I have a challenge for all..... maybe.

[REVCAM_Bob]

Question: If I were to post a drawing of a simple die detail, or an autocad
drawing that could be downloaded, how many people would be willing to get
the drawing, and report back how long it takes to program the block for c.n.c. machining useing there CAM system. It would be an interesting measure of speed/ ease of use for CAM systems. If enough people respond
that they would be willing to do the sample programing, I will proceed. Maybe it could be set up as a poll?

[Cold Fusion]

I'm in with Onecnc.

[REVCAM_Bob]

What would be the best way to post the drawing? I have a pdf version of the
drawing and also an auto cad...perhaps the pdf version would be best and
attach as an image?

[lakeside]

I'm in with Bobcad 21 and Powerstation pro/plus(need a DXF or IGES for powerstation it can't open a DWG) If your part is a solid an iges would be a good format for a test.

[REVCAM_Bob]

How can I attach a file or files?

[Cold Fusion]

Zip the dxf file before attaching it.

[JFettig]

How about you PDF it and have people draw it in the cam program as well to show how long it takes to do both.


Jon

[rmtucker]

I,ll give it a go in alphacam/mastercam x/Catia

Mark

[REVCAM_Bob]

O.k. here is the stuff. In the zip file is a PDF print out of the dwg file, there is a dwg file, an iges file and a dxf file. It is all 2-d data.

The goal is to see how long it takes to do the programming on the block assuming it came from your "native" cad system. In other words, don't count converting this to the format you need to program as part of the programming time. For example, if you want to program it from a solid model, keep track of the time is takes to convert it to a solid model separately, but please tell us the conversion time also as it might be interesting to see.

Start with the assumption that the block is cold rolled steel bar stock saw cut to 5.12 inches long, the other dimensions are 2.000 x 4.000 as crs comes in pretty close to size.

To make sure everyone compares apples to apples the following should be programmed:

1. Square the block up on all 6 sides leaving 0.005 grind stock on each side. Do this with whatever machining practices you deem most efficient.

2. Machine 0.020" chamfer on all the edges of the block.

3. Do all of the drilling etc. including milling in the text 0.015 deep approx.

4. Program also from back side of the block to chamfer all the holes drill thru or to finish an features that could not be reached from the top side of the block.

5. Include in your time study a breakdown of how many different setups in the vise
(or however you would hold the block) are necessary to complete the block.

6. Happy programming.

7. If you have any questions that need to be asked, do not include them in your programming time..... My apologies if it is not all perfectly clear.....

Any other "Rules" you guys think should apply before getting started?

Thanks, Bob.

[REVCAM_Bob]

Second try at here is the zip file.................

[lakeside]

this is a simple type part to program here's you ingraving with x and y lower left also add pionts for hole location less than 5 min spent so far and now it time for long week end enjoy and rember the ones that are still on patroll

[ChrisJ]

Well I thought I would take a shot at this example.

So, using OneCNC Expert, I modeled the part. It took about 10 minutes. I didn’t rush plus I needed to look up the countersink diameter for the SHCS and tried to find some information on jack screws but came up empty. I’m not a machinist so I am not as familiar with some items as others are.
Then I programmed the toolpaths. This took about 15 minutes, maybe 20 at most. I am sure this is considered slow, but hey I am still learning. Maybe I can learn something here by others critiquing my methods, since my methods come from reading books and posts on forums and no practical experience. Here are my toolpaths:

1. Facing 1 – Top of stock programmed at Z0. Took off 0.015 in Z with one facing pass. Used a 2” face mill.

2. Facing 2 – Bottom of stock. Programmed bottom of stock (top of parallels at Z0), with one facing pass at Z1.97.

3. Facing 3 – Side of stock programmed at Z0. Took off 0.07 in Z with one facing pass. Used a 2” face mill.

4. Facing 4 – Opposite side of stock. Programmed bottom of stock (top of parallels at Z0), with one facing pass at Z3.86.

5. Facing 5 & 6 – Ends were programmed with a profile toolpath. Assumed that the stock is held in a 4” vise. Programmed with a 1” end mill, 0.1” depth of cut.

6. 3/8” SHCS – Programmed with a center drill, drilled thru and counterbored with a 0.5” end mill (helix style toolpath) for the countersink.

7. 3/16” holes – EDM – drilled thru.

8. 3/8” JS – Programmed with a center drill, drilled thru and counterbored with a 5/16” end mill (helix style toolpath) for the countersink.

9. Text – engraved with a Cut Chain – Constant Z toolpath using 0.015” tipped bit, 0.05” down.

The model was utilized to create boundarys for the facing toolpaths and paths for the profiling toolpath, by extracting those edges. The hole wizard found all the holes in the model, so I didn’t need to extract any edges to create those toolpaths.

As I finished typing this I realized I forgot the chamfer on all edges. So in another 15 minutes (only because I kept changing my mind and then realized some of my lead-ins/lead-outs were on the wrong side of the holes) I generated a chamfer toolpath for the top face for the edges and the holes. Then the bottom face plus the holes. Each was created with part set at Z0. Then the two ends had a chamfer toolpath on the two remaining edges on both ends. Part set at Z0 and the same toolpath ran twice for both ends.

I didn't program the chamfering of the holes from the back side, but from what I have read I guess this can be done with a dovetail tool and I am sure there is a toolpath in OneCNC that can be used for this, just haven't tried it.

Regards,
Chris