Generate CNC files for entire assembly in Solidworks?

[Anonymous]

I could not find the answer on the forums or in manuals - if I have milling/drilling assigned to a few .sldprt files and the code is generated, is it possible to go to the top-level assembly and generate all the cnc files for all of the .sldprt files at once?

[lenny_1962]

No you cannot, because it would put them into one file, you must do each one separately ...S O R R Y 

[keith_clausen · Accepted solution]

The only way of course is to program every part within the assembly file. But if you are programming in individual SLDPRT files you can only post code from that file.

Personally I program in assembly mode even if I'm doing one part as it offers the most flexibility as things may change in the future. Scenario: I have a need to produce one part but 6 months from now I have to make a hundred. Alternate setup and fixturing may need to be applied to my original programming. etc. 

There are other scenarios of course that support the method of always programming in assembly mode. I'm still finding new ways of leveraging the method and I've been using HSMWorks for more than 15 years.

Another reason is the potential of programming one part using multiple configurations of the same part....you cant do this in part mode and depending on the project it can be quite useful.

[keith_clausen]

Another quick note regarding your query. You have to remember the fact that HSMWorks incorporates an integrated data model.....meaning that the CAM data is stored within the file that it was created in. When posting the post processor can only read from the file it is posting from. While I've never considered or needed to do what you have suggested, I think it would be possible through scheduling application....of course doesn't exist at this point. I've used similar methods in other CAM systems but it tends to be complicated and can be wrought with issues particularly for the novice user.

[lenny_1962]

@Anonymous 

As @keith_clausen has said, you have so much more power programming from within the assembly.

Around 2011-12 ish when I first started using HSMWorks, I did everything from within a part file, I use configurations all the time for different things need to machine the part and when I switched between the configs in the part the toolpath would have to regen to the new config that was active....I was frustrated so I called NextGenCAM which he was working for and he walked me thru using an assembly for machining, I haven't stopped since.

here is why I like Assembly machining over part machining:

1) no CAM data is stored in the part file (parts do grow in size or get lost if someone overwrites the file)

2) You can add stock, clamps, vises, bolts...whatever

3) If you need to add boundary sketches, coordinates, planes they are in the assembly not added to the part

4) Configurations of the part can be dropped in to the assembly, if a part has 4 configs to put it in 4 times on of each config and use hide\show, do not suppress.

5) all the setups are in one file.

6) you can also make the parts virtual, aka copy, that doesn't let the parts update if that is what you want, you can always add the changed version to the assembly and then make it virtual too.

7) just works great

8 ) 😎 😎 CAUSE KIETH SAID 😉

now the only times I here form others users that they don't or cannot use assemblies to machine from is this...I am adding more files or the company will not let me add more file due to policies.

hope this helps a little more.. or more confusion:0

lenny

[keith_clausen]

Hi Lenny,

Its always great to get this kind of recognition. 😊 Thx