Catia NC code generation problems

[phoenix221]

I've recently attempted to transition from VisualMill to Catia-Manufacturing.

I am having problems with generating the NC code from machining operations in Catia V516. I am using the (IMS) bendix (comes with Catia?) post processor to generate G-code suitable for Mach3.

My toolpaths look OK inside Catia, even when simulated. When I generate the NC file, I get valid G-code but, the coordinates are off. The part to be machined is 1.5 x 4 inches (approx) but in the NC file the X,Y coordinates only change within a very small range, suitable for a part which is more like 0.1x0.4 inches. The NC code will load into Mach3 and run but because of the x,y values in the NC file, the tool is going around in a very small area around (x=0,y=0).

I think my Catia Tools-Options->Output are set correctly to identify the IMS post processor. I was thinking that the post processor is assuming a metric coordinate value input and messing the coordinates up for the output but I don't know where the settings are for this aspect of the post processor.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Dean0017]

Well firstly, there's a broad range of things that could be wrong. Not knowing your experience and training with Catia it's kind of hard to find a starting place. Make sure you are using IMS's inch pptable. I've tried using posts that come with Catia before(about R8)but it was hard to get the exact output I wanted.

The reference machining axis under part operation is what describes the G54....etc. This should match your part origin on the machine.

Other than that, I think IMS would probably like to sell you a post and code gen. If you follow this route I'm sure they will guide you in the right direction.

If not you might end up manualy editing every program you generate.

hope this helped a bit.


Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[phoenix221]

Thanks for the post. I am sure IMS would love to get their hands on my money ... although I have to make this work without spending more.

The PPT table I've selected, under the 'Numerical Control' tab (Machine Editor), is PPTableSample_inch.pptable. I've also tried a different post processor the 'haas.lib'. My reference machining axis matches the part origin as well.

Maybe I am naive but I don't understand how it is possible for Catia not to have a post processor that works properly. I am still inclined to believe that I am the cause of this weirdness. I am new to Machining in Catia and have received no formal training for this although I've been using Catia+VisualMill for years. Getting Catia Machining to work would be of great benefit as VisualMill has its own quirks, e.g. I have to export my Catia models to IGES then import it into VisualMill loosing continuity in the process.

I seem to be soooooo close as everything else is right but the xyz coordinate values...

 

[Dean0017]

I hear ya. It's a shame because as a programming tool, catia works extreamly well. Right now I'm training people to use it for five axis work. With a good post, it really makes programming fun.

I don't think Catia wanted to get into making posts because it's just another can of worms. Instead, they have places like IMS take care of this for them. IMS wants money, so they give you something that you can barely use. Kinda looks bad on Dassault if you ask me.

What controller are you using? Send me an example of code too, maybe I can help find something close?

Dean
InSource Consulting Inc.

 

[phoenix221]

We are using MACH3 (3 axis only) as a controller on our prototyping setup. I've included a sample code here. Please note that it is not a complete file and the line numbers are not present either:
----------------------------
G20
G0 G17 G40 G49 G80 G90
G61(CONSTANT CONTOUR OFF OR TURN ON W/G64)
(Bushing Hole Pocketing)
T2 M6
G43 0
S4583 M03
G00 Z0.1000
X1.0047 Y1.6653
G01 Z0.0250 F5.0
G01 X1.0046 Y1.6646 Z0.0247 F8.0
G01 X1.0033 Y1.6630 Z0.0240
G01 X1.0015 Y1.6619 Z0.0232
G01 X0.9995 Y1.6617 Z0.0225
G01 X0.9975 Y1.6623 Z0.0217
G01 X0.9960 Y1.6637 Z0.0210
G01 X0.9951 Y1.6656 Z0.0202
G01 Y1.6677 Z0.0195
G01 X0.9960 Y1.6696 Z0.0187
G01 X0.9975 Y1.6710 Z0.0179
G01 X0.9995 Y1.6716 Z0.0172
G01 X1.0015 Y1.6714 Z0.0164
G01 X1.0033 Y1.6704 Z0.0157
G01 X1.0046 Y1.6687 Z0.0149
G01 X1.0050 Y1.6667 Z0.0142
G01 X1.0046 Y1.6646 Z0.0134
G01 X1.0033 Y1.6630 Z0.0126
G01 X1.0015 Y1.6619 Z0.0119
G01 X0.9995 Y1.6617 Z0.0111
G01 X0.9975 Y1.6623 Z0.0104
G01 X0.9960 Y1.6637 Z0.0096
G01 X0.9951 Y1.6656 Z0.0089
G01 Y1.6677 Z0.0081
G01 X0.9960 Y1.6696 Z0.0073
...
----------------------------------