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This article will show you how to do it. Refer to the sections below for details about this Onshape part, the VisualCAMc toolpaths and Operating Tips.
The Procedure
1. Select the Automation tab from the Machining Browser.
Automation Toolbar
Reload Configurations from the Onshape document.
Sort Configurations from Onshape document.
2. Under Configurations in Document, select the boxes that indicate which configuration(s) you want to post-process.
3. Select the Post-Process button to begin post-processing and generating your g-code files.
4. During post-processing an in-process icon 
will appear. Once complete select the Download button.
5. The file is downloaded to your local downloads folder.
6. Open your download folder and extract the contents of the PostFiles.zip file.
7. The G-Code file for each configuration is available along with a log file of the automation process.
The zip archive file will contain a G-Code file (*.nc) for each configuration you have selected in Step 2 above. The log file will list each configuration and each operation by name that was successfully “Generated”.
The Automation Tab
Reload Configurations from the Onshape document.
Sort Configurations from Onshape document.
2. Under Configurations in Document, select the boxes that indicate which configuration(s) you want to post-process.
The Automation Tab
The Automation Tab
will appear. Once complete select the Download button.
The Automation Tab
Notice that your Browser Downloaded the Archive
Locate the PostFiles.zip archive file in your Downloads Folder
Open the Archive to Access your G-Code Files |
Sample G-Code File |
Review the Automation Log File
About the Onshape Part
The Onshape part studio for this part contains the multiple design configurations shown below. You will notice that is Step 2 above, we selected the configurations that included the 5.75 OD and the 6.25 OD as well as the 4 HOLE and 6 HOLE pattern.
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The VisualCAMc Toolpaths
Within the VisualCAMc tab for this Onshape part document, we have loaded the part configuration that contains the 5.75 OD and the maximum pattern of 8 HOLES. This part selection ensures that all possible configurations are assigned toolpaths.
Current Limitations
It should be noted that Onshape configurations that include Feature Patterns may fail to generate toolpaths for certain configurations. Be sure to review the post log file included in each G-Code download archive. The log file is discussed in Step 7 above and in the Operating Tips section below.
Operating Tips
- Use the Reload Configurations Icon: If the design configurations have been changed in the Onshape Part Studio after you have loaded the part into VisualCAMc, use the Reload Configurations icon located on the Automation toolbar. This is shown in Step 1 above.
- Program Toolpaths for the Highest Configuration: Make sure that in your current VisualCAMc tab you have programmed toolpaths for the highest possible configuration. In our example above, there is a configuration for each hole pattern of 4, 6 and 8 holes. In our VisualCAMc tab we have programmed the 8 hole pattern configuration. This allows the system to automate the post-processing for all possible configurations.
- Review the Post-Process Log File: The zip archive of the automatically generated G-Code files includes a log file. It will list each configuration and each operation by name that was successfully “Generated”. You should review this log file in detail.
Additional Resources
If you are new or would like to learn more about design and CNC G-code generation on the cloud, we invite you to visit the following resources:
Note: This blog article is also available in a video format! It shows you how to perform G-Code automation from Onshape design configurations. It also shows you how to access the Onshape part file used in this article and perform the procedure yourself.
VisualCAMc is a cloud CAM software application for creating 2½ Axis, 3 Axis and 3+2 milling cutter paths for Onshape design files. Sign up for a 14-day free trial now.
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