GibbsCAM
TUTORIAL
VERSIONS 2000 & 2002
PRODUCTION
MILL WITH SOLIDS IMPORT PRODUCTION MILL LATHE
JEFF HATLEY
SDC
Schroff Development Corporation www.schroff.com
www.schroff-europe.com
Introduction
There are 6 exercises in this chapter. For each exercise you will open a part file that contains CAD geometry. You will then set up the tools needed to machine the part, create machining processes, simulate them, and post process the machining operations to generate CNC code.
Part files for the exercises in this chapter can be downloaded at www.schroff1.com.
Exercise 1 – Drilling
Note: The machine type, units, stock size, and CAD geometry for this part have been set up.
Choose File-Open from the Main Menu. Select the file DRILLING.vnc and click on Open. The CAD geometry for this part consists of points that will be used for drilling operations.
Double click on Tile 1 in the Tool List to create the first tool.
The Tool Creation dialog box will appear. Select the drill as the tool type. Enter the values in the diagram to define the size of the tool.
The tool will appear in the Tool List.
The Tool Creation dialog box will appear. Select Tap as the tool type. Enter the values shown to define the size of the tool.
You are now ready to begin the machining operations. Select the CAM icon on the Top Level Palette to open the Machining Palette, Process List, and Operations List.
Machining operations are created by dragging a tool from the Tool List and a machining function from the Machining Palette on to the Process List.
Select the Drilling icon from the Machining Palette and drag it to Tile 1 of the Process List.
Select Tool 1 from the Tool List and drag it to Tile 1 of the Process List.
The Process dialog box will appear.
For the Entry Exit Cycle choose Feed In – Rapid Out.
Enter 1 for the Entry Clearance and Exit Clearance. Enter 3 for the spot diameter (This is the diameter of Tool 1). Enter 0 for the Z surface value. Enter –3 for the final Z depth of the tool. The software will automatically enter the value –2.XXX based on the Tool Creation diagram.
Enter the remaining values as shown.
Close the dialog box. You will now select the geometry for this operation. Hold down the control key and select the four points located in the center of the part.
Complete the operation by clicking on Do It on the Machining Palette.
Change your view to a Front View. This will allow you to see the drilling depth. The orange lines represent the tool path.
Change the view to an isometric view. To simulate this operation click on the Cut Part Render icon on the Top Level Palette.
The Rendering Controls will appear. Click on the Visible Tool icon as shown. Hit the Stop button and then the Rewind button to reset the simulation. Hit the Play button to run the simulation.
Note: You can drag the slider + or – to speed up or slow down the simulation.
Select the Cut Part Render icon again on the Top Level Palette to exit the simulation. Notice that a Drilling icon appears on Tile 1 of the Operations List. The Operations List contains the final output.
Only the information from the Operations List will be included in the final output. Drag Tile 1 from the Process List to the Trash Can.
The Process dialog box will appear. Enter the values as shown.
Close the dialog box. Hold down the control key and select the 4 corner points as shown.
To simulate this operation select the Cut Part Render icon from the Top Level Palette.
The Render Controls will appear. Hit the Stop button and then the Rewind button to reset the simulation. Hit the Play button to run the simulation.
You are now ready to post-process the output. Select the Post icon from the Top Level Palette.
Select the Post Processor Selection button.
The Open Post File Selection Box will appear. See your instructor or system administrator for the location and name of the Post File you will use. Select the file and click on Open.
Select the Program Name Button.
The Save NC File dialog box will appear. Enter DRILLING in the File name box and choose NC files (*.NCF) as the Save as type. Click on Save. This is the file that will be downloaded to the CNC mill to machine this part.
Select the Text Window button to view the CNC code.
Notes:
1. Clicking on the Process button would update an older file with the same name.
2. The .NCF file can be opened and edited in many NC editing programs such as Gibbs Editor.
Close the Post Processor dialog box.
This completes the exercise. Save the file. Choose File-Save from the Main Menu.
