fixturing and multi-sided coord sys

[jmcglynn]

I'm seeing a conflict with the use of multi-sided machining and fixtures in SolidCAM, can anyone give me a hint here?

I build an assembly in solidworks of the solid model of the stock, the part to be machined and the vise (see image). I'm able to set the vise as the "fixture", the stock and target as such, and to machine the top orientation.

I can define multi-sided coord sys, but the vise is in the way when I try to cut the bottom (as you would expect).

It appears that if I'm using a fixture in my cam part I can't have machining definitions for multiple part orientations - but that doesn't make any sense.

What is the best way to proceed?

[cam1]

Hi:
Why not create a new configuration in the SolidWorks assembly called flipped part,which has the mart flipped in the vise. You can then call up that configuration for the next process in SolidCam.

regards

[jmcglynn]

Originally Posted by cam1 Hi: Why not create a new configuration in the SolidWorks assembly called flipped part,which has the mart flipped in the vise. You can then call up that configuration for the next process in SolidCam. regards

I thought of that, but as far as I can tell you can only have one stock and one target defined in each CAM part. So the cutting operations defined against the new coord sys will be against the other stock and target.

[cam1]

You can use different assembly constraints for the same part in an assembly, just suppress the ones you don't want in the new config. That way the target stays the same.

regards

[jmcglynn]

After talking with tech support what I found is that you CAN have multiple "stocks", "targets" and "fixtures". The key is to bring up the define/edit page for each one, then hit "delete" to blank out the field. Once you've done this you will have the "define 3d" button active again and you can define another target or stock.

Do both, set up the coord system for the new part, then create an operation against the new geometry.

Once you've created the new operation and saved it, it will show up in the feature tree. Now right click on the geometry and define the new fixture -- it may be the same as the original fixture, in my case it is.

See screen shot.

Caveat: I saw some "funky" behavior along the way with the fixture, I had to go through the selection process a few times until it was right in the solid verify and preview.