Toolpath Nesting ??

[another newbie]

Ok, Need to cut to the chase. We use Mastercam and do a lot of toolpath nesting. Problem I see (from 20+ years of programming) is that we have a NUMBER of same part being used in multiple cabinets. Yes, we make cabinets. I love job security but it seems silly to me to hire ANOTHER programmer when I think this problem can actualy be solved programtically (chook maybe)

 

Here is my thought (but I don't have first clue to write chook)

 

A script that asks what cabinet or list of cabinets to make.

 

Program opens folder that contains all the separate pieces (already toolpathed) and merges them into nesting process.

 

Program continues until it finished list and then the sheets are created in the toolpath nesting. (return is then controlled to me to go back etc)

 

I know this is complicated but I know I can write it in a shellscript or in C but just to new at this to attempt.

 

Has this already been done??

 

thanks in advance !!!

 

Please no flames!!!

[john316]

.

 

 

Just kidding. Welcome to the forum AN.

 

Have you looked into batch processing? I haven't used it, but you might give that a look to see if you can set your jobs up to use it.

 

.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Hello,

 

Mastercam has an option called ATP (automatic toolpath programming) that is already available from your Mastercam reseller. I'm not sure of the cost (it is an add-on that you have to pay for), but many cabinet shops already use this software. It does exactly what you are looking for. Batch processing of different cabinet orders.

 

HTH,

 

Colin Gilchrist

The Boeing Company

MR2 and now ???

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

This sounds easy enough, you could even write a VBScript to do this. You can create a nestlist of parts, this is often called mcLink.ini and feed that to X via a DoNest() function. I dont have a list on me but when I get to work I'll add one for you to see as an example of what to do.