Updating Solid Works part in MC

[fjbart70]

SW2010 MC5

I open a solidworks part in MC and create toolpaths. Problem is if I then change the part in Solidworks I can't figure out how to Update my mastercam work without having to start over and recreate all my toolpaths.

Is there a way to do this?

[fjbart70]

bump

[emonje]

SW & MC are two separate, independent, different softwares.

As soon as you import SW model into MC, all links to SW are gone. If you make changes to your SW model afterwards your SW model is changed but not the MC file which is entirely separate.

Only way to have model changes reflect in CAM is to use CAMs integrated into SW (e.g., MCX for Solidworks, HSMWorks, Solidcam....) or high end tools like Catia or NX.

[fjbart70]

IS there any way to copy toolpaths in MC from one file to another?

[mafitch7479]

Here's a quote from a post about a similar issue on the MCam forums, should help with what you're looking at:

If the part is modeled in solidworks I will bring it into ProE first to add any reference geometry or coordinate systems that might be needed, then export as a STEP file. I will save a copy of the Mastercam file and import the new geometry to a new level and then transfer the geometry on each individual toolpath. Once finished I will erase the original geometry to make sure there isn't any lingering link to the old geometry. If I want to do it quick and dirty I will only transfer the toolpaths related to the changed geometry but it can get messy after 3-4 revisions. "Proper" programming methods - eMastercam.com - Page 2

[Superman]

Originally Posted by fjbart70 IS there any way to copy toolpaths in MC from one file to another?

Use the "Import" or "Export" feature in the operation manager ( R-click in Op manager )

You can "browse" the source folder to point to where you keep your drawings/sessions/projects, then use the pull-down to select the actual seession from where you want to "Import" operations.
It'll take a little practice to get used to how this works, but it is handy

you could import the wireframe geometry with the actual operation, no surfaces/solids can be imported--you will have to re-select them yourself.

[emonje]

Originally Posted by mafitch7479 Here's a quote from a post about a similar issue on the MCam forums, should help with what you're looking at: If the part is modeled in solidworks I will bring it into ProE first to add any reference geometry or coordinate systems that might be needed, then export as a STEP file.

Good luck convincing management into buying ProE on top of SW & MCX.

[cadcam]

Use the option of "File" " Change Recognition" this will bring you new SW file in then ask for the old file in Mastercam then compare the two. Then give you the option to move your old paths to the updated file for you. it will also give option to see the diffrence between te two files.

[emonje]

Originally Posted by cadcam Use the option of "File" " Change Recognition" this will bring you new SW file in then ask for the old file in Mastercam then compare the two. Then give you the option to move your old paths to the updated file for you. it will also give option to see the diffrence between te two files.

Didn't know about that. Looks quite useful.
But as far I could gather you still need to do manual re-chain after updating with new geometry, is that right?

[cadcam]

It will walk you thru every operation so yes and no..

[mafitch7479]

Originally Posted by emonje Good luck convincing management into buying ProE on top of SW & MCX.

Well, I was more referencing the second part of the quote. Especially considering I'm reasonably certain you can add the reference geometry in SW without a problem.

[emonje]

Originally Posted by mafitch7479 Well, I was more referencing the second part of the quote. Especially considering I'm reasonably certain you can add the reference geometry in SW without a problem.

Sorry, I missed the point.

Yes, you can do that in SW.