Additional functions are available from the PGM screen by pressing the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
Explode
This feature will "explode" a program step into several, more detailed steps. You can explode the following func-tions:
• All "Holes" functions (row, frame, array and bolt circle)
• Repeat, Mirror and Rotate
• Engrave
In the example on the right, a bolthole circle with eight holes has been programmed. Now use the same basic
pattern, but with seven holes.
To explode a step:
• Highlight the step.
• Press the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
• Press the EXPLODEsoftkey.
The step that you exploded will be replaced with the individual lines, arcs or positions that made up the step.
Notice how the individual
“Position/Drill”
steps replaced the “Bolt Circle” step.
MILLPWRwill explode the “Bolt Circle” steps into eight steps (shown on the left, above).
Next highlight the step that represents the hole that needs to be deleted and press the CLEAR
key. In the graphic above, chose to delete the hole programmed in step 4.
As you can see in the graphic on the right, the bolthole circle pattern now has seven holes.
Reverse Step
The reverse step option instantly switches the "From" and "To" points and tool offset.
To reverse a milling function:
• From the PGM screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the step that you want to reverse.
• Press the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
• Press the REVERSE STEP softkey.
Reverse Path
With the reverse path option, you can reverse any continuous tool path. This will espe-cially come in handy when you're working with DXF files. As you import these types of files, MILLPWRwill sort and then group the steps into a logical order, creating continu-ous paths. In some cases, the paths may need to be reversed after they've been imported so that your tool's offset, direction and beginning and end points satisfy your machining requirements.
As you become more familiar with this feature, you'll find other creative ways to use it to your advantage. For instance, you can save time as you're cutting a part by using a heavy cutting tool and a conventional cut for a rough first pass. On the second pass, switch to a finish cutter, then copy and reverse the path for a climb cut on the finish pass.
To reverse a continuous tool path:
Change Steps
The "Change Steps" feature gives you the ability to change or edit the depth, offset and feed rate of several steps simultaneously.
Note: You can use this feature from anywhere within your program—you don't need to highlight a specific step within the step range.
To use the “Change Steps” feature:
• From the PGM screen, press the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
• Press the CHANGE STEPSsoftkey.
• Enter the first and last step numbers that you would like to change in the “Step Range” field.
• Highlight each field that you want to change and enter the new data.
• Press the USEkey.
Note: It’s a beneficial to highlight the changed steps in the program sequence, then press the ENTERkey. Each step should include the new settings.
Delete Steps
MILLPWRgives you the option of deleting steps in two ways: using the DELETE STEPS
softkey or using the CLEARkey.
When you're deleting single steps, we suggest highlighting the step then pressing the
CLEARkey.
When you're deleting a range of steps—after you've merged programs, for example—the
"Delete Steps" feature is usually your best option.
To delete a group of steps from your program:
• From the PGM screen, press the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
• Press the DELETE STEPSsoftkey.
• In the “Step Range” field, enter the first and last step numbers that you would like to delete.
• Press the USEkey.
Copy/Move Steps
Copy/Move operations make it easy for you to duplicate or rearrange steps within your program. You'll find the "Move" feature especially useful for editing steps generated from a DXF file.
After you press the COPY/MOVE STEPSsoftkey, you'll be asked to enter a step range, then either copy or move the steps.
Press the MOVE softkey to relocate the steps. Press the COPYsoftkey to create an identical copy of the steps you've chosen (the original steps will remain in place). After you press the USEkey, the new steps will be inserted into your program.
To copy or move steps:
• From the PGM screen, highlight a step where you would like to add or insert the step(s) that you want to move or copy.
• Press the STEP FUNCTIONSsoftkey.
• Enter the first and last step numbers that you would like to move or copy.
• Press the COPY/MOVE STEPSsoftkey.
• Press either the MOVEor COPYsoftkey.
• Press the USEkey.
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Calculator
MILLPWR’s built-in calculator is capable of handling everything from simple arithmetic to complex trigonome-try, geometry and RPM calculations. The numeric keypad resembles a standard calculator with keys for numbers 0 through 9, four math function symbols (+, - , x, and ÷), a decimal point, and a positive/negative sign (+/-).
The calculator is accessible from nearly any screen or field. Press the CALCkey to access the “stand-alone”
calculator and the TRIG, GEOMETRYand RPMsoftkeys.
Calculations can be entered directly into a highlighted field.