How do I run the Program, but not the alignment?

[[Si...]]

Example : My Alignment is based on a fixture. The datum's are called out on the fixture where the part will be placed against. The alignment is ran prior to the part being placed on the fixture. So, Once I align my fixture and the "datum's" are never going to move. How can I skip this step and just start one the first feature?

This all sound wrong on aligning the part based on using the datums of a fixture. But that's what they want. Trying to save time by doing the alignment once, and just running the parts without having to redo the alignment in the program when it starts.

[[Me...]]

In your run box the drop down of all the alignments also has "Current alignment" choice.

[[Si...]]

Doh! lol...

Thanks for the reminder.

[[To...]]

You can also "Load saved alignment". I haven't used this in awhile. I've created a program that only has the base alignment of the fixture. You set the fixture up. Run a manual alignment, it's followed by a CNC alignment. Then, I'm done with that program. In the part program, I go to Base Alignment, select "Load saved Alignment", select the (cnc) version of the fixture alignment. In the past, I recall being told I needed to run using current alignment but I believe it has also worked when referencing the "loaded" alignment. Please test before taking my word on this. The problem is if you reference any of the features used in the base alignment in a characteristic, i.e. Cartesian Distance from Plane A. For this problem, I will create theoretical features of those features and use the them in my characteristics.

[[Fr...]]

If the Alignment is defined by the fixture then you need to create a coordinate system from the Datums.
1. Make a certain BASE System of the fixture itself
2. Get the Datum elements measured and create a coordinate system using them, make sure that this meets the CAD Model of the part !!!!
3. Have a look at the toolbox, there you´ll find an option to store any alignment under a name of your choice
4. Place the part on the fixture and create a new measurement program load the CAD file , go to the base system menu and select "LOAD AVAILABLE BASE SYSTEM". select the base system you stored at step 3.
5. Now you can go as you do in any programming, defining clearance and so on.

When this is all done you have 2 measurement programms.
One to create the alignment and one to measure the parts.
If you want to measure parts, simply put the fixture on the table, open program 1 (if the fixture isn´t repeatable located perform manual alignement). Run the program one and it will create and store the alignement you need to measure the part(s).

6. Start the measuring program and select the Base system you stored (Step 3.), the CMM won´t measure the Base System again because it is already defined !!!

Now you can simply put parts on the fixture and measure .

NEVER EVER START A CNC RUN WITH "CURRENT ALINGMENT" thats the worst idea ever !!!
(Exception: a test cnc run hast stoped, but be carefull !!!)

[[To...]]

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If I can place a part on the machine and have it reasonably located, i.e. fixture, stops, etc., I'm curious why you think this is a bad idea. I agree it may not be a good idea for some parts but I don't think you can make a blanket statement like that. I'm open to learning something new.

[[Ri...]]

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I would agree with this. I've ran numerous programs this way with no issues. It's all in how you define the program. Unfortunately you cannot run from Current Alignment in AutoRun (I understand why though).

Be cautious with "never" statements. Thanks.

[[Fr...]]

First read everything I wrote then answer.
To load an predefined alignment (from a fixture for example) is different from starting with "current alignment"

[[Ja...]]

Maybe I am saying the same thing as you Frank but wouldn't it be simple enough to do the following?
Create a program for the fixture that establishes the datums and creates an alignment say we call the alignment Fixture A.
Create a second program for the part and in the Base Alignment, click the button for "Load a saved base alignment" which you would then select Fixture A

You have me lost when you say Toolbox as I am thinking of the toolbox that is under the Extras menu and I have no clue how to use it.