Casting to Machine part setup

[SBRIRONMAN]

? In PRO-E I would merge my casting into a machining so whenever I would change the casting the machining was updated as well.

In SW2011, how do you take a finished casting and merge to a machining to make your machining cuts that will also be updated anytime that casting where to change.


Thanks
Mark

 

[MadMango]

Create a new Configuration for the machining process, then as the casting changes, so will the machining if the relations are maintained.

I've worked in one place where they would export the cast model as a dumb solid, then do the machining edits, it was a horrible process.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."


Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[Updraft]

SWX uses Insert Part just for this purpose. Way back in '96 I used this for designing a die casting and then inserting it as the base part in a new part file that would become the machining. I had the machined part file setup so that each feature in the machining, which would all be cuts, would show up as a different color so it was easy to communicate to the machinists where they would be removing material.

Though you can do this with configs I think this is a better approach since the casting and machining are related, but clearly kept separate. Configurations are terrific for a lot of things, but in my opinion not the best choice for your needs.

- - -Updraft

 

[jassco]

Hi, Mark:

I agree with Updraft. Derived part is the way to go.

Best regards,

Alex

 

[Updraft]

Mark,

Just to add some clarification, the casting is a separate part file and its changes will show up in the machining file that references it. This is not a dumb solid situation.

- - -Updraft

 

[rollupswx]

Sometimes it makes sense to go the opposite direction.
You know the finished dimensions - so you model the finished part.
Then you derive the casting part and remove holes, thicken or add material that was "machined off".

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I prefer the Derived Part (Insert > Part) method. The basic casting can then be used as a base for other parts if required.