Moving A Group of Tools and Toolpaths to a new job.

[Ecmdrw5]

I making two similar plates using the same tool but instead of reselecting all the tools and toolpaths again on the next plate, how can I just "copy and paste" them to the next program?

[jsanders]

If this is a solid model, the simplest approach would be to open the existing Edgecam model, save it with a new name (File > Save As), and reload the new solid (Solids > Reload). The features will be automatically updated, and you can regenerated any toolpath that is suitable for the new part to match up with existing geometry.

A PCI template can also do this by capturing the machining instructions so that they replicated in a different part. PCIs are macros, very powerful with a syntax to learn (meaning you have to invest some time to learn them, preferrably with the folks you purchased Edgecam from to speed you along ). PCI Templates are a simpler sub-set of the macro language, and do a pretty good job of what you're trying to do. The Edgecam Help has an entire section on PCI syntax and is an excellent reference. Search the Help system for PCI Template to locate information on creating and using these to capture toolpath into process libraries.

The quick overview on PCI Templates is:

1. Open the initial part, go to Manufacture mode and select the instruction(s) to save in the Sequence window, right click over the selected instructions and choose "PCI Template", then assign a name to the text file to be created.
2. Open the new part, start the machining sequence and then use the Custom > Run Command File to browse to the PCI and run the toolpath. You will be prompted for the geometry to machine for each instruction.

Hope this points you in the right direction! Once you become familiar with PCI macros and other automation tools, you can really unlock Edgecam's potential!

Joe

[timf]

if i get what you're thinking i do it backwards from how you asked.

save old file that has tools and cycles i need as new name and insert the new part into the egdecam file by using file/insert/(part or solid) and then just start using the new geometry to drive the old cycles.

all tools and cycles will be there to use or delete. after you finish delete all old parts, layers and geo and save as new file.

i do this a lot for similar parts or set ups.