X6, Stock Models

[kdgrills]

Hoping to get some advice on the best methods for using stock models.

 

I've been having good results thus far, but as I get closer to finishing

& my file becomes larger & more complex, I'm beginning to have issues.

Some stock models won't generate at all, some appear to generate but remain

dirty, & some generate but aren't accurate.

 

My file is structured with one Machine / Program group per insert per setup

(see attached screen shot). When I get to a logical point I'll create a

stock model (generally a tool change). At the next logical point I'll move

the existing stock down & add the additional operations to its source. I end

up with one stock model per program, which the next programs stock model will

use as its initial stock.

 

I'm considering copying rather than moving the stock models & having multiple

models per program, but am concerned with the impact that may have on file

file size & the added complexity.

 

I'd just try it on one of the simpler inserts, but that's not gonna tell me

how the complex inserts are gonna turn out, & as they are they only have 15

or so source operations.

 

Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

 

Edit:

 

I've also attached a screen shot of one of my models with issues.

The second slide pocket at the upper left isn't finished & appears

to be gouged on the floor. Some of the surfaces on the lower right

appear to have lumps of material left on them. There are also stray

bits floating out in space.

[MotorCityMinion]

Cool looking part. Try not to include unnecessary operations in the stock model op. Drilled holes, small pockets, or any op not required to take you to the next station. If the current toolpath group can't see beyond the horizon or doesn't require all those faces for rest machining, leave em out.

[Matthew Hajicek - Singularity]

I've found it improves results if you put stock model ops more frequently, so each one has less work to do. Also set their tolerances as loose as you can stand, and absolutely leave out threadmilling ops.