multiple setups...how do you approach?

[AMCNitro]

That's how I've always done it. Force of habit and also it helps me stay organized. Plus the fact that I'm basically self taught since V9 and I don't know what options I have or how other people do things.

Here is a sample of a gravy job and how I have it set up:

 

p.s. Don't laugh    XXXX.MCX-5

OH HEEEEELL NO! LOL I went from V7 to X2 to X5 to X7 to X8 back to X5.  IF you learn WCS you're going to make your life sooooo much easier, give it  shot!  Im sure we can all help you.  If I had time Id fix that file for you so you can see how much better it would be.

 

With WCS you basically set the part up on your workspace the same way it would be sitting on your vise, but it can be all on the same level...sigh... Im not good at explaining things

[AMCNitro]

OH HEEEEELL NO! LOL I went from V7 to X2 to X5 to X7 to X8 back to X5.  IF you learn WCS you're going to make your life sooooo much easier, give it  shot!  Im sure we can all help you.  If I had time Id fix that file for you so you can see how much better it would be.

 

With WCS you basically set the part up on your workspace the same way it would be sitting on your vise, but it can be all on the same level...sigh... Im not good at explaining things

Look at that file, simple, but it might help you see what WCS does.  Open the WCS manager and have a look

S1610-33002.MCX-5

[AMCNitro]

Heres another file to look at Jeff.

70652-02260.MCX-5

[jeff]

OH HEEEEELL NO! LOL 

 

HAHA!

As of a almost 3 years ago I never messed with WCS. But with the addition of our 4th axis I have been learning more and more. I don't program 4th axis every day, but usually once a week or so I need to.

I do see the benefit of WCS in typical 3 axis work, I just need to break that habit.  

[jeff]

Look at that file, simple, but it might help you see what WCS does.  Open the WCS manager and have a look

Yep, that's pretty much how I envisioned it. Just need to start doing it.

[Rstewart]

If I had X5 I could give you some really good informative parts/files. 

 

I see how your doing it, I just can't fix it and send it back to you past X8...

[Charlie Pierson]

I use custom macro to solve these issues.

In a nutshell:

1. Main program calls and changes tools then calls cutting subprogram

2. Cutting subprogram is put into 'While" loop which increments the parts coordinate system (G10L20P__) with each iteration.

 

example (15 PARTS):

O1241(mill sub)

#21=1

WHILE [#21 LE 15] DO 1

G54.1P#21

|

|

approach and do cutting

|

retract for fixture clearance

|

#21=[#21+1]

END 1

|

M99

 

The toolpath group in the operations manager contains only 1 part in 1 fixture.

 

More fixtures due to another operation on the part ? use another toolpath group and repeat.