Solidcam - Integrated Cam Engine for Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

8/2/2019 Solidcam - Integrated Cam Engine for Solid Works - Manual - Milling Book Vol2 Screen

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SolidCAM Milling

Users Guide

1995-2005 SolidCAM LTD.

All Rights Reserved.

Volume #2


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SolidCAM2005 Milling Users 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 ........................................................................................................................3311.6.2 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


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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 ............................................................................................................... 11912.7.7 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


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11MachiningProcesses

A Machining Process is comprised of a series of Jobs that are tied

together through user-defined parameters. You can automate repetitivetasks in CNC-Programming with this new Machining Process feature.

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

Machining Processes Table

Defining a new Machining Process

Job Templates

Default Sets

Parameters & Expressions

Using Machining Processes


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11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts

SolidCAM enables you to automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with the Machining Processfeature. Machining Process (MP) is the structure of fully parameterized Job Templates. In subsequentidentical 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 MachiningProcess. 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

Machining

Process

Parameters


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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 universal

Machining Process.

H_

drill

D_chamfer

D_thread

H_

thread

D_chamfer

H_

center

H_center =D_chamfer / 2

tg (/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. Youcan 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

Machining

Process

1

Machining

Process

2

MachiningProcess

3

Machining

Process

N

Machining

ProcessesTable


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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 MachiningProcess 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 Tabledialog

Creating Machining

Process TableCreating Machining

ProcessDefining Machining

Process components

Machining

Process TableManager

Machining

Process DefineManager


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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 the

pull down menu and choose the type of the MP table - Milling from the New submenu.

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 mustalso 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 OKbutton.


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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 suitableMAC 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 displayedagain 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 MachiningProcesses 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 MachiningProcess Define Manager (see the topic 11.6).

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu ofManaging 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) inthe 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 TableManager (see the topic 11.4).

New

With this option you can create a newMP Table. SolidCAM enables you to create the typeof 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 Processfield and choose Open from the sub-menu to load the Machining ProcessTable. The Browser Window will be

displayed.

2. Select the Machining Process Table file

(*.mpt)

The Machining Process Table will beloaded and the Machining ProcessTable 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 beavailable 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 own

Machining 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 existingGroup Type from the list, select the item and click on the Deletebutton.

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 hotkeyF2 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 MachiningProcess by choosing it from the list.

11.5 Managing Machining Processes

Right-click on the Machining Processname in the list to get the pulldown menu of Machining Processoperations.

Add

This option enables you to add a newMachining Process to MachiningProcess Table.

Edit

This option enables you to editcomponents of the MachiningProcess in the Machining ProcessDefine 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 MachiningProcess Table.

Import

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

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

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

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 SolidCAMJobs 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 the

Job 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 ParameterTable (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 expression

etc.), 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 SolidCAMManager.

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

Choose the Job Template type from the menu.

The correspondingJob Template screen will be displayed.


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Edit

This option enables you to edit the Job Template.

The correspondingJob Template screen will be displayed.

Delete

Change Tool

This option enables you to change the tool used in the specific Job Template. The PartTool 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.

Parts parameters

This option displays a list of existing Parts 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 onthis 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 manageyour 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 DefaultSet.


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This table contains the following columns:

Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this fieldyou canchangethe name of theparameter.In this case the name will be updated in all Job Templates that use this parameter.

Expression - shows the parameter definitionas 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. Inthis 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 lettersare shown. In this case the parameter definition cannot be changed during Machiningprocess 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 actualDefault Set.

This table contains the following columns:

Parameter- shows the parameter name. In this fieldyoucan changethe name of theparameter.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 this

parametric 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 newparameter 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 theUnused 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 cant use any characters except capital and lower-case English

letters, numbers and underscore symbols (_)

Names cant 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 itoccurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operationis 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. Operationswithin 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 theH_centervariable in the following formula H_center =D_chamfer / 2

tg (/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 anumber.

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 MachiningProcess Insert Manager.

Machining

Process Insert

Manager

Machining

ProcessCAM-Part

Job

TemplatesJobs

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 definedin the Machining

Process.

2. Load the Machining Process Table

3. When the CAM-Part and Machining Process are loaded, right-click on the Jobsfield 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 bedisplayed.

When the Insert Manager is loading, SolidCAM receives necessary informationfrom the CAM-Part. Then SolidCAM receives expressions for other parametersfrom 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 theMachining 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 alreadyused in the CAM-Part).

SolidCAM searches the tool in the current tool table (if it wasdefined).

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, SolidCAMwill 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 Undobutton.

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 usedin the selected Job template.

To see the Job Template parameters and settings, right-click on the Job name in the list andchoose 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 isavailable 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 selectedDefault 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 dont have Read-Onlystatus.


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 parametername 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 parametricfield.

Geom Define

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

You can also open this list with the F6 hotkey when you are in the parametricfield.

Geom Show

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


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

You can also open this list with the F7 hotkey when you are in the parametric

field.

Edit-View

This option displays the parameter edit dialog.

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 parametricfield.

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 active

CAD-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 clickon the OKbutton 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 pointdialog.

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 theSolid model and generate the tool path for machining.

Hole Feature recognition Preparing to machining

Feature Sets definition

Technology

Technology Database


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12. Automatic Feature Recognition and MachiningSolidCAM2005 Milling Users Guide

50

12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you toautomatically 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 ) bymaking 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 classifiedeither 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

Technology

Database

Part ToolTable

CAM-Part

Holes Recognition

Hole Features

Machinable HoleFeatures

Feature Sets

Jobs

Machine Homes

Conversion to

Machinable Features

Distribution toFeature 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 endof the hole. The Compound Hole Feature can be onlythrough.

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 includesthe Homes and Target model definition.

12.2.1 Definition of Homes

You have to define a number ofMachine 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 tomachine 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 andchoose 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 SolidCAMHoles 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 ManagerToolbar.

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 HoleFeatures Page

Feature Sets Page

Technology Page

Jobs Page

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

Machinable Hole Features page (see the topic 12.6.6)

displays all Machinable Hole Features converted from theHole Features.

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

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

Jobs page (see the topic 12.9 ) displays Jobs generated bySolidCAM.

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 parametersof the selected item.

Show errors

This button enables you to display the Errors dialog which shows the errors that occurredduring 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 Featurerecognized by SolidCAM consists of a number ofHole Feature segments. Each Hole Feature Segmentis composed of one or more faces. The Type of Hole Segment depends on the Face Surface Type.

Hole Feature segment composed from severalfaces

Hole Feature segment composed from oneface

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 withthe 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 DirectionHole 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)

UpperDiameter (D1)

LowerDiameter (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.

UpperDiameter (D1)

LowerDiameter (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 LowerDiameter (D2).

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

UpperDiameter (D1)

LowerDiameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Radius (R1)

Open Sphere

(D2>0)

Closed Sphere

(D2


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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 andone below the splitter line. This enables you to machine the Compound Hole Feature from both sidesusing two Homes.

12.5.8 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups

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

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

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

Splitter Splitter

Shape

Group #1

Group #2

Hole #1

Hole #2

...

Hole #N

Hole #1

Hole #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 HoleFeatures 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 Parametersdialog 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 correspondingsegment will be highlighted in the Hole Picture.

The parameters values displayed in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog cannotbe changed. In order to change them, you have to edit the solid model andperform 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 onlyCompound

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 CompoundHole.

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 Undercutconsists 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.

Undercut

Height (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 Featuresegment (see the topic 12.5.4).

Undercut Cone

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

Undercut Chamfer

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

Undercut Torus

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

Undercut Sphere

In this case Undercut finishes with the Sphere Hole Featuresegment (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 onthe undercut type. The cylinder diameter is equal to the Undercut diameter (D

U). 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-H2

H2=DU/(2*tg(A1/2))

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Angle (A1) Angle (A1)

HU

H1=HU-H2

H2=(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. TheHeight 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 upperchamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original cones.

The Heightwill be sum of the original cone heights.

Chamfer + Chamfer

The Upper Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the UpperDiameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal tothe Angle of the original chamfers. The Lower Diameter of the resulting chamfer segmentwill be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower chamfer. The Height will besum 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 Diameterof the original upper torus. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radiusof the original torus. The Lower Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the sameas the Lower Diameter of the original lower torus. The Heightwill be sum of the originaltorus heights.

Sphere + Sphere

The Upper Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the UpperDiameter 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 segmentwill be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower sphere. The Height will besum 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 formachining. The Machinable Hole Feature consists of one or more Machinable Hole Feature segmentsthat 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 theMachinable 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 theMachinable 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 planeto 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 typeof 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_diameter

hr_segm_angle



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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_diameter

hr_segm_blind



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Flat Chamfer

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_diameter


hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_blind = true

hr_segm_blind = false


hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_height


hr_segm_blind



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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 theone Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Exception: When a pair consisting of Cylinder and Planar segmentsare 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 ChamferMachinable 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 segmentsof the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding thesegments.

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 pointof the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_diameter) is the same as the diameter of the HoleFeature Segment.

The resulting Machinable Hole Feature segment is extended upward till the Hole UpperPlane.

The Cone angle (hr_segm_angle) is 118.

Upper

Segment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

Depth

HU

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 segmentwill be None and the segment Heightwill be 0.

Exception: In the case of translation of a through Cylindrical Hole Featuresegment to a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment, the hr_segm_heightparameter 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 thepair. 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 thelower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_height)is the same as the diameter of the Hole FeatureSegment.

The resulting segment is extended upward till the

Hole Upper Plane.

UpperSegment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

Depth

HU

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 ofinput data for the conversion will be the following.

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

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

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

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

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

The Chamfer Angle(hr_segm_angle) will be calculatedautomatically.

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 theinput data for the conversion will be the following.

The major parameters of the converted Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment will be thesame 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 theinitial Hole Feature segment.

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

The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be calculated automatically.

Depth

Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

H

DU

DL

Lower

Segment

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 listof 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. TheRebuild operation is available either for all Machinable Hole Features or for the selected MachinableHole Feature (Shape, Group).

SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with theShow Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. Thisdialog schematically shows the segments of the selected MachinableHole 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 selectedMachinable 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 FeatureSegment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed. This dialog enables youto 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 Featuresegment to its initial dimensions calculated by SolidCAM.

Insert Before / Insert After

This option enables you to insert a newMachinable Hole Feature segment before or afterthe selected segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed in order tochoose the type of the segment.

Delete

This option enables you to dele

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