Dolphin PartMaster Wire EDM · The wire path that you have programmed can be displayed in various...

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Dolphin PartMaster Wire EDM Copyright © 2000-2017 Dolphin CADCAM Systems Ltd.

This document is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part,

be copied or reproduced in any form, or by any means without the prior written consent of Dolphin

CadCam Systems Ltd.

Dolphin CadCam Systems Ltd. Makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents

hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of fitness for any particular purpose. The information

in this documentation and the software programmes to which it refers are subject to change without

notice.

Dolphin CadCam Systems Ltd. assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this

document.

Dolphin CadCam Systems Ltd.

13, Silverwood Road,

Kilmarnock. KA3 6LS

Scotland.

Tel +44 (0)1563 543989

Fax +44 (0)1563 530874

Email [email protected]

Revision – Mar 2017 V14.1 -1a

mailto:[email protected]

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Table Of Contents

Dolphin PartMaster Wire EDM ...................................................... 1

Table Of Contents ......................................................................... 2

Screen Layout ............................................................................... 6

Toolbar Overview .......................................................................... 8

Program Operations ...................................................................... 9

Geometry Definitions ................................................................... 10

Geometry Display ........................................................................ 11

Status Panel ................................................................................ 15

Creating Programs ...................................................................... 16

Machining operations .................................................................. 18

Machining - Origin ....................................................................... 18

Machining - Goto ........................................................................ 18

Machining - Gohome .................................................................. 19

Machining - Single Contour ........................................................ 20

Machining - Single Contour – Approach Move ........................... 25

Machining - Single Contour – Rough Cut ................................... 26

Machining - Single Contour – Middle Cut ................................... 27

Machining - Single Contour – Finish Cut .................................... 28

Machining - Single Contour – Tag .............................................. 29

Machining - Single Contour – Repeat ......................................... 31

Machining - Single Contour – Mirror ........................................... 33

Machining - Double Contour – Approach Move .......................... 39

Machining - Double Contour – Rough Cut .................................. 40

Machining - Double Contour – Middle Cut .................................. 41

Machining - Double Contour – Finish Cut ................................... 42

Machining - Double Contour – Tag ............................................. 43

Machining - Double Contour – Repeat ....................................... 45

Machining - Double Contour – Mirror .......................................... 47

Machining - Step and Repeat ..................................................... 48

Machining - Step and Repeat - Arc ............................................. 50

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Machining - Step and Repeat - Mirror ......................................... 51

Machining - Step and Repeat - Rotate ....................................... 52

Machining - Step and Repeat - Scale ......................................... 53

Machining - Step and Repeat - Translate .................................... 54

Machining - Step and Repeat - Subroutines ................................ 55

Machining – Insert text ................................................................ 57

Machining – Edit Notes ............................................................... 58

Machining – Edit Synch points .................................................... 61

Machining – Post-Processing ...................................................... 63

Main Menu .................................................................................. 64

File - New .................................................................................... 65

File - Open .................................................................................. 65

File - Save ................................................................................... 66

File – Save as ............................................................................. 66

File – Import ................................................................................ 67

File – Export ................................................................................ 68

File – Print ................................................................................... 69

File – Print preview ...................................................................... 69

File – Print setup ......................................................................... 69

File – Send as Mail ...................................................................... 70

File – Send Program to .. ............................................................ 70

Edit - Undo .................................................................................. 71

Edit - Cut ..................................................................................... 71

Edit - Copy .................................................................................. 71

Edit - Paste.................................................................................. 71

Edit – Select all ........................................................................... 72

Edit – Find ................................................................................... 72

Edit – Replace ............................................................................. 72

Edit – Repeat edit ........................................................................ 72

Edit – Notes................................................................................. 72

Edit – Geometry .......................................................................... 72

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Edit – Nc Program ....................................................................... 73

Edit – Post Processor .................................................................. 73

The Setup Menu .......................................................................... 74

Setup Machine tool...................................................................... 74

Setup Machine - Wire .................................................................. 76

Setup Machine - Defaults ............................................................ 77

Setup Machine - Conversion ....................................................... 78

Setup Machine – UV Path Generation ......................................... 79

Setup Machine – 1st Span ........................................................... 79

Setup Machine – Load Setup ...................................................... 80

Setup Machine – Save Setup ...................................................... 80

Setup Machine – This Job ........................................................... 80

Execute – Simulate .................................................................... 81

Execute – Faster ........................................................................ 81

Execute – Slower ....................................................................... 81

Execute – Post Process ............................................................. 81

View – Toolbars ......................................................................... 82

View – Zoom .............................................................................. 82

View – Preferences .................................................................... 83

View – Preferences - Angles ...................................................... 84

View – Preferences - Colours ..................................................... 85

View – Preferences - Distance ................................................... 86

View – Preferences – Feed per Minute ...................................... 86

View – Preferences – Folders .................................................... 87

View – Preferences – Fonts ....................................................... 88

View – Preferences – Tabs ........................................................ 89

View – Preferences – User name ............................................... 89

View – Preferences – Tuning ..................................................... 90

View – Preferences – Limits ....................................................... 91

View – Animate .......................................................................... 91

View – Animate .......................................................................... 92

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View – Notes .............................................................................. 92

View – Customise....................................................................... 92

Window menu ............................................................................. 92

Help menu ................................................................................... 93

Help – Help Topics ...................................................................... 93

Help – What’s New ...................................................................... 93

Help – About Dwes...................................................................... 93

Help – Activate License ............................................................... 94

Help – Change License ............................................................... 95

Help – Thumbnails ...................................................................... 95

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Screen Layout

All of the individual panes of the above display screen can be re-sized by dragging

the bordering bars. Toolbars can be switched on and off by means of the commands

under the View menu

Main Menu The main menu consists of a series of 8 menus which control

all aspects of the Dolphin Wire Erosion system

Toolbars The toolbars contain buttons which offer quick access to

the main functions. All of these operations are also

available via the menus.

Geometry Definitions

area

This area is used to display all the contours that you have

defined within the program, either by importation from an

external source such as a DXF file or by linking from a

Dolphin PartMaster Drawing.

Program Operations

area

This area is used to display all the machining operations that

you have defined by means of the Machining Menu or the

by the buttons in the Operations Toolbar

Graphic Display area This area is used to display the geometry that you have

imported. The wire paths and machining sequences that

you define are also displayed here

Geometry

definitions

Program

operations such

as Goround,

Goto, etc,

Main Graphics Area –

displaying geometry

and wire paths

NC code area – only

seen after Post

processing

Status Panel

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Edit Area This area is used to display the NC code generated when

the program is executed via one of the post processors.

Status Panel The Status panel contains a constantly updated display of

various parameters for the current program.

Status Bar The Status bar shows information about the button or menu

field which lies under the cursor.

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Toolbar Overview

The Dolphin PartMaster Wire Erosion System has two main toolbars as shown below:

TOP TOOLBAR

MACHINING OPERATIONS TOOLBAR

TOP TOOLBAR This Toolbar contains commands concerned

with loading and saving programs, printing

and page setup together with icons which

control the screen presentation of geometry

and wirepaths and the simulation of programs.

MACHINING

OPERATIONS

TOOLBAR

This Toolbar contains commands to set up your

program and to define machining sequences.

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Program Operations

This part of the screen displays all the currently defined machining operations. As

each operation in the machining sequence is defined it is added to the bottom of

the list in the Program Operations Pane.

Activate/De-activate operation

Each operation is preceded by a box which contains either a tick or a cross. When

the operation is first defined the box is ticked, showing that the operation is activated.

If you wish to de-activate the operation, simply click on the box with the left hand

mouse button. Only those operations that are activated will be carried out when the

program is executed for a simulation or to produce NC code via the post processor.

Edit an operation

To edit an existing operation, double click on the entry with the left hand mouse

button. The Dialog that defines the operation will be displayed showing all the values

and parameters that you originally set. Make any necessary alterations and then click

on OK. Note that the alterations will NOT be carried out until the program has been

executed after the alteration.

Errors within a sequence

If the operation icon is followed by a question mark, it means that Partmaster has

found a problem within the operation during execution. Use the Edit procedure as

shown above, to correct the error.

Re-order operation sequence

To re-order the operations simply click on the text part of the entry and, holding down

the mouse button, drag the operation to the required position within the sequence.

Upon release of the mouse button the operation will be placed in the new position

within the list and the entries will be automatically re-numbered.

Delete operation sequence

To delete an operation from the sequence simply click on the text part of the entry

and hit the delete key on the keyboard or select Cut from the Edit Menu.

Insert operation into sequence

A new operation is always added to the bottom of the sequence. Define the

operation as required and then use Re-Order as described above to move the

operation to the required position.

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Geometry Definitions

This part of the screen displays the names of all the geometry definitions (contours)

that have been found within the current drawing. The tick box on the left hand side

enables you to switch on or off the display of any contour. Note that this function

does NOT delete the contour.

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Geometry Display

This part of the screen is used to display the geometry which defines the workpiece. It

is also used to simulate the wire path when the program is executed.

The display options are accessed via the View Menu or via the

buttons on the main toolbar. A click with the

RIGHT HAND mouse button in the display area may also be used to call the Display

Options Dialog (see below)

Geometry Display

The geometry that you have imported can be displayed in one oftwo view directions

as follows:

Isometric. The button on

the main toolbar is a shortcut

for this option.

For a two axis job: If you have

defined a height for the

contour (either in the

PartMaster drawing or in the

Machining - Single Contour

dialog) then both the top and

bottom of the contour will be

displayed.

For a four axis job: Both the

bottom and top contours will

be displayed at the height

defined in the PartMaster

drawing or in the Machining -

Double Contour dialog.

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Plan view (XY). The button

on the main toolbar is a

shortcut for this option.

For a four axis job: both the

bottom and top contours will

be displayed

Wire Path Display

The wire path that you have programmed can be displayed in various ways:

Animate. The button

on the main toolbar is a

shortcut for this option.

If this option is switched on

then the wire path will be

simulated by a moving

picture which shows the

progress of the wire around

the contour(s) to be cut.

Without animation, the wire

path (top and bottom

contours) is shown, with the

wire shown only at

geometry change points.

OTHER DISPLAY OPTIONS:

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If you click with the RIGHT HAND mouse button when the cursor is within

the graphic display area the following menu is displayed:

Wire Drawing: Centre Line Only - Animate Wire path

Centre Line Only is the equivalent of setting the Animate button

to off.

Animate Wire Path is equivalent of setting the Animate button

to on

Geometry:

Enable "Tool Tips" This option enables the display of Note data

which may be attatched to geometry points See Machining -

Edit Notes

Show span end Points all the geometry points within the

displayed contours are marked with a diamond

Show geometry names the names of all the geometry contours

are displayed next to the shape

Number spans the individual elements that make up the contour

(lines, arcs etc.) are numbered consecutively, starting from one,

in the direction in which the contour was defined

Show span directions direction arrows are added to each span

to show the direction in which they were defined.

Display Contours:

Show all contours This option will display all the contours that are

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defined within the job, wether or not they are the subject of a

machining operation

Show only contours with wire path data This option will display

only those contours which are the subject of a machining

operation

Elevation:

Isometric This shows the selected contours and wire paths in

Isometric view. It is the equivalent of the button

Plan This shows the selected contours and wire paths in plan

view. It is the equivalent of the button

ZY Elevation This option shows the geometry and wire paths in

side view

ZX Elevation This option shows the geometry and wire paths in

front view

The colours of the various elements of the display can be set using the Colour tab of

the Preferences dialog on the View Menu.

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Status Panel

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Creating Programs

There are two methods of using the PartMaster Wire EDM Module.

The first method is to link to the Wire EDM from PartMaster CAD, having drawn the

required geometry and created contours in the CAD system you can save the

drawing file and then from the main menu choose Machining > Wire EDM, you will

then be presented with the dialogue box :-

This Setup box allows you to enter details such as the Part description, Part Number,

Program Number etc, the Z height is a nominal value that will allow you see the

graphics in ISO mode with a depth. The Program and Part numbers will normally be

output at the beginning of your Gcode file after you have post processed, this will be

dependant on the post processor you are using.

When you have entered the details and clicked OK you will see the main screen as

described earlier, the Geometry window will contain the names of the contours you

created in the CAD system, for each contour a Goround command will be created in

the Program Operations window described earlier. The Goround command is the

major command used for all contouring operations either 2 Axis, Taper or 4 Axis

cutting. To modify the Goround command double click the entry. Full details can be

found on the appropriate page in this manual.

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The second method is to invoke the Wire EDM module from the desktop, you will be

presented with the following screen :-

You can now choose the following options to create a new job :-

1. File > Import – to import the geometry from a previously created drawing

2. From the Machining operations toolbar choose Goround etc to complete the

job as required.

It can be seen that the preferred method is to invoke the Wire EDM module from the

CAD system as this automates the entire process.

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Machining operations

MACHINING OPERATIONS TOOLBAR

Machining - Origin

The button on the Machining operations toolbar is a shortcut for this command.

This menu field inserts an Origin command into the Program Operations list.

The Origin dialog allows you to define the position of the origin in the XY and UV axes

(if applicable) and also to allocate a work register number if required. The command

has the effect of moving the position of all suceeding cutting operations to the new

oprigin position.

Machining - Goto


This menu field causes the wire to be moved to the position specified within the

dialog.



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The coordinates of the required position are entered in the X, Y, U and V fields.

If the Absolute tick box is checked then the positions will be taken as absolute values

from the current origin. If the box is unticked then the position will be taken as relative

to the current wire position.

The Rapid tick box enables you to make the move at rapid feed i.e a positioning

rather than a cutting move.

Machining - Gohome


This menu field causes the wire to be moved to the specified home position at X0, Y0,

U0, V0.

As can be seen from the Dialog, the way that this command is interpreted depends

entirely upon the post processor settings.

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Machining - Single Contour


This menu field calls the Goround command dialog for a single contour (2-axis

cutting). Note that two axis cutting includes cutting with various defined angles - i.e

all shapes whose geometry is defined by one contour with or without angle and

radius options. Four axis cutting applies to those shapes which are defined by two

separate top and bottom contours.

Programming mode: sets the programe output to Single contour mode (one

contour with or without angle and radius options) or Double contour mode

(two separate top and bottom contours). Single Contour mode will be pre-

selected. NOTE a single contour may be changed into a double contour job

by means of the UV scale, rotate command.

Geometry: Allows you to choose the XY contour which will be the subject of

the machining operation. Place your cursor in the field and enter the name

of the required contour.

The button enables you to use the cursor to pick a contour directly from

the screen. If you click on the button, the dialog will be temporarily removed

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and the cursor will be placed in the display screen. Move the cursor over the

required contour and click with the left hand mouse button. The dialog will

re-appear with the name of the contour entered in the appropriate field.

Z-thickness: This field allows you to enter the height of the job which is to be

cut. This height will be used by the graphic display to trace out the top wire

path. The Z height of the job MAY be used by the post processor - what

effect this has on the job (generator settings, offsets etc.) is dependant upon

the post processor configuration. The Z-height is also used to define the top

(UV) contour position when in Double Contour mode.

Cutting Direction: Forward or Reverse: This refers to the cutting direction

relative to the direction in which the contour was defined (forward means as

defined).

Offset: None, Left Right: These options define on which side of the nominal

path the offset (and/or spark gap) will be calculated. They are also used to

output the appropriate machining offset code (normally G40, G41 or G42).

The path that is output by the postprocessor will already be altered to take

account of the wire diameter and spark gap so that the correction value of

the machine register should be set to zero. However, having the correction

code in the program enables you to fine tune the correction amount to

achieve the finished dimensions accurately.

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Machining - Single Contour - Options

This tab enables you to set up a range of options which will modify the Goround

command defined on the Goround tab.

Initial Wire Inclination: sets the initial wire angle if required. This angle will normally

be progressively applied along the approach moves (lead-in) so that it is fully

effective at the first point of the contour.

Pilot: There are two methods of defining a pilot hole (a pre-drilled position

through which the wire is threaded, and from where cutting will begin. If a pilot

hole is not specified by either method, cutting will begin exactly at the first point

ogf the contour (which is unlikely to be usable).

Specify Pilot Hole Position relative to contour start point: This defines

the pilot hole as a distance (measured at right angles to the first

contour span) from the start point (first point of the contour as

defined). The side of the contour at which the pilot position will be

set is dependant upon the setting for correction direction ( left, right)

which was set on the Goround page of this dialog. This command will

also overide any pilot hole specified by a $P note (see below). This

option is NOT available if the correction direction is set to None.

Use pre-defined Pilot Hole Position ($P note): This option will take the

pilot hole position from a point marked in the drawing with a $P

note. Pre-Drill pilot hole: This tick box outputs a pre-drill option (using the

ersosion machine) at the position specified by one of the two

options above.

Reverse Direction on Alternate Passes: This field allows you to reverse the

direction of cut when successive passes have been enabled using the 2nd. cut

and 3rd. cut option tabs of this dialog.

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Machining - Single Contour –Lead In / Out

This tab enables you to define one or more moves which will be used to approach or

leave the contour.

Lead in Type: There are three options available to define the approach move to

the contour. These moves will start at the pilot position. the moves are used to

implement the application of the wire diameter offset and any angles before the

first point of the contour is reached. With complex angles it is sometimes

necessary to have more than one element in order to fully apply the correction

and any angles that may be required, before the start position is reached.

Linear: This defines the approach move as being a linear element

from the pilot hole to the start position, at right angles to the first

contour element. No further parameter definition is required.

Linear plus arc: This option will generate a linear move followed by

an arc of the specified radius which will be tangent to the first

element of the contour at the start point. This approach is

generally used to minimise any machining marks at the start/end

points of the contour. The radius of the lead in must be entered as

a parameter.

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Rectangle plus arc: This option is similar to the linear plus arc

approach but will insert an additional element at right angles to

the approach direction, in effect procucing a rectangle which

runs into an arc, tangent to the first contour element at the start

point. The reasons for using this approach are similar to those for

the linear plus arc approach. The width of the rectangle and the

radius of the arc must be entered as parameters.

Lead out type: These options are exactly the same as those for the lead in but are

applied as a lead-out from the last point of the contour, back to the pilot

position.

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Machining - Single Contour – Approach Move

This tab enables you to define the cutting parameters which will be used for the

approach move to the contour.

Approach Move: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the cutting

parameters which are used for the approach move to the contour.

Finish allowance: This field defines the amount of material that will

be left on the contour (after correction for wire diameter and

spark gap). It is normally used to provide a finishing allowance that

will be removed by subsequent cuts but can also be used to

provide clearance between fitting male and female parts. A

negative amount is allowed which will cut a cavity oversize or a

male part undersize.

Generator settings: These fields can be used to define generator

settings that will be output in the programme.

Offset Register: This field allows you to address an offset register

that will be used to calculate the wire path correction. This may

be used as an alternative to defining the wire diameter, spark gap

and finishing allowance or it may be used in addition to these.

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Machining - Single Contour – Rough Cut

This tab enables you to define the cutting parameters which will be used for the first or

roughing cut around the contour.

Enable Rough cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the

cutting parameters which are used for the first or roughing cut around the

contour.









settings that will be output in the program.




and finishing allowance or may be used in addition to these.

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Machining - Single Contour – Middle Cut


second or middle cut around the contour.

Enable Middle cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the

cutting parameters which are used for the middle or second cut around the

contour.

Finish allowance: This field defines the ammount of material that

will be left on the contour (after correction for wire diameter and




negative ammount is allowed which will cut a cavity oversize or a








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Machining - Single Contour – Finish Cut

This tab enables you to define the cutting parameters which will be used for the third

or finishing cut around the contour.

Enable Finish cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the cutting

parameters which are used for the finish or third cut around the contour. Note

that this option will always be activated automatically.














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Machining - Single Contour – Tag

This tab enables you to define a stop position at a specified distance before the end

of the contour.

Cutoff Settings: this field allows you to define a stop position at a specified

distance before the end of the contour. This option has two main uses:

In conjunction with a single cut: It allows you to stop the machine

before the end position and thus before the inside shape falls. The

falling piece may then be secured in position before the machine

is re-started for the final cut. The cutting parameters (generator

settings and offset register) may also be set separately for this final

cut.

In conjunction with multiple cuts: The cut off position is used to

hold the inside piece in position thus enabling a series of cuts

(normally with alternate reverse directions) to be made

automatically. It is most often used in this mode to produce

stamps or other male forms. When all the other cuts have been

completed a cut-off pass is made to finish the job. The cutting

parameters (generator settings and offset register) may also be set

separately for this pass.

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Machining - Single Contour – UV - Scale, Rotate

This tab enables you to define a top contour as a shifted, rotated or scaled version of

the bottom (XY) contour.

UV Scale, Rotate etc: these fields allow you to define a new top (UV) contour as

a variant of a previously defined XY contour. The end effect is that the job can

then be cut in full double contour (4 axis) mode. Only those operations that are

activated in the tick box will be carried out.

Translate UV co-ordinates: defines the position of the UV co-

ordinates, relative to the original XY co-ordinates.

Rotate UV co-ordinates: rotates the new UV contour relative to the

XY contour about the defined position by the specified angle

Scale UV co-ordinates: scales the new UV contour relative to the

XY contour about the defined position by the specified scaling

factor

Machining - Single Contour – Repeat

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This tab enables you to cut a complete shape (for example a gear wheel) by

defining one element or tooth and rotating it around a defined centre pont.

.

Repeat the Geometry around an Arc: these fields allow you to define a new

contour by repeating an individual element around a defined centre point.

Although the Dialog specifically mentions gear teeth, the element to be

repeated may be any shape. It is up to you to ensure that the end point of one

element is coincident with the start point of the next.

Number of teeth to produce: This sets the total number of elements

to be produced. Note that this field, in conjunction with the

Angular spacing field, allows you to produce repeats around a

complete circle or any part of a circle.

Angular spacing: rotates the next repeat by this angular ammount

about the centre.

X Centre, Y Centre: defines the position about which the rotation

will take place

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Machining - Single Contour – Mirror

This tab enables you to cut a complete shape by defining one quarter or one half of

the shape and then applying a mirror image in either the X or Y axes (or both).

Mirror the Geometry: these fields allow you to define a new contour by applying

a mirror image to the contour in either the X or Y axes (or both). You do not have

to specify if the defined geometry represents a quarter or a half of the complete

job because the system will automatically sort this out.

Mirror at X: This field enables you to set the position in the X axis at

which the mirror will take place.

Mirror at Y: This field enables you to set the position in the Y axis at

which the mirror will take place..

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Machining - Double Contour – 4 Axis mode


This menu field calls the Goround command dialog for a double contour (4-axis

cutting). Four axis cutting applies to those shapes which are defined by two separate

top and bottom contours.

Programming mode: sets the programe output to Double contour mode (two

separate top and bottom contours). Double Contour mode will be pre-selected.

NOTE a single contour may be changed into a double contour job by means of

the UV scale, rotate command.

Geometry: Allows you to choose the XY and UV contours which will be the

subject of the machining operation. Place your cursor in the field and enter the

name of the required contour.

The button enables you to use the cursor to pick a contour directly from the

screen. If you click on the button, the dialog will be temporarily removed and the

cursor will be placed in the display screen. Move the cursor over the required

contour and click with the left hand mouse button. The dialog will re-appear with

the name of the contour entered in the appropriate field.

35

Z-thickness: This field allows you to enter the height of the job which is to be cut.

This height will be used by the graphic display to trace out the top wire path. The

Z-height is used to define the top (UV) contour position when in Double Contour

mode.

Cutting Direction: Forward or Reverse: This refers to the cutting direction relative

to the direction in which the contour was defined (forward means as defined).

Offset: None, Left Right: These options define on which side of the nominal path

the offset (and/or spark gap) will be calculated. They are also used to output the

appropriate machining offset code (normally G40, G41 or G42). The path that is

output by the postprocessor will already be altered to take account of the wire

diameter and spark gap so that the correction value of the machine register

should be set to zero. However, having the correction code in the program

enables you to fine tune the correction amount to achieve the finished

dimensions accurately.

36

Machining - Double Contour - Options

This tab enables you to set up a range of options which will modify the Goround

command defined on the Goround tab.

Initial Wire Inclination: sets the initial wire angle if required. This angle will normally

be progressively applied along the approach moves (lead-in) so that it is fully

effective at the first point of the contour.

Pilot: There are two methods of defining a pilot hole (a pre-drilled position

through which the wire is threaded, and from where cutting will begin. If a pilot

hole is not specified by either method, cutting will begin exactly at the first point

ogf the contour (which is unlikely to be usable).

Specify Pilot Hole Position relative to contour start point: This

defines the pilot hole as a distance (measured at right angles to

the first contour span) from the start point (first point of the contour

as defined). The side of the contour at which the pilot position will

be set is dependant upon the setting for correction direction ( left,

right) which was set on the Goround page of this dialog. This

command will also overide any pilot hole specified by a $P note

(see below). This option is NOT available if the correction direction

is set to None.

Use pre-defined Pilot Hole Position ($P note): This option will take

the pilot hole position from a point marked in the drawing with a

$P note. For further details of drawing notes click here

Pre-Drill pilot hole: This tick box outputs a pre-drill option (using the

ersosion machine) at the position specified by one of the two

options above.

Reverse Direction on Alternate Passes: This field allows you to reverse the

direction of cut when successive passes have been enabled using the 2nd. cut

and 3rd. cut option tabs of this dialog.

ChrisHelp%20FilesNewWes%20Helpdrawing_wire_notes

37

Machining - Double Contour –Lead In / Out

This tab enables you to define one or more moves which will be used to approach or

leave the contour.

Lead in Type: There are three options available to define the approach move to

the contour. These moves will start at the pilot position. the moves are used to

implement the application of the wire diameter offset and any angles before the

first point of the contour is reached. With complex angles it is sometimes

necessary to have more than one element in order to fully apply the correction

and any angles that may be required, before the start position is reached.

Linear: This defines the approach move as being a linear element

from the pilot hole to the start position, at right angles to the first

contour element. No further parameter definition is required.

Linear plus arc: This option will generate a linear move followed by

an arc of the specified radius which will be tangent to the first

element of the contour at the start point. This approach is

generally used to minimise any machining marks at the start/end

points of the contour. The radius of the lead in must be entered as

a parameter.

38

Rectangle plus arc: This option is similar to the linear plus arc

approach but will insert an additional element at right angles to

the approach direction, in effect procucing a rectangle which

runs into an arc, tangent to the first contour element at the start

point. The reasons for using this approach are similar to those for

the linear plus arc approach. The width of the rectangle and the

radius of the arc must be entered as parameters.

Lead out type: These options are exactly the same as those for the lead in but are

applied as a lead-out from the last point of the contour, back to the pilot

position.

39

Machining - Double Contour – Approach Move


approach move to the contour.

Approach Move: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the cutting

parameters which are used for the approach move to the contour.













and finishing allowance or it may be used in addition to these.

40

Machining - Double Contour – Rough Cut

This tab enables you to define the cutting parameters which will be used for the first or

roughing cut around the contour.

Enable Rough cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the

cutting parameters which are used for the first or roughing cut around the

contour.









settings that will be output in the program.





41

Machining - Double Contour – Middle Cut


second or middle cut around the contour.

Enable Middle cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the

cutting parameters which are used for the middle or second cut around the

contour.














42

Machining - Double Contour – Finish Cut

This tab enables you to define the cutting parameters which will be used for the third

or finishing cut around the contour.

Enable Finish cut: If this tick box is activated you will be able to specify the cutting

parameters which are used for the finish or third cut around the contour. Note

that this option will always be activated automatically.














43

Machining - Double Contour – Tag

This tab enables you to define a stop position at a specified distance before the end

of the contour.

Cutoff Settings: this field allows you to define a stop position at a specified

distance before the end of the contour. This option has two main uses:

In conjunction with a single cut: It allows you to stop the machine

before the end position and thus before the inside shape falls. The

falling piece may then be secured in position before the machine

is re-started for the final cut. The cutting parameters (generator

settings and offset register) may also be set separately for this final

cut.

In conjunction with multiple cuts: The cut off position is used to

hold the inside piece in position thus enabling a series of cuts

(normally with alternate reverse directions) to be made

automatically. It is most often used in this mode to produce

stamps or other male forms. When all the other cuts have been

completed a cut-off pass is made to finish the job. The cutting

parameters (generator settings and offset register) may also be set

separately for this pass.

45

Machining - Double Contour – UV - Scale, Rotate

This tab enables you to define a top contour as a shifted, rotated or scaled version of

the bottom (XY) contour.

UV Scale, Rotate etc: these fields allow you to define a new top (UV) contour as

a variant of a previously defined XY contour. The end effect is that the job can

then be cut in full double contour (4 axis) mode. Only those operations that are

activated in the tick box will be carried out.

Translate UV co-ordinates: defines the position of the UV co-

ordinates, relative to the original XY co-ordinates.

Rotate UV co-ordinates: rotates the new UV contour relative to the

XY contour about the defined position by the specified angle

Scale UV co-ordinates: scales the new UV contour relative to the

XY contour about the defined position by the specified scaling

factor

Machining - Double Contour – Repeat

46

This tab enables you to cut a complete shape (for example a gear wheel) by

defining one element or tooth and rotating it around a defined centre pont.

.

Repeat the Geometry around an Arc: these fields allow you to define a new

contour by repeating an individual element around a defined centre point.

Although the Dialog specifically mentions gear teeth, the element to be

repeated may be any shape. It is up to you to ensure that the end point of one

element is coincident with the start point of the next.

Number of teeth to produce: This sets the total number of elements

to be produced. Note that this field, in conjunction with the

Angular spacing field, allows you to produce repeats around a

complete circle or any part of a circle.

Angular spacing: rotates the next repeat by this angular ammount

about the centre.

X Centre, Y Centre: defines the position about which the rotation

will take place

47

Machining - Double Contour – Mirror

This tab enables you to cut a complete shape by defining one quarter or one half of

the shape and then applying a mirror image in either the X or Y axes (or both).

Mirror the Geometry: these fields allow you to define a new contour by applying

a mirror image to the contour in either the X or Y axes (or both). You do not have

to specify if the defined geometry represents a quarter or a half of the complete

job because the system will automatically sort this out.

Mirror at X: This field enables you to set the position in the X axis at

which the mirror will take place.

Mirror at Y: This field enables you to set the position in the Y axis at

which the mirror will take place..

48

Machining - Step and Repeat


This menu field calls the Step & Repeat/Mirror dialog.

NOTES ABOUT STEP & REPEAT

Generally any of the Step & Repeat functions will repeat the machining operation complete with its

own pilot position at each of the defined repeat positions. It will then produce a rapid (non-cutting)

move to the start position of the next repeat.

IF YOU WISH TO PRODUCE ONE CONTINUOUS PATH for example to produce a gear wheel by defining

the machining of one tooth and then rotating it about the gear wheel centre point then use the

Repeat function on either the Single Contour - Goround Dialogor the Double Contour - Goround

Dialog

Start repeat sequence - End Repeat: The Start Repeat Sequence command must be activated and

placed into the operations list before the first operation to be repeated and the End repeat must be

activated and placed into the operations list after the last operation to be repeated as shown in the

figure below. NOTE! the repeat will NOT be carried out until the End Repeat command is executed

(otherwise the system doesn't know what is to be repeated). All the operations within these two

commands will be repeated.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmachining_step_repeat.htmmap

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmachining_step_repeat.htmmap

49

Repeat on a Grid: This option allows you to repeat the current operation a set number of times along

the X and or the Y axis. You can also set the angle of the base (x) axis as well as the internal angle

between axes. Note that the number of repeats includes the original operation i.e set to 1 means no

repeat ALSO NOTE: rotating the base or internal axis does NOT rotate the operation itself (see below).

Repeat 4 at 20 in X - 2 at 10 in Y

Repeat 4 at 20 in X - 2 at 10 in Y - Angle relative

to X 15°

50

Machining - Step and Repeat - Arc

This page of the dialog enables you to repeat the operations around an arc or circle.

Repeat About an Arc: This command enbales you to repeat operations about a

defined centre point. The Repeats themselves may be rotated or they may mauntain

their original orientation.

The Repeat about an Arc function will repeat the machining operation complete with

its own pilot position at each of the defined repeat positions. It will then produce a

rapid (non-cutting) move to the start position of the next repeat.

IF YOU WISH TO PRODUCE ONE CONTINUOUS PATH for example to produce a gear

wheel by defining the machining of one tooth and then rotating it about the gear

wheel centre point then use the Repeat function on either the Single Contour -

Goround Dialog, or on the Double Contour - Goround Dialog.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_arc.htmmap

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51

Machining - Step and Repeat - Mirror

This page of the dialog enables you to mirror operations about the X and/or Y axes.

Mirror: This page of the dialog enables you to mirror operations about the X

and/or Y axes. Note that this command simply mirrors the operations but does

NOT repeat them.

When combined with other repeat operations (Repeat Grid, Repeat Arc etc.)

the mirror will be carried out first and the mirrored operations will then be

repeated, rotated etc as defined.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_mirror.htmmap

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_mirror.htmmap

52

Machining - Step and Repeat - Rotate

This page of the dialog enables you to rotate operations about a defined point.

Rotate: This page of the dialog enables you to rotate operations about a defined

point. Note that this command simply rotates the operations but does NOT

repeat them.


the rotation will be carried out first and the rotated operations will then be

repeated, rotated around a centre etc as defined.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_rotate.htmmap

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53

Machining - Step and Repeat - Scale

This page of the dialog enables you to scale operations about a defined point.

Details of the further tabs on this dialog can be reached by clicking on the

appropriate area of the graphic above or by clicking on the Previous and Next

buttons.

Scale: This page of the dialog enables you to scale operations about a defined

point. Note that this command simply scales the operations but does NOT repeat

them.


the scaling will be carried out first and the scaled operations will then be

repeated, rotated about a centre etc as defined.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_scale.htmmap

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54

Machining - Step and Repeat - Translate

This page of the dialog enables you to translate (shift) operations by a defined X

and/or Y distance.

Translate: This page of the dialog enables you to translate (shift) operations by a

defined X and/or Y distance. Note that this command simply moves the

operations but does NOT repeat them.


the translation will be carried out first and the translated operations will then be

repeated, rotated around a centre etc as defined.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllrepeat_translate.htmmap

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55

Machining - Step and Repeat - Subroutines


This menu field calls the Subroutine command dialog.

With this command you can specify and name a segment of the program to be

output as a subroutine. The machining sequences to be output within the

subroutine are begun by a Start Subroutine command which must be entered in

the machining operations list before the machining commands in question. The

subroutine is ended by an End Subroutine command which is entered in the

machining oiperations list after the last machining command. NOTE! the

Subroutine will NOT be executed until an Execute Subroutine command is

executed in the operations list (see below).

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmachining_subroutine.htmmap

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56

Execute subroutine: The second part of the dialog allows you to output the

Execute Subroutine command (which is not the same thing as defining a

subroutine). In addition you can enter the number of repeats required (if any).

The Options page of the dialog allows you to output a datum shift to be used

with the subroutine and up to six calling parameters

With this command you can specify a new origin to be used in conjunction with the

Execute Subroutine command. The lower part of the dialog allows you to specify up

to six pass parameters which will also be output with the command.

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmachining_subroutine_options.htmmap

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57

Machining – Insert text

This command can also be accessed via the button on the Machining

Operations Toolbar

With this command you can specify a remark or other text which will be inserted into

the NC code. The post processor must be setup to insert this text in the correct format,

many controllers required text to inserted within parentheses.

58

Machining – Edit Notes


Operations Toolbar

When a wire spark contour job is defined the start point, wire inclination and corner

radius type may be defined and altered by means of special NOTES which are usually

attatched to the contour when the drawing is prepared in the PartMaster CAD

system. Notes can however be both edited and added directly in the Wire Erosion

system by means if the Edit Note command on the Machining Menu. NOTE! notes can

only be added at geometry points that exist within the contour.

Synchonisation notes which connect pairs of points on the XY and UV contours of

double contour machining are edited or added using a separate command. See

Machining - Edit Synch Points

When the contour is displayed in the graphic display

area of the Wire Erosion screen all the geometry

points are marked with blue diamonds as shown

right:

NOTE! The display of this data can be switched on

and off by means of the Display Options dialog

If the Edit Note command is selected, the cursor

changes to a . Moving this cursor over any of the

geometry points will show the note (if any) which is

attatched to that point, as shown right:

NOTE! The display of this data can be switched on

and off by means of the Display Options dialog

Clicking on the geometry point with the left hand mouse button when the label is displayed will

open a dialog showing the parameters and options that have been set for the point. These

parameters can then be edited or changed as desired. If the point selected has no note

attatched a note may be added by means of the same procedure.

59

THE EDIT NOTE DIALOG

UV path Generation: There are three options in this part of the dialog.

Constant UV offset ON: This option has the effect of locking the UV offsets

(relative to the XY wire path) to the value that they have at the point that the

note is applied. It is intended for use when a constant draught angle in one

direction needs to be applied to a complex contour (or part of one) without

having to enter hundreds of notes. A typical use would be to produce a

chasing tool tip for turning. An example is shown below:

Constant UV offset OFF: This option has the effect of unlocking the UV offsets

that have been previously locked. Cutting reverts to normal mode.

No change in UV offset calculation method: This is the pre-set option for nomal

cutting mode.

Corner Option: PartMaster can machine external sharp corners either by rolling the wire around

the corner or by extending the tool path to the intersection point. It defaults to rolling around

external sharp corners. The default value may be altered on the Default page of the Setep -

Machine Dialog

60

Radius Option: This field allows you to set the corner condition when machining in two axis mode

with a wire angle. The default value may be altered on the Default page of the Setep - Machine

Dialog

Change Wire Angle: This command allows you to set or change the wire angle at the indicated

point. There are two modes of implementation:

With XY Movement: This option has the effect of changing the wire angle

gradually from the previous geometry point, so that it reaches the desired

value at the point indicated.

Without XY Movement: This option has the effect of setting the wire angle to the

indicated at the point selected. It produces a sudden change of angle at the

point with no movement along the contour.

Miscellany - Machine Stop: This option outputs a machine stop command (M00) at the

indicated position

61

Machining – Edit Synch points


Operations Toolbar

Synchonisation notes are special notes which connect pairs of points on the XY and

UV contours of double contour machining. They can be added to the drawing in the

PartMaster CAD system but they can also be aaded or edited by means of the

Machining - Edit Synch Points command. The purpose of Synch Points is to force the

wire to pass through point pairs defined on the bottom and top contours,

simultaneously, so as to control the development of the shape between the two

contours. Depending upon the synch points set, the shape cut can be very different.

Synch points may also be added directly in the PartMaster drawing.

If synchronisation notes are not used at all and even if they are, then

between synch notes the system uses simple built in synchronisation rules to

match the top and bottom contours.

1. If the number of spans (arcs and lines) on each contour (i.e. top and

bottom) is the same then the system machines them with a one to

one correspondence. This produces the same result as if matching

pairs of synch notes had been attached to the end of every arc and

line in the top and bottom contours.

2. If the system cannot match the number of spans on top and bottom

contours it calculates the length of each contour and then inserts

synch points such that the wire is moved pro rata along both top and

bottom contours until it encounters the next actual synch point (or the

end of the shape).

3. If the system is forced to use the second synchronisation rule above

then any arcs encountered are vectored (split into a number of lines).

The Arc Vector tolerance field on the Setup - Machine Tool Dialog sets

the maximum deviation of these lines from the true curve.

62

When using the Edit Synch Points function it is usually better to make sure that the

contours are drawn in plan view. When the icon or menu field is chosen a diaolg is

displayed which invites you to pick the bottom and top contours to which the synch

points will attatched:

The button enables you to use the cursor to pick a contour directly from the

screen. If you click on the button, the dialog will be temporarily removed and the

cursor will be placed in the display screen. Move the cursor over the required contour

and click with the left hand mouse button. The dialog will re-appear with the name of

the contour entered in the appropriate field. When both contours have been

chosen, click on the OK button.

As you move the

cursor over the screen

near the bottom contour,

each point within the

geometry which could be

used as a sych point will

be highlighted with a red

cross. If you click with the

left hand mouse button,

the screen cursor will lock

on to the nearest

highlighted point.

As you move the cursor a

line will extend from the

point on the bottom

contour and jump to the

point on the top contour

that is nearest to the

cursor, as shown right.

When the line is at the

correct point, a further

click with the mouse

button will draw a line

between the two points

which will then function as

a synch point pair. The

mode will then switch

back to the bottom

contour enabling you to

select the next point pair.

This can be repeated as

often as necessary to get

the shape that you want.

NOTE: The Synch points that are defined using the above method cannot be edited

individually. If you have made a mistake, you must start again. Note that it is also

allowed to attatch two lines to the same point, either on the top or bottom contour.

63

Machining – Post-Processing

The post process button on the operations toolbar is a shortcut for this command.

When you have completed your program, you will then need to produce a file with

the NC code necessary for the machine tool. This is accomplished by means of a post

processor. The required post processor can be selected by means of the dialog

shown above. The post-processor you use will depend on what machine tool you

have.

64

Main Menu

The main menu bar consists of a series of 8 menus which control all aspects of Dolphin

Wire Erosion

Please see the following pages for further information on each menu item.

FILE This menu contains commands concerned with

loading and saving programs, printing and page

setup

EDIT

This menu contains commands to cut, copy and

paste information and also enables you to undo

unwanted operations or mistakes and to edit the

postprocessor

SETUP This menu enables you to set up the main machine

parameters including the standard postprocessor,

wire diameter, wire gaps etc.

MACHINING This menu contains all the options necessary to

define machining sequences.

VIEW

The view menu has two main functions: it allows you

to alter which screen elements are displayed

(toolbars etc.) and how the cursor appears, secondly

it controls the display of geometry and wirepath

simulation for the program that you have defined

EXECUTE This menu contains the options available for

simulating the program that you have defined and

for generating CNC code via a Postprocessor.

WINDOW This menu enables you to select which of the various

frames are displayed in the program window.

HELP Offers access to this help file and information about

Dolphin Wire Erosion (Version No. etc.)

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmenu_overview.htmmap

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelp_vti_binshtml.dllmenu_overview.htmmap

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpfile_menu.htm

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpedit_menu.htm

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpsetup_menu.htm

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpmachining_menu.htm

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpview_menu.htm

../ChrisHelp%20FilesPartMasterWesHelpexecute_menu.htm

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65

File - New

The button on the Top Toolbar is a shortcut for this command

The File - New command opens a new program. If a program is already open you will

be asked if you wish to save it before the new program is started.

File - Open


The File - Open command is used to load an existing PartMaster Wire EDM program. If

a program is currently loaded you will be asked if you wish to save it before the

selected program is loaded

The following dialog is displayed:

The dialog will automatically be set to the My Drawings folder. If the drawing that you

wish to load is not in this folder, use the arrow button to open the complete directory,

where you can select the folder that you want. Select the file name that you wish to

open and then click on the Open button.

66

File - Save


The File - Save command saves the current program to the name and directory

previously assigned without further comment. If the program has not been saved

previously, the File - Save command is equivalent to the File - Save As command

which will ask you to choose a folder and enter a name for the file. See File - Save As

File – Save as

The File - Save As command is used to save the current drawing to a name or folder

different to that which is currently assigned.

The following dialog will be displayed:

67

File – Import

The File - Import command is used to load an existing drawing. The file types currently

available are PartMaster drawings, Dolphin CAD version 4 drawings and DXF

drawings.


The dialog will automatically be set to the My Drawings folder. If the file that you wish

to load is not in this folder, use the mouse to open the complete directory, where you

can select the folder that you want. Select the file name that you wish to open and

then click on the Open button.

DXF IMPORT - When you import a DXF file, the elements within the drawing will be

handled in the following manner:

The drawing is scanned for POLYLINE features which have been imported as

"Contours" on the layer "PartMaster", if none are found, the system attempts to

create "Contours" from the available geometry.

This means that if the drawing has been prepared beforehand by using

POLYLINE's to identify the geometry to be imported, then the system will import

only the prepared geometry, otherwise it will attempt to import all available

geometry. (Maybe including the drawing frame and other undesired

features).

It is useful to note that if the export software that produced the DXF file has the

option to select Version 12 DXF then this is the recommended choice as this

option will export any NURBS as basic elements (lines, arcs etc) which can be

handled within Dolphin Wire Erosion for machining.

All suitable geometry is imported and assigned names based on the drawing

name, e.g. Drawing1_CURVE001, Drawing1_CURVE002 etc. This allows

geometry to be imported from multiple drawings without creating a naming

conflict.

If complex drawings (containing text, help lines, frames etc.) are imported with no

attempt to simplify the geometry held within them, the import routine may well find

that the geometry cannot be resolved in a satisfactory manner. In these cases the

recommended procedure is to open the DXF file within the Dolphin CAD system and

simplify the drawing as required.

68

File – Export

The File - Export command is used to save the current program in a range of external

formats (other than PartMaster). The file types currently available are Windows

enhanced Metafile and Text Files


The dialog will automatically be set to the My Drawings folder. If this is not the folder

where you wish to save the data, use the mouse to open the correct directory where

you wish to save the data. Input the file name that you wish to use and then click on

the Save button.

69

File – Print


The File - Print command sends the selected output to the printer. A dialog will be

opened where you can select the printer to be used (from the installed printers), the

print parameters to be used and also what you want to send to the printer.

What do you want to print: With this field you can select what you wish to print out

Edit Layout: This button enables you to set exactly what will printed as part of the

document that you have selected.

File – Print preview

The Print Preview command opens a new window which will display how the program

will look when it is printed with the current printer settings. The display will change

according to the data that you have selected to print in the Print command.

When you wish to revert to the normal Dolphin Wire Erosion screen, click on the Close

button.

File – Print setup

The Print Setup command opens the standard windows print dialog will be opened

where you can select the printer to be used and also set up the printing parameters.

The actual parameters and options that can be set will depend upon the printer.

70

File – Send as Mail

This will allow the current program to be emailed using the Email client installed on

your PC. When selected you will see this dialogue :-

Select which program you wish to send and click OK, your email client will be

activated and you can the recipient.

File – Send Program to ..

The File - Send NC Program to command is used to send the current NC program

(after it has been post processed) to a machine tool controller. The target is set to

that specified in the selected cfg program. The cfg (configuration program) is set

within the DComms module and specifies the target port (COM1, COM2 etc.), the

baud rate, data bits, stops bits and handshaking protocol to be used in the data

transfer.


The dialog will automatically be set to the ApplicationData folder. If the config file

that you wish to load is not in this folder, use the arrow button to open the complete

directory, where you can select the folder that you want. Select the configuration

program that you wish to use and then click on the Open button.

71

Edit - Undo

Edit - Undo reverses the operation of the last Edit command.

Edit - Cut

This command can also be accessed via the button on the Top Toolbar

Edit - Cut takes the marked text or program operation, deletes it from the file and

places it on the clipboard where it is available to be put back into the existing file or

another file by means of the Paste operation.

If the cursor is within the Edit NC area, this is where the cut operation will take place. If

the cursor is used to mark a machining operation within the Program Operations area

of the screen, the marked operation will be cut from the program. Note that Cut

does NOT operate within the Defined Geometry Pane.

Edit - Copy


The Edit -Copy command will copy either marked text (within the Edit NC area) or a

machining operation (within the Program Operations pane) onto the clipboard. This

information can be put back into the current program or another program by means

of the Edit - Paste command. Note that Edit - Copy does NOT work within the

Geometry Definitions pane.

Edit - Paste


The Edit - Paste command will copy the contents of the clipboard into the existing

program at the current cursor position. If the Cut or Copy operation was carried out

with a Program Operation marked then this information can be pasted into the

Program Operations pane - If the data that was copied was either Cut or Copied

from the NC code in the Edit NC Code area, then this can be pasted back into the

file at the cursor position. Text from an external file can also be pasted into the Edit

area.

72

Note that the program will NOT allow you to Cut or Copy information from the either

the Program Operations pane or the Edit NC Code area and then Paste it back into

the other pane - the information is not compatible.

Edit – Select all

The Edit - Select All command only works if the cursor is within the Edit NC Code area

of the screen. All the text within the pane is marked

Edit – Find

The Edit - Find command works only when the cursor is within the Edit NC Code area.

A Dialog is opened where you can specify the text that you wish to find. It is normally

used to find instances of a certain text string that you wish to edit.

Edit – Replace

The Edit - Replace command works only when the cursor is within the Edit NC Code

area. A Dialog is opened where you can specify the text that you wish to find and

replace. It is normally used to make global replacements of one text string with

another.

Edit – Repeat edit

The Edit - Repeat Edit command repeats the last edit command that was carried out.

Edit – Notes

Please see the section Machining – Edit Notes

Edit – Geometry

This will invoke the Geometry editor that can be used to create or modify geometry.

Please see the Geometry editor module for further information.

73

Edit – Nc Program

Once you have used a post processor to generate an NC program containing

machine specific code, you can use this command to place the screen cursor at the

top of the NC code within the Edit NC Code area of the screen.

USE WITH CARE

If the NC code is edited in this manner, please remember that it no longer matches

the defined program and the post-processor that was used. If the program is re-run in

the future the NC code generated will NOT be the same as the edited version.

Edit – Post Processor

The post processor is the program that converts the Partmaster program into the

machine specific NC code which is required by your chosen NC machine.

Using this command you can open the post processor definition file in the standard

Windows editor, enabling you to change any definitions that you want to.

USE WITH CARE

The post-processor should only be modified by competent persons.

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The Setup Menu

This menu gives you access to the machine tool and job setup pages.

Setup Machine tool

This command opens a dialog that enables you to set up a range of machine

parameters and default values.

Machine

name You can optionally allocate a name to the wire erosion machine

that you are going to use for the current job.

Post

Processor This field sets the name of the post processor that will be called

when you carry out an Execute - Post processor command to

produce the NC code.

Arc vector

tolerance Sets the maximum allowable deviation from a true curve when

an arc has to be machined as a series of vector (straight line)

moves.

Feedrate

used to

calculate

cycle time

This is the nominal feedrate that the sytem will use when asked to

produce a cycle time estimate.

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UV

programming

plane:

Height above

workpiece

When working in full four-axis mode the wire angle is produced

by movement of the top wire guide (UV plane) relative to the

bottom wire guide for the XY plane. The offsets calculated by the

sytem are obviously only correct for one given height which must

be the same for the program as that set on the machine. This field

sets the height above the workpiece at which the UV calculations

will be made.

XY

programming

plane:

Distance

below

workpiece

When working in full four-axis mode the wire angle is produced

by movement of the top wire guide (UV plane) relative to the

bottom wire guide for the XY plane. The offsets calculated by the

sytem are obviously only correct for one given height which must

be the same for the program as that set on the machine. This field

sets the distance below the workpiece at which the XY

calculations will be made.

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Setup Machine - Wire



Nominal wire

diameter Sets the nominal diameter of the wire which will be

used by the system to calculate the offset wire path.

Spark Gap This field sets the value of the spark gap which is

overcut per side produced by the erosion process,

over and above the wire diameter.

Nominal

feedrate This sets the nominal feedrate which will be used by

the post processor and may be output in the

program. How it is used is dependant upon the post

processor settings and the machine tool. Most

modern machines have an adaptive speed control

which depends upon the cut height and power and

generator settings.

Machining limits:

Max U-V

displacement

This field sets a maximum value for then relative

movement of the UV wire guide compared to the XY

guide. It is used to produce a warning if the value is

exceeded during program execution

Machining

Limits: Max wire

angle

Similar to the above but sets an angle value rather

than relative movements. It is used to produce a

warning if the value is exceeded during program

execution

Machining

Limits: Max Z

thickness

This field is used to produce a warning if an attempt is

made to define a workpiece with a Z height greater

than the given value

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Setup Machine - Defaults

This command opens a dialog that enables you to set up a range of default values.

Note that these values will be overwritten by any subsequent values input by means

of drawing notes or commands entered using the Machining - Edit Note command

Default

corner

mode

Roll corners

PartMaster can machine external sharp corners either by rolling

the wire around the corner or by extending the tool path to the

intersection point. It defaults to rolling around external sharp

corners.

Default

arc

mode

This field allows you to set the default corner condition when

machining in two axis mode with a wire angle.

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Setup Machine - Conversion



Conversion

Utility This tab of the dialog allows you to define the name

of a conversion utility which will be called and

executed automatically after the post processing is

complete. Optionally you can also change the file

extension for the program that has been converted.

Typical uses may include utilities which carry out

special line re-numbering operations, parity

checking, inserting of special header information etc.

etc.

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Setup Machine – UV Path Generation

This page allows you specify how the top wire guide - the U and V axes should be

handled.

Setup Machine – 1st Span

This page will determine the actions of the system when cutting the first span, some

controllers such as Agie don’t allow you to start machining on an arc.

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Setup Machine – Load Setup

This command is used to load a setup sheet which has previously been stored with

the Setup - Save Setup command.

Setup Machine – Save Setup

This command is used to save a setup sheet which has previously been defined in the

Setup - Machine Tool Dialog.

Setup Machine – This Job

This command opens a dialog in which you can store Program Information specific to

the current job.

Description You can give a description of the current job.

Program number This field sets the program number which will be output in

the NC code.

Z-height Here you can define the Z-height of the current job. How

this is handled and what effect it has is dependant upon

the program mode (2-axis, 4-axis etc.) and the setup of

the posr processor.

What units do you want

to work in Sets the units that will be used in program generation.

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Execute – Simulate

The button on the Status Panel and on the top toolbar are short cuts for this

command. This command starts the execution of the program simulation.

Execute – Faster

The faster button on the top toolbar and the Simulation Speed control

on the status panal are shortcuts for this command.

Selecting this command when a program simulation is running will have the effect of

speeding up the simulation

Execute – Slower

The slower button on the top toolbar and the Simulation Speed control

on the status panal are shortcuts for this command.

Selecting this command when a program simulation is running will have the effect of

slowing down the simulation.

Execute – Post Process

The post process button on the operations toolbar is a shortcut for this command.

When you have completed your program, you will then need to produce a file with the NC

code necessary for the machine tool. This is accomplished by means of a post processor. The

required post processor can be selected by means of the dialog shown above. The post-

processor you use will depend on what machine tool you have.

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View – Toolbars

This part of the View menu contains switches various parts of the screen display on

and off. A tick next to the entry means that the object is displayed.

View – Zoom

This command on the View menu opens a sub-menu which controls the zoom factor

used for the graphic display.

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View – Preferences

The View - Preferences command opens a dialog in which you can set up default

values for a whole range of parameters and preferences.

Wire path simulation options:

Simulate Wire using actiual wire diameter: this option

allows you to show the wire path using the actual wire

diameter as defined in the Setup - Machine Tool dialog,

rather than showing just the centre line of the wire path

Draw wire at each span end point: the wire is drawn at

each span end point (usually used when the next option

(draw wire at intermediate points) is switched off. It

simplifies the drawing of the wire path when in animation

mode.

Draw wire at intermediate points: The wire is shown, not

only at the geometry points (as specified above) but also

at intermediate positions along the path.

Pause animation on Machine Stop commands: The wire

path animation is paused when a note containing a

Machine Stop command is encountered.

Animation tolerance: This field sets the tolerance used by

the animation when it is vectoring around arcs. The smaller

the figure entered here, the more lines that will be drawn.

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Setup Options:

Automatically load last machine setup: Activating this

option will mean that the last machine setup that you

saved (using the Setup - Machine Tool and Setup - Save

Setup menu options) will be automatically reloaded for the

new job.

Automatically save new machine setup: The setup data

entered in the Setup - Machine Tool dialog will be saved

automatically

Import Options:

Auto create wire path for all imported contours: A Goround

single contour mode machining command will be created

for each importrd contour and entered in the machiningh

operations list.

View – Preferences - Angles

The View - Preferences - Angles command opens a dialog in which you can set the

way in which angles are displayed (units designation and the number of decimal

places).

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85

View – Preferences - Colours

The View - Preferences -Colors command opens a dialog in which you can set up the

colors used by the graphic screen display.

The Colors Tab allows you to set the colors for all aspects of the graphic

display: Click on a color field with the left hand mouse button and the

standard Windows dialog for colous will be opened. Click on the color

that you wish to set and then on the OK button. Note that the colors that

you can choose are restricted to those shown in the dialog. Custom

mixing of colors is not allowed.

Default: The default button will reset all the colors to the

pre-selected values.

Reset: The reset button will set all the colors back to those

which were last set, before you started making changes.

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View – Preferences - Distance

The View - Preferences - Distance command opens a dialog in which you can set the

way in which linear distances are displayed (units designation and the number of

decimal places) for both Metric and Imperial units.

View – Preferences – Feed per Minute

The View - Preferences - Feed per Min command opens a dialog in which you can

set the way in which feedrate is displayed (units designation and the number of

decimal places) for both Metric and Imperial units.

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View – Preferences – Folders

The View - Preferences - Folders command opens a dialog in which you can set up

the default folders for save and load operations

The Folders Tab allows you to set the default directories for a range of

save and load functions

Import: This is the directory which will be opened when you

wish to import a drawing

NC-Programs: This is the directory that will be pre-selected

when you wish to store an NC program (these are

programs in the Wire Erosion Format NOT NC code for your

machine tool).

Post-Processors: This is the directory which will be pre-

selected when you wish to open a post-processor.

Output files: This is the directory which will be pre-selected

when you wish to store an output file (NC code for the

machine tool).

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View – Preferences – Fonts

The View - Preferences - fonts command opens a dialog in which you can set the

font used when labelling in the graphic screen (span numbers etc.) and the font used

by the printer.

The Fonts Tab allows you to set the fonts which will be used by the

graphic screen display and by the printer: The Modify buttons on the

dialog will open the standard Windows Font dialog which will display all

the fonts currently installed on your computer - select the required font,

style, and size and click on the OK button.

Screen Font: This is the font that will be used to label items

on the screen (span numbers, contour names etc.)

Printer Font: This is the font that will be used by the printer

when printing the program or NC code.

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View – Preferences – Tabs

The View - Preferences - Tabs command opens a dialog in which you can set the

way in which dialogs with multiple tabs or page (such as the one below) are

displayed.

View – Preferences – User name

The View - Preferences - Use name command opens a dialog in which you can set

up the names which will be stored as information, together with the program.

Click on the appropriate tab of the graphic above for further details of the other

pages of this dialog

Name and Company:

The Names entered here are by default the names used

when you registered the software. You can however enter

new names if you wish. They will be used in the Information

which is stored with the program.

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View – Preferences – Tuning

The View - Preferences - Tuning command opens a dialog in which you can set the

way in which Auto correction of geometry is carried out (minimum span length, gap

tolerance etc.) Auto correction is used by the system when it is tracing drawing

contours for use in the machining modules and also for the offsetting routines.

USE WITH CARE

Be careful if you change these values - large values particularly can have

unexpected results!

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View – Preferences – Limits

The View - Limits command opens a dialog in which the maximum and minimum

values (XY and UV) for the generated wirepath are displayed, together with the

maximum angle and the total cut length of the base contour.

View – Animate


View - Animate: If this option is switched on then the wire path will be simulated by a

moving picture which shows the progress of the wire around the contour(s) to be cut.

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View – Animate

View - Editor Font: This command enables you to select the font that will be used to

display the NC code generated by the post processor. This text is displayed in the Edit

NC Code area of the screen. The standard Windows Font dialog will be opened

which will display all the fonts currently installed on your computer - select the

required font, style, size and colour. See Edit NC Code area.

View – Notes

The View - Notes command opens a window in which you can add any notes that

you wish to the program. When you have finished the note, hit the ESC key or the

close icon on the window. You will be asked it you wish to save the note. If an existing

note has been saved you can re-open it with the Viewv - Notes command. The note

can be edited or you can add further information as required. The View Note window

is "sticky" i.e it will remain displayed at all times irrespective of any other operations

that you perform until you close it. The View-Notes command may also be used to

provide on-line help in carrying out various operations. Some preliminary versions of

these tutorials may be found in the How Do I ... folder. If the Notes dialog is visible

when the program document is closed, it will automatically be re-displayed when

that program is next opened. The dialog may be resized (by dragging its edges with

the mouse) and can be moved around the screen by dragging its title bar.

View – Customise

Not yet documented

Window menu

Not yet documented

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Help menu

This menu contains commands to open this help file, to show information about the

version number of the Program and to enable you to register and change your

program license.

Help – Help Topics

Opens this help file at the index page.

Help – What’s New

Opens a help file which documents all the various alterations and fixes of the various

software releases.

Help – About Dwes

This command displays a dialog which displays the version number and other

information about Dwes.

.

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Help – Activate License

This command displays a wizard which enables you to register your software and

activate the license. The Activation code can be obtained from Dolphin CadCam

Ltd either by e-mail, fax or phone. Once you have obtained this number please

follow the instructions given on the dialog.

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Help – Change License

This command displays a dialog which enables you to change the modules which

are supported by you software license. The modules which are activated are set by a

Feature code which can be obtained from Dolphin CadCam Ltd either by e-mail, fax

or phone. Once you have obtained this number please follow the instructions given

on the dialog.

Help – Thumbnails

This menus item allows you switch on the Thubmnial views when using Windows

Explorer, this will give a thumbnail graphics of the part in question. This facility is only

available to Win XP or Win 2000 users.

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