Programming time

[[Cl...]]

I did a forum search, but didn't find what I was looking for. We have a CMM program request log that is used by the engineers. They enter the request with all the particulars, i.e., due date, ops, characteristics, etc. I want to add a column that gives the estimated time it will take to create the program. Not sure were to start though? I've heard 12 minutes per characteristic for example.

[[Ri...]]

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It's hard to create templates for things like that. Does it take 12 minutes to create a diameter characteristic and feature strategy? Doubtful. Could it take 12 minutes or more to create a super complex Profile characteristic and feature strategy? Yes.

[[Ro...]]

Always 3 days, minimum!
If you get lucky and bump it out in 1 day, don't tell anybody until after lunch on day 2.
however long it takes you, just stare at your screen & listen to a book on Audible for a full day longer.

12 minutes per dim seems insane.

[[Cl...]]

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I believe the "12 minutes per characteristic" came was from a Zeiss programmer?
In the mean time, I'm going with Roberto's quote. 😃

[[Ke...]]

I use 15 minutes per/characteristic, but what I tell others the timing is depends on the complexity of the part/print. It's not like I'm ever allowed to focus on a single project at a time. There are always other priorities/interruptions. Just because I figure it will take 16hrs to program a part, doesn't mean that I can complete it 16hrs after I start; plus I also try to figure in time for "proofing" the program (w/repeatability study)

[[Ow...]]

See attached, can't remember who originally posted it. Right or wrong, it's something to start with.

CMM Programming Quote times.xlsx

[[Cl...]]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm going to have to think about this one.
This is just for internal company use, so I'm not going to get to in-depth.

[[Ro...]]

Your company is like every other company, and given time everybody ends up going down the road of metrics. Everything can and will be accounted for.
It starts off small, just an informal log, but sooner or later you're going to be clocking into and out of jobs.
Its happening where i'm at, engineers are now logging their time, and when they tell me i have to log my time i won't be surprised.
Of course that would be good news for me, because that would mean they want me programming again. Ive been moved out to the floor for the past 4 or 5 months, im now Direct Labor CMM Operator.
Actually earning my keep now!
My feet hurt........

(October 2021 Update: I quit that job as part of "The Great Resignation", and went up the road to a place that actually needed a CMM Programmer)

[[Me...]]

5 with coffee.
15 w/o.

[[Cl...]]

Oh ya, I can see that coming soon.

[[Ja...]]

I get asked that question from time to time. I would like to tell them one working day but then I wounder if they are compering me to an outsource. So, if I can get it done in an hour or two I would say so. The problem is there are so many variables that there is no single number to give, if the question is in general. In general, I tell them 2 or 3 hours for an easy part and 4 or 5 for a complex part. Even though, I know it's unpredictable.

[[Se...]]

It´s really hard to say.
I agree with Keith:
It´s depending on the complexity of the drawing, manufacturing process, tolerances to achive, your CMM equipement...
To create the first draft is usually quick and easy. For sure, you won´t need 15 min / characteristic!
But some times, the testing and optimizing phase is more time-consuming than the programing.
In our company we also make a huge effort in the measurement agreement+comparison with our customers.
For what I have to do here, I guess that 15 min is quite realistic. But in some tricky projects, it can become much more!
I really hope I´ll never have to logg my time!