Good morning everyone. we're very new to using this new Roemer Arm and we're experiencing some CAD to machine synchronicity issues. We're all experienced programmers here on our Globals and Mistrals using PCDMIS 2015.1 in the usage of CAD models but we're up in the air with the Roemer Arm. We can't seem to make the model and machine snap to each other. Now, first we imported our model (we aligned a stp. file in Pro-E to match the alignment measurement we use exactly on the arm and went from there. we took hits off the model (establishing our Z plane), executed a manual measurement and then introduced a leveling alignment. The screen showed the plane off the model to where it should be. Note: Our part base plane is at a 30 degree angle to the Roemer table as the part's basic features are not parallel to the base plate. we even used the old "CAD=Part" system of setup. Now, what we're seeing is the CAD model looks perfectly aligned after the manual measurements and CAD =Part, but when we take plane measurements off the model and then measure them, the planes show off the model somewhere in space. So although our setup alignment looks clean, the model to "real measurements" are aligning improperly. Seems to really be affecting plane measurement. Is there a tutorial out there somewhere that shows us proper CAD alignment? Also, does someone have a list of the proper check list of what features should be active in the setup menu for he arm? It seems to have more check offs then the big machines. Thanks for any and all input. Our Hexagon instruction lessons here were great on machine use and execution but they didn't dwell on use of this machine with CAD. Sure would help!
Somethings taught about it are 'eh', and the use of the QUICK START menu can be handy (even though it isn't quite right for the alignment, but that can be taken care of manually).
I would suggest using the QUICK START alignment to start with, as it will mostly do what it needed to be done, you measure the plane (and it levels to it), then measure the line/circle/etc for the rest of the alignment, using the leveled plane. This is where the disconnect in the QS-AL shows up. Some time ago, it was PROVEN by the support techs that you SHOULD have one alignment that levels, rotates, & origins, to keep it locked down. the QS-AL does not do this. It will make the level alignment, then the next alignment rotates & origins. Once you are done with the QS-AL, make your OWN alignment, level, rotate, & origin. At this point you can put in that 30 degree rotation (after origin, before offsets) and do the CAD=PART thing.
The other option would be to go straight to ITERATIVE alignment. You may have to have your cad geeks make a big surface slab for the base of the detail, then pick and create (but don't measure!) your level points on that, then pick your other datum features from the part cad for rotations & origins, then do the iterative alignment, THEN measure. You will want a HIGH point target radius and a tight fixture tolerance (for a Romer, I would use 0.003" or 0.004"). See if that doesn't fix it.
I've done a lot with the Romer & cad, and have not had any problems.
Matthew! Could you help us out abit? What we would request is what items in your preferences/setup menu are checked "on" You see, our laptop blew a month ago and they replaced it and we're not entirely sure if all the default icons are checked for CAD usage. Thanks
Matthew! Could you help us out abit? What we would request is what items in your preferences/setup menu are checked "on" You see, our laptop blew a month ago and they replaced it and we're not entirely sure if all the default icons are checked for CAD usage. Thanks
Press End Key
Reset global settings when branching
Allow fine tuning of Alignment
Animate probe during program mode
Pierce CAD on 3D rotate
Use program layout for execution
Update report during execution
Update summary mode during exection
auto Edge strength
That is all that is marked in PREF/SETUP/GENERAL (F5)
Also note that the Windows shortcut used to start PC-DMIS should say something like "C:\Program Files\PC-DMIS\2015.1\PCDLRN.exe"
/portable:ROMERRDS (I don't know exactly what should be after /portable: for your arm, this is just an example).
I setup the full alignment in CAD first and then measure the part to snap it to the CAD. Honestly I had a few CAD files that showed up in a mirror image to the actual part but I think that was because of the CAD model itself.
I've tried doing a 3-2-1 alignment to the inspection table and saving it as an external alignment. The thought was that I could call it up at the beginning of each of my programs, thereby skipping the initial alignment and allowing me to go straight into my auto features and part alignments. It didn't work as planned though and the machine grid ended up being skewed. Has anybody tried something like this and been successful?
