Solidcam - Integrated Cam Engine For Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

SolidCAM Milling Users Guide
Volume #2
1995-2005 SolidCAM LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Contents
SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide
Contents
Volume #2 11. Machining Processes 11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts...............................................................................................................16 11.1.1 Job templates ...................................................................................................................................16 11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions ............................................................................................................18 11.1.3 Default sets ......................................................................................................................................19 11.1.4 Machining Process Table ...............................................................................................................19 11.2 Creating Machining Processes ................................................................................................................20 11.3 Dening Machining Process Table ........................................................................................................21 11.3.1 Adding MAC le(s) ........................................................................................................................22 11.4 Machining Process Table Manager ........................................................................................................24 11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables...........................................................................................26 11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types .................................................................................................29 11.5 Managing Machining Processes..............................................................................................................31 11.6 Machining Process Dene Manager ......................................................................................................33 11.6.1 Job Templates page ........................................................................................................................33 11.6.2 Dene Job Template ......................................................................................................................34 11.6.3 Managing Job Templates ...............................................................................................................35 11.6.4 Parametric eld menu ....................................................................................................................36 11.6.5 Default Sets page ............................................................................................................................39 11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables ................................................................................................40 11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter ...............................................................................................................42 11.6.8 Variables & expressions .................................................................................................................43 11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions ......................................................................................................44 11.7 Using the Machining processes ..............................................................................................................46 11.8 Inserting The Machining Process ..........................................................................................................47 11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager .......................................................................................................49 11.9.1 Job Templates Page ........................................................................................................................49 11.9.2 Default Sets Page ............................................................................................................................51
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Contents
11.9.3 Parameters Table.............................................................................................................................52 11.9.4 Job Points.........................................................................................................................................52 11.9.5 Parameters denition .....................................................................................................................53 12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) 12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts ..........................................................................................................57 12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition .........................................................................................................60 12.2.1 Denition of Homes ....................................................................................................................60 12.2.2 Target model ...................................................................................................................................60 12.3 Start Holes Recognition...........................................................................................................................61 12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface..........................................................................................................62 12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager .........................................................................................................62 12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar ...........................................................................................................63 12.5 Hole Feature Model .................................................................................................................................65 12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment ................................................................................................66 12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment .........................................................................................................67 12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment ...................................................................................................67 12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment ........................................................................................................68 12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment.........................................................................................................68 12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment .......................................................................................................69 12.5.7 Compound Holes processing .......................................................................................................70 12.5.8 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups ................................................................................................70 12.5.9 Hole Features page .........................................................................................................................71 12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining .........................................................................................76 12.6.1 Undercut processing ......................................................................................................................76 12.6.2 Undercut substitution ....................................................................................................................78 12.6.3 Segments Union..............................................................................................................................82 12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features .............................................................................................................85 12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion ..........................................................................................91 12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page .................................................................................................. 100 12.7 Feature Sets............................................................................................................................................. 112 12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets .................................................................................................................. 112
Contents
12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets ................................................................................. 113 12.7.3 Automatic Home Positions denition ..................................................................................... 114 12.7.4 Feature Sets page ......................................................................................................................... 116 12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features................................................................................. 118 12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets ............................................................................................................... 119 12.7.7 Dening the Home Position origin location for the Feature Set ......................................... 121 12.8 Technology ............................................................................................................................................. 123 12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution .............................................................................................. 124 12.8.2 Choosing the tool ........................................................................................................................ 125 12.8.3 Technology Page .......................................................................................................................... 131 12.8.4 Managing Technology ................................................................................................................. 133 12.9 Generating Jobs ..................................................................................................................................... 136 12.10 Technology Database.......................................................................................................................... 138 12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases ............................................................................... 139 12.10.2 Technology Database interface ............................................................................................... 140 12.10.3 Congurations page .................................................................................................................. 141 12.10.4 Current Conguration .............................................................................................................. 142 12.10.5 Solutions page ............................................................................................................................ 143 12.10.6 Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 145 12.10.7 Variables ...................................................................................................................................... 149 12.10.8 Dening a new Technology Solution ..................................................................................... 150 12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions .................................................................................................. 152 12.11 Holes Recognition Settings ................................................................................................................ 155 12.11.1 System settings ........................................................................................................................... 156 12.11.2 Part settings ................................................................................................................................ 158 Index ................................................................................................................................................................ 168
Contents
Machining Processes
A Machining Process is comprised of a series of Jobs that are tied together through user-defined parameters. You can automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with this new Machining Process feature. In subsequent identical or similar situations, the Machining Processes can be used directly or adapted to the new situation by giving values to its parameters.
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Machining Processes Table Defining a new Machining Process Job Templates Default Sets Parameters & Expressions Using Machining Processes
11. Machining Processes
11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts

SolidCAM enables you to automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with the Machining Process feature. Machining Process (MP) is the structure of fully parameterized Job Templates. In subsequent identical or similar situations, the machining process templates can be either used directly or they can be adapted to the new situation by giving values to its parameters.
Machining Process
Job Templates
11.1.1 Job templates
Parameters
A Job template is the parametric template of the single operation that is used within the Machining Process. There can be one or several job templates in a Machining Process.
For example:
geometry:
To create a threaded countersink hole, we need three Jobs using the common
Centering
At this stage, preliminary centering is made for the hole and a chamfer.
SolidCAM2005 Users Guide
Drilling
At this stage, the hole is drilled.
Threading
At this stage, the threading is preformed.
11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions

Parameters
can be given a constant value or an expression.
In the above sample the following parameters are needed: The tap size (D_thread) The tap depth (H_thread) The drill depth (H_drill) The chamfer diameter (D_chamfer)
D_chamfer D_thread
In the above example you can dene the following expression for centering depth. With a group of such Job templates, Parameters and Expressions, you can dene the universal Machining Process.
D_chamfer H_center
H_drill
H_thread
H_center =
D_chamfer / 2 tg (/2)
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11.1.3 Default sets A Default set is a combination of parameters and expressions used for Job template customization. You can dene a number of the default sets by attaching different specic values or expressions to parameters. You can use the default sets to adapt machining process to specic tasks.
Default Set
Parameters
Job Templates
Machining Process
In the above example we can create default sets for each tap size (e.g. M6, M8 etc). 11.1.4 Machining Process Table SolidCAM enables you to join your Machining Processes into the Machining Process Table.
Machining Process 1
Machining Process 2
Machining Process 3
Machining Process N
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Machining Processes Table
11.2 Creating Machining Processes

Three basic stages are needed to create a Machining Process.
Creating Machining Process Table
Creating Machining Process
Defining Machining Process components
New Machining Process Table dialog
Machining Process Table Manager
Machining Process Define Manager
SolidCAM enables you to use three major interface tools for these tasks: New Machining Process Table - With this dialog you can dene a new MP Table. SolidCAM also enables you to manage existing MP Tables. For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.3. Machining Process Table Manager enables you to create and manage a single Machining Process in the Table. For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.4. Machining Process Define Manager enables you to dene components of the single Machining Process: Job Templates, Default sets, Parameters and Expressions. For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.6.
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11.3 Defining Machining Process Table

The rst stage of the Machining Process creation is the denition of the Machining Process Table. 1. In the SolidCAM manager, right click on Machining Process eld to open the pull down menu and choose the type of the MP table - Milling from the New sub menu.
The dialog window, New Machining Process Table, will be displayed.
2. Enter a name for the Machining Process Table in the Table name eld. 3. Press the Add Mac File button to dene the MAC le for your Machining Process Table. Since not all machines support all of the options in SolidCAM, you must also give the Mac le that you will be using. This will assure that only the options that are supported by your machine will be used. 4. Conrm the Machining Process Table creation with the OK button.
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11.3.1 Adding MAC file(s) The Add MAC le(s) dialog enables you to choose a MAC-le or a set of similar MAC les for your Machining Process. The MAC- le contains options oriented to the specic CNC Machine. This le enables you to adapt your Machining Processes for your CNC Machines.
Adding MAC file
1. Press the Add button to choose the suitable MAC le from the list. 2. In the dialog window displayed, pick the MAC le that you wish to work with and press OK. The original dialog window will be displayed again with the chosen MAC le.
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Adding similar MAC-files
This option will add to the list any MAC le that is similar to the MAC le that you originally picked. The criteria of the similarity is the coincidence of the MAC-le options needed for Machining Processes.
Please contact SolidCAM customer support for further details.
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11.4 Machining Process Table Manager

With the Machining Process Table Manager, SolidCAM enables you to control single Machining Processes in the Machining Process Table.
The Machining Process table dialog contains the following elds:

Machining Process List
This eld contains the list of all Machining Processes from the current table. Double-click on the Machining Process name in the list to edit the MP in the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6). Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Managing Machining Processes (see the topic 11.5).
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MP Picture
This option enables you to attach a picture to your MP. Click on the Browse MP Pictures... button and choose a bitmap le (*.bmp) in the browser window.
Type
For easier identication and classication of Machining Processes, you can dene and use your own MP types.
Description
In this eld you can enter text describing the Machining Processes.
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11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables The Machining Process Tables contains the following options:
Current
This option enables you to load the current MP Table in the Machining Process Table Manager (see the topic 11.4).
New
With this option you can create a new MP Table. SolidCAM enables you to create the type of MP Table: Milling.
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Open
This option enables you to load an MP Table via the standard Windows Browser. 1. Right-click on the Machining Process eld and choose Open from the submenu to load the Machining Process Table. The Browser Window will be displayed.
2. Select the Machining Process Table le (*.mpt)
The Machining Process Table will be loaded and the Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.
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Copy
This option enables you to copy the MP Table. The Copy Machining Process Table dialog will be displayed.
1. In the left eld of the dialog, choose the MP Table you want. 2. Click on the use the icon to move the MP Table in the copy-container eld. You can icon to remove MP Tables.
3. Choose the copy location in the right eld. 4. Click on the Copy button to conrm the operation. 5. Click on the Exit button to close the dialog.
Delete
Choose this option to delete the MP Table via the standard Windows Browser.
Recent MP Tables
This option displays a list of the last MP Tables that you loaded in SolidCAM. You can open the le by simply clicking on the le you want to open.
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Group Types
This option enables you to create your own MP Group Type.

Expressions
This option enables you to create and manage your own list of expressions that will be available in each MP you design. 11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types For easier identication and classication of Machining Processes, you can dene and use your own Machining Process Group Types. Defining Group Types 1. Right-click on the Machining Process eld in the SolidCAM Manager and choose Group Types... from the pull down menu.
The MP Group Types Manager will be loaded.
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To add a new Group Type, click on the Add button and type the name.
To remove an existing Group Type from the list, select the item and click on the Delete button. To edit the Group Type name, click on the icon in the name eld and choose Edit-View.
OK.
The Edit dialog will be displayed. Change the MP Group Type name and conrm it with
You can use the hotkey F2 to open the Edit dialog. By double-clicking on the Group Type name in the list, you can edit the name in the list directly without going to the Edit dialog.
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Using Group Types The Machining Process Table Manager enables you to assign the Group Type to the Machining Process by choosing it from the list.
11.5 Managing Machining Processes

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Machining Process operations.
Add
This option enables you to add a new Machining Process to Machining Process Table.
Edit
This option enables you to edit components of the Machining Process in the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6).
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Copy
This option creates a copy of the current Machining Process.

Rename
This option enables you to rename the current Machining Process.

Delete
This option enables you to remove the current Machining Process from the Machining Process Table.
Import
This option enables you insert Machining Processes from another MP Table into the current MP Table. You can insert Machining Processes from MP Tables dened with similar MAC files.
1. Right-click on the MachProcess eld and choose Import from the pull down menu. 2. Choose the MP Table you want from the Browser. The MP Export Table Manager will be displayed.
3. Choose the Machining Process you want from the Manager and conrm the operation with the Export button.
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11.6 Machining Process Define Manager
11.6.1 Job Templates page In this page you can work with the set of Job Templates in the same way as the conventional SolidCAM Jobs via the SolidCAM Manager.
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11.6.2 Define Job Template The Job template screen contains the same elds as the SolidCAM Job Screen.
You can now ll the elds of the Job template like in a conventional Job. Note that some elds in the Job Templates are marked with the the following data:
Variable Expression Value
icon. These elds are parametric. In these elds you can enter
If a variable you entered does not exist, SolidCAM adds it to the Used Parameter Table (see the topic 11.6.6). To edit this parametric eld, you can use the parametric field menu by clicking on the etc.), SolidCAM will mark this parametric eld with the icon. icon.
If you entered wrong data in the parametric eld (unacceptable type of variable, mistake in expression
In the Job template, you have to dene the Geometry and the Tool.
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11.6.3 Managing Job Templates A Job Template is a parametrically dened single SolidCAM Job. In addition to numerical values for the technology parameter denition you can use variables and expressions in the Job Templates. The following options enable you to manage your Job templates:
Add
The process of the Job Template creation is the same as creating Jobs via the SolidCAM Manager. 1. Right-click on the Jobs eld situated in the Job Templates tab. The pull down menu will be displayed:
Choose the Job Template type from the menu. The corresponding Job Template screen will be displayed.
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Edit
This option enables you to edit the Job Template.
The corresponding Job Template screen will be displayed.

Delete
Change Tool
This option enables you to change the tool used in the specic Job Template. The Part Tool Table dialog (see the topic 3.6) will be displayed. 11.6.4 Parametric field menu The parametric eld menu enables you to choose parameters and expressions simply and effectively. When you click on the icon, the following menu will be displayed:
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User Defined Parameters
This option displays a list of existing User Dened Parameters. Choose the variable name you want from this list. You can open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Parts parameters
This option displays a list of existing Parts Parameters. Choose the variable name you want from this list. You can open this list with the F6 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Expressions
This option displays the list of dened expressions. You can open this list with the F7 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
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Functions
This option displays the list of standard SolidCAM functions. (For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.6.9)
You can open this list with the F8 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Edit-View
This option displays the parameter edit dialog. Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string. 1. You can open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld. 2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the icon.
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11.6.5 Default Sets page In this page you can work with the set of Default Sets created in the actual Machining Process.
You can use the following operations to manage Default Sets:

Set as Current
This operation activates the selected Default Set.

Rename
This command enables you to rename the selected Default Set.

Copy
This command enables you to copy the selected Default Set.

Delete
This command removes the selected Default Set. You can create a number of Default Sets and assign the specic combination of values and expressions to the parameters in each of them. The Default Sets enables you to adapt the Machining Process to specic tasks.
Parameters
Default Set Default Set Default Set
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1. Create a new Default Set via Copy operation. 2. Activate the created Default Set with the Current option. 3. Change parameters denition via Parameter Tables. 11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables
There are two specic areas in the Machining Process Define Manager that enable you to manage your parameters and expressions: Used Parameters Table This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Job Templates.
This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Job Templates with the actual Default Set.
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This table contains the following columns: Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this eld you can change the name of the parameter. In this case the name will be updated in all Job Templates that use this parameter. Expression - shows the parameter denition as an expression or value. To edit this parametric eld you can use the parametric eld menu available by clicking on the Result value - shows the result value returned by the parameter. G - shows the status of the parameter. If the status is Global - the G letter is shown. In this case the expression of this value will be the same in the all Default Sets. icon.
By right-clicking on this eld, you can change the status of the parameter. R/O - shows the access status of the parameter. If the status is Read-only, the R/O letters are shown. In this case the parameter denition cannot be changed during Machining process insertion.
By right clicking on this eld, you can change the read-only status of the parameter. Description - shows your own text description of the parameter. To edit the eld you can use the context menu available by clicking on the icon.
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Unused Parameters Table
This area shows the table of parameters that were not used in the Job Templates with the actual Default Set. This table contains the following columns: Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this eld you can change the name of the parameter. In this case the name will be updated in all Job Templates that use this parameter. Expression - shows the parameter denition as either expressions or values. To edit this parametric eld, you can use the operational menu available by clicking on the Result value - shows the result value returned by the parameter. 11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter This eld enables you to add a new parameter. 1. Choose the new parameter type from the list. 2. Type the parameter name. 3. Click the Add button to enter the parameter to the table. The Delete button enables you to delete the selected parameter item from the Unused Parameters table. icon.
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11.6.8 Variables & expressions SolidCAM enables you to use variables and expressions in your Job templates. User Defined Parameters You can dene your own variables and use it in Job Templates denition. SolidCAM supports the following types of variables:
Profile Geometry variables Z-Value variables
are stored in the Profile Geometries.
are stored in the Z-coordinate of the picked point. are stored in the distance between two picked points.
Distance Value variables String variables are Float variables are Integer variables
stored in the string of symbols.
stored in the positive and negative oating-point numbers.
are stored in the positive and negative whole numbers.
You must follow the following rules when naming variables in SolidCAM: You must use a letter as the rst character. You cant use any characters except capital and lower-case English letters, numbers and underscore symbols (_) Names cant exceed 255 characters in length. Expressions SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters denition. You can use the following symbols in expressions: Addition (+) Subtraction (-) Multiplication (*) Division (/) Parentheses are acceptable.
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When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some CAM-Parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained. SolidCAM enables you to use the set of the standard mathematical functions like sine, cosine etc... in your formulas.
Example:
For the H_center variable in the following formula we can write the expression:
H_center=(D_chamfer/2)/(tan(Alpha/2))
H_center =
D_chamfer / 2 tg (/2)
11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions

sqrt()
Returns a value specifying the square root of a number.

sin()
Returns a value specifying the sine of an angle.

cos()
Returns a value specifying the cosine of an angle.

tan()
Returns a value specifying the tangent of an angle.

abs()
Returns a value of the same type that is passed to it specifying the absolute value of a number. The absolute value of a number is its unsigned magnitude. For example, abs(-1) and abs(1) both return 1.
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acos()
Returns a value specifying the arccosine of a number.

asin()
Returns a value specifying the arcsine of a number.

atan()
Returns a value specifying the arctangent of a number.

atan2(,)
Returns a value specifying the arctangent of quotient rst and second arguments.
dist(,) and ang(,)
Returns polar coordinates: distance and angle (in radians) of the point dened in Cartesian coordinates.
dist(X,Y) (X,Y) ang(X,Y)
0
pow(,)
Returns a value of the rst argument raised to the power of the second argument. For example: pow(2,3) returns 8.
log10()
Returns a value specifying the base-10 logarithms of a number.

ln()
Returns a value specifying the natural logarithm of a number.
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sum3( , , )
Returns the sum value of three arguments.

int()
Returns the integer portion of a number.

rad()
Converts degrees to radians.

deg()
Converts radians to degrees.
11.7 Using the Machining processes

You can use the dened Machining Process by inserting it into a CAM-Part. During the insertion, SolidCAM transforms each Job Template into a single Job.
Machining Process Insert Manager
Insertion
Machining Process
CAM-Part
Job Templates
Jobs
The main interface tool to insert a Machining Process into a CAM-Part is through the Machining Process Insert Manager.
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11.8 Inserting The Machining Process

Insert the Machining Process into your CAM-Part with the following steps. 1. Load the CAM-Part where you want to use the technology dened in the Machining Process. 2. Load the Machining Process Table 3. When the CAM-Part and Machining Process are loaded, right-click on the Jobs eld and choose Add Machining Process from the sub-menu.
The Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.
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5. Select the Machining Process you want from the list. 6. Click on the Pick button. The Machining Process Insert Manager will be displayed.
When the Insert Manager is loading, SolidCAM receives necessary information from the CAM-Part. Then SolidCAM receives expressions for other parameters from the current Default Set and calculates them. To prepare the Machining Process for insertion, do the following steps: 1. With the Default Sets page choose the Default Set you require. 2. With the Parameters Table ll all the blank expression elds. You can also change all expressions that do not have Read-Only status. 3. When the Machining Process is dened, click on the Insert button to insert the Machining Process into the current CAM-Part. 4. SolidCAM chooses tools for the Machining Process. The process of choosing is following: SolidCAM searches the tool in the Part Tool table (from tools already used in the CAM-Part). SolidCAM searches the tool in the current tool table (if it was dened). The search criteria are the tool shape and parameters. The rst found tool, with an identical tool shape and parameter, is chosen. If a tool with an identical shape and parameters is not found, SolidCAM will add a new tool with the rst available tool number.
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5. The Jobs will be inserted into the CAM-Part. To undo the last insertion, you can use the Undo button. The Simulate button enables you to simulate Jobs of the current CAM-Part.
11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager
11.9.1 Job Templates Page
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This page displays the list of Job Templates that were inserted in the CAM-Part. By clicking on the (+) sign near each Job Template, you can see the list of parameters used in the selected Job template.
To see the Job Template parameters and settings, right-click on the Job name in the list and choose the Show command from the list. The Job Template screen will be displayed.
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In this screen you cannot change the Job Template denition. To edit the Job Template, go to the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6). In the Job Template screen, all parametric elds are marked with the icon. Click on this icon to see the parametric eld menu. The Edit-View option is available in this menu. This option opens the parameter edit dialog.
This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string. 11.9.2 Default Sets Page
Double-click on the Default Set name to make it current. The Parameters and values from the selected Default set will be shown in the Parameters Table.
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11.9.3 Parameters Table
There are three columns in this table: Parameter - shows the parameter name. Expression - shows the parameter denition. In this eld you have to dene missed expressions for parameters. You can also edit all expressions that dont have Read-Only status. Result value - shows the result value returned by the parameter.
With the Show read only checkbox, you can allow or forbid showing parameters marked Read-Only. The Show descriptions option enables you to show the parameter description instead of the parameter name in the Parameter column. 11.9.4 Job Points This eld contains buttons to dene specic points of the job.
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11.9.5 Parameters definition Click on the icon to display menus for each parametric eld.
Parametric field menu for Geometries
Geom Select
This option displays a list of geometries that is dened in the CAM-Part.
Choose the variable name you want from the list. You can also open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Geom Define
This option enables you to dene a geometry from the current model. You can also open this list with the F6 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Geom Show
With the Show command, the current 3D model, drill or chain geometry will be displayed in the active CAD window.
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To exit from this mode, use the Exit button in the displayed Show Geometry dialog.
You can also open this list with the F7 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Edit-View
This option displays the parameter edit dialog.
This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string. 1. You can also open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld. 2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the Parameters of Z-value and Distance types. For parameters of these types, SolidCAM enables you to dene values by picking them from the active CAD-model. To dene the Z-value, choose the Pick Z-value (F5) item from the parametric menu. icon.
The Pick Z-Value dialog will be displayed. Pick the point you want on the model and click on the OK button to conrm the selection.
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To dene the Distance, choose the Pick Distance (F5) item from the Parametric menu.
1. In the SolidWorks window, pick the rst point. 2. Conrm the selection with the OK button in the Distance: Pick first point dialog.
3. Pick the second point and conrm it in the same way. The Distance value will be calculated. Other Parameters For parameters of other types, the parametric eld menu contains only one item: Edit-View (F2). Choose it to edit the parameter denition in the Edit window.
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Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM)

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the Solid model and generate the tool path for machining.
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Hole Feature recognition Preparing to machining Feature Sets definition Technology Technology Database
12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining
12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the Solid model and generate the tool path for machining.
Solid Model
SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining
Tool Path
At the rst stage of the AFRM process, SolidCAM recognizes all Hole Features (see the topic 12.5) from the solid model and classies them. SolidCAM analyzes the manufacturability of the recognized features and converts the Hole Features into Machinable Hole Features (see the topic 12.6.4) by making the necessary changes of the Hole Feature components. SolidCAM distributes Machinable Hole Features to Feature Sets (see the topic 12.7) related to the previously dened Machine Homes (see the topic 12.7.3). For each Feature Set, SolidCAM searches for a suitable technology in the Technology Database (TDB) (see the topic 12.8) and for tools in the Part Tool Table (see the topic 3.2). The appropriate technology will be converted to SolidCAM Jobs.
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Solid Model
Holes Recognition
Hole Features
Conversion to Machinable Features

Machinable Hole Features
Machine Homes
Technology Database
Distribution to Feature Sets

Feature Sets
Feature based Machining

Part Tool Table
CAM-Part
Jobs
All the holes recognized by SolidCAM can be classied either as Simple Hole Features or as Compound Hole Features. A Simple Hole Feature is a cut in the solid body generated by the gure of revolution. The diameter of a Simple Hole can be constant or changing. A Simple Hole can either be Blind or Through.
Blind Simple Hole Feature
Through Simple Hole Feature
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A Compound Hole Feature is also generated by the cut of the gure of revolution. The diameter of the Compound Hole Feature is constant or decreasing at the start of the hole and increasing at the end of the hole. The Compound Hole Feature can be only through.
SolidCAM recognizes the holes with the undercuts.
Blind Hole Feature with undercut
Compound Hole Feature with undercut
Through Hole Feature with undercut
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12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition

You have to prepare the CAM-Part before you activate the Holes recognition. The preparation includes the Homes and Target model denition. 12.2.1 Definition of Homes You have to dene a number of Machine Homes (see the topic 2.2) corresponding to the setup positions of the part on the CNC machine. The number of Machine Homes has to be enough to machine the part from all directions that you need.
12.2.2 Target model The Target model (see the topic 2.4) has to be dened. SolidCAM uses the Target model for the AFRM. When the CAM-Part is dened and prepared, you can start the Holes recognition process.
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12.3 Start Holes Recognition

To start the holes recognition process, right click on the Jobs eld in the SolidCAM Manager and choose the Holes Recognition item from the menu.
The Holes Recognition will be started. SolidCAM parses the solid model in order to gather the information about all holes. When the recognition process will be nished, SolidCAM displays the Holes Recognition Manager.
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12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface

12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager When the AFRM module is activated, the Holes Recognition Manager is displayed. The SolidCAM Holes Recognition Manager is shown in the SolidWorks Feature Manager area.
The SolidCAM HR Manager consists of Toolbar.
a number of pages that can be controlled with the HR Manager
Hole Features Page Machinable Features Page Feature Set Page Jobs Page Technology Page
This toolbar enables you to switch between the various.
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Hole Features Page
Hole Features page (see the topic 12.5.9) displays all the Hole Features recognized in the solid model. Machinable Hole Features page (see the topic 12.6.6) displays all Machinable Hole Features converted from the Hole Features. Feature Set page (see the topic 12.7.4) displays all the Feature Sets.
Machinable Hole Features Page
Feature Sets Page
Technology Page
Technology page (see the topic 12.8.3) displays all the Technology solutions offered by SolidCAM for the machining of the current Feature Set. Jobs page (see the topic 12.9) displays Jobs generated by SolidCAM.
Jobs Page
12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar When the AFRM is activated, the Holes Recognition toolbar is displayed.
Technology DataBase
Show Tool Table Show Errors Show Data
Settings Show Picture
Technology DataBase
This button enables you to display the Technology DataBase Manager (see the topic 12.10).
Settings
This button enables you to display the Holes recognition Settings dialog (see the topic 12.11).
Show Picture
This button enables you to display the schematic picture of the selected item.
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Show Data
This button enables you to display the Parameters dialog which displays the parameters of the selected item.
Show errors
This button enables you to display the Errors dialog which shows the errors that occurred during the AFRM process.
Show Tool Table
This button enables you to display the Part Tool Table.
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12.5 Hole Feature Model

SolidCAM analyzes the Solid model in order to recognize all the Hole features. A Hole Feature recognized by SolidCAM consists of a number of Hole Feature segments. Each Hole Feature Segment is composed of one or more faces. The Type of Hole Segment depends on the Face Surface Type.
Hole Feature segment composed from several faces
Hole Feature segment composed from one face
Types of Hole Segments: Cylindrical Cone Chamfer Planar Torus Sphere
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SolidCAM determines the total Depth, Hole Upper Plane and Direction of each Hole Feature. SolidCAM determines the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment. The Upper plane of the Hole Feature is the upper Z-level of the hole determined in compliance with the SolidWorks Part origin.
Z Direction Hole Upper Plane
Solid Model Origin
Depth
12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment
Height (H1)
Diameter (D1)
This segment is formed by a cylindrical face.

Diameter (D1) Height (H1)
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12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment

Angle (A1)
Diameter (D1)
Height (H1)
This segment is formed by a cone face.

Diameter (D1), Height (H1), Angle (A1)
12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment

Angle (A1)
Upper Diameter (D1) Height (H1)
Lower Diameter (D2)
This segment is formed by a truncated conical face.

Upper diameter (D1), Lower diameter (D2), Height (H1), Angle (A1)
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12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment This segment is formed by a planar face. A segment of this type has no parameters. 12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment
Radius (R1)
Lower Diameter (D2)
Upper Diameter (D1) Lower Diameter (D2) Height (H1) Radius (R1)
There are two parameters describing the location of the center of the generatrix circle: Radius (R1)
Height of the center (HC)
Diameter of the center (DC) HC - Height of the center relative to the bottom of the torus. DC - Diameter of the center.
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12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment

Radius (R1)
Lower Diameter (D2)
This segment is formed by a spherical face. The center of the sphere is situated on the hole axis.
Upper Diameter (D1) Lower Diameter (D2) Height (H1) Radius (R1)
The Sphere segment can be either Open or Closed. A Closed Sphere segment has zero Lower Diameter (D2). When the Lower Diameter (D2) is greater than zero the Sphere will be Open.
Open Sphere (D2>0)
Closed Sphere (D2<0)

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12.5.7 Compound Holes processing SolidCAM splits the Compound Hole into two Simple Hole Features: one above the splitter line and one below the splitter line. This enables you to machine the Compound Hole Feature from both sides using two Homes.
Splitter
Splitter
12.5.8 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups The SolidCAM AFRM module classies the Hole Features into Hole Feature Shapes and Hole Feature Groups. The Hole Features with the same type and sequence of segments will be included into one Hole Feature Shape. For each Hole Feature Shape, the Hole Features are grouped in Hole Feature Groups; each Group includes the Hole Features with the same values for the segment parameters.
Shape Group #1 Hole #1 Hole #2 ... Hole #N Group #2 Hole #1 Hole #2 ... Hole #N ... Group #N
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12.5.9 Hole Features page
The Hole Features page displays the list of all Hole Features recognized in the solid model. The Hole Features are classied into Shapes and Groups. You can highlight the Hole Features, Groups and Shapes in the graphic view by selecting the items in the list. You can repeat the Holes recognition process with the Recognize command.
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SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog shows the schematic picture of the selected Shape, Group or Hole Feature. SolidCAM enables you to display the Topology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog contains a number of pages.
The Holes parameters page display the global Hole parameters:

Depth Upper Plane Direction
Other pages display the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment. When the specic segment page is selected in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog, the corresponding segment will be highlighted in the Hole Picture.
The parameters values displayed in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog cannot be changed. In order to change them, you have to edit the solid model and perform the Holes Recognition again.
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Managing Hole Features SolidCAM enables you to manage the Hole Features, Shapes and Groups with the right-click menu.
Shape or Group menu
The right-click menu for Shape and Group includes the following items:
Split/Unsplit
This option enables you to split/unsplit all Compound Holes in the selected Shape or Group This operation is available only if the Shape or Group contains only Compound Holes.
Change direction to opposite
This option changes the direction of all the Hole features in the specied Shape or Group.
Hole Feature menu
The right-click menu for the Hole Features includes the following items:
Split/Unsplit
This option enables you to split/unsplit the selected Compound Hole. This operation is available only for Compound Holes.
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Change direction to opposite
This option changes the direction of the selected Hole Feature.

Go to Opposite
This option enables you to jump in the list to the Opposite part of the Split Compound Hole. This operation is available only for Split Compound Holes.
Hole Features filter The lter capabilities enable you to display in the list only those Hole Features that correspond to a certain criterion.
Direction filter
This lter enables you to display Hole Features with a specied direction only.
Upper plane filter
This lter enables you to display Hole Features with a specied Upper Plane only. The Upper Plane filter is active only for the specied direction.
Hole type filter
This lter enables you to display Hole Features of a specied type: either Blind or Through.
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Compound Hole Only
This option enables you to display only the Compound holes.

Split Hole Only
This option enables you to display only the Split Holes.

Hole with Undercut Only
This option enables you to display only the Hole Features with undercut.
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12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining

There are following stages of preparing Hole Features for the machining:
Undercut processing Segments Union Creating Machinable Hole Features
12.6.1 Undercut processing SolidCAM recognizes undercuts in the Hole Feature model. The SolidCAM AFRM Module analyzes Hole Feature segments in order to nd an undercut. An undercut is detected when the diameter increases during one topology segment. The Undercut consists of a number of segments and nishes when the current diameter is equal to the undercut initial diameter.
Undercut Diameter (DU) Undercut
Undercut Height (H ) U
SolidCAM determines the Undercut Height (HU) as the sum of the height of all topology segments of the undercut.
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SolidCAM classies undercuts depending on the last Hole Feature segment included in undercut. The classication is as follows:
Undercut None
In this case the nish diameter of the last segment of the undercut is equal to the Undercut diameter.
Undercut Planar
In this case Undercut nishes with the Planar Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.4).
Undercut Cone
In this case Undercut nishes with the Cone Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.2).
Undercut Chamfer
In this case Undercut nishes with the Chamfer Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.3).
Undercut Torus
In this case Undercut nishes with the Torus Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.5).
Undercut Sphere
In this case Undercut nishes with the Sphere Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.6).
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12.6.2 Undercut substitution SolidCAM handles undercuts by substituting the undercut with a cylindrical segment depending on the undercut type. The cylinder diameter is equal to the Undercut diameter (DU). When a part of the lower undercut segment is less then the Undercut diameter, SolidCAM substitutes this part with a cone, chamfer, torus or sphere segment. Undercut substitution schemes: Undercut None segment substitution
DU
Diameter (D1)
HU
Height (H1)
D1=DU H1=HU
Undercut Planar segment substitution
DU
Diameter (D1)
HU
Height (H1)
D1=DU H1=HU
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Undercut Cone segment substitution DU
Diameter (D1)
HU
Height (H1)
Height (H2)
Angle (A1)
D1=DU H1=HU-H2
Angle (A1)
H2=DU/(2*tg(A1/2))
Undercut Chamfer segment substitution

DU Diameter (D1)
HU
Height (H1)
Height (H2)
Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)
Angle (A1)
Angle (A1)
D1=DU
H1=HU-H2 H2=(DU-DU)/(2*tg(A1/2))
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Undercut Torus segment substitution

DU Diameter (D1)
HU HT
Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)
Height (H1)
Height (H2)
R
DT UPPER DU DCENTER R R HC H
D1=DU H1=HU-H2 H= R2-((DU-DCENTER)/2)2
H2=HC-H
H2
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Undercut Sphere segment substitution

DU Diameter (D1)
HU HS
Height (H1)
Height (H2) R
R
D1=DU H1=HU-H2 H2= R- R2-D2/4
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12.6.3 Segments Union SolidCAM enables you to unite identical adjacent Hole Feature segments. There are the following cases for union:
Planar + Planar
Planar 1
United Planar
Planar 2
Cylinder + Cylinder
Cylinder 1
United Cylinder
Cylinder 2 The diameter of the resulting cylinder will be the same as the diameter of the original cylinders. The Height will be sum of the original cylinder heights.
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Chamfer + Cone
Chamfer
United Cone
Cone
The Diameter of the resulting cone will be the same as the Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original cones. The Height will be sum of the original cone heights.
Chamfer + Chamfer
Chamfer 1
United Chamfer
Chamfer 2
The Upper Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original chamfers. The Lower Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower chamfer. The Height will be sum of the original chamfer heights.
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Torus + Torus
United Torus
Torus 1
Torus 2
The Upper Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper torus. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original torus. The Lower Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower torus. The Height will be sum of the original torus heights.
Sphere + Sphere
Sphere 1
United Sphere
Sphere 2 The Upper Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper sphere. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original spheres. The Lower Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower sphere. The Height will be sum of the original sphere heights.
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12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features SolidCAM converts Hole Features into the Machinable Hole Features in order to prepare them for machining. The Machinable Hole Feature consists of one or more Machinable Hole Feature segments that can be machined in one operation with the same tool.
Types of Machinable Hole Feature segments
The following types of the Machinable Hole Feature segments exist:

Drill
Chamfer
Flat Cylinder
Flat Chamfer
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Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments SolidCAM calculates the values of the following parameters for the Machinable Hole Feature segments. These parameters are called HR variables. They will be used later for the technology denition. Each Machinable Hole Feature segment has the following parameters that dene the position of the segment along the revolution axis:
hr_segm_upper_plane
This parameters is the distance from the Solid Model Origin to the upper level of the Machinable Hole Feature segment (Segment Upper plane).
hr_segm_depth
This parameters is the distance from the Hole Upper Plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.
hr_segm_height
This parameters is the Height of the segment; the distance from the Segment Upper plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Origin hr_segm_upper_plane Hole Upper Plane
Segment Upper Plane hr_segm_depth hr_segm_height
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In addition to the general parameters, SolidCAM determines the following parameters for each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment:
Drill
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_diameter hr_segm_height hr_segm_angle
hr_segm_height
hr_segm_angle
Chamfer
hr_segm_angle
hr_segm_diameter hr_segm_angle
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_lower_diameter
hr_segm_height
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Flat Cylinder
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_diameter hr_segm_blind hr_prev_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
hr_segm_blind = true
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
hr_prev_segm_diameter
hr_segm_blind = false
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Flat Chamfer
hr_segm_angle
hr_segm_diameter hr_segm_angle hr_segm_height
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_lower_diameter hr_segm_blind hr_prev_segm_diameter

hr_segm_height
hr_segm_lower_diameter hr_segm_blind = true
hr_segm_diameter
hr_prev_segm_diameter hr_segm_blind = false
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For the Machinable Hole Feature segments contain cylinder (Drill and Flat Cylinder) the Hole Upper Plane is coincide with the Segment Upper Plane. Therefore, the hr_segm_height is equal to the hr_segm_depth.
Origin hr_segm_upper_plane Segment Upper Plane = Hole Upper Plane
hr_segm_height = hr_segm_depth
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12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion SolidCAM converts Hole Feature segments into Machinable Hole Features with the following rules:
General Conversion Rules
1. All possible combinations with Upper segment Cylinder are converted into the one Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Exception:
When a pair consisting of Cylinder and Planar segments are converted into Flat Cylinder segment.
Machinable Hole Feature segment
Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments
Cylinder + None
Drill
Cylinder + Chamfer
Drill
Cylinder + Cone
Drill 84
Cylinder + Torus (open Sphere)
Drill
Cylinder + Sphere
Drill
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2. Cone and Closed Sphere segments are converted into a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment
Cone
Drill
Closed Sphere
Drill
3. All possible combinations with Lower segment Planar are converted into one Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments Machinable Hole Feature segment
Cylinder + Planar
Flat Cylinder
Chamfer + Planar
Flat Chamfer
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Torus/Open Sphere + Planar
Flat Chamfer
4. Single segments like Torus, Chamfer and Open Sphere are converted into Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segments.
Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment
Chamfer
Chamfer
Torus
Chamfer
Open Sphere
Chamfer
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Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.
Hole Upper Plane
Upper Plane D
Depth
Upper Segment
H Lower Segment
The scheme of the Drill segment generation is the following: The vertex of the cone is located on the same depth (hr_segm_height) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature. The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_diameter) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment. The resulting Machinable Hole Feature segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane. The Cone angle (hr_segm_angle) is 118.
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Hole Upper Plane
hr_segm_height
hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_angle
In some cases, according to the General conversion rules (see the topic 12.6.5) described earlier, the upper segment is absent. In this case the upper segment will be None and the segment Height will be 0. In the case of translation of a through Cylindrical Hole Feature segment to a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment, the hr_segm_height parameter of the Drill will be the following:
Hole Upper Plane
Exception:
hr_segm_height
hr_segm_angle D hr_segm_diameter
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Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.
Hole Upper Plane
Upper Plane D
Depth
Upper Segment
H Lower Segment
If the lower Hole feature segment is Planar, the HL is 0.
The scheme of Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature generation is the following: The planar face is located on the same depth (hr_segm_diameter) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature. Hole Upper Plane The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_height) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment. The resulting segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane. hr_segm_height
hr_segm_diameter
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Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see the topic 12.6.5), the scheme of input data for the conversion will be the following. The major parameters of the converted Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment will be the same as in the original Hole Feature segment: Hole Upper Plane
Upper Plane Depth
DU
Lower Segment
DL The Upper diameter (hr_segm_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Upper diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment. The Lower diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Lower diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment. The Height (hr_segm_height) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Height of the initial Hole Feature segment. The converted Chamfer segment is situated at the same depth as the original Hole Feature segment. The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be calculated automatically.
Hole Upper Plane
hr_segm_upper_plane hr_segm_depth hr_segm_diameter

Lower Segment
hr_segm_height
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Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see the topic 12.6.5), the scheme of the input data for the conversion will be the following.
Hole Upper Plane
Upper Plane Depth DU

Lower Segment
DL
The major parameters of the converted Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment will be the same as in the original Hole Feature segment: The Upper diameter (hr_segm_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the
Hole Upper Plane
hr_segm_upper_plane hr_segm_depth hr_segm_diameter

Lower Segment
hr_segm_height
Upper diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment. The Lower diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Lower diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment. The Height (hr_segm_height) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Height of the initial Hole Feature segment. The converted Chamfer segment is situated at the same depth as the original Hole Feature segment. The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be calculated automatically.
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12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page
The Machinable Hole Features Page is divided to two parts. The upper part displays the list of Machinable Hole Features, classied into Shapes and Groups. When an item is selected in the Machinable Hole Features list, the lower part of the page displays the segments of the selected item. When the Hole Features were changed, SolidCAM enables you to rebuild the Machinable Features. The Rebuild operation is available either for all Machinable Hole Features or for the selected Machinable Hole Feature (Shape, Group).
SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog schematically shows the segments of the selected Machinable Hole feature.
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Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments The lower part of the Machinable Hole Features page displays the list of the segments for the selected Machinable Hole Feature. The Machinable Hole Feature segments are situated in the list with specic order from the lower segment to upper. SolidCAM enables you to manage the Machinable Features segments with the right-click menu.
The following operations are available:

Change type
The Change type option enables you to change the type of the Machinable Feature Segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed. This dialog enables you to change the type of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Reset
SolidCAM enables you to change the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Reset option enables you to reset the selected changed Machinable Hole Feature segment to its initial dimensions calculated by SolidCAM.
Insert Before / Insert After
This option enables you to insert a new Machinable Hole Feature segment before or after the selected segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed in order to choose the type of the segment.
Delete
This option enables you to delete a selected Machinable Hole Feature segment. Only the segments added by the user can be deleted. The segments automatically built by SolidCAM cannot be deleted.
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Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments SolidCAM enables you to display the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog displays the parameters of the selected Machinable Hole feature or selected Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Holes parameters page is displayed when the Machinable Hole Feature is selected. This page displays the following parameters of the Machinable Hole feature:
Depth Upper Plane Origin X /Origin Y Direction
Origin X
Home Upper Plane Origin Y
Depth
Home
The Depth, Upper Plane, Origin X/Y and Direction parameters cannot be changed.
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When a segment is selected, the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog displays the specic parameters of the selected segment.
SolidCAM enables you to assign a new value (User value) to parameters of the Machinable Hole Feature segments. When the new value is assigned to the parameter, SolidCAM modies the segment according to the specic rules.
Drill segment Flat Cylinder segment Chamfer segment Flat Chamfer segment
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Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment

hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
hr_segm_angle
Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)
When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Angle (hr_segm_ange) remain unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be xed.
Changing Angle (hr_segm_angle)
When the Angle changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be xed.
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Changing Height (hr_segm_height)
When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height will be changed. The Upper plane will be xed.
Changing Upper Plane
When the Upper Plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed. The Cone corner will be xed.
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Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment

hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)
When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be xed.
When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be xed.
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When the Upper plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The lower edge of the cylinder will be xed. The Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.
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Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment hr_segm_angle hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)
When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.
Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be xed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.
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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be xed. The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.
Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be xed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.
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Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment hr_segm_angle hr_segm_diameter
hr_segm_height
Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)
When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.
Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be xed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.
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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be xed. The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.
Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be xed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.
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12.7 Feature Sets

Feature Set is a number of Machinable Hole Features that will be machined within the same setup using one Machine Home. Once used in a Feature Set, the Machine Home cannot be used in another Feature Set.
Feature Set
Machine Home
12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets SolidCAM automatically creates a number of Feature Sets according to the Machine Homes dened in the current CAM-Part.
CAM-Part
Feature Set Machine Home #1
...
Feature Set
Machine Home #N
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12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets SolidCAM automatically distributes Hole Features to the Feature Sets.
Recognized Holes
Recognized Holes
Holes Bank
Recognized Holes
Recognized Holes
Incompatible Holes
Incompatible Holes
Incompatible Holes
Compatibility Checker
Axis type
Compatible Holes
Feature Set #1
Axis type
Compatible Holes
Feature Set #2
Axis type
Compatible Holes
Feature Set #N
Machine Home #1
Machine Home #2
Machine Home #N
CAM-Part
SolidCAM checks the compatibility of the Machinable Hole Features with the Feature Sets and assigns Holes to the Feature Sets. The compatibility checker examines each Machinable Hole Feature according to the Machine Home (owned by the specic Feature Set) and the Axis type of the Feature Set.
Axis type enables you to limit the number of the axes used for the machining of the Machinable Hole Features in Feature Set; the Axes number can be the same or less than Axis number of the CAM-Part. The Machinable Hole Features included in the Feature Set will be machined according to this Axis number, not considering the Axis number of the CAM-Part.
Each Machinable Hole Feature can be assigned to a specic Feature Set if one of the following conditions is kept: The direction of the Machinable Hole Feature is parallel to the Z-axis of the Machine Home; It is possible to dene a Home Position (according to the Axis Type) under the Machine Home with the Z-axis parallel to the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature. The order of the assignment depends on the Machine Home Number; the Feature Set with the smaller Machine Home number will be lled with Machinable Hole Features rst. Thus, if the Machinable Hole Feature is compatible to a number of Feature Sets, the Machinable Hole Feature will be assigned to the Feature Set using the Machine Home with the lowest number. The Machinable Hole Features that were not assigned are stored in the bank of the Recognized Hole Features.
106
12.7.3 Automatic Home Positions definition SolidCAM automatically denes Home Positions related to the Machine Home suitable to machine Machinable Hole Features of a specic Feature Set. The Home Position is created according to the following data: The Machine Home used in the Feature Set, The Axis type of the Feature Set The Direction of the Machinable Hole Feature.
Feature Set
Hole Feature
Axis type
Machine Home
Direction
Home Position
The Z-axis of the dened Home Position is coincident with the Machinable Hole Feature direction. The direction of the X- and Y-axis is dened according to the Machine Home and Axis Type. When the Machinable Hole Feature is accepted by the Compatibility Checker, SolidCAM compares the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature with the Z-axis of the existing Home Positions related to the Machine Home of the Feature Set. If the direction and Z-axis of the Home Position are parallel, the Hole Feature will be assigned to the Home Position. If a suitable position is not found, SolidCAM denes a new one. SolidCAM enables you to automatically locate the origin of the created Home position in dependence of the Hole Recognition Settings. The origin of the Home position can be placed in the following locations: The home position is placed in the position of Machine Home #1
107
The home position can be placed in the corner of the model box.
SolidCAM calculates the box surrounding the model (model box) in the coordinate system of the rst Machine Home. The Home Position will be located in the corner of the model box with the following coordinates (XMIN, YMIN, ZMAX).
108
12.7.4 Feature Sets page
The Feature Sets Page enables you to dene and edit Feature Sets of the current CAM-Part and also to assign Hole Features to the Feature Sets.
109
The Feature Sets Page is divided into three areas.
Feature Sets Area
Compatible Holes Area
Incompatible Holes Area
The upper area displays the tree of the Feature Sets with their Hole Features. The middle area displays Compatible Hole Features the Holes that can be assigned to the current Feature Set. The lower area displays Incompatible Hole Features the Holes that cannot be assigned to the current Feature Set.
110
12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features All the holes that are not distributed to the Feature Sets are located in the Holes Bank. In the Holes Bank holes are divided into two groups, depending on the current Feature Set.
Holes Bank
Compatible Holes
Incompatible Holes
The Feature Sets Page displays both the Compatible and Incompatible Hole Features for the Current Feature Set. Compatible Holes Area
Incompatible Holes Area
The checkbox, situated near each item in the Compatible Hole Features tree, enables you to select the item to move to the current Feature Set. The selected Compatible Features can be moved to the Current Feature Set by the Move to Current Set command available in the right-click menu in the Compatible Features area.
111
12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets SolidCAM enables you to manage your Feature sets with the right-click menu.
The following commands are available:

Set as Current
This option enables you to set a specic Feature Set as current. All other operations will be performed with the current Feature Set. The content of the Compatible/Incompatible Features areas will be changed according to the current Feature Set.
Add
This option enables you to add a new Feature Set. The Add Feature Set dialog will be displayed. This dialog enables you to set the Axis type of the Feature Set and assign the Machine Home to the Feature Set. SolidCAM enables you to dene the Axis type of the Feature Set.
112
Edit
This op tion displays the Edit Feature Set dialog.
This dialog enables you to edit the name and Axis type of the Feature Set and change the Machine Home assigned to t he Feature Set.
Remove All
This option enables you to remove all Machinable Hole Features from the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.
Delete
This option enables you to delete the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.
113
12.7.7 Defining the Home Position origin location for the Feature Set SolidCAM enables you to dene the default location of the Home Position origin with the right click menu on the Machine Home of the specied Feature Set.
The Place Home origin to dialog will be displayed.
Corner of Model Box
The home position can be placed in the corner of the model box.
114
Home #1
The home position is placed in the position of Machine Home #1.
115
12.8 Technology
For the each segment of the Machinable Hole Feature, SolidCAM chooses: A suitable Technology Solution from the Technology DataBase (TDB) (see the topic 12.10). A tool from the Part Tool Table (see the topic 3.2) or denes a new tool.
Machinable Hole Feature Segment
Part Tool Table Technology solution Technology Database
Jobs
116
12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution SolidCAM stores all Technology Solutions in the Technology Database. All the Technology Solutions are classied according to the type of Machinable Hole Feature segments.
Technology Database
Drill Machinable Feature Segment
Technology Solutions
Flat Cylinder Machinable Feature Segment
Technology Solutions Chamfer Machinable Feature Segment
Technology Solutions Flat Chamfer Machinable Feature Segment
For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment). The Technology solutions can be either a user-dened Machining Process or built-in Algorithm. The user-dened Machining process contains Jobs templates with parametric technology data and parametric data of the tools. It can be dened and edited by the user. A built-in Algorithm is hard-coded in SolidCAM; it generates a number of Machining Processes. Parameters of the algorithm can be edited.
Technology Solution
Algorythm
117
Technology Solutions use
the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature Segments.
SolidCAM automatically chooses the suitable Technology Solutions for the machining of the specied Machinable Hole Feature segment from the TDB. The choice of the Technology Solution is dened by the set of conditions. A Condition is a logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current technology solution can be used to machine the Machinable Hole Feature segment. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the technology solutions in sequence; the rst solution with a true condition will be chosen. 12.8.2 Choosing the tool When the technology solution is chosen from the TDB, SolidCAM chooses the suitable Tool from the Part Tool Table. The method of choosing the tools depends on the type of the operation where the tool is used. SolidCAM differentiates between the following types of operations:
Drill Operation Mill Operation Center Drill Operation Chamfer Drill Operation Center-Chamfer Drill Operation
118
Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-dened tool type, diameter and angle. These parameters are specied in the Job template of the specic Technology Solution. SolidCAM searches for the suitable tool in the Part Tool Table. If the search fails, SolidCAM performs an additional search with the same criteria in the Current Tool Table. If the tool is not found, SolidCAM denes a new tool according to the data of the Job Template.
Technology Solution Tool Type Tool Diameter Tool Angle
Yes
Does the Part Tool Table contain a suitable tool?
No
Yes
Does the Current Tool Table contain a suitable tool?
No
Dene a new tool
Tool
Technology Solution
119
Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-dened tool type and corner radius. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from 0 till the product of Hole diameter and Constant. Constant is equal to 0.9. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool was not found in the Part Tool Table, the search will be performed again in the Current Tool Table. In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and the tool for the milling operation will have to be dened manually. Hole Diameter
Tool Diameter Range 0 < Tool Diameter < Hole Diameter + Constant
Technology Solution Tool Type Corner Radius Tool Diameter Range
Yes
No
Yes
No
Error
Tool
Technology Solution
120
Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-dened tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of the sum of the Hole diameter and Constant endlessly. Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter was not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-dened tool type and angle. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table. In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and a tool for the center drilling operation will have to be dened manually.
Technology Solution Tool Type Tool Angle Tool Diameter Range
Hole Diameter
Tool Diameter Range Hole Diameter + Constant < Tool Diameter
Yes
No
Yes
No
Error
Tool
Technology Solution
121
Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-dened tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of the Hole diameter and Constant till the difference between the next segment diameter and Constant. The Constant is equal to 1. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table. Hole Diameter
Next Segment Diameter
In the case of the absence of a suitable Tool Diameter Range tool, SolidCAM denes a new tool Hole Diameter + Next Segment Diameter < Tool Diameter < with the pre-dened tool type, angle + Constant - Constant and minimum possible diameter (Hole diameter + Constant).
Yes
No
Yes
No
Dene a new tool: tool diameter = hole diameter + constant
Tool
Technology Solution
122
Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-dened tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of hole diameter and Constant endlessly. The Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter is not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-dened tool type and angle. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table. In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message is displayed and the tool for the operation will have to be dened manually.
Hole Diameter
Tool Diameter Range Hole Diameter + < Tool Diameter + Constant
Yes
No
Yes
No
Error
Tool
Technology Solution
123
12.8.3 Technology Page
The Technology Page is divided into two parts. The upper part displays the tree of all Machinable Hole Features of the Current Feature Set. The Machinable Hole Features are structured by Technologies and Groups. Technology the set of Machinable Hole Features machined by the same Technology Solutions. Group - the set of Machinable Hole Features within the Technology with the same dimensions.
124
The lower part of the Technology Page displays technology solution and tools chosen for the machining of the specied Machinable Hole Feature. Activate the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar to display the schematic picture illustrating the result of applying the technology solution.
SolidCAM enables you to display the Technology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar.
This dialog enables you to edit the parameters of the specied Technology solution. SolidCAM enables you to edit only parameters that were not marked as Read only in the Technology Database.
125
12.8.4 Managing Technology The following operations are available in the upper part of the Technology Page with the right-click menu:
Rebuild
This command rebuilds the technology for the selected item. The technology solutions will be chosen again from the Technology database.
Find Tool
The Find Tool command enables you to perform the tool search again for the selected item. This command is useful in the following cases: When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not dened by SolidCAM. The Part Tool Table was updated.
126
Managing Technology Solutions The lower part of the Technology Page displays the set of Technology Solutions necessary to the machining of the selected Machinable Hole Feature.
Change
This option enables you to change the Technology Solution. The Machining process list dialog will be displayed; this dialog enables you to choose the necessary solution from the list of available Solutions for this type of Machinable Hole Feature segment.
Find tool
This command enables you to automatically nd the suitable tool from the Part Tool Table for the selected Technology Solution. This command is useful in the following cases: When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not dened by SolidCAM. The Part Tool Table was updated. SolidCAM enables you to change the tool for the Technology Solution with the Change Tool option. The option is available with the right-click menu on the Tool item.
127
The Part Tool Table dialog will be displayed in order to select a new tool.
The Show command is available with the right-click menu on the jobs of the Technology Solution. This command displays the job screen with the parameters of the specied job.
128
12.9 Generating Jobs

When the Technology is dened, SolidCAM enables you to show the generated Jobs with the Jobs Page. These Jobs are also available in the CAM-Manager.
The Edit command is available for the Jobs in the right-click menu.
This command enables you to display the Job screen.
129
130
12.10 Technology Database

The SolidCAM Technology Database (TDB) stores all the Technology Solutions available for the machining of the Machinable Hole Feature segments. The Technology Solutions in TDB are classied according to types of Machinable Features Hole Feature segments. For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of connected technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment).
Technology Database
Drill Machinable Feature Segment
Flat Cylinder Machinable Feature Segment
Technology Solutions Chamfer Machinable Feature Segment
Technology Solutions Flat Chamfer Machinable Feature Segment
131
12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases When SolidCAM is installed, the Global Technology Database is also installed in the system folder of SolidCAM. SolidCAM enables you to customize the Global TDB by adding and editing Technology Solutions. When SolidCAM starts the AFRM process, the Global TDB will be copied into the CAM-part folder. This copy is called the Local TDB. During the AFRM process, SolidCAM receives data only from the Local TDB. The Local TDB can be modied by the user for specic tasks in the context of the specic CAM-Part. The Global TDB can be replaced with the Local TDB. SolidCAM enables you to load the Global TDB with the Technology Database command from the SolidCAM menu.
The Technology Database Manager dialog will be dixsplayed containing the Global TDB. The Global Technology Database is unavailable when the Holes Recognition process is working. In this case only the Local TDB can be edited. The Local Technology Database can be loaded only when the Holes Recognition process is working. The Local TDB can be loaded with the related icon from the Holes Recognition toolbar.
The Technology Database Manager dialog will be displayed containing the Local TDB.
132
12.10.2 Technology Database interface The Technology Database Manager dialog enables you to manage the Technology Database. The dialog contains the areas shown on the picture below. Current Configuration Conditions Area
Solutions/Configurations page
Variables Area
133
12.10.3 Configurations page SolidCAM enables you to use congurations in order to create multiple variations of a technology database suitable for different tasks. By default, two basics congurations are implemented in SolidCAM: System Configuration and User Configuration. The System Configuration cannot be changed. It contains the set of technology solutions supplied by SolidCAM. The User configuration supplied by SolidCAM is a copy of the System configuration. All the content of the technology database can be edited within this conguration. SolidCAM enables you to create a number of user congurations. Technology solutions will be the same in all User Configurations. The sequence of the Technology Solutions, conditions and expressions of user-dened variables can be different within different User Configurations. The Configurations Page of the TDB Manager enables you to manage congurations of TDB, either Global or Local.
SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the right-click menu.
Set as Current
This option enables you to make the specied conguration current. All the further operation will be performed for the Current Configuration.
134
Rename
This option enables you to change the name of the specied User Configuration. The System Configuration cannot be renamed.
Copy
This option enables you to create a copy of the specied User Configuration. The System Configuration cannot be copied.
Delete
This option enables you to remove the specied User Configuration. The System Configuration, Current Conguration and last User Conguration cannot be deleted.
12.10.4 Current Configuration
The Current Configuration combo box displays the name of the current conguration and enables you to switch quickly between congurations in TDB. When the Configurations page is displayed, the Current Configuration combo box is disabled; it only shows the name of the current conguration.
135
12.10.5 Solutions page The page displays all the Technology solutions classied by the Machinable Hole Feature segment type. SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.
Edit
This option enables you to edit the denition of the specied Technology Solution. The Machining Process Dene Manager will be displayed.
Add
This option enables you to dene a new Technology Solution within the specied Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Machining Process Dene Manager will be displayed. (For a more detailed explanation, refer to paragraph 10.3).
Delete
This option enables you to remove the specied Technology Solution from the TDB.
136
Copy
This option enables you to create a copy of the specied Technology Solution.
Rename
This option enables you to rename the specied Technology Solution. All the operations above are available only for Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.
For the Technology Solutions of the System Configuration, SolidCAM enables you to use the following right-click menu.
View
This option enables you to display the specied Technology Solution with the Machining Process View Manager. The displayed Solution cannot be edited.
Copy To User Configurations
This option enables you to copy the specied Technology Solution to the User Configurations. Since all the User Congurations use the same Technology Solutions, the copied Technology Solution can be used within all User Congurations.
137
12.10.6 Conditions SolidCAM enables you to dene the following set of conditions. If these conditions are true, the technology solution is chosen. A Condition is a complex logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current Technology Solution can be used. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the Technology Solutions in a dened sequence; the rst solution with a true condition will be chosen. A Condition consists of condition lines combined by logical operators AND and OR. A Condition line is a comparison of two expressions. The following comparison operators are acceptable in condition lines:
> (greater than); < (less than); = (equal); <= (less than or equal); >= (greater than or equal);
The expression used in condition lines can include constants, user-dened variables and functions, HR-variables and functions.
For the each Expression eld the parametric menu is available.
138
User Defined Parameters This option displays a list of existing User Dened Parameters. These parameters can be used only for a Condition denition but cannot be used for the Technology Solution denition.
Holes Recognition parameters This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Parameters
139
Holes Recognition Functions This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Functions.
Expressions This option displays the list of dened expressions.
SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters denition. You can use the following symbols in expressions:
Addition (+) Subtraction (-) Multiplication (*) Division (/)
Parentheses are acceptable.
140
When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained. You can open this list with the F7 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
Functions This option displays a list of existing Standard Functions.
Edit-View This option displays the parameter edit dialog.
Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string. You can open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric eld.
141
12.10.7 Variables The Variables area displays the list of variables and their expressions used in Conditions.
SolidCAM enables you to lter the variables used for the Condition denition with the following radio buttons.
Data Base
This option enables you to display all the variables used in the TDB.
Technology Segment
This option enables you to display all the variables used in the Technology Solutions of the Current Technology Segment.
Technology Solution
This option enables you to display all the variables used in for the current Technology Solution.
142
12.10.8 Defining a new Technology Solution SolidCAM enables you add a new Technology Solution to the User Congurations. To do it, choose the Add option from the right click menu of the Solutions page in the TDB Manager.
The Machining Process Define Manager will be displayed.
The Machining Process Define Manager enables you to dene the Machining Process as a Technology Solution. SolidCAM enables you to dene parametric Job Templates and use CAM-Part parameters, HR variables, expressions, standard functions for the parameters denition.
143
Tool definition SolidCAM enables you to dene tools for the Job Templates. The tools have to be dened according to the tool search algorithms (see the topic 12.8.2). For drilling operations, SolidCAM enables the parametric denition of the tool. The expression for the tool parameters have to be dened. When the Technology Solution will be applied, expressions will be calculated and parameters used for the tool denition will get their values. The tool with dened parameters will be chosen according to the specic algorithm. For milling and chamfering operations SolidCAM enables the parametric denition of the tool but expressions for the tool parameters are unnecessary. SolidCAM will choose the tool according to the built-in algorithm. When the tool is chosen, the parameters will receive values offered by the tool search algorithm.
144
12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions

hr_clear_offset(,,,)
This function enables you to calculate the clear offset that have to be removed during the milling operation. This function receives the following parameters:
Diameter Next_diameter Tool_diameter Overlap (%)
diameter tool_diameter delta/2
next_diameter
145
The logic of this function is the following:

diameter next_diameter tool_diameter overlap
delta=diameter/next_diameter
No
delta>tool_diameter
Yes
side_step=overlap*tool_diameter/100
clear_offset=(delta-tool_diameter)/2
No
delta>side_step
Yes
clear_offset=0
clear_offset=delta-side_step
clear_offset
146
hr_equal_down_step(,)
This function enables you to calculate equal down steps in order to machine the specied depth. The function receives the following values:
wish_down_step hole_depth
The function returns the value of the equal down step closest to the wish_down_step parameter.
down_step
hole_depth
147
12.11 Holes Recognition Settings

SolidCAM enables you to dene the System and Part settings of the Holes Recognition with the Holes Recognition settings dialog.
The Holes Recognition settings dialog structure has two tabs: System. The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all CAM-Parts Part. The CAM-Part settings apply only to the current CAM-Part.
148
12.11.1 System settings The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all the CAM-Parts. Topology settings
Place Home Origin at:
This option enables you to set the default location for the Home Position created by the AFRM at the stage of the Feature Sets denition.
Corner of Model Box
The Home positions will be automatically placed at the corner of the box surrounding the model.
Home #1
The Home positions will be automatically placed at the position of Machine Home #1.
149
Technology Settings
General
Add Center Drill
This option enables SolidCAM to automatically perform the center drilling. The center drilling will be inserted before the machining of the rst Machinable Hole Feature segment that will be machined with the drilling technology.
Colors
The Color Settings page enables you to dene the colors that will be used in the HR Manager for the items changed or inserted by the user.
150
12.11.2 Part settings Topology settings: Cutting angle
The Cutting angle parameter denes the minimal value of the arc angle. If the angle of the section of the Hole Feature is less than the dened value, SolidCAM does not recognize this as a hole.
Cutting Angle
151
152
Index
Index
A
Adding a new Parameter 34 Adding MAC le 14 AFRM 49 Algorithm 116 anaging Job Templates 27 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets 105 Automatic Home Positions denition 106 Axis type 105
B
Blind Simple Hol Feature 50
C
Chamfer Hole Feature segment 59 Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 77 Changing Angle 96, 100, 102 Changing Diameter 96, 98, 100, 102 Changing Height 97, 98, 101, 103 Changing Upper Plane 97, 99, 101, 103 Choosing a Technology Solution 116 Choosing the tool 117 Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation 122 Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation 120 Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation 121 Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation 118 Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation 119 Compatible Hole Features 110 Compound Holes processing 62 Compound Hole Features 50 Condition 117 Conditions 137 Cone Hole Feature segment 59 Congurations page 133 Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 90 Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 87 Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 91 Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 89 Creating Feature Sets 104 Creating Machining Processes 12 Current Conguration 134 Cutting angle 150 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment 58
D
Default sets 11 Default Sets Page 43
153
Index
Default Sets page 31 Dene Job Template 26 Dening a new Technology Solution 142 Dening Machining Process Table 13 Denition of Homes 52 Distance 47 Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 77
E
Expression 34, 137 Expressions 10, 32, 35, 139
F
Feature Set 104 Feature Sets 49 Feature Sets page 108 Feature Set page 55 Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 77 Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 77 Functions 30, 140
G
Generating Jobs 128 Global TDB 131 Group Types 21
H
Holes Recognition Functions 139, 144 Holes Recognition Manager 53, 54 Holes Recognition parameters 138 Holes Recognition Settings 147 Holes Recognition Toolbar 55 Hole Features 49 Hole Features lter 66 Hole Features page 55, 63 Hole Feature Groups 62 Hole Feature Model 57 Hole Feature segments 57 Hole Feature Shapes 62 HR Manager Toolbar 54
I
Incompatible Hole Features 110 Inserting The Machining Process 39
J
Jobs page 55 Job Points 44
154
Index
Job Templates 8 Job Templates page 25
L
Local TDB 131
M
Machinable Hole Features 49, 77 Machinable Hole Features page 55 Machinable Hole Feature conversion 83 Machinable Hole Feature Page 92 Machining Process 8, 116 Machining Process Dene Manager 12, 25 Machining Process Group Types 21 Machining Process Insert Manager 41 Machining Process List 16 Machining Process Table 11, 13 Machining Process Table Manager 12, 16 MAC le 14 Mac File 13 Managing Hole Features 65 Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments 93 Managing Machining Processes 23 Managing Machining Process Tables 18 Managing Technology 125 Managing Technology Solutions 126 Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 100 Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 96 Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 102 Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 98 Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments 94 MP Picture 17
N
New Machining Process Table 12
O
Operating Feature Sets 111
P
Parameter 34 Parameters 10, 32 Parameters denition 45 Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments 78 Parameters Table 44 Parametric eld menu 28 Part settings 150 Planar Hole Feature segment 60 Preparation to Holes Recognition 52
155
Index
R
Result value 34
S
Segments Union 74 Simple Hole Features 50 SolidCAM standard functions 36 Solutions page 135 Sphere Hole Feature segment 61 Start Holes Recognition 53 System Conguration 133 System settings 148
T
Technology 115 Technology DataBase 115 Technology Database 49, 130 Technology Database Manager dialog 132 Technology Page 123 Technology page 55 Technology Settings 149 Technology Solutions 116 Through Simple Hole Feature 50 Topology settings 148 Torus Hole Feature segment 60
U
Undercut Chamfer 69 Undercut Cone 69 Undercut None 69 Undercut Planar 69 Undercut Sphere 69 Undercut Torus 69 Undercut processing 68 Undercut substitution 70 Unused parameters Table 34 Used Parameters Table 32 User Conguration 133 User Dened Parameters 35, 138 Using the Machining processes 38
V
Variables 141 Variables & expressions 35
Z
Z-value 46
Document Number: SCMUG2ENG05001
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Solidcam - Integrated Cam Engine For Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

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Solidcam - Integrated Cam Engine For Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

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SolidCAM Milling Users Guide

1995-2005 SolidCAM LTD. All Rights Reserved.

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

At this stage, the hole is drilled.

At this stage, the threading is preformed.

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions

can be given a constant value or an expression.

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

Machining Processes Table

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11.2 Creating Machining Processes

Creating Machining Process Table

Creating Machining Process

Defining Machining Process components

New Machining Process Table dialog

Machining Process Table Manager

Machining Process Define Manager

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

11.3 Defining Machining Process Table

The dialog window, New Machining Process Table, will be displayed.

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

Adding MAC file

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

Adding similar MAC-files

Please contact SolidCAM customer support for further details.

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11.4 Machining Process Table Manager

The Machining Process table dialog contains the following elds:

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

2. Select the Machining Process Table le (*.mpt)

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

This option enables you to create your own MP Group Type.

The MP Group Types Manager will be loaded.

SolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

11. Machining Processes

11. Machining Processes

SolidCAM2005 Users Guide

11.5 Managing Machining Processes