Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Surface Machining
Preface
What's New?
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Advanced Tasks
Customizing
Workbench
Description
Glossary
Index
Preface
3 Axis Surface Machining is a new generation product that defines and manages NC programs.
3 Axis Surface Machining is dedicated to the machining of 3D geometry work parts with 3-axis
machining techniques. It is particularly adapted to the needs of mold, die and tool makers and
prototype manufacturers in all branches and at all levels of industry.
3 Axis Surface Machining offers easy-to-learn and easy-to-use shopfloor-oriented tool path
definition for 3-axis manufacturing. 3 Axis Surface Machining is based on industry-recognized,
leading-edge technologies which offer the tightest integration between tool path definition,
verification and instant cycle updates.
3 Axis Surface Machining covers full design-to-manufacture processes offering functions for:
defining the areas you want to machine,
rough machining either by vertical or horizontal planes,
roughing rework,
sweeping,
ZLevel machining,
pencil operations,
contour-driven operations,
profile contouring,
drilling,
detecting residual material,
defining areas to rework,
visualization of the result of the machining program,
the production of shopfloor documentation.
3 Axis Surface Machining gives you the freedom to choose the working methods that best suit
your needs.
Methodology
Methodology
Surface Machining is a versatile application, fully adapted to your needs and your
working methods whether they are machining area-oriented or operation-oriented. You
can either define the machining areas on your part and then assign an operation to each
of them or you can define your machining process as a series of operations with an area
to machine for each operation.
A machining area can be:
the whole part (for example, in roughing),
a subset of the faces on the part,
a subset of faces on the part with a limiting contour.
The Getting Started chapter contains two sections, one which demonstrates
operation-oriented machining and another which demonstrates area-oriented machining.
Before starting work with Surface Machining, please ensure that you have an open file
(CATPart or CATProduct) and that you are in the Surface Machining workbench (Start >
NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining).
You will also find useful information on wireframe and surface element creation in the
Wireframe and Surfaces User's Guide.
What's new?
General functions
New: There is a new cycle, spiral milling, that has been developed to finish-mill flat surfaces.
New: There are three new types of approach and retract for sweeping, contour-driven and
pencil operations.
New: There is now an option that allows you to extend paths in a straight line to link two areas
in a part when they are separated by a hole or a gap. You can find this option in the sweeping
and contour-driven operations.
Enhanced: The stepover options have been enriched with the possibility of defining the
stepover by two points.
Part to machine
New: You can now apply an overall default offset to an offset group.
Enhanced: The Face selection wizard now has an option that lets you select faces that are
normal to an axis or parallel/perpendicular to a selected face.
New: You can now use faces from existing machining areas or offset areas to form a new
machining area.
Tools to use
New: tapered tool/conical mill for sweeping, contour driven and pencil operations and also for
rework areas.
Roughing
New: You can now choose whether or not you want to contour the rough stock before milling.
This option is intended for use with zig-zag tool path style only.
ZLevel
New: You can now use variable offsets in ZLevel operations.
Enhanced: When you reverse a tool path, a message now tells you that it has been reversed.
New: You can now add approaches or retracts to a tool path via an item in the tool path
contextual menu.
Getting Started
Before getting to grips with all of the Surface Machining capacities, here are two short step-by
step tutorials that will help guide you through the key functionalities.
You will learn how to use the functions listed below and learn how to define areas on the part to
machine, use specific machining operations on the part and output data.
There are two ways of defining your machining program, you can either base it on operation
definition or on area definition. Try both tutorials to see which method suits your working
techniques best.
Operation-oriented machining
Area-oriented machining
Operation-oriented Machining
Operation-oriented machining is a method where you define each operation one-by-one. When
you define an operation you decide (using the geometry tab) which areas of the part you want
to machine with that particular operation.
This tutorial teaches you how to:
define the operations necessary for the machining of the part below,
run the program to create the tool paths,
check for residual material,
rework the unmachined areas,
and produce an APT file and a workshop document.
This task shows you how to open a part and enter the Surface Machining workbench.
1.
Open the SurfaceMachining3.CATProduct file in the samples directory.
3. Select Product1 containing the shape to machine and the rough stock in the specifications tree
Double click Part Operation.1 in the tree. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the design part
icon, select the part in the viewer and double click in the viewer to validate your selection and
redisplay the dialog box. Then click the stock icon, select the rough stock in the viewer and
double click in the viewer to redisplay the dialog box.
Click Ok to confirm.
This information defines the reference part that will be used by the application to calculate the
residual material.
4. Select Manufacturing Program.1 (under PartOperation.1) in the specifications tree to make it the
current entity.
A program must be current before you can insert program entities such as machining
operations, tools and auxiliary commands.
The status light on the geometric components tab is red ( ) which means that
you must select the part geometry in order to create the operation.
There are sensitive areas that are colored red in the tab. These are areas that
represent geometry that must be defined. In roughing, they are the part to
machine and the rough stock.
2. Hold MB3 down over the red area (do not click) that represents the part.
Choose Body in the contextual menu. The dialog box shrinks to allow you to select
the part in the viewer.
3. In the viewer, click on the part inside the rough stock. Double click anywhere in the
viewer to confirm your selection and to redisplay the dialog box. The red area in
the geometric area is now green to indicate that the geometry has been selected.
4. Click the sensitive area that represents the rough stock. The dialog box shrinks to
allow you to select the rough stock in the viewer.
5. In the viewer, click on the geometry that defines the rough stock. The red area in
the geometric components tab is now green to indicate that the geometry has been
selected.
6. Click Replay.
7. The tool path is displayed and the display and analysis dialog box is called up.
Click OK.
8. The tool path is erased from the viewer and you come back to the operation dialog
box.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
Now we are going to use ZLevel machining on the walls of the pocket and the
outside of the part.
This task shows you how to use ZLevel machining for finishing the outside of the part.
Make sure that Roughing.1 is the current entity so that the ZLevel operation will be
inserted after it.
To simplify the selection of faces in this task, select Rough Stock in the ProductList and,
using the Hide/Show option in the contextual menu, make it invisible. Then select Shape
1.
Select the ZLevel machining icon .
A Zlevel.1 entity is added to the program.
The Zlevel dialog box is displayed.
2. Click the sensitive red area. The dialog box shrinks and the face selection wizard is
displayed.
Select all of the walls that form a belt around the part. Click OK.
The dialog box is redisplayed and the red area is now green.
In the viewer, the edges around the selected faces are highlighted.
3. Click the check element in the sensitive icon and select the upper face of the part.
4.
Go to the machining strategy tab ( ) and choose Outer part for the Machining
mode.
5. Click Replay.
6. The tool path is displayed and the display and analysis dialog box is called up.
Click OK.
7. The tool path is erased from the viewer and you come back to the operation dialog
box.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
The operation you have just created should still be the current entity. Now we are
going to define the ZLevel machining of the pocket.
This task shows you how to use ZLevel machining for finishing the inside walls of the
pocket.
Make sure thatZLevel.1 is the current entity so that this operation will be inserted after it.
1.
Select the ZLevel machining icon .
A Zlevel.2 entity is added to the program.
The Zlevel dialog box is displayed.
2. Click the sensitive red area. The dialog box shrinks and the face selection wizard is
displayed.
Select all of the faces that form the inside wall of the pocket. Click OK.
The dialog box is redisplayed and the red area is now green.
In the viewer, the edges around the selected faces are highlighted.
3.
Go to the machining strategy tab ( ) and choose Pockets only for the Machining
mode.
4. Click Replay.
5. The tool path is displayed and the display and analysis dialog box is called up.
Click OK.
6. The tool path is erased from the viewer and you come back to the operation dialog
box.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
The operation you have just created should still be the current entity.
Now we are going to define a sweeping operation for the top surface of the part and
the bottom of the pocket.
Sweeping
This task shows you how to use sweeping for finishing the part.
You are going to define two separate operations one for the top surface and another for
the bottom of the pocket.
Make sure that ZLevel2 is the current entity so that the sweeping operation will be
inserted after it.
1.
Select the Sweeping icon .
A Sweeping.1 entity is added to the program.
The Sweeping dialog box is displayed.
2. Click the sensitive red area. The dialog box shrinks and the face selection wizard is
displayed.
Select the top surface of the part. Click OK.
The dialog box is redisplayed and the red area is now green.
In the viewer, the edges around the top surface are now highlighted.
3. Click Replay.
4. The tool path is displayed and the display and analysis dialog box is called up.
Click OK.
5. The operation you have just created should still be the current entity.
Repeat all of the above steps for the bottom surface of the pocket.
2. In the contextual menu, choose Manufacturing Program.1 object > Tool Path Replay.
The Display and Analysis dialog box is displayed.
Click this icon to go from one operation to the next displaying the computed tool
path after each operation. If any of the operations were not computed with Replay,
they will be computed at this stage.
You can display a photo of how the finished part would look with .
Press OK to close the dialog box.
This task shows you how to define an area to rework from the areas of the part that were not machined with the tool used in the operations.
You must compute the tool paths for your machining program first.
You should also make sure that you defined a reference part and rough stock.
1.
Click the Rework Area icon .
2. Hold MB3 down over the red area (do not click) that represents the part. Choose Body in the contextual menu. The dialog box shrinks to allow you to select
the part in the viewer. Select the part. Double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and to redisplay the dialog box.
3. Enter a value of 10mm for the Entry diameter and 2mm for the Corner radius
(values used in the machining operations).
Reworking
This task shows you how to rework the areas of the part that have not been machined
and were there is residual material.
You must have created a rework area. A rework area is an area that cannot be machined
with a given tool.
The rework area must be the current entity.
If you have doubts about whether the rework area you just defined is still the current
entity or not (i.e. if you performed another action since), click the Manufacturing Features
icon .
1.
Click the ZLevel icon and click OK.
2.
In the Manufacturing Features window ( ), double click the tool that is
associated with the third ZLevel operation.
Enter a value of 5.
Press OK to confirm the tool diameter and then OK to close the tool definition dialog
box.
4. Still in the Machining Features window, double click ZLevel.3.
6. Click OK to close the operation dialog box and Close to close the manufacturing
view.
Now we are going to generate an NC data file.
In the dialog box that is displayed, call your file SurfaceMachining (the aptsource suffix
is automatic). Browse to the directory where you want to save it (here we have chosen
to put it in the same directory as the CATProcess but this is not obligatory).
The APT file can be read with any kind of text editor.
Area-oriented Machining
Area-oriented machining is a method where you define all of the separate areas you want to
machine on the part before assigning an operation to each one.
In this tutorial you are going to learn how to:
define areas (including a rework area) on the part below,
define tools to use on the areas,
use a safety plane,
change a tool axis,
create an APT file and a workshop document.
This task shows you how to open a part and enter the Surface Machining workbench.
1.
Open the Gets2.CATPart in the samples directory.
4. Double click Part Operation.1 in the tree. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the
design part icon and click the part in the viewer.
This task teaches you how to define the specific areas on the part that you are going to
machine. You are going to define:
the whole part as a machining area for rough machining purposes
four other areas for use with different cycle types
and a rework area.
1.
Click on the Machining Area icon .
2. Place your mouse cursor over the red, sensitive area in the dialog box and press
MB3.
4. Click the part in the view. The whole part is selected. Double click anywhere in the
viewer to redisplay the dialog box.
5. Give the machining area a name. Replace the text in the name box by Whole.
Click OK. You have just created your first machining area.
6. Now create an area on the top of the part. Select the Machining area icon and click
(MB1 this time) on the red, sensitive area in the dialog box. Now select the areas
that you see selected in the picture below.
9. Finally, create the last machining area with the faces below and call it Bottom.
10.
Check the areas that you have just created in the Manufacturing view .
The view should look like this:
11. Now you are going to create a rework area to use when removing residual
material.. Select Whole in the manufacturing view.
12.
Click the Rework area icon .
13. In the dialog box that is displayed, change the Entry diameter to 10 mm, the
Corner radius to 5 mm and the name to Rework.
14. Press Compute to compute the area. The rework area should look like this on the
part:
This task defines the three tools that you are going to need to machine the part.
Click Manufacturing Program.1 in the PPR and then click the End mill tool change
1.
icon . If you cannot see this icon, use View > Toolbars and activate Auxiliary
Operations.
2. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the box to select a ball-end tool
Click OK
7. Change the tool name to T2 End Mill D 20.
Click OK.
8. Now define a third tool that:
is ball end,
has a diameter of 4 mm,
and is called T3 End Mill D 04.
9. You now have the three tools that you will need to machine the part. Your PPR
should look like this:
We are now going to move on to the next step where you will rough machine the
part.
1.
Open the manufacturing view by clicking this icon .
2. Select Whole from the list of areas.
3.
Click the Sweep roughing icon .
4.
Go to the geometry tab and click on Part autolimit.
.
5. Go to the tool tab and choose tool T2 End Mill D20.
6. Press Replay to compute the operation. The toolpath is displayed on the part.
Press OK to close the small dialog box that is displayed (bottom right).
7. Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
Now you are going to machine the Top surface.
1. In the manufacturing view, select the machining area called Top from the list of
areas.
2.
Click the Sweeping icon .
3. In the strategy tab, give a stepover distance value of 1mm.
4. Go to the geometry tab and make sure that Part autolimit is turned on.
2.
Click the Sweeping icon .
3. In the strategy tab, define a new tool axis like this:
5.
Press Replay to compute the tool path.
6.
Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
7. Now you are going to machine the area called Right. Select it in the manufacturing
view.
8.
Click the Sweeping icon .
9. Change the tool axis like this:
10.
Define the same tool as for area Left.
11.
Press Replay to compute the tool path.
12.
Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
2.
Click the ZLevel icon .
Click here:
4. Go to the geometry tab. Click the safety plane in the sensitive icon.
Then click the top face of the part to define the safety plane. The purpose of this is to ensure that the tool rises high enough
over the area to avoid gouging the rest of the part.
This task shows you how to take an area that has not been machined because the tool
used was too big and rework it with a smaller tool.
2.
Click the Contour-driven operation icon .
4. Now go to the tool tab and select tool T3 End Mill D 04.
This task explains how to interactively generate NC code from the program you have just
created.
1. Save your program with File/Save as ... in the directory of your choice (here we
have a directory called models)
Call your file SurfaceMachining (the aptsource suffix is automatic). Browse to the
directory where you want to save it (here we have chosen to put it in the same
directory as the CATPRocess but this is not obligatory).
Click Save to create the APT file.
The APT file can be read with any kind of editor.
1.
Select the Generate documentation icon .
The process documentation dialog box is displayed.
Basic Tasks
The basic tasks in this section involve creating, editing and managing machining operations
and other entities of the manufacturing process.
Roughing operations
Finishing and semi-finishing operations
Reworking operations
Axial machining operations
Machining areas
Tool path editor
Reading STL files
Auxiliary operations
Part operation and manufacturing program
Managing manufacturing entities
Verification, simulation and program output
Sweep Roughing
This task shows you how to insert a sweep roughing operation into the program. Sweep
roughing is an operation which allows you to rough machine parts by vertical planes.
To create the operation you define:
the tool to use ;only end mill tools are available for this operation,
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to
machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
2. Press MB 3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not obligatory)
are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is not
an area to be machined.
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve
to define the tool axis or machining direction,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis
or machining direction.
Select the desired tool from the list of tools already used in your document.
The tool representation is displayed in the 2D viewer. It can be edited as described above.
4. To select another tool by means of a query:
Click the Select a tool with query icon opposite Name.
The Search Tool dialog box appears.
Use the Look in combo to specify where you want to search for the tool:
in the current document,
in a tool catalog or
in an external tool database such as the Walter TDM (Tool Data Management) or CATIA Version 4
Manufacturing database
FEEDS AND SPEEDS ???.
If you want to change tool type, select the icon corresponding to the desired tool.
You can do a quick search in the Simple tab page by means of a character string on the tool name or a
value for the tool's nominal diameter.
The tools meeting the simple search criteria are listed.
Select the desired tool from the list and click OK.
The tool representation is displayed in the 2D viewer. It can be edited as described above.
You can search a tool using finer constraints by selecting the Advanced tab page.
The example below shows the result of a search for a tool with body diameter between 8mm and 12mm in the
catalog ToolsSample02.
You can also define an approach/retract distance for all of the values and XYZ value to define
the vector used in Along a vector.
Roughing
This task shows you how to insert a roughing operation into the program. Roughing is an operation which allows you to rough machine parts by
horizontal planes.
To create the geometry you define:
geometric components ,
machining strategy ,
tool data ;only end mill tools are available for this operation,
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same
time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
The red area in the sensitive icon represents the part geometry. It is obligatory, as is the rough stock. All of the other parameters are optional.
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies).
Click on the part in the viewer.
Then double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay
the dialog box.
You can cancel tool path computation at any moment before 100% completion.
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not obligatory)
are:
the rough stock. If you do not have a rough stock you can create one automatically.
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is not
an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (the small light brown corner near the
part selection area).
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of the
tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. You can also define a new safety
plane with the Offset option in the safety plane contextual menu. The new plane will be
offset from the original by the distance that you enter in the dialog box.
an upper plane which defines the highest plane that will be machined on the part,
a lower plane which defines the lowest plane that will be machined on the part,
an imposed plane that the tool must obligatorily pass through. Use this option if the part
that you are going to machine has a particular shape (a groove or a step) that you want
to be sure will be cut,
a start point where the tool will start cutting. Use this option when accessing the part
from the outside.
the offset on the part.
the offset on the check element.
The sensitive icon illustrates the tool path style that you chose.
Change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can
choose between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the
tool axis by rotation around a main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool
axis around the main axis that you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the
axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.
With part contouring switched on. Note how the With part contouring switched off and exactly the
tool went round the area to machine first: same parameters. Note that the tool goes straight into
zig-zag mode:
There is a button that optimizes tool retract movements. This means that when the tool
moves over a surface where there are no obstructions, it will not rise as high as the
safety plane because there is no danger of tool-part collisions. The result is a gain in
time.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and
when you are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens,
deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
The Axial safety distance is the maximum distance that the tool will rise to when moving
from the end of one pass to the beginning of the next.
3. Select the part that you want to machine. A dialog box is displayed that contains the
minimum and maximum values that are required in X, Y and Z to create a box that
would surround the part.
4. You can modify the values if you choose. Press OK to create the rough stock.
Sweeping
Sweeping operations machine the whole part and are used for finishing and semi-finishing
work. The tool paths are executed in vertical parallel planes.
This task shows you how to insert a sweeping operation into the program. Sweeping is
an operation that is used after a part has been rough machined.
To create the operation you define:
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools for
this operation,
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to
machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not
obligatory) are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is
not an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it.
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. The safety plane contextual
menu allows you to define:
an offset safety plane at a distance that you give in a dialog box that is
displayed,
and the tool retract mode which may be either normal to the safety plane or
normal to the tool axis.
an upper plane which defines the highest plane that will be machined on the part,
a lower plane which defines the lowest plane that will be machined on the part,
a start plane which is the first plane that will be machined,
an end plane which is the last plane that will be machined,
the limiting contour which defines the machining limit on the part. The contour that
defines the outer machining limit on the part.
the offset on the part.
the offset on the check element.
The picture is slightly different if you are using a rework area and will have fewer
parameters.
There is also an Info button that, when pressed, gives the details on the parameters that
were defined with the rework area.
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to
define the tool axis or machining direction,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis or
machining direction.
Constant has a constant stepover distance defined in a plane and projected onto the part.
You can modify the stepover distance.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that you choose. You can
also define the maximum and minimum distances that can exist between passes with the
scallop height that you defined.
Activating Other axis displays a button for collision checking. When this is turned on, all of the
points where the toolholder would have collided with the part are displayed on the tool path
(after Replay).
There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are detected, the tool will not rise to
the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in order to clear the part. The result is a faster machining process.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and when you are using a safety
plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens, deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
Plunges can only be defined if you selected a one-way sweeping mode in the machining strategy tab. Plunges can be :
No check; the tool can plunge and rise with the surface,
No plunge; the tool cannot plunge,
Same height; the tool does not plunge but will not stop when it encounters a peak.
With Island skip turned on: With Island skip turned off:
Island skip length is the height that the tool will rise to on intermediate approaches and retracts.
The Feedrate length defines the distance beyond which tool path straight lines will be replaced by intermediate
approaches and retracts. In the picture below, the Feedrate length was set to 45 mm. Note that the gaps that
were less than 45 mm are crossed by a straight line tool path and those that are greater than 45 mm are crossed
with a standard intermediate tool path with an approach and a retract.
ZLevel Machining
This task shows you how to insert a ZLevel operation into the program.
ZLevel operations are finishing or semi-finishing operations that machine the
whole part by parallel horizontal planes that are perpendicular to the tool axis.
To create the operation you define:
the tool to use ;only end mill tools are available for this
operation,
the parameters of the machining strategy ,
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default
value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you
want to define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same
time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the
area to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
The dialog box opens at the geometry tab page . This page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The area that represents the part geometry is colored red indicating that the
geometry is required for defining the area to machine. All the other geometry
parameters are optional.
2. Click on the red area that represents the part geometry then select the belt of
faces around the outside of the part.
The picture is slightly different if you are using a rework area and will have fewer
parameters.
There is also an Info button that, when pressed, gives the details on the parameters that
were defined with the rework area.
If you have selected a single face to be machined and you are not using Part autolimit,
the tool will machine both sides of the face. If you use Part autolimit, the tool will stop
when it reaches the edge of the face (as shown below).
You can now either ix-ZLevel parameters:run the operation on the part, store the
operation that you have just defined or define other parameters in the machining
strategy, tool data, speeds and rates, or macro data tabs first.
Constant has a constant stepover distance defined in a plane and projected onto the
part. You can modify the stepover distance.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that you choose.
You can also define the maximum and minimum distance between passes with the
scallop height that you defined.
There is a button where you can optimize retract distances. this means that if no obstacle
is detected between two passes, the tool will not rise to the safety plane (because it is
not necessary) and the operation will take less time.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and
when you are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens,
deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
Another button lets you
use high speed milling.
High speed milling
parameters are:
Transition radius is
the radius of the arc
that joins
successive passes,
Discretization angle
is a value which,
when reduced,
gives a smoother
tool path.
Safety distance is
the clearance
distance that the
tool over over at the
feedrate in order to
disengage the tool
from cutting
between passes.
The linking pass (i.e. the means of moving from the end of one pass to the beginning of
the next one) can be:
Along tool axis; the tool moves along the tool axis,
Ramping; the tool follows a slope defined by the ramping angle,
Circular; the tool describes a circle defined by the value of Radius,
Circular or ramping; the tool uses either circular or ramping mode depending on
whichever is best adapted to the part being machined.
In certain cases, notably where there is a risk of collision with a circular linking pass, you
should choose Circular or ramping rather than simply Circular in order to ensure that your
tool path will be produced.
Approach distance is the engagement distance for all types of linking pass.
Safety distance is the distance that the tool moves horizontally before it begins its
approach.
Spiral Milling
Spiral machining gives a good surface without having to use a particularly small tool. It
gives particularly good results for areas that are relatively flat. Use this type of operation
to optimize machine time by reducing the stepover.
To create the operation you define:
the tool to use . The tools that can be used with this type of operation are:
conical tools ,
and T-slotters .
the feedrates and spindle speeds ,
the macros .
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to
machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
A Spiral milling entity and a default tool are added to the program.
The Spiral milling dialog box opens at the geometry tab page .
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)
The other geometric components that you can select in the sensitive icon are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is not
an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the left hand
corner near the part selection area).
the safety plane. The safety
plane is the plane that the
tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to
avoid collisions with the
part. The safety plane
contextual menu allows you
to:
define an offset
safety plane at a
distance that you
give in a dialog box
that is displayed,
remove the safety
plane.
a top plane which defines
the highest plane that will
be machined on the part,
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a
dialog box where you can choose between selection by angle and selection by
coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a main
axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main
axis that you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis
with respect to the coordinate system origin.
With Outward, the tool path will begin at the middle of the area to machine
and work outwards.
With Inward, the tool path will begin at the outer limit of the area to machine
and work inwards.
You can also reverse the tool path. Reversing the tool path means that a tool path that
goes from right to left will now go from left to right and vice versa.
The approach/retract
mode can be:
along tool axis;
the tool moves
along the tool
axis,
along a vector;
the tool moves
along a vector
that you define
with the
Approach/Retract
direction: X/Y/Z
boxes,
normal; the tool
moves in a
direction
perpendicular to
the surface being
machined,
tangent to
movement; the
approach/retract
is tangent at its
end to the rest of
the tool path.
none; no
approach/retract.
The direction
of the box
diagonal is
defined by
whether you
want to use
the normal to
the left or the
right of the
end of the
tool path.
Left or right
is determined
by looking
along the tool
path in the
direction of
the
approach/retract.
In the image,
it is the the
right side that
is used.
Contour-driven Machining
This task explains how to machine an area on a part by using a contour as guide.
There are three types of machining included in this task:
parallel contours where the tool sweeps out an area by following progressively
distant (or closer) parallel offsets of a given guide contour.
between contours where the tool sweeps between two guide contours along a tool
path that is obtained by interpolating between the guide contours. The ends of
each pass lie on two stop contours.
spine contour where the tool sweeps across a contour in perpendicular planes.
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools for
this operation,
Only the geometry and the guide contour(s) (strategy tab) are obligatory. All of the other
requirements have a default value
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to
machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
Below we are going to see how to do the first of these with a between contours operation
on a small area of a part.
Open file Basic2.CATPart, then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the
Start menu.
1.
Select the Contour-driven icon .
The Contour-driven dialog box is displayed.
Click on Guide 2 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
Click on Stop 1 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
Click on Stop 2 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
The result will show you that you have machined between two guide contours
delimited at either end by two others.
The other geometric components that you can select in the sensitive icon are:
the guide contours,
the stop contours (only used for machining with parallel contours),
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is
not an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the left hand
corner near the part selection area).
the safety plane. The
safety plane is the
plane that the tool will
rise to at the end of
the tool path in order
to avoid collisions with
the part. The safety
plane contextual menu
allows you to define:
an offset safety
plane at a
distance that
you give in a
dialog box that
is displayed,
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.
You should choose the cycle type (between contours, parallel contour or spine contour) that you want before setting any of the
other parameters. The parameters that you can use depend on the cycle type you choose.
Between Contours
The Between contours option has four active tabs:
Machining,
Strategy,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can choose
between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a
main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that you select. There is also
a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.
Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to automatically define the best tool axis.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to define the tool axis,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis.
The strategy tab has an option that lets you start an automatic pencil
operation (defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the
contour driven operation.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that
you choose. You can also define the maximum and minimum distances
that can exist between passes with the scallop height that you defined.
The stepover is of a constant distance along the whole length of the path measured on the part itself, starting from Guide 1 and
going towards Guide 2.
When we use Constant on part the result is of an equal distance on the part surface from guide 1 to guide 2. Note the bottom of
the machined area and how the paths remain perfectly parallel to each other but because of the shape of the surface they finish
gradually on guide 2.
At the bottom of the stepover tab are the View Direction buttons. View
direction is used to calculate the stepover distance, as if you were
looking along an axis.
If you wish to use an axis other than the tool axis to define the stepover, select Other axis.
When Other axis is active, there is a box is also displayed where you
can choose to check for toolholder-part collisions.
The icon at the top of the tab for axis selection has changed and you can now select an axis (the oblique axis in the icon) other
than the tool axis for the view direction.
Taking this surface, using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and with this edge (red edge) defined as the other axis:
However if you look along the tool axis you will see how the same distance is used for the stepover as in the first
operation:
The Machined Zone parameters are used to define the type of area on
the part that you wish to machine:
All; all of the surfaces are machined,
Frontal walls; frontal surfaces of the part are machined,
Lateral walls; lateral surfaces of the part are machined,
Horizontal zones; horizontal surfaces of the part are machined.
Below the zone selection area are parameters which let you define
whether a surface is frontal, lateral or horizontal:
Min. lateral slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a lateral wall.
Parallel Contours
The Parallel contour option has four active tabs:
Machining,
Strategy,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.
You must choose a contour on the part to be the reference for your
operation.
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can choose
between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a
main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that you select. There is also
a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.
Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to automatically define the best tool axis.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to define the tool axis,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis.
The strategy tab has parameters that concern the tool position and
distance:
Pencil rework lets you start an automatic pencil operation
(defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the
contour-driven operation,
Offset on contour is the distance the tool will be from the guide
contour at the beginning of the operation
Maximum width to machine defines the width of the area to
machine starting from the guide contour,
Offset side defines the side of the contour where machining will
be performed (left or right), i.e. if you choose Left, the tool will
machine on the left side of the guide contour for the Maximum
width distance,
Direction is the machining direction, either towards the contour
(starting at the Maximum width distance from the guide contour)
or away from the contour.
Initial tool position is where the tool will start with respect to the
guide contour (in red); it can be:
to (1)
on (2)
past (3)
There is also an option that lets you start an automatic pencil operation
(defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the contour
driven operation.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that
you choose. You can also define the maximum and minimum distances
that can exist between passes with the scallop height that you defined.
At the bottom of the stepover tab are the View Direction buttons. View
direction is used to calculate the stepover distance, as if you were
looking along an axis.
If you wish to use an axis other than the tool axis to define the stepover, select Other axis.
When Other axis is active, there is a box is also displayed where you
can choose to check for toolholder-part collisions.
Taking this surface, using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and with this edge (red edge) defined as the other axis:
This is what you get using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and along the tool axis:
However if you look along the tool axis you will see how the same distance is used for the stepover as in the first
operation:
The Zone parameters are used to define the type of area on the part that
you wish to machine:
All; all of the surfaces are machined,
Frontal walls; frontal surfaces of the part are machined,
Lateral walls; lateral surfaces of the part are machined,
Horizontal zones; horizontal surfaces of the part are machined.
Below the zone selection area are parameters which let you define
whether a surface is frontal, lateral or horizontal:
Min. lateral slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a lateral wall.
Min. frontal slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a frontal wall.
Max. horizontal slope gives the maximum angle between the tool
axis and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered
to be a horizontal area.
Spine Contour
The Spine contour option has three active tabs:
Machining,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can choose
between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a
main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that you select. There is also
a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.
Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to automatically define the best tool axis.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to define the tool axis,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis.
The machining tab lets you:
define the tool path style which can be :
One-way next; the tool path always has the same direction
during successive passes and goes diagonally from the
end of one tool path to the beginning of the next.
One-way same; the tool path always has the same
direction during successive passes and returns to the first
point in each pass before moving on to the first point in the
next pass.
Zig-zag; the tool path alternates directions during
successive passes.
define the machining tolerance value, consider it to be the
acceptable chord error.
reverse the tool path direction.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that
you choose. You can also define the maximum and minimum distances
that can exist between passes with the scallop height that you defined.
At the bottom of the stepover tab are the View Direction buttons. View
direction is used to calculate the stepover distance, as if you were
looking along an axis.
If you wish to use an axis other than the tool axis to define the stepover, select Other axis.
When Other axis is active, there is a box is also displayed where you
can choose to check for toolholder-part collisions.
Taking this surface, using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and with this edge (red edge) defined as the other axis:
This is what you get using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and along the tool axis:
However if you look along the tool axis you will see how the same distance is used for the stepover as in the first
operation:
The zone parameters are used to define the type of area on the part that
you wish to machine:
All; all of the surfaces are machined,
Frontal walls; frontal surfaces of the part are machined,
Lateral walls; lateral surfaces of the part are machined,
Horizontal zones; horizontal surfaces of the part are machined.
Below the zone selection area are parameters which let you define
whether a surface is frontal, lateral or horizontal:
Min. lateral slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a lateral wall.
Min. frontal slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a frontal wall.
Max. horizontal slope gives the maximum angle between the tool
axis and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered
to be a horizontal area.
There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are detected, the
tool will not rise to the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in order to clear the part.
The result is a faster machining process.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and when you
are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens, deactivate the Optimize
retracts button.
High speed milling parameters
are:
Transition radius is the
radius of the arc that
joins successive passes,
Discretization angle is a
value which, when
reduced, gives a
smoother tool path.
Safety distance is the
clearance distance that
the tool over over at the
feedrate in order to
disengage the tool from
cutting between passes
With Island skip turned on: With Island skip turned off:
Island skip length is the height that the tool will rise to on intermediate approaches and
retracts.
The Feedrate length defines the distance beyond which tool path straight lines will be
replaced by intermediate approaches and retracts. In the picture below, the Feedrate length
was set to 45 mm. Note that the gaps that were less than 45 mm are crossed by a straight
line tool path and those that are greater than 45 mm are crossed with a standard intermediate
tool path with an approach and a retract.
The part bottom and flanks in the icon are colored red
indicating that this geometry is required for defining the
operation.
All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the red bottom in the icon, then select the
underside of the part in the 3D window.
3. Set the Bottom type to Soft by clicking the text, then set
the Offset on Bottom to -5mm.
4. Click the red flank in the icon, then select the profile along the front edge of the part in the 3D window.
5. Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at one end of the contour profile in
the 3D window.
6. Click the second relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at the other end of the contour
profile in the 3D window.
7. Click the check element in the icon, then select the top face of the green fixture in the 3D window.
The bottom, guide, limit and check elements of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is
now defined. These are also indicated on the part.
You can choose between the standard tip output and a cutter profile output by means of the Output type option
in the Machining tab page.
If a cutter profile style is selected, both the tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path replay.
For cutter profile, cutter compensation instructions are generated in the NC data output. In this case, an
approach macro must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
For macro types other than approach and retract, the compensation is not applied: these macros will be framed
with CUTCOM/OFF and CUTCOM /left/right instructions.
Any user defined PP words in macros are added to the cutter compensation instructions generated in the NC
data output. Therefore you should be careful when specifying CUTCOM instructions in macros.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
10. Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
The specified operation uses a default linking macro to avoid collision with the selected fixture.
You can optimize the linking macro and add approach and retract macros to the operation in the Macros tab
page . This is described in Define Macros of a Milling Operation.
11. Click OK to create the operation.
Reworking Operations
These are the operations that you will use to rework an area on a part where there is residual
material. Before using one of these operations, compute the areas that you want to rework.
Pencil operations
Reworking operations
Pencil Operations
This task shows you how to insert a pencil operation into the program. A pencil
operation is one where the tool remains tangent in two places to the surface to be
machined during the cycle. It is often used to remove crests along the intersection of
two surfaces that were left behind by a previous operation.
To create the operation you define:
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools
for this operation,
the feedrates and spindle speeds,
the macros .
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other parameters have a default value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area
to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not
obligatory) are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is
not an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the corner
near part selection).
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. The safety plane contextual
menu allows you to define:
an offset safety plane at a distance that you give in a dialog box that is
displayed,
and the tool retract mode which may be either normal to the safety plane or
normal to the tool axis.
the limiting contour which defines the outer machining limit on the part.
the offset on the part.
the offset on the check element.
The picture is slightly different if you are using a rework area and will have fewer
parameters.
There is also an Info button that, when pressed, gives the details on the parameters that
were defined with the rework area.
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to
define the tool axis,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis.
There is a button where you can optimize retract distances. this means that if no obstacle is
detected between two passes, the tool will not rise to the safety plane (because it is not
necessary) and the operation will take less time.
There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are
detected, the tool will not rise to the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in
order to clear the part. The result is a faster machining process.
The approach/retract
mode can be:
along tool axis;
the tool moves
along the tool
axis for a given
Length,
along a vector;
the tool moves
along a vector
that you define
with the X,Y and
Z directions for a
given Length,
normal; the tool
moves in a
direction
perpendicular to
the surface
being machined
for a given
Length,
tangent to
movement; the
approach/retract
is tangent at its
end to the rest of
the tool path and
is of a given
Length,
and none; no
approach/retract.
normal to the
plane that you
select.
Box, the tool
moves across
the diagonal of
an imaginary
box, either in a
straight line or in
a curve (Linking
mode). The
Length(4) is the
distance that the
tool will move in
once it has
crossed the box.
The box is
defined by three
distance values:
the
distance
along the
normal
axis (1),
the
distance
along the
tangent
(2),
the
distance
(can be a
negative
value)
along the
tool axis
(3),
The
direction of
the box
diagonal is
defined by
whether
you want to
use the
normal to
the left or
the right of
the end of
the tool
path. Left or
right is
determined
by looking
along the
tool path in
the
direction of
the
approach/retract.
In the
image, it is
the the right
side that is
used.
You must have computed at least one machining operation prior to this one in the
manufacturing program.
The rough stock used for a program where you insert a reworking operation must be
topologically closed, that is, it cannot be formed by a set of faces.
1.
Select the roughing icon .
A Spot Drilling entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Spot Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes an icon
representing a simple hole. There are several hot spots in the icon.
2. Select red hole depth representation, then select the points to be spot drilled.
You can do this by selecting the circular REDGEs of holes.
In this case, the circle centers are taken as the points to be spot drilled.
Just double click to end your selections.
Please note that in the Geometry tab page, the operation is assigned a machining pattern, which is initially
empty. The identifier of this machining pattern appears in the combo at the top of this page. When you select
hole points as described above, these positions are added to the pattern.
Another way to assign a machining pattern to an axial machining operation is to click on the sensitive text (No
Points or x Points). This opens the Pattern Selection dialog box that lists all available patterns. Just select one
of the patterns and double click to exit.
If there are already machining patterns on previous operations, the combo allows a quick selection of an
existing pattern. This provides a shortcut to the selection method described above.
4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the
following machining parameters:
approach clearance
depth mode: by diameter
The diameter value used is the one specified in
the geometry tab page.
dwell
compensation number depending on those
available on the tool.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for the specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
specify the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Spot Drilling operations:
CYCLE / SPDRL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/SPDRL, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon
then specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.
4. If needed, you can define a clearance by first double clicking the Jump Distance in the sensitive icon then
specifying a value in the Edit Parameter dialog box that appears.
Note that the jump distance allows an extra clearance for moving in Rapid motion between the holes to be
drilled whenever this distance is greater than the approach clearance.
For example, for an approach clearance of 2.5mm and a jump distance of 10mm, the extra clearance is 7.5mm.
You can also locally specify Entry and Exit distances at individual points in a hole pattern using the contextual
menu (right click the pattern point).
The contextual menu also allows you to skip pattern points and choose the start point for the pattern.
The program automatically manages holes at different levels using horizontal transition paths.
When dealing with design feature holes in design patterns, both the result and specification mode are taken into
account.
If the Machine different depths checkbox is not selected, the program uses the values specified in the Geometry
tab page for the pattern holes (specification mode)
If you select the Machine different depths checkbox if you want the program to automatically manage different
depths of holes in a pattern (result mode)
You can specify an Origin Offset in order to shift the entire tool path by the specified amount.
5. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the
following machining parameters:
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
The depth value used is the one used in the
Geometry tab page.
Breakthrough distance
Compensation number depending on those
available on the tool.
The other parameters are optional in this case.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an
appropriate tool.
This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the Drilling tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
machining feedrate from 1 to 2
retract or rapid feedrate from 2 to 3.
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
specify the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
8. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling operations:
CYCLE/DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/DRILL, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
A Drilling Dwell Delay entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Dwell Delay dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to drill.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown.
Just double click to end your selection.
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon
then specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an
appropriate tool.
This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
machining feedrate from 1 to 2
dwell for the specified duration
retract or rapid feedrate from 2 to 3.
6 If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
specify the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Dwell Delay operations:
CYCLE / DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/DRILL, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
A Drilling Deep Hole entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Deep Hole dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole features as shown below.
Just double click to end your selections.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate
tool.
This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3
Motion at rapid rate from 3 to 4
Motion at machining feedrate from 4 to 5
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 5 to 6
Motion at rapid rate from 6 to 7
Motion at machining feedrate from 7 to 8
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 8 to 9
Distance (1,2) = A + Dc
Distance (3,4) = A + Dc - Or
Distance (4,5) = Or + Dc*(1 - decrement rate)
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Deep Hole operations:
CYCLE/DEEPHL,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE,
&MFG_FEED_UNIT,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/DEEPHL, 25.000000, INCR, 5.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
A Drilling Break Chips entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Break Chips dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a sensitive
icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown below.
Just double click to end your selections.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate tool.
This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3
Motion at machining feedrate from 3 to 4
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 4 to 5
Motion at machining feedrate from 5 to 6
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 6 to 7
Distance (1,2) = A + Dc
Distance (2,3) = Distance (4,5) = Or
Distance (3,4) = Distance (5,6) = Or + Dc
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify the
desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Break Chips operations:
CYCLE/BRKCHP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BRKCHP, 25.000000, INCR, 5.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reaming operations:
CYCLE/REAM, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/REAM, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Counterboring operations:
CYCLE/CBORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/CBORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion with a boring bar is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Spindle stop
Shift motion at retract feedrate from 2 to 3
Retract at retract feedrate from 3 to 4
Shift motion at retract feedrate from 4 to 1.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring Spindle Stop operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, ORIENT, %MFG_XOFF, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, ORIENT, 1.000000, DWELL, 3
Boring
Chamfering
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring and Chamfering operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, %MFG_CHAMFERFEED_VALUE,
&MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_SPINDLE_MACH_VALUE, %MFG_SPINDLE_LOW_VALUE,
&MFG_SPNDL_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, 150.000000, MMPM,
70.000000, 40.000000, RPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Shift motion at rapid feedrate from 1 to 2
Motion at rapid feedrate from 2 to 3
Shift motion at rapid feedrate from 3 to 4
Motion at machining feedrate from 4 to 5
Dwell for specified duration
Motion at machining feedrate from 5 to 6
Shift motion at approach feedrate from 6 to 7
Retract at retract feedrate from 7 to 8
Shift motion at approach feedrate from 8 to 9.
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
8. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Back Boring operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, ORIENT, %MFG_XOFF, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, ORIENT, 1.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Reverse spindle rotation
Retract at machining feedrate from 2 to 3
Reverse spindle rotation.
If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
6. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Tapping operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Spindle off then reverse spindle rotation
Retract at machining feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reverse Threading operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Spindle stop
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread without Tap Head operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
1.
Select the Thread Milling icon .
A Thread Milling entity along with a default tool is added
to the program.
The Thread Milling dialog box appears directly at the
Geometry tab page .
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Motion at feedrates defined on macros from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2', 2' to 3' and 3' to 4'
Retract at retract feedrate from 4' to 5.
7. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion, for
example).
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
8. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread Milling operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Increment at finishing feedrate from 2 to 3
Retract at retract feedrate from 3 to 4.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Countersinking operations:
CYCLE/CSINK, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/CSINK, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for specified duration
Possibly, activation of second tool compensation number (output point change)
Motion at approach feedrate from 2 to 3
Motion at machining feedrate from 3 to 4
Dwell for specified duration
Possibly, activation of first tool compensation number (output point change)
Retract at retract feedrate from 4 to 5.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Chamfering Two Sides operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at approach feedrate from 1 to 2
Motion at machining feedrate from 2 to 3
Retract at retract feedrate from 3 to 4.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
7. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for T-Slotting operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Motion at feedrates defined on macros from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2', 2' to 3' and 3' to 4'
Retract at retract feedrate from 4' to 5.
8. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion, for
example).
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Circular Milling operations:
CYCLE/CIRCULARMILLING, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/CIRCULARMILLING, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000
Machining Features
Machining features are areas that you define on a part. You may want to define an area where
you want to use a specific type of operation or you may want to define an area to rework
because there is too much residual material on the part.
Besides this, you can also decide to define a specific offset on an area of a part or a group of
varied offsets on a part.
Area to machine
Area to rework
Offset area
Group of offset areas
2. Click the red area and select these faces in the viewer.
4. Change the check element by clicking on it in the sensitive icon and making your
selection in the viewer.
You can either click on the part body area (red) and then make your selection with
the face selection wizard or you can use the contextual menu:
Body(ies) lets you
select the whole part.
Load from... lets you
use existing machining
areas or offset areas
to define a new
machining area.
Remove cancels the
selection that you
have made.
Analyze lets you
analyze the selected
geometry.
5. To load from a machining
area:
Choose a machining
area from the list.
Click either Part or
Check.
Part selects the
surfaces that
were defined in
the selected
machining area
as part
surfaces.
Check selects
the surfaces
that were
defined in the
selected
machining area
as part of the
check element.
Press Apply.
Repeat these steps
until you have
acquired all of the
surfaces that you
want.
6. If required, click the area to avoid to define a zone on the part that you do not want
to machine.
7. Click OK. This creates a machining area.
7. When you want to assign an operation to one of these areas, simply click on its
name in the Manufacturing feature view and then click the icon for the operation
that you want to use.
The operation dialog box opens at the machining strategy tab and not the
geometric components tab because the area to machine is already defined.
The area is displayed in blue on the part in the viewer.
If you want to edit a machining area, double click on its name in the Manufacturing
feature view.
1. Open gets2.CATPart.
The rework area is created and can be seen in the Manufacturing feature view .
4. There is a Load from button at the top of the dialog box that can be used to simplify
the creation of a rework area by loading all of the appropriate data from an existing
operation, tool or area.
Click on the button and then select an operation and/or a tool in the specifications
tree and/or select a machining area in the manufacturing view.
9. When you want to assign an operation to a rework area, simply click on its name in
the Manufacturing feature view and then click the icon for the operation that you
want to use.
The operation dialog box opens at the machining strategy tab and not the
geometric components tab because the area to machine is already defined.
The area is displayed in blue on the part in the viewer.
If you want to edit a rework area, double click on its name in the Manufacturing
feature view.
Defining offsets
This task shows you how to define offset areas and groups of offset areas.
An offset area must belong to a group of offset areas. An offset area is a group of faces
(at least one) with a n offset value (with respect to the original part) and a color to identify
it.
An Offset group must include at least one offset area.
Offset groups can be used to machine upper and lower dies using a single set of
geometry.
1. Open file Basic1.CATPart then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the
Start menu.
2.
Click the Offset group icon .
In the dialog box that is displayed, change the name of the group to Group1 and
press OK.
Offset in the dialog box is the overall offset that will be applied to the group in
general. It is applied only to areas in the offset group that do not have their own
specific offset. For example, if you assign an offset of 10 mm to a group and within
that group there is an area that has a thickness of 5 mm and an area that has no
thickness assigned to it, the first area will still have an offset of 5mm and the
second area will have an offset of 10 mm.
Open the manufacturing view and you will see that the group has been created.
3. As Group1 is still the current object, you are going to create two offset areas there.
The thickness of the offset can be negative. If you want to use a negative value, the
tool corner radius must be greater than 2mm.
4. Click on the red area in the dialog box and select these three faces in the viewer:
6. Click on the red area in the dialog box and select these two faces in the viewer.
So now you have Group 1 containing two areas, one with an offset of 10 mm and
the other with an offset of 20 mm.
7.
Click the Sweeping icon .
At the top of the geometry tab, select Group1 as Offset Group.
Offset groups can be used with Sweeping, Pencil and Contour-driven operations.
They can also be used with rework areas. If you are using a rework area that
includes an offset group in an operation, you will not be able to modify the offset
group.
8. Using MB3 over the red area, choose Body(ies) in the contextual menu and click on
the part in the viewer.
Double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay the
dialog box.
Press Replay.
Note the effect of the two offset areas (on the left in the picture.)
The same face cannot be used in two separate offset areas in the same group. If
you wish to have two different offsets on any given face, you must create a new
group for the second value.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the
current entity.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the
sweeping operation.
Select Point modification in the tool path contextual menu.
2. The tool path is displayed. As you pass the mouse cursor over it you will notice that
a small white square moves along the tool path. Click where you want to select a
point.
A dialog box that lets you either remove or move the point is displayed.
3. To move a point, click the move button. You can then either pull it to the place you
want it to be in the viewer or enter the coordinates where it should be in the spin
boxes.
4. To remove a point, click the cut button.
You can only move or remove a point if you have one selected.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the
sweeping operation.
Select Area modification in the tool path contextual menu.
2. The tool path and the tool path editor are displayed.
The tool path editor has options that let you select an area using:
one point ,
two points ,
a contour ,
a polyline ,
so that you can then choose whether you what to move or cut the area.
by selecting one point on the tool path. This selects the portion of the tool
path after the point.
by selecting two points on the tool path. This selects the portion of the tool
path that falls between the two points.
by selecting an existing closed contour on the part. This selects the area of
the tool path that is within the contour.
4.
You can swap the selected area by clicking . So if you selected the area with:
one point the part of the tool path that is before the point is now selected,
two points the part of the tool path that is outside the two points is now
selected,
a contour the part of the tool path that is outside the contour is now selected.
Clicking the swap icon a second time will give you the original selection.
Use to change the default value of the selected areas. Click it and this dialog
box is displayed:
Depending on the button you pick, you can choose whether the part of the tool path
selected is before or after the single point or inside or outside the two points or
contour. Whichever of the buttons you choose its effect will be applied to the next
tool path selection action.
5. Now you can either cut the area of the tool path with or move it with .
If you cut an area and you do not reconnect the points,
you will see the word "open" after the tool path name in
the specifications tree.
To move it, grab the point at the end of the arrow beside the word distance and pull.
Distance reflects the distance that you move the area. You can also double click on
the word distance and enter a value in the dialog box.
If you wish to translate the area along an axis other than the (default) tool axis, use
the contextual menu over the word Distance and choose an axis.
Transformations
This task explains how to apply transformations to a tool path. You can:
translate a tool path,
rotate a tool path,
mirror a tool path.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the current entity.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the sweeping operation.
2. Choose whether you want to translate, rotate or mirror-reflect the tool path.
and then pulling the tool path. You can also double click "Distance" and enter a value in the
distance dialog box that is displayed.
Click OK in the tool path translation dialog box to validate and exit the action.
As you move the mouse over the tool path, the elements that can be used for the rotation are
highlighted in red. By default the rotation is effected around the tool axis.
Change the angle by double-clicking on the word Angle in the viewer (you can also drag the
direction arrow in the viewer). A dialog box is displayed.
Enter the number of degrees you want to rotate the tool path by.
For instance, a rotation of 90 will give you this result:
You must have computed a tool path, removed an area and have selected it in the PPR
making it the current entity.
1. Open BlockB.CATPRocess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the
sweeping operation.
3. Click OK.
If you want to check the tool path, choose the operation that you used to create it
and press Replay. You will see that the gap in the tool path is now closed.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the
current entity.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the
sweeping operation
Choose Reverse in the tool path contextual menu.
If you want to check the tool path, choose the operation that you used to create it and
press replay. You will see that the tool approach and retract points have been
exchanged.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the current entity.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the sweeping operation.
Choose Change approach and retract in the contextual menu.
You can delete:
approaches,
retracts,
linking passes,
passes between paths.
from the whole tool path or from a polygon that you draw on the tool path.
2. Choose the Approach tab.
If you are satisfied with the results press OK. If not, continue to make changes to the approach and retract tabs until you
are.
5. You can also modify existing approaches or retracts.
Check the appropriate boxes and press the Remove from whole
tool path if you want to remove all occurrences.
Check the appropriate boxes and press Remove from area
inside polygon if you want to remove only the occurrences in a
specific area. Then define the polygon in the viewer and double
click to confirm and end it.
Use the Approach and Retract tabs to modify the existing approaches and retracts on the whole tool path. Choose the
type that you wish to use (Along tool axis, Back, Circular, Box or None), modify the settings if necessary. Use Apply to see
your modifications. If you are not satisfied with the result press Undo and modify the settings until you are.
3. You must pack each tool path for each individual operation in order to obtain a CATProcess
that requires as little memory as possible when it is saved.
Press Replay. This computes a tool path. Select the tool path.
1. Choose Check Tool Length in the tool path contextual menu.
A dialog box is displayed.
Extra geometry allows you to add additional geometry to the part in the operation
where the tool path was computed. Additional geometry may be a face or a clamp
that you would rather avoid using in the computation and that is not defined in the
operation.
2. Click Apply.
The tool path is displayed on the part. The points where the tool holder is in collision
with the part are shown in red.
A small dialog box is displayed that gives the number of collision points on this tool
path, the minimum tool length that is required in order to avoid having collision points
and the coordinates of the current point (move the mouse over the tool path to see
the coordinates change for each point) plus reference data on the tool length and the
offset on the tool length.
You can then cut ( ) the collision points from the tool path.
1. Go to the Wireframe and Surface Design workbench. Display the Surface Machining
Tools via View > Toolbars > Surface Machining Tools.
3. Press Open.
You can now machine the part that you have just opened.
Auxiliary Operations
This section shows you how to insert auxiliary operations in the NC manufacturing program.
Insert Tool Change: Select the Tool Change icon then select the tool type to be referenced in the tool change.
Insert Machine Rotation: Select the Machine Rotation icon then specify the tool rotation characteristics.
Insert Machining Axis System or Origin: Select the Machining Axis or Origin icon then specify the characteristics
of the machining axis system or origin.
Insert PP Instruction: Select the PP Instruction icon then enter the syntax of the PP instruction.
Insert Copy Transformation Instruction: Select the reference operation then select the Copy Transformation icon.
You can then specify the number of copies and the characteristics of the transformation.
3. Select the Tool tab page in order to specify the tool to be referenced by the tool change. You can do this by
either:
creating a new tool
selecting another tool that is already used in the document
selecting another tool either in the document or in tool catalogs by means of a query.
4. Select the Tool Assembly tab page if you want to specify the geometric and technological characteristics of
the tool assembly.
In this case a tool assembly is added to the Resource List in the specification tree.
5. Select the Syntax tab page .
Select the Initialize from PP words table checkbox to consult the tool change syntax defined in the PP
table that is referenced by the Part Operation.
Otherwise, enter a PP instruction for your tool change. This user-defined syntax has no link with the PP
table and its validity is not checked by the program.
If the PP Instruction comprises a sequence of PP word syntaxes, you can choose the sequence to be used
by means of the Sequence number spinner.
6. Click OK to create the tool change in the program.
You can click Replay to visualize the tool at the tool change point.
This point is specified in the current part operation.
1. To generate tool changes automatically:
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Generate Tool Changes from the
contextual menu.
The program is updated with all necessary tool changes.
2. To delete tool changes that were automatically generated :
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Delete Generated Tool Changes
from the contextual menu.
All tool changes that were automatically generated are removed from the program.
1. To edit a tool assembly in the resource list either double click it or right click it and select the Definition contextual
command.
The Tool Assembly Definition dialog box is
displayed allowing you to edit the tool assembly's
geometric and technological characteristics.
Glossary
A
approach Motion defined for approaching the operation start point
macro
auxiliary A control function such as tool change or machine table rotation. These
command commands may be interpreted by a specific post-processor.
axial Operation in which machining is done along a single axis and is mainly
machining intended for hole making (drilling, counter boring, and so on).
operation
B
back and forth Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other.
Compare with one way.
bottom plane A planar geometric element that represents the bottom surface of an area to
machine. It is normal to the tool axis.
C
clearance Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane
macro and then plunging from that plane.
climb milling Milling in which the advancing tool rotates down into the material. Chips of cut
material tend to be thrown behind the tool, which results to give good surface
finish.
Compare with conventional milling.
conventional Milling in which the advancing tool rotates up into the material. Chips of cut
milling material tend to be carried around with the tool, which often impairs good
surface finish.
Compare with climb milling.
D
DPM Digital Process for Manufacturing.
E
extension Defines the end type of a hole as being through hole or blind.
type
F
Facing A surfacing operation in which material is removed in one cut or several axial
operation cuts of equal depth according to a pre-defined machining strategy. Boundaries
of the planar area to be machined are soft.
Fault Types of faults in material removal simulation are gouge, undercut, and tool
clash.
feedrate Rate at which a cutter advances into a work piece.
Measured in linear or angular units (mm/min or mm/rev, for example).
fixture Elements used to secure or support the workpiece on a machine.
G
gouge Area where the tool has removed too much material from the workpiece.
H
hard A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool
cannot pass beyond.
I
inward helical Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine
and follows paths parallel to the domain boundary towards the center of the
domain. Compare with outward helical.
L
linking motion Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane
and then plunging from that plane.
M
machine An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a rotation of the
rotation machine table.
machining Reference axis system in which coordinates of points of the tool path are
axis system given.
machining A feature instance representing a volume of material to be removed, a
feature machining axis, tolerances, and other technological attributes. These features
may be hole type or milling type.
machining Contains all the necessary information for machining a part of the workpiece
operation using a single tool.
O
offset Specifies a virtual displacement of a reference geometric element in an
operation (such as the offset on the bottom plane of a pocket, for example).
Compare with thickness.
one way Machining in which motion is always done in the same direction. Compare with
zig zag or back and forth.
outward Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine
helical and follows paths parallel to the domain boundary away from the center of the
domain. Compare with inward helical.
P
part operation Links all the operations necessary for machining a part based on a unique part
registration on a machine. The part operation links these operations with the
associated fixture and set-up entities.
pocket An area to be machined that is defined by a closed boundary and a bottom
plane. The pocket definition may also include a top plane and one or more
islands.
Pocketing A machining operation in which material is removed from a pocket in one cut or
operation several axial cuts of equal depth according to a pre-defined machining
strategy.
The toolpath style is either inward helical or outward helical.
Boundaries of the pocket are hard.
Point to Point A milling operation in which the tool moves in straight line segments between
operation user-defined points.
PP instruction Instructions that control certain functions that are auxiliary to the tool-part
relationship. They may be interpreted by a specific post processor.
PPR Process Product Resources.
Profile A milling operation in which the tool follows a guide curve and possibly other
Contouring guide elements while respecting user-defined geometric limitations and
operation machining strategy parameters.
R
retract macro Motion defined for retracting from the operation end point
return macro Motion for linking between paths or between levels. It involves retracting to a
safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane and then plunging from that
plane.
S
safety plane A plane normal to the tool axis in which the tool tip can move or remain a
clearance distance away from the workpiece, fixture or machine.
set up Describes how the part, stock and fixture are positioned on the machine.
soft A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool can
pass beyond.
spindle speed The angular speed of the machine spindle.
Measured in linear or angular units (m/min or rev/min, for example).
stock Workpiece prior to machining by the operations of a part operation.
T
thickness Specifies a thickness of material to be removed by machining. Compare with
offset.
top plane A planar geometric element that represents the top surface of an area to
machine. It is always normal to the associated tool's rotational axis.
tool change An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a change of tool.
tool clash Area where the tool collided with the workpiece during a rapid move.
tool path The path that the center of the tool tip follows during a machining operation.
total depth The total depth including breakthrough distance that is machined in a hole
making operation.
U
undercut Area where the tool has left material behind on the workpiece.
Z
zig zag Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other.
Compare with one way.
5. Select the desired method to specify the orientation using the combo:
Manual. In this case, choose one of the following:
Coordinates to define the orientation by means of X, Y and Z components
Angles to define the orientation by means of a rotation of the X, Y or Z axis. The rotation is
specified by means of one or two angles.
Selection. In this case just select a line or linear edge to define the orientation.
Points in the View. In this case just select two points to define the orientation.
Insert a PP Instruction
This task shows how to insert a PP instruction in the program.
Either the program or a program entity must be current in the specification tree.
Either the program or a program entity must be current in the specification tree.
Part Operation
This task shows you how to create a part operation in the manufacturing process.
When you open an NC Manufacturing workbench on a CATPart or CATProduct document, the manufacturing
document is initialized with a part operation.
1. Select the Part Operation icon .
3. Click the Machine icon to assign a machine tool to the part operation.
4. Select the desired type of machine tool by clicking the corresponding icon:
3-axis machine
3-axis machine with rotary table
5-axis machine
horizontal lathe
vertical lathe.
The default characteristics of the selected machine type are displayed and the following parameters can be
edited to correspond to your actual machine tool.
Machine name and associated comments
Numerical control parameters such as PP words table
Spindle parameters
Tool change parameters including the Tools catalog
Rotary table parameters for 3-axis machine with rotary table.
Just click OK to accept the machine parameters and return to the Part Operation dialog box.
5. Click the Machining Axis icon to assign a reference machining axis system to the part operation.
Output coordinates will be described in the specified axis system except when local machining axis systems are
inserted in the program.
6. Click the Product icon to associate an existing product (CATProduct) or part (CATPart) to the part operation.
You must create a CATProduct entity for each part set up you want to represent.
To display the desired part set up, just select the corresponding Part Operation in the tree.
Manufacturing Program
This task shows you how you can edit a manufacturing program.
A number of capabilities are available for managing manufacturing programs:
Create
Insert entities
Reorder using Copy / Paste or Drag / Drop
Delete.
When you open an NC Manufacturing workbench on a CATPart document, the manufacturing document is initialized
with a manufacturing program.
When you select the Manufacturing Program icon , a new program is initialized in the part operation and a new
Manufacturing Program entity is added to the tree.
Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select NC Manufacturing > Prismatic Machining from the
Start menu.
Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Create a drilling operation on a pattern of two holes.
5. Right click the second Drilling operation and select the Cut command.
6. Right click the first Drilling operation and select the Paste
command.
The program is now reordered and the number of tool
changes reduced.
The same result could have been obtained by using the drag and drop capability.
The Formulas, Checks and Tool Query dialog boxes have a similar presentation. They have 4 common areas:
1. all expressions of the current entity (tool query or machining operation and for a machining operation,
either formulas or checks)
2. the commands list
3. area for editing the current expression with restrictions (you cannot do everything) and some helps by
using operator, function and unit combos. To validate an edited expression, you have to select the Add
button.
4. all the possible attributes that you can use in an expression, according to the knowledgeware description:
o the different packages/dictionaries which group a set of object types: the 3 manufacturing dictionaries (for
machining features, activities and resources like tools) are always available.
o the object types list for the selected dictionary
o the attributes list for a selected type: select one of them to insert it into the expression.
For Tool Query dialog box a fifth area allows you to define the tool type and tool repository.
4. In the same way add Drilling and Tapping operations to
the machining process by selecting first the Drilling icon
then the Tapping icon.
The Machining Process View dialog box is updated as
shown.
5. Right click the Spot Drilling operation in the Machining Process View and select the Edit formula command.
The Formula Editor dialog box appears.
A formula is an expression associated to an operation or a machining feature attribute, which will be converted
to a F(x) formula when applying the machining process.
Define the following formula: “the tool tip approach clearance is half the depth of the spot drill feature”.
6. Right click the Spot Drilling operation in the Machining Process View and select the Edit Checks command. The
Checks Editor dialog box appears.
A check is a logical expression associated to the corresponding operation. Inside a check, “and” and “or”
operators are available, and between several checks, an “and” operator is applied. When applying the
machining process, the checks list is solved, a logical status is returned and the operation is created if the
status is true.
Define the following check : “ the spot drilling operation is only available for design holes with a diameter greater
than 2mm.”
7. Double click the Tool Query associated to the Spot Drilling operation.
The Tool Query Definition dialog box appears.
Define a simple tool query as shown below.
8.
Click Select external feature then select AxialMachProcess1 in the Machining Process View of your
AxialMachiningProcess1.CATProcess file that you want to use as the catalog component.
Click OK to make the machining process a component of the catalog family.
3. Select File > Save As to save the catalog (catalogAxialMP1.catalog, for example).
Please refer to Apply a Machining Process for information about applying machining processes to geometry such
as design features and hole patterns.
4. Select the geometry to be machined: this can be either a design feature or a manufacturing pattern.
1. To edit a tool in the resource list either double click it or right click it and select the Definition contextual
command.
The Tool Definition dialog box is displayed allowing you
to edit the tool's geometric, technological, feed and
speed, and compensation characteristics.
7. Click the Feeds & Speeds tab and enter the desired
values for the tool's cutting conditions.
9. Right click the desired line to either edit or add tool compensation data.
The Compensation Definition dialog box appears.
10. Enter the desired values for the tool's compensation sites.
See Specify Tool Compensation for more information.
11. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the tool.
A user representation (CATPart) can be assigned to the tool by the contextual command in the Resource List.
1. Select the Compensation tab page of the Tool Definition dialog box.
The following tool types have more than one compensation site. Some sites are defined by means of a diameter
value.
Machining Patterns
This task shows you how to:
create a specific machining feature called machining pattern
use this pattern of holes by referencing it directly in a drilling operation.
Create a machining pattern
1. Select the Manufacturing Feature View icon to
display the Manufacturing View.
2. Select the Insert > Machining Features > Machining
Pattern command.
A Machining Pattern entity is added to the
Manufacturing View.
3. Right click the Machining Pattern entity and select the
Definition contextual menu command.
The Machining Pattern dialog box is displayed.
4. Click the No Points sensitive text in the dialog box, then
select the points to be included in the machining pattern.
The icon is updated with this information.
The Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page.
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be
machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the machining pattern from the displayed list.
The pattern is highlighted in the model.
3. Click OK to create the drilling operation: the holes of the machining pattern will be drilled by this operation.
Features
This task shows you how to use features displayed in the Manufacturing View for NC programming.
The Spot Drilling dialog box appears. Select the Geometry tab
page.
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the
geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
4. Click the 1 Point sensitive text in the dialog box, then select the points to be included along with Hole5 in the
machining pattern (Hole6, Hole7, Hole8, for example).
The icon is updated with this information.
In Geometry tab page of the Drilling dialog box, click the No Points sensitive text in the dialog box, then select
Machining Pattern.1 from the displayed list.
8. Replay the two operations in the program to check that they both use the selected machining pattern based on the
initial feature selection.
You can use the contextual menu to sort the manufacturing view
by Features, Patterns, Activities or Tools.
If you edit the Machining Pattern.1 (to include more points, for example) both the Spot Drilling and Drilling operations
will be updated.
2.
Select the Macros tab page .
3. Click the Approach macro checkbox, then select the large
icon representing a Circular Approach.
A sensitive icon representing the elementary paths of the
macro appears.
5. Click the Retract macro check box and create a circular retract macro in the same way.
6. Click the Linking macro checkbox.
Linking Retract is automatically displayed in the combo
allowing you to specify the retract path of the linking
macro.
Select the linear retract path icon.
8. Select Linking Approach in the combo. Select the linear approach path icon and assign a 20mm value to the
approach path.
9. Click the Cornerized Clearance with Radius checkbox,
then enter a corner radius value of 3mm.
You can insert PP words in macros by double clicking the green X symbols in the sensitive icons.
The PP Words Selection dialog box is displayed. You can enter the syntax in the following ways:
enter one or more PP word syntaxes directly in the text field
click the icon to access the PP words table that is referenced in the current part operation.
You can then select predefined syntaxes from this table using the dialog box that appears.
For CUTCOM, you should select the NC_CUTCOM_ON instruction in the list of available syntaxes if you want
the program to interpret cutter compensation automatically (that is, by a CUTCOM/LEFT or CUTCOM/RIGHT
instruction). If you choose different syntax in the list, it will be used as selected.
10. Click Replay to validate the tool path.
11. In the Replay dialog box select the By colors mode in order to visualize feedrate changes. The tool path is
displayed with the following colors:
Yellow: approach feedrate
Green: machining feedrate
Blue: retract feedrate
Red: Rapid feedrate
White: user-defined feedrate.
Please note that transition paths are represented by dashed white lines.
12. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the operation.
The operation is updated with the specified macros.
2.
Select the Macros tab page .
5. Click the Retract macro definition checkbox and create a 30 mm axial retract motion in the same way.
6. Click the Linking macro definition checkbox and create 25mm axial approach and retract motions for the linking
macro.
7. Click Replay to validate the tool path.
In the Replay dialog box select the By colors mode in order to visualize feedrate changes. The tool path is
displayed with the following colors:
Status Management
This task shows you how the status of manufacturing entities is managed.
2. Select the required pocket geometry. The status light switches to green on the tab .
The status lights on the Strategy , Feeds and Macros tab are all green indicating that default
values are already set for operation creation.
You can of course modify these values. Just select the corresponding tab to access these parameters.
The status lights on the Tool tab is orange. This indicates that, although a default tool is set for the
operation, you may want to modify or change that tool for a more suitable one.
3. When all the status lights are green you generally
have sufficient conditions to create the operation.
Just click OK to create the operation.
Remember that you should always check the
operation's tool path by means of a replay.
Generate APT Source Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the APT source processing options.
Generate Clfile Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the Clfile processing options.
Generate NC Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the NC code processing options.
Generate a CGR File in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the CGR file processing options.
Generate APT Source Code in Interactive Mode: Select the Generate NC Code Interactively icon to generate
APT source code for the current manufacturing program.
Generate NC Documentation: Select the Generate Documentation icon to produce shop floor documentation in
HTML format.
Import an APT Source into the Program: Select the APT Import contextual command to insert an existing APT
source into the current manufacturing program.
Access VNC: Use the Macro Output to VNC icon to access the Delmia VNC product from the CATIA NC
Manufacturing workbench.
You can also right-click the operation and select Replay Tool Path from the contextual menu.
The operation's tool path is computed interactively and a progress bar appears giving the status of the
computation.
You can interrupt the computation by clicking Cancel.
3. Choose one of the Tool Visualization modes by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Tool displayed at last position only
Tool axis displayed at each position
Tool displayed at each position .
4. Choose a Color mode by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Tool path displayed in same color
Tool path displayed in different colors for different feedrates :
Please note that transition paths are represented by white dashed lines.
5. Choose one of the Point Display modes by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Trajectory of the contact point is displayed
Trajectory of either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed
Trajectories of the contact point and either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed .
Trajectory of either the contact point or either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed .
6. Click the button to position the tool at the operation start point, then to start the replay.
You can use the other Tool Animation buttons to move the tool along the tool path as follows:
go to the operation end point
run the replay in reverse mode
request a pause in the replay .
7. Click the Machine Verification icon to check the accessibility of the part on a VNC machine.
In the Machine Editor dialog box, select the 5-axis_Default_machine and click OK.
Click OK in the Part Operation dialog box: the machine is added to the Resource List.
If the Machine Management toolbar is not displayed in the workbench, you can activate it by selecting View > Toolbars >
Machine Management.
In the dialog box that appears, select Files of type: (*.dev) Deneb devices then open the machine 3_2_axis.dev in the
NCMachinesToollib\Devices folder.
This machine is also added to the Resource List.
5. Right click the 5-axis_Default_machine in the tree, select the Assign VNC Machine contextual command then select the
Makino_5.1 VNC machine in the tree.
6. Select the Part Setup icon .
A window entitled Process1 : Part Operation.1 appears showing the machine and the part of the current part operation.
7. Select the Snap icon then position the part on the machine table as follows.
Select the part in the Process1 : Part Operation.1 window. A square symbol appears.
Use the mouse to move the symbol and click when the An orientation symbol and the Define Reference Plane
square is located on the underside of the part. dialog box appear. Click OK in the dialog box.
Select the table (parent object) then the part (child object).
12. Click OK in the Check dialog box to return to the replay mode.
If the Replay mode is set to Point to Point, the number of points value is taken into account.
If the Replay mode is set to Continuous, the slider position is taken into account for adjusting the speed of the
animation.
2. Use the Tool animation replay buttons to run the material simulation video:
run
run one or more blocks
stop
rewind
run reverse.
3. If needed, click the Save Video icon to save the material simulation video.
The Save Machined Workpiece dialog box appears allowing you to save the result of the simulation video in a cgr
(Catia geometric representation) type file.
4. Click OK to quit the Replay dialog box.
1. Select the Photo Settings icon in the Material Removal Simulation Photo mode section of the Tool Path
Replay dialog box.
The Settings dialog box appears that allows you to set options for the Photo mode.
In the Faults tab you can customize:
the colors in which the faults on the workpiece will be displayed after a machined part/design part
comparison.
the appearance of the fault indicator bounding box.
In the General tab you can customize:
the colors of the tools used for machining
the machining accuracy
the size of the workpiece scooped out.
2. In the Faults tab, select the desired colors to be
displayed for machining that is within tolerance and
for tool clashes.
6. Click OK to quit Material Removal Settings and return to the Replay dialog box.
The generated APT file can be browsed with any kind of editor.
Generate NC Documentation
This task shows how to generate NC documentation in HTML format.
You can use the following scripting languages, depending on the platform you are running on:
BasicScript 2.2 SDK for UNIX (BasicScript is a registered trademark of Summit Software Company)
VBScript, short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, for Windows NT (Visual Basic is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation).
2. Select the CATScript file by clicking the button on the right of the Script field.
In this version, just leave Process as the Process name.
3. Specify the folder and file where the documentation is to be generated by clicking the button on the right of the
Path field.
4. Click Document Now to generate your documentation.
An extract from a Sample Shop Floor Documentation delivered with this User's Guide is given below.
APT Import
This task shows how to import an existing APT file into the program.
2. Navigate to find the folder in which the desired APT file is stored.
3. Select the APT file in the displayed list then click Open to insert it in the program.
You can right-click the APT Import entity in the specification tree to access a contextual menu that allows you to:
replay the APT source file
edit the APT source file definition.
VNC Access
This task outlines the steps you need to perform to access the Delmia VNC product from the CATIA NC
Manufacturing workbench.
This task makes use of the V5_VNC_Bridge.CATScript VB macro file and other objects delivered with your CATIA
NC Manufacturing product in the \Startup\Manufacturing\Samples\Vnc folder.
Copy the file T30_machine from this folder to the "Machines" folder in your Delmia VNC installation path
(that is, copy T30_machine to c:\deneb\VNClib\MACHINES\).
Copy the mimic file T30_machine.mmc from this folder to the "Mimic" folder in your Delmia VNC installation path
(that is, copy T30_machine.mmc to c:\deneb\VNClib\Mimic\ ).
You must create some directories where the demo and simulation data will be copied.
They are : c:\deneb\VNCLib\CLIMACROS\CATIAVNC
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PARTS\CATIAVNC
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PARTS\CATIAVNC\TOOL_HOLDERS
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PROGRAMS\CATIAVNC
You can find detailed information in the \Startup\Manufacturing\Samples\Vnc\V5-VNCReadMe.htm file.
In the V5_VNC_Bridge.CATScript VB macro file the line containing the
VNClib path (theVNCRoot = "C:\deneb\VNClib\") may need to be customized to your own VNClib path .
1. Open the V5_VNC_demo.CATProcess document in CATIA V5, then select the desired NC Manufacturing
workbench from the Start menu.
2. Double click the Part Operation entity in the specification tree.
The Part Operation dialog box appears.
3. Click the Machine icon to access the Machine
Editor dialog box.
Make sure that a 3-axis with rotary table
machine with the VNC machine name is
selected (that is, T30_machine).
When computing NC data from your program, make sure that the NC data type is set to NC Code in the
Generate NC Output in Batch Mode dialog box
4. In the Part Operation dialog box, make sure a stock is specified. This will become the VNC workpiece.
5. Click the Macro Output to VNC icon .
Advanced Tasks
The tasks described in this section deal with specific NC Manufacturing processes.
Design Changes
Set Up and Part Positioning
Design Changes
This task shows you how to manage your design changes.
Customizing
The tasks in this section describe ways in which you can customize your NC Manufacturing
environment.
NC Manufacturing Settings
Build a Tool Catalog
Access External Tool Catalogs
PP Word Syntaxes
NC Documentation
Material Simulation Settings
NC Manufacturing Settings
This task briefly describes which settings you can customize.
For more information, see Settings for NC Manufacturing products.
Administrator authorizations for NC Manufacturing settings are handled in the standard way described in the Version
5 Infrastructure User's Guide.
1. Select Tools > Options from the menu bar.
Display
This task explains how to customize Display settings for NC Manufacturing products.
You will have to customize an Excel file and a VB macro file in order to build your tools catalog.
1. Edit an Excel file with the desired tool descriptions.
Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
csvFile ="MyCatalog.csv"
catalogFile ="MyCatalog.catalog"
Catlg.Close
End Sub
The tools catalog is created (MyCatalog.catalog) along with a report file (MyCatalog.report).
You can check this in the Search Tool dialog box.
Tool Resources
All supported tool types as well as their main geometry attributes are presented in this section:
Milling and Drilling Tools
Lathe Tools
Lathe Inserts.
These attributes are particularly useful for tasks such as Building a catalog of tools.
End Mill
Center Drill
Spot Drill
Drill
Countersink
Reamer
Boring Bar
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgBoringBarTool
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
MFG_NON_CUT_DIAM: dn
MFG_TIP_LENGTH: lt
MFG_TIP_ANGLE: e
MFG_TIP_RADIUS: Re
MFG_TOOL_ANGLE: b
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
Tap
T-Slotter
Multi-Diameter Drill
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgMultiDiamDrillTool
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a1
MFG_TAPER_ANGLE: a3
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
MFG_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_LENGTH_2: l2
MFG_ANGLE_2: a2
MFG_CHAMFR_DIAM1: Dc
MFG_CHAMFR_DIAM2: Dc2
Conical Mill
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgConicalMillTool
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
Thread Mill
Lathe Tools
External Tool
Internal Tool
Lathe Inserts
Diamond Insert
Square Insert
Triangular Insert
Round Insert
Trigon Insert
Groove Insert
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgGrooveInsert
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK
MFG_INSERT_WIDTH: la
MFG_NOSE_RAD_1: r1
MFG_NOSE_RAD_2: r2
MFG_BOTTOM_ANGLE: b
MFG_FLANK_ANG_1: a1
MFG_FLANK_ANG_2: a2
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: l1
Thread Insert
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgThreadInsert
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_INSCRIB_DIAM: IC
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS
MFG_INSERT_ANGLE: 60
MFG_THREAD_ANGLE
MFG_TOOTH_X
MFG_TOOTH_Z
MFG_TOOTH_H
DataBaseName =SAMPLE
User =db2adm
Password =db2adm
ProjectName =PROJET_422
CDMADictionary =CATIA
2. Declare the UNIX workstation as being used as the server.
For a CATIA V5 installation on NT :
xxxxxxx
For a CATI A V5 installation on UNIX:
xxxxxx
Password =db2adm
ProjectName =PROJET_422
CDMADictionary =CATIA
2. Declare the UNIX workstation as being used as the server.
For a CATIA V5 installation on NT :
xxxxxxx
For a CATI A V5 installation on UNIX:
xxxxxx
PP Word Syntaxes
This section shows you how to customize the following types of syntaxes in your PP word table:
syntaxes associated to NC commands
sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to NC instructions.
The NC Manufacturing product will resolve the parameters of these syntaxes and syntax sequences and generate the
corresponding statements in the APT output.
A sample PP word table is delivered with the product in \Startup\Manufacturing\PPTables\PPTableSample.pptable
It can be used as a basis for creating user-defined tables.
Please refer to PP Tables and Word Syntaxes for more information.
1. NC Commands
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC
commands.
An NC command is a machine function such as feedrate declaration (NC_FEEDRATE) or spindle activation
(NC_SPINDLE_START).
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values, list
values and parameters.
A syntax that includes lists or parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_FEEDRATE
FEDRAT/%MFG_FEED_VALUE,&MFG_FEED_UNIT
*END
Note that the `&' character indicates a list and the `%' character indicates a parameter.
You can define only one syntax for each NC command.
The following example shows how the NC command NC_DELAY could be used in a Drilling Dwell Delay
operation.
2. Make sure that the PP word table is referenced by the machine used in the Part Operation and the syntax
associated with the NC_DELAY command is already created as follows:
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_DELAY
DELAY/&MFG_DELAY_UNIT,%MFG_DELAY_VALUE
*END
3. Create a Drilling Dwell Delay operation.
4. In the dialog box showing the available options, set the Dwell mode to Revolutions and enter a numerical dwell
value of `5'.
In this case the statement generated in the resulting APT source will be:
DELAY/REV,5.000
If the operation was created with the Dwell mode set to Time Units and a dwell value of `5', the statement
generated in the resulting APT source would be:
DELAY/5.000
1. NC Instructions
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to
particular NC instructions.
NC instructions are either axial machining operations or auxiliary commands.
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values and
standard parameters. A set of standard parameters is associated to each NC instruction. Parameters may be
combined in arithmetical expressions.
A syntax that includes parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TOOL_CHANGE
*START_SEQUENCE
TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM
TPRINT/%MFG_TOOL_NAME
LOADTL/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER
*END
*END
Note that the `%' character indicates a parameter.
You can define one or more syntax sequences for each NC instruction.
The following example shows how the NC instruction NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY could be used to
generate a specific NC data output.
2. Make sure that the PP word table is referenced by the machine used in the Part Operation and the syntax
associated with NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY instruction is already created as follows:
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TOOL_CHANGE
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE / DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
*END
*END
3. Create a Drilling Dwell Delay operation.
4. In the dialog box showing the available options, set:
hole depth to 25.0
feedrate to 500.0
approach clearance to 5.0
Dwell mode to Revolutions and enter a numerical dwell value of `3'.
The NC Manufacturing product will resolve the parameters of these syntaxes and syntax sequences and generate the
corresponding statements in the APT output.
NC Commands
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC commands.
An NC command is a machine function such as feedrate declaration (NC_FEEDRATE) or spindle activation
(NC_SPINDLE_START).
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values, lists and
parameters.
A syntax that includes lists or parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_COMPENSATION
LOADTL/%MFG_TL_NUMBER,%MFG_TOOL_COMP
*END
Note that the & character indicates a list and the % character indicates a parameter. A list has a finite number of values.
You can define only one syntax for each NC command.
For an example of how to define syntaxes in NC commands, please see PP Word Syntaxes in the Customizing section of
this guide.
Syntaxes of NC Commands
NC command syntaxes that are supported in the current version are as follows:
NC_COMMENT
NC_COMPENSATION
NC_CUTCOM_LEFT
NC_CUTCOM_OFF
NC_CUTCOM_ON
NC_CUTCOM_RIGHT
NC_COMPENSATION
MFG_TOOL_COMP and MFG_TL_COMP (compatibility V4): value of the tool compensation length
MFG_TL_COMP_RAD: value of the tool compensation radius
MFG_TL_NUMBER: tool number associated to the compensation
MFG_TL_NAME: name of tool associated to the compensation.
NC_CUTCOM_ON
NC_CUTCOM_OFF
NC_CUTCOM_LEFT
NC_CUTCOM_RIGHT
NC_DELAY
NC_FEEDRATE
NC_MACHINING_AXIS
NC_MULTAX_ON
NC_MULTAX_OFF
NC_SPINDLE_ON
NC_SPINDLE_START or NC_SPINDLE
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: list with two values defining the spindle rotation units.
First value: spindle rotation expressed in revolutions per minute. RPM is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation expressed in surface meters per minute. SMM is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_WAY: list with two values defining the direction of rotation of the spindle.
First value: spindle rotation processed clockwise. CLW is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation processed counter-clockwise. CCLW is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_SPEED: numerical value of the spindle speed.
MFG_SPNDL_DIAMTR: numerical value of the spindle diameter.
NC_SPINDLE_LATHE
MFG_SPNDL_STOP: list with two values defining the action applied to the spindle.
First value: de-activation of the spindle. OFF is the default value.
Second value: spindle locked in an indexed position. LOCK is the default value.
MFG_CMP_ANGLE: value of the indexation angle.
NC_SPINDLE_LOCK
NC_SPINDLE_OFF
NC Instructions
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC
instructions.
NC instructions are either axial machining operations or auxiliary commands.
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values and standard
parameters. A set of standard parameters is associated to each NC instruction. Parameters may be combined in
arithmetical expressions.
A syntax that includes parameters is a parameterized syntax (see examples below):
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TOOL_CHANGE
*START_SEQUENCE
TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM
TPRINT/%MFG_TOOL_NAME
LOADTL/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER
*END
*END
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TAPPING
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/TAP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
*END
*END
Note that the % character indicates a parameter.
You can define one or more syntax sequences for each NC instruction.
For an example of how to define syntax sequences in NC Instructions, please see PP Word Syntaxes in the Customizing
section of this guide.
NC_ORIGIN
NC_START_MACRO
NC_TABLE_ROTATION
NC_TOOL_CHANGE
Please note that if tool assembly resources are not used in your process, the term 'tool assembly' means 'tool' or
'cutter' in the following description.
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID: Tool assembly identifier
MFG_TL_SET_LGTH: Tool set length
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: Nominal diameter of the tool
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool
MFG_TOOL_NUMBER: Tool assembly number
MFG_ASS_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool assembly
MFG_WEIGHT_SNTX: Tool weight syntax
MFG_COOLNT_SNTX: Coolant supply syntax
MFG_TOOTH_DES: Tooth description
MFG_DIAMETER_2: Diameter 2 of the tool assembly
MFG_MAX_MIL_TIME: Tool life (in time units)
MFG_MAX_MIL_LGTH: Tool life (in length units)
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Tool corner radius
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: Tool cutting angle
MFG_LENGTH: Length of active part of the tool
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: Tool tip length
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: Tool cutting length
MFG_NB_OF_FLUTES: Number of teeth
MFG_TOOL_NAME: Tool name
MFG_FEED_MACH: Machining feedrate
MFG_SPNDL_MACH: Machining spindle speed
MFG_TL_SET_X: Tool set length in x direction
MFG_TL_SET_Y: Tool set length in y direction
MFG_FEED_UNIT: Computed feedrate unit
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: Computed spindle speed unit
MFG_WAY_OF_ROT: Computed rotation direction of tool (RIGHTHAND or LEFTHAND)
MFG_TOOL_ASS_POW: Computed tool assembly power type
If fixed the value is TURN, otherwise the value is MILL
MFG_TOOL_COMP and MFG_TL_COMP (compatibility V4): value of the tool compensation length
MFG_TOOL_COMP_2: value of the second tool compensation length.
NC_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE
Please note that if tool assembly resources are not used in your process, the term 'tool assembly' means 'tool' or
'cutter' in the following description.
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID: Tool assembly identifier
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool
MFG_TOOL_NUMBER: Tool assembly number
MFG_ASS_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool assembly
MFG_TOOL_NAME: Tool name
MFG_TL_SET_X: Tool set length in x direction (Assembly)
MFG_TL_SET_Y: Tool set length in y direction (Assembly)
MFG_TL_SET_Z: Computed tool set length in z direction (Assembly)
MFG_LIFE_TIME: Computed tool life (in time units) of Insert
MFG_TOOL_COMP and MFG_TL_COMP (compatibility V4): value of the tool compensation length
NC_BORING
NC_BORING_AND_CHAMFERING
NC_BREAK_CHIPS
NC_CIRCULAR_MILLING
NC_COUNTERSINKING
NC_DEEPHOLE
NC_DRILLING
NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY
NC_REVERSE_THREADING
NC_SPOT_DRILLING
NC_T_SLOTTING
NC_TAPPING
NC_TWO_SIDES_CHAMFERING
NC Documentation
This task shows you how to generate customized NC documentation.
You will have to customize a VBScript macro file according to the document that you want to generate.
You can use the following scripting languages, depending on the platform you are running on:
BasicScript 2.2 SDK for UNIX (BasicScript is a registered trademark of Summit Software Company)
VBScript, short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, for Windows NT (Visual Basic is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation).
Workbench Description
This section describes the menu commands and icon toolbars that are specific to the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench. This is what the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench
looks like.
Menu Bar
This is the menu bar for the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench.
Tasks corresponding to general menu commands are described in the Version 5 Infrastructure
User's Guide.
Below are the menus that specifically concern 3 Axis Surface Machining.
Insert menu
Accesses all machining
Machining Operations
operations
Accesses the definition of
Machining Features
machining areas
Accesses auxiliary
Auxiliary Operations
operations
Machining Features
Milling Features Defines milling areas
Machining Pattern Defines machining patterns
Milling Features
Machining Area Defines a machining area
Rework Area Defines an area to rework
Machining Axis System Defines a machining axis
system
Machining Operations
Sweep Roughing Defines a sweep roughing
operation
Roughing Defines a roughing
operation
Sweeping Defines a sweeping
operation
Pencil Defines a pencil operation
Toolbars
These are the specific icon toolbars that belong to the Surface Machining workbench.
Manufacturing Program Toolbar
Machining Operations Toolbar
Auxiliary Operations Toolbar
Tool Path Management Toolbar
Tool Path Editor Toolbar
Manufacturing Features Toolbar
Machining Areas Toolbar
Geometry Selection Toolbars
Edge selection Toolbar
Face Selection Toolbar
Open catalog.
See procedure for applying machining processes.
See Manufacturing View described in Machining Patterns.
You can use the following commands on the Manufacturing View entity:
sort by features
sort by activities
sort by patterns
sort by tools.
Import Tools.
See procedure for searching tools described in Select or Create a Tool.
The Face Selection toolbar contains commands to help you select faces when specifying
geometry in machining operations.
Navigates on faces
Previews contours
Resets all selections
Exits geometry selection mode
Cancels any already selected geometry.
NC Manufacturing Toolbars
The NC Manufacturing Infrastructure provides a number of icon toolbars that are common to all
the NC machining products. These are described below.
Manufacturing Program Toolbar
Auxiliary Operations Toolbar
Tool Path Management Toolbar
Machining Features Toolbar
Manufacturing Auxiliary Views Toolbar
Geometry Selection Toolbars
Machining Process Toolbar
Machine Management Toolbar
Workbench Description
This section contains the description of the menu commands and icon toolbars that are common to the NC Manufacturing
products. The Prismatic Machining workbench below is shown as an example.
Menu Bar
Toolbars
Specification Tree
Specification Tree
Here is an example of a Process Product Resources (PPR) specification tree for NC
Manufacturing products.
Process List is a plan that gives all the
activities and machining operations
required to transform a part from a rough
to a finished state.
Part Operation defines the
manufacturing resources and the
reference data.
Manufacturing Program is the list of all
of the operations and tool changes
performed.
Pocketing.1 operation is complete
and has been computed.
Pocketing.3 operation is complete
but has not been computed.
Pocketing.2 operation has not
been computed and does not have
all of the necessary data (indicated
by the exclamation mark).
Product List gives all of the parts to
machine as well as CATPart documents
containing complementary geometry.
Resources List gives all of the resources
such as machine or tools that can be
used in the program.
Glossary
A
Approach The part of a tool path that ends where the tool begins to cut the
material
Approach feedrate The speed of linear advancement of the tool during its approach,
before cutting.
C
Climb milling A cutting mode where the front of the tool (advancing in the
machining direction) cuts into the material first.
Contour-driven This type of machining uses a contour as guide. There are three
machining types of contour driven machining:
parallel contours where the tool sweeps out an area by
following progressively distant (or closer) parallel offsets of a
given guide contour.
between contours where the tool sweeps between two guide
contours along a tool path that is obtained by interpolating
between the guide contours. The ends of each pass lie on two
stop contours.
spine contour where the tool sweeps across a contour in
perpendicular planes.
Conventional milling A cutting mode where the back of the tool (advancing in the
machining direction) cuts into the material first. See Climb milling.
Cut depth The maximum depth of the cut effected by the tool at each pass.
F
Feedrate The speed of linear advancement of the tool into the material while
cutting.
Frontal wall An area of the part surface that forms an inclined wall that the
advancing tool will climb or descend.
G
Guide contour A contour used to guide the tool during an operation.
See Contour-driven machining.
I
Imposed plane A plane that the tool must pass through. This option is useful for
machining parts that have grooves or steps and when you want to
make sure that these areas are cut.
Inner point The point where the tool will start cutting in a roughing operation
when the surface to machine has pockets.
L
Lateral wall An area of the part surface that forms an inclined wall that the tool
will advance along laterally instead of climbing or descending.
Limit line A contour that is used to delimit the areas to machine in an
operation.
Lower plane One of the two planes normal to the tool axis that confines the area
to machine. The operation will only machine between this plane and
the upper plane.
M
Machining area An area defined on a part either:
during an operation as part of the machining geometry ,
or before an operation, the operation being assigned to a
machining area afterwards.
P
Pencil operations A pencil operation is one where the tool remains tangent in two
places to the surface to be machined during the cycle. It is often
used to remove crests along the intersection of two surfaces that
were left behind by a previous operation.
Plunge A movement where the tool plunges deeper into the material,
advancing along the (negative) tool axis.
Pocket An area on a part surface that represents an internal depression (in
Z) relative to the surrounding part surfaces. An internal depression is
one that does not extend to the outside edge of the part.
P.P.R. Process Product Resources.
R
Retract The part of a tool path that begins where the tool stops cutting the
material.
Rework area An area that cannot be machined with a given tool.
Reworking An operation which touches up zones that are left completely
unmachined by previous operations.
Roughing An operation where a part is rough-machined by horizontal planes.
Rough stock The block of raw material to be machined to produce a part.
S
Safety distance A horizontal clearance distance that the tool moves over at the
feedrate in order to disengage the tool from cutting between passes.
Scallop height The maximum allowable height of the crests of material left uncut
after machining.
Spindle speed The speed of the spinning tool around its axis.
Start point The point where the tool will start cutting in a roughing operation
where the surface to cut is accessed from the outside of the part.
Stepover distance The width of the overlap between two successive passes.
Stop contours The two contours connecting the ends of two guide contours in
contour-driven machining (between contours option). The ends of
each pass lie on the stop contours.
Sweeping operations Sweeping operations machine the whole part and are used for
finishing and semi-finishing work. The tool paths are executed in
vertical parallel planes.
Sweep roughing An operation where a part is rough-machined by vertical planes.
U
Upper plane One of the two planes normal to the tool axis that confines the area
to machine. The operation will only machine between this plane and
the lower plane.
Z
ZLevel machining An operation where the tool progressively follows the part surface at
different constant Z values (heights).
Index
A
Along tool axis
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Spine contour parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
Approach distance
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Approach modes
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Area to avoid
Contour-driven parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Area-oriented machining
Getting started
Area-oriented machining methodology
Assigning an operation
Defining machining areas
Automatic rough stock
Automatic surface selection
Spiral milling
Avoiding
Tool holder collisions
Axial direction
Pencil operation parameters
Axial safety distance
Roughing parameters
B
Between contour parameters
Along tool axis
Constant on part stepover
Constant stepover
Four open contours
Guide contour
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Maximum on part stepover
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
One closed contour
Other axis
Pencil rework
Reverse tool path
Scallop height stepover
Tool path style
Zone
Between contours
Contour-driven parameters
Body
Defining machining areas
Bottom plane
Spiral milling
By chaining continuous edges
Selecting edges
By color
Selecting faces
C
Changing approach and retract types
Tool path editor
Changing selection defaults
Tool path editor
Check element
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Checking for
Collisions
Closing a contour with a line
Selecting edges
Collisions
Checking for
Color
Offset area parameters
Connecting an open tool path
Tool path editor
Constant on part stepover
Between contour parameters
Constant stepover
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Spine contour parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Contour-driven operations
Contour-driven parameters
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Between contours
Check element
Discretization angle
Feedrate length
Geometric components
Guide contour
D
Defining
Machining areas
Offset areas
Offset groups
Rework areas
Defining continuity constraints
Selecting edges
Defining machining areas
Assigning an operation
Body
Load from
Deleting approaches
Tool path editor
Deleting linking passes
Tool path editor
Deleting passes between paths
Tool path editor
Deleting retracts
Tool path editor
Direction
Parallel contour parameters
Discretization angle
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Displaying
Rework areas
E
Editing a point
Tool path editor
Editing an area
Tool path editor
End plane
Sweeping parameters
End point
Spiral milling
F
Feedrate length
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
Filter
Rework areas
Finishing and semi-finishing operations
Four open contours
Between contour parameters
G
Geometric components
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
H
High speed milling
Contour-driven parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
I
Importing
STL files
Imposed plane
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Initial tool position
Parallel contour parameters
Inserting a line between two points
Selecting edges
Inside a polygon
Selecting faces
Island skip
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
Island skip length
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
L
Limit line
Rework area parameters
Limiting contour
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Linking
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
Linking pass
ZLevel parameters
Load from
Defining machining areas
Rework areas
Lower plane
Contour-driven parameters
Roughing parameters
M
Machining areas
Defining
Machining direction
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
Machining features
Machining mode
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Machining tolerance
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spine contour parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Manual surface selection
Spiral milling
Max. horizontal slope
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Sweeping parameters
Mirror translation of the tool path
Tool path editor
Moving a point
Tool path editor
Moving an area
Tool path editor
N
Normal to an axis
Selecting faces
O
Offset
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset area parameters
Color
Thickness
Offset areas
Defining
Offset group parameters
Thickness
Offset groups
Contour-driven parameters
Defining
Pencil operation parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset on check
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset on contour
Parallel contour parameters
Spiral milling
Offset on part
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset side
Parallel contour parameters
One closed contour
P
Packing and unpacking a tool path
Tool path editor
Parallel contour parameters
Along tool axis
Constant stepover
Direction
Guide contour
Initial tool position
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Maximum width to machine
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Offset on contour
Offset side
Other axis
Pencil rework
Reverse tool path
Scallop height stepover
Tool path style
Zone
Parallel contours
Parallel to a face
Selecting faces
Parameters
Tool holder collisions
Part autolimit
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Part contouring
Roughing parameters
Part offset
Rework areas
Pass overlap
ZLevel parameters
Pass overlap (length)
Roughing parameters
Pass overlap (ratio)
Roughing parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Approach modes
Axial direction
Check element
Cutting mode
Geometric components
Limiting contour
Machining tolerance
Minimum change length
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Part autolimit
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety plane
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Pencil operations
Pencil rework
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Perpendicular to a face
Selecting faces
Plunges
Sweeping parameters
Position
Roughing parameters
Previewing a contour
Selecting faces
Profile contouring operations
R
Radial safety distance
Roughing parameters
Radial strategy distance
Sweep roughing parameters
Reading STL files
Reducing the size of a tool path
Saving space
Remove from area inside polygon
Tool path editor
Remove from whole tool path
Tool path editor
Removing a point
Tool path editor
Resetting selection
Selecting edges
Selecting faces
Retract modes
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Reverse tool path
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Spine contour parameters
Spiral milling
ZLevel parameters
Reversing a tool path
Tool path editor
Rework area parameters
Limit line
Tool
Rework areas
Defining
Displaying
Filter
Load from
Overlap
Part offset
Tolerance
Tool axis
Reworking operations
Rotating the tool path
Tool path editor
Rough machining operations
Rough stock
Roughing parameters
Roughing operations
Roughing parameters
Approach distance
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Axial safety distance
Check element
Cutting mode
Geometric components
Imposed plane
Lower plane
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Maximum cut depth
Min. area
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Overshoot
Part contouring
Pass overlap (length)
Pass overlap (ratio)
Position
Radial safety distance
Rough stock
Safety plane
Start point
Tool axis
Tool core diameter
Tool path style
Upper plane
Roughing rework operations
Roughing type
Sweep roughing parameters
S
Safety distance
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Safety plane
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Saving space
Reducing the size of a tool path
Scallop height
Sweeping parameters
Scallop height stepover
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Spine contour parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Selecting an area with a closed contour
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with a polyline
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with one point
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with two points
Tool path editor
Selecting edges
By chaining continuous edges
Closing a contour with a line
Defining continuity constraints
Inserting a line between two points
Resetting selection
Tangent to an edge
Selecting faces
By color
Inside a polygon
Normal to an axis
Parallel to a face
Perpendicular to a face
Previewing a contour
Resetting selection
Selection sets
Tangent to a face
Selection sets
Selecting faces
Spine contour
Spine contour parameters
Along tool axis
Constant stepover
Guide contour
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Other axis
Reverse tool path
Scallop height stepover
Tool path style
Zone
Spiral milling
Along tool axis
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Automatic surface selection
Bottom plane
Check element
Corner radius
Cutting mode
End point
Geometric components
High speed milling
Machining tolerance
Manual surface selection
Maximum angle
Maximum distance
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on contour
Offset on part
Other axis
Part autolimit
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety plane
Start point
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path style
Top plane
Start plane
Sweeping parameters
Start point
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
ZLevel parameters
Stepover side
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
STL files
Importing
Stop contours
Contour-driven parameters
Stop mode
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Stop position
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Swapping selection
Tool path editor
Sweep roughing operations
Sweep roughing parameters
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Check element
Geometric components
Lower plane
Machining direction
Maximum cut depth
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on part
Part autolimit
Radial strategy distance
Retract modes
Roughing type
Safety plane
Stepover side
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path style
Upper plane
Sweeping operations
Sweeping parameters
Along tool axis
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Check element
Constant stepover
Discretization angle
End plane
Feedrate length
Geometric components
High speed milling
Island skip
Island skip length
Limiting contour
Linking
Lower plane
Machining direction
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Maximum distance
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Minimum distance
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retracts
Other axis
Part autolimit
Plunges
Retract modes
Safety distance
Safety plane
Scallop height
Scallop height stepover
Start plane
Stepover side
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path direction
Tool path style
Transition radius
Upper plane
Zone
T
Tangent to a face
Selecting faces
Tangent to an edge
Selecting edges
Thickness
Offset area parameters
Offset group parameters
Tolerance
Rework areas
Tool
Rework area parameters
Tool axis
Pencil operation parameters
Rework areas
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Tool core diameter
Roughing parameters
Tool holder collisions
Avoiding
Parameters
Tool holder collisions
Tool path direction
Sweeping parameters
Tool path editor
Changing approach and retract types
Changing selection defaults
Connecting an open tool path
Deleting approaches
Deleting linking passes
Deleting passes between paths
Deleting retracts
Editing a point
Editing an area
Mirror translation of the tool path
Moving a point
Moving an area
Packing and unpacking a tool path
Remove from area inside polygon
Remove from whole tool path
Removing a point
Reversing a tool path
Rotating the tool path
Selecting an area with a closed contour
Selecting an area with a polyline
Selecting an area with one point
Selecting an area with two points
Swapping selection
Transformations
Translating an area along an axis
Translating the tool path
Tool path style
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Roughing parameters
Spine contour parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
Top plane
Spiral milling
Transformations
Tool path editor
Transition radius
Contour-driven parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Translating an area along an axis
Tool path editor
U
Upper plane
Contour-driven parameters
Roughing parameters
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
W
What's new?
Z
ZLevel operations
ZLevel parameters
Approach distance
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Check element
Constant stepover
Cutting mode
Discretization angle
Geometric components
Imposed plane
Limiting contour
Linking pass
Lower plane
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Part autolimit
Pass overlap
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety distance
Safety plane
Scallop height stepover
Start point
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Transition radius
Upper plane
Zone
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters