Folders in Manufacturing

[Doubletop_]

I am working in Hybrid mode so have a number of components that each have a number of manufacturing setups. Currently with 68 setups it is getting a bit messy and thought that folders would help. A folder for each component and sub-folders for sets of setups with associated  tool-paths.

The problem I have is the folders only create under a setup but I have multiple setups for a component. The setup defines the stock and orientation. The setups for each of my components has a different orientation so I would need separate setups and I am back where I started with multiple setups at the high level

Have I missed soothing fundamental here?

Pete

[programming2C78B]

nope, just another basic thing we've asked for years! Best compromise is don't put all your CAM data in one giant assembly file. Do it per part in itself. 

[Chris_Townsley]

You haven't missed anything, I think everyone has had the same wtf moment. 
I try to keep CAM data in the actual part file, and leave the assembly file CAM free. 

[Laurens-3DTechDraw · Accepted solution]

The fundamental part you missed is that you can easily derive models into their own file so that the CAM for all models doesn't need to live in a single file.

[Doubletop_]

@programming2C78B , @Chris_Townsley , @Laurens-3DTechDraw 

I think you are all saying much the same thing.  When you say Models in their own files you mean the design and manufacture of an individual component in a separate file you mean separate in the project folders? In my project I have 31 components and many of those components are dependent on another. The dimensions of one reflect into another. That is why I am using Hybrid Mode. Also because I use Fusion Personal and have a limit of 10 files open at any one time. That doesn't mean I couldn't make them read only.

As I type this I am really answering my own question I could have used separate files and made then read only as I progressed. I am not changing 10 things at a time and many of my 31 items haven't been touched in a while. Maybe I have just had a rule #1 moment when suddenly everything made sense. I did migrate to hybrid mode as it was the easiest of the three options to move to when it was introduced.

So wondered if I could retrospectively export a component from my project and iff it took the manufacturing files with it. It crashed Fusion. . When I did get to export a .3fd file to my computer is crashed Fusion on import

Anyway thanks again. Next time I know where to start.

Pete

[Laurens-3DTechDraw]

That's why I said derive. You can still model them all in 1 file, and have changes there update into the file you use for machining for example.

[HughesTooling]

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@Laurens-3DTechDraw wrote:

The fundamental part you missed is that you can easily derive models into their own file so that the CAM for all models doesn't need to live in a single file.

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The trouble there is Fusion still can't copy a distributed design as far as I know? If you have an assembly and derive out to say 10 more designs each with 2d drawings there isn't a way to make a fully independent copy of the project. Also managing the design when the assembly or subassemblies in the assembly change is a problem.

I usually have an assembly just for design then derive all the parts that need machining into a single design and create 2d drawings and CAM from the derived design. That way I can download the derived design's 2d drawing and get a F3Z file with the whole project. So I'd still like to be able to have folders in the Setups folder to organise setups.

[Chris_Townsley]

This is what I'm saying too. Just give us the ability to have folders for setups and I'll be happy.
Sometimes I have a couple dozen setups for a single part. Roughing operations, finishing stuff, multiple vises, etc. and then I sometimes have programs for the same part across multiple machines depending on whats available at the time. Sometimes its on a 3 axis vertical mill, sometimes it gets made in a horizontal, and in a pinch I'll make them in the live tool lathe.

I'm sure we all do things differently, and unfortunately I'm far from a fusion pro. Having folders for setups would just help me keep stuff tidy.

[programming2C78B]

Deriving doesnt help us when we program a single part with 13 ops when done on one mill, 6 if done mill turn, +3 for just turning, plus the 8 ops of fixtures. 4 folders would organize all of that!