Set up the laser cutting project

Purpose

Setting up the laser cut project means building the manufacturing environment with the laser cut machine and all other necessary devices, fixtures and of course the workpiece, as it would be operating in reality.

The machine setup can be copied from a template master workcell. In this master workcell, the machine, part positioner, and required equipment are already arranged.

Steps

1. Preparation (if needed)

1.1 Switch to the Layout Builder workbench

Switch to LB workbench

1.2 Create a new empty document (if needed)

If another document is already open in the running session, this step has to be executed. If not, this step can be skipped.

Create a new document

2. Build the workcell

2.1 Add the fixture to this project

Add the fixture created in Step 2 to the new project.

Add to layout

2.2 Place the workpiece on the fixture

Add the workpiece to the layout and connect it to the fixture. Drag the workpiece toward the fixture. When a yellow connection line appears between workpiece and fixture adapter, drop the workpiece to connect it.

Connect workpiece to fixture

2.3 Load the laser machine from the Component library

Load the Prima LaserNext 1530 laser machine from the Component library.

Add a layout

2.4 Add an existing machine layout (alternative)

If the laser machine is not present in the library, load it directly from file location with Add existing components.

Add existing components

2.5 Show or hide machine parts with layers

Use layers to show and hide parts of the laser machine.

Use layers

2.6 Place the fixture on the turntable

Place the fixture with workpiece on the laser machine turntable using adapter connect functionality. In this tutorial, fixture mounting-hole mismatch with the turntable is ignored.

Place fixture on turntable