you will have more control over the program names.

[medvezh0n0k]

On 5/22/2023 at 9:46 PM, IbanezTim said:

You might try the "Create new operations and geometry" button then. Will be a fast Copy and Past then you will have more control over the program names.

Yeah, I have tried that, it is great, but again: it is not solving my problem. If I'd just translate.. But I have to nest first. If you are translating nest it won't create many programs, you won't be able to change names. 

[medvezh0n0k]

On 5/22/2023 at 8:32 PM, Aaron Eberhard said:

You might be able to do it with some post trickery, but I think the easiest thing to do would be just to make multiple transform/nesting ops, each with their own NC name.

Is there a reason your machine can't handle a tool change command?  I've ran plenty of manual machines that will retract to tool change position and nicely wait for the operator to press cycle start after manually change a tool with the normal M6 command?

Yes.. I hoped I can avoid it, but seems it is the only true way. In the post I should look for tool change and then create new program, if so? Or I can change program name inside the post for it to.. Idk what to look for) Maybe there is some guide. I have changed post a few times to recalculate feed or not to post some symbols at start, but never something with file management. 

LOL! I was not thinking in this way, because there was few times I have paused that mills in operation and they do limit themselves for slow movements and other things, like you can't even update coordinates, not speaking about auto tool length measurements. BUT! If you do stop them with M01 -- it works awesome! Full speed movements, tool measure, flowless! Just going to change post code from TX M6 to M01, maybe it is even posting something like that already, I'll check. Many thanks!

[medvezh0n0k]

On 5/22/2023 at 9:46 PM, IbanezTim said:

You might try the "Create new operations and geometry" button then. Will be a fast Copy and Past then you will have more control over the program names.

Ohhh! Sorry, I have found it! Stupid, but I did not see it, right in the middle of the "Parameters" tab in the nest settings.. Yes, it solves a problem too. Many thanks for you!

[IbanezTim]

26 minutes ago, medvezh0n0k said:

Ohhh! Sorry, I have found it! Stupid, but I did not see it, right in the middle of the "Parameters" tab in the nest settings.. Yes, it solves a problem too. Many thanks for you!

Glad I was of some help! 

[byte]

2 hours ago, medvezh0n0k said:

Ohhh! Sorry, I have found it! Stupid, but I did not see it, right in the middle of the "Parameters" tab in the nest settings.. Yes, it solves a problem too. Many thanks for you!

Its a new feature in 2023, iirc

[IbanezTim]

On 5/24/2023 at 8:12 AM, byte said:

Its a new feature in 2023, iirc

Been around for at least 2021 and 2022, cant confirm any older then that as that's as long as I have been doing this 

[byte]

Just now, IbanezTim said:

Been around for at least 2021 and 2022, cant confirm any older then that as that's as long as I have been doing this 

I don't think so, i've been nesting since x7

[IbanezTim]

Just now, byte said:

I don't think so, i've been nesting since x7

We were talking about a feature in "Toolpath Transform"

[byte]

1 minute ago, IbanezTim said:

We were talking about a feature in "Toolpath Transform"

ahh, sorry the topic says nesting so does the original comment, create new operations is also available in nesting