Verify for multiple vices

[Guest]

I verify my first operation that is in vise#1 and uses wcs#1 and save the STL file. In my 2nd vise I want to see the part from vice#1 flipped over so I can cut the bottom. I programmed the vise#2 part, which is really the bottom of part#1, as a separate part next to part#1 in the same file. I change from wcs#1 to wcs#2 to get ready for the next verify. I change the stock setup stock view to wcs2. When I go to use verify the part is not in the right place and is still down on vise#1 so how do I flip the part over and get the part to be in the right place for wcs#2 op#2?

[RandleXX]

Try using transform STL, this will get it close. You must zoom in super close to get the placement accurate.

The other way is to program the same part (not a seperate part) in the same position, just use a new WCS with an offset origin.

 

Hope this helps..

[GI George]

I use transform stl. I write down how I move the part to run op 2 then use the same numbers to for transforming stl and it works really good otherwise your guessing but can get it close.

[Guest]

It sure helped. Thanks, Randle. Never had a clue how to do this. Can more and rotate the STL but can't seem to flip it over. Tried mirror but it don't seem to do the job.

[GI George]

Boggs,

Go to the front view, transform stl, rotate 180 around the orgin, then save file. See if this works for ya.

[Guest]

Translate between views got her done. I'll try that rotate deal next. Took quite a few steps to get Mr. STL where I wanted him to live for awhile. Glad I don't got to do a lot of this. Any Chook that makes work'n with Mr. STL faster?

[GI George]

I don't know anything about c hooks but if you write down the moves you use to get the part in place then use the same moves to get the stl in place, you'll be set.

[Colin Gilchrist]

When you are using Transform STL, the default is to only display up to 5000 triangles. If you set the #tris to "0", it will display them all.

 

One thing I always try and do is never change the "Stock view" (stock WCS/Plane) in Stock Setup. It will mess you up every time. I always use "Top" and create a solid in place where I need it for the first op.

 

Something else that makes it difficult to use the Transform STL function is the inability to measure distances on the STL mesh. What I do sometimes is do a "File - Merge" and I bring in the STL file as "lines" under the options.

 

This brings in the STL model as only lines, but it makes it very easy to do a transform/rotate and be able to snap to endpoints of the lines.

 

Then I write down the transform/rotate angles and distances, and make sure I leave a couple points on the screen that I use later. I then delete the STL line wireframe, leaving my points I created.

 

Now it makes it pretty easy to use Transform STL and enter my distances or pick points.

 

When you bring in the STL as lines, it also makes it easier to find the centers of holes because you can create a circle by edge points. It can be a real pain to line up a "hole" in and STL file with a pin on a fixture...

 

Hope that helps,

[billet programmer]

Great stuff Colin. I've used the transform stl many times and it works as you said. I never knew about bringing it into the file as lines though. That will save time for sure. I appreciate the tip!