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Manufacturing Basics
SELECTING A CYCLE........................................................................................47
FINISHING A COMMAND ....................................................................................47
USING CUTTER COMPENSATION.......................................................................48
Using Cutter Compensation in Milling Cycles ...........................................48
Using Wire Compensation.........................................................................49
Using No Compensation ...........................................................................50
Using Controller Compensation ................................................................50
Using Pathtrace Compensation.................................................................51
Using Cutter Compensation in Turning Cycles .........................................52
DISPLAYING TOOLPATHS .................................................................................54
Controlling the Toolpath Mode ..................................................................54
Simulating Tool Movement........................................................................54
Displaying Solid Models ............................................................................55
If you need to switch back into Design mode at any time, click on the Design
button or select Design (Options menu).
If this is the first time you have entered Manufacture mode since starting
EdgeCAM, you are prompted for details on what type of machining you want
to use. This information defines a new machining sequence or machining
worksession. You also specify which Code Generator file you want to use. A
Code Generator provides appropriate manufacturing commands and contains
the data on converting an EdgeCAM machining sequence into CNC code for
a specific machine tool type.
You may enter Manufacture mode with a new executable file (for example, a
PDI) or a new Code Generator file. If you do, you are prompted to enter the
text for the machine-specific commands that appear under the M-Functions
menu.
Manufacturing Basics
You can also view the EdgeCAM Instruction list associated with a job from
within the Job Manager or the web-based Job Reports. If an associated
instruction list exists for a particular job, the instructions will be displayed on
the Instructions tab of the Job Manager or through a link on the job reports
page.
The icon for the current machining sequence is shown with a green
background.Note that the machine sequence description is followed by the
code generator file (Machine Tool in dialogs defining the sequence) used by
the sequence. Sequence 1 is used by default if you do not specify a
description.
By default, as the mouse is moved over an instruction in the browser window,
the relevant toolpath is automatically highlighted in the graphics area.
Uncheck the Highlight Instructions option on the Toolpaths tab of the
Preferences (Options menu) dialog to disable this functionality.
Clicking on a plus sign expands the view to show all instructions under that
machining sequence, including toolchange descriptions with turret position.
By default, the instructions in the Browser window are numbered as this can
be useful when a part has a large number of similar instructions. To display
the instructions without numbers, please ensure that the Number
Instructions option on the Toolpath tab of the Preferences (Options
menu) dialog is unchecked.
Displaying the individual co-ordinates in feed and rapid moves can slow down
EdgeCAM when working with a part containing a large number of
instructions. Uncheck the Display Co-ordinates option on the Toolpaths tab
of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog if you do not wish to display the
co-ordinates.
Note that you may edit instructions within an operation, but this will break the
operation down into its component instructions.
You can also group instructions together as operations using Operation
(Instructions menu). This means that when editing the instruction list you
could edit individual commands or entire operations. Do not confuse these
with the integrated machining commands provided under the Operations
menu.
Note that this functionality will only display a planar 'slice' at each level of cut.
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Manufacturing Basics
turret configurations
If a part has been saved, the default sequence is the sequence in use when
the part was saved. This sequence is used for the part at the start of a new
Manufacture session.
A new sequence can be defined at any time in Manufacture using the
command New Sequence (File menu).
An existing sequence can be selected using the command Select Sequence
(File menu).
Parts can contain multiple sequences, for example two milling operations on
the same model. Also, more than one discipline (mill, inspection, turning, and
so on) can be used with the same model.
If you have to physically move the workpiece from one setup to another, you
should consider using separate sequences, as the output will be for machine
tools used in that setup.
If the part is complex, the redraw time may get quite long, so you may want to
break it down. However, you must then merge the files together with an editor
(the EdgeCAM Editor is recommended).
button.
Mirror View - (Turning environment only) Check this box to create a mirrored
profile about the Z axis that you can use for Four Axis cycles. EdgeCAM only
needs the upper side of the turned profile to be drawn. After you click on OK
to dismiss the sequence parameters, you can digitise the profile that you
want to mirror. Perform a Finish and the mirrored profile is created.
Machine Datum (Milling and turning environment only) Specifies the
effective machine origin. This defaults to CPL Top (in milling) or the Initial
CPL (in turning), but you may select any desired location.
You may specify a point on the graphics screen using co-ordinates or a
digitise. A CPL will be generated at this location, with the same orientation as
the Initial CPL.
To help visualise the Machine Datum, you can display the Primary and
Secondary axes by selecting the Machine Datum box in the Drawing,
Configure (View menu) command.
Sequence Name Type in a (descriptive) name for the new machining
sequence (eg. 'OP1'). Please note that each machining sequence must have
a unique name.
Job Name Select a job be entering the appropriate name or use the
Browse button to call up the Job Manager and select a job from the list. Also
see Passing Job Data to the NC File.
Manufacturing Basics
Discipline Select the appropriate machining discipline. This then filters the
available Code Generator files that appear under Machine Tool.
When selecting a sequence for combined turning and milling operations on a
single component, and all operations are to carried out on a turning centre,
select the Turn discipline. If the same combination of operations is to be
performed on a milling centre and a separate turning centre, then two
separate machining sequences should be used.
Machine Tool Select the appropriate Code Generator file from those
available. This generates the CNC code for a particular machine tool or other
device. It also defines which commands and options are appropriate for the
desired manufacturing discipline and type of machine tool.
Initial CPL Select the CPL in which to begin machining. For wire erosion
this must always be set to TOP.
Also see Initial CPL in the Milling and Turning environment.
Datum Type (Milling environment only) Specify the type of coordinate shift
from the World Co-ordinate System origin (Absolute or Incremental).
Absolute typically invokes a co-ordinate shift on the machine tool similar to a
G50 (the co-ordinate system can be reinstated from any other co-ordinate
system). This must be supported by the code generator and machine tool.
Incremental typically invokes a co-ordinate system shift similar to a G92
(reselection is not easy from another co-ordinate system).
There are two commands for altering the datum point in the current
machining sequence:
Datum Shift (M-Functions menu) Allows you to move the program zero
to a new location in the current part. This is useful if you want to machine
several separate components in the same model within the same machining
sequence.
You could instead translate the toolpath from one component onto the other
component. For more information, see Transforming Commands (Copy
Machining).
Index (Move menu) Also allows you to move the datum. For more
information, see Multiplane Milling and Rotary Milling.
For a turning sequence, this must be a standard CPL or user defined CPL
that has a base co-ordinate system of Turn (ZX). If the datum point of the
geometry is unsuitable, translate the geometry to the appropriate position
using the Design command Transform Translate (Edit menu).
Manufacturing Basics
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Token Name
Token Description
JOBDESC
JM-DESC
JOBCOM
JM-COM
JOBFAM
JM-FAM
JOBMACH
JM-MACH
JOBCUST
JM-CUST
JOBPROG
JM-PROG
JOBMATL
JM-MATL
JOBREV
JM-REV
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Manufacturing Basics
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arcs have a radius greater than the control can interpret. This can be
encountered in smoothed surface toolpaths.
the arc start and end positions are so close that when formatted they are
the same position. This can result in the controller interpreting it as a
complete circle move.
the arc start or end positions in one axis are close enough to become the
same position when formatted. This can result in the controller reporting
an error that the point does not lie on the arc.
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Manufacturing Basics
Selecting Tools
Before you can begin machining a part, EdgeCAM expects you to load a tool
of some description. This is so that the correct tool offsets and positioning
from the work can be calculated.
Until you load a tool in the turret, you are only allowed to position the turret
and select M-Functions commands. Once you have loaded a tool, all cycles
appropriate to that tool type can be used.
EdgeCAM provides these methods of loading tools:
Loading pre-defined tools from the ToolStore or Tool Library. Note that
you can set up where to find the ToolStore and the Tool Library using the
Tool Libraries tab of the Preferences (Options menu) command.
button.
For further information on using the ToolStore, please refer to the context
sensitive help in the ToolStore application or the ToolStore chapter in this
manual.
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EdgeCAM displays the parameter input window for that tool type.
2. Click on the Library button. The Library window appears:
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Manufacturing Basics
Milling Cutters
Turning Tools
Turn, Thread, Bore, Groove and Parting Off are considered to be fixed
tooling, while Milling Cutters can be either driven (powered tooling) or fixed.
You could also use a fixed drilling tool for making holes on the spindle
centreline.
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Manufacturing Basics
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Left Hand
Neutral
Right Hand
Gauge Point - Defines the Gauge Point of the insert, in relation to the long
(Z) axis of the tool. The Gauge Point can be set to the Primary, Secondary,
Centre (of the Primary or Secondary tip radius) and Orthogonal points of an
insert, and is usually positioned as follows:
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Manufacturing Basics
Centre
Primary
Centre Primary
Primary
Centre
Primary
Centre
Secondary
Centre
Secondary
Centre
Secondary
Secondary
Orthogonal
Orthogonal
Orthogonal
Secondary
Secondary
Primary
Inscribed Circle
End
Angle
Tool Axis
Included Angle
Side Angle
End Angle - Define the angle between the tool axis and the end of the insert.
Side Angle - Define the angle between the tool axis normal and the side of
the insert.
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End
Angle
=120
Side Clearance Angle=2
Side Angle=120
Included Angle - Define the angle between the end and side of the insert.
Edge Length - Define the length of the cutting edge of the insert.
Inscribed Circle - Define the diameter of an imaginary circle that could just
fit inside the outline of the insert.
Nose Radius - Define the radius of the corner at the cutting end of the insert.
Reach - Defines the depth that the insert can cut before the shank makes
contact with the material. This is only for Thread, Parting Off and Groove
tools.
Reach
Style - Select the position of the insert to be at the End or Side of the tool.
This example shows a Grooving or Parting Off tool with Style = End.
Corner
Radius
Width
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Manufacturing Basics
Corner Radius - Define the radius of the corner at the cutting end of the
insert.
Width - Define the width of the cutting edge of the insert, ignoring corner
radii.
Symbol - Select from a list of ISO insert symbol types.
Xgauge
Gauge Point
Zgauge
Ygauge is only used on Driven tooling and when Y axis mode is enabled to
allow for the tool to have a distance defined off the centreline of the spindle.
Please note that the gauge length is specified in part units (not tool units).
Orientation Select from Axial, Radial and Reverse Axial to define the
position of the tool axis relative to the Machine Tool Co-ordinate System:
Reverse Axial
Axial
X axis
Radial
Z axis
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Angle - Specifies the angle the tool makes with the Machine Tool Coordinate System's Z axis. This is used for finer control over the tool than by
using the orientation. To activate the field, set the Orientation parameter
(General tab) to <NONE>.
Reverse Mark this box to use the tool rotated 180 about its own axis:
X axis
Z axis
Whether you reverse the tool or not depends on the direction of the machine
spindle's rotation.
Offset - Select the offset register for the tool, as specified by the machine
tool controller. This is only valid if you are using controller compensation.
Usually, the turret number is used to determine the offset register. However,
you may want to use multiple registers, for example when turning a part with
different diameters, using different offsets to compensate for tool deflection.
For more details on the gauge point of a tool, see Specifying Turning Tool
Parameters.
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Manufacturing Basics
Check the Hide Tool option if you do not want to display the tool. Please
note that this option is unchecked by default.
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Alternatively, right click on the view status bar and select Properties.
Check the Hide Tool Holder option if you do not want to display the tool.
Please note that this option is unchecked by default.
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Manufacturing Basics
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Manufacturing Basics
(Mild
Steel)
Rigidity
100%
Technology Factor
100%
DEPTH
SPEED
FEEDRATE
(mm)
(rev/min)
(mm/rev/tooth)
4.00
250.00
0.25
0.25
tooling
100%
50%
100%
100%
(Final values)
4.00
125.00
0.25
0.25
MEDIUM
PLUNGE
FEED
(Cut Type)
The Rigidity and Technology Factor are multiplied with the values from the
Material Technology table to produce the corrected values. The tools
Technology values (measured in percentages) are now multiplied with the
Material Technology values. This increases or decreases the feeds and
speeds, depending on the grade of insert and the toughness of the material.
The material speed and feed values are based upon the material being cut
with a certain tool grade. If a tool has been selected where the grade of insert
is inferior, the tooling percentages would therefore be lower to reflect the
lower cutting performance of the tool.
The final values are what EdgeCAM uses as the default feeds and speeds for
all cycles.
Material
Technology
table
Rigidity
factor
Technology
factor
=
Calculated
Speeds and
Feeds
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Tool
Technology
table
Cut Type Sets the column of the Material Technology table to be used.
Specified using the Cut Type parameter in the Technology (Tooling
menu) command.
You can enter data into these tables based either on data from tool
manufacturers handbooks or from your own experience.
Remember which units you are working in millimetres or inches. You
cannot mix values within a single record, but you can have two records
however, one for inches and one for millimetres. These records can have the
same name (as long as they are using different units).
Rough, Medium or Fine values can be selected for a cycle.
The values for Surface Speed are in either metres per minute or feet per
minute.
The values for Feed 1 and Feed 2 are in chip per tooth (millimetres or
inches per tooth).
The values for Depth are in millimetres or inches.
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Manufacturing Basics
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For Rough Turning cycles, a Safe Distance move is added to the end of a
pass:
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Manufacturing Basics
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The actual items that appear depend upon your current Code Generator file.
Each Code Generator can add extra functions to the M-Functions menu.
These functions can be switches (for example, Coolant On/Off) or values (for
example, New Offset). The Code Generator assumes one of the options as a
default (Coolant is assumed to be on unless otherwise specified). Therefore,
if the function has not been used, the machine status reports -DEFAULT as
shown above.
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Manufacturing Basics
The actual items that appear depends upon your current Code Generator file.
This is listed here as the Machine Tool.
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The column on the left shows the co-ordinates of the tool with respect to the
active CPL (and can be displayed on its own by using the Status Bars, CPL
Co-ordinates option).
The column on the right shows the co-ordinates of the tool with respect to the
Machine Datum (which you set by checking the Machine Datum box when
defining a new Machining Sequence). The machine (MC) co-ordinates
update at the end of each cycle.
Turning Example
The top two sets of co-ordinates are for the Upper Turret, while the bottom
two are for the Lower Turret.
The column on the left shows the co-ordinates of the tool(s) with respect to
the active CPL (and can be displayed on its own by using the Status Bars,
CPL Co-ordinates option). The column on the right shows the co-ordinates of
the tool(s) with respect to the Machine Datum (which you set by checking the
Machine Datum box when defining a new Machining Sequence). The
machine (MC) co-ordinates update at the end of each cycle.
Wire Erosion Example
The column on the left shows the co-ordinates of the wire as it passes
through the XY plane, with respect to the active CPL (and can be displayed
on its own by using the Status Bars, CPL Co-ordinates option). The column
on the right shows the co-ordinates of the wire with respect to the Machine
Datum (which you set by checking the Machine Datum box when defining a
new Machining Sequence). The machine (MC) co-ordinates update at the
end of each cycle.
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Manufacturing Basics
Turning Example
If Override Angles have been specified for the tool, these are shown in place
of the clearance angles, in { } brackets:
Wire Example
The numbers in brackets are the Upper and Lower Guide heights (see
Selecting the Wire for details).
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Resolved When moving from point to point the toolpath is linear. This
means that one axis may move slower than the other, so that a straight
line is achieved between points.
The Code Generator has a parameter that sets the rapid type for your
machine.
It is important that the correct display is shown so that you can see if the
toolpath has inadvertently collided with the part. Please refer to your machine
tool manual for details.
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Manufacturing Basics
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sign.
Note that displaying the individual co-ordinates in feed and rapid moves can
slow down EdgeCAM when working with a part containing a large number of
instructions. Uncheck the Display Co-ordinates option on the Toolpaths tab
of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog if you do not wish to display the
co-ordinates.
As you select co-ordinates in the browser, the node (a single position) in the
toolpath is highlighted in the graphics area. A right click on a co-ordinate in
the browser calls up the context menu which allows you to edit or delete
individual existing co-ordinates or to insert new co-ordinates:
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Manufacturing Basics
Editing co-ordinates
Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Edit from the
context menu. You can now specify new co-ordinates for this position by a
using a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-ordinate input and/or
construction tools.
Note that modal values inherited from the previous line are shown as blank.
Inserting new co-ordinates
Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Insert from
the context menu. You can now specify a new co-ordinate position by a using
a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-ordinate input and/or
construction tools. The new position is inserted before the selected node.
If incremental values are input or if only some of the required co-ordinates
are given, the inserted node will be based on the position given in the
previous node.
If a co-ordinate value which has dependants in subsequent co-ordinate
nodes or move instructions is changed then those dependent values
(incremental or blank) will also update automatically.
(Milling only) Use of the 2D Snap option when creating co-ordinates will result
in Z values being modal, based on the last specified Z height.
Deleting co-ordinates
Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Delete from
the context menu. Multiple nodes can be deleted by holding down the shift
or control key when selecting a range or multiple individual co-ordinates. If
you select all of the co-ordinates of a rapid or feed move for deletion, the
whole instruction will be removed.
If you make changes to the instruction list, the display is not updated
automatically. Use the Refresh option to ensure that the instruction list is
displayed correctly in the browser window.
Note:
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If reference co-ordinates are used, the browser shows both the reference
point and the required offset from it, e.g. (X 0.000 Y 50.000 Z 0.000) +
X10.
If you check the box, you are prompted to digitise a midpoint and an
endpoint for the arc move.
If you leave the box unchecked, you are prompted to digitise the endpoint
of the arc. The arc leaves the last move at a tangent and finishes at the
endpoint.
If you use the button, the tool moves to the three dimensional location
specified in the Code Generator and machine parameters.
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Manufacturing Basics
Turning
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The Initial Plane is a height at which the tool is safe to move without any risk
of colliding with any part of the workpiece, clamps or fixtures. The default
value is taken from the Code Generator file.
You can set the height of the Initial Plane by specifying a value for the Initial
Plane parameter in the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu)
command.
Note that while toolchange and home positions are defined in world coordinates the initial plane is defined from the intial CPL of the sequence.
These two datum points may be different.
Freehand Milling
Rather than use specific commands listed under the Cycles menu, for simple
machining tasks you may find it easier to use commands for moving the tool
at the feed rate.
You can use the Feed, Arc and Relative commands under the Move menu.
In this example, feed moves have been used to facemill a part:
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Manufacturing Basics
As the tool moves relative to the geometry, the angle of the geometry does
not matter.
if using Constant Surface Speed, to allow the spindle to adjust its speed
You may encounter a problem when cutting a chamfer with a radiused tool.
Normally the Gauge Point of the tool insert is driven along the geometry and
therefore the tool does not cut the correct profile.
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This example shows that a toolpath based on the Gauge Point misses the
profile geometry:
The solution is to use the Move menu commands Relative, Relative Two or
Constrained with Pathtrace Compensation selected. These cycles calculate
the real position for the tool and place the tool correctly.
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Manufacturing Basics
When using the Constrained command, the move type can be set to either
Feed or Rapid. Note, however, that for non-linear moves the output will
always be in Feed mode. Rapid moves will be subject to the same dog leg
restrictions that apply to all other rapid moves, depending on the
characteristics of the selected machine tool.
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Selecting a Cycle
Once you have selected a tool and possibly used a rapid move to bring the
tool closer to the work, you are ready to select a machining cycle.
You can find all machining cycles permitted by the Code Generator file
selected for the machining sequence, and the current tool, under the Cycles
menu.
Individual buttons provide another method of selecting the appropriate cycle
(which of these are displayed on the toolbar is also determined by the
machining sequence and the current tool).
Finishing a Command
The help refers to the action Perform a Finish when describing how to use
certain commands. In EdgeCAM, selecting the right hand mouse button will
finish a command.
Alternatively, selecting the Enter/Return key will also finish the command.
There is also an icon that can be added to your Toolbars. To add the icon,
select Toolbars (View menu), and select the Input Options Toolbar from
the list displayed on the Commands Tab.
icon can be added to any Toolbar by selecting it with the left hand
The
mouse button and dragging it on to a Toolbar.
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Manufacturing Basics
allow you to select the offset facility (the Tooling toolbar must be selected
using Toolbars (View menu) to see these buttons).
If the Left or Right compensation buttons have been selected,
compensation remains on until the Off or the other compensation button is
selected. The compensation is further modified by the choice made in the
Compensation parameter for a cycle. This can be either Pathtrace or
Controller compensation.
If no compensation is applied, the CNC output is based purely on the
centreline toolpath. This button also switches off the current compensation
setting.
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Compensation
Pathtrace
None
Left/Right
Controller
Not recommended.
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Manufacturing Basics
Using No Compensation
Radius Compensation
None
Compensation
Pathtrace
Tool/wire centreline
The milling tool cannot be compensated for wear, therefore the part could
be cut over- or under-size.
Controller
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When the radius of the corner equals the tool radius, the shape of the
output corner is the same as the Corner Type parameter selected in the
cycle.
Profile cycles create a "back offset" NC path allowing for the tool radius.
The compensated toolpath is only displayed in Manufacture and resides
on the same layer as the toolpath.
CNC code can be read more easily as the code represents the part.
The milling tools size can be altered to allow for tool wear.
Pathtrace
Tool/wire centreline
The controller compensates for the radius of the cutter/wire by using an offset
store within the control. The operator must set this offset store to zero prior to
running the program.
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Manufacturing Basics
To adjust for tool wear in the milling environment, the operator must change
the offset store value by the difference between the true tool diameter and
the programmed tool diameter.
The advantages of this method of output are:
The milling tools size can be altered to allow for tool wear.
The controller does not need a run-in (as the radius of the cutter in the
offset store is set to zero), therefore the controller does not need a
compensation move.
Pathcomp
Turning Centres are usually limited to simple forms of compensation for
turning tools. EdgeCAM provides an extensive facility to compensate for the
tool geometry. Selecting Pathcomp causes the output tool path to be
readjusted to cater for tool geometry. This is in effect until cancelled.
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buttons:
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Manufacturing Basics
Displaying Toolpaths
You can use these methods to control how toolpaths appear on the graphics
screen:
Set the Colour parameter when selecting a tool. This determines the
colour of the tool/wire and all toolpaths created using it.*
command.
*You can also specify a different colour for your rapid moves. Select the
Colours (Options menu) command and set the Rapids & Normals parameter.
The top slider shows the progress of the simulation throughout the instruction
list. The current cycle or command is displayed (Areaclear Milling in this
example). You can narrow the selection to a smaller portion off the instruction
list by dragging the slider while holding down the Shift key, then click Zoom.
Click Zoom again to return to the entire instruction list.
Control the simulation using these buttons:
You can control the speed of the simulation by moving the bottom slider, left
to slow down and right to speed up.
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Check the Constant box to set the simulated tool/wire to move at a fixed
rate. Otherwise it will move at a rate proportional to the rates generated for
the cycle.
Please note that the simulation of toolpaths in Four Axis Turning cycles is
only correct when Constant is OFF.
Using the Stop button halts the simulation for the current tool only.
Click on the
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Manufacturing Basics
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Editing Instructions
The browser window on the left-hand side of the EdgeCAM screen shows all
associated machining sequences and instructions related to the current part.
By default, the instructions in the Browser window are numbered as this can
be useful when a part has a large number of similar instructions. To display
the instructions without numbers, please ensure that the Number
Instructions option on the Toolpath tab of the Preferences (Options
menu) dialog is unchecked.
If a Sort Priority has been assigned to a toolchange this priority will be
displayed in the Instructions Browser to the right of the instruction number.
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Editing Instructions
As explained under Browsing the Instruction List, you can use this window to
edit the current instruction list.
Notes
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Only commands that are included in the instruction list can be edited,
moved or deleted.
Once the instruction list has been changed, EdgeCAM recalculates the
toolpath according to the new geometry.
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Editing Instructions
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Editing Instructions
Inserting Sequences
Requires the Multiplane Machining licence
The Insert, Component (File menu) command allows you to insert a
component and its machining sequences into the active part. Please note
that sequences are not inserted if their part units are different.
When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to
corruption. To ensure that inserting and merging function correctly, profiles
must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".
2. Check the Segregate Layers option if you want all entities to remain on
their existing layers. The layers will be renamed, with the name
consisting of the inserted part name followed by the original layer and a
number representing the instance of insertion of that part (1,2,3 etc.). If
this box has not been checked, part name and incremental numbering
will not be used and all entities from a particular layer in the source part
will be placed on the same layer in the target part.
3. Check the Insert Sequences option.
4. Enter or Browse for the Name of the .ppf part file to be inserted.
5. Specify the Target and Source CPLs.
CPL Source Nominate the CPL in the named part.This determines how
the geometry is to be inserted into the current part. Select from Named
List or Digitise a user-defined CPL.
CPL Target Nominate the CPL onto which to insert the component.
Select from Digitise or a list of available CPLs in the current environment.
If you choose Digitise, you are prompted to digitise the appropriate CPL
marker.
Datum shift is not supported by EdgeCAM for turning parts. All
inserted components with sequences must use the same target CPL.
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6. When components are inserted the target part will build up a large
number of CPLs. The Name Prefix option enables you to easily identify
all CPLs and layers relating to a particular component.
7. Enter any required Rotation about the Z axis of the target CPL. Centre of
rotation will be that of the target part not that of the source part(s).
8. Click OK.
Note: The 'Undo' functionality is not supported when inserting
components with sequences.
Merging Sequences
Only available in the milling and turning environment. Please note that this
function is not supported by rotary milling.
The Merge Sequences command allows you to merge two or more
sequences into one by appending the instructions in the second and
subsequent sequences to those in the current sequence. For more detailed
information on common use and recommended methods, please refer to
Combining Components and Sequences.
All sequences to be merged must use the same Code Generator.
When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to
corruption. To ensure that inserting and merging function correctly, profiles
must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".
When you merge sequences, the current sequence is copied to form the
new sequence. For this reason it is important that your current sequence has
been created correctly for your machine tool, especially with regard to the
machine datum and initial CPL.
To merge sequences
1. Highlight a base sequence in the browser and call up the Merge
Sequences command, either via the context menu (right-hand mouse
click) or the Instructions menu. This will open the Merge Sequence
dialog.
2. The Current Sequence field specifies the name of the base sequence.
When merging, the current sequence is copied to a new name and all
other selected sequences are appended in order.
3. Specify the name for the new (merged) sequence in the Description
field. By default, the name of the new sequence is created by appending
.1, .2 etc to the name of the current sequence.
4. Job file names allocated to the sequences being merged will not be
carried over to the new (merged) sequence. If you want to allocate a job
file to this sequence you must enter the required name in the Job Name
field.
5. Select sequences required by moving them from the list of Available
Sequences on the left to the list of Selected Sequences on the right.
You can do this by simply highlighting the required sequence(s) and
pressing the single arrow. The double arrow allows you to move all
sequences to the right panel. To change the order in which sequences
are merged, select one or more in the right-hand panel and use the
arrows on the extreme right to change their relative positions. Sequences
will be merged in the order shown when the command is executed.
63
Editing Instructions
6. Specify the required Datum Type. You must take into account the
requirements of your machine tool when making this choice. Also bear in
mind any limit on the number of definable datum points when planning a
merged sequence.
7. Check the Remove Tool Positions option to set all tool positions to
blank in the merged sequence. You will need to re-specify these
parameters for all toolchanges by editing the appropriate toolchange
dialog. If this option is not checked, it is assumed that you are happy with
the sequences and no changes will be made. Please note that option is
only offered once for each merge commend and there will be no further
checks for compatibility.
8. Click OK.
Note: The 'Undo' functionality is not supported when merging sequences.
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Rationalising by Tool
Instructions will be selected by turret position ONLY. If different tools have
been assigned to the same position the one assigned first will be used. A
warning will be given if a different tool type, diameter(s), corner radius, angle
or description is encountered on a previously used turret position.
The sorting mechanism will work through the sequence sorting by tool as the
first instance of use is found. If a tool is required to be exempted from sorting
you will have to edit it to another turret position number and then reset it after
the sorting is complete.
A check will be made to ensure that a turret position has been specified for all
tools. If not, a warning will be given and the faulty toolchange indicated in the
browser.
Changes to Tlo offset register for a given tool position will be maintained. If
this situation is encountered a toolchange command will be used to change
the value. No other tool parameters will be changed and there will be a
retract to safe height before the toolchange instead of a return to toolchange
position.
All instructions using the tool will be moved with it. Any necessary index or
datum shift instructions to give correct orientation from the preceding
instructions will be inserted.
Where groups of instructions are brought together by the rationalisation
process a move to safe Z will always be inserted. This will prevent the
creation of 3D rapid moves that could scrap the part or be a safety hazard. If
required, you can remove such moves afterwards.
Rationalise will insert retract moves to the Z of the toolchange position before
inserted index and datum shift instructions. Index commands will be inserted
with the shortest direction modifier set.
There are circumstances when sorting by tool in order of first use does
not give you the desired results. In this case, an alternative method of sorting
by tool can be used. See Rationalising by Priority.
When sequences are rationalised, a number of cycles are frequently
grouped together for machining by a single tool. In the case of hole cycles
this gives rise to a canned cycle (G81 etc) in the NC file for each EdgeCAM
cycle instruction. The Merge Hole Cycle option on the Rationalise
Sequence (Instructions menu) dialog enables you to group such
instructions into a single cycle so that multiple, identical holes may be drilled
with one G81 canned cycle. Please note that this option is only available
when rationalise is by tool.
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Editing Instructions
Rationalising by Priority
There are circumstances when sorting by tool in order of first use does not
give you the desired results. For some combinations of cycles this can, for
example, reverse the order of roughing and finishing, with dangerous results.
To overcome this scenario, you can assign a sort priority to each toolchange
by specifying a Sort Priority modifier on the More tab of the toolchange
dialog. Sorting will then be performed by order of first use within each priority
group. All tools with the same priority will be sorted by order of first use,
followed by those with the next priority and so on in ascending numerical
order.
If a Sort Priority has been assigned to a toolchange this priority will be
displayed in the Instructions Browser to the right of the instruction number.
Usage Tips:
It is much easier to set the priority of tools in the individual part files when
developing the machining sequence before rationalising the merged
sequence. We would suggest that types of tools are given a pre-defined
number that relates to a type of operation.
For example:
100 = Roughing
200 = Semi roughing
300 = Semi finishing
400 = Finishing
500 = Centre Drill / Spot face
600 = Drilling
700 = Tapping / Reaming / Boring
When the merged sequence is rationalised the priority order will ensure that
all roughing is carried out before any semi-roughing and semi-roughing is
performed before any semi-finishing etc.
Any final changes to the tooling order can be achieved by adjusting the Sort
Priority after rationalisation.
For example you may wish to change the order of two roughing tools (both
have Priority 100) by changing the sort priority for one of them to 101 or 99.
Once all the final changes have been made run Rationalise by Tool again to
re-order the sequence.
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Rationalising by CPL/Index
Sort by Index is ordering by resultant rotary axis positions. If two or more
CPLs result in the same rotary axis positions then the instructions associated
with them will be combined, e.g. the front face of a component on a cube
might be machined at the same time as side faces of components mounted
on adjacent sides. Datum changes will be retained by insertion of a datum
shift command.
Sort by CPL works on CPL name only. Identical (rotary angle and datum
position) CPLs will be combined but CPLs having the same rotation but a
different datum will not.
When sorting by Index or CPL additional toolchanges with safe moves to the
toolchange position will be inserted as required. The data for these
toolchanges will be copied from that associated with the instructions in the
original sequence (including both turret position and Tlo number).
For the purpose of this operation, a toolchange is taken to mean the
relevant toolchange instruction together with its move to toolchange position
and any M-Functions that precede the toolchange (back to the preceding
cycle command or feed move).
For repeats of the first toolchange, the preceding M-Functions and move to
toolchange position will be taken from the next toolchange instruction.
Where groups of instructions are brought together by the rationalisation
process a move to safe Z will always be inserted. This will prevent the
creation of 3D rapid moves that could scrap the part or be a safety hazard. If
required, you can remove such moves afterwards.
Sort by Index or CPL will take account of both primary and secondary rotation
axes where both exist.
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Editing Instructions
Tool 1
Tool 1
Instructions A
Instructions A
Z Safe
Z Safe
Index to CPL 2
Index to CPL 2
Instructions B
Instructions B
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 4
Tool 4
Instructions C
Instructions C
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 3
Tool 3
Instructions D
Instructions D
Z Safe
Z Safe
Index to CPL 1
Index to CPL 1
Instructions E
Instructions E
Z Safe
Z Safe
Index to CPL 2
Instructions F
Instructions F
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 2
Tool 2
Instructions G
Instructions G
Move to ToolChange
Z Safe
Tool 7
Index to CPL 1
Instructions H
Instructions J
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL1
Index to CPL 2
Instructions I
Tool 7
Move to ToolChange
Instructions H
Tool 2
Z Safe
Instructions J
Index to CPL1
Return to Home
Instructions I
Return to Home
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Sort by CPL
Initial CPL 1
Tool 1
Tool 1
Instructions A
Instructions A
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL 2
Tool 3
Instructions B
Instructions E
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 4
Tool 7
Instructions C
Instructions I
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 3
Tool 2
Instructions D
Instructions J
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL 1
Tool 1
Instructions E
Index to CPL 2
Z Safe
Instructions B
Move to ToolChange
Instructions F
Tool 4
Move to ToolChange
Instructions C
Tool 2
Move to ToolChange
Instructions G
Tool 3
Move to ToolChange
Instructions D
Tool 7
Z Safe
Instructions H
Instructions F
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL1
Tool 2
Instructions I
Instructions G
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 2
Tool 7
Instructions J
Instructions H
Return to Home
Return to Home
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Editing Instructions
Tool 1
Tool 1
Instructions A
Instructions A
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL 2
Tool 3
Instructions B
Instructions E
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 4
Tool 2
Instructions C
Instructions J
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 3
Tool 7
Instructions D
Instructions I
Z Safe
Move to ToolChange
Index to CPL 1
Tool 1
Instructions E
Index to CPL 2
Z Safe
Instructions B
Tool 4
Instructions F
Instructions C
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 2
Tool 3
Instructions G
Instructions D
Move to ToolChange
Z Safe
Tool 7
Instructions F
Instructions H
Move to ToolChange
Z Safe
Tool 2
Index to CPL1
Instructions G
Instructions I
Move to ToolChange
Move to ToolChange
Tool 7
Tool 2
Instructions H
Instructions J
Return to Home
Return to Home
* Note that the sorting criteria were applied in reverse order, i.e. Sort by CPL (the primary
criterion) was the second on applied.
70
the cycles are adjacent except for rapid Z moves, repeat modal functions
(such as instruction 9 in the example) and self-cancelling pairs of modal
functions (e.g. Coolant Off followed by Coolant Flood)*
71
Editing Instructions
If Level/Depth is constant for all merged cycles the Level/Depth field will
be set to that value. If the cycles contain coordinates at different levels or
require drilling to different depths the Multi Level and/or Multi Depth
checkboxes will be set automatically for the combined cycle. The Depth
and Level parameters will be stored for each hole in the cycle.
The clearance plane will be set at the highest Clearance value specified
in the merged cycles and intermediate retracts (except retracts to
toolchange Z).
Retract will be set to the highest Retract value within the merged cycles.
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Spindle CLW
Hole-Cycle Drill
Rapid Z Clear
Return to Toolchange
Coolant Off
Coolant Flood
Spindle CLW
Hole-Cycle Drill
Coolant Off
Rapid Z Clear
Coolant Flood
Spindle CLW
10
Hole-Cycle Drill
11
Return to Toolchange
In both cases, if the cycle clearance height is equal to the toolchange height,
the Rapid Z Clear is omitted.
If you check the Merge Hole Cycles option both examples would appear like
this:
1
Spindle CLW
Hole-Cycle Drill
Return to Toolchange
Note that the self-cancelling instructions from between the cycles have been
removed.
73
Editing Instructions
74
Only commands that are included in the instruction list can be edited,
moved or deleted.
Once the instruction list has been changed, EdgeCAM recalculates the
toolpath according to the new geometry.
75
Editing Instructions
76
2. Click OK to continue.
Select one or more of the options. You can re-specify the co-ordinate
information for each of these aspects of the cycle after you click OK for
the cycle parameter input dialog box.
77
Editing Instructions
78
Please note that these options are only available in the milling and turning
environment
Several commands allow you to edit the toolpath itself. These can be selected
from Toolpath (Edit menu):
Section - Changes a toolpath section.
Split - Breaks up a toolpath.
Delete - Deletes a toolpath section.
Note that once a toolpath has been edited using one of these commands, it is no
longer a normal machining instruction and cannot be edited or regenerated.
Toolpaths that have been edited will be shown with an appropriate comment after
the command name in the instruction list.
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Splitting a Toolpath
The command Toolpath Split (Edit menu) lets you break a toolpath at a
selected point to produce two separate toolpaths. This lets you insert new
commands between the two toolpaths.
Screen Snap Check this box to select a toolpath from the screen rather than a
command from the instruction list. The toolpath will then be broken at the point
nearest to the digitised point on the screen.
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81
Do not set the Finish At parameter to Clearance or Retract for any cycles
transformed by this command. Otherwise Z moves will be output into the
subroutine which may invalidate the toolpath.
Transform Rotate (Milling and Wire only) Rotates or copies a series of
operations one or more times about a selected point. This is used where the
same feature appears several times about a central point:
In Wire Erosion, you may only translate the toolpath in the X and Y directions.
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In macros TRANSLATE and RESET, the variables XEND, YEND, ZEND now
represent the end of any approach move and thus the start of the subroutine.
The TRANSLATE Macro (No. 32) should now use XEND etc. as subroutine
start point instead of XSUB etc. Rapid approach moves to this point should
be output.
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Existing code generator files will continue to work as before since no existing
variables have been changed. It may be, however, that their actions are not
correctly represented on screen by EdgeCAM graphics.
The Code Wizard templates for milling and turning have been updated to match
the graphics. Template based code generators should be updated to the version
7.00 templates to take advantage of these changes.
The templates have also been updated to make the switch between incremental
and absolute subroutines easier. The logic within the template will now determine
whether to use the Rapid or Translate code constructors and G90/91 blocks will
only be output by subroutine start and end if they are required. This last change
is within the default sequence of the code constructors. It will not be applied
automatically to updated CGD files but will be available for newly created files.
It should always be remembered that the exact action of a machine tool when
using controller cycles is beyond the control of EdgeCAM. It is the user's
reponsibility to ensure that his code generators are correctly configured and that
the on-screen representation closely matches the actions of his controllers.
84
In the example below, a Lacing area clearance toolpath has been created after a
Matrix Mode Start:
On selecting the Matrix Mode Finish command, the Lacing toolpath is repeated
in a grid according to the parameters specified in the Matrix Mode Start
command.In this case, the parameters used were:
X Repeats = 3
X Length = 50
X Border = 5
Y Repeats = 2
Y Length = 50
Y Border = 5
The default double fret border spacing is used here, so the total spacing between
repeats of the toolpath is 50+5+5=60 as shown above.
Repeats Specify the number of cells in the matrix in the X and Y direction.
Fret Specify the number of Border widths (Double or Single) separating each
cell in the matrix.
Border Specify the border spacing in part units in X and Y.
Length Specify the distance between each cell in the matrix in X and Y.
Dead Zones Allows you to specify areas that can be used by clamps or
fixturing. Define the dead zones by nominating two sides of the matrix rectangle
and a distance in from the edge.
85
This example has X Repeats=5 and Y Repeats=4, and a Dead Zone along the
bottom right of the matrix:
Direction Specifies which cell is to be machined after the first cell. Select
between Row or Column. Column forces the tool to move to a cell in the Y
direction and Row (the default) forces the tool to move to a cell in the X direction.
Lace Cut Deselect to move the tool in the same direction along each row or
column. The default setting of the checked box moves the tool to the next cell
with the shortest possible movement.
Subroutines Select Pathtrace to avoid using subroutines when generating
CNC code from this matrixed toolpath. The default setting of Controller will use
subroutines where available.
Define Layout Select to ignore the Direction modifier and specify exactly in
which order the individual cells are to be machined. The system displays a
diagram of the cells in the matrix. Select each cell in the order you want the cells
machined in. As each cell is selected, it is given a number to show its position in
the sequence.
86
At some stage you will want to produce CNC code from your EdgeCAM
machining sequence information. To do this, you must use the Code
Generator application. This converts toolpath data generated within an
EdgeCAM machining sequence into files containing CNC code.
To generate the code from the active machining sequence
1. Select the Generate Code (File menu)
command.
87
If the Code Generator has been configured to ask for input before generating
the CNC code, then it displays a dialog box for each option for example.
You need to enter or accept the settings for each dialog box. Once you have
input this information, the Code Generator begins to generate code for the
active machining sequence.
If your system can compile Code Generator source files and you have
modified the source file, the system compiles a new Code Generator file
before compiling any CNC code.
The generation process can be paused, continued and stopped using the
controls.
When the code generation process finishes and if your Code Generator is set
up to list the NC code, EdgeCAM displays a dialog box.
Click on OK to dismiss this dialog box and return to EdgeCAM. If you did not
choose to list the NC code, you will be returned to EdgeCAM automatically
when the compilation ends.
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Token Name
Token Description
JOBDESC
JM-DESC
JOBCOM
JM-COM
JOBFAM
JM-FAM
JOBMACH
JM-MACH
JOBCUST
JM-CUST
JOBPROG
JM-PROG
JOBMATL
JM-MATL
JOBREV
JM-REV
- example.nc
- example-set.nc
When a single .nc file is generated, there is no -1 included in the name. This
clarifies that the file is for a single turret machine. You can specify an
extension other than .nc.
When a multiple turret turning sequence is generated, the CNC filename is
generated to the following format:
1st CNC file
- example-1.nc
- example-2.nc
- example-set.nc
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The EdgeCAM Editor and Communications modules interpret and use long
filenames generated from EdgeCAM (or any application) when running on a
Windows NT installation.
Note, however, that long filenames are truncated when viewed from Windows
3.1 and Novell networks. For example, the file 1234567890abc.nc will be
truncated to 123456~.nc.
The name assigned to the setup file is configurable in the Code Generator
source file, for example, instead of including -SETUP in the filename, it may
be specified as -HEADER.
Any CNC file generated using an existing Code Generator that specifies a
setup file name should be ignored and .set appended to the filename in its
place.
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Enter a different name for the compiled Code Generator file. If this option is
not selected, the source filename will be used by default.
91
You must know how Code Generator source files work before trying
this!
For more details, please refer to the Code Wizard online user guide.
92