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How can I create a Casting Model from an already Created Machined Model in Pro/E Wildfire or vice versa. Also how to maintain the associativity between the models.
Family tables are not huge, I have a family table part of hex socket head screwswith fully 3D detailed models, there are over 120 different variations of the model in there and the file size is 256kb, thats not a issue.
A family table is you best bet here> I worked for years with just such a setup. The endpart would be modelled as if is was machined, all cuts were done with sweeps etc to replicated tools, then the additional material was added for the casting model.
In the generic model you simply created your2 variations under family table. Open the casted model andadd in the extra material. the features are added to the fmaily table and supressed in the generic and all other family table instances except the one (casted) that you created them in.
As you will probably be aware, shrinkage on a part with a lot of rapid changes in cross section is nearly a black art, so with the family table partyou can quickly setup a fewvariations of the casted model withdifferent amounts of material added, and very quickly replace them in your tooling model and make it a little easier to have your tooling follow the model, a little easier min you, if your assy was created on a monday morning or a friday evening then you may have some issues !!!
mcgowanp: family tables fine for bolts / generic parts, but whilst a family table is ok for a cast then machined model to begin with, it will become a 'mare for subsequent users / mods.
Hammerpe: this problem with directories can only be managed with search_paths and or shooting the someone who moved files! Get your administrator to do the shooting, they enjoy it!
In the long term, copy geometry from cast to machined is probably one of the most 'robust' methods, but itmeans the cast model must be designed andmodeledfirst, this is not often the case with original design.
What overcomes this is a skeleton model to do the original design, with finish size or function. this then drives a casting model which can be a copy geometry in the machined part.
The beauty here is that the method follows the actual process of the design and manufacture.
But often in a project the early stages will get parts rapid prototyped so a casting model is not necessarily thought about or given time in the up front program.
Srini: if you only have a finished part, dont be tempted to add machining stock to create the cast model:- it will work but be a 'mare for subsequent mods / users.
Srini: if you only have a finished part, dont be tempted to add machining stock to create the cast model:- it will work but be a 'mare for subsequent mods / users.
I work a little differently. Sorry I could not elaborate in my earlier post since I was in a hurry to rush home.
I create a skeleton of features for planar references (with understandable names) such as machined surfaces, casting allowance. axes for holes, bosses etc. and then build material around them. All extrusions features are to the cast surfaceand Cuts to the machined surfaces. The cast part is created keeping the machined part in context by way of skeletons.
Tosh has a great point to be fair. We can argue all day on the subject but if you ask the machinist,manufacturers what it is they want, they cant come back and blame the delays that will happen on you!!! Joking aside though it is a good point, ask them what they preferre, as we all know there are many ways to do these things.
Herewith i havedetailed the procedure which i did. Kindly correct me if i did any mistake.
First i made a casting model. saved seperately. Then i opened a new file with different part name. In the first step i used Inert
Step 1 : made a casting model and saved as housing-casting.prt
Step 2 : Opened a new file: file > new > part > housing-machining.prt
Step 3 : insert > shared data > merge/inheritance
here i browsed the casting model (Housing-casting.prt) and assembled with datum planes. a new feature name created as external merge id
step 4 : then i used extrude cut options for removing material (as such as machinng) and use cosmetic thread etc....
Whether the procedure is correct. My doubt is can we use the merged model directly for making detailed drawing or should it be taken only as reference and whole new model is to be done...
When Pro/E brings up a model it brings up the full generic and then generates the instances. If there are a lot of features inan instance then this can be a dog.
Problem is compounded as you progress up thru assembly structure.
Also from config management view cannot have separate model revs for casting and machining.
Usually best just to use family tables for what they were intended - nuts and bolts.
Yeah I agree, I'm not trying to push Family table on this process as I do believe Tosh has a point in that the machinist will tell you what he needs and this will dirve what you do. But family tables go way beyond nuts and bolts, its not what family table where solely meant for. They are a powerfull tool and can be made to serve many different applications. Dissmissing them is simply a lack of application.
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