Cutting a Component from a large sheet + Automation

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

How does one cut a component from a material sheet? The component looks this way 

I mean, Inventor does cut the holes nicely. But it assumes my media has got a rectangular shape at that size. I, on the other hand, use a piece of plastic way bigger. How does I command Inventor to cut the edges? Otherwise, I will simply cut holes.

Remember, the size sheet is always bigger and undefined. 

Also, how does I automate the process to work multiple times? Let's say, I want to print 5 of it, can I just make the drill bit to move to another position and re do the entire process?

[swalton]

For machining questions, take a look at the HSM forums here: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-hsm-hsmworks-cam/ct-p/213

[mcgyvr]

You are showing an image of something with tool paths already created..

Did you create that?

I'll assume you didn't..

Inventor is a CAD (computer aided drafting/design) program.. Its used to create the 3d model of the part you want.

Using a CAM (computer aided manufacturing) program you create tool paths using your 3d model and those tool paths are converted to gcode (or similar) to run your CNC machine (or laser or lathe or other machine)

For that specific image you posted you would need to make an assembly in Inventor and using a rectangular pattern lay out multiple versions of the same part in the area you want. This would be "manual nesting" Then you can use a CAM program to generate the tool paths for that assembly of multiple parts..

Some software has automatic nesting that can automatically make that pattern on a given size sheet and produce the code for it.

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

The issue is that, it only drills upper part of the cell. It doesn't drill the inner loop of the cell. Perhaps you would want to have a look at the file?

[Anonymous]

I will provide more details.

I am currently working on a well-like shape on Inventor HSM. I have got three major issues:

1. I cannot mill the inner part of the well. There's an Inner well and Inventor can never (so far) mill it. I use an 0.8 mm bit. 

The lower photo is what Inventor has done so far. It only drills half of the well.

2. Second issue, how do I mill a piece of a component from a large piece of plastic? The well complex is housed in a rectangular piece of plastic and whenever I mill things, I use a stock piece of plastic that is way bigger. I want Inventor to cut a rectangle once it has drilled the wells.

3. Would that be possible to reverse the starting point of an operation?

The file is attached.

[mcgyvr]

An iam file is useless without also including the parts..

The iam file only links to parts and does not include them in itself..

To attempt to answer your questions now..while I'm waiting for you to post the ipt files also..

1) You need to add an additional CAM operation to perform the inner bore or 2d pocket/adaptive.

2)You need to add an additional CAM operation to perform the rectangular cut (2D contour)

3)Yes you can change starting points of operations.. 

please post the ipt files to go along with the iam file..

I'd highly suggest running through all of the tutorials for Inventor HSM

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

I have both files accepted. I'll try your solutions. 

Oh yeah, a bit off topic, do you think a Quadro GPU is necessary? 

[mcgyvr]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Oh yeah, a bit off topic, do you think a Quadro GPU is necessary? 

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No.. Not at all for Inventor..

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

I was easily able to program all operations for your part..

BUT

I HIGHLY suggest you got through ALL of these tutorials..

http://help.autodesk.com/view/INVHSM/2015/ENU/?guid=GUID-0E1C69AF-769D-46E6-965D-75F91F1BD945

That should allow you to learn HSM properly.. 

You need to know these at least for your part..

#1-How to setup the job to define the xyz origin point, how to setup the stock that you are using

#2-How to properly create 2d Adaptive/Pocket operations

#3-2D contour operations to cut the rectangle from your stock when you are done..

#4-Workholding.. HSM does tabbing,etc.. to prevent the part from becoming a flying object once you do the 2d contour.. assuming you don't have a vacuum table or similar way to secure it..

Its quite involved and I just don't have the time (nor do I have access to the FULL HSM program as I only have HSM express so things might be different.. I don't have your tool library,etc..) to be able to help you properly..

Spend a day or so going through the tutorials and then if you have further questions after that you can create another forum post (here is ok but on the HSM forum is better)..

You have an expensive piece of software.. Learn to use it properly..

Oh and you only need to program in the part file.. You don't need it in an assembly..

[Anonymous]

I understand. That's why I find as many support as I can.

But thank you for the steps.