EdgeCAM manufacturing basics

EdgeCAM Manufacture – User Guide

Contents

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode...1

ENTERING MANUFACTURE MODE...3

SELECTING TOOLS...14

CHECKING THE PART...34

MOVING THE TOOL...37

SELECTING A CYCLE...47

FINISHING A COMMAND...47

USING CUTTER COMPENSATION...48

DISPLAYING TOOLPATHS...54

Editing Instructions in the Browser...57

EDITING INSTRUCTIONS...57

COMBINING COMPONENTS AND SEQUENCES...59

INSERTING SEQUENCES...62

MERGING SEQUENCES...63

RE-ORDERING THE MACHINING INSTRUCTIONS IN A SEQUENCE...64

MERGING HOLE CYCLES...71

USING INSTRUCTIONS MENU COMMANDS...75

Editing the Toolpath...79

DELETING A SECTION OF A TOOLPATH...80

EDITING A SECTION OF A TOOLPATH...80

SPLITTING A TOOLPATH...80

TRANSFORMING THE TOOLPATHS...81

Generating CNC Code...87

PASSING JOB DATA TO THE NC FILE...89

ABOUT CNC FILENAMES...89

CODE GENERATOR COMMANDS...90

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

ENTERING MANUFACTURE MODE...3

Browsing the Instruction List ...4

The Context Menu in the Instruction Browser ...5

About Machining Sequences ...6

Defining a Machining Sequence ...7

About the Initial CPL...8

Passing Job Data to the NC File ...10

Selecting an Existing Machining Sequence ...11

Building the Instruction List ...11

Changing the Machine Parameters...12

Conversion of Arcs to Lines ...13

SELECTING TOOLS...14

Selecting from the ToolStore...14

Selecting from the Tool Library ...15

Defining New Tools Interactively...16

Selecting the Wire ...17

Milling Cutter Parameters...18

Turning Tool Parameters...19

Specifying Insert Parameters ...20

Specifying Turret Parameters...22

Selecting a New Tool Datum...23

Saving Tool Graphics ...24

Displaying the Tool...24

Displaying the Tool Holder ...25

Setting Feeds and Speeds for Milling and Turning Tools ...26

Setting Speeds and Feeds Manually...26

Setting Speeds and Feeds Automatically...26

Viewing the Current Technology Values ...28

Material Technology Table...29

Tool Technology Table...29

Defining New Material Technology Tables ...29

Selecting a Safe Distance for the Tool...30

Selecting a Safe Distance for the Turning Tool ...31

USING MISCELLANEOUS (M-) FUNCTIONS...32

Checking the Miscellaneous Functions ...33

CHECKING THE PART...34

Verifying the Machining Parameters ...34

Viewing the Machine Datum Co-ordinates...35

MOVING THE TOOL...37

Moving at the Rapid Rate (Milling and Turning environment)...37

Moving the Wire at the Rapid Rate ...38

Moving at the Feed Rate...38

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves ...39

Moving the Tool in an Arc at the Feedrate ...41

SELECTING A CYCLE...47

FINISHING A COMMAND...47

USING CUTTER COMPENSATION...48

Using Cutter Compensation in Milling Cycles ...48

Using Wire Compensation...49

Using No Compensation ...50

Using Controller Compensation ...50

Using Pathtrace Compensation...51

Using Cutter Compensation in Turning Cycles ...52

DISPLAYING TOOLPATHS...54

Controlling the Toolpath Mode ...54

Simulating Tool Movement...54

Entering Manufacture Mode

EdgeCAM starts up in Design mode, as it assumes that you want to begin by creating a part. If you have already created a part, or have loaded an existing part, you will now want to start the machining process.

To use the EdgeCAM system, you should be experienced in CAD/CAM methods and the appropriate equipment and terminology. You also need to have some experience of the Microsoft™ Windows NT™ graphical user environments.

Most of the commands you require are not present in Design mode (to make the number of commands available to you more manageable). To access the commands for machining a part, you must enter the Manufacture mode. Select Manufacture (Options menu) or press the Manufacture button to switch into Manufacture mode.

If you need to switch back into Design mode at any time, click on the Design button or select Design (Options menu).

If this is the first time you have entered Manufacture mode since starting EdgeCAM, you are prompted for details on what type of machining you want to use. This information defines a new “machining sequence” or machining worksession. You also specify which Code Generator file you want to use. A Code Generator provides appropriate manufacturing commands and contains the data on converting an EdgeCAM machining sequence into CNC code for a specific machine tool type.

You may enter Manufacture mode with a new executable file (for example, a PDI) or a new Code Generator file. If you do, you are prompted to enter the text for the machine-specific commands that appear under the M-Functions menu.

About Creating Wire Toolpaths

Before you try to create wire toolpaths, you should already have created a Wire Profile. Whichever method you used to create the profile, simply select the command Machine Design (Cycles menu). This command uses whatever information is stored in the profile to generate the appropriate toolpaths. Also see Creating the Design Intent.

Browsing the Instruction List

The Instruction List is, simply, the list of all machining commands for the current part. Each time a new machining command is used on the part, it is added to the bottom of the list of the current machining sequence.

Commands that cannot be converted into CNC code (for example, viewing and editing commands) do not appear on the list.

The browser on the left of the screen shows all machining sequences and instructions associated with the current part.

You can also view the EdgeCAM Instruction list associated with a job from within the Job Manager or the web-based Job Reports. If an associated instruction list exists for a particular job, the instructions will be displayed on the Instructions tab of the Job Manager or through a link on the job reports page.

The icon for the current machining sequence is shown with a green background.Note that the machine sequence description is followed by the code generator file (‘Machine Tool’ in dialogs defining the sequence) used by the sequence. ‘Sequence 1’ is used by default if you do not specify a

description.

By default, as the mouse is moved over an instruction in the browser window, the relevant toolpath is automatically highlighted in the graphics area.

Uncheck the Highlight Instructions option on the Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog to disable this functionality.

Clicking on a plus sign expands the view to show all instructions under that machining sequence, including toolchange descriptions with turret position.

To collapse part of the view, click on the minus sign.

You can use the mouse to drag instructions to a new position in the list if necessary. You can also copy instructions to a new position in the list by holding down the 'Ctrl' key while dragging the instructions.

By default, the instructions in the Browser window are numbered as this can be useful when a part has a large number of similar instructions. To display the instructions without numbers, please ensure that the Number

Instructions option on the Toolpath tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog is unchecked.

Displaying the individual co-ordinates in feed and rapid moves can slow down EdgeCAM when working with a part containing a large number of

instructions. Uncheck the Display Co-ordinates option on the Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog if you do not wish to display the co-ordinates.

Note that you may edit instructions within an operation, but this will break the operation down into its component instructions.

You can also group instructions together as operations using Operation (Instructions menu). This means that when editing the instruction list you could edit individual commands or entire operations. Do not confuse these with the integrated machining commands provided under the Operations menu.

The Context Menu in the Instruction Browser

A right-hand mouse click on an instruction opens the context menu with the options Edit, Delete, Simulate, PCI Template, Swathe, Text File, Refresh and Regenerate.

The first three options are self-explanatory. The Text File option allows you to export the contents of the sequence to a text file for subsequent printing. Different levels of information can be exported to the text file. The PCI Template command allows you to generate a PCI from selected instructions in the browser If you make changes to the instruction list, the display is not updated. In this case, use the Refresh option to ensure that the instruction list is displayed correctly in the browser window. The Regenerate option will regenerate the sequence from the selected instructions.

The Swathe option (supported in both milling and turning) allows you to activate/deactivate the Swathe mode in GLView.

The Output Process option is used to select one or more EdgeCAM instructions to be passed to Strategy Manager. EdgeCAM Strategy Manager is a product introducing rules based machining to the Solid Machinist user that combines logic and flow chart methodology to capture working practices and define a machining strategy, which can then be applied to EdgeCAM hole cycles and operations in the first development phase in version 7.00.

EdgeCAM Strategy Manager is a separate licensed application. Please contact your EdgeCAM reseller for further information on Strategy Manager.

About Machining Sequences

A machining sequence is a set of machining information for an EdgeCAM part. Depending on the environment, it specifies the:

• machine tool (the Code Generator to be used to provide machining commands and to create CNC code from the instruction list) • machine datum for the machine tool

• axis system being used • turret configurations

• machine tool specific functions available (added to the M-Functions menu)

• units to be used in the CNC output

• sequential list of machining instructions and/or operations.

If a part has been saved, the default sequence is the sequence in use when the part was saved. This sequence is used for the part at the start of a new Manufacture session.

A new sequence can be defined at any time in Manufacture using the command New Sequence (File menu).

An existing sequence can be selected using the command Select Sequence (File menu).

Parts can contain multiple sequences, for example two milling operations on the same model. Also, more than one discipline (mill, inspection, turning, and so on) can be used with the same model.

If you have to physically move the workpiece from one setup to another, you should consider using separate sequences, as the output will be for machine tools used in that setup.

If the part is complex, the redraw time may get quite long, so you may want to break it down. However, you must then merge the files together with an editor (the EdgeCAM Editor is recommended).

Defining a Machining Sequence

When you enter the Manufacture module for the first time, or as a result of selecting the command New Sequence (File menu), you are asked to create a new machining sequence.

The parameters for the sequence are:

Billet - (Turning environment only) Check this box to define the geometry of the billet (bar stock).After you click on OK to dismiss the sequence

parameters, you can digitise the entities that define the initial material profile or billet. Alternatively you can specify two opposite corners of the billet using the mouse or by inputting the actual co-ordinates using the button. The first point is the outer corner of the billet:

Mirror View - (Turning environment only) Check this box to create a mirrored profile about the Z axis that you can use for Four Axis cycles. EdgeCAM only needs the upper side of the turned profile to be drawn. After you click on OK to dismiss the sequence parameters, you can digitise the profile that you want to mirror. Perform a Finish and the mirrored profile is created. Machine Datum – (Milling and turning environment only) Specifies the effective machine origin. This defaults to CPL Top (in milling) or the Initial CPL (in turning), but you may select any desired location.

You may specify a point on the graphics screen using co-ordinates or a digitise. A CPL will be generated at this location, with the same orientation as the Initial CPL.

To help visualise the Machine Datum, you can display the Primary and Secondary axes by selecting the Machine Datum box in the Drawing, Configure (View menu) command.

Sequence Name – Type in a (descriptive) name for the new machining sequence (eg. 'OP1'). Please note that each machining sequence must have a unique name.

Discipline – Select the appropriate machining discipline. This then filters the available Code Generator files that appear under Machine Tool.

When selecting a sequence for combined turning and milling operations on a single component, and all operations are to carried out on a turning centre, select the Turn discipline. If the same combination of operations is to be performed on a milling centre and a separate turning centre, then two separate machining sequences should be used.

Machine Tool – Select the appropriate Code Generator file from those available. This generates the CNC code for a particular machine tool or other device. It also defines which commands and options are appropriate for the desired manufacturing discipline and type of machine tool.

Initial CPL – Select the CPL in which to begin machining. For wire erosion this must always be set to TOP.

Also see Initial CPL in the Milling and Turning environment.

Datum Type – (Milling environment only) Specify the type of coordinate shift from the World Co-ordinate System origin (Absolute or Incremental).

Absolute typically invokes a co-ordinate shift on the machine tool similar to a G50 (the co-ordinate system can be reinstated from any other co-ordinate system). This must be supported by the code generator and machine tool. Incremental typically invokes a co-ordinate system shift similar to a G92 (reselection is not easy from another co-ordinate system).

About the Initial CPL

On initialising a new machining sequence, you select an Initial CPL. This is used to define the initial orientation of the tool (for example, A0.0 B0.0), and an absolute point of reference for setting up the machine tool (for NC program co-ordinates). The Initial CPL defaults to the CPL in use when you entered Manufacture from the Design module.

The choice of available CPLs depends on which environment was in use when you entered Manufacture.

The Initial CPL is where the machine’s programmed “zero” is to be located. Because of this, when you import or create a model that is not in a

convenient position for manufacture, use Create CPL (Geometry menu) in Design mode to set up a more useful origin. Alternatively, use the Translate Transpose (Edit menu) command to move the geometry so that CPL Top is the program zero.

There are two commands for altering the datum point in the current machining sequence:

•••• Datum Shift (M-Functions menu) – Allows you to move the program zero to a new location in the current part. This is useful if you want to machine several separate components in the same model within the same machining sequence.

You could instead translate the toolpath from one component onto the other component. For more information, see Transforming Commands (Copy

Machining).

•••• Index (Move menu) – Also allows you to move the datum. For more information, see Multiplane Milling and Rotary Milling.

For a turning sequence, this must be a standard CPL or user defined CPL that has a base co-ordinate system of Turn (ZX). If the datum point of the geometry is unsuitable, translate the geometry to the appropriate position using the Design command Transform Translate (Edit menu).

Passing Job Data to the NC File

When a job record is selected for a machining sequence the specified modifiers will be loaded into EdgeCAM and the values displayed in the appropriate field on the Job Data tab.

This information along with Material, Machine and Description will be passed through to the Code Generator, bringing the Job Manager, EdgeCAM machining sequences and the NC file closer together.

You can also set these modifiers on the New Machining Sequence and Machine Parameters dialog. The relevant fields in the Job Manager will be updated when an NC file is generated.

Comment – Add any relevant notes.

Family – All jobs defined in the database can be grouped into families which form the tabs on the job panel of the ToolKit Assistant dialog.

Customer – Enter the customer name for the job. Programmer – Enter the name of the programmer.

Job Revision – Enter the current revision identifier for change control purposes. Please note that the text string must not exceed 39 characters. Note that the job record will contain only a text field holding the current revision. If you wish to keep a complete change history or other audit trail information this can be done by making appropriate entries on the Notes page.

Code Generator Variable Token Name Token Description

JOBDESC JM-DESC Job Manager Description

JOBCOM JM-COM Job Manager Comment

JOBFAM JM-FAM Job Manager Family

JOBMACH JM-MACH Job Manager Machine

JOBCUST JM-CUST Job Manager Customer

JOBPROG JM-PROG Job Manager Programmer

JOBMATL JM-MATL Job Manager Material

Selecting an Existing Machining Sequence

To use a machining sequence other than the current one, pick the command Select Sequence from the Files menu.

You are presented with a list of available sequences. Select one of the sequences.

If you want to use a new sequence, select the New Sequence (File menu) command. See Defining a Machining Sequence.

You can remove a machining sequence in a similar manner using the Delete Sequence command. If you delete the current sequence, you are prompted to pick an existing sequence. If there are no existing machining sequences, the New Sequence dialog is displayed, allowing you to define one.

Building the Instruction List

The Instruction List is, simply, the list of all machining commands for the current part. Each time a new machining command is used on the part, it is added to the bottom of the list.

Commands that cannot be converted into CNC code (for example, viewing and editing commands) do not appear on the list.

Example Instruction List:

You can also group instructions together as operations using Operation (Instructions menu). This means that when editing the instruction list you could edit individual commands or entire operations. Do not confuse these with the integrated machining commands provided under the Operations

Changing the Machine Parameters

To check the values for the current machining sequence, use the Machine Parameters (Verify menu) command. This displays a dialog box showing all current machining parameters.

You can alter the conditions of the machining sequence at any time using the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu) command:

Depending on the manufacturing environment, some or all of the following parameters can be altered:

Rapid 3D – Click in this box to allow the tool to rapid move in all three axes. Each axis may accelerate to rapid at differing rates. There is therefore a risk of collision as the resulting move is not easily predictable. Refer to your machine tool documentation.

Sequence Name – Enter a new name for the current machining sequence. Job Name – Select a job be entering the appropriate name or use the Browse button to call up the Job Manager and select a job from the list. Initial Plane* – Set the absolute height of the Initial Plane. Note that while toolchange and home positions are defined in world co-ordinates the initial plane is defined from the intial CPL of the sequence. These two datum points may be different.

You must ensure that this height is clear of any obstruction including holding devices and material.

Use this plane to move around the part at the rapid rate. See also Moving to the Initial Plane.

Output Tolerance – Specifies the smallest distance that the Code Generator can output in the final CNC file of the machining sequence. Also see

Conversion of Arcs to Lines.

Machine Tool – Select a Code Generator file for the machining sequence. This file defines which machining commands are available and controls the output of the CNC code.

To be able to successfully reselect a machine tool, the two machine tools should have the same capability. For example, moving C axis operations to a turning centre not equipped with a C axis control would result in an

incomplete machining instruction list.

Units* – Select the units that the final CNC code is to use. Any differing units used in the model are automatically converted.

The default units are specified in the Code Generator file. You can select between mm (millimetres) and inches.

Home* – Set the tool home position by entering the X, Y and Z world co-ordinates.

Toolchange* – Set the toolchange position by entering the X, Y and Z world co-ordinates.

*The marked parameters have default values that are set in the Code Generator file.

For more information on the parameters on the Job Data tab, please refer to

Conversion of Arcs to Lines

EdgeCAM converts an arc move to a linear move when the chord height of the arc is less than the output tolerance of the machining sequence. The output tolerance is normally set to the same precision as the controller's decimal point format. For example 0.001mm or 0.0001 inch.

EdgeCAM performs this conversion to inhibit the output of potentially invalid arc moves which could cause an error on the controller where

• arcs have a radius greater than the control can interpret. This can be encountered in smoothed surface toolpaths.

• the arc start and end positions are so close that when formatted they are the same position. This can result in the controller interpreting it as a complete circle move.

• the arc start or end positions in one axis are close enough to become the same position when formatted. This can result in the controller reporting an error that the point does not lie on the arc.

Selecting Tools

Before you can begin machining a part, EdgeCAM expects you to load a tool of some description. This is so that the correct tool offsets and positioning from the work can be calculated.

Until you load a tool in the turret, you are only allowed to position the turret and select M-Functions commands. Once you have loaded a tool, all cycles appropriate to that tool type can be used.

EdgeCAM provides these methods of loading tools:

• Loading pre-defined tools from the ToolStore or Tool Library. Note that you can set up where to find the ToolStore and the Tool Library using the Tool Libraries tab of the Preferences (Options menu) command. • Entering the parameters defining a completely new tool.

• Loading tools from an AutoTAS database.

Selecting from the ToolStore

To access the ToolStore:

• Select ToolStore from the Tooling menu. • Click on the ToolStore button.

• Click Find on the General tab of the Milling Cutter dialog.

For further information on using the ToolStore, please refer to the context sensitive help in the ToolStore application or the ToolStore chapter in this manual.

Selecting from the Tool Library

Before proceeding, you should be familiar with the Tool Library. See Using

the Tool Library, and Searching for Records.

To load a tool from your default tool kit

See Defining a Machining Sequence for details on specifying the default tool kit.

1. Select Load From Kit (Tooling menu) or click on the button. This dialog appears, listing the tools already saved to the default tool kit:

2. Select the appropriate tool. 3. Click on OK.

To load a tool from the Tool Library

1. Select from Turn, Thread, Bore, Groove, Parting Off or Milling Cutter (Tooling menu) or click on a tool button:

EdgeCAM displays the parameter input window for that tool type. 2. Click on the Library button. The Library window appears:

To save a tool in the Tool Library

You must have selected a tool type from the Tooling menu or have clicked on a tool button. This displays a parameter input window for that type of tool. Once you have specified the parameters of a particular tool, you may want to save it so that you can use the same tool later.

To save a tool

1. When you are satisfied with the values of each parameter, select the Library... button.

The Library window is displayed.

2. Select the Tool Library database using the Source parameter. You can only select Cutting Tools as you cannot save an Assembly or a Tool Kit with this method.

3. Specify a reference Tool Name for the tool. 4. Click on the Save Tool box.

5. Click on OK.

Defining New Tools Interactively

Rather than load the tool information from a database, you can specify a completely new tool, purely for use with the next cycles you select in the current machining sequence.

All tools can be selected from the Tooling menu or from the toolbar.

Milling Cutters

Turning Tools

Turn, Thread, Bore, Groove and Parting Off are considered to be fixed tooling, while Milling Cutters can be either driven (powered tooling) or fixed. You could also use a fixed drilling tool for making holes on the spindle centreline.

Selecting the Wire

Use the Select Wire (Cycles menu) command to set the parameters for the Wire Machine. This command lets you define the wire thickness and height of the upper and lower guide to be used when you machine the part. Diameter - Specifies the diameter of the wire.

Colour - Specifies the colour of the wire and any positional moves.

Upper Guide* - Specifies the height of the upper guide above the workplane. Lower Guide* - Specifies the height of the lower guide above the workplane. These guide height values will only be used if the Code Generator is set to output at guide height.

* Guide height values are only applied to langhand output. Code Generators working at guide heights should have taper mode disabled and 4-axis circular moves should be converted to linear moves.

Milling Cutter Parameters

The parameters concerning the dimensions of the milling cutter can be seen from these diagrams:

Number of Teeth – Specify the number of cutting teeth on the tool.

Comment – Enter any short notes here regarding the tool – these will appear in the instruction list and in the NC output for the machining sequence. Layer – Specify the layer on which the associated toolpath will be drawn. Units – Specify the units in which the tool is defined.

Depth Type – Specify whether the setting point of the tool is taken to be at the Point of the tool, or at the beginning of the Full Diameter of the tool. Colour – Select the colour of the tool and the associated toolpath. Turret Tab

Position – Specify the tool’s position number on the turret.

Zgauge – Specify the distance between the tool setting point and the tool loading point.

Turning Tool Parameters

You may have more or fewer parameters than are given here. This is because you are using a customised Code Generator file which alters those commands and parameters that are displayed within EdgeCAM.

Comment - Enter a text string that is placed in the CNC file as a comment when you generate code from the machining sequence.

Layer - Select the layer on which the tool is drawn.

Hand of Tool - Select which side of the rotary spindle axis the tool cuts on:

Neutral

Left Hand Right Hand

Gauge Point - Defines the Gauge Point of the insert, in relation to the long (Z) axis of the tool. The Gauge Point can be set to the Primary, Secondary, Centre (of the Primary or Secondary tip radius) and Orthogonal points of an insert, and is usually positioned as follows:

These insert types use different Gauge Point locations: Orthogonal Primary Secondary Orthogonal Primary Secondary Orthogonal Primary Secondary Centre Primary Centre Primary Centre Secondary Centre Secondary Centre Secondary Centre Primary

Specifying Insert Parameters

The insert's orientation is defined relative to the tool axis. This diagram is based on a right handed turning tool:

Edge Length

End

Angle Included Angle

Inscribed Circle

Side Angle

Tool Axis

End Angle - Define the angle between the tool axis and the end of the insert. Side Angle - Define the angle between the tool axis normal and the side of the insert.

End/Side Clearance Angle - Specify the clearance in degrees between the End/Side Angle and the actual End/Side Angle to be used. These values are measured relative to (and are deducted from) the End and Side Angles, and should always be (small) positive values.

Here is an example insert and some example parameters:

End Angle =120 Side Angle=120 End Clearance Angle=3

Side Clearance Angle=2

Included Angle - Define the angle between the end and side of the insert. Edge Length - Define the length of the cutting edge of the insert.

Inscribed Circle - Define the diameter of an imaginary circle that could just fit inside the outline of the insert.

Nose Radius - Define the radius of the corner at the cutting end of the insert. Reach - Defines the depth that the insert can cut before the shank makes contact with the material. This is only for Thread, Parting Off and Groove tools.

Reach

Style - Select the position of the insert to be at the End or Side of the tool. This example shows a Grooving or Parting Off tool with Style = End.

Corner Radius - Define the radius of the corner at the cutting end of the insert.

Width - Define the width of the cutting edge of the insert, ignoring corner radii.

Symbol - Select from a list of ISO insert symbol types.

Specifying Turret Parameters

These parameters define the orientation of the tool to the Machine Tool Co-ordinate System:

Position - Specify the position that the tool occupies on the turret (this defaults to the last-used turret position).

Xgauge, Ygauge, Zgauge - Enter the distance of the Gauge Point from the mounting point of the tool in the X, Y and Z axes.

Tool Mounting Point

Gauge Point

Zgauge Xgauge

Ygauge is only used on Driven tooling and when Y axis mode is enabled to allow for the tool to have a distance defined off the centreline of the spindle.

Please note that the gauge length is specified in part units (not tool units). Orientation – Select from Axial, Radial and Reverse Axial to define the position of the tool axis relative to the Machine Tool Co-ordinate System:

Axial Reverse Axial

Radial X axis

Angle - Specifies the angle the tool makes with the Machine Tool Co-ordinate System's Z axis. This is used for finer control over the tool than by using the orientation. To activate the field, set the Orientation parameter (General tab) to <NONE>.

Reverse – Mark this box to use the tool rotated 180° about its own axis:

Radial orientation with Reverse selected Right Hand tool,

Radial orientation with Reverse off

X axis

Z axis

Whether you reverse the tool or not depends on the direction of the machine spindle's rotation.

Selecting a New Tool Datum

Use the Tool Datum (Tooling menu) command to select a gauge point and offset for the insert of a fixed tool.

Offset - Select the offset register for the tool, as specified by the machine tool controller. This is only valid if you are using controller compensation. Usually, the turret number is used to determine the offset register. However, you may want to use multiple registers, for example when turning a part with different diameters, using different offsets to compensate for tool deflection. For more details on the gauge point of a tool, see Specifying Turning Tool

Saving Tool Graphics

Saving tool graphics in the ToolStore

The Save Tooling Graphics command on the Tool Graphics toolbar allows you to save a tool/holder graphic as a .csv file.

The parameters for the command are:

Tool Graphics – Saves current tool graphics data to a .csv file. Click Browse to look for an existing file.

Holder Graphics – Saves current holder graphics data to a .csv file. Click Browse to look for an existing file.

Saving tool graphics in the Tool Library

The Save Tooling Graphics (File menu) command allows you to save a drawing of a tool as a .gra Tooling Database graphics file.

Once you have set the parameters, click on OK. For further information on individual parameters, please refer to the context sensitive help.

You must then digitise the required datum point for the tool, the first and second points on the z axis of the tool, entities to define the tool graphics image, and any entities to de-select.

Note that you can use the Run Executable (Custom menu) command to run the toolgra.exe PDI program, which generates entities from any on-screen tool simulation graphics. You can then select these entities with the Save Tooling Graphics command, and store them in the Tool Library.

Displaying the Tool

By default, EdgeCAM displays the tool at its last position. The Toggle Tool icon on the Display toolbar allows you to specify how tools are displayed on the graphics screen:

Check the Hide Tool option if you do not want to display the tool. Please note that this option is unchecked by default.

Alternatively, right click on the view status bar and select Properties.

On the Properties dialog, choose between the Wireframe, Solid or Translucent options from the Display parameter on the Tool tab. Check the Hide option if you do not wish to display the tool.

Displaying the Tool Holder

By default, EdgeCAM displays the tool and the tool holder at its last position. The Toggle Tool icon on the Display toolbar allows you to specify how tools are displayed on the graphics screen:

Check the Hide Tool Holder option if you do not want to display the tool. Please note that this option is unchecked by default.

Setting Feeds and Speeds for Milling and

Turning Tools

Setting Speeds and Feeds Manually

You can specify the tool spindle speed and movement rates in the parameter input dialog box for any machining cycle. These speeds and feeds can be input manually for each cycle or you can use automatic defaults derived from material and tool technology tables.

The common parameters are:

Feedrate – Specifies the feed rate in the workplane in units per revolution (for a Boring tool, for example) or in units per minute. You can select the type of feed using the Feed Type (M-Functions menu) command.

Plunge Feed – Specifies the vertical feed rate.

Speed – Specifies the rotational speed of the tool on a milling centre in revolutions per minute.

On a turning centre, this refers to the spindle speed, measured in units per revolution. This is overridden if you have selected constant surface speed using the CSS (M-Functions menu) command. CSS is normally only used with turning centres with fixed tooling (but not drills and taps).

If you select another cycle, these speeds and feeds are carried over and used again as the default values. These can be overridden or accepted.

Setting Speeds and Feeds Automatically

You can specify the tool spindle speed and movement rates for any

machining cycle. However, EdgeCAM automatically calculates “speeds and feeds” for the tool based upon data previously specified.

Using the technology database in the ToolStore

Material and Insert records are held in the Technology database and can be accessed through the Technology tab of all tools in the ToolStore. Values loaded from the Technology database are shown "greyed out" as they cannot be directly edited. These values are used by the system and are passed to EdgeCAM operations and cycles.

For further information on using material and insert data, please refer to the help in the ToolStore application.

To select material technology values in the Tool Library

Material technology tables are held in the Material Technology database in the Tool Library, but you can access them through the Model (Options menu) command in Design mode.

For more information on using the Tool Library databases, see Searching for

Records.

1. Select the Model (Options menu) command in Design mode.

Specify a Rigidity factor. If the material is weak or the clamping system exerts low holding forces, then you need to adjust this downwards. For example, a factor of 50% halves the theoretical speeds and feeds. This applies to all tools used for the part.

2. Search the database.

All records matching your search are displayed. 3. Select the material data table you want to use.

To select tool technology values

1. Use the Technology (Tooling menu) command in Manufacture mode if you want to select any tool or material technology data for the current tool.

2. Use the Cut Type parameter to determine which set of material

technology values you want to use from the current Material Technology table. Select from None, Rough, Medium or Fine. The default Cut Type is Medium.

Select None to manually specify feed and speed parameters when the parameter input box for each cycle that you select for the current tool. 3. You can also specify a percentage Factor by which to multiply the values

in the material technology tables. This is used to adjust the theoretical speeds and feeds for this tool only. For example, a long series endmill needs to be driven slower than a short series endmill.

Viewing the Current Technology Values

Select the Technology (Verify menu) command.

A window displays the current technology values, as in this example:

Technology (Mild

Steel)

Rigidity 100%

Technology Factor 100%

DEPTH SPEED FEEDRATE PLUNGE

FEED (mm) (rev/min) (mm/rev/tooth) MEDIUM 4.00 250.00 0.25 0.25 (Cut Type) tooling 100% 50% 100% 100% (Final values) 4.00 125.00 0.25 0.25

The Rigidity and Technology Factor are multiplied with the values from the Material Technology table to produce the corrected values. The tool’s Technology values (measured in percentages) are now multiplied with the Material Technology values. This increases or decreases the feeds and speeds, depending on the grade of insert and the toughness of the material. The material speed and feed values are based upon the material being cut with a certain tool grade. If a tool has been selected where the grade of insert is inferior, the tooling percentages would therefore be lower to reflect the lower cutting performance of the tool.

The final values are what EdgeCAM uses as the default feeds and speeds for all cycles. Material Technology table Rigidity factor Technology factor

X

X

X

=

Material Technology Table

This defines the speeds and feeds to be used for different materials. Material speeds and feeds are based on machining data using a standard tool grade.

Tool Technology Table

This defines the modification to the Material Technology Table in percentage terms. For example, the tool used for the standard grade would use a factor of 100%, but a tool of a higher standard may use 130%, thus increasing the Material Technology Table values by 30%.

You can select the:

•••• Rigidity – Specified using the Rigidity parameter (a percentage) in the Model (Options menu) command.

•••• Technology Factor – Specified using the Factor parameter (a percentage) in the Technology (Tooling menu) command.

• Cut Type – Sets the column of the Material Technology table to be used. Specified using the Cut Type parameter in the Technology (Tooling menu) command.

Defining New Material Technology Tables

You may find that you need to create a completely new material technology table for your typical machining tasks. In this case you must define a new table record in the Material Technology database in the Tool Library.

You can enter data into these tables based either on data from tool manufacturers’ handbooks or from your own experience.

Remember which units you are working in – millimetres or inches. You cannot mix values within a single record, but you can have two records however, one for inches and one for millimetres. These records can have the same name (as long as they are using different units).

Rough, Medium or Fine values can be selected for a cycle.

The values for Surface Speed are in either metres per minute or feet per minute.

The values for Feed 1 and Feed 2 are in “chip per tooth” (millimetres or inches per tooth).

To create a new record in the Material Technology database

Before proceeding, you should be familiar with the Tool Library. See Using

the Tool Library, and Searching for Records.

1. Switch to the Program Manager by holding down the Alt key and repeatedly pressing the Tab key, releasing the Alt key when the box labelled Program Manager is displayed.

2. Select the Tool Library icon in the EdgeCAM program group. The Tool Library window appears.

3. Select Material from the Technology menu. The Material search window appears. 4. Enter search parameters for the new table.

5. Click on OK. The Tool Library searches for and displays a list of any matching records.

6. Select the Insert operation control. The Insert Record window appears. 7. Enter the parameters of the new record.

8. Click on OK to save the record.

Selecting a Safe Distance for the Tool

Use the Safe Distance (M-Functions menu) command to specify a safe distance for the tool in each of three dimensions. EdgeCAM ensures that the tool maintains these distances from the component between machining passes.

The default values are:

1mm (if you are using metric part units) .05” (if you are using imperial part units)

In some circumstances, the safe distance must be a vector instead of X, Y and Z distances. In these cases, the vector sum of the safe distances is used:

Selecting a Safe Distance for the Turning

Tool

Use the Safe Distance (M-Functions menu) command to specify a safe distance for the tool in each of two dimensions (or three dimensions if using Y Axis machining). EdgeCAM ensures that the tool maintains these distances from the component between machining passes.

The default values are:

1mm - (if you are using metric part units) .05" - (if you are using imperial part units)

In some circumstances, the safe distance must be a vector instead of Z, X and Y distances. In these cases, the vector sum of the safe distances is used:

For Rough Turning cycles, a Safe Distance move is added to the end of a pass:

Using Miscellaneous (M-) Functions

The M-Functions menu contains several standard commands, but it also contains commands which EdgeCAM takes from the Code Generator file. These commands are specific to the machine tool corresponding to the Code Generator.

You can find out which miscellaneous functions are available by using the M-Functions (Verify menu) command.

Which parameters appear in the dialog depend on the machining discipline and the Code Generator you are currently using. The list of available M-Functions includes:

Program Stop/Optional Stop

This command from the M-Functions menu is used to insert a program stop (for example, M0) or optional stop (for example, M01) into the instruction list. It is usually used where the machine tool cannot automatically change tools, and the machine tool must be stopped so that the operator can manually change the tool.

It can also be used in process inspection, when clearing swarf, moving clamps and so on.

Coolant Mist/Flood/Off

These M-Functions menu commands control the state of the machine tool’s coolant system.

The Code Generator file controls the machine tool’s default coolant state. Inserting a Dwell

Use the Dwell (M-Functions menu) command to dwell or pause the currently selected turret.

Changing the Feed Type

You can change the feedrate type of the tool from feed per minute to feed per revolution using the Feed Type (M-Functions menu) command.

Selecting the Input Mode

You may want to switch between co-ordinate systems before entering positional data for creating geometry or specifying machining cycles. Using the Input Mode (M-Functions menu) command, you can choose between:

Tool Local - Specifies the Z axis as equivalent at all times to the tool axis. This allows you to easily specify distances relative to the tool's current position.

Machine Tool - (Default) Any co-ordinate data input is in terms of the Machine Tool Co-ordinate System.

Selecting Constant Surface Speed

As a fixed tool cuts down towards the spindle of a turning centre, the cutting speed decreases as the circumference of the turned part decreases. To ensure that the speed of the tool over the surface of the material stays constant (a condition known as Constant Surface Speed, or CSS), use the CSS (M-Functions menu) command.

If you mark the CSS box, EdgeCAM uses constant surface speed (as the tool approaches the centreline, the spindle speed increases).

If you want to return to using the default condition of fixed spindle speed, use this command again but make sure that the CSS box is blank.

Update Fixtures

This command allows you to select and update fixtures for a machining sequence at anytime during the sequence.

At the start of the machining sequence it is possible to nominate the initial fixture setup. Machining will then be carried out as usual. If the fixture setup then changes midway through a machining sequence (for instance when clamps are moved) you can use the command to update the fixture setup. Fixture entities must be predefined using the Stock/Fixture (Geometry menu) command prior to using this function.

The initially nominated fixtures will be taken through into the Simulator. The Simulator will subsequently update the fixture display during its runtime when an Update Fixtures command is encountered.

Checking the Miscellaneous Functions

You can check the selections that have been made using M-Functions menu commands using the M-Functions (Verify menu) command.

A window should appear similar to this:

The actual items that appear depend upon your current Code Generator file. Each Code Generator can add extra functions to the M-Functions menu.

Checking the Part

Verifying the Machining Parameters

Use the Machine Parameters (Verify menu) command to see the current selections for the current machining sequence.

A window appears similar to this:

The actual items that appear depends upon your current Code Generator file. This is listed here as the Machine Tool.

Viewing the Machine Datum Co-ordinates

You can view the Machine Co-ordinates by switching on the Status Bars, Machine Datum Co-ordinates option from the View menu. While you are in Manufacture mode, a window shows the current co-ordinates of your tool:

The column on the left shows the co-ordinates of the tool with respect to the active CPL (and can be displayed on its own by using the Status Bars, CPL Co-ordinates option).

The column on the right shows the co-ordinates of the tool with respect to the Machine Datum (which you set by checking the Machine Datum box when defining a new Machining Sequence). The machine (MC) co-ordinates update at the end of each cycle.

Turning Example

The top two sets of co-ordinates are for the Upper Turret, while the bottom two are for the Lower Turret.

The column on the left shows the co-ordinates of the tool(s) with respect to the active CPL (and can be displayed on its own by using the Status Bars, CPL Co-ordinates option). The column on the right shows the co-ordinates of the tool(s) with respect to the Machine Datum (which you set by checking the Machine Datum box when defining a new Machining Sequence). The

machine (MC) co-ordinates update at the end of each cycle.

Viewing Information on the Part

You can view information on the current part by switching on the Status Bars, Part Information option from the View menu.

Milling Example

Turning Example

If Override Angles have been specified for the tool, these are shown in place of the clearance angles, in { } brackets:

Wire Example

The numbers in brackets are the Upper and Lower Guide heights (see

Moving the Tool

The type of tool movement available depends the machining discipline used. In the Milling environment, the type of movement also depends on whether the 2D Snap button is selected. The default is for this button to be selected. If the 2D Snap button is selected, the tool can only move in the workplane at the current height.

Moving at the Rapid Rate (Milling and

Turning environment)

Use the Rapid (Move menu) command to move the tool in a straight line at the rapid rate. The command is usually used to place the tool in a position to begin a new machining operation or toolchange.

You can change the tool movement at the rapid rate to be in all three axes. To do this, select the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu) and click on the Rapid 3D parameter to put a cross in its box.

Important Note

Machine tools can move from point to point in two ways (see example): • Resolved – When moving from point to point the toolpath is linear. This

means that one axis may move slower than the other, so that a straight line is achieved between points.

• Unresolved – When moving from point to point both axes accelerate at the same rate until one axis has reached its position. The other axis then completes its move, thereby producing a ‘dog-leg’ move.

The Code Generator has a parameter that sets the rapid type for your machine.

It is important that the correct display is shown so that you can see if the toolpath has inadvertently collided with the part. Please refer to your machine tool manual for details.

In the Milling environment, if Rapid 3D is not selected, the default method depends on whether the tool is moving:

a. Out of the work- the tool moves in the Z+ direction first, then in the workplane.

b. Into the work – the tool moves in the workplane first, then in the Z-direction.

Note that some machine tool controllers can override the programmed rapid in three dimensions, in a similar manner to cases a and b described above. Please consult your machine tool manual for details.

You can also specify a different colour for your rapid moves. Select the Colours (Options menu) command and set the Rapids & Normals parameter.

Also see Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

Moving the Wire at the Rapid Rate

Use the Rapid (Move menu) command to generate a toolpath for a move in a straight line at the rapid rate.

Warning: Do not use this command while a wire is threaded.

Note that the Code Generator may already be configured to cut the wire and re-thread at the new location.

Also see Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

Moving at the Feed Rate

Use the Feed (Move menu) command to move the tool or wire to a position at the feedrate. It should be used when the tool may come into contact with the material.

Feed moves can also be used as “freehand” machining commands where more complex machining cycles are unnecessary.

In the milling environment, if 2D Snap is off, the feed move ignores all Z information (for example, from an entity digitise).

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed

Moves

All rapid and feed moves are listed on the Instructions tab in the EdgeCAM browser window on the left-hand side of the screen.

The entries can be expanded by clicking on the sign.

Note that displaying the individual co-ordinates in feed and rapid moves can slow down EdgeCAM when working with a part containing a large number of instructions. Uncheck the Display Co-ordinates option on the Toolpaths tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog if you do not wish to display the co-ordinates.

As you select co-ordinates in the browser, the node (a single position) in the toolpath is highlighted in the graphics area. A right click on a co-ordinate in the browser calls up the context menu which allows you to edit or delete individual existing co-ordinates or to insert new co-ordinates:

Editing co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Edit from the context menu. You can now specify new co-ordinates for this position by a using a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-ordinate input and/or construction tools.

Note that ‘modal’ values inherited from the previous line are shown as blank. Inserting new co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Insert from the context menu. You can now specify a new co-ordinate position by a using a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-ordinate input and/or

construction tools. The new position is inserted before the selected node. If incremental values are input or if only some of the required co-ordinates are given, the inserted node will be based on the position given in the previous node.

If a co-ordinate value which has dependants in subsequent co-ordinate nodes or move instructions is changed then those dependent values (incremental or blank) will also update automatically.

(Milling only) Use of the 2D Snap option when creating co-ordinates will result in Z values being modal, based on the last specified Z height.

Deleting co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the browser and select Delete from the context menu. Multiple nodes can be deleted by holding down the “shift” or “control” key when selecting a range or multiple individual co-ordinates. If you select all of the co-ordinates of a rapid or feed move for deletion, the whole instruction will be removed.

If you make changes to the instruction list, the display is not updated automatically. Use the Refresh option to ensure that the instruction list is displayed correctly in the browser window.

Note:

• Double clicking on an a move or individual co-ordinate calls up the rapid/feed move dialog. Checking the Coord Input box allows you to change the position of the toolpath(s) by using free digitises, entity digitises and/or explicit co-ordinates. However, when this option is selected the original toolpath is deleted and you need to re-specify all positions for the toolpath without reference to the originals.

• If reference co-ordinates are used, the browser shows both the reference point and the required offset from it, e.g. (X 0.000 Y 50.000 Z 0.000) + X10.

Moving the Tool in an Arc at the Feedrate

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Arc (Move menu) command to move the tool in a circular motion in the workplane at the specified feedrate.

Arc moves can also be used as “freehand” machining commands where more complex machining cycles are unnecessary.

2 Point – This parameter controls how the arc move is defined.

• If you check the box, you are prompted to digitise a midpoint and an endpoint for the arc move.

• If you leave the box unchecked, you are prompted to digitise the endpoint of the arc. The arc leaves the last move at a tangent and finishes at the endpoint.

Moving the Tool around a Co-ordinate Axis

Milling environment only

Use the Angular (Move menu) command to move the tool with reference to one or more co-ordinate axes.

These parameters specify the direction of motion:

X, Y, Z Co-ordinate – Specifies the movement along the X, Y or Z axis in part units.

A, B, C Co-ordinate – Specifies the movement around the X, Y or Z axis in degrees. Your Code Generator must be capable of supporting these movements for these to be displayed.

You may also specify the feeds, speeds and whether the move is to be at the Rapid or Feed rate.

Moving the Tool to the Toolchange Position

Milling and Turning environment only

The default toolchange position is defined in the Code Generator file, and is specified relative to the Machine Datum and in the orientation of the Initial CPL.

To move the tool to the toolchange position

Use the Toolchange (Move menu) command to return the tool to its toolchange position.

If you select the command, you can specify these parameters:

Milling Turning

You might want to simply move the tool up in Z to the toolchange position rather than moving the tool to its default XYZ position. To do this, lock the X and Y positions by marking the X Fixed and Y Fixed boxes.

You can also specify the First axis to move the tool in.

You might want to simply move the tool up in X to the toolchange position rather than moving the tool to its default ZX position. To do this, lock the Z position by checking the Z Fixed box.

You can also specify the First axis to move the tool in. This is useful when retracting tools from features such as bores and grooves, where the tool can collide with the component.

The default toolchange position may be changed using the Toolchange button in the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu) command.

Moving the Tool to the Home Position

The default home position is defined in the Code Generator file, and is specified relative to the Machine Datum and in the orientation of the Initial CPL.

Use the Home (Move menu) command to move the tool to its home position. In Milling and Turning, the parameters are similar to those of the Toolchange move.

The home position may be changed using the Tool Home button in the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu) command.

Moving to the Initial Plane

Milling environment only

Use the Initial Plane (Move menu) command to move the tool to the Initial Plane.

The Initial Plane is a height at which the tool is safe to move without any risk of colliding with any part of the workpiece, clamps or fixtures. The default value is taken from the Code Generator file.

You can set the height of the Initial Plane by specifying a value for the Initial Plane parameter in the Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu)

command.

Note that while toolchange and home positions are defined in world co-ordinates the initial plane is defined from the intial CPL of the sequence. These two datum points may be different.

Freehand Milling

Rather than use specific commands listed under the Cycles menu, for simple machining tasks you may find it easier to use commands for moving the tool at the feed rate.

You can use the Feed, Arc and Relative commands under the Move menu. In this example, feed moves have been used to facemill a part:

As an alternative to the Profile (Cycles menu) command automatically positioning the tool, you may want to manually move the tool to the required position. To do this, use the Relative (Move menu) cycle.

In this example, a tool is moved relative to a piece of geometry:

As the tool moves relative to the geometry, the angle of the geometry does not matter.

Exact Tool Positioning in Turning

If you are, for example, moving into position for a profiling operation, you must allow a safe distance:

• if the face is rough (sawn, or generally rough)

• if using Constant Surface Speed, to allow the spindle to adjust its speed • if the exact position of the component is variable

• to avoid leaving marks on the final component.

You may encounter a problem when cutting a chamfer with a radiused tool. Normally the Gauge Point of the tool insert is driven along the geometry and therefore the tool does not cut the correct profile.

This example shows that a toolpath based on the Gauge Point misses the profile geometry:

The solution is to use the Move menu commands Relative, Relative Two or Constrained with Pathtrace Compensation selected. These cycles calculate the real position for the tool and place the tool correctly.

Moving Relative to an Entity

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Relative (Move menu) command to position the tool with respect to a selected entity.

In this example a tool has been moved at the Feedrate relative to a line entity, with the parameters Distance and Offset specified, and the Side parameter = Left.

Moving Constrained by Entities

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Constrained (Move menu) command to move to a destination point, choosing from a variety of ways to constrain this motion using another selected entity.

This milling example shows a Constrained feed move, using the parameters Method=Parallel to Entity and To X=10.

When using the Constrained command, the move type can be set to either Feed or Rapid. Note, however, that for non-linear moves the output will always be in Feed mode. Rapid moves will be subject to the same “dog leg” restrictions that apply to all other rapid moves, depending on the

characteristics of the selected machine tool.

Moving Relative to Two Entities

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Relative Two (Move menu) command to move the tool relative to two other selected entities. The First and Second tabs display the movement parameters relative to the first and second entities respectively.

Otherwise, Relative Two uses the same parameters as the other move commands, but with an important exception – the side of an entity nearest to the tool is defined by which side you digitised the entity.

Selecting a Cycle

Once you have selected a tool and possibly used a rapid move to bring the tool closer to the work, you are ready to select a machining cycle.

You can find all machining cycles permitted by the Code Generator file selected for the machining sequence, and the current tool, under the Cycles menu.

Individual buttons provide another method of selecting the appropriate cycle (which of these are displayed on the toolbar is also determined by the machining sequence and the current tool).

Finishing a Command

The help refers to the action ‘Perform a Finish’ when describing how to use certain commands. In EdgeCAM, selecting the right hand mouse button will finish a command.

Alternatively, selecting the Enter/Return key will also finish the command. There is also an icon that can be added to your Toolbars. To add the icon, select Toolbars (View menu), and select the Input Options Toolbar from the list displayed on the Commands Tab.

The icon can be added to any Toolbar by selecting it with the left hand mouse button and dragging it on to a Toolbar.

Using Cutter Compensation

Using Cutter Compensation in Milling Cycles

EdgeCAM provides a powerful tool radius offset calculation. Many machine tool controllers also have a tool radius compensation facility, so when using the Profile (Cycles menu) command you need to consider which method will work best for you.

The Radius Compensation (Tooling menu) command or buttons:

allow you to select the offset facility (the Tooling toolbar must be selected using Toolbars (View menu) to see these buttons).

If the Left or Right compensation buttons have been selected, compensation remains on until the Off or the other compensation button is selected. The compensation is further modified by the choice made in the Compensation parameter for a cycle. This can be either Pathtrace or Controller compensation.

If no compensation is applied, the CNC output is based purely on the centreline toolpath. This button also switches off the current compensation setting.

Note in using radius compensation in profile cycles

If mill type, profile side and radius compensation side are incompatible, a warning message is displayed. When regenerating parts from previous versions of EdgeCAM that were defined incorrectly, compensation side overrides the other parameters. This may cause the profile side to be reversed.

See Also

Using No Compensation Using Controller Compensation Using Pathtrace Compensation.

Using Wire Compensation

EdgeCAM provides a powerful wire radius offset calculation. Many machine tool controllers also have a wire radius compensation facility, so when using the Machine Design (Cycles menu) command you need to consider which method will work best for you.

The combination of the Radius Compensation and Compensation parameters in the Machine Design and 2D Profile (Cycles menu) cycles determines what information is to be output when you generate the CNC code from your machining sequence:

Radius Compensation Compensation

Pathtrace Controller

None Toolpath co-ordinates are

to be output. Recommended.

Design Intent co-ordinates to be output.

Not recommended. Left/Right Toolpath co-ordinates are

to be output, but the tool is instructed to use the contents of an offset store. Not recommended, as this changes the actual size of the final component.

Design Intent co-ordinates are to be output, but the tool is instructed to use the contents of an offset store. Recommended, especially where many different wire diameters may be used. Note that Radius Compensation is also available as a command from the Cycles menu.

See Also

Using No Compensation Using Controller Compensation Using Pathtrace Compensation

Using No Compensation

Radius Compensation

None

Compensation Pathtrace

CNC output path Tool/wire centreline

If no compensation is applied, the CNC output is based purely on the centreline toolpath.

The advantages of this method of output are:

• The tool/wire does not need a run-in onto the profile.

• The toolpath displayed on screen is an accurate representation of the output.

• Corner Type parameters are supported. The disadvantages of this method are:

• The milling tool cannot be compensated for wear, therefore the part could be cut over- or under-size.

• CNC code is not as readable as it represents the centre of the cutter rather than the geometry.

Using Controller Compensation

Radius Compensation

Left/Right

Compensation Controller

CNC output path Geometry or Design Intent

The CNC output is based on the geometry of the profile or the design intent. The controller compensates for the radius of the milling cutter/wire by using an offset store within the control.