Make 2 parts symmetrically opposite

[kprice1658]

I need to make 2 parts that are exactly the same - if you flip one onto the other. Its a two piece mold that has to fit together on top of each other and align up perfectly.

I am struggling with the best way to get this done.

Either the cavities and alignment pins have to perfectly symmetrical from the all edges - so that both pieces are exactly identical. Then it could be just flipped over and it should line up. Since I just transform the toolpaths from a single cavity to get the multiple cavities - spacing is exactly calculated.

OR, just mirroring the entire plate in Mcam to the X+ and figuring out to make 2 exact pieces with different x,y origins. I usually use the top left corner as my origin and work x+,y- on single plate molds. I would have to use the bottom left corner as the origin on the second plate -since I mirrored it on the x axis.

Hopes this makes sense to someone. Been looking at this all day and spinning my wheels. Any suggestions?

Kevin

[neilw20]

In the first pass on the first side Drill two holes on the flip axis into a waste piece of plate supporting the job.
When you flip over the part put neat fitting pins in and at will be perfectly aligned.
I make the flip axis either the X0 or Y0 line and work +/- of the axis.
In the flip pass scale the flip axis by -1.
Be certain to clampo the material evenly eithe side of the flip axis. It does nate take much error, or dirt, or burrs to significantly tilt the job. That's a great way to make tapered parts!

[kprice1658]

That sounds good if it were a single part being turned over.

I will actually be using 2 different mold blanks (4"x6"). Lets call them top & bottom. I'll setup the bottom and cut as normal. On the top blank - if I cut it the same, it needs to flipped ( say the x axis) it it comes down on the bottom blank in the exact same position - so the alignment holes and more importantly - the cavities of the molds line up perfectly.

Whew - this is hard to explain...

Kevin

[cadcam]

What I see is making to cavitis, so as a mold maker to make sure all alligns in the end come from the center of each block. now put your dowls were you need. now if for some resion one block is not the same size this will not cause an issue as you have aligned every thing to the center of the blocks. you can now slide them together and clean up the out side.