I'm sure it's not an unusual thing to want to do. I'd like to use the machined result from one "project" (operation) as the workpiece for a later project. I want Sprutcam to know what machining has already been done so I don't waste time waiting for extra operations that are not needed. Here's what I do:
1. Import IGES file (.igs extension) of my solid model.
2. Setup a local coordinate system such that the origin is at the right(X), rear(Y), bottom(Z) corner of the workpiece. (The model has the origin somewhere in the middle of the part. I'd like to make it easier to setup the part in the machine, and I'd like to reference the same point, if possible, in subsequent projects so ultimately the features on all the faces align.)
3. Save the project using a descriptive file name. This project represents the first machine operation.
4. Go through the normal process of adding machining operations in SC's "Machining" tab. Simulate the operations, debug, and do all the usual things.
5. I've reached a point where I'm happy with the results of the first operation. I've even run this much on the machine, and I'm happy with the results.
1. Import IGES file (.igs extension) of my solid model. The orientation is as if I'd taken the one from above and flipped it 180 degrees in the Y axis. Put another way, flipped like turning a page in a book.
2. Setup a local coordinate system such that the origin is at the left(X), rear(Y), top(Z) corner of the workpiece. This is the same origin point as the first operation's, only the sign of the Z-axis has been reversed.
3. Save the project using a descriptive file name. This project represents the second machine operation.
4. Go through the normal process of adding machining operations in SC's "Machining" tab. Simulate the operations, debug, and do all the usual things.
5. The second operation looks good, and I've even run it on parts resulting from the second operation. Everything lines up beautifully.
So far, so good. I've simulated, debugged, and even run parts that I'm happy with. But I've only done 2 faces, and I need to do 6. (I'm starting with a rectangular block)
to be continued...
-Mark
I. First operation. Import the model and machine the first face.
1. Import IGES file (.igs extension) of my solid model.
2. Setup a local coordinate system such that the origin is at the right(X), rear(Y), bottom(Z) corner of the workpiece. (The model has the origin somewhere in the middle of the part. I'd like to make it easier to setup the part in the machine, and I'd like to reference the same point, if possible, in subsequent projects so ultimately the features on all the faces align.)
3. Save the project using a descriptive file name. This project represents the first machine operation.
4. Go through the normal process of adding machining operations in SC's "Machining" tab. Simulate the operations, debug, and do all the usual things.
5. I've reached a point where I'm happy with the results of the first operation. I've even run this much on the machine, and I'm happy with the results.
II. Second operation. Import the model and machine the second face.
1. Import IGES file (.igs extension) of my solid model. The orientation is as if I'd taken the one from above and flipped it 180 degrees in the Y axis. Put another way, flipped like turning a page in a book.
2. Setup a local coordinate system such that the origin is at the left(X), rear(Y), top(Z) corner of the workpiece. This is the same origin point as the first operation's, only the sign of the Z-axis has been reversed.
3. Save the project using a descriptive file name. This project represents the second machine operation.
4. Go through the normal process of adding machining operations in SC's "Machining" tab. Simulate the operations, debug, and do all the usual things.
5. The second operation looks good, and I've even run it on parts resulting from the second operation. Everything lines up beautifully.
So far, so good. I've simulated, debugged, and even run parts that I'm happy with. But I've only done 2 faces, and I need to do 6. (I'm starting with a rectangular block)
to be continued...
-Mark