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Modular Cabinet Model & List of Helpful Custom Features
Cache_River_Mill
Member Posts: 225 PRO
Modular Cabinet
This project is still in progress, it is complete enough to introduce to those who may want it.
Summary
The modular cabinet has been configured to be many different types of cabinets. As you import the cabinet into your document, you choose the attributes that you want your cabinet to have. This document has been created to cut down on modeling time for standard cabinetry. Please note there are many bugs in the current version of the Modular Cabinet.
Highlights
- Direct Import - Model can be directly derived into other documents without having to copy the document to make changes, configurations can be selected on the spot when you are deriving the cabinet.
- Flatten Parts for Machining - If selected, cabinet will flatten, organize, and name all of its parts for machining. If the document you import to is configured correctly, the room of cabinets will automatically organize themselves for you.
- Project Variables - Document wide variables allows you to save your standard dimensions in one place and use them in different studios across the document.
Alternate Versions
Originally we created a standard set of cabinet studios based on 2D sketches. Using this method, the sketches could be exported as dxf files and directly imported into our CAM software for programming. This method was great for exporting, but limited to changes and had almost no configurations.
Attempt 2, we created a standard set of cabinet studios based on 3D models. This method allowed us to change the model and add too it, but was not as good for exporting.
Attempt 3 involved a single model with one large configuration table. This method could do most of the things the current method can do. Due to the poor configuration, the studio became too cumbersome and would take too long for derivations.
Attempt 4 used assemblies and sub assemblies. This would be the most efficient way to do this, however there were issues with automatically updating assemblies and configured assemblies inside of drawings.
Attempt 5 is the current attempt and it is mostly functional.
Ways it could be better:
- Instead of many of configured features, use variables and logic variables to control a few number of sketches. This should increase the calculation efficiency.
- Use logic variables to suppress features. Currently, it is not possible to suppress features by variables. The Modular Cabinet has many features that are used by multiple configurations which means one configured suppression will not work. If the suppression could be controlled by variables, 1's & 0's, one suppression could be controlled by many different configurations.
We would like the next version to incorporate the instantiator by @Ilya_Baran. The cabinet would most likely be split into quadrants. Each compartment would be controlled by the instantiator.
Special Thanks To
6
Comments
What a great example of how to use Onshape to set up a configurable tool for others to use!
I really like the way you use sketches as instructions! (Although, they'd prevent release of parts with Release Management, because they are in error state...I'm sure there's a way around that).
Amazing amount of work. - Nicely done!
What's your process for going to CAM now? (specifically what machines and CAM software are you using?)
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
- Export the parts as solid parts.
- Import the parts into Alphacam.
- Extract the geometry off of the solid parts.
- Clean up the geometry.
- Apply toolpaths to the geometry.
- Check the sim.
- Generate code.
We are looking forward to some CAM software that is as innovative as Onshape is. We have lots of experience with Alphacam if you ever need any software related feedback from another point of view.Any chance you'd make a video tour explaining what you're doing why and how here? I've dug around a bit, but I get the sense I don't know everything this setup is able to do. I like loom.com for quick videos like that.
Our current process is slow and tedious, lots of manually extracting geometries and organizing parts.
I had a demo with CamWorks two days ago, very automated, I was impressed. It automatically skipped several of our current steps. We will probably be switching to CamWorks in the future.
With CamWorks, our work flow would look like this:
- Import
- Explode Parts (Automatic)
- Extract Features (Automatic)
- Nest Parts (Automatic)
- Toolpath (Some guidance required)
Our current work flow with Alphacam:CamWorks uses SolidWorks. We really want Onshape to team up with someone to make Cam software that is native to Onshape. The integrated apps are terrrible...
Perhaps we just need to hire someone to make a fancy feature! That might work...!
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CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
I use this example because it's more complex than most cabinets.
What if you had something like that in Onshape. You could go from as assembly or part studio using a similar workflow. All feeds and speeds would be automatically calculated (adjustable by you if you want). Cut depth, machining strategy, dog bones, overcuts for pockets, cut order, etc can (And is) automated.
What we're building makes going from 3D model>CNC much like a printer. We also give the user pretty finite control over the process too should they want it.
Imagine a scenario where a designer/engineer sets up the process and then hands the models off the production staff to actually run on the CNC.
Would that be useful to you?
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
Learn more about the Gospel of Christ ( Here )
CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
What's your process now? Are you a custom cabinet shop, do do more than that?
How's the design process work, do you have a few designers/engineers that hand things off to be produced?
And when they are being produced, what kind of machines are you running on?
The design process varies. Some times we need to match the clients plans. Other times we have the freedom to design it our selves.
Our machine hasn't changed for a while, still the Profit H50.
Learn more about the Gospel of Christ ( Here )
CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
Also, that's a pod and rail machine if I'm not mistaken.. If that's the case are you cutting panels down on another machine first, or do you do all of the panel processing on it?
Learn more about the Gospel of Christ ( Here )
CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
What are you both using for CAM now? (Mike I know you're using Alphacam) What do you like about it, and what do you dislike about it?
Twitter: @BryanLAGdesign
I have been using alphacam for 4 years now. The Alphacam support used to say we were unreasonable for the things we asked them for. After years of using the software I realize now that we were not unreasonable at all, they are just poorly managed. Basically... I strive to be more like Onshape.
Alphacam
Pros
- No lag when viewing models. 0. Even Onshape has some lag, but not Alphacam.
- It can do almost all types of 3 axis or 5 axis machining.
- Nesting geometry or tool paths.
- It works well with 3DX Space Mouse.
- Configurable shortcuts. Everything can be assigned to your keyboard.
Cons
- The largest issue is that they have never ONCE fixed a problem or bug that we have requested to be fixed with the software. They only provide work around solutions.
- The second largest set back is that almost everything needs geometry instead of a solid part. I never want to see a single geometric shape after I have completed a model. The info should already be there.
- Most of the tool path tools only work under very specific conditions. The surface machining or 5 axis almost never works.
- They advertise that the advanced 5 axis package will detect gouges and re-calculate. It does not. My disappointment of this feature can not be understated.
- The simulations do not accurately portray what our machine cuts.
- Nesting has lots of bugs which keeps you from nesting certain types of tool paths.
- The surface machining rarely works correclty.
Here is an old list of our Alphacam issues. Note that some of the ones that were fixed were post related not software bugs. As you can see, we had some post issues too. That took quite a while to dispute.
Learn more about the Gospel of Christ ( Here )
CADSharp - We make custom features and integrated Onshape apps! Learn How to FeatureScript Here 🔴
@MichaelPascoe that's a great list. I think the biggest issue there is that Alphacam isn't actually processing your 3d geometry. That's our thing, all toolpaths are done off of a 3D model, NOT vectors that the user has selected. I'm also interested in the 5 axis stuff, what is it that you're doing that's 5 axis? You said something about surface machining... Are you doing 5 axis machining of complex surfaces, or are we just talking about edge boring panels and such.
@Fda and @MichaelPascoe is that really true that you have to simulate in ANOTHER software?
Just so anyone who's casually reading this is clear: We haven't built anything for Onshape yet, but we're thinking about it. Everything we've done thus far has been for SketchUp.
Please keep the ideas coming!
Lets say I got the interest of 5 representatives from joiners & wood work shops to collaborate on hypothetical and what it would take to get them over to onshape. Would that be something you're looking for?