SolidCAM - Integrated CAM Engine for Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

SolidCAM MillingUser’s Guide

©1995-2005 SolidCAM LTD.

All Rights Reserved.

Volume #2

SolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

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Contents

Contents

Volume #2

11. Machining Processes

11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts ...............................................................................................................16

11.1.1 Job templates ...................................................................................................................................16

11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions ............................................................................................................18

11.1.3 Default sets ......................................................................................................................................19

11.1.4 Machining Process Table ...............................................................................................................19

11.2 Creating Machining Processes ................................................................................................................20

11.3 Defining Machining Process Table ........................................................................................................21

11.3.1 Adding MAC file(s) ........................................................................................................................22

11.4 Machining Process Table Manager ........................................................................................................24

11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables ...........................................................................................26

11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types .................................................................................................29

11.5 Managing Machining Processes ..............................................................................................................31

11.6 Machining Process Define Manager ......................................................................................................33

11.6.1 Job Templates page ........................................................................................................................33

11.6.2 Define Job Template ......................................................................................................................34

11.6.3 Managing Job Templates ...............................................................................................................35

11.6.4 Parametric field menu ....................................................................................................................36

11.6.5 Default Sets page ............................................................................................................................39

11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables ................................................................................................40

11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter ...............................................................................................................42

11.6.8 Variables & expressions .................................................................................................................43

11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions ......................................................................................................44

11.7 Using the Machining processes ..............................................................................................................46

11.8 Inserting The Machining Process ..........................................................................................................47

11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager .......................................................................................................49

11.9.1 Job Templates Page ........................................................................................................................49

11.9.2 Default Sets Page ............................................................................................................................51

ContentsSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

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11.9.3 Parameters Table .............................................................................................................................52

11.9.4 Job Points .........................................................................................................................................52

11.9.5 Parameters definition .....................................................................................................................53

12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM)

12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts ..........................................................................................................57

12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition .........................................................................................................60

12.2.1 Definition of Homes ....................................................................................................................60

12.2.2 Target model ...................................................................................................................................60

12.3 Start Holes Recognition ...........................................................................................................................61

12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface ..........................................................................................................62

12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager .........................................................................................................62

12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar ...........................................................................................................63

12.5 Hole Feature Model .................................................................................................................................65

12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment ................................................................................................66

12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment .........................................................................................................67

12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment ...................................................................................................67

12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment ........................................................................................................68

12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment .........................................................................................................68

12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment .......................................................................................................69

12.5.7 Compound Holes processing .......................................................................................................70

12.5.8 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups ................................................................................................70

12.5.9 Hole Features page .........................................................................................................................71

12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining .........................................................................................76

12.6.1 Undercut processing ......................................................................................................................76

12.6.2 Undercut substitution ....................................................................................................................78

12.6.3 Segments Union ..............................................................................................................................82

12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features .............................................................................................................85

12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion ..........................................................................................91

12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page .................................................................................................. 100

12.7 Feature Sets ............................................................................................................................................. 112

12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets .................................................................................................................. 112


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Contents

12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets ................................................................................. 113

12.7.3 Automatic Home Positions definition ..................................................................................... 114

12.7.4 Feature Sets page ......................................................................................................................... 116

12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features ................................................................................. 118

12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets ............................................................................................................... 119

12.7.7 Defining the Home Position origin location for the Feature Set ......................................... 121

12.8 Technology ............................................................................................................................................. 123

12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution .............................................................................................. 124

12.8.2 Choosing the tool ........................................................................................................................ 125

12.8.3 Technology Page .......................................................................................................................... 131

12.8.4 Managing Technology ................................................................................................................. 133

12.9 Generating Jobs ..................................................................................................................................... 136

12.10 Technology Database .......................................................................................................................... 138

12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases ............................................................................... 139

12.10.2 Technology Database interface ............................................................................................... 140

12.10.3 Configurations page .................................................................................................................. 141

12.10.4 Current Configuration .............................................................................................................. 142

12.10.5 Solutions page ............................................................................................................................ 143

12.10.6 Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 145

12.10.7 Variables ...................................................................................................................................... 149

12.10.8 Defining a new Technology Solution ..................................................................................... 150

12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions .................................................................................................. 152

12.11 Holes Recognition Settings ................................................................................................................ 155

12.11.1 System settings ........................................................................................................................... 156

12.11.2 Part settings ................................................................................................................................ 158

Index ................................................................................................................................................................ 168

ContentsSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

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11MachiningProcessesA Machining Process is comprised of a series of Jobs that are tied together through user-defined parameters. You can automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with this new Machining Process feature.

In subsequent identical or similar situations, the Machining Processes can be used directly or adapted to the new situation by giving values to its parameters.

Machining Processes Table

Defining a new Machining Process

Job Templates

Default Sets

Parameters & Expressions

Using Machining Processes

11. Machining ProcessesSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

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11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts

SolidCAM enables you to automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with the Machining Process feature. Machining Process (MP) is the structure of fully parameterized Job Templates. In subsequent identical or similar situations, the machining process templates can be either used directly or they can be adapted to the new situation by giving values to its parameters.

11.1.1 Job templates

A Job template is the parametric template of the single operation that is used within the Machining Process. There can be one or several job templates in a Machining Process.

For example: To create a threaded countersink hole, we need three Jobs using the common geometry:

• Centering

At this stage, preliminary centering is made for the hole and a chamfer.

Job Templates

MachiningProcess

Parameters

SolidCAM2005 User’s Guide

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• Drilling

At this stage, the hole is drilled.

• Threading

At this stage, the threading is preformed.


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11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions

Parameters can be given a constant value or an expression.

In the above sample the following parameters are needed:

• The tap size (D_thread)

• The tap depth (H_thread)

• The drill depth (H_drill)

• The chamfer diameter (D_chamfer)

In the above example you can define the following expression for centering depth.

With a group of such Job templates, Parameters and Expressions, you can define the universalMachining Process.

H_d

rill

D_chamfer

D_thread

H_t

hrea

d

D_chamfer

α H_c

ente

r

H_center = D_chamfer / 2

tg (α/2)


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11.1.3 Default sets

A Default set is a combination of parameters and expressions used for Job template customization. You can define a number of the default sets by attaching different specific values or expressions toparameters. You can use the default sets to adapt machining process to specific tasks.

In the above example we can create default sets for each tap size (e.g. M6, M8 etc).

11.1.4 Machining Process Table

SolidCAM enables you to join your Machining Processes into the Machining Process Table.

Default Set

Job Templates

Parameters

MachiningProcess

MachiningProcess

1

MachiningProcess

2

MachiningProcess

3

MachiningProcess

N

MachiningProcessesTable


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11.2 Creating Machining Processes

Three basic stages are needed to create a Machining Process.

SolidCAM enables you to use three major interface tools for these tasks:

• New Machining Process Table - With this dialog you can define a new MP Table. SolidCAMalso enables you to manage existing MP Tables.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.3.

• Machining Process Table Manager enables you to create and manage a single Machining Process in the Table.


• Machining Process Define Manager enables you to define components of the singleMachining Process: Job Templates, Default sets, Parameters and Expressions.


New Machining Process Table

dialog

Creating Machining Process Table

Creating Machining Process

Defining Machining Process components

Machining Process Table

Manager

Machining Process Define

Manager


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11.3 Defining Machining Process Table

The first stage of the Machining Process creation is the definition of the Machining Process Table.

1. In the SolidCAM manager, right click on Machining Process field to open thepull down menu and choose the type of the MP table - Milling from the New sub menu.

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

2. Enter a name for the Machining Process Table in the Table name field.

3. Press the Add Mac File button to define the MAC file for your Machining ProcessTable. Since not all machines support all of the options in SolidCAM, you must also give the Mac file that you will be using. This will assure that only the optionsthat are supported by your machine will be used.

4. Confirm the Machining Process Table creation with the OK button.


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11.3.1 Adding MAC file(s)

The Add MAC file(s) dialog enables you to choose a MAC-file or a set of similar MAC files for yourMachining Process. The MAC- file contains options oriented to the specific CNC Machine. This fileenables you to adapt your Machining Processes for your CNC Machines.

• Adding MAC file

1. Press the Add button to choose the suitable MAC file from the list.

2. In the dialog window displayed, pick the MAC file that you wish to work with and press OK.

The original dialog window will be displayed again with the chosen MAC file.


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• Adding similar MAC-files

This option will add to the list any MAC file that is similar to the MAC file that youoriginally picked. The criteria of the similarity is the coincidence of the MAC-file optionsneeded for Machining Processes.

Please contact SolidCAM customer support for further details.


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11.4 Machining Process Table Manager

With the Machining Process Table Manager, SolidCAM enables you to control single Machining Processes in the Machining Process Table.

The Machining Process table dialog contains the following fields:

• Machining Process List

This field contains the list of all Machining Processes from the current table.

Double-click on the Machining Process name in the list to edit the MP in the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6).

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Managing Machining Processes (see the topic 11.5).


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• MP Picture

This option enables you to attach a picture to your MP.

Click on the Browse MP Pictures... button and choose a bitmap file (*.bmp) in the browser window.

• Type

For easier identification and classification of Machining Processes, you can define and useyour own MP types.

• Description

In this field you can enter text describing the Machining Processes.


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11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables

The Machining Process Tables contains the following options:

• Current

This option enables you to load the current MP Table in the Machining Process Table Manager (see the topic 11.4).

• New

With this option you can create a new MP Table. SolidCAM enables you to create the type of MP Table: Milling.


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• Open

This option enables you to load an MP Table via the standard Windows Browser.

1. Right-click on the Machining Process field and choose Open from the sub-menu to load the Machining Process Table. The Browser Window will be displayed.

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

The Machining Process Table will be loaded and the Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.


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• Copy

This option enables you to copy the MP Table.

The Copy Machining Process Table dialog will be displayed.

1. In the left field of the dialog, choose the MP Table you want.

2. Click on the icon to move the MP Table in the copy-container field. You can

use the icon to remove MP Tables.

3. Choose the copy location in the right field.

4. Click on the Copy button to confirm the operation.

5. Click on the Exit button to close the dialog.

• Delete

Choose this option to delete the MP Table via the standard Windows Browser.

• Recent MP Tables

This option displays a list of the last MP Tables that you loaded in SolidCAM. You can open the file by simply clicking on the file you want to open.


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• Group Types

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

• Expressions

This option enables you to create and manage your own list of expressions that will be available in each MP you design.

11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types

For easier identification and classification of Machining Processes, you can define and use your ownMachining Process Group Types.

Defining Group Types

1. Right-click on the Machining Process field in the SolidCAM Manager and choose Group Types... from the pull down menu.

The MP Group Types Manager will be loaded.


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• To add a new Group Type, click on the Add button and type the name.

• To remove an existing Group Type from the list, select the item and click on the Delete button.

• To edit the Group Type name, click on the icon in the name field and choose Edit-View.

The Edit dialog will be displayed. Change the MP Group Type name and confirm it withOK.

• You can use the hotkey F2 to open the Edit dialog.

• By double-clicking on the Group Type name in the list, you can edit the name in the list directly without going to the Edit dialog.


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Using Group Types

The Machining Process Table Manager enables you to assign the Group Type to the Machining Process by choosing it from the list.

11.5 Managing Machining Processes

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Machining Process operations.

• Add

This option enables you to add a new Machining Process to Machining Process Table.

• Edit

This option enables you to edit components of the Machining Process in the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6).


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• Copy

This option creates a copy of the current Machining Process.

• Rename

This option enables you to rename the current Machining Process.

• Delete

This option enables you to remove the current Machining Process from the Machining Process Table.

• Import

This option enables you insert Machining Processes from another MP Table into the current MP Table.

You can insert Machining Processes from MP Tables defined with similar MAC files.

1. Right-click on the MachProcess field and choose Import from the pull down menu.

2. Choose the MP Table you want from the Browser. The MP Export Table Manager will be displayed.

3. Choose the Machining Process you want from the Manager and confirm theoperation with the Export button.


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11.6 Machining Process Define Manager

11.6.1 Job Templates page

In this page you can work with the set of Job Templates in the same way as the conventional SolidCAM Jobs via the SolidCAM Manager.


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11.6.2 Define Job Template

The Job template screen contains the same fields as the SolidCAM Job Screen.

You can now fill the fields of the Job template like in a conventional Job. Note that some fields in theJob Templates are marked with the icon. These fields are parametric. In these fields you can enterthe following data:

• Variable

• Expression

• Value

If a variable you entered does not exist, SolidCAM adds it to the Used Parameter Table (see the topic 11.6.6).

To edit this parametric field, you can use the parametric field menu by clicking on the icon.

If you entered wrong data in the parametric field (unacceptable type of variable, mistake in expressionetc.), SolidCAM will mark this parametric field with the icon.

In the Job template, you have to define the Geometry and the Tool.


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11.6.3 Managing Job Templates

A Job Template is a parametrically defined single SolidCAM Job. In addition to numerical values forthe technology parameter definition you can use variables and expressions in the Job Templates.

The following options enable you to manage your Job templates:

• Add

The process of the Job Template creation is the same as creating Jobs via the SolidCAM Manager.

1. Right-click on the Jobs field situated in the Job Templates tab. The pull down menu will be displayed:

Choose the Job Template type from the menu.

The corresponding Job Template screen will be displayed.


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• Edit

This option enables you to edit the Job Template.

The corresponding Job Template screen will be displayed.

• Delete

• Change Tool

This option enables you to change the tool used in the specific Job Template. The Part Tool Table dialog (see the topic 3.6) will be displayed.

11.6.4 Parametric field menu

The parametric field menu enables you to choose parameters and expressions simply and effectively.

When you click on the icon, the following menu will be displayed:


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• User Defined Parameters

This option displays a list of existing User Defined Parameters.

Choose the variable name you want from this list.

You can open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

• Part’s parameters

This option displays a list of existing Part’s Parameters.

Choose the variable name you want from this list.


• Expressions

This option displays the list of defined expressions.



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• Functions

This option displays the list of standard SolidCAM functions. (For more information on this subject, please refer to the topic 11.6.9)


• Edit-View

This option displays the parameter edit dialog.

Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.

1. You can open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the icon.


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11.6.5 Default Sets page

In this page you can work with the set of Default Sets created in the actual Machining Process.

You can use the following operations to manage Default Sets:

• Set as Current

This operation activates the selected Default Set.

• Rename

This command enables you to rename the selected Default Set.

• Copy

This command enables you to copy the selected Default Set.

• Delete

This command removes the selected Default Set.

You can create a number of Default Sets and assign the specific combination of values and expressionsto the parameters in each of them. The Default Sets enables you to adapt the Machining Process to specific tasks.

Parameters

Default Set

Default Set

Default Set


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1. Create a new Default Set via Copy operation.

2. Activate the created Default Set with the Current option.

3. Change parameters definition via Parameter Tables.

11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables

There are two specific areas in the Machining Process Define Manager that enable you to manage your parameters and expressions:

Used Parameters Table

This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Job Templates.

This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Job Templates with the actual Default Set.


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This table contains the following columns:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this field you can change the name of the parameter.In this case the name will be updated in all Job Templates that use this parameter.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition as an expression or value. To edit this parametric field you can use the parametric field menu available by clicking on the icon.

• Result value - shows the result value returned by the parameter.

• G - shows the status of the parameter. If the status is Global - the „G“ letter is shown. In this case the expression of this value will be the same in the all Default Sets.

By right-clicking on this field, you can change the status of the parameter.

• R/O - shows the access status of the parameter. If the status is Read-only, the „R/O“ letters are shown. In this case the parameter definition cannot be changed during Machining process insertion.

By right clicking on this field, you can change the read-only status of the parameter.

• Description - shows your own text description of the parameter. To edit the field you canuse the context menu available by clicking on the icon.


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Unused Parameters Table

This area shows the table of parameters that were not used in the Job Templates with the actual Default Set.

This table contains the following columns:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this field you can change the name of the parameter.In this case the name will be updated in all Job Templates that use this parameter.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition as either expressions or values. To edit thisparametric field, you can use the operational menu available by clicking on the icon.


11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter

This field enables you to add a new parameter.

1. Choose the new parameter type from the list.

2. Type the parameter name.

3. Click the Add button to enter the parameter to the table.

The Delete button enables you to delete the selected parameter item from the Unused Parameters table.


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11.6.8 Variables & expressions

SolidCAM enables you to use variables and expressions in your Job templates.

User Defined Parameters

You can define your own variables and use it in Job Templates definition.

SolidCAM supports the following types of variables:

Profile Geometry variables are stored in the Profile Geometries.

Z-Value variables are stored in the Z-coordinate of the picked point.

Distance Value variables are stored in the distance between two picked points.

String variables are stored in the string of symbols.

Float variables are stored in the positive and negative floating-point numbers.

Integer variables are stored in the positive and negative whole numbers.

You must follow the following rules when naming variables in SolidCAM:

• You must use a letter as the first character.

• You can‘t use any characters except capital and lower-case English letters, numbers and underscore symbols (_)

• Names can‘t exceed 255 characters in length.

Expressions

SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters definition.

You can use the following symbols in expressions:

• Addition (+)

• Subtraction (-)

• Multiplication (*)

• Division (/)

Parentheses are acceptable.


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When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some CAM-Parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained.

SolidCAM enables you to use the set of the standard mathematical functions like sine, cosine etc... in your formulas.

Example:

For the H_center variable in the following formula H_center = D_chamfer / 2

tg (α/2)we can write the expression:

H_center=(D_chamfer/2)/(tan(Alpha/2))

11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions

sqrt()

Returns a value specifying the square root of a number.

sin()

Returns a value specifying the sine of an angle.

cos()

Returns a value specifying the cosine of an angle.

tan()

Returns a value specifying the tangent of an angle.

abs()

Returns a value of the same type that is passed to it specifying the absolute value of a number.

The absolute value of a number is its unsigned magnitude. For example, abs(-1) and abs(1) both return 1.


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acos()

Returns a value specifying the arccosine of a number.

asin()

Returns a value specifying the arcsine of a number.

atan()

Returns a value specifying the arctangent of a number.

atan2(,)

Returns a value specifying the arctangent of quotient first and second arguments.

dist(,) and ang(,)

Returns polar coordinates: distance and angle (in radians) of the point defined in Cartesiancoordinates.

pow(,)

Returns a value of the first argument raised to the power of the second argument.

For example: pow(2,3) returns 8.

log10()

Returns a value specifying the base-10 logarithms of a number.

ln()

Returns a value specifying the natural logarithm of a number.

(X,Y)

dist(X,Y)

0

ang(X,Y)


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sum3( , , )

Returns the sum value of three arguments.

int()

Returns the integer portion of a number.

rad()

Converts degrees to radians.

deg()

Converts radians to degrees.

11.7 Using the Machining processes

You can use the defined Machining Process by inserting it into a CAM-Part. During the insertion,SolidCAM transforms each Job Template into a single Job.

The main interface tool to insert a Machining Process into a CAM-Part is through the Machining Process Insert Manager.

Machining Process Insert

Manager

MachiningProcess

CAM-Part

JobTemplates Jobs

Insertion


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11.8 Inserting The Machining Process

Insert the Machining Process into your CAM-Part with the following steps.

1. Load the CAM-Part where you want to use the technology defined in the MachiningProcess.

2. Load the Machining Process Table

3. When the CAM-Part and Machining Process are loaded, right-click on the Jobs field and choose Add Machining Process from the sub-menu.

The Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.


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5. Select the Machining Process you want from the list.

6. Click on the Pick button. The Machining Process Insert Manager will be displayed.

When the Insert Manager is loading, SolidCAM receives necessary information from the CAM-Part. Then SolidCAM receives expressions for other parameters from the current Default Set and calculates them.

To prepare the Machining Process for insertion, do the following steps:

1. With the Default Sets page choose the Default Set you require.

2. With the Parameters Table fill all the blank expression fields. You can also changeall expressions that do not have Read-Only status.

3. When the Machining Process is defined, click on the Insert button to insert the Machining Process into the current CAM-Part.

4. SolidCAM chooses tools for the Machining Process. The process of choosing is following:

• SolidCAM searches the tool in the Part Tool table (from tools already used in the CAM-Part).

• SolidCAM searches the tool in the current tool table (if it was defined).

• The search criteria are the tool shape and parameters. The first foundtool, with an identical tool shape and parameter, is chosen.

• If a tool with an identical shape and parameters is not found, SolidCAM will add a new tool with the first available tool number.


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5. The Jobs will be inserted into the CAM-Part.

• To undo the last insertion, you can use the Undo button.

• The Simulate button enables you to simulate Jobs of the current CAM-Part.

11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager

11.9.1 Job Templates Page


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This page displays the list of Job Templates that were inserted in the CAM-Part.

• By clicking on the (+) sign near each Job Template, you can see the list of parameters used in the selected Job template.

• To see the Job Template parameters and settings, right-click on the Job name in the list and choose the Show command from the list. The Job Template screen will be displayed.


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In this screen you cannot change the Job Template definition. To edit the JobTemplate, go to the Machining Process Define Manager (see the topic 11.6).

In the Job Template screen, all parametric fields are marked with the icon. Click on this icon to see the parametric field menu. The Edit-View option is available in this menu. This option opens the parameter edit dialog.

This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.

11.9.2 Default Sets Page

Double-click on the Default Set name to make it current. The Parameters and values from the selected Default set will be shown in the Parameters Table.


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11.9.3 Parameters Table

There are three columns in this table:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition. In this field you have to define missedexpressions for parameters. You can also edit all expressions that don‘t have Read-Only status.


With the Show read only checkbox, you can allow or forbid showing parameters marked Read-Only.

The Show descriptions option enables you to show the parameter description instead of the parameter name in the Parameter column.

11.9.4 Job Points

This field contains buttons to define specific points of the job.


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11.9.5 Parameters definition

Click on the icon to display menus for each parametric field.

Parametric field menu for Geometries

• Geom Select

This option displays a list of geometries that is defined in the CAM-Part.

Choose the variable name you want from the list.

You can also open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

• Geom Define

This option enables you to define a geometry from the current model.


• Geom Show

With the Show command, the current 3D model, drill or chain geometry will be displayed in the active CAD window.


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To exit from this mode, use the Exit button in the displayed Show Geometry dialog.


• Edit-View


This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.

1. You can also open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the icon.

Parameters of Z-value and Distance types.

For parameters of these types, SolidCAM enables you to define values by picking them from the activeCAD-model.

• To define the Z-value, choose the Pick Z-value (F5) item from the parametric menu.

The Pick Z-Value dialog will be displayed. Pick the point you want on the model and click on the OK button to confirm the selection.


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• To define the Distance, choose the Pick Distance (F5) item from the Parametric menu.

1. In the SolidWorks window, pick the first point.

2. Confirm the selection with the OK button in the Distance: Pick first point dialog.

3. Pick the second point and confirm it in the same way.

The Distance value will be calculated.

Other Parameters

For parameters of other types, the parametric field menu contains only one item: Edit-View (F2).

Choose it to edit the parameter definition in the Edit window.


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12Automatic Feature Recognition

and Machining (AFRM)

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the Solid model and generate the tool path for machining.

Hole Feature recognition

Preparing to machining

Feature Sets definition

Technology

Technology Database

12. Automatic Feature Recognition and MachiningSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

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12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the Solid model and generate the tool path for machining.

At the first stage of the AFRM process, SolidCAM recognizes all Hole Features (see the topic 12.5) from the solid model and classifies them. SolidCAM analyzes the manufacturability of the recognizedfeatures and converts the Hole Features into Machinable Hole Features (see the topic 12.6.4) by making the necessary changes of the Hole Feature components. SolidCAM distributes Machinable Hole Features to Feature Sets (see the topic 12.7) related to the previously defined Machine Homes (see the topic 12.7.3). For each Feature Set, SolidCAM searches for a suitable technology in the Technology Database (TDB) (see the topic 12.8) and for tools in the Part Tool Table (see the topic 3.2). The appropriate technology will be converted to SolidCAM Jobs.

SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition

and Machining

Solid Model

Tool Path


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12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining

All the holes recognized by SolidCAM can be classified either as Simple Hole Features or as Compound Hole Features.

A Simple Hole Feature is a cut in the solid body generated by the figure of revolution. The diameterof a Simple Hole can be constant or changing. A Simple Hole can either be Blind or Through.

Blind Simple Hole Feature Through Simple Hole Feature

Solid Model

TechnologyDatabase

Part Tool Table

CAM-Part

Holes Recognition

Hole Features

Machinable HoleFeatures

Feature Sets

Jobs

Machine Homes

Conversion to Machinable Features

Distribution to Feature Sets

Feature based Machining


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A Compound Hole Feature is also generated by the cut of the figure of revolution. The diameter ofthe Compound Hole Feature is constant or decreasing at the start of the hole and increasing at the end of the hole. The Compound Hole Feature can be only through.

SolidCAM recognizes the holes with the undercuts.

Blind Hole Feature with undercut

Compound Hole Feature with undercut Through Hole Feature with undercut


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12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition

You have to prepare the CAM-Part before you activate the Holes recognition. The preparation includes the Homes and Target model definition.

12.2.1 Definition of Homes

You have to define a number of Machine Homes (see the topic 2.2) corresponding to the setup positions of the part on the CNC machine. The number of Machine Homes has to be enough to machine the part from all directions that you need.

12.2.2 Target model

The Target model (see the topic 2.4) has to be defined. SolidCAM uses the Target model for theAFRM.

When the CAM-Part is defined and prepared, you can start the Holes recognition process.


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12.3 Start Holes Recognition

To start the holes recognition process, right click on the Jobs field in the SolidCAM Manager and choose the Holes Recognition item from the menu.

The Holes Recognition will be started. SolidCAM parses the solid model in order to gather the information about all holes. When the recognition process will be finished, SolidCAM displays theHoles Recognition Manager.


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12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface

12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager

When the AFRM module is activated, the Holes Recognition Manager is displayed. The SolidCAM Holes Recognition Manager is shown in the SolidWorks Feature Manager area.

The SolidCAM HR Manager consists of a number of pages that can be controlled with the HR Manager Toolbar.

This toolbar enables you to switch between the various.

Hole Features Page

Machinable Features Page

Feature Set Page Technology Page

Jobs Page


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Hole Features Page

Machinable Hole Features Page

Feature Sets Page

Technology Page

Jobs Page

• Hole Features page (see the topic 12.5.9) displays all the Hole Features recognized in the solid model.

• Machinable Hole Features page (see the topic 12.6.6) displays all Machinable Hole Features converted from the Hole Features.

• Feature Set page (see the topic 12.7.4) displays all the Feature Sets.

• Technology page (see the topic 12.8.3) displays all the Technology solutions offered by SolidCAM for the machining of the current Feature Set.

• Jobs page (see the topic 12.9) displays Jobs generated by SolidCAM.

12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar

When the AFRM is activated, the Holes Recognition toolbar is displayed.

• Technology DataBase

This button enables you to display the Technology DataBase Manager (see the topic 12.10).

• Settings

This button enables you to display the Holes recognition Settings dialog (see the topic 12.11).

• Show Picture

This button enables you to display the schematic picture of the selected item.

Technology DataBase

Settings

Show Data

Show Errors

Show Tool Table

Show Picture


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• Show Data

This button enables you to display the Parameters dialog which displays the parameters of the selected item.

• Show errors

This button enables you to display the Errors dialog which shows the errors that occurred during the AFRM process.

• Show Tool Table

This button enables you to display the Part Tool Table.


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12.5 Hole Feature Model

SolidCAM analyzes the Solid model in order to recognize all the Hole features. A Hole Feature recognized by SolidCAM consists of a number of Hole Feature segments. Each Hole Feature Segment is composed of one or more faces. The Type of Hole Segment depends on the Face Surface Type.

Hole Feature segment composed from several faces

Hole Feature segment composed from one face

Types of Hole Segments:

• Cylindrical

• Cone

• Chamfer

• Planar

• Torus

• Sphere


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SolidCAM determines the total Depth, Hole Upper Plane and Direction of each Hole Feature.

SolidCAM determines the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment.

The Upper plane of the Hole Feature is the upper Z-level of the hole determined in compliance with the SolidWorks Part origin.

12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a cylindrical face.

• Diameter (D1)

• Height (H1)

Solid Model Origin

Z Direction Hole Upper Plane

Depth

Diameter (D1)

Height (H1)


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12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a cone face.

• Diameter (D1),

• Height (H1),

• Angle (A1)

12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a truncated conical face.

• Upper diameter (D1),

• Lower diameter (D2),

• Height (H1),

• Angle (A1)

Diameter (D1)

Height (H1)

Angle (A1)

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Angle (A1)


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12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a planar face. A segment of this type has no parameters.

12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment

• Upper Diameter (D1)

• Lower Diameter (D2)

• Height (H1)

• Radius (R1)

There are two parameters describing the location of the center of the generatrix circle:

• HC - Height of the center relative to the bottom of the torus.

• DC - Diameter of the center.

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Radius (R1)

Diameter of the center (DC)

Height of the center (HC)Radius (R1)


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12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a spherical face. The center of the sphere is situated on the hole axis.

• Upper Diameter (D1)

• Lower Diameter (D2)

• Height (H1)

• Radius (R1)

The Sphere segment can be either Open or Closed. A Closed Sphere segment has zero Lower Diameter (D2).

When the Lower Diameter (D2) is greater than zero – the Sphere will be Open.

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Radius (R1)

Open Sphere(D2>0)

Closed Sphere(D2<0)


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12.5.7 Compound Holes processing

SolidCAM splits the Compound Hole into two Simple Hole Features: one above the splitter line and one below the splitter line. This enables you to machine the Compound Hole Feature from both sides using two Homes.

12.5.8 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups

The SolidCAM AFRM module classifies the Hole Features into Hole Feature Shapes and Hole Feature Groups.

The Hole Features with the same type and sequence of segments will be included into one Hole Feature Shape.

For each Hole Feature Shape, the Hole Features are grouped in Hole Feature Groups; each Group includes the Hole Features with the same values for the segment parameters.

Splitter Splitter

Shape

Group #1

Group #2

Hole #1Hole #2

...Hole #N

Hole #1Hole #2

...

...

Hole #N

Group #N


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12.5.9 Hole Features page

The Hole Features page displays the list of all Hole Features recognized in the solid model. The Hole Features are classified into Shapes and Groups. You can highlight the Hole Features, Groups and Shapes in the graphic view by selecting the items in the list.

You can repeat the Holes recognition process with the Recognize command.


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SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog shows the schematic picture of the selected Shape, Group or Hole Feature.

SolidCAM enables you to display the Topology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog contains a number of pages.

The Holes parameters page display the global Hole parameters:

• Depth

• Upper Plane

• Direction

Other pages display the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment. When the specific segment page is selectedin the Topology Hole Parameters dialog, the corresponding segment will be highlighted in the Hole Picture.

The parameters values displayed in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog cannot be changed. In order to change them, you have to edit the solid model and perform the Holes Recognition again.


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Managing Hole Features

SolidCAM enables you to manage the Hole Features, Shapes and Groups with the right-click menu.

Shape or Group menu

The right-click menu for Shape and Group includes the following items:

• Split/Unsplit

This option enables you to split/unsplit all Compound Holes in the selected Shape or Group

This operation is available only if the Shape or Group contains only Compound Holes.

• Change direction to opposite

This option changes the direction of all the Hole features in the specified Shape orGroup.

Hole Feature menu

The right-click menu for the Hole Features includes the following items:

• Split/Unsplit

This option enables you to split/unsplit the selected Compound Hole.

This operation is available only for Compound Holes.


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• Change direction to opposite

This option changes the direction of the selected Hole Feature.

• Go to Opposite

This option enables you to jump in the list to the Opposite part of the Split Compound Hole.

This operation is available only for Split Compound Holes.

Hole Features filter

The filter capabilities enable you to display in the list only those Hole Features that correspond to a certain criterion.

• Direction filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features with a specified direction only.

• Upper plane filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features with a specified Upper Plane only.

The Upper Plane filter is active only for the specified direction.

• Hole type filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features of a specified type: either Blind orThrough.


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• Compound Hole Only

This option enables you to display only the Compound holes.

• Split Hole Only

This option enables you to display only the Split Holes.

• Hole with Undercut Only

This option enables you to display only the Hole Features with undercut.


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12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining

There are following stages of preparing Hole Features for the machining:

• Undercut processing

• Segments Union

• Creating Machinable Hole Features

12.6.1 Undercut processing

SolidCAM recognizes undercuts in the Hole Feature model.

The SolidCAM AFRM Module analyzes Hole Feature segments in order to find an undercut. Anundercut is detected when the diameter increases during one topology segment. The Undercut consists of a number of segments and finishes when the current diameter is equal to the undercutinitial diameter.

SolidCAM determines the Undercut Height (HU) as the sum of the height of all topology segments of the undercut.

UndercutHeight (HU)

Undercut Diameter (DU)

Undercut


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SolidCAM classifies undercuts depending on the last Hole Feature segment included in undercut. Theclassification is as follows:

• Undercut – None

In this case the finish diameter of the last segment of theundercut is equal to the Undercut diameter.

• Undercut – Planar

In this case Undercut finishes with the Planar Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.4).

• Undercut – Cone

In this case Undercut finishes with the Cone Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.2).

• Undercut – Chamfer

In this case Undercut finishes with the Chamfer Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.3).

• Undercut – Torus

In this case Undercut finishes with the Torus Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.5).

• Undercut – Sphere

In this case Undercut finishes with the Sphere Hole Feature segment (see the topic 12.5.6).


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12.6.2 Undercut substitution

SolidCAM handles undercuts by substituting the undercut with a cylindrical segment depending on the undercut type. The cylinder diameter is equal to the Undercut diameter (DU). When a part of the lower undercut segment is less then the Undercut diameter, SolidCAM substitutes this part with a cone, chamfer, torus or sphere segment.

Undercut substitution schemes:

• Undercut – None segment substitution

• Undercut – Planar segment substitution

HU

H1=HU

D1=DU

Height (H1)

DU Diameter (D1)

HU

H1=HU

D1=DU

Height (H1)

DU Diameter (D1)


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• Undercut – Cone segment substitution

• Undercut – Chamfer segment substitution

HU

H1=HU-H2H2=DU/(2*tg(A1/2))

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Angle (A1) Angle (A1)

HU

H1=HU-H2H2=(DU-DU)/(2*tg(A1/2))

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Angle (A1)

Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)

Angle (A1)


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• Undercut – Torus segment substitution

HU

HT

R

H1=HU-H2

H2=HC-H

H= R2-((DU-DCENTER)/2)2

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)

R

DT UPPER

DU

R

R

R

DCENTER

H2

HC

H


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• Undercut – Sphere segment substitution

HU

HS

R

H1=HU-H2

H2= R- R2-D2/4

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

R


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12.6.3 Segments Union

SolidCAM enables you to unite identical adjacent Hole Feature segments.

There are the following cases for union:

• Planar + Planar

• Cylinder + Cylinder

The diameter of the resulting cylinder will be the same as the diameter of the original cylinders. The Height will be sum of the original cylinder heights.

Planar 1

Planar 2

United Planar

Cylinder 1

Cylinder 2

United Cylinder


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• Chamfer + Cone

The Diameter of the resulting cone will be the same as the Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original cones. The Height will be sum of the original cone heights.

• Chamfer + Chamfer

The Upper Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original chamfers. The Lower Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower chamfer. The Height will be sum of the original chamfer heights.

Chamfer

Cone

United Cone

Chamfer 1

Chamfer 2

United Chamfer


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• Torus + Torus

The Upper Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper torus. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original torus. The Lower Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower torus. The Height will be sum of the original torus heights.

• Sphere + Sphere

The Upper Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper sphere. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original spheres. The Lower Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower sphere. The Height will be sum of the original sphere heights.

Torus 1

Torus 2

United Torus

Sphere 1

Sphere 2

United Sphere


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12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features

SolidCAM converts Hole Features into the Machinable Hole Features in order to prepare them for machining. The Machinable Hole Feature consists of one or more Machinable Hole Feature segments that can be machined in one operation with the same tool.

Types of Machinable Hole Feature segments

The following types of the Machinable Hole Feature segments exist:

• Drill

• Chamfer

• Flat Cylinder

• Flat Chamfer


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Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments

SolidCAM calculates the values of the following parameters for the Machinable Hole Feature segments. These parameters are called HR variables. They will be used later for the technology definition.

Each Machinable Hole Feature segment has the following parameters that define the position of thesegment along the revolution axis:

• hr_segm_upper_plane

This parameters is the distance from the Solid Model Origin to the upper level of the Machinable Hole Feature segment (Segment Upper plane).

• hr_segm_depth

This parameters is the distance from the Hole Upper Plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• hr_segm_height

This parameters is the Height of the segment; the distance from the Segment Upper plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Segment Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

Origin

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_upper_plane

hr_segm_depth


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In addition to the general parameters, SolidCAM determines the following parameters for each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment:

Drill

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_diameter

• hr_segm_height

• hr_segm_angle

Chamfer

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_lower_diameter


• hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_lower_diameter


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Flat Cylinder

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_diameter

hr_prev_segm_diameter

hr_segm_blind = true

hr_segm_blind = false


• hr_segm_blind

• hr_prev_segm_diameter


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Flat Chamfer

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_diameter

hr_prev_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_blind = true

hr_segm_blind = false



• hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_height

• hr_segm_lower_diameter

• hr_segm_blind

• hr_prev_segm_diameter


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For the Machinable Hole Feature segments contain cylinder (Drill and Flat Cylinder) the Hole Upper Plane is coincide with the Segment Upper Plane. Therefore, the hr_segm_height is equal to the hr_segm_depth.

hr_segm_height = hr_segm_depth

Segment Upper Plane = Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_upper_plane

Origin


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12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion

SolidCAM converts Hole Feature segments into Machinable Hole Features with the following rules:

General Conversion Rules

1. All possible combinations with Upper segment – Cylinder are converted into the one Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Exception: When a pair consisting of Cylinder and Planar segments are converted into Flat Cylinder segment.

Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cylinder + None Drill

Cylinder + Chamfer Drill

Cylinder + Cone Drill


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Cylinder + Torus (open Sphere) Drill

Cylinder + Sphere Drill


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2. Cone and Closed Sphere segments are converted into a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cone Drill

Closed Sphere Drill

3. All possible combinations with Lower segment – Planar are converted into one Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cylinder + Planar Flat Cylinder

Chamfer + Planar Flat Chamfer


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Torus/Open Sphere + Planar Flat Chamfer

4. Single segments like Torus, Chamfer and Open Sphere are converted into Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segments.

Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment

Chamfer Chamfer

Torus Chamfer

Open Sphere Chamfer


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Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment

SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.

The scheme of the Drill segment generation is the following:

• The vertex of the cone is located on the same depth (hr_segm_height) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

• The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_diameter) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment.

• The resulting Machinable Hole Feature segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane.

• The Cone angle (hr_segm_angle) is 118°.

UpperSegment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

DepthH

U

HL

H

LowerSegment


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In some cases, according to the General conversion rules (see the topic 12.6.5) described earlier, the upper segment is absent. In this case the upper segment will be None and the segment Height will be 0.

Exception: In the case of translation of a through Cylindrical Hole Feature segment to a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment, the hr_segm_height parameter of the Drill will be the following:

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_diameterhr_segm_angle

hr_segm_height

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_diameterD

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_heightH


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Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment

SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.

If the lower Hole feature segment is Planar, the HL is 0.

The scheme of Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature generation is the following:

• The planar face is located on the same depth (hr_segm_diameter) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

• The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_height) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment.

• The resulting segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane.

UpperSegment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

DepthH

U

HL

H

LowerSegment

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_height

Hole Upper Plane


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Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see the topic 12.6.5), the scheme of input data for the conversion will be the following.

The major parameters of the converted Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment will be the same as in the original Hole Feature segment:

• The Upper diameter (hr_segm_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Upper diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The Lower diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Lower diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The Height (hr_segm_height) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Height of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The converted Chamfer segment is situated at the same depth as the original Hole Feature segment.

• The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle ) will be calculated automatically.

Depth

Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

H

DU

DL

LowerSegment

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_heightLower

Segment

hr_segm_diameter



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Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see the topic 12.6.5), the scheme of the input data for the conversion will be the following.

The major parameters of the converted Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment will be the same as in the original Hole Feature segment:

• The Upper diameter (hr_segm_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the

Upper diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The Lower diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Lower diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The Height (hr_segm_height) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the Height of the initial Hole Feature segment.

• The converted Chamfer segment is situated at the same depth as the original Hole Feature segment.

• The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be calculated automatically.

Depth

Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

H

DU

DL

LowerSegment

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_heightLower

Segment

hr_segm_diameter



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12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page

The Machinable Hole Features Page is divided to two parts. The upper part displays the list of Machinable Hole Features, classified into Shapes and Groups. When an item is selected in theMachinable Hole Features list, the lower part of the page displays the segments of the selected item.

When the Hole Features were changed, SolidCAM enables you to rebuild the Machinable Features. The Rebuild operation is available either for all Machinable Hole Features or for the selected Machinable Hole Feature (Shape, Group).

SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog schematically shows the segments of the selected Machinable Hole feature.


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Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments

The lower part of the Machinable Hole Features page displays the list of the segments for the selected Machinable Hole Feature. The Machinable Hole Feature segments are situated in the list with specificorder from the lower segment to upper. SolidCAM enables you to manage the Machinable Features segments with the right-click menu.

The following operations are available:

• Change type

The Change type option enables you to change the type of the Machinable Feature Segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed. This dialog enables you to change the type of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• Reset

SolidCAM enables you to change the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Reset option enables you to reset the selected changed Machinable Hole Feature segment to its initial dimensions calculated by SolidCAM.

• Insert Before / Insert After

This option enables you to insert a new Machinable Hole Feature segment before or after the selected segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed in order to choose the type of the segment.

• Delete

This option enables you to delete a selected Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Only the segments added by the user can be deleted. The segments automatically built by SolidCAM cannot be deleted.


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Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments

SolidCAM enables you to display the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog displays the parameters of the selected Machinable Hole feature or selected Machinable Hole Feature segment.

The Holes parameters page is displayed when the Machinable Hole Feature is selected. This page displays the following parameters of the Machinable Hole feature:

• Depth

• Upper Plane

• Origin X /Origin Y

• Direction

The Depth, Upper Plane, Origin X/Y and Direction parameters cannot be changed.

Upper Plane

Home

Home

Origin Y

Origin X

Depth


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When a segment is selected, the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog displays the specificparameters of the selected segment.

SolidCAM enables you to assign a new value (User value) to parameters of the Machinable Hole Feature segments.

When the new value is assigned to the parameter, SolidCAM modifies the segment according to thespecific rules.

• Drill segment

• Flat Cylinder segment

• Chamfer segment

• Flat Chamfer segment


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Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)

When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Angle (hr_segm_ange) remain unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.

Changing Angle (hr_segm_angle)

When the Angle changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing Height (hr_segm_height)

When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height will be changed. The Upper plane will be fixed.

Changing Upper Plane

When the Upper Plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.


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Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)

When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be fixed.


When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be fixed.

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter


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When the Upper plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The lower edge of the cylinder will be fixed. The Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


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Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or

Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)

When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.


Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.

hr_segm_height


hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be fixed.The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.


Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


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Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or

Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)

When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.


Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.

hr_segm_height


hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be fixed.The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.


Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


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12.7 Feature Sets

Feature Set is a number of Machinable Hole Features that will be machined within the same setup using one Machine Home. Once used in a Feature Set, the Machine Home cannot be used in another Feature Set.

12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets

SolidCAM automatically creates a number of Feature Sets according to the Machine Homes defined inthe current CAM-Part.

Feature Set

Machine Home

Feature Set

Machine Home #1

Feature Set

Machine Home #2

Feature Set

Machine Home #3

Feature Set

Machine Home #N

...

CAM-Part


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12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets

SolidCAM automatically distributes Hole Features to the Feature Sets.

SolidCAM checks the compatibility of the Machinable Hole Features with the Feature Sets and assigns Holes to the Feature Sets. The compatibility checker examines each Machinable Hole Feature according to the Machine Home (owned by the specific Feature Set) and the Axis type of the Feature Set.

Axis type enables you to limit the number of the axes used for the machining of the Machinable Hole Features in Feature Set; the Axes number can be the same or less than Axis number of the CAM-Part. The Machinable Hole Features included in the Feature Set will be machined according to this Axis number, not considering the Axis number of the CAM-Part.

Each Machinable Hole Feature can be assigned to a specific Feature Set if one of the following conditions is kept:

• The direction of the Machinable Hole Feature is parallel to the Z-axis of the Machine Home;

• It is possible to define a Home Position (according to the Axis Type) under the Machine Home with the Z-axis parallel to the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature.

The order of the assignment depends on the Machine Home Number; the Feature Set with the smaller Machine Home number will be filled with Machinable Hole Features first. Thus, if the MachinableHole Feature is compatible to a number of Feature Sets, the Machinable Hole Feature will be assigned to the Feature Set using the Machine Home with the lowest number.

The Machinable Hole Features that were not assigned are stored in the bank of the Recognized Hole Features.

RecognizedHoles

HolesBank

CAM-Part

CompatibilityChecker



Feature Set #1

Machine Home #1

Feature Set #2

Machine Home #2

Feature Set #N

Machine Home #N

Recognized Holes Recognized Holes Recognized Holes

IncompatibleHoles

Compatible Holes Compatible Holes Compatible Holes

IncompatibleHoles

IncompatibleHoles

Axis type Axis type Axis type


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12.7.3 Automatic Home Positions definition

SolidCAM automatically defines Home Positions related to the Machine Home suitable to machine Machinable Hole Features of a specific Feature Set. The Home Position is created according to thefollowing data:

• The Machine Home used in the Feature Set,

• The Axis type of the Feature Set

• The Direction of the Machinable Hole Feature.

The Z-axis of the defined Home Position is coincident with the Machinable Hole Feature direction.The direction of the X- and Y-axis is defined according to the Machine Home and Axis Type.

When the Machinable Hole Feature is accepted by the Compatibility Checker, SolidCAM compares the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature with the Z-axis of the existing Home Positions related to the Machine Home of the Feature Set. If the direction and Z-axis of the Home Position are parallel, the Hole Feature will be assigned to the Home Position. If a suitable position is not found, SolidCAM defines a new one.

SolidCAM enables you to automatically locate the origin of the created Home position in dependence of the Hole Recognition Settings. The origin of the Home position can be placed in the following locations:

• The home position is placed in the position of Machine Home #1

Feature Set

Axis type Machine Home Direction

Hole Feature

Home Position


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• The home position can be placed in the corner of the model box.

SolidCAM calculates the box surrounding the model (model box) in the coordinate system of the first Machine Home.

The Home Position will be located in the corner of the model box with the following coordinates (XMIN, YMIN, ZMAX).

YZ

X


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12.7.4 Feature Sets page

The Feature Sets Page enables you to define and edit Feature Sets of the current CAM-Part and also to assign Hole Features to the Feature Sets.


110

The Feature Sets Page is divided into three areas.

The upper area displays the tree of the Feature Sets with their Hole Features.

The middle area displays Compatible Hole Features – the Holes that can be assigned to the current Feature Set.

The lower area displays Incompatible Hole Features – the Holes that cannot be assigned to the current Feature Set.

Feature Sets Area

Compatible Holes Area

Incompatible Holes Area


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12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features

All the holes that are not distributed to the Feature Sets are located in the Holes Bank. In the Holes Bank holes are divided into two groups, depending on the current Feature Set.

The Feature Sets Page displays both the Compatible and Incompatible Hole Features for the Current Feature Set.

The checkbox, situated near each item in the Compatible Hole Features tree, enables you to select the item to move to the current Feature Set. The selected Compatible Features can be moved to the Current Feature Set by the Move to Current Set command available in the right-click menu in the Compatible Features area.

Holes Bank

CompatibleHoles

IncompatibleHoles

Compatible Holes Area

Incompatible Holes Area


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12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets

SolidCAM enables you to manage your Feature sets with the right-click menu.

The following commands are available:

Set as Current

This option enables you to set a specific Feature Set as current. All other operations will be performed with the current Feature Set. The content of the Compatible/Incompatible Features areas will be changed according to the current Feature Set.

Add

This option enables you to add a new Feature Set. The Add Feature Set dialog will be displayed.

This dialog enables you to set the Axis type of the Feature Set and assign the Machine Home to the Feature Set. SolidCAM enables you to define the Axis type of the Feature Set.


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Edit

This op tion displays the Edit Feature Set dialog.

This dialog enables you to edit the name and Axis type of the Feature Set and change the Machine Home assigned to t he Feature Set.

Remove All

This option enables you to remove all Machinable Hole Features from the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.

Delete

This option enables you to delete the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.


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12.7.7 Defining the Home Position origin location for the Feature Set

SolidCAM enables you to define the default location of the Home Position origin with the right click menu on the Machine Home of the specified Feature Set.

The Place Home origin to dialog will be displayed.

• Corner of Model Box

The home position can be placed in the corner of the model box.


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• Home #1

The home position is placed in the position of Machine Home #1.


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12.8 Technology

For the each segment of the Machinable Hole Feature, SolidCAM chooses:

• A suitable Technology Solution from the Technology DataBase (TDB) (see the topic 12.10).

• A tool from the Part Tool Table (see the topic 3.2) or defines a new tool.

Part Tool Table

Technology Database

Technology solution

Machinable HoleFeature Segment

Jobs


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12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution

SolidCAM stores all Technology Solutions in the Technology Database. All the Technology Solutions are classified according to the type of Machinable Hole Feature segments.

For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment).

The Technology solutions can be either a user-defined Machining Process or built-in Algorithm.

• The user-defined Machining process contains Jobs templates with parametric technology data and parametric data of the tools. It can be defined and edited by the user.

• A built-in Algorithm is hard-coded in SolidCAM; it generates a number of Machining Processes. Parameters of the algorithm can be edited.

Technology Solutions

Technology Database

Drill MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Cylinder MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment

Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment





Technology Solution

Algorythm


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Technology Solutions use the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature Segments.

SolidCAM automatically chooses the suitable Technology Solutions for the machining of the specifiedMachinable Hole Feature segment from the TDB. The choice of the Technology Solution is definedby the set of conditions. A Condition is a logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current technology solution can be used to machine the Machinable Hole Feature segment. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the technology solutions in sequence; the firstsolution with a true condition will be chosen.

12.8.2 Choosing the tool

When the technology solution is chosen from the TDB, SolidCAM chooses the suitable Tool from the Part Tool Table. The method of choosing the tools depends on the type of the operation where the tool is used. SolidCAM differentiates between the following types of operations:

• Drill Operation

• Mill Operation

• Center Drill Operation

• Chamfer Drill Operation

• Center-Chamfer Drill Operation


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Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-defined tool type, diameter and angle. Theseparameters are specified in the Job template of the specific Technology Solution. SolidCAM searchesfor the suitable tool in the Part Tool Table. If the search fails, SolidCAM performs an additional search with the same criteria in the Current Tool Table. If the tool is not found, SolidCAM defines a new toolaccording to the data of the Job Template.

Does the Part Tool Tablecontain a suitable tool?

Does the Current Tool Tablecontain a suitable tool?

Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Diameter

Tool Angle

Define a new tool

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-defined tool type and corner radius. The searchis performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from 0 till the product of Hole diameter and Constant. Constant is equal to 0.9. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool was not found in the Part Tool Table, the search will be performed again in the Current Tool Table.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and the tool for the milling operation will have to be defined manually.

Hole Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

0 < Tool Diameter < Hole Diameter + Constant



Technology Solution

Tool TypeCorner Radius

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tool type and angle. The search isperformed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of the sum of the Hole diameter and Constant endlessly. Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter was not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-definedtool type and angle. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and a tool for the center drilling operation will have to be defined manually.



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No

Hole Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

Hole Diameter + Constant < Tool Diameter


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Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tooltype and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of the Hole diameter and Constant till the difference between the next segment diameter and Constant. The Constant is equal to 1. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, SolidCAM defines a new toolwith the pre-defined tool type, angleand minimum possible diameter (Hole diameter + Constant).

Next Segment Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

< Tool Diameter <Next Segment Diameter -- Constant

Hole Diameter ++ Constant

Hole Diameter



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Define a new tool:tool diameter = hole diameter + constant

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tool type and angle. The search is performedin the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of hole diameter and Constant endlessly. The Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter is not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-defined tool type and angle. If the suitable tooldoes not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Table.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message is displayed and the tool for the operation will have to be defined manually.

Tool Diameter Range

< Tool DiameterHole Diameter ++ Constant

Hole Diameter



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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12.8.3 Technology Page

The Technology Page is divided into two parts.

The upper part displays the tree of all Machinable Hole Features of the Current Feature Set. The Machinable Hole Features are structured by Technologies and Groups.

• Technology – the set of Machinable Hole Features machined by the same Technology Solutions.

• Group - the set of Machinable Hole Features within the Technology with the same dimensions.


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The lower part of the Technology Page displays technology solution and tools chosen for the machining of the specified Machinable Hole Feature.

Activate the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar to display the schematic picture illustrating the result of applying the technology solution.

SolidCAM enables you to display the Technology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog enables you to edit the parameters of the specified Technology solution. SolidCAM enablesyou to edit only parameters that were not marked as Read only in the Technology Database.


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12.8.4 Managing Technology

The following operations are available in the upper part of the Technology Page with the right-click menu:

• Rebuild

This command rebuilds the technology for the selected item. The technology solutions will be chosen again from the Technology database.

• Find Tool

The Find Tool command enables you to perform the tool search again for the selected item.

This command is useful in the following cases:

• When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not defined by SolidCAM.

• The Part Tool Table was updated.


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Managing Technology Solutions

The lower part of the Technology Page displays the set of Technology Solutions necessary to the machining of the selected Machinable Hole Feature.

• Change

This option enables you to change the Technology Solution. The Machining process list dialog will be displayed; this dialog enables you to choose the necessary solution from the list of available Solutions for this type of Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• Find tool

This command enables you to automatically find the suitable tool from the Part Tool Tablefor the selected Technology Solution.

This command is useful in the following cases:

• When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not defined by SolidCAM.

• The Part Tool Table was updated.

SolidCAM enables you to change the tool for the Technology Solution with the Change Tool option. The option is available with the right-click menu on the Tool item.


128

The Part Tool Table dialog will be displayed in order to select a new tool.

The Show command is available with the right-click menu on the jobs of the Technology Solution.

This command displays the job screen with the parameters of the specifiedjob.


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12.9 Generating Jobs

When the Technology is defined, SolidCAM enables you to show the generated Jobs with the Jobs Page. These Jobs are also available in the CAM-Manager.

The Edit command is available for the Jobs in the right-click menu.

This command enables you to display the Job screen.


130


131


12.10 Technology Database

The SolidCAM Technology Database (TDB) stores all the Technology Solutions available for the machining of the Machinable Hole Feature segments. The Technology Solutions in TDB are classifiedaccording to types of Machinable Features Hole Feature segments. For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of connected technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment).


Technology Database

Drill MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Cylinder MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment

Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment





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12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases

When SolidCAM is installed, the Global Technology Database is also installed in the system folder of SolidCAM. SolidCAM enables you to customize the Global TDB by adding and editing Technology Solutions.

When SolidCAM starts the AFRM process, the Global TDB will be copied into the CAM-part folder. This copy is called the Local TDB. During the AFRM process, SolidCAM receives data only from the Local TDB. The Local TDB can be modified by the user for specific tasks in the context of thespecific CAM-Part.

The Global TDB can be replaced with the Local TDB.

SolidCAM enables you to load the Global TDB with the Technology Database command from the SolidCAM menu.

The Technology Database Manager dialog will be dixsplayed containing the Global TDB.

The Global Technology Database is unavailable when the Holes Recognition process is working. In this case only the Local TDB can be edited.

The Local Technology Database can be loaded only when the Holes Recognition process is working. The Local TDB can be loaded with the related icon from the Holes Recognition toolbar.

The Technology Database Manager dialog will be displayed containing the Local TDB.


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12.10.2 Technology Database interface

The Technology Database Manager dialog enables you to manage the Technology Database. The dialog contains the areas shown on the picture below.

Current Configuration

Solutions/Configurationspage

Conditions Area

Variables Area


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12.10.3 Configurations page

SolidCAM enables you to use configurations in order to create multiple variations of a technologydatabase suitable for different tasks. By default, two basics configurations are implemented inSolidCAM: System Configuration and User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be changed. It contains the set of technology solutions supplied by SolidCAM.

The User configuration supplied by SolidCAM is a copy of the System configuration. All the content of the technology database can be edited within this configuration. SolidCAM enables you to createa number of user configurations. Technology solutions will be the same in all User Configurations. The sequence of the Technology Solutions, conditions and expressions of user-defined variables canbe different within different User Configurations.

The Configurations Page of the TDB Manager enables you to manage configurations of TDB, eitherGlobal or Local.

SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the right-click menu.

• Set as Current

This option enables you to make the specified configuration current. All the furtheroperation will be performed for the Current Configuration.


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• Rename

This option enables you to change the name of the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be renamed.

• Copy

This option enables you to create a copy of the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be copied.

• Delete

This option enables you to remove the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration, Current Configuration and last User Configurationcannot be deleted.

12.10.4 Current Configuration

The Current Configuration combo box displays the name of the current configuration and enablesyou to switch quickly between configurations in TDB.

When the Configurations page is displayed, the Current Configuration combo box is disabled; it only shows the name of the current configuration.


136

12.10.5 Solutions page

The page displays all the Technology solutions classified by the Machinable Hole Feature segmenttype.

SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.

Edit

This option enables you to edit the definition of the specified Technology Solution. TheMachining Process Define Manager will be displayed.

Add

This option enables you to define a new Technology Solution within the specifiedMachinable Hole Feature segment. The Machining Process Define Manager will bedisplayed. (For a more detailed explanation, refer to paragraph 10.3).

Delete

This option enables you to remove the specified Technology Solution from the TDB.


137


Copy

This option enables you to create a copy of the specified Technology Solution.

Rename

This option enables you to rename the specified Technology Solution.

All the operations above are available only for Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.

For the Technology Solutions of the System Configuration, SolidCAM enables you to use the following right-click menu.

• View

This option enables you to display the specified Technology Solution with the Machining Process View Manager. The displayed Solution cannot be edited.

• Copy To User Configurations

This option enables you to copy the specified Technology Solution to the User Configurations. Since all the User Configurations use the same Technology Solutions, thecopied Technology Solution can be used within all User Configurations.


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12.10.6 Conditions

SolidCAM enables you to define the following set of conditions. If these conditions are true, the technology solution is chosen.

A Condition is a complex logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current Technology Solution can be used. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the Technology Solutions in a defined sequence; the first solution with a true condition will be chosen.

A Condition consists of condition lines combined by logical operators AND and OR. A Condition line is a comparison of two expressions. The following comparison operators are acceptable in condition lines:

• > (greater than);

• < (less than);

• = (equal);

• <= (less than or equal);

• >= (greater than or equal);

The expression used in condition lines can include constants, user-defined variables and functions,HR-variables and functions.

For the each Expression field the parametric menu is available.


139


User Defined Parameters

This option displays a list of existing User Defined Parameters. These parameters can be used only fora Condition definition but cannot be used for the Technology Solution definition.


Holes Recognition parameters

This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Parameters



140

Holes Recognition Functions

This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Functions.


Expressions

This option displays the list of defined expressions.

SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters definition.

You can use the following symbols in expressions:

• Addition (+)

• Subtraction (-)

• Multiplication (*)

• Division (/)

Parentheses are acceptable.


141


When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained.


Functions

This option displays a list of existing Standard Functions.


Edit-View


Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.



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12.10.7 Variables

The Variables area displays the list of variables and their expressions used in Conditions.

SolidCAM enables you to filter the variables used for the Condition definition with the following radiobuttons.

• Data Base

This option enables you to display all the variables used in the TDB.

• Technology Segment

This option enables you to display all the variables used in the Technology Solutions of the Current Technology Segment.

• Technology Solution

This option enables you to display all the variables used in for the current Technology Solution.


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12.10.8 Defining a new Technology Solution

SolidCAM enables you add a new Technology Solution to the User Configurations. To do it, choosethe Add option from the right click menu of the Solutions page in the TDB Manager.

The Machining Process Define Manager will be displayed.

The Machining Process Define Manager enables you to define the Machining Process as a Technology Solution. SolidCAM enables you to define parametric Job Templates and use CAM-Part parameters, HR variables, expressions, standard functions for the parameters definition.


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Tool definition

SolidCAM enables you to define tools for the Job Templates. The tools have to be defined accordingto the tool search algorithms (see the topic 12.8.2).

For drilling operations, SolidCAM enables the parametric definition of the tool. The expression forthe tool parameters have to be defined. When the Technology Solution will be applied, expressionswill be calculated and parameters used for the tool definition will get their values. The tool withdefined parameters will be chosen according to the specific algorithm.

For milling and chamfering operations SolidCAM enables the parametric definition of the tool butexpressions for the tool parameters are unnecessary. SolidCAM will choose the tool according to the built-in algorithm. When the tool is chosen, the parameters will receive values offered by the tool search algorithm.


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12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions

hr_clear_offset(,,,)

This function enables you to calculate the clear offset that have to be removed during the milling operation.

This function receives the following parameters:

• Diameter

• Next_diameter

• Tool_diameter

• Overlap (%)

next_diameter

tool_diameterdelta/2

diameter


146

The logic of this function is the following:

diameternext_diametertool_diameter

overlap

delta=diameter/next_diameter

side_step=overlap*tool_diameter/100 clear_offset=(delta-tool_diameter)/2

clear_offset=0 clear_offset=delta-side_step

clear_offset

delta>tool_diameter

delta>side_step

No Yes

No Yes


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hr_equal_down_step(,)

This function enables you to calculate equal down steps in order to machine the specifieddepth. The function receives the following values:

• wish_down_step

• hole_depth

The function returns the value of the equal down step closest to the wish_down_step parameter.down_step

hole_depth


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12.11 Holes Recognition Settings

SolidCAM enables you to define the System and Part settings of the Holes Recognition with the Holes Recognition settings dialog.

The Holes Recognition settings dialog structure has two tabs:

• System. The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all CAM-Parts

• Part. The CAM-Part settings apply only to the current CAM-Part.


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12.11.1 System settings

The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all the CAM-Parts.

Topology settings

Place Home Origin at:

This option enables you to set the default location for the Home Position created by the AFRM at the stage of the Feature Sets definition.

• Corner of Model Box

The Home positions will be automatically placed at the corner of the box surrounding the model.

• Home #1

The Home positions will be automatically placed at the position of Machine Home #1.


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Technology Settings

General

• Add Center Drill

This option enables SolidCAM to automatically perform the center drilling. The center drilling will be inserted before the machining of the first Machinable HoleFeature segment that will be machined with the drilling technology.

Colors

The Color Settings page enables you to define the colors that will be used in the HRManager for the items changed or inserted by the user.


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12.11.2 Part settings

Topology settings: Cutting angle

The Cutting angle parameter defines the minimal value of the arc angle. If the angle of the section ofthe Hole Feature is less than the defined value, SolidCAM does not recognize this as a hole.

Cutting Angle


152


153

Index

Index

A

Adding a new Parameter 34Adding MAC file 14AFRM 49Algorithm 116anaging Job Templates 27Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets 105Automatic Home Positions definition 106Axis type 105

B

Blind Simple Hol Feature 50

C

Chamfer Hole Feature segment 59Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 77Changing Angle 96, 100, 102Changing Diameter 96, 98, 100, 102Changing Height 97, 98, 101, 103Changing Upper Plane 97, 99, 101, 103Choosing a Technology Solution 116Choosing the tool 117Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation 122Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation 120Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation 121Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation 118Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation 119Compatible Hole Features 110Compound Holes processing 62Compound Hole Features 50Condition 117Conditions 137Cone Hole Feature segment 59Configurations page 133Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 90Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 87Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 91Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 89Creating Feature Sets 104Creating Machining Processes 12Current Configuration 134Cutting angle 150Cylindrical Hole Feature segment 58

D

Default sets 11Default Sets Page 43

IndexSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

154

Default Sets page 31Define Job Template 26Defining a new Technology Solution 142Defining Machining Process Table 13Definition of Homes 52Distance 47Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 77

E

Expression 34, 137Expressions 10, 32, 35, 139

F

Feature Set 104Feature Sets 49Feature Sets page 108Feature Set page 55Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 77Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 77Functions 30, 140

G

Generating Jobs 128Global TDB 131Group Types 21

H

Holes Recognition Functions 139, 144Holes Recognition Manager 53, 54Holes Recognition parameters 138Holes Recognition Settings 147Holes Recognition Toolbar 55Hole Features 49Hole Features filter 66Hole Features page 55, 63Hole Feature Groups 62Hole Feature Model 57Hole Feature segments 57Hole Feature Shapes 62HR Manager Toolbar 54

I

Incompatible Hole Features 110Inserting The Machining Process 39

J

Jobs page 55Job Points 44


155

Index

Job Templates 8Job Templates page 25

L

Local TDB 131

M

Machinable Hole Features 49, 77Machinable Hole Features page 55Machinable Hole Feature conversion 83Machinable Hole Feature Page 92Machining Process 8, 116Machining Process Define Manager 12, 25Machining Process Group Types 21Machining Process Insert Manager 41Machining Process List 16Machining Process Table 11, 13Machining Process Table Manager 12, 16MAC file 14Mac File 13Managing Hole Features 65Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments 93Managing Machining Processes 23Managing Machining Process Tables 18Managing Technology 125Managing Technology Solutions 126Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 100Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 96Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 102Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 98Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments 94MP Picture 17

N

New Machining Process Table 12

O

Operating Feature Sets 111

P

Parameter 34Parameters 10, 32Parameters definition 45Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments 78Parameters Table 44Parametric field menu 28Part settings 150Planar Hole Feature segment 60Preparation to Holes Recognition 52

IndexSolidCAM2005 Milling User’s Guide

156

R

Result value 34

S

Segments Union 74Simple Hole Features 50SolidCAM standard functions 36Solutions page 135Sphere Hole Feature segment 61Start Holes Recognition 53System Configuration 133System settings 148

T

Technology 115Technology DataBase 115Technology Database 49, 130Technology Database Manager dialog 132Technology Page 123Technology page 55Technology Settings 149Technology Solutions 116Through Simple Hole Feature 50Topology settings 148Torus Hole Feature segment 60

U

Undercut – Chamfer 69Undercut – Cone 69Undercut – None 69Undercut – Planar 69Undercut – Sphere 69Undercut – Torus 69Undercut processing 68Undercut substitution 70Unused parameters Table 34Used Parameters Table 32User Configuration 133User Defined Parameters 35, 138Using the Machining processes 38

V

Variables 141Variables & expressions 35

Z

Z-value 46

Document Number: SCMUG2ENG05001

SolidCAM - Integrated CAM Engine for Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

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Transcript of SolidCAM - Integrated CAM Engine for Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen