Machining Multiple of the same part

[Hellbringer]

Hi,
I am in working on converting a mill to cnc and i have a question about machining.

some of the parts that i am looking to cut i need several of the same part can i set it up so that it will cut all of the same part at the same time?? and where do you tell it to do that in the cam program or the controler program?

(using mastercam and mach 3)

Thanks Mike

[bones]

Hi Mike,
Yeh sure you can. You just need to make multiples of them and place them next to each other. But leave enough space for the cutter to do the outside edges.
A trick is to leave a small tab on the pieces as not the let it flap around when cutting the end of the outside profile of each piece.
If you are doing double sided then you need to make it so you can flip it over and run the next bit of code on the other side.
Making a jig to hold the jobs is the best way.

What are you making anyway?
I might be able to be more precise if I know.

Cheers
Rodney

[Hellbringer]

ok here is what i need to cut

i need 70 of these (it is 1.5x.75)



and 140 of these (lenght between centers is about .75)



bones: are you talking about in the cad program (solid works) to just place 70 next to each other with the correct spacing for the tooling then cam is and cut it. or is there a way to tell it to do that in the cam software?

thank Mke

[ataxy]

you basicly just need to give you controller a zero xyz for each part then the controller will know that at each of those place there is a part work offset are g54, g55, g56 etc for each part

[bones]

Hi,
Yep that easy enough to do. I use Vcarve, so you just draw the 2d view from the top say on your first piece. Then copy and paste them next to each other.
It will cut out the 2 sides of the extruding piece first and then do the outline on the bottom leaving a couple of 1mm x 3mm tabs down the bottom to hold it in place.
It will then do the next piece etc.

The other piece it will do the holes and then the outside leaving the cut off tabs.
Once done you can cut the tabs off and your piece comes out.
A small bit of cleanup on these tabs and your done.

Attach a DXF of your items and I'll show you what I mean.
What is the cutting area on your machine eg x,y,z

Rod

[tauntdesigns]

One way would be to wright a main program with the absolute X,Y coordinates for each part position with a call to sub-program in between each one.

Wright the sub-program in incremental programming for the part.

[Hellbringer]

here is a dxf

the mill is a x2 so 7x14 i think if i remember correctly

Thanks Mike

[bones]

Hi,
This what I'm talking about.
I only did the top row with 2 tabs.
But this one I would just go and get laser cut.
You will have to machine the other.

Rod

[Hellbringer]

thanks bones i understand what you are saying now and the will be really easy to do but for the next question. i see in the pic you have the part for the tooling path then a small sliver of metal and the tooling path for the part next to it. lets say i am using a 1/8 in end mill is it possiable then when i draw it with the gap leave like .13 in inbetween the 2 parts to reduce the amount to wasted material and then have the tabs to keep the part from moving on the top and bottom?

thanks mike

[bones]

Hi Mike,
So what are these for? Some type of chain?
The problem you will get is when you get to the second row and start diving into the material, the cutter will dig into the job and lift it.
This will bend the job and wreck it.
You are better to do only one row at a time. eg cut the metal into 4 pieces.
Have metal clamps holding it all the way along one edge.

You will get wastage, but for the size of the material I wouldn't worry.
I still think laser cutting will have a better finish and not too expensive.
For the link anyway.

Rod