Optimizing drill and route patterns for nesting of different parts

[HDAN]

We have a flat pattern router capable of routing any shape from a full sheet (12 feet by 4 feet).

To optimize set-up time and raw material, we take several different parts and cut them out of the same sheet of material.

For example, if we need a quantity of 10 pieces of each of the parts A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H (total of 80 individual parts), and all those parts fit on a sheet of material - we will mill them all at once. We will take the individual programs and make a nesting which will cut all the required parts out of one sheet. The nesting spreads out the parts to optimize raw material - so all the part A's are not necessarily next to each other, and all of the part B's are not necessarily next to each other etc. etc.

 

The issue is that the drilling and routing is not optimized within the nesting. For example, if the machine starts to drill 2.5 mm holes in one of the part B's and a Part G is located right next to that part B and also has 2.5 mm holes - the program will not drill the holes in part B and then move on to the part G right next to it; rather it will drill the holes in the first part B and the go drill the holes in all the other B parts (even if they are located far from each other). Once it has finished drilling all the part B's, it will start drilling all the part G's (or whichever other parts have 2.5 mm holes).

 

Is there a way to tell MasterCam to drill the first part and then move on to the closest part which has the same size holes (regardless of the part type)?

 

Any help/advice is appreciated.

[crazy^millman]

Only way I am aware of is to take all the holes and separate them to a specific level. Easily done using the Miscellaneous Selection Function in all. Then check the check box on diameter which will highlight that little selection arrow above it. Now go pick a hole and all the holes will be picked that are that size in this case 2.5mm. Then right click on the word level and move them to that level that could be named or named at that time. Now you have all of that hole on it one level and can have it sort the hole however you want. You can sue the same option above when drilling, just change the drilling selection to entities and then you will see the all and only buttons light up. Now you can pick only the certain size holes and then use the sort options from there.

 

HTH

[Mick from CNC Software Inc.]

When nesting, what sort order are you using? Also, are you block drilling holes or single drilling?