Best way to program different parts at once with side switching

[Anonymous]

Hello,

For example I have 4 different parts that I would like to machine at the same time inside a CNC with 4 vices. 

But I will also need to machine multipe sides of that parts, so I will have to switch them at some point.

The below image, exemplifies 4 different parts aligned to be machined, and also their respective second side. 

I would like to know what is the best way to do this?

Can I for example have multiple Stocks in one Setup? Making this an one setup for "side" approach and one single  program.

Or do I have to have a setup for each one of the parts?

Having some requisits:

- Optmized tool changes (For example, if using the same tool, it performs all operations on the 4 parts, before heading into the next tool change)

- A Stop between the "side" switching.

[seth.madore]

You will need to have 4 Setups, assuming you are making 4 unique parts and the stocks are all different.

For posting out and running all through though, you would be best served using NC Programs, as that will allow tool reordering.

For the "stops" in between, I think you will get what you need by using Manual NC

[johnswetz1982]

Actually I think 8 setups. One for each part then one for the rotated part. You will need to pick a datum point/work offset that you will be able to pick up once you rotate them for the second op.

[Anonymous]

How can I split the 8 setups in the NC program? 

Because I will need to reorder tools in the first 4 setups, then make a Stop, then reorder tools on the next 4 setups. And I can have more side switching (up to 6 sides).

I know I can manually select the setup and make multiple nc programs, but will it be possible to make it into a single one program?

[engineguy]

@Anonymous 

2 Mechanical Machine Setups, setup #1 doing sides #1 and #3, setup #2 doing sides #2 and #4

4 Fusion Setups, one for each side of the parts and do all 4 parts in each Fusion Setup.

If I was doing the example job you show I would spend some time making some soft jaws for the vises, drop the parts/stock pieces in and do Side #1, then if the parts/stock are still the same shape in that orientation flip them 180 and do Side #3, this can be a single setup in Fusion with a simple M1 in the code for the flip.

If not then the jaws can be made with 2 shapes, one stock and one machined shape if anything had been done to the sides #2 and #4 during side #1 operation.

The flip side of the soft jaws would already be made to the shape of Side #2 and #4 so just flip the jaws 180 now and ready to drop the parts in to do Sides #2 and #4, again with an M1 to do the flips with.

The M1 can of course be added to with say a G0 Y0 move to bring the table to the front for easier access for the flips/tool changes if on manual tool changes.

Option for "tool dominant" is available if you want to reduce tool changes.

All these sort of things you can add in to suit the way you want to work, and yes, it can be all one big program with the stops mentioned as above 🙂

Of course it does depend on just how many of your "widgets" you are making as to whether or not you would want to go to the trouble of making the soft jaws, personally I have dozens of sets of soft jaws on the racks for jobs done years ago, some have been re-worked for new jobs several times but some are kept because the jobs are repeated every few months so setting up for another batch is really fast 🙂 🙂

Just one of the many, many ways to machine stuff in a CNC 🙂 🙂 🙂

Regards

Rob