Programming six sided parts

[Joels]

I currently us a different file for every side of the part i machine. We make parts out of solid blocks. My question is do you make 6 separate mastercam programs or do you make one file for all 6 sides?

[Shawn Wentzel- Wenteq Inc]

One file for the whole part. Assign diff. WCS for each side. You can even orient the part in the machine for example 90 degrees and rotate the toolpath 90 degrees. I find it easier though if rotating a part, to copy all geometry to another location and assigning it a new WCS. That way you can see everything at once.

[DavidB]

Have 1 file with 6 diifferent toolpaths using 6 diifferent T/planes. Or 6 diifferent WCS using Top T/plane.

I wouldn't have 6 different files.

HTH

[Chris Rizzo]

I keep it all in one file. Assign diff. WCS for each face, and always use the "top" plane.

 

I'd hate to have a part modification, and have to go into six different files to update the change.

 

Oh, I generally keep all my softjaw files also in the same program...on different levels, with their own WCS views, too.

hth

[billystein]

I was working on a post for using tool planes. When I use a right angle head I can post the program for right side tplane and rear tplane.

The problem for me was pointing left or front tplane. Since you are looking minus to plus the g2 and g3 are reversed as well as the i j and k.

I couldn't figure out how to reverse the signs.

I would post on ftp if someone wanted to figure it out.

 

Billy

[J Coulston]

I use one file, WCS and groups. For each side I create a WCS to control work offset and origin, a group to contain all the operations and I change the NCI destination to name each side of the part program.

 

I think I remember seeing a Chook that made the NCI match the group name. I dont remember where I saw it now.

[Joels]

Great information thank you all. I understand what you are talking about but i have never done this so i will have to give it a try.