Process Drawings

[jmossbarger]

I have run into a situation where we need to produce process drawings for some machined components. They are relatively simple designs, maybe 15-20 items in the design tree (lathe turned component). We want to produce drawings that show a step by step process map of how the item is machined. We have done it with configurations, but you end up with 1 configuration per process and it doesn't lend itself to reordering the machining methods.

What I want to duplicate is unrolling the tree after you roll back to the origin. I want to duplicate that into a print, either on 1 sheet or individual sheets of a drawings.

Anyone have any ideas on making this more user friendly?

thanks
Joe

 

[handleman]

I believe configurations are going to be your only option. If you're not already doing so I would highly recommend using design tables to help keep your configurations organized.

I usually try to avoid giving an opinion on whether or not people should do what they're trying to do. However, in this case I am curious as to why you would need to do this rather than simply producing a drawing of the finished part and allowing the machinist to decide which steps he wants to take to make the part. I know if I tried to do that I would end up spending way too much time on the drawing, make the machining steps more inefficiently than an experienced machinist, and tick off said experienced machinist by telling him how to do his job.

 

[ctopher]

I agree. I suggest leave the machining steps off the dwg. Design the part with machining in mind, but don't tell them how to machine it. You will eventually cause headaches and add more $$ to your part.

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 01-18-07)

 

[jmossbarger]

I understand both of you, I actually felt the same way, that it wasn't something that was value added. We are in a unique situation where we are setting up machines at our main plant (complete from writing programs to ordering tooling to doing part run-off's) so that we can deliver everything needed to make parts at a new plant. The goal is to have a process sheet to help the technicians trouble shoot if they start having problems. Kind of a road map of the program.

There are some issues with this approach (does a tech need a roadmap, how do you keep it updated, etc), but its the path that has been chosen. So I am trying to find the best way to do it.

If you think of any way other than config's let me know!

thanks
joe

 

[J-C]

Configs are the only way really......I would also do them as "Derived Configurations" so the dimensions and parts numbers are linked to the parent config.

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2006 SP5.1 on WinXP SP2
SolidWorks 2007 SP2.1 on WinXP SP2

 

[MadMango]

I would model the parts as they are machined, so each feature in the FM represents a machine operation. Your Configs then become Step 1, Step 2, etc (or whatever you are calling them).

If Production/Manufacturing wants to reorder the processes, it should be easy to drag up/down the Features in the Engineering controled model, then update your Configs. I'm with the others, I don't think there's another way. I've had to do the same with hydraulic manifolds in the past, where all 6 sides of the manifold required cavities. Many, many Configs.

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

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[jmossbarger]

Thanks guys, I was just hoping for that majic button that I could push and suddenly have a process print! (too many "Easy" button commercials!)

Thanks again!
Joe