Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: can you scale a part using Dolphin CAD/CAM

Hi Dave,

All CAD programs do not function the same way...which is a good thing.

I use QuickCAD and if I scale everything on the drawing to whatever is
desired, even the dimensions get changed to reflect the new dimensions.

Which is just great for my purposes. I drawn everything to correct size
first and then scale everything up to suit the desired wax/metal shrink
factors and everything is "hunky dory". As far as the CAM system is
concerned, the scaled drawing BECOMES a 1:1 scale drawing and is saved with
a new file name.

Of course this gives me some odd sized overall dimensions for the completed
mold but this is irrelevant for what I'm doing since I cast the stock for
the mold parts in the first place.

Another good thing about scaling the part before running the CAM program is
that the CAM program will be working with finished dimensions and will be
much easier to check as someone else already pointed out. Oversized holes
(due to scaling) to be drilled, reamed, tapped, etc. are no problem since
all your interested in is the center location. It's easy enough to install
the size tool you really want.

Smoke

> Smoke,
> I am not suggesting that 'scaling' is not useful, on the contrary it
> can be very useful when producing parts of a CAD drawing.
> What I should have stated is, that I would not scale a (whole) CAD
> drawing, a CAD drawing should always be at 1:1 scale.
>
> Don't forget, if you scale a CAD drawing, the 'dimensions' remain the
> same. The draughtsman is probably not aware that his CAD drawing is
> going to be used 'directly' for manufacturing.
> The first thing I ALWAYS do when I receive a customers CAD drawing is
> to check at least one dimension on the drawing, to confirm the scale
> is correct.
>
> Dave Pearson
>