How do I locate my part in my fixture?

[chrisevrard]

Hey All,

I have a part of which I was making single pieces, but now need a multi-part set up. I created a fixture plate with appropriate clamping for multiple pieces of the stock used for this part. I then pulled the fixture plate into the original single part file. 

I cannot seem to figure out how to get my part nested into the stock. I hope this makes sense. Also, the spacing on the fixture plate is not a simple pattern, so I'm not sure how to populate it with the part.  In the file I left the part hovering above one of the pieces of stock in the fixture. 

Also, this seemed like a Manufacture question, sorry if I've put it in the wrong forum.

File attached,

Thanks for any thoughts, 

Chris E.  

[seth.madore]

I would use a series of Rigid Groups and then Joints to bring the part to the fixture (or vise versa if you fancy). Everything is going to need to be a Component for this to work, just so you're aware. End result:

 

As for "how do I pattern this across the fixture"? Well, are all the parts going to be oriented the same way, or are they going to be mirror or shifted from each other in some fashion?

If not, I'd just take the first step of positioning the part correctly for one, applying toolpaths and then using the Pattern function in the MFG space to produce toolpaths on any other piece of stock you have.

 

Just be aware; you're likely going to have to associate all your toolpaths, as the process of converting the Body to a Component will drop all selections from the Setup. Hard lesson to learn, sorry..

ALWAYS create components, or many Bodies nestled in one Component folder. Leaving things all at the top "Body" layer is a recipe for confusion and irritation.

[chrisevrard]

Hey Seth,

I hate to admit that I didn't really understand your reply.

I did all that work in the original part file before I learned about making things components, etc. I was thinking of going back and starting over (with a copy of what I have now) and creating components and doing all the CAM work again. 

But even after I have done that I cannot figure out how people place their models into fixturing. For all the youtube I've been watching I haven't found a video that goes though that whole process of combining parts to fixtures. 

Man I wish there was a local class on this!

Thanks as always for your insight.

CE

[programming2C78B]

All you need to do is use Joints. Copy + Paste New to duplicate the body, then joint it in the new "pocket" or place you want it to stay on the fixture plate.

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

Video incoming, it will take a while to upload.....

[chrisevrard]

Seth,

In addition to showing me where I was getting stuck, all the other things about rigid groups and clustering components is invaluable. Oh how I wish you taught a class at our local community college! 

So I have to go back and watch this a few more times (and I am going to screen record it like I've done with a few other of your videos!) but where I was getting stuck in my head was trying to place the part at exactly the same spot in the in the stock as it was in my original set up. 

If I am understanding correctly it doesn't matter b/c I am choosing the stock, model and fixture in the new set up. I think I have that right. Which makes so much sense now that I see it. 

At some point I think I'll start over from scratch (actually spent much of yesterday doing that) and arrange my components and such better. But being able to hack through and get some parts out now will really help.

Thanks again,

Best,

CE 

[seth.madore]

Here, this will save you from trying to record a recording:

https://youtu.be/jsXnR9cIGcU