Geometry PDF

1
Creating and Editing Geometry

There are several stages involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
1. Select the command for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Geometry menu bar although buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
2. Enter parameters into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
bypassed by command buttons.
3. Enter co-ordinate data to position the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
(digitising) or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
See Also
Selecting Commands from the Menu Bar
Selecting Command Buttons on Toolbars
Selecting Commands with the Shortcut Menu
Displaying the CPL Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
Completing a Command accepting Default Parameters
Escape Back One Step in the Command
Abort the Command
Undo the Previous Command
Redo the Previous Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Geometry
Selecting
Commands
Creation
with the Shortcut menu
There are
Clicking
with
several
the right
stages
hand
involved
mouse when
buttoncreating
displaysgeometric
a Shortcut
entities.
menu similar
The typical
to this:
stages are:
1. In the Menu bar or a toolbar, click the appropriate command for creating the required entity type. This
will be a command from the Geometry menu.
2. Enter parameters into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. (This stage is usually
bypassed by command buttons - making the buttons a quicker option).
(digitising) or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box. Look at the prompts in the Status bar
for instructions.
The Shortcut menu consists of two sections, an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion shows the
4.
a finish
to complete
various
of the
command
or to
complete
the command.
1. Perform
Select
command
for creating
the parts
required
entity
type.
This
isthey
usually
a command
from
thelower
Undo,
Abort, the
Redraw
and Design/Manufacture
commands
(providing
are currently
valid).
The
Geometry
menucommands
bar although
buttons
are used
provided
forcurrent
frequently
used commands:
section
displays
those
most
recently
in
the
worksession.
See Also
Displaying
2. Shortcut
Enterthe
parameters
CPL Co-ordinates
a dialog
boxtotowork
modify
the Design
effects of
the
command.
This within
stage Manufacture.
is usually
Two
menus
areinto
provided
- one
within
and
the
other to work
Finishing
a Command
by command
buttons.
This
isbypassed
because
some
Manufacture
commands are not valid within Design and also some Design
Completing are
a Command
accepting
Default Parameters
commands
not valid data
within
3. Enter co-ordinate
to Manufacture.
position the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
(digitising)
by entering
explicit co-ordinates
in a dialog
box. menu) command, which displays this
The
menuorsettings
are configured
in the Shortcut
(Options
AbortShortcut
the Command
parameter
dialog box:
Undo the Previous
Command
See Also
Finishing a Command
Shortcut
delay Defines how long the right hand mouse button must be pressed before the Shortcut menu
Abort the Command
appears
(from
0.1 toCommand
1.0 seconds).
Undo the Previous
Redo
thelist
Previous
History
limit Command
Specifies the number of previously used commands to appear on the bottom of the
Shortcut menu.
EdgeCAM User Guide

To switch on the Co-ordinate Tracking toolbar:
1. SelectCo-ordinate Tracking from the Status Bars (View menu) command, OR
2. Click on the
Co-ordinate Tracking button on the Display toolbar.

Please
1. Select
note that
the command
the Co-ordinate
for creating
Tracking
the status
required
barentity
is docked
type. by
This
default.
is usually
You acan
command
change from
its position
the
on
screenGeometry
by dragging
menu
it to bar
another
although
location:
buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Completing
a Command
accepting
Defaultare
Parameters
The co-ordinates
displayed
in the window
those of the current cursor position in a view while entering
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
co-ordinates for a command with a digitise. You can switch between CPL (Construction Plane), World and
Abort
theco-ordinate
Command systems using the buttons provided.
Machine
Normally,
the co-ordinates
are updated at the end of each digitise/command. Alternatively, select the Track
Redo the Previous
Command
Cursor option in the Preferences (Options menu) command to display the co-ordinates dynamically as the
cursor is moved during a command.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Finishing a Command
The help refers to the action Perform a Finish when describing how to use certain commands.
You can:
Right-click.
Press the Enter/Return key.
Use the Finish command.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide

Selecting the right hand mouse button will finish a command or a part of it. As an alternative to using a
single click of the right hand mouse button to complete each stage of a command, you can also double
click the button. This will complete the whole command accepting the default settings for the remaining
command options.
A typical example where this could be used is the Profile command in Manufacture mode. This command
prompts you to Digitise new start point for profile chain (or finish) followed by Digitise start/end to alter. If
you double click the right hand mouse button after selecting the geometry, the system generates the
toolpath using the default start and end positions, ending the Profile command.
There are another

several command
stages involved
when
creating
geometric
entities.has
Thethe
typical
Selecting
once you
have
selected
the geometry
samestages
effect are:
as using a double
click of the right hand mouse button.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Escaping Back One Step in the Command

Click the
command.
button if you want to move back through one step of data entry when entering data for a
Note that you can also use the Esc key to escape back.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Aborting the Command

Use the Abort command to cancel a command; for example to delete the entities you have just created if
you have made a mistake.
You can click the Abort command button
Alterntively press the F8 key.
If the command has affected the part database, you are asked to confirm the undo.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide

Click on the Undo
command.
You can use the Redo
button from the Standard toolbar to undo or reverse the action of the previous
button to cancel the effect of the Undo button.
Note that you cannot use Undo while in Instructions Insert mode in Manufacture.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide

Click on the Redo
button from the Standard toolbar to cancel the effect of the Undo
replace the undone command.
9
button and
Note that you cannot use Undo while in Instructions Insert mode in Manufacture.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Lines
10
Here are the commands for creating lines in the Design toolbar:
Single Line - use to create a line with two digitises
Horizontal Line - use to create a horizontal line with digitises
Vertical Line - use to create a vertical line with digitises

Polyline - use to create a polyline with digitises
Line - parameters
use to create
a line
usingbox
parameters
a dialog
also
appears This
in thestage
Geometry
menu).
2. Enter
into
a dialog
to modifyinthe
effects(this
of the
command.
is usually
3. that
Enter
co-ordinate
dataappear
to position
the entity, commands
either directly
screen
by clicking the mouse
Note
these
commands
in a combined
andonmenu
button.
See Also
Inserting
See AlsoLine Data
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating a Line with Two Digitises

To create a line with two digitises
1. SelectSingle Line
command from the Design toolbar. Note that this command appears in a
combined commands and menu button.
2. Give position d1 in response to the Start point of line prompt.
3. Give
positionstages
d2 in response
to thecreating
End point
of line prompt.
There
are several
involved when
geometric
entities. The typical stages are:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
11
Creating a Horizontal Line

To create a horizontal line
1. Select the Horizontal Line command

from the Design toolbar (note that this command
appears in a combined commands and menu button).
2. Digitise position d1 in response to the Point through which line will pass prompt.
3. Digitise position d2 in response to the End point of line prompt.

The horizontal line ends where it is intersected by a vertical line which passes through d2.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
12
Creating a Vertical Line

To create a vertical line
1. Click the Vertical Line command

in the Design toolbar. Note that the command appears in a
combined commands and menu button.
2. Digitise position d1 in response to the Point through which line will pass prompt.
3. Digitise
position
d2 involved
in response
to the
End geometric
point of line
prompt.
There
are several
stages
when
creating
entities.
The typical stages are:
The vertical line ends where it is intersected by a horizontal line which passes through d2.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
13
Creating a Polyline
14
A polyline is a series of connected lines.

To create a polyline
1. Select the Polyline command

from the Design toolbar. (Note that this command appears in a
combined commands and menu button).
2. Digitise
position
d1 involved
in response
to the
Startgeometric
point of line
prompt.
There
are several
stages
when
creating
entities.
The typical stages are:
3. Digitise position d2 in response to the End point of line prompt.
1.
thetocommand
foretc.
creating
thelines
required
This is usually a command from the
4. Select
Continue
give d3, d4
until all
haveentity
been type.
created.
5. Finish the command by clicking Escape in the Input toolbar.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating a Line using Parameters
1. Click the Line
command in the Geometry menu or Design toolbar.
2. Complete the subsequent Line dialog. See the further information below, and/or click the dialog's Help
button for more information.
Note that you for some line type options in the dialog (for example 'Vertical'), you can just check the
option and leave the rest of the settings in their default condition. However this would be the
using the
Vertical
Line
command
(for example),
it would
be quicker
There equivalent
are severalofstages
involved
when
creating
geometric
entities.which
The typical
stages
are: to use directly
from the Design toolbar.
3.
the command
Status Barfor
prompts
forthe
completing
command.
might have
to digitise
thethe
'Point
1. Follow
Select the
creating
required the
entity
type. ThisYou
is usually
a command
from
through
which
line
will
pass'
for
example.
2. information
Enter parameters
a dialog
box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
More
on the into
dialog
settings:
Polyline
Horizontal
Vertical
Orthogonal
See Also
Tangent to Point
Tangent
Tangent Buttons on Toolbars
SelectingtoCommand
Selecting
Commands
with the Shortcut Menu
Angle
Relative
FinishingAngle
a Command
Completing
Command
Parallel and aParallel
2 accepting Default Parameters
Tangent
Angle
Abort theand
Command
Undo
the
Previous
To X/Y Co-ordinate Command
Length
Name
EdgeCAM User Guide
15
Inserting Line Data
16
You can load point data from an ASCII file to create line entities, using the Insert, Point Data (File menu)
command.
SeeInserting Point Data for details.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Arcs
17
Here are the commands in the Design toolbar for creating arcs:
Arc - use to create an arc through three points
Radius Arc - use to create an arc by centre point and radius
Arc - use to create an arc using parameters (this command also appears in the Geometry menu).
Note
these
appear
in a the
combined
commands
menu
button.
1. that
Select
thecommands
command for
creating
required
entity type.and
This
is usually
a command from the
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating an Arc through Three Points

To create an arc through three points
1. Click the Arc command

in the Design toolbar. Note that this command appears in a combined
commands and menu button.
2. Give position d1 in response to the Start point of arc prompt.
3. Give
positionstages
d2 in response
to thecreating
Mid point
of arc prompt.
There
are several
involved when
geometric
4. Give position d3 in response to the End point of arc prompt.
The arc
is createdmenu
in anbar
anticlockwise
direction
d1 to for
d3.frequently used commands:
Geometry
although buttons
arefrom
provided
The
below shows
effect of
swapping
of d1
andcommand.
d3.
2. diagram
Enter parameters
intothe
a dialog
box
to modifythe
theorder
effects
of the
This stage is usually
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
18
Creating an Arc by Centre Point and Radius

To create an arc, specifying the centre point and radius
1. Click the Radius Arc command

in the Design toolbar (note that this appears in a combined
commands and menu button) . The Arc parameters are displayed.
2. Enter values as required:
There are
several
stages involved
creating
geometric
entities.
typical
are:
Start
Angle/End
Angle when
Specify
the angle
from the
centre The
of the
arc instages
degrees
for the beginning
and end points of the arc. If start and end angles are set to <None>, a circle is created.
1. Select
the command
for radius
creating
entity type. This is usually a command from the
Radius
Specify the
of the
the required
arc.
2. Enter
dialogpoint
box in
to response
modify thetoeffects
of thepoint
command.
stageIf is
usually
3.
Give aparameters
location forinto
the acentre
the Centre
for arcThis
prompt.
any
of the arc
bypassed
byset
command
buttons.
values
were
to <Digitise>,
you are asked to make digitises to provide this information.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
19
Creating an Arc using Parameters
1. Click the Arc Dialog

command in the Design toolbar or the Geometry menu. The parameters
for the Arc command are displayed.
2. Set up your required command parameters by selecting check boxes and/or typing data into the entry
boxes. Note that more than one check box can be selected at any one time and more than one entry
box can have data typed into it.
3. Select the OK button to continue with the command. If none of the parameters in the dialog box are
There changed
are several
stages
involvedsettings,
when creating
geometric
typical
stages
from
their default
the command
will entities.
have theThe
same
function
as are:
the Arc button.
4. Provide the data requested by the prompts in the Status bar.
Geometry
menu
The Arc
parameters
are:bar although buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
2. Enter
parameters into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
Blend
and Centreline
Blend Through a Point
Blend (digitising)
3 Entities or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
Centre Point
Start Angle/End Angle
See Also
Radius
Diameter
Selecting
Tangent toCommands
Point
Radius
and
2 Points
Finishing
a Command
Completing
a Command accepting Default Parameters
Blend Radius
Tangent
Centreline
Abort theand
Command
Undo
the
Previous
Command
Name
EdgeCAM User Guide
20
Using the Profile Tool
21
You can use the Profile Tool command (Geometry menu) to create a profile.
In its behaviour and appearance, using Profile Tool is similar to creating a line using the Polyline
parameter, except that each profile segment is drawn dynamically. A series of snap lines can optionally be
displayed to show relationships with other selected entities.
See Also
Selecting
Commands
withisthe
Shortcut
Menu
Although the
Profile Tool
simple
to use,
it can be used in many different ways. Because of this, the
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
command has a Basic and an Advanced dialog box. The Basic dialog is presented by default but you can
Finishing
a Command
switch between
the two using the Advanced >> and << Basic buttons.
See
AbortAlso
the Command
Undo
the
Previous
Command
Basic Profile
Tool Parameters
EdgeCAM User Guide
Basic Profile Tool Parameters

Mode This controls the behaviour of the Profile Tool.
New Location This allows you to select a new start point for the profile, by digitising or specifying the coordinates.
Line Sets the tool to Line drawing mode.
Length Specifies the length of the line. If no entry is made, the information is taken from a screen digitise.
Angle Specifies the absolute angle of the line. If no entry is made, the information is taken from a screen
digitise.
Arc Sets the tool to Arc drawing mode.
Radius
Only
active
in Arc for
drawing
mode.
Specifiesentity
the radius
of theisarc.
If noaentry
is made,
the
1. Select
the
command
creating
the required
type. This
usually
command
from
the
information
is
taken
from
a
screen
digitise.
Co-ordinate
Input Fixinto
the aco-ordinates
of modify
the destination
point
by entering
co-ordinates
X and Y
2. Enter parameters
dialog box to
the effects
of the
command.
This stageinisthe
usually
boxes bypassed
(or Z,X depending
on
the
environment).
Select
the
Incremental
box
if
you
want
the
co-ordinate
value
by command buttons.
to be incremental from the current position rather than absolute.
Corner
This option
generates
specified
corner radius
chamfer
(digitising)
or by
entering aexplicit
co-ordinates
in a or
dialog
box. between each line or arc in the
dynamic profile.
Blend Radius Defines the radius of a round corner between the two segments.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
Chamfer Defines a chamfer between the two segments. The value entered in this box is actually the
lead, or distance from the corner between the old and new entities and where the chamfer touches each
entity:
Advanced >> Click on this button to display the full range of Profile Tool Options. On the new Profile Tool
dialog box, this button is replaced by << Basic to return to the Basic Profile Tool dialog box.
EdgeCAM User Guide
22
See Also
23
Setting the Snap Parameters

Advanced Profile Tool Parameters

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Setting the Snap Parameters

As you move the cursor around to enter an end point for a profile segment, other dotted lines appear. These
lines show where the current cursor position is in relation to other entities. You can select other entities to
snap to by entity digitising them (using the right hand mouse button).
When the cursor gets close to one of these locations it sticks slightly or snaps to that location. The new
profile segment also changes colour.
From the Profile Tool dialog box, select Snap to display this dialog box:
See Also
Mark one or more of the check boxes in the Snap dialog box to select a particular type of snap. Click on the
All button to mark all the boxes, or on the None button to clear all the boxes.
Vertical
A snap is made
to any
position
sharing the same X co-ordinate as a selected entity.
SelectingCommands
with the
Shortcut
Menu
Horizontal A snap is made to any position sharing the same Y co-ordinate as a selected entity.
Finishing a Command
Blend
Arcs a Command
A snap is made
to any
position
where an arc intersects another entity. You can then choose
Completing
accepting
Default
Parameters
which
ofOne
the entities
want to keep.
Escapeparts
Back
Step in you
the Command
Abort the Command
Perpendicular to Line A snap is made to any position perpendicular to a selected line entity.
Tangential
to Arc Command
A snap is made to any position tangential to a selected arc entity.
Redo the Previous
Radially from Arc A snap is made to any position radial to a selected arc entity.
See Also
Basic Profile Example
EdgeCAM User Guide
24
Basic Profile Example
25
This example follows through the steps needed to create this profile:

To create a basic profile
See Also
Selecting
Commands
from
the(Geometry
Menu Bar menu) command. The dialog box is now displayed. If it is not the
1. Select
the Profile
Tool
Selecting
Command
Buttons
onBasic
Toolbars
Basic
dialog, click
on the
button.
2. SetLine
to 50 and specify a Corner Chamfer value of 10.
Displaying
the Length
CPL Co-ordinates
Finishing
a Command
3. Click
on Snap.
4. Click
onOne
the All
button.
Escape
Back
Step
in the Command
Abort
the
Command
5. Click on the Snap tabs OK button.
6. the
Click
on the Profile
Tool dialogs OK button.
Redo
Previous
Command
7. Make a digitise to draw the first line segment:
8. Make a second digitise:
EdgeCAM User Guide
8.
26

by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
9. (digitising)
Make a thirdor
digitise:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
10. Use the right hand mouse button to select the bottom line entity:
EdgeCAM User Guide
10.
27

3. can
Enter
co-ordinate
data
the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
You
now
snap to the
endtoofposition
this line.
11. Use the left hand mouse button to snap the new line to the end of the first line, completing the profile:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
12. Perform a finish.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Advanced Profile Tool Parameters

The parameters take into account the Last Entity Created. The top half of the Advanced dialog box is the
same as the Basic dialog.
The Advanced parameters are:
View Picture Select this box to display a picture of the profile link between the Last Entity Created and
the new Line or Arc. Here are two examples:

If the link cannot occur or not enough information has been input to define the link, an error message will be
displayed.
Link Start These options control how the new entity leaves the last entity. Select these options and use
View Picture to confirm the setting you want.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
Link
These options
control how the new entity joins a selected entity. Select these options and use
UndoEnd
the Previous
Command
View
to confirm
the setting you want.
Redo Picture
the Previous
Command
<< Basic Replaces the current Advanced profile tool dialog with the Basic version.
See Also
Advanced Profile Example
EdgeCAM User Guide
28
Advanced Profile Example

This example follows through the steps needed to create this profile:

bypassed
by command
buttons.
To create
an advanced
profile
1. Select
the Profile
Tool (Geometry
menu) command.
Thebox.
dialog box is now displayed. If it is not the
(digitising)
or by entering
in a dialog
Advanced dialog, click on the Advanced >> button.
2. Set these parameters:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
3. Click on OK.
The graphics screen now shows this:
EdgeCAM User Guide
29
3.
30

You must now select which parts of these entities to keep for the blending process.
Geometry
menu bar
although
4. Select
the portion
of the
line to buttons
keep: are provided for frequently used commands:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Completing
Command
accepting Default Parameters
5. Selectathe
arc to keep:
Abort the Command
This results in this shape:
The screen is now updated and you are returned to the dialog box.
6. Now set these parameters:
EdgeCAM User Guide
6.
31

See Also
Displaying
CPLYou
Co-ordinates
7. Click the
on OK.
are now prompted to digitise the end point of the line.
Finishing a Command
8. Selectawhich
of theaccepting
two possible
positions
you want to use to place the line:
Completing
Command
Default
Parameters
Abort the Command
This results in this profile so far:
9. Now select Escape
. The dialog box is again displayed.
10.
11.
EdgeCAM User Guide
9.
10. Enter a Blend Radius of 5.
32
11. Click on OK.

12. Use the right hand mouse button to select the bottom line entity:

You should now be able to snap to the end of this line.
13. Use the left hand mouse button to snap the new line to the end of the first line, completing the profile:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
The two new corners are both blended with a radius of 5:
EdgeCAM User Guide
Converting to a Continuous Entity

A continuous entity is a collection of contiguous entities. Converting entities to a continuous entity offers
these benefits:
A continuous entity can be referred to using only one entity digitise
There are quick methods for chamfering or filleting the corners within a continuous entity using the
Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
The entities forming a continuous entity must have coincident end points, or they must intersect.
To create a continuous entity
1. Select the Continuous (Geometry menu) command.
2. If
required,by
check
the Delete
Base Entities option to remove underlying entities when creating a
bypassed
command
buttons.
continuous.
3. Enter
a nameorfor
continuous
if required.
continuous
(digitising)
by the
entering
explicitentity,
co-ordinates
in aAdialog
box. entity name can have up to eight
characters.
4. ClickOK to close the dialog.
See Also
5. Digitise each entity to be converted individually, or double-click on one of them. Right-click to finish.
Use
theseCommands
Input commands
to Shortcut
help select
entities:
Selecting
with the
Menu
Finishing a Command
two-entity selection
Escapechaining
Back One Step in the Command restricted chaining
Abort the Command
Entities that are members of a continuous entity cannot be deleted individually until the continuous entity is
dissolved using the Explode (Edit menu) command.
If a continuous entity is deleted, then all its member entities are also deleted. Again, the Explode (Edit
menu) command can be used, if desired, to dissolve the continuous entity and preserve the member
entities.
EdgeCAM User Guide
33
34

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
35

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Inserting Point Data
36
You can load point data from an ASCII file using the Insert, Point Data (File menu) command. This
displays the following dialog:

See Also
File
NameCommands
Type in orfrom
Browse
for the
Selecting
the Menu
Barlocation and name of the ASCII file.
Selecting
Buttons
oninToolbars
Divisor Command
The co-ordinate
data
the specified ASCII file is divided by this factor. The default is 1.0.
Style
Thethe
format
the data in the ASCII file. Select between the following options:
Displaying
CPL of
Co-ordinates
Finishing
a
Command
Create Select between Points and Lines. For Lines, consecutive points are joined by line entities.
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Group Entities

Groups are a collection of lines, arcs, points or surfaces that are grouped together so that they can be
referred to as a single entity. The Group (Geometry menu) command is most frequently used to collect
together a series of points for machining in a cycle.
The members of a group need not be contiguous.
To create a group entity
1. Select the Group (Geometry menu) command.

2. Enter the group name, if required. A group can be named with up to eight characters.
1. Select
the command
forto
creating
the required
type.ofThis
usually a command from the
3.
Give entity
digitises (d1
dn) to select
all the entity
members
the is
group.
Entities that are members of a group cannot be deleted until the group is dissolved using the Explode(Edit
menu)command.
If a group is deleted then all its member entities are also deleted. Again, the Explode (Edit menu)
command can be used, if desired, to dissolve the group and preserve the member entities.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
37
Creating Offset Entities

The Offset (Geometry menu) command creates an offset around one or more entities.
To create an offset
1. Select the Offset (Geometry menu) command. The Offset dialog box is displayed.
2. Complete the following parameters as required:
Continuous
Select
this check
box to create
a continuous
entitytypical
from the
linesare:
and arcs created
There are
several stages
involved
when creating
geometric
entities. The
stages
by the offset.
1. Select
Offset
thecommand
The distance
for creating
the new the
entity
required
will be entity
offsettype.
from This
the original
is usually
entity.
a command from the
Type Controls the creation of entities where two lines meet and the offset will be created on the
2. Enter
outside:
Sharp Corner Offset lines will be extended to their intersection point.
Round Corner Inserts a blend radius.
Default Offset Side Select whether to automatically create the offset on the inside or the outside
of the original entity (if closed).
See Also
3. Click on OK to continue.
Selecting
4. Enter
Command
one or more
Buttons
digitises
on Toolbars
in reply to the Line/Arc/Continuous/Group as profile prompt. (More than
Selecting
oneCommands
entity can bewith
selected
the Shortcut
to be offset.)
Menu
Finishing a Command
Completing
a Command
accepting
Default
Parameters
EdgeCAM
displays
an arrow
indicating
the start point and the side on which the offset will be
Escape Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
applied.
Abort the Command
6. the
If required,
a new start point for the profile chain.
Redo
Previousdigitise
Command
The offset(s) are produced.
EdgeCAM User Guide
38
Creating Shapes
39
EdgeCAM provides several methods for creating shapes. All shapes are created from a number of
individual entities.
Please note that these commands are PDI add-in options and do not support Intellisnap picking. To select
entities you can use either of the following methods:
Select the Entity icon from the Input toolbar
Hold down the right-hand mouse button and select the Entity command from the Shortcut menu
There Hold
are several
down the
stages
Ctrl key
involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
See Also
Creating
2. Enter
Rectangles
parameters
andinto
Cuboids
a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
Creating
bypassed
Polygons
by command buttons.
Creating Slots
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Rectangles and Cuboids

To create a rectangle or a cuboid
1. Select the Rectangle (Geometry menu) command. The Rectangle parameters are displayed.
2. Complete the parameters:
Length Type in the length of the rectangle or select <Digitise>.
Width Type in the width of the rectangle or select <Digitise>.

Depth Type in a value to project the rectangle in the {Z} of the current CPL. Select <Digitise> to
be able to specify the depth with a digitise, or select <None> to produce a rectangle rather than a
cuboid.
Corner Radius Enter a radius to produce a rectangle with rounded corners. The default is zero
which produces 90 corners.
3.
co-ordinate
data to position
entity,
either
directly on
screen by clicking the mouse
3. Enter
Digitise
a point in response
to the the
Select
start
of rectangle
prompt.
4. If you did not specify both the length and width, digitise a point in response to the Select end of
rectangle prompt.
See
5. Also
If you selected Digitise for the depth, make a digitise in another view to specify the depth.
Selecting
6. To create
Commands
another
from
rectangle,
the Menu
return
Bar to step 3.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
40
Creating Polygons
41
To create a polygon with equal length sides

1. Select the Polygon (Geometry menu) command. The Polygon parameters are displayed.
2. Complete the parameters, updating default values as required. Note that it is possible to enter
contradictory parameters; for example, a side length incompatible with the radius:
Number of sides Specify the number of sides of equal length in the polygon.
There are
several
stages
involved
creating
Thepolygon.
typical stages are:
Initial
Angle
Specify
thewhen
absolute
anglegeometric
of the firstentities.
line of the
Corner Radius Enter a radius to produce a polygon with rounded corners.
Geometry
Depth Enter
menu abar
value
although
in thisbuttons
field to are
project
provided
the polygon
for frequently
in the {Z}
used
of the
commands:
current CPL. Verticals are
created at each corner, forming a wire frame volume.
bypassed
Type Select
by command
one of the
buttons.
following to define the Dimension parameter:
3. Enter
Sideco-ordinate
Length Enter
data the
to position
length of
theeach
entity,
side
either
in the
directly
Dimension
on screen
parameter.
Inscribed circle Specify the diameter of the inner construction circle of the polygon in the
Dimension parameter.
Circumscribed Specify the diameter of the outer construction circle of the polygon in the
See Also
Dimension parameter.
Enter the
of the dimension specified in the Type field.
SelectingDimension
Command Buttons
on size
Toolbars
Displaying
3. Digitise
theaCPL
pointCo-ordinates
in response to the Select start of polygon prompt. Depending on the parameters you
Finishing
selected,
a Command
the polygon is either drawn instantly or you can dynamically position it using the mouse. A
Completing
digitisea then
Command
fixes the
accepting
polygons
Default
position.
Parameters
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Slots
42
To create a slot
1. Select the Slot (Geometry menu) command. The Slot parameters are displayed.
2. Complete the parameters, updating default values as required:

See Also
Length Enter a value for the length of the slot or select <Digitise>.
Enter
a value
the width of the slot.
SelectingWidth
Command
Buttons
onfor
Toolbars
SelectingDepth
Commands
with
the
Shortcut
Menu
Enter a value in this field
to project the slot in the {Z} of the current CPL.
Enter a value for the angle of the slot or select <Digitise>.
FinishingAngle
a Command
Escape
Back One
Steppoint
in theofCommand
3. Digitise
the start
the slot.
Abort the Command
4. the
Digitise
the end
point of the slot (if necessary).
Undo
Previous
Command
If you entered a value in the Angle parameter, the direction of the slot will be constrained.
If you entered a value for the Length parameter, the length of the slot will be constrained.
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Curves
43
Curves used in design, often referred to as free form curves, are modelled in EdgeCAM as splines. The set
of splines includes the Spline, the Bezier Spline and the B Spline. Given the same source data, each type of
spline gives a curve of a different shape, based on the mathematical equation it is derived from.
The (Geometry menu) commands available to create curves are:
Curves, Spline
ThereCurves,
are several
B Spline
stages
and
involved
Fitted Bwhen
Spline
creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
1. Curves,
Select the
command for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Bezier
Curves, Smooth
Curves,
Conic
(digitising)
or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
Curves, Control Points
Curves, Intersection
See Also
This
example
shows the
threeon
spline
types, using the same set of control points to control each curve's
Selecting
Command
Buttons
Toolbars
behaviour:
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Splines
44
Here is an example of a spline curve, as defined by (and passing through) six fit points:

bypassed
command
buttons.
Use the
Curves,by
Spline
(Geometry
menu) command to create spline curves. Also seeTo create a spline
curve.
(digitising)
or by
entering
in point
a dialog
A Spline
is a smooth
curve
whichexplicit
passesco-ordinates
through each
in abox.
set of data points or fit points. Spline
curves are typically used where accuracy must be maintained at the fit points, but is unnecessary between
the fit points.
See
Also is made up of a chain of smaller sub-curves. These sub-curves straddle the gaps between
The Spline
consecutive
fit points. from
All but
the
first and
Selecting Commands
the
Menu
Bar the last fit points form the junction between one sub-curve and
another.
At
these
junctions,
the
sub-curves
Selecting Command Buttons on Toolbars are constrained to join together smoothly. The route that a subcurve
takes
between one
point
and the
next is governed by the Break Points option that you select when
Selecting
Commands
withfitthe
Shortcut
Menu
creating
thethe
Spline
Displaying
CPL curve.
Co-ordinates
Finishing
Command
The BreakaPoints
parameter has two options:
Uniform
Uniform
breakinpoints
should only be chosen when the fit points are spaced evenly. An uneven
Escape Back
One Step
the Command
spacing
the fit points results in unwanted loops and wiggles in the path.
Abort thebetween
Command
Undo
Previous
Command
Chordthe
Length
This
creates a Spline that takes into account the actual distance between the fit points.
Once you have created a Spline, you do not need to retain the construction points as their co-ordinates are
retained in the EdgeCAM definition of the Spline.
You can control the tangent angles at the start and end of the Spline.
The curve segment between each pair of points is defined by three mathematical equations (one for each of
the x, y and z axes). For example:
x = f(u) = a + bu + cu2 + du3.
EdgeCAM only creates cubic Splines (of degree 3 the degree of the equation is the highest value of n in
un, so the previous example would be of degree 3). However, EdgeCAM does support Splines of any order,
so you can import Splines of a higher order from other CAD systems.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Splines
45
To create a spline curve
1. Click the Curve Spline Curve
command
in the Geometry menu.
2. Enter a Tolerance value if required. The smaller the tolerance value, the smoother the curve appears
on the screen. As the curve is mathematically defined, changing this modifier does not alter the actual
shape of the curve.
3. Ifare
required,
theinvolved
slope (inwhen
degrees)
at the
start of the
curveThe
intotypical
the Start
Angle.
There
severalenter
stages
creating
geometric
entities.
stages
are:To take the
angle of the slope from an existing entity, set Start Angle to <Digitise>.
4.
required,
type the slope
(degrees)
the endentity
of thetype.
curve
intoisthe
End aAngle
box. To
take
1. If
Select
the command
for creating
the at
required
This
usually
command
from
thethe angle
of
the
slope
from
an
existing
entity,
set
Start
Angle
to
<Digitise>.
5.
Choose
a Break Points
option.box
This
be either
Uniform
or Chord
Length
(see
About
Splines for
2. Enter
parameters
into a dialog
to can
modify
the effects
of the
command.
This
stage
is usually
details).
6.
Type aco-ordinate
Name for the
if required.
3. Enter
datacurve,
to position
the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
a dialog
7. Digitise the fit points for the curve. co-ordinates
The fit pointsincan
be fullbox.
3D points.
The slope angles are measured in an anticlockwise direction from the X axis of the current CPL.
See
Also can be altered by using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
The curve
Selecting
See
Also Command Buttons on Toolbars
About
Splines
Displaying
the CPL Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
About B Splines
46
Here is an example of a B Spline as defined by six control points (note that the first and last points lie on the
curve):

Use
Curves,
B Spline
(Geometry
command.
Also see
create
B spline.
3. the
Enter
co-ordinate
data
to positionmenu)
the entity,
either directly
onTo
screen
byaclicking
the mouse
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
A B Spline curve needs a set of control points, but does not necessarily pass through the points. However, it
always passes through the first and last points.
(Note that you can use the Curves, Fitted B Spline (Geometry menu) command to create a B Spline
See
usingAlso
fit points rather than control points. In this case the curve passes through each fit point. See also
Editing
Curves
Created
Withthe
FitMenu
Points.)
Selecting
Commands
from
Bar
Selecting
Command
Buttons
on
Toolbars
B Splines are used for general curves where any abrupt changes of the control points will be smoothed.
At
the start,the
theCPL
curve
is tangential to a line between the first two control points and at its end is tangential to
Displaying
Co-ordinates
a
line between
the last two control points. If a single control point is moved, it only changes the curve in that
Finishing
a Command
locality
other
regions ofaccepting
the curve Default
are unaffected.
Completing
a Command
Parameters
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
A feature of the B Spline is the degree of the curve. The degree is specified as an integer between 1 and
Abort
the Command
10. Generally,
the lower the degree, the closer the curve will follow the track lines (straight lines between the
Undo
the
Previous
Command
control points).
A degree
of 1 produces the track lines themselves. The higher the degree, the flatter the
Redo
the
Previous
Command
curve. A degree of between
2 and 5 is the most useful in practice, and the default value is 3.
Repeating a control point influences the curve by pulling it sharply towards that point while not reducing its
(mathematical) smoothness. The shape of a curve may also be influenced by introducing a different
weighting factor for each control point. Such a curve is called a rational B Spline. A curve created with
EdgeCAM has a weighting of 1.0 assigned to each point and is therefore non-rational.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating B Splines
47
To create a B Spline
1. Click the Curve B Spline Curve
command in the Geometry menu.
2. Type a Tolerance value into the box, if required. The smaller the tolerance value, the smoother the
curve appears on the screen. As the curve is mathematically defined, changing this modifier does not
alter the actual shape of the curve.
3. Type
the required
value
into
the box.
This canentities.
be a value
1 and are:
10 but it must be
There
are several
stagesDegree
involved
when
creating
geometric
Thebetween
typical stages
less than the number of control points. The higher the value, the flatter the curve but it takes longer to
create. A value of 3 is adequate for general applications.
4. Type
a Name
for bar
the although
curve, if required.
Geometry
menu
5.
Digitise
the controlinto
points
for the
curve.
2. Enter
parameters
a dialog
box
to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
The control points can be full 3D points.
The curve
can be altered
by usingexplicit
the Entity
Data (Edit
(digitising)
or by entering
co-ordinates
in amenu)
dialog command.
box.
See Also
About
B Splines
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Fitted B Splines

The Curves, Fitted B Spline (Geometry menu) creates a B Spline curve based on digitised fit points
rather than control points, so that the curve passes through all the fit points.
Once the fit points have been selected, the command converts them to the equivalent control points. See
Editing Curves Created With Fit Points for details.
The command uses the same Tolerance,Degree and Name parameters as in the B Spline command, but
also uses these parameters:
Dynamic Check this box to see the B spline appear on the screen and move around as you digitise
existing
points
or screen
This allows
you
to see the
effect on
curvestages
as each
new point is
There are
several
stagespositions.
involved when
creating
geometric
entities.
Thethe
typical
are:
digitised.
Start
Select
the initial
directionthe
of the
curveentity
from its
starting
point.
1. Angle
Select the
command
for creating
required
type.
This is
Geometry
menu
although
are provided
forpoint.
frequently used commands:
End Angle
Select
thebar
final
directionbuttons
of the curve
to its end
2. Enter
parameters
into a dialog
box to
modify
the effects
Break
Points
Select Uniform
or Chord
Length
break
points. of the command. This stage is usually
SeeAbout Splines for details of details of Start and End Angle and Break Point.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
48
About Bezier Curves
49
Here is an example of a Bezier curve defined by six control points:

2. the
Enter
parameters
a dialog menu)
box to modify
the effects
of the
command.
Thiscurve.
stage is usually
Use
Curves,
Bezierinto
(Geometry
command.
Also see
To create
a Bezier
Bezier curves are a subset of the more general B Spline curves. Mathematically, a Bezier curve is the same
co-ordinate
dataequal
to position
entity,ofeither
directly
screen
as 3.
a BEnter
Spline
with a degree
to the the
number
control
pointson
minus
1. by clicking the mouse
Possible uses for a Bezier curve might be as a simple way of creating a smooth fillet in a profile, or as a
best fit approximation amongst control points which you not interested in following too closely, except at
the ends of the curve.
See Also
The useful features of the Bezier curve are:
TheCommands
start and end
positions
of theMenu
curve are the start and end control points
Selecting
with
the Shortcut
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
The start and end curve tangents correspond to the start and end tracks. A start track is the line
Finishing
a Command
between
the first two control points and the end track is a line between the last two control points.
Internal
points
influence
the curve in the region of the control point.
Escape
Back One
Step
in the Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Bezier Curves
50
To create a Bezier Curve
1. Click the Curve Bezier Curve
command
in the Geometry menu. .
3. Type a Name for the curve, if required.
4.
up command
to 20 control
forthe
therequired
curve. entity type. This is usually a command from the
1. Digitise
Select the
for points
creating
The control points can be full 3D points.
The curve
can bebyaltered
by using
the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
bypassed
command
buttons.
See Also
About Bezier Curves
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Conic Sections
51
Use the Curves, Conic (Geometry menu) command.

Conic sections are the shapes produced by taking a slice through a cone.
If the slice is parallel to the sloping side of a cone, the section is a parabola.
If the slice is closer to the vertical the section is a hyperbola.
When the slice approaches the horizontal, the section becomes an ellipse.
A horizontal section gives a circle which is a special case of an ellipse.

EdgeCAM
1. Select
has
thetwo
command
methodsfor
forcreating
creatingthe
a conic
required
section:
Specify
positional into
and atangential
information
endsofofthe
thecommand.
curve, plusThis
a shoulder
to define
2. Enter
parameters
dialog box
to modify for
the the
effects
stage is point
usually
the
form ofby
the
curve. The
position of this point determines whether the curve is an ellipse, parabola
bypassed
command
buttons.
or hyperbola segment.
Specify
the centre,
the endexplicit
of the major
axis, the
of box.
the ellipse and optional start and end
(digitising)
or by entering
co-ordinates
in height
a dialog
angles if the full ellipse is not required.
See Also
Also see To create conic sections.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Conic Sections
52
To create a general conic section.
1. Click the Curve Conic command

appears.
in the Geometry menu. The dialog box for the command
3. Type a Name for the curve, if required.
4.
OK
to acceptfor
thecreating
parameters
and dismiss
dialog
1. Click
Selectonthe
command
the required
entitythe
type.
Thisbox.
is usually a command from the
Geometry
menu
bar
although
buttons
are
provided
for
frequently
usedancommands:
5. Digitise in response to the Digitise first tangent prompt. Either, make
entity digitise on a line entity
(d1) orparameters
digitise twointo
positions
that
define
a tangent
line. of the command. This stage is usually
2. Enter
a dialog
box
to modify
the effects
bypassed
by
command
buttons.
6. Digitise in response to the Digitise second tangent prompt. Either, make an entity digitise on a line
entity (d2)
or digitise
two
thatentity,
defineeither
a tangent
line.
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data
to positions
position the
directly
on screen by clicking the mouse
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
7. Digitise a position in response to the Digitise shoulder point prompt (d3). The control points can be
full 3D points.
The
See curve
Also can be altered by using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
The
diagram
gives a typical
example
Selecting
Commands
from the
Menu of
Barconic creation:
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
To create a full ellipse or an elliptical segment

See Also
About Conic Sections
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating an Ellipse or an Elliptical Element

To create a full ellipse or an elliptical segment
1. Select the Curves, Conic (Geometry menu) command. The parameters for the command are
displayed.
2. Type the start angle (degrees) into the Start Angle box. The angle is measured anticlockwise relative
to the line defining the major axis (d1 to d2).
3. Type the end angle (degrees) into the End Angle box. The angle is measured anticlockwise relative
to the line defining the major axis (d1 to d2).
appears
on thefor
screen.
Asthe
therequired
ellipse isentity
mathematically
defined,
thisfrom
modifier
1. ellipse
Select the
command
creating
type. This is
usuallychanging
a command
the does
not
alter
its
actual
shape.
5.
Name for the
if box
required.
2. Type
Enter aparameters
intoellipse,
a dialog
bypassed
bytocommand
buttons.
6. Click
on OK
accept the
parameters and dismiss the dialog box.
3.
co-ordinate
to position
the entity,
7. Enter
Digitise
the centredata
position
of the ellipse
(d1).either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
8. Digitise a position defining the length of the major axis (d2).
9. Digitise a position defining the length of the minor axis (d3).
See Also
The curve can be altered by using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
Example
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
53
About Smooth Curves
54

3.Curves,
Enter co-ordinate
data to position
entity, either
directly
on screen byentity
clicking
thepasses
mousethrough a
The
Smooth (Geometry
menu)the
command
can create
a Continuous
which
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
set of points and is built up of lines and arcs. Also see To Create a Smooth Curve and Converting to a
Continuous Entity.
Smoothing can produce curves that are visually pleasing rather than mathematically correct.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
To Create a Smooth Curve
55
A smooth curve made up of lines and arcs is created through a set of points. Alternatively, a smooth curve
comprised of lines and arcs can be created to represent an existing Spline.
Select the Curves, Smooth (Geometry menu)
displayed.
command. The parameters for the command are
Select the Continuous check box if a Continuous entity consisting of lines and arcs is to be created. If this
check box is not selected, lines and arcs will be created as discrete entities.
For
a description
the Continuous
entity,
see Converting
a Continuous
Entity.
There
are severalofstages
involved when
creating
geometrictoentities.
The typical
stages are:
Type a Tolerance value into the box, if required. The smaller the tolerance value the more lines and arcs
are1.created
smoother
curvethe
willrequired
be.
Selectand
the the
command
for the
creating
Type a limiting Corner Angle (degrees). As the smoothing process occurs the system will measure the
angle
of anyparameters
bend in theinto
curve.
If the box
angle
the bend
is less of
than
equal to the
value
specified,
it is
2. Enter
a dialog
to of
modify
the effects
theorcommand.
This
stage
is usually
assumed
that thebybend
is actually
a deliberate corner. If the angle is greater than the specified value the
bypassed
command
buttons.
bend will be smoothed.
In response
to the or
First
point/curve
(or return)
prompt:
make
(digitising)
by entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in Either
a dialog
box.an entity digitise on a spline to be
convertedor digitise a start position and continue to provide digitises in response to the Next point/curve
(or return) prompt until the curve is complete.
See
If
theAlso
smooth curve is created from data which is not in the current CPL, the lines and arcs forming the
smooth curve will be projected down onto the CPL.
Selecting
Command
Buttons itonis Toolbars
When
digitising
co-ordinates
advisable to enter as many positions as possible in areas where there is
Selecting
with the in
Shortcut
Menucurve.
an abrupt Commands
change of direction
the required
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Regenerating Control Points

This command regenerates the control points originally used to define a Spline, B Spline or Bezier surface.
The control points can then be used to generate a different surface type.
1. Select the Curves, Control Points (Geometry menu) command.
2. Digitise a point in response to the Select the curve to generate control points from prompt.
The control points are displayed.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
56
Generating the Intersection of Two Curves

This command generates points where two entities intersect or approach within a the specified distance (the
Tolerance).
1. Select the Curves, Intersection (Geometry menu) command. The Intersection parameter window is
displayed.
2. Complete the parameters:
Number of steps The value in this field controls the algorithm used to determine the intersection
points.
Use
a number
closewhen
to the
numbergeometric
of intersection
points
expect.
If all
the intersection
There are
several
stages
involved
creating
entities.
The you
typical
stages
are:
points are not found, repeat the command with a higher number.
1. Select
Tolerance
the command
The maximum
for creating
distance
the required
between
entity
the type.
two entities
This is that
usually
will acount
command
as an from
intersection
the
for
Geometry
the purposes
menuofbar
thisalthough
command.
3. Digitise
a point
in response
to the Select first curve to intersect prompt.
bypassed
by command
buttons.
4.
Digitise
a point in response
to the the
Select
second
to intersect
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data to position
entity,
eithercurve
directly
on screenprompt.
The intersection point(s) are displayed. Note that these points are generated on curves using the
mathematical definition of the curve. Depending on the tolerance used to initially define the curve (not the
Tolerance parameter used in this command), the points may not appear to lie on the curve.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
57
About Text Entities
58
EdgeCAM allows you to create text and text features for machining purposes as well as annotation text
strings for dimensioning.
In addition to simple text, the Text Features (Geometry menu) command allows you to create text
features. These can be specified using either EdgeCAM vector fonts or Windows TrueType fonts.
SeeCreating Text Features.
Additional options from the Dimensioning toolbar allow you to create and insert text (EdgeCAM vector fonts
only).
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Text Features

In addition to simple text, the Text Features (Geometry menu) command allows you to create text features
which can be used in maching cycles. These can be specified using either EdgeCAM vector fonts or
Windows TrueType fonts.
Please note that the content of TrueType font files is beyond Pathtraces control and some characters may
prove impossible to machine. Under these circumstances it may be necessary to explode the text feature
so that corrections to the geometry can be made.
For some character sets i.e. Japanese and Chinese, text features using TrueType fonts on Windows NT 4
are displayed incorrectly in the edit dialog on Windows 2000 and vice versa. The text feature is displayed
There arewhen
several
stages
creating geometric
entities.
typical stages
correctly
loading
theinvolved
part andwhen
any associated
machining
can beThe
regenerated,
but are:
if the text feature is
edited, incorrect characters will be displayed in the dialog and the text will have to be re-entered or the edit
cancelled.
Geometry
although
are provided
frequently
used commands:
The text
features menu
will bebar
displayed
in buttons
the Features
Windowfor
and
can be machined
with any of the appropriate
EdgeCAM
machining
cycles.
To create
text/text
features buttons.
bypassed
by command
1. Select
the Text
Features
The parameters
for the
command are displayed.
(digitising)
or by
enteringcommand.
in a dialog
box.
2. Specify whether you want to use vector fonts or Windows TrueType fonts.
3. If required, set theseparameters:
See Also
Note: The height of a TrueType font is a complex matter, particularly since character heights vary
within a font as does their position in relation to the base line. Generally, the figure is based on the
height of a capital M plus leading allowances to give an overall height which is the distance between
base lines in multi-line text. It is this height which EdgeCAM uses.
Finishing a Command
Escape
Back One
Step in the parameters
Command for Vector or TrueType fonts:
4. Specify
the appropriate
Abort the Command
5. If required, specify a Name for the text entity created.
6. If you want to input text using a character set other than the one specified by the operating system, go
to the Language tab to select the required option from the list of available sets. (By default, this
option is set to the character set of the operating system). Please note that this functionality is only
available with TrueType fonts.
7. Click the Edit button and write your text in the Edit Text dialog.
8. ClickOK to accept the parameters.
9. Digitise one or more locations at which to place the text.
10. Perform a Finish.
EdgeCAM User Guide
59
Parameters for TrueType Fonts

PressEdit to display the text editing window and type in the required text string. Click OK to accept the text.
Please note that the text box displaying the input string on the main dialog is not shown in Windows 2000.
Font Select font from a list of available Windows fonts.
When transferring work from one computer to another please be aware that fonts on different machines
may vary or not be available.
Space (%) Expands or condenses the space between characters by the amount specified. *
Note that some character pairs may overlap in certain fonts, especially in italic mode. This can be corrected
There
are several
involved
whenthem.
creating
geometric
entities.
stages
by inserting
a 1/4 stages
em space
between
Enter
ALT + 0160
usingThe
thetypical
number
pad. are:
Kerning Check to adjust the spacing between particular combinations of characters, so that the entire
word looks
more evenly
spaced.
* buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
Geometry
menu bar
although
*Kerning
adjusts
the spacing
particular
pairs
lettersofdepending
on the
fontstage
design.
Space (%)
2. Enter
parameters
into abetween
dialog box
to modify
theof
effects
the command.
This
is usually
alters bypassed
the spacing
bybetween
command
all buttons.
letters by the same amount.
In 3.
this Enter
example,
co-ordinate
Space (%)
dataistoset
position
to 100:the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
See Also
Finishing a Command
Completing
Command
accepting
Defaultthe
Parameters
Checking thea Kerning
option
will produce
following text (note that the letter e has been moved under
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
the letter T to create an evenly spaced look):
Abort the Command
Italic Check to apply italic font formatting to text.

Bold Check to apply bold font formatting to text.
Explode Check to create geometry as lines and Bezier curves. Text created with this option exists as
independent geometric entities only and cannot be treated as a text feature.
EdgeCAM User Guide
60
Parameters for Vector Fonts

PressEdit to display the text editing window and type in the required text string. Click OK to accept the text.
Font/Style Selects a font for the text.
Width Specifies the default text width of each character.
Line Spacing Specifies the default line spacing when more there is more than one line of text. The line
spacing is the distance between the bottom of one line of text and the bottom of the next line.
Slant Specifies the angle of the text characters from the horizontal. Normal characters would have an
angle of 90. Italics are produced by an angle of 60.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
61
Creating Text
62
Classic EdgeCAM view only

When using this command for creating text annotations you should set the CPL to Drawing before starting.
Select the
CPL from the Standard toolbar. This ensures that a text annotation is created in
the same way as other dimensioning entities within the drawing frame. If you leave the current CPL active, a
text entity is created with a fixed location and orientation within the part on that CPL.
The Create Text
command on the Dimensioning toolbar is used to create text entities within the part.
To create
Geometry
text menu bar although buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
1. Select the Create Text
command. The parameters for the command are displayed.
by entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in aindialog
box.
2. (digitising)
PressEdit toor
display
the text
editing
window. Type
the text
(up to 500 characters) in the String
field. You can produce subscripts and superscripts. You can also specify where the text is to be
displayed (example).
See Also
3. Click OK to accept the text.
Selecting
Command
on Toolbars
4. If required,
set Buttons
these parameters.
5. Click OK to accept the parameters.
Finishing
a Command
6. Digitise
one or more locations at which to place the text.
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Using Subscripts and Superscripts

Both subscripts and superscripts can be produced within dimension text. This is achieved by entering
special characters as part of the text string.
Use:
<^> to make all subsequent text a superscript
<V> to make all subsequent text a subscript
<N> to return to normal text
Remember
to use stages
the characters
pairs.creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
There are several
involvedinwhen
For example, entering:
1. m<^>2<N>
Select the command
for 12.7
creating
the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
12.7
AREA gives
m2 AREA
but entering
12.7 m<^>2
AREA
produces 12.7
m 2 AREA
bypassed
by command
buttons.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
63
Inserting Text from a File

The Insert Text
command on the Dimensioning toolbar is used to enter text entities from a text file.
Classic EdgeCAM view only

You should set the CPL to Drawing before starting. Select the
CPL from the Standard
toolbar. This ensures that a text annotation is created in the same way as other dimensioning entities within
the drawing
frame.stages
If you involved
leave thewhen
current
CPL active,
a text
entity isThe
created
with
a fixed
location and
There
are several
creating
geometric
entities.
typical
stages
are:
orientation within the part on that CPL.
To1.insert
Select
text
the
from
command
a file for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
bypassed
command
1. Select
the by
Insert
Text buttons.
command. The Insert Text dialog box is displayed.
3.
the entity,
eitherofdirectly
screen
by clicking
thefile.
mouse
2. Enter
In the co-ordinate
Name field,data
type to
in position
the full path
and name
the texton
file.
This must
be a text
You do not
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
have to specify the file extension, as *.txt is added automatically. You can specify a wildcard in the
filename to help select a file. For example, if you enter c:\drawings\*.txtand select the Browse...
button, EdgeCAM displays a list of all .txt files in the specified directory for you to select from. If the
full path is specified but the filename is not, you can use the Browse... button to search for and select
See Also
an appropriate file.
3. If necessary,
the other
parameters.
Selecting
Commandset
Buttons
on Toolbars
Selecting
Commands
with
the
Shortcut
4. Click OK to accept the parametersMenu
for the command.Text from the file is now displayed in a window:
5. If necessary,
edit the text.
Finishing
a Command
Completing
a Command
6. Click OK
to accept accepting
the text. Default Parameters
7. the
Digitise
one or more locations for the text.
Abort
Command
Undo
Previous
Command
8. the
Perform
a finish.
EdgeCAM User Guide
64
About Editing Geometry

Geometry is a general term referring to entities or collections of entities. 'Entities' are lines, arc, points and
so on.
To edit geometry you use commands in the Edit menu. (This menu has more commands in Design Mode
than in Manufacture Mode.)
You can also edit the properties of an entity, such as the colour, using a dialog. To open this properties
dialog you can:
Double-click on the entity.

Or click on the entity to select it, then right-click and select Properties from the shortcut menu that
1. appears.
Select the command for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
See Also
Deleting Entities
Trimming
(digitising)
Entities or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
Editing Curves Created With Fit Points
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
65
Deleting Entities
Use the Delete
66
button to digitise any entities that you want to delete.
If you use the Delete (Edit menu) button, you can use one parameter:
Match Colour Check this box if you want to delete entities of a colour matching that shown on the
Standard toolbar.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Trimming Entities
67
The Trim (Edit menu) command allows you to trim or break lines, arcs, continui and curves. Note that
"trim" will extend an entity to the intersection point or truncate it back to that point as appropriate. The
command offers the following options:
Trimming one entity against another
Trimming two intersecting entities
There Breaking
are several
an stages
entity involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
Trimming many entities against one entity
When trimming entities that lie in different CPLs the trimming will be in respect to the current CPL.
Entities
bypassed
other than
by lines
command
and arcs
buttons.
are converted to B-splines when trimmed, e.g. trimming a continuous
consisting of lines and arcs will convert the continuous into a b-spline (entity number will not change).
Curves(digitising)
can only beortrimmed,
by entering
not explicit
extended.
co-ordinates in a dialog box.
When breaking a curve it will be split into two separate curves. The curves will maintain their curvature
compared to the original curve. When only one entity is selected to break a curve the curve is split into two
and
See they
Alsowill meet at the intersection point.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating a Corner Radius
68
To create a radiused corner without using the Dynamic parameter

You must be able to select two entities that either intersect or could intersect using an arc of a specified
radius. If the entities do not meet, this command extends them until they do meet.
1. Select the Radius (Edit menu)

2.
command. The Corner Radius parameters are displayed.
Creating
and
Geometry
Enter the radius into
the Radius box.
If the Editing
entities intersect,
you can cut them back to the
orinvolved
the radius
by marking
Trim box.
There intersection
are several point
stages
when
creating the
geometric
3. Click OK to proceed.
1.
command
creating
the required
entityline/arc
type. This
is usually
command
fromthe
thepart of
4. Select
Give anthe
entity
digitisefor
(d1)
in response
to the First
entity
to blenda prompt.
Select
Geometry
menu
bar
although
buttons
are
provided
for
frequently
used
commands:
the entity that you want to keep.
2.
parameters
into (d2)
a dialog
box to modify
effects
of the entity
command.
Thisprompt.
stage is usually
5. Enter
Give an
entity digitise
in response
to the the
Second
line/arc
to blend
Note that
the entityordigitises
mustexplicit
be given
such that in
(digitising)
by entering
co-ordinates
in moving
a dialogonto
box.the corner radius from the first entity,
motion around the arc is in an anticlockwise direction.
Example
See Also
To create a radiused corner using the Dynamic parameter
1. Select
the
Radius
(Edit menu)
command. The parameters are displayed.
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
2. Mark the Dynamic box.
3. Mark
theOne
Trim
boxintothe
cutCommand
intersecting entities back to the intersection point.
Escape
Back
Step
Abort the Command
4. Enter the radius into the Radius box.
5. the
Click
on OK to
proceed to co-ordinate input for the command. Notice that as you move the cursor
Redo
Previous
Command
around, each possible arc solution for the current cursor position is displayed.
6. Make a free digitise to accept one of these blending arc solutions. You may continue to place
blending arcs in by digitising. If you make a mistake you can press the ESC key to move back to the
previously defined blend radius.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating a Chamfer
69
Use the Chamfer (Edit menu)

create a chamfer.
command to digitise two lines and (by default) trim them back to
The parameters are:

To create a chamfer

There
are several
stages involved
when creating
geometric
entities.
Theparameters
typical stages
1. Select
the Chamfer
(Edit menu)
command.
The
Chamfer
are are:
displayed.
2. Enter the chamfer sizes into the entry boxes. This diagram shows the parameters used in the
command:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
3. Click on OK once you have set all the parameters. The parameter entry dialog for the command is
dismissed.
4. Give entity digitise d1 in response to the First line to chamfer prompt.
5. Give entity digitise d2 in response to the Second line to chamfer prompt.
Example One
Example Two
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Mirror Images

The Transform, Mirror (Edit menu)
command creates a mirror image of an entity about a plane or a
construction plane, either as a copy of the original entity, or as a replacement. You can mirror more than
one entity about a mirror plane with one command. The plane can be specified as an absolute X, Y, Z value
or digitised. If the geometry you mirror has toolpaths associated to it, the toolpaths will update when you
regenerate the instructions. However, user defined start and end positions will not be retained.
Please note that you cannot create mirror images from solids.
You
toolpathsfor
orcreating
detailingthe
entities,
except
fortype.
text This
entities
createda incommand
the Top CPL.
1. cannot
Selectmirror
the command
required
entity
is usually
from the
To2.mirror
about
Entergeometry
parameters
into aa line
dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
1. Select
the or bycommand
from the
Edit toolbarinora select
(digitising)
entering explicit
co-ordinates
dialog the
box.Transform, Mirror (Edit menu)
command. The Mirror dialog box is displayed.
2. Complete the parameters, as required.
See Also
Copy Select this check box if you want to produce a second entity which is a mirror image of the
Selectingentity
Commands
from the
Menu Bar
(as opposed
to replacing
the original with its mirror image).
the XY environment
Enter
the X, Y, Z co-ordinates to define the mirror plane. If no values
SelectingFor
Commands
with the Shortcut
Menu
arethe
entered,
you digitise the plane.
Displaying
CPL Co-ordinates
FinishingFor
a Command
the ZX environment Enter the Z, X co-ordinates to define the mirror plane. If no values are
Completing
a Command
accepting
Default Parameters
entered,
you digitise
the plane.
Abort the Command
3. the
Click
OK to continue.
Undo
Previous
Command
Redo
the
Previous
4. If you did not Command
specify co-ordinates for the mirror plane, digitise two points on the mirror line or select a
construction plane.
5. Digitise a point on the entity/entities to be mirrored.
EdgeCAM User Guide
70
Projecting Entities
71
The Transform, Project (Edit menu)

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Rotating Entities
72
The Transform, Rotate (Edit menu)
command rotates one or more entities about the same point.
Note that you cannot rotate toolpaths or detailing entities, except for text entities created in the Top CPL. If
the geometry you rotate has toolpaths associated to it, the toolpaths will update when you regenerate the
instructions. However, user defined start and end positions will not be retained.

To
rotate
There
are entities
several stages involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
1.
The
Rotate the
dialog
box isentity
displayed.
1. Select
Select the
the command.
command for
creating
required
type. This is usually a command from the
Geometrythe
menu
bar although
2. Complete
parameters,
as required.
Copy Select this check box if you want to retain the original entity/entities.
Fixed Orientation Select this check box to keep the selected entities in their original alignment.
In this example a group of entities is rotated by 90 degrees about a selected point. In both cases
the entities keep their alignment relative to each other, but when Fixed Orientation is selected, the
group maintains its original orientation.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
X, Y, Z Rotation an incremental angular value in the X,Y,Z axis. If no value is given, the angle is
determined by two digitised points (either entity digitised or free digitised).
Repeats the number of times the rotation is to take place.
3. Click OK to continue.
4. Digitise a point for the centre of rotation..
5. If you did not specify an angle, digitise two points. (These are true 3D points, not CPL-based.) The
angle of rotation is the angle between the points measured from the centre of rotation.
6. Digitise the entities to be rotated.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Scaling Entities
73
The Transform, Scale (Edit menu)
command. The Scale dialog box is displayed.
Complete the parameters, as required.

Copy Select this check box to retain the original.
Scale The factor to scale by.
Repeats The number of times scaling is to take place. For example, if you enter a scaling factor
of 2 and repeat it twice, you would end up with two new entities; one twice the size of the original,
There are
stages
involved
when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
theseveral
other four
times
the size.
1.
creating
thethe
required
entityoperation.
3. Select
Digitisethe
thecommand
point to beforthe
origin for
re-scaling
4. Digitise each entity to be re-scaled.
5. Perform
finish.
bypasseda by
command buttons.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Stretching Entities
74
Classic EdgeCAM View only
The Transform, Stretch (Edit menu)

command stretches (elongates or shortens) one or more
entities. If the geometry you stretch has toolpaths associated to it, the toolpaths will update when you
regenerate the instructions. However, user defined start and end positions will not be retained.

It is not possible to stretch dependent entities (cross hatching and some surfaces) or the entities upon
There
stages involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
which are
theyseveral
are dependent.
To stretch
entities
Geometry
menu bar although buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
1. Select the
command from the Edit toolbar or the Transform, Stretch (Edit menu)
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data to
position
entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
command.
The Stretch
dialog
box the
is displayed.
2. Complete the X, Y, Z axes, as required.
None If an axis is left as <None>, no stretching takes place in that direction.
See Also
Digitise Allows you to digitise the amount of stretch.
TypeButtons
in the amount
of stretch in a particular direction.
SelectingValue
Command
on Toolbars
Displaying
CPL Co-ordinates
3. If no the
parameters
were entered, or they were set to Digitise, digitise two points to specify the stretch
Finishing
a Command
amount.
4. Digitise three points to define a window that partially includes any entities you want to stretch.
Abort the Command
Notes
Wholly enclosed entities are translated, not stretched.
Symbols will only be moved if their origin lies within the window.
Arcs and curves will only be moved if they are completely contained within the window they are then
translated, not stretched.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Translating Entities
75
The Transform, Translate (Edit menu)

command translates one or more entities from one position
to another, leaving copies as required. If the geometry you translate has toolpaths associated to it, the
toolpaths will update when you regenerate the instructions. However, user defined start and end positions
will not be retained.
You cannot translate toolpaths or detailing entities, except for text entities created in the Top CPL.
To move entities dynamically
1. Select the Transform, Translate (Edit menu)
command. The Translate dialog box is
displayed.
2. Complete the parameters as required:
(digitising)
or bythis
entering
in a dialog
Copy Select
checkexplicit
box to co-ordinates
retain the original
one inbox.
addition to the translated entity.
Dynamic Select this check box to drag the entities with the mouse. If Copy is selected, you can
translate the entities dynamically as many times as required.
See Also
Repeats Specify the number of times the translation is to be done.
3. ClickCommands
OK.
Selecting
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
4. If you did not specify the translation amounts, digitise two points to specify the translation amount.
Finishing a Command
5. Digitise
the entitiesaccepting
you want Default
to translate.
Completing
a Command
Parameters
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
Abort the Command
7. the
Digitise
an origin
point.
Undo
Previous
Command
Redo
8. the
YouPrevious
can now Command
dynamically move the selected entities to a new position.
9. Make a free digitise to fix to location of the selected entities.
To move entities without using the Dynamic parameter
EdgeCAM User Guide
Transposing Geometry Between Milling and Turning Environments

You may have created the geometry for turned parts in a third-party CAD system using XYZ co-ordinates.
EdgeCAM uses the ZX environment for C and Y axis milling, so you need to switch the co-ordinates in the
part from XYZ to ZXY.
Here, geometry is transposed from the XY plane to the ZX plane:

See Also
To transpose entities from one plane to another
1. Select the Transform, Transpose (Edit menu) command.
Finishing
2. In the
a Command
dialog that appears select the type of transposition and click OK.
3. Now digitise an entity that you want to transpose. The entity is transposed immediately on selection.
Abort
4. the
Carry
Command
on selecting entities to transpose.
5. Perform a finish to complete the command.
EdgeCAM User Guide
76
Transforming Stock and Fixtures

Wire frame stock and fixtures can be translated, rotated, mirrored and scaled.
Solid stock and fixtures can be translated, rotated and scaled.
To transform stock and fixtures use the Edit Transform (Edit menu) command. Stock and fixtures can be
selected by digitising a point on the collection entity or by selecting them in the Features Window.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
77
Editing Curves Created With Fit Points

When editing a curve that was created using fit points rather than control points, you may achieve an
unexpected result.
Note that:
Fit points ensure that the curves go through the points you specify.
Control points control the shape of the entity, depending on the mathematical equation used to
create the entity.
There
stagestoinvolved
geometric
entities.
The typical
stages
are:digitised fit points
When are
you several
use fit points
create awhen
curve,creating
EdgeCAM
calculates
the control
points
from the
and the degree parameter, and stores the control points. The fit point information is discarded.
Subsequently, if you edit the curve using the Entity Edit Data command, it is treated as though it was
created using control points. If you change the Degree parameter, the entity may not necessarily go through
the2.original
Enter fit
parameters
points. into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
78
Creating Geometry in Different Planes

Here is an example of text created in three separate planes:

To create geometry on different planes, use these commands:
See
Also
Select
CPL (Geometry menu)- Allows you to select a construction plane on which you can create
geometry.
Selecting
Command(File
Buttons
on -Toolbars
Insert
Component
menu)
Allows you to insert a previously saved part into the current part, at a
Selecting
Commands
with
the Shortcut
Menu
specific orientation.
For
example,
this could
allow you to insert the same component part on different faces
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
of a cube.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
79
About Surfaces in EdgeCAM

EdgeCAM supports many different surface definitions. Surfaces are complex, but the tools within EdgeCAM
simplify their creation and use.
You can work with surfaces using the Surfaces category commands, in the Surfaces toolbar.
You can also input surface data (from which the surfaces are calculated):
Through specialist application programs such as PDI macros which input data directly from coordinate measuring systems. See PDI - Customising EdgeCAM.
There From
are several
third party
stages
programs,
involvedtypically
when creating
using IGES
geometric
or VDA-FS
entities.
interface
The typical
formats.
stages are:
Surface models can be represented by several different surface types; for example, a half cylinder could be
constructed from a revolution, tabulated cylinder, ruled surface, coons patch or flowed surface.
When considering which surface type to use, bear in mind:
What sort of data you are starting with.
The
accuracy
data. explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
(digitising)
orofbythis
entering
How you want to machine the surface.
You
See should
Also read about each surface type EdgeCAM supports to establish which is the best surface type to
use for your application. In some situations there may only be one valid choice, however.
In
the case
of the halfButtons
cylinder,
surface of revolution usually works better than a coons patch, since it is a
Selecting
Command
onaToolbars
simpler
mathematical
and
so EdgeCAM can generate the toolpath faster.
Selecting
Commands representation
with the Shortcut
Menu
See
Also a Command
Finishing
Completing
Command
Typical Usesa for
Surfacesaccepting Default Parameters
Creating
Abort theFunctional
CommandSurface Types
Undo
the
Previous
Command
Creating Aesthetic Surface
Types
Creating More Surface Types
Working with Surface Curves
Altering Existing Surfaces
EdgeCAM User Guide
80
Typical Uses for Surfaces

Surfaces are used in the design of a wide range of objects. Some typical uses are discussed in this section.
Moulds
Moulds are usually, but not exclusively, created using accurate data and are therefore drawn using
functional surface types. They are usually produced in two halves so that the finished article can be
removed easily from the mould. Moulds are usually drawn complete and then split.
Although there is often an obvious place for the split, this is not always the case, especially for complex or
irregularly shaped moulds. EdgeCAM can automatically decide where the split line(s) should go. A mould
can
beare
splitseveral
into more
thaninvolved
two parts
if necessary.
There
stages
when
creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
SeeGenerating Split Lines.

1. SelectParts
the command for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Aerospace
These parts are generated from functional surfaces, as the data for these surfaces are calculated exactly
2. must
Enter
into ato.
and
beparameters
strictly adhered
Lofting is a technique commonly used when designing boats, aircraft wings and other aerodynamic
3. Enter
to position
either
directly
screen by clicking the mouse
surfaces
andco-ordinate
for turbine data
blades
(whetherthe
jet,entity,
wind or
water
turbineonblades).
This is where a part is reconstructed from cross sections taken from an original model. These cross
sections are usually spline curves.
Woodworking
See Also
Woodworking
includesfrom
wooden
and plastic
Selecting Commands
the Menu
Bar parts machined directly into material, often involving trimming
and
deflashing.
Selecting
with the Shortcut
In generalCommands
these are functional
parts butMenu
there may be an aesthetic requirement (for example, wooden
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
household objects such as bowls or lamp bases).
Finishing a Command
Automotive
Completing aParts
Command accepting Default Parameters
Escape
Back
One
Step in
the Command
Parts for the automotive
industry
are both functional (such as engine parts) and aesthetic (for example, wing
Abort
the
Command
panels, using Bezier and B Spline surfaces). Similar techniques are used as for aeronautical parts.
See Also
Interfacing to Other CAD Systems
Defining Surfaces in Parametric (U, V) Space
Viewing Surfaces
Using UV Markers
Displaying Surface Normals
Verifying Surface Normals
Defining Surface Curves
EdgeCAM User Guide
81
Interfacing to Other CAD Systems

Most CAD systems represent all surface types as B Splines. This is because they then only have to handle
one surface type. These are usually NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines).
EdgeCAM supports NURBS through importing and exporting IGES format files. Surfaces created within
EdgeCAM do not use NURBS.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
82
Defining Surfaces in Parametric (U, V) Space

Every point on an EdgeCAM surface is defined in terms of a 2-axis co-ordinate system. The axes of this
system are called U and V. All co-ordinate values range from 0 to 1.
The U, V co-ordinate system is related to the World Axes (the x, y, z co-ordinate system) by three functions
involving the u and v co-ordinates, or parameters, in parametric space, as follows:
x co-ordinate = X(u,v)
y co-ordinate = Y(u,v)
z co-ordinate = Z(u,v)
The exact function or mapping depends on the surface type (you do not need to know the exact mapping
functions to use surfaces in EdgeCAM!).
Therefore,
for every
point
parametric
space,
is a corresponding
point commands:
in World Space, although the
Geometry
menu
barinalthough
buttons
arethere
provided
for frequently used
reverse is not true. This simply means that although every point on a given surface exists in World Space,
Enter
parameters
a dialog
box to
the effects of the command. This stage is usually
not2.every
point
in World into
Space
is located
onmodify
this surface.
This diagram shows the same surface in both world and parametric space.
There (digitising)
are several reasons
why it explicit
is convenient
to useinparametric
space for surfaces:
or by entering
co-ordinates
a dialog box.
Any point on the surface can be specified uniquely by a (u, v) pair.
See Also
All surface types can be treated in the same way by surface manipulation functions; for example, any
surface
type canfrom
be intersected
or trimmed against any other. This is not the case with some
Selecting
Commands
the Menu Bar
CAD/CAM
packages,
which
do
not
Selecting Command Buttons on Toolbars allow intersection between certain surface type combinations.
Selecting
Commands
the Shortcut
Parameter
lines with
of constant
u or vMenu
generally follow the contours of the surface. For this reason, it is
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
often convenient to machine a surface by moving the tool in a constant U or V direction.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
83
Viewing Surfaces
84
A surface is always displayed using lines of equal parametric size, that is, of constant U and V values. The
display parameters controlling these lines are set using the Display button within each surface command.
The Display dialog box lets you set these parameters:
U Patch, V Patch The numbers define how many equally spaced patches (boxes drawn on to
help visualise the surface) are displayed along the appropriate axis. This example has U Patch=3 and
V Patch=2.
U Display, V Display To show the surface graphically in world space, a number of points must be
There generated
are severaland
stages
connected
involved
bywhen
display
creating
vectors.
geometric entities. The typical stages are:
The number of points for each axis must be at least equal to the number of patches for that axis. However,
the greater the number of points used, the more accurate the display of the surface will be.
If the number of points set is less than the number of patches, EdgeCAM increases the number of points to
equal the number of patches.
Note: It is important to understand that the accuracy of the display does not affect the inherent accuracy of
the surface (which is defined by the three parametric equations).
This diagram shows a surface as it would appear with U Display set to 2 (producing two display points
between U=0 and U=1) and with U Display set to 50:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
The rendering facility in EdgeCAM displays images of models as machined parts. This highlights the
aesthetic quality of the design as well as bringing surface imperfections such as ripples, holes and gaps to
the users attention before machining starts. For more information see Rendering the Part.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Using UV Markers
85
In order to be able to tell the U and V axes apart, and to locate the origin point, a control marker can be
displayed on the surface.
This is a right angled triangle within parametric space, with the length of the sides forming the right angle in
the ratio 2:1.
The longer of these sides runs along the U axis compare the lengths of the sides of the surface triangle
marker with the patch lines to see which axis is which. The right angled corner of the triangle marks the
origin.
See Also
Finishing
a Command
To change
the UV marker
1. Select the Preferences (Options menu) command. The parameters for the command are shown.
Abort the Command
Undo
Previous
Commandtab. The parameters are displayed.
2. the
Click
on the Surfaces
Display UV Marker Check this box to show the UV Marker on each surface.
UV Marker Length Sets the parametric length (from 0 to 1) of the longer U axis side of the
marker. The default is 0.1 or 10% of the U axis length.
4. Click OK to set the UV Marker parameters.
The UV Markers on each surface should now have changed to reflect your new settings. Note that to
change the colour of the UV Marker, use the Surface Marker parameter in the Colours (Options menu)
command.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Displaying Surface Normals

Sometimes the only way to check the fairness of a surface (if for example, you imported the surface from a
third-party CAD system) is to examine the surface normals. You can control how these lines appear by
using the Surfaces tab in the Preferences (Options menu) command.
To display the surface normals
1. Select the Preferences (Options menu) command. The parameters for the command are shown.
2. Click on the Surfacestab. The parameters are displayed.
Display Normals Check this box to display lines representing the normals to each surface.
Normal Length Sets the length of each surface normal. These will therefore appear consistent
for each surface.
3.
co-ordinate
to position
entity, either
directly on screen by clicking the mouse
4. Enter
Click OK
to set thedata
surface
normalthe
parameter
selections.
5. Click OK to exit the command.
The surface normals should now change to reflect your new settings. Note that the surface normals appear
See
at theAlso
intersection points of the patch lines on a surface.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
86
Verifying Surface Normals

Rather than displaying surface normals constantly using the System command, you can use the Surface
Normals (Verify menu) command to display one or more surface normals on a selected surface.
U/V Parameter These control how the surface normals are displayed:
Leave both parameters blank to display surface normals at the intersection points of the patch lines
on the digitised surface.
Enter a value from 0 to 1 for one parameter to display normals at the intersection points of the
specified co-ordinate and the patch lines on the digitised surface.
Enter values for both parameters to display a single normal at the specified co-ordinates on the
1. digitised
Select thesurface.
In all cases the surface normal(s) will only remain until the screen is redrawn for any reason.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
87
Defining Surface Curves

A surface curve is a set of (u, v) parameter pairs defining a series of points lying on a surface.
Unlike surfaces, surface curves do not have precise mathematical definitions, but are defined by the
number of pairs of points.
A surface curve can be produced in two ways:
The intersection of two surfaces can be used to generate a surface curve. The number of points on
is determined
by the
tolerance
set.
There the
are curve
several
stages involved
when
creating
A surface curve is generated when an entity is projected onto a surface. In Design mode, lines, arcs,
1. Select
forprojected
creating the
requiredsurface
entity type.
This(InisManufacturing
usually a command
curves the
andcommand
text can be
to produce
curves.
mode,from
only the
toolpaths
Geometry
menu bar
although
buttons are
provided for frequently used commands:
can
be projected,
producing
a toolpath
entity.)
Although a surface curve may exist only on a surface, it can be converted into an entity in its own right, by
exploding it into a 3D Spline curve. Each point on the surface curve becomes a control point for the Spline.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
88
Creating Functional Surface Types
89
TheseSurface menu commands are usually used to produce functional surfaces:
Revolution
Ruled
Creating and Spline

Editing Geometry
Tabulated Cylinder
Coons Patch
Flowed
Fillet
Offset
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Surfaces of Revolution

A surface of revolution created by moving one selected entity around an axis (another selected entity). A
typical use of surfaces of revolution is to create cones, by sweeping an entity about a vertical axis which
shares a common end point.
Surfaces of Revolution can be created using the Revolution (Surface menu) command. The properties of
a Surface of Revolution can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To create a surface of revolution
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Revolution (Surface menu) command. The
1. Select
the command
for creating
dialog box
for the command
is displayed.
2. Enter the Start and End Angles. These are the angles of the start and end points on the arc of
2. Enter
revolution.
3. Enter a name for the surface, if required.
4. Select
Display
the surface
parameters.
The Display
(digitising)
or to
byset
entering
explicitdisplay
co-ordinates
in a dialog
box. parameters now appear.
5. Enter the required number of patches in the U and V directions into the U Patch and V Patch boxes
respectively.
See Also
6. Enter the required number of display points in the U and V directions into the U Display and V
Display
boxes respectively.
Selecting
Commands
from the Menu Bar
7. Click OK to accept the parameters for the command.
8. Enterthe
a digitise
in response to the Digitise entity to be swept to form surface prompt.
Displaying
CPL Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
9. Enter a digitise in response to the Digitise entity to form axis or rotation prompt.
10. Continue
from
stepin8the
again
or perform a finish.
Escape
Back One
Step
Command
Abort the Command
Click
to view anCommand
example surface of revolution.
Undohere
the Previous
EdgeCAM User Guide
90
Creating Ruled Surfaces

A ruled surface requires two boundary or edge entities (lines, arcs or curves). Any point on the first entity is
related by a straight line to a point in the same reference position on the second entity.
Clickhere to see four views of a ruled surface:
Ruled surfaces can be created using the Ruled (Surface menu) command. The properties of a Ruled
surface can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To create a ruled surface
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Ruled (Surface menu) command. The dialog
1. Select
creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
box forthe
the command
command for
is displayed.
2. Type a name for the surface, if required.
3. Select
Display
to set thebuttons.
surface display parameters. The Display parameters now appear.
bypassed
by command
4.
Enter the
requireddata
number
of patches
in the U
and directly
V directions
into the
Patch the
andmouse
V Patch boxes
3. Enter
co-ordinate
to position
the entity,
either
on screen
by Uclicking
respectively.
5. Enter the required number of display points in the U direction into the U Display box.
6. Click on OK to accept the parameters for the command.
See Also
7. Select the first entity by making an entity digitise in response to the Digitise first entity prompt. The
first entity establishes the direction of the U axis. The UV Marker appears at the end nearest to the
entity digitise.
8. Select
the
second
entity by making an entity digitise in response to the Digitise second entity prompt.
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
9. Go back to step 7 or perform a finish.
Escape
Backcan
One
the Command
The entities
beStep
any in
combination
of arcs, curves, lines, continuous entities or points.
Abort the Command
Entity
digitises
mustCommand
be made at corresponding ends of the two entities or a twisted surface will be created.
Undo the
Previous
EdgeCAM User Guide
91
Creating Tabulated Cylinders

A tabulated cylinder is constructed by sweeping a line along another entity. Uses include metal channel and
water gutter designs. A cross section of a tabulated cylinder is constant throughout its length, and the cross
section is identical to the source entities.
Tabulated Cylinders can be created using the Tabulated Cylinder (Surface menu) command. The
properties of a Tabulated Cylinder can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To create a tabulated cylinder
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Tabulated Cylinder (Surface menu)
command.
The
dialog
box
for the the
command
displayed.
1. Select the command for
creating
requiredis entity
Geometry
menu
bar
although
buttons
are
provided
for frequently used commands:
2. Enter a name for the surface, if required.
2.
intothe
a dialog
box
to modify
the effects
the command.
This now
stage
is usually
3. Enter
Selectparameters
Display to set
surface
display
parameters.
TheofDisplay
parameters
appear.
3. Enter
co-ordinate
to position
the entity,
either points
directlyinon
by clicking
theUmouse
respectively.
Enterdata
the required
number
of display
thescreen
U direction
into the
Display box (the
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
surface is a straight line in the V direction).
6. Also
Enter a digitise in response to the Digitise entity to move along (flow line) prompt.
See
7. Enter
a digitise in
response
to the
Selecting
Commands
from
the Menu
BarDigitise entity to transform prompt.
8. Go back to step 6 or perform a finish.
Displaying
theshows
CPL Co-ordinates
This diagram
a tabulated cylinder:
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
92
Creating Spline Surfaces

Splines are used when large fit point arrays are available as source data; for example, data from CMM (coordinate measuring machine) systems. In this case, the data given is real (that is, the points lie on the
surface).
Spline surfaces can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To create a spline surface
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Spline(Surface menu) command. The dialog
box for the command is displayed.
2. Mark
the Laced
box if you
want are
to digitise
points
in a laced used
pattern,
as shown in this example:
Geometry
menucheck
bar although
buttons
provided
for frequently
commands:
See Also
Finishing a Command
3. Clear a
the
Points check
box ifDefault
you want
to define the surface by using entities rather than
Completing
Command
accepting
Parameters
points.
caninbe
lines, arcs or continuous entities.
Escape
Back Entities
One Step
thecurves,
Command
Abort
Command
4. the
Type
the U and V point data. If the Points check box is marked, type the number of fit points you will
Undo the
Previous
digitise in theCommand
U and V directions into the U Points and V Points boxes, respectively. If the Points
Redo the
Previous
Command
check
box is empty,
enter the number of fit points to be created automatically into the U Points box.
Enter the number of entities to be used into the V Points box.
5. Type a name for the surface, if required.
6. SelectDisplay to set the surface display parameters. The Display parameters now appear.
respectively.
Display boxes respectively.
9. SelectSlopes to enter edge slope values. Enter the slope data, type the start and end slope
conditions in the U direction into the U Start Angle and U End Angle boxes, respectively. Type the
start and end slope conditions in the V direction into the V Start Angle and V End Angle boxes,
respectively.
11. Make digitises as directed by the prompts. If the Points check box is marked, digitise fit points in
response to the Digitise fit points for grid (or return) prompt. The first row of points defines the U axis
direction. If the Points check box is empty, make entity digitises in response to the Digitise entities
defining spline surface prompt. The first entity establishes the direction of the U axis. The UV Marker
appears at the end nearest to the entity digitise.
A Spline passes through all fit points. Compare this example with those given for the B-Spline and Bezier
EdgeCAM User Guide
93
13.
surfaces: all these examples were created using the same set of fit points.
94

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Coons Patches
95
A Coons Patch surface can be used when the known data comprises four boundaries (continuous entities
or curves):

See Also
The
bounding
entities with
can be
arcs,Menu
curves or continuous entities, and one of them can be a point.
Selecting
Commands
thelines,
Shortcut
Bounding
can
be at any orientation and need not have coincident end points.
Displayingentities
the CPL
Co-ordinates
Finishing
Command
Note that amachining
a Coons patch containing tangential bounding entities can produce unpredictable
Completing
accepting
Default
Parameters
results. ThisaisCommand
an example
of a Coons
patch
with two tangential bounding entities:
Abort the Command
Bounding entities can be selected in any order. The first entity to be selected establishes the U axis. You
can select either bi-cubic or linear interpolation to determine the shape of the surface between opposing
boundaries.
Coons patches can also be used for aesthetic surfaces.
You can create Coons patch surfaces using the Coons Patch (Surface menu) command. The properties
of a Coons Patch can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
EdgeCAM User Guide
To create a Coons Patch
96

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Coons Patches
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Coons Patch (Surface menu) command.
The dialog box for the command is displayed.
2. Select the Linear or Bi-cubic Blend Type, as required. If Linear is selected, the display lines joining
two curves are straight. If Bi-cubic is selected the display lines are bi-cubic curves. The bi-cubic blend
curves are normal to the bounding entities.
Thisexample shows the two blend types; the Bi-cubic is on the right in all views.
3. Type a name for the surface if necessary.
Geometry
menu
bar the
although
buttons
are
provided for
frequently
commands:
4. Select
Display
to set
surface
display
parameters.
The
Display used
parameters
now appear.
2. Enter the
parameters
a dialog
box to modify
effects
of the command.
stage
5.
requiredinto
number
of patches
in the Uthe
and
V directions
into the U This
Patch
and is
V usually
Patch boxes
respectively.
3.
co-ordinate
to position
the points
entity,in
either
screen by
the mouse
6. Enter the
requireddata
number
of display
the Udirectly
and V on
directions
intoclicking
the U Display
and V
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
8. Also
Make entity digitises to select the four bounding elements in response to the prompts.
See
9. Perform
a finish.from the Menu Bar
Selecting
Commands
Clickhere to view a typical example.
Finishing
Also
see a Command
About Coons Patches
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
97
About Flowed Surfaces

The standard type of flowed surface is constructed by specifying a curve to act as an axis or flow line,
along which a cross section (defined by a second curve) is flowed. The cross section must lie in a plane
which passes through one end of the flow line.
Normally, there is a 90 horizontal angle between the plane of the cross section and a tangent through the
end of the axis, but EdgeCAM does not enforce this restriction. However, this angle remains constant as the
cross section is flowed along the axis. In addition, the cross section will not rotate about the flow line even
though the flow line may twist in 3D space.
Optionally, you can specify a second cross section at the other end of the axis, which may be a different
There
areshape
several
when creating
geometric
entities.
The typical
stages are:
size
and
to stages
the firstinvolved
cross section.
The resulting
surface
is a linear
blend between
the two cross
sections.
1. Select
the command
for creating
the Flowed
required(Surface
entity type.
This command.
is usually aThe
command
fromofthe
Flowed
surfaces
can be created
using the
menu)
properties
a Flowed
Geometry
menu using
bar although
buttons
provided
frequently used commands:
surface
can be altered
the Entity
Data are
(Edit
menu) for
commands.
Enter
parameters
into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
To2.create
a flowed
surface
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
98
Creating Flowed Surfaces

To create a flowed surface
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Flowed(Surfacemenu) command. The
dialog box for the command is displayed:
2. Select the BlendEnds check button if you want to blend the initial cross-section into another cross
section at the other end of the flow line. The flow surface is a linear blend between the two crosssections.
3. Select the required Flow Type:
4. Type
a name
for the
required.
Geometry
menu
bar surface,
althoughifbuttons
are provided for frequently used commands:
5.
Select
Display
to
set
the
surface
display
parameters.
TheofDisplay
parameters
appear.
2. Enter parameters into a dialog box to modify
the effects
the command.
This now
stage
is usually
by command
buttons.
6. bypassed
Enter the required
number
of patches in the U and V directions into the U Patch and V Patch boxes
respectively.
3. Enter
co-ordinate data to position the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
or by entering
co-ordinates
in aUdialog
7. (digitising)
Enter the required
number explicit
of display
points in the
and V box.
directions into the U Display and V
See Also
9. Make an entity digitise on the flow line in response to the Select an entity for drive line prompt.
10. Make
an entity digitise
the cross-section
in response to the Select cross section profile prompt.
Selecting
Commands
with theonShortcut
Menu
The cross-section
can be an arc, curve or continuous entity. When a continuous entity is used, all
Displaying
constituent
entities must exist on the same plane. When a curve is used, all control points must exist
Finishing
a Command
on
the
same
plane.accepting
The cross-section
need not be normal to the end of the flow line.
Completing a Command
Default Parameters
Escape
Back
One Ends
Step check
in the Command
11. If the
Blend
box has been selected, make an entity digitise on the cross-section at the
Abort the
Command
second end of the flow line in response to the Select final section profile prompt. This cross-section
Undo the
Previous
is also
subjectCommand
to the conditions described for the initial cross-section. When two cross-sections are
Redo the
Previous
Command
used,
the entity
digitises which select them must both be on the same side of the flow line or a twisted
surface is created.
This example shows a single cross-section, in the form of a continuous entity, flowed along a curve.
EdgeCAM User Guide
99
Creating Surface Fillets

A surface fillet creates a smooth blend between intersecting surfaces a primary surface, and one or more
secondary surfaces. The Fillet command creates one curve on each surface the fillet touches, following the
curve of the intersection.
When a fillet surface is created, a surface curve is generated on each of the intersecting surfaces to mark
the boundary of the fillet. This then allows you to use a Trim Surface (Edit menu) command to trim each
surface to the edge of the fillet.
The cross section at any point along the fillets length is an arc of either:
Constant radius
Click for
here
to viewthe
a radius
that
decreases
along
the length
of the fillet:
1. Variable
Select theradius.
command
creating
required
entity
type. This
is usually
a command
from the
The variable radius is defined by the Start Radius and End Radius parameters. Certain limitations apply to
the2.accurate
Enter parameters
generation into
of fillets:
The surfaces
mustdata
not be
parallel the
or nearly
at any point
alongby
theclicking
fillet. the mouse
3. Enter
co-ordinate
to position
entity,parallel
either directly
on screen
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
The fillet cannot take place around a tight corner, the radius of which is less than the fillet radius.
A fillet surface can be intersected, trimmed and filleted in the same way as any other surface type.
See
You Also
can create a fillet surface using the Fillet (Surface menu) command.
Selecting
Commands
from the
Menu
The properties
of a Surface
Fillet
can Bar
be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To
create Commands
a surface fillet
Selecting
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
100
Creating Surface Fillets

To create a surface fillet
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Fillet (Surface menu) command.
2. Check the End Points box if you want to digitise the start and end points of the fillet. An end may be
free digitised or it may be trimmed to a specific plane.
3. Check the Trim Surfaces box if you want to trim the selected surfaces back to the fillet edge.
There
are several
stages
involved
geometric
The typical
stages
are: boxes
4. Enter
the start
and end
radii when
of the creating
surface fillet
in the entities.
Start Radius
and End
Radius
respectively. Variable radius fillets can be produced by entering different values in these fields.
interpolates
end radii.
1. EdgeCAM
Select the command
forbetween
creatingthe
thetwo
required
Geometry
menu
bar
although
buttons
are
provided
for frequently
usedifcommands:
5. Alter the default interpolation Tolerance for the calculation
of the fillet,
required. The higher the
tolerance
the moreinto
accurate,
also
more lengthy,
the of
calculations.
2. Enter
parameters
a dialogbut
box
to modify
the effects
the command. This stage is usually
bypassed
by
command
buttons.
6. Amend the default Search Grid Density, if required. This is the density of the search grid used when
searching
for the intersection.
In most
cases either
a density
of 2 on
x 2screen
will suffice
(Search
Grid
Density = 2).
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data to position
the entity,
directly
by clicking
the
mouse
However,
fororsurfaces
which
overlap
in a number
places,box.
or only overlap by a small amount, a
(digitising)
by entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in of
a dialog
higher search density may be required to find all possible solutions. The higher the density, the longer
the command's calculations will take.
See Also
7. Enter a name for the fillet, if required.
8. Select
Display Buttons
to set theonsurface
display parameters.
Selecting
Command
Toolbars
Selecting
Commands
with
the
Shortcut
Menuin the U and V directions into the U Patch and V Patch boxes
9. Enter the required number of patches
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
respectively.
Finishing a Command
10. Enter a
the
required number
of Default
display Parameters
points in the U and V directions into the U Display and V
Completing
Command
accepting
Display
boxes
respectively.
Escape
Back One
Step
in the Command
Abort
Command
11. the
Click
OK to accept the parameters for the command.
12. the
Enter
a digitise
in response to the 'Digitise primary surface' prompt.
Redo
Previous
Command
An arrow shows the side of the surface which will be used to generate the fillet. If there is more than one
possible side, you will be prompted to select it (see example).
13. Enter a digitise in response to the Digitise secondary surface(s) prompt.
14. If you selected the End Points check box, enter a digitise in response to the Digitise entity/position to
define start of fillet prompt. Enter a digitise in response to the Digitise entity/position to define end of
fillet prompt.
This example shows two fillets produced on a part:
EdgeCAM User Guide
101
About Offset Surfaces
102
An Offset surface is a distinct surface type which is generated from an existing surface. The offset surface
may be based on a tool or geometric offset, or both types of offset together. Use the Offset (Surface
menu) command.
Geometric Offset Surface
A geometric offset surface is constructed by offsetting each point on the original surface by a defined
constant amount, normal to the original surface. Geometric offset surfaces can be intersected, trimmed,
filleted, offset and machined in the same manner as any other primitive surface.
Tool Offset Surface

A tool Geometry
offset surface
is dependent
onbuttons
the geometry
of the currently
selected
and is defined as the locus
menu
bar although
are provided
for frequently
usedtool
commands:
that the set point of the tool makes when cutting the underlying surface.
Tool offset
surfaces
may be created
for any ISO-defined tool and prevent gouging. Usually, two or more
bypassed
by command
buttons.
offset surfaces are generated and then trimmed before you would generate a toolpath.
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data
to position
the entity,
either
directly
screen byresults.
clickingThere
the mouse
When
machining
an offset
surface,
any sharp
corners
may
causeoninaccurate
are two
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
solutions:
Create two single surfaces and offset/machine them separately
See Also
Use a fillet surface if the sharp corner is not required.
Selecting
To create Commands
an offset surface
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Offset Surfaces

To create an offset surface
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Offset (Surface menu) command. The Offset
dialog box is displayed.
2. Complete the parameters as required.
3. SelectTool to set the Tool parameters. The Tool parameters are displayed.
4.
parameters.
(Thesethe
depend
on the
selected
toolis
type.)
1. Complete
Select the the
command
for creating
required
entity
type. This
Geometry
menu
bar the
although
buttons
are
provided for
frequently
commands:
5. Select
Display
to set
surface
display
parameters.
The
Display used
parameters
now appear.
2.
a dialog
box to modify
effects
of the command.
stage
6. Enter
Enter parameters
the requiredinto
number
of patches
in the Uthe
and
V directions
into the U This
Patch
and isV usually
Patch boxes
bypassed
by
command
buttons.
respectively.
3.
co-ordinate
to position
the points
entity,in
either
screen by
the mouse
7. Enter
Enter the
requireddata
number
of display
the Udirectly
and V on
directions
intoclicking
the U Display
and V
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
8. Click OK to accept the command parameters.
9. Also
Enter a digitise in reply to the Select surface to offset prompt. If you selected the Select Side check
See
box, EdgeCAM displays an arrow indicating the side on which the offset will be applied.
10. If required,
make
a digitise
on the other side of the entity to move the arrow.
Selecting
Command
Buttons
on Toolbars
Selecting
Commands
with
the
Shortcut
Menu
Finishing
Command
The offsetasurface
is produced.
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
103
Creating Aesthetic Surface Types

The following Surface menu commands are usually used to produce surfaces for which the aesthetic
quality and smoothness of the surface has overriding priority.
B-Spline
Bezier
ThereCoons
are several
Patchstages involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
(The Coons Patch is also used for functional surfaces, and described under Creating Functional Surface
Types.)
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
104
About B-Spline Surfaces

B-Spline surfaces are often used for automotive panels and any smooth surface reconstructed from large
point arrays. In practise, both types of surfaces are usually imported.
A B-Spline surface is generated from a number of control points. As with B-Spline curves, the surface does
not generally pass through any control points. However, it does intersect the corner control points.
B-Spline surfaces tend to flatten and smooth the contour of the points. The flatness and smoothness is
controlled by the degree of the mathematical formulae used to calculate the surface. The higher this
degree is, the more flat and smooth the curve and the closer the surface to that produced through the same
control points by a Bezier surface. Also, the longer EdgeCAM takes to process the calculations.
The following diagram shows a B-Spline surface generated with a U and V degree of 2, and then
regenerated using the same control points but a degree of 9:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Escape
One are
Step
in the Command
B-SplineBack
surfaces
produced
with the B-Spline (Surface menu) command.
Abort the Command
The
of a Command
B Spline surface can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
Undoproperties
the Previous
Redo
the Previous
Command
To create
a B-Spline
surface
EdgeCAM User Guide
105
Creating B-Spline Surfaces

To create a B Spline
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the B Spline (Surface menu) command. The
dialog box for the command is displayed.
2. Select the Laced check box if you want to digitise points in a laced pattern. See Creating Spline
for stages
a diagram.
There Surfaces
are several
3. Type the degree of curvature in the U and V directions into the U Degree and V Degree boxes,
1. respectively.
menu bar
althoughcontrol
buttons
are provided
for frequently
used
4. Geometry
Type the number
of digitised
points
in the U and
V directions
intocommands:
the U Points and V Points
boxes,parameters
respectively.
2. Enter
into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
bypassed
by
command
buttons.
5. Type a Name for the surface,
if required.
3.
data
positiondisplay
the entity,
either directly
on screen
by clicking
theappear.
mouse
6. Enter
Selectco-ordinate
Display to set
thetosurface
parameters.
The Display
parameters
now
respectively.
8. Also
Enter the required number of display points in the U and V directions into the U Display and V
See
9. ClickCommand
OK to accept
the command
parameters.
Selecting
Buttons
on Toolbars
10. Digitise control points in response to the Digitise control grid points (or return) prompt. The first row
of points defines the U axis direction.
Finishing a Command
11. Perform
a finish. accepting Default Parameters
Completing
a Command
Compare
this example of a B Spline surface with those given for the Bezier and Spline surfaces: all these
Abort the Command
examples
were created
using the same set of points.
Undo the Previous
Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
106
About Bezier Surfaces
107
Bezier surfaces are:

used for any smooth surface constructed from a small array of control points, where the input of the
designer overrides any need for a precisely defined surface; for example, in automobile panel design.
produced with the Bezier (Surface menu) command, interpolating between control points to affect
the total surface contour.
a subset of the more general B-Spline surface.
There aare
simple
several
waystages
of creating
involved
a smooth
when creating
fillet in a geometric
profile, or entities.
as a best
The
fit typical
approximation
stages are:
between control
points if you are not interested in following the points too closely (except at the end points).
In EdgeCAM, the Bezier curve is faster to compute than a B Spline. Unlike B-Splines however, if you alter
the position of one control point in a Bezier surface, the entire surface is recalculated.
The properties of a Bezier surface can be altered using the Entity Data (Edit menu) command.
To create a Bezier surface
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Bezier Surfaces

To create a Bezier surface
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Bezier (Surface menu) command. The dialog
box for the command is displayed.
2. Select the Laced check box if you want to digitise points in a laced pattern, as described under
Spline
Surfaces.
There Creating
are several
stages
3. Type the number of control points you will digitise in the U and V directions into the U Points and V
boxes,
respectively.
1. Points
Select the
command
for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Geometry
menu
bar
althoughifbuttons
are provided for frequently used commands:
4. Type a name for the surface,
required.
2.
intothe
a dialog
box
to modify
the effects
the command.
This now
stage
is usually
5. Enter
Selectparameters
Display to set
surface
display
parameters.
TheofDisplay
parameters
appear.
3. Enter
respectively.
8. Also
Click OK to accept the parameters for the command.
See
9. Digitise
control points
in response
Selecting
Commands
from the
Menu Barto the Digitise control grid points (or return) prompt. The first row
of
points
defines
the
U
axis
direction.
Finishing
Command
Compare athis
example of a Bezier surface with those given for the B Spline and Spline surfaces: all these
Completing
a Command
accepting
Default
examples were
created using
the same
set Parameters
of points.
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
108
Creating More Surface Types
109
In the More Surfaces toolbar and the Surface menu there are these commands:
Grid of Points
Primitives, Slab
Lofted Curves
Sphere
Creating and Primitives,
Editing
Geometry
Primitives, Cylinder
Primitives, Cone
Please note that these commands are PDI add-in options and do not support Intellisnap picking. To select
2. Enter
parameters
intoofathe
dialog
box tomethods:
modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
entities
you can
use either
following
3. Enter
datafrom
to position
thetoolbar
Selectco-ordinate
the Entity icon
the Input
Hold down the Ctrl key
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Surfaces With a Grid of Points

The Grid of Points (Surface menu) command lets you fit a surface through a set of points arranged in a
grid.
You must specify the number of points in U and V, and digitise them all in exactly the right order
(determined by the 'Laced' parameter).
The surfaces you can create from the points are:
(produces
results
as creating
Spline command)
There Spline
are several
stagessame
involved
when
Bezier (produces same results as Bezier command)
B Spline (with Control Points as the Point Type, same as B Spline command)
Fitted B Spline (Point Type = Fitted)
bypassed byBcommand
buttons.
Smoothed
Spline (Point
Type = Smoothed)
This diagram shows the different methods of using points to define curves on the surface, as seen from one
side.
The parameters for the Grid of Points command are:
See Also
Laced
Check this box to specify that you want to digitise the points in an order following a laced pattern.
This diagram shows the sequence of digitising a 3x3 grid of points (U Points=3, V Points=3):
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
U Points/VPoints Specify the number of points in the U and V directions of the grid.
U Degree/VDegree Specify the degree of the surface in the U and V directions (the number must be less
than the corresponding number of points). The section Creating B Spline Surfaces discusses the effect of
the Degree parameter.
SurfaceType Specify the type of surface to be created.
Point Type Defines how the digitised points are to be treated when creating a B Spline surface.
If you selected the Surface Type to be Bezier or Spline, Point Type is set to Control Points.
SmoothTolerance The tolerance to which the surface is fitted through the points. This is only used when
the Point Type = Smoothed Fit Points.
The Display parameters, and Layer,Colour,Style and Name are the same as for all surface commands.
SeeViewing Surfaces for details.
EdgeCAM User Guide
110
Creating Surfaces Using Lofted Curves

Use the Lofted Curves (Surface menu)
command to create a 'Lofted' B Spline (NURB) surface. You
can specify one or two guide rails (flow lines), and as many cross-sections as you want. The surface flows
smoothly from one section to the next, avoiding ridge lines.

Degree
2. Enter
(Only
parameters
valid when
intoGuide
a dialog
Railbox
= None).
to modify
This
the
is effects
the degree
of the
ofcommand.
surface in the
This'loft'
stage
direction
is usually
(this is the
direction
bypassed
determined
by command
by the guide
buttons.
curve). The Degree value must be less than the number of cross section
curves. The degree in the cross-section direction is taken from the cross section curves.
The section
(digitising)
Creating
or by
B Spline
entering
Surfaces
explicit discusses
co-ordinates
theineffect
a dialog
of the
box.
Degree parameter.
Tolerance This controls to within what limits the command generates the intersections required by the
various surface types. For instance, in the cases where a guide rail is required, Tolerance specifies the
See
Also with which the cross-sections must meet the guide curves.
accuracy
Selecting
Commands
fromtype
the of
Menu
Guide
Rail
Specify the
guideBar
rails, if any.
Flow
Type
Valid only
forthe
the Shortcut
Guide Rail
parameter's Central Spine and One Side options.Select from:
Selecting
Commands
with
Menu
Displaying
Normal Maintains
the cross-section normal to the flow line
Finishing a Command
Vertical
Sections
Maintains
the cross-section
in a vertical orientation irrespective of whether the flow line is
Completing
a Command
accepting
Default Parameters
parallel
to
the
current
CPL
Abort theSections
Command
Parallel
Maintains all cross-sections parallel to the initial cross-section
None
This
maintains
the cross-sections in the orientation in which they were created.
Redo the
Previous
Command
The Display parameters, and Layer,Colour,Style and Name are the same as for all surface commands.
EdgeCAM User Guide
111
Specifying Guide Rails for Lofted Curves

None Digitise as many cross section curves as you want. A surface is created which passes through
every cross-section.

Central Spine Digitise one guide rail, then multiple cross sections.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abortcommand
The
the Command
flows these cross sections automatically from their centres along the guide rail. This means
Undothe
that
theoriginal
Previous
cross
Command
sections do not need to intersect with the guide rail, and that the surface does not
Redo to
have
the
pass
Previous
through
Command
the cross section curves. However, the surface will pass through the central spine.
Profile Chain the 2D profile (this must be a closed, single-entity profile, for example a continuous or an
arc) and then as many cross sections as desired. The cross sections must intersect the profile at their
endpoints.
Network Digitise the curves in any order, or simply use the Window input option to select all of them. The
curves must form a regular grid and must all intersect at their endpoints and cross points.
If all curves do not intersect within Tolerance, the command will ask you to digitise curves in order (do not
use the Window input option). Once the surface has been created, the command displays a list of curves
EdgeCAM User Guide
112
that were above Tolerance. The command creates the surface through the average of the curves.
113
One Side Digitise a single guide rail.
The guide rail must intersect with every cross
section curve.
The command will not automatically hang cross
sections from the middle, but from wherever they
intersect.
All intersections are calculated to Tolerance.
2. Sides
Enter parameters
into arail
dialog
box toside
modify
thecross
effects
of thecurves.
command. This stage is usually
Both
Digitise a guide
on either
of the
section
The two guide rails must intersect with the endpoints of the cross section curves, to within the specified
Tolerance.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Primitive Surfaces
114
There are four commands in the Surface menu for creating simple solid shapes using surfaces:
Primitives, Slab
Primitives, Sphere
ConeGeometry
Creating and Primitives,
Editing
Primitives, Cylinder
These
surfaces
can
be created
dynamically
by setting
one orentities.
more ofThe
thetypical
parameters
the
There are
several
stages
involved
when creating
geometric
stagescontrolling
are:
shape's dimensions to <Digitise>.
However,
to be
to digitise
the third the
dimension
the shape
you will
need toa have
at least
onethe
extra view
1. Select
theable
command
for creating
requiredofentity
type. This
is usually
command
from
port active.
command
buttons.
Pleasebypassed
note that by
these
commands
are PDI add-in options and do not support Intellisnap picking. To select
entities
you can
use either
of to
theposition
following
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data
themethods:
Select the Entity icon from the Input toolbar
See Also
Hold down the Ctrl key
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Working with Surface Curves

Surface curves can be generated by EdgeCAM for intersecting surfaces. In fact, two curves are generated
for each intersection, one for each surface.
The Surface menu commands that produce surface curves are:
Generate, Boundaries
Generate, Cross Sections
Generate, Intersection
Generate,
Split Line
There are several
Generate, Bridge Surface
Project
The smoothness of the surface curves depends on the value used in the tolerance parameter for these
commands.
3. Also
Enter co-ordinate data to position the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
See
Controlling the Search Grid Density
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
115
Generating Surface Boundaries

You may want to create surface curves around the boundary of a surface. This could be:
To create a surface between surfaces. Depending on the surface type, a surface may not have a
selectable edge (for example, Spline, B-Spline and Bezier surfaces do not have edges, but ruled
surfaces have two).
To drive a tool along a surface curve on the edge of a surface (in Five Axis machining).

There
are several
stagesboundary
To generate
a surface
1.
creating the
requiredmenu)
entity type.
This is usually a command from the
1. Select
Select the
the command
Generate,for
Boundaries
(Surface
command.
2. Select the required options on the dialog.
3. Digitise
one
more surfaces.
bypassed
byorcommand
buttons.
4.
Perform
a finish. data to position the entity, either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
3. Enter
co-ordinate
Separate surface curves are created for each edge of the selected surface.
See
Also box for the command offers the following parameters:
The dialog
Selecting
Bar that will be created for the selected surface(s). Choose between:
Generate Commands
Specify thefrom
typethe
of Menu
boundary
Generate
Surface Curves
Checking
option allows you to select surfaces only to generate surface
Selecting Commands
with the
Shortcutthis
Menu
curves
around
the boundaries
of the selected surface(s). Note that the surface cannot be deleted because
Displaying
the CPL
Co-ordinates
the
surface
curves are dependent on it.
Finishing
a Command
Completing
a Command
Parameters
Generate Base
Entities accepting
Checking Default
this option
allows you to select surfaces or surface curves to be
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
converted to lines, arcs, Splines or B-Splines.
Abort the Command
Generate
2D entities
Checking this option allows you to select surfaces,surface curves,Splines or BUndo the Previous
Command
Splines
be converted
to 2D curves at the current CPL level.
Redo thetoPrevious
Command
Tidy Base Entities Check this box to replace a set of co-linear lines with a single line, and replace
sequential arcs of the same radius that also lie in the same plane with a single arc.
Outer Edges (2D entities only) Check this box to join outer edges of the selected surfaces to form a
union. The resulting geometry will be created as lines at the current Z level and can be used as containment
boundaries for subsequent machining cycles.
Note that surfaces without fully enclosing boundary curves such as spheres or cylinders may not be taken
into account. Also note that a surface that doubles back will not return a boundary that represents the
furthest extent of the surface.
3D Curves
Curves The boundary curves can be generated as either Splines or B-Splines.
Control Points Specify the number of control points for the curves (default 40).
EdgeCAM User Guide
116
Generating Cross Sections

This command creates one or more cross sections thorough a surface. The cross sections start at the
specified level and the depth is incremented by the value entered until the number of cuts you asked for
have been generated. The generated cross sections are surface curves.
Note that cross sections can only be generated in the current CPL and for surfaces that are displayed.
1. Select the Generate, Cross Sections (Surface menu) command. The Cross Sections dialog box is
displayed.
2. Enter the Initial Level (the height of the first cross section).
1. Select
commandthat
for is
creating
the required
entity
type. Thiscross
is usually
a command from the
3.
Set thethe
Increment;
the distance
between
subsequent
sections.
4. Enter the number of cross sections you require (Number of Cuts).
5. If necessary, update the Tolerance; that is, the maximum distance allowable between the midpoint of
any surface curve segment and the exact cross sectional curve.
6. If necessary, update the Search Grid Density.
The Search Grid Density controls the density of the search for the intersection. In most cases a density of 2
x 2 will work (Search Grid Density = 2). However, for surfaces which overlap in a number of places, or only
See Also
overlap
by a small amount, a higher search density may be required to find all possible solutions. The
higher the Search Grid Density, the longer EdgeCAM takes to find the solutions.
7. ClickCommands
OK to accept
for the command.
Selecting
withthe
theparameters
Shortcut Menu
8. Digitise a point on each surface to be cross sectioned.
Finishing a Command
9. Perform
a finish. accepting Default Parameters
Completing
a Command
The
sections are now displayed.
Abortcross
the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
117
Generating Surface Intersections

Curves can be generated by EdgeCAM for intersecting surfaces. In fact, two curves are generated for each
intersection, one for each surface. The smoothness of these curves depends on the selected tolerance.
To generate an intersection
1. Select the
button from the Surface toolbar or the Generate, Intersection (Surface menu)
command. The dialog box for the command is displayed:
2. Enter the Tolerance for the calculations.

3. Enter a new Search Grid Density, if required.
1. Search
SelectGrid
the command
for creating
the required
entity type.
This
is usually aIncommand
from
the
The
Density controls
the density
of the search
for the
intersection.
most cases
a density
of 2
menu
barDensity
although
buttons
are provided
for frequently
usedincommands:
x 2 willGeometry
work (Search
Grid
= 2).
However,
for surfaces
which overlap
a number of places, or only
overlap
by aparameters
small amount,
density the
mayeffects
be required
to find all possible
solutions.
The
2. Enter
intoaahigher
dialogsearch
box to modify
of the command.
This stage
is usually
higherbypassed
the Search
Grid
Density,
the
longer
EdgeCAM
takes
to
find
the
solutions.
by command buttons.
5. Enter a digitise in response to the Digitise primary surface prompt.
6. Enter one or more digitises in response to the Digitise secondary surface(s) prompt.
See Also
Note that if the order of the surface selection is changed, the curves may be slightly different. However,
they will be within the selected tolerance of the true solution.
Displaying
Example the CPL Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
118
Generating Split Lines
119
The Generate, Split Line (Surface menu) command is particularly useful for more complicated mould
shapes.
The surface curve is generated by finding all the points on the selected surface where a line normal to the
surface lies at a given angle to the plane of the current CPL.
To generate a split line
1. Select the Generate, Split Line (Surface menu) command. The Split Line dialog box is displayed.
2. Enter the Angle that the surface curve normal is to make with the current CPL.
1. Select
the command
for creating
the that
required
entity
type. This
is usually
a command
3.
If necessary,
update the
Tolerance;
is, the
maximum
allowable
distance
betweenfrom
the the
mid point of
Geometry
menu
barsplit
although
buttons
are provided
for frequently
used
commands: correct surface
any
segment
of the
line surface
curve
being generated
and the
mathematically
2. curve.
Enter parameters into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
bypassed
by command
4. If
necessary,
update thebuttons.
Search Grid Density.
3.
co-ordinate
to position the
either directly on screen by clicking the mouse
5. Enter
Click OK
to acceptdata
the parameters
for entity,
the command.
6. Digitise each surface for which you want to find a split line.
See Also
The split line is now generated.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Generating Bridge Surfaces

The Generate, Bridge Surface (Surface menu) command is used to create a joining or bridging NURB
surface between two, three or four adjacent surfaces, to produce a smooth transitional fit.
Tangent The tangency of the Bridge surface can be either ISO Parametric (parallel to the surface in UV
space) or Normal to the selected surface curves.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
Generate
Curves Command
Check this box to create surface curves on the selected surfaces. If you leave this box
Undo the Previous
empty,
thePrevious
command
will prompt you to define the bridge surface by digitising two surface curves.
Redo the
Command
st
nd
1 /2
Magnitude These parameters define the magnitude of curvature related to the first and second
selected surfaces. Select a percentage curvature in steps of 10%, with 20% being the default. The higher
the percentage entered, the greater the curvature.
This diagram shows a cross section through two bridge surfaces created using different magnitude values:
Name Enter an identifier for the bridge surface that can be used later when referring to the surface.
The Display tab contains the standard UV patch and point modifiers used by all surfaces, which define how
the bridge surface is to be shown on the screen.
EdgeCAM User Guide
120
Projecting Entities onto Surfaces

The Project (Surface menu) command is used to project one or more points, lines, arcs, curves or
continuous entities in the current CPL onto one or more surfaces creating one or more surface curves.
Note that any arcs or curves that are projected consist of vectors, so that the arc/curve should be generated
to the desired display tolerance before being projected.
To project entities onto one or more surfaces

There
are several
involved
creatingtoolbar
geometric
typical menu)
stages command.
are:
1. Select
the stages
button
fromwhen
the Surface
or theentities.
ProjectThe
(Surface
The
dialog box for the command is displayed.
1.
thetolerance;
commandthat
for creating
the required
entitythat
type.
is usually
command
fromsurface
the curve
2. Select
Enter the
is, the maximum
distance
theThis
midpoint
of a asegment
of the
Geometry
menu
bar
although
buttons
are
provided
for
frequently
used
commands:
may be from the true curve of projection. The default is 0.01.
2.
parameters
dialog box and
to modify
thethe
effects
ofbox.
the command. This stage is usually
3. Enter
Click OK
to acceptinto
theaparameters
dismiss
dialog
4. Digitise the surface(s) to project onto.
5. Perform
a finish.
(digitising)
or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
6. Digitise one or more entities to be projected.
See Also
Note that Command
unpredictable
results
occur if this command is used with a surface which, for some XY coSelecting
Buttons
onwill
Toolbars
ordinates,Commands
has two or more
Z values;
forMenu
example, a folded surface with an overhang.
Selecting
with the
Shortcut
Finishing a Command
For trimmedasurfaces,
unpredictable
resultsParameters
will also occur if the underlying (untrimmed) surface folds over
Completing
Command
accepting Default
even
if
the
trimmed
one
does
not.
Abort
the Command
This example
shows an arc entity projected onto a surface with two Z values at the same XY co-ordinate.
EdgeCAM User Guide
121
Controlling the Search Grid Density

Commands such as Generate Intersection (Surface menu) and Fillet (Surface menu) use a parameter
called Search Grid Density to control how the system detects intersecting surfaces. This is an integer,
usually defaulting to 2.
If the system does not detect the intersection, you could redo the command with a higher search grid value.
To save you time, the Surfaces tab or button on the Preferences (Options menu) command provides a
parameter called Auto Grid Double. This parameter lets you set the number of times you want the search
grid to double in density and search again for an intersection.
For example, with an Auto Grid Double value of 2, the system would perform a search for an intersection,
There
are several
whendouble
creating
The grid
typical
are: If an intersection
and
if one
was notstages
found, involved
automatically
thegeometric
density ofentities.
the search
andstages
try again.
was still not found, the system would again double the density of the grid and perform a final search.
1. should
Selectnot
theuse
command
creating
required
type. aThis
is usually
a command from the
You
a value for
higher
than the
4 unless
youentity
are using
powerful
computer.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
122
Altering Existing Surfaces

Although you can change the layer, colour, style and name of an entity or entities with the Entity Data (Edit
menu) commands, there are commands for changing surfaces or the entities used to create surfaces:
Generate, Control Points (Surface menu)
Extend (Surface menu)
Trim Surface (Edit menu)
Surface Curve (Edit menu)
Joined
(Surface
menu)
There are
several
Surface Group (Surface menu)
1. Select
the command
for creating
Generate,
Blend
Corner (Surface
menu)the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
2. Also
Enter parameters into a dialog box to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
See
Editing Surfaces Created with Fit Points
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
123
Editing Surfaces Created With Fit Points

When editing a surface that was created using fit points, rather than control points you may achieve an
unexpected result.
Note that:
Fit points ensure that the surfaces go through the points you specify.
Control points control the shape of the entity, depending on the mathematical equation used to
create the entity.
There
stagestoinvolved
creating
geometric
entities.
typical
stages
When are
you several
use fit points
create awhen
surface,
EdgeCAM
calculates
theThe
control
points
fromare:
the digitised fit
points and the degree parameter. The fit point information is discarded.
Subsequently, if you edit the surface it is treated as though it was created using control points. If you
change the surface's Degree parameter the entity may not necessarily go through the original fit points.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
124
Generating Control Points for Surfaces

The Generate, Control Points (Surface menu) command recreates the control points originally used to
produce a B-Spline, Bezier or Spline surface. The control points can then be used to generate another
surface.
To regenerate the control points for a B Spline, Bezier or Spline surface
1. Select the Generate, Control Points (Surface menu) command.
2. Entity digitise one or more surfaces.

Point
1. entities
Select the
arecommand
created atfor
thecreating
locationthe
of each
required
control
entity
point
type.
forThis
the selected
is usuallysurfaces.
a command from the
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
125
Extending Surfaces
126
You may want to extend a surface along one or more of its edges, for example if you do not have enough
data to specify a complete surface. Note that extending is not permitted on a surface group, since the
relevant boundary of each surface must be specified.
Each extended portion is extended at a tangent to the original surface.
When a surface has been extended, its U and V parameters are adjusted so that U and V co-ordinates on
the new surface still range from 0 to 1. If you use the Entity (Verify menu) command to show the
parameters for the surface, the U and V parameters are given in terms of the original surface.
In
this are
example
an stages
extension
factorwhen
of 1 has
been geometric
used (giving
100%The
extension):
There
several
involved
creating
entities.
typical stages are:
The U parameter range reported by Entity (Verify menu) command would be 0 to 2, rather than 0 to 1 as it
is based
on the
dimensions
of the
1. Select
theoriginal
command
for creating
thesurface.
required entity type. This is usually a command from the
To2.extend
non-offsetinto
surface
Enteraparameters
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Trimming Surface Curves

Sometimes it is not possible to trim a surface as the surface curve intersects itself or contains a gap. The
Surface Curve (Edit menu) command allows you to edit the surface curve to produce a more useful curve.
To trim surface curves
1. Select the Surface Curve (Edit menu) command. The parameters for the command are displayed.
First Check this box to trim the first surface curve that you digitise. You keep the end of the curve
that you digitise.
Second Check this box to trim the second surface curve that you digitise. You keep the end of
the curve that you digitise.
Geometry
Break Check
menu bar
thisalthough
box to remove
buttonsthe
areline
provided
vector at
forthe
frequently
digitisedused
pointcommands:
on the surface curve,
creating a break.
bypassed
Join Check
by command
this boxbuttons.
to join the digitised surface curves, providing that the end points are not
further apart than the current system tolerance. This tolerance is set using the System Tolerance
parameter in the Preferences (Options menu) command.
2. Click OK.
See
3. Also
Digitise the surface curves according to the parameter selections you made.
Selecting
4. Perform
Commands
a finish.from the Menu Bar
The
surface
curves arewith
now
trimmed.
Selecting
Commands
the
Shortcut Menu
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
127
Trimming Surfaces
128
A trimmed surface is a surface with a piece removed along a surface curve.

You can use the Trim Surface (Edit menu) command to do this.
Note that trimming is not permitted on a surface group, since it would be necessary to specify which part of
each surface member would be retained and which would be removed.
Trimming is a convenient way of constraining a toolpath in order to prevent the gouging of adjacent
surfaces.
A trimmed surface can be exploded as any other surface.

Sometimes a sequence of intersection operations produces a set of surface curves which intersect or have
gaps between their ends. In order to produce a boundary which the Trim Surface command will understand,
Select
the be
command
creating
theother.
the1.curves
must
trimmedfor
against
each
The portion of the curve retained during a trim operation is the one closest to the digitised point. When the
2. Enter point
parameters
into the
a dialog
box
to modify
of the
This stage
is usually
intersection
is beyond
end of
a curve,
the the
last effects
vector on
the command.
curve is extended
to that
point.
To3.trimEnter
a surface
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Joining Surfaces
129
EdgeCAM allows adjacent surfaces to be joined into a single machineable surface entity, using the Joined
(Surface menu) command.
Note that you cannot use this command on surface groups, as a general surface group might not have all
surfaces joining at common boundaries, or have all surface members untrimmed.
The Joined command is mainly intended for part created in other CAD systems and imported via IGES.
Some CAD systems divide a single logical entity into a patchwork of smaller surfaces, usually B-spline
surfaces. Combining them into a single entity simplifies subsequent surface manipulation.
To
be able
to join surfaces,
these conditions
mustgeometric
apply: entities. The typical stages are:
There
are several
stages involved
when creating
surfaces
must befor
untrimmed
1. The
Select
the command
creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Geometry
menu bar
although
are provided
frequently
used commands:
Adjacent
surfaces
must
match buttons
parametrically
along aforcommon
boundary
2. Enter
parameters
a dialog
box to modify
the effects
of the command. This stage is usually
Surfaces
must joininto
to form
a rectangle
in parametric
space.
These conditions are shown below:
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
To create a joined surface
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Surface Groups

The Surface Group (Surface menu) command allow you to group together multiple surfaces. The surface
group can then be treated as a single entity for subsequent operations. This is useful for:
Selecting the same set of surfaces for multiple machining cycles
Passing the surface normal direction to surface machining cycles
Once you have selected the surfaces and performed a finish., you are prompted to specify the direction for
each surface. Click the left hand mouse button to toggle between the sides of the surface.
Note that you cannot join or extend surface groups, but you can add or remove surfaces from existing
See Also
surface groups using the Surface Group (Edit menu) command. A surface group can be exploded into its
constituent
surfaces. from the Menu Bar
Selecting
Commands
When creating or editing a surface group the surface sides are selectable. Choose between the following
Side Selection methods:
Finishing aYou
Command
Prompt
will be prompted to select each surface.
Up You are only prompted for the side of vertical or wrap-over surfaces. In almost all other cases, up is
correctly determined automatically.
Abort the Command
Undo the Previous
Command
Forward
The default
forward side is chosen for all surfaces without prompting. This method is useful if the
Redo the
Previous
Command
surface
sides
are known
to be correct.
Swap Selects the opposite of the current setting. This is useful if most surface groups are correct as you
are only required to select those surfaces that are incorrect and swap them to the correct side.
EdgeCAM User Guide
130
Blending Surface Corners

The Generate, Corner Blend (Surface menu)
command allows you to create a rounded corner from
three fillet surfaces. All three fillets may have differing radii.
This example shows a corner blend generated from three surfaces meeting at 90 degrees to each other.
The surfaces do not have to meet along straight lines (see example).
To generate the corner blend, select three fillet surfaces. From this information, one or two blend surfaces
are created. The fillets are then trimmed back to the edge of the blend surface(s).
There
are several
stages
involved
whenblend
creating
geometric
entities.
Theattypical
stages are:
This example
shows
a rendered
corner
where
the surfaces
meet
120 degrees:
See Also
The
parameters
for the
command
are:
Selecting
Command
Buttons
on Toolbars
Selecting
Commands
with
thebox
Shortcut
Menuto trim the selected surfaces back to the fillet edge.
Trim Surfaces
Check
this
if you want
Tolerance
The maximum allowable distance between the corners of adjacent surfaces.
Finishing a Command
Completing
Command
accepting
Default of
Parameters
Search Grida Density
This
is the density
the search grid used when searching for the fillet surfaces. In
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
most cases a density of 2 x 2 will suffice (Search Grid Density = 2). However, for some fillets, a higher
Abort the
Command
search
density
may be required to find all possible solutions. The higher the density, the longer the
Undo the Previous
Command
command's
calculations
will take.
Name Enter a name for the corner blend, if required.
Display Sets these surface display parameters:
U/V Patch Enter the required number of patches in the U and V directions.
U/V Display Enter the required number of display points in the U and V directions.
EdgeCAM User Guide
131
Checking the Validity of a Surface

It is possible to create or import invalid surfaces that can later cause problems when applying machining
cycles. To validate your surfaces, display the surface normals by using the Surface Normals (Verify
menu) command. Generally, the normals should display a fairly regular pattern with no abrupt change in
vector.

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
132
Problem Areas
133
Degenerate surfaces (surfaces that cross over themselves)

Degenerate surface curves on trimmed surfaces (surface curve intersects with itself)
Tangent continuous corners on Coons Patches

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
What is Rotary Design?

Rotary design allows you to create 2D geometry that can then be used to create a cylindrical component by
wrapping it around an axis at given distance.
Holes, slots, pockets and profiles that lie on the circumference of a cylinder would be difficult to define in
three dimensional space. Rotary design allows you to "unwrap" the cylinder out into a 2D rectangular
envelope similar to peeling a label off a can.

You
See can
Alsothen create simple 2D geometry on the unwrapped envelope. This geometry can be displayed in
true 3D space by "wrapping" the envelope back around the original cylinder.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
134
Commands for Designing Rotary Parts

EdgeCAM's Design Mode provides these commands in the Rotary menu:
Unwrap
Justify Left/Centre/Right

Ruler
Wrap
1. Select the command
for creating the required entity type. This is usually a command from the
Pointsbox to modify the effects of the command. This stage is usually
2. Enter parametersRotary
into a dialog
A variety
of other
commands
can
be used
control
otherdirectly
aspects
rotary by
design,
andthe
these
commands
3. Enter
co-ordinate
data to
position
thetoentity,
either
onofscreen
clicking
mouse
are also
covered within
section.
(digitising)
or by this
entering
explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
135
About Unwrapping Cylindrical Envelopes

An unwrapped area is created when you use the Unwrap (Rotary menu)
command. The effect of
this command is like peeling a label off a can - the surface area of a cylinder is transformed into a
rectangular boundary within which you can create planar geometry.
You can only unwrap single lines to form the rectangular unwrapped envelope. These lines must
not be tapered.
The
diagrams
below
showinvolved
the relationship
of the line
that represents
the circumferential
edge of the cylinder
There
are several
stages
when creating
geometric
entities. The
typical stages are:
and the unwrapped view obtained once it has been unwrapped.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
136
Using the Unwrap Command

Before you try unwrapping points, or a line to form an envelope, you should understand the relationship
between rotary and Cartesian axes. This is simply that each Cartesian axis (X, Y, Z) has an associated
rotary axis (A, B, C):

Once you have unwrapped about a given axis, any angular co-ordinate input must use the associated rotary
See Also
axis.
For example, if you unwrap around the X axis, you would now use X co-ordinates to position geometry
along the cylinder and A co-ordinates (in degrees) to position geometry around the cylinder. You can use Y
instead of A when you need to enter a distance around the circumference rather than an angle.
Finishing a Command
Completing
a Command
Parameters
Use the Unwrap
(Rotaryaccepting
menu) Default
command
to create a rectangular envelope representing a
Escape
Back
One
Step
in
the
Command
developed cylinder. Here are two examples of creating an unwrapped cylinder envelope:
Abort the Command
Before
youPrevious
start, you
should have already created a line that is parallel to the axis you wish to unwrap
Undo the
Command
about,
and
is
at
a
height
from the axis that corresponds to the radius of the cylinder.
These parameters help you to define the unwrapped envelope:
Unwrap Views Select the views in which the unwrapped envelope is to be displayed. We recommend
that you do not display the unwrapped envelope in any of the standard views, as you will later wish to
display the wrapped geometry in those ports. You may find it convenient to set up some additional views for
displaying unwrapped geometry, before using this command. See Viewing the Part and related topics for
details.
View on Unwrap (Milling Environment only) Select the name of the view that looks directly down onto the
unwrapped envelope. The Turning environment does not use this parameter as it already has a defined
view called Unwrap.
The default view name is Unwrap but can be changed or set to <None>.
Axis Specify which axis the unwrapping will be performed around (with respect to the current CPL). This
can be the X , Y or Z axis, or an Entity. Lines and Points are the only entity types that can be unwrapped:
When you want to select a line, you can set the axis to X, Y, Z (as long as the line is parallel to the
axis) or Entity, in which case the line position determines the axis of unwrap and the radius. See
Unwrapping Lines.
When you want to select a point(s), you must select either X, Y or Z from the list, as a single point
does not provide enough information to specify an axis. See Unwrapping Points.
Colour Select the colour for the unwrapped envelope. The default is the parent entity's colour.
Style Select the style or line font for the unwrapped envelope. The default is the parent entity's style.
Ensure that your Drawing is configured to have a port showing the Unwrap view, as you need to use this
EdgeCAM User Guide
137
port to create the geometry.

The envelope is now created in the selected views and the CPL/Level indicator is updated. The default CPL
name is Axis Wrap. The level is the same value as the height of the line above the CPL (radius).
If you digitised more than one line, the level will be the same as the last line you selected.
See Also
Unwrapping Lines
Unwrapping Points
Justifying
Unwrapped
Envelopewhen creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
There are the
several
stages involved
Showing the Unwrapped Envelope Ruler
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
138
Unwrapping Lines
139
This section describes how you would use the Unwrap (Rotary menu)
command to unwrap lines.
The line that you select to define the unwrapped envelope must conform to set rules. There are three valid
cases:

See Also
Finishing a Command
If
a line
does
not conform to one of these types, or you select any other entity type, the command ignores
Abort
the
Command
the
entity.
Undo
the Previous Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Unwrapping Points
140
This section describes how you would use

theUnwrap (Rotary menu)
to unwrap points.
command
A point can be in any position around the

axis of unwrap. The distance from the axis
determines the radius, and the position
There
involved
when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
relativeare
to several
the CPLstages
determines
its angular
value.
Select the
command
for creating
An1.envelope
cannot
be created
for a series
Geometry
bar although
of points.
To viewmenu
an unwrapped
envelope,
you
unwrap
a line into
that alies
on the
2. must
Enter
parameters
dialog
boxsame
radiusbypassed
as the selected
points.
by command buttons.
As the
original points are defined in 3D
See
Also
space, a new point is created (unwrapped)
Selecting
Commands
from the
Menu
and an associated
wrapped
point
is Bar
Selecting
Buttons on Toolbars
displayedCommand
for each point.
The systemthe
deletes
the original point
Displaying
CPL Co-ordinates
because
both
the
3D
Finishing a Commandpoint and the wrapped
point are coincident
(this accepting
would make
Completing
a Command
Default Parameters
selecting
the
correct
entity
difficult
in
Escape Back One Step in the
Command
Manufacture).
Abort
the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Justify the Unwrapped Envelope

You may find that you want to create geometry beyond the angular limits of the unwrapped envelope. You
can still create the geometry in this situation but may find it more useful to alter the angular display of the
unwrapped envelope.
You can choose one of three positions for the unwrapped envelope using the Justify (Rotary menu)
commands.
The Unwrapped envelope(s) created using the Unwrap (Rotary menu) command can be justified in three
ways using the JustifyLeft,Justify Right and Justify Centre commands in the Rotary menu. The
following examples show how three rectangular sets of lines would be affected by this parameter:
Justify Centre
See Also
Justify Left
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
Undo Justify
the Previous
Right Command
For example, you may want to create a point at an angle of 270 degrees around the diameter, in which case
the obvious choice to view the unwrapped envelope would be the Justify Left command.
EdgeCAM User Guide
141
Showing the Unwrapped Envelope Ruler

You can use the Ruler (Rotary menu)
command to switch the Unwrap Envelope Ruler on or off.
When the Ruler is on, lines are drawn along the bottom unwrapped edge every 15 degrees. The height of
these marker lines are a proportion of the envelope height.
Here is an example of the Ruler markings (note that the numbers do not appear):

See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
142
Creating Geometry in an Unwrapped Envelope

Once you have created an unwrapped envelope using the Unwrap (Rotary menu) command, you are now
in a position to begin creating planar geometry in that envelope.
This example shows several planar geometric features that have been created in a single unwrapped
envelope. For clarity, the envelope has been marked with degrees along the top edge and circumferential
distance along the bottom edge (a 50mm diameter cylinder was unwrapped to form the envelope).
The co-ordinate axes used for creating geometry depend on the axis around which you created the
envelope (see examples).
When
co-ordinates
specifywhen
geometry,
yougeometric
can specify
a distance
along stages
the unwrapped
envelope in
There using
are several
stages to
involved
creating
entities.
The typical
are:
degrees. Co-ordinate input in Design supports A, B and C angular input within the Milling environment (C
within the Turning environment).
For example,
to create
around
a diameter
that has
been unwrapped
around the Z axis, you could
Geometry
menu two
bar points
although
buttons
are provided
for frequently
used commands:
type into the co-ordinate box: Z-10C-45,Z-35C160
This would
create
on the
unwrapped envelope:
bypassed
bypoints
command
buttons.
See Also
Finishing
Command
Of course,a the
co-ordinate input dialog can be used to input any 2D geometry, not just points.
If
you were
to One
enter,
for example,
a Y co-ordinate, this would be translated as an angular co-ordinate when
Escape
Back
Step
in the Command
the
geometry
is wrapped or machined. Therefore you can enter angular and linear distances onto the
Abort
the Command
unwrapped
envelope,
and they will be correctly displayed once wrapped.
Undo the Previous
Command
Redo
Previous
Command
By firstthe
using
Co-ordinate
Input to create the points, you can place subsequent geometry such as lines and
arcs using normal 2D construction methods:
See Also
Creating Radial Points
EdgeCAM User Guide
143
Creating Radial Points

The Radial Points (Rotary menu)
a cylinder.
144
command offers a quick method of creating a set of points around
The General tab offers the following parameters:

Equal Spacing Check this box to space all the points out equally around the cylinder. If this is checked,
the Angle parameter is greyed out.
Number of Points Specifies the number of radial points required.
There are
several stages
involved
creating
Theused
typical
are: Spacing
Angle
Specifies
the radial
angle when
between
each geometric
point. This entities.
cannot be
withstages
the Equal
parameter.
1. Select
command
creating
the required
type.
This
a command
the
Initial
Angle the
Specifies
theforangle
at which
to place entity
the first
point
in is
theusually
set. The
default is from
0 degrees.
Radius Specifies the radius of the wrap.
Axis bypassed
Used withbythe
Radius parameter
command
buttons. to specify the axis the points are to be wrapped around. If a line or
unwrapped envelope has been digitised, the Axis will be ignored.
In addition,
the Unwrap
and Wrap
tabs allow
you to select
the views
(digitising)
or by entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in a dialog
box. in which the planar and radial points
will be displayed.
Unwrap Views Select the views in which the planar points will be displayed.
See
WrapAlso
Views Select the views in which the radial points will be displayed.
Selecting
Commands
thefor
Menu
Bar points
Colour Specifies
thefrom
colour
the radial
Style
Specifies
the style
or font
for theMenu
radial points.
Selecting
Commands
with the
Shortcut
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
Once you click on the OK button, you are prompted to Digitise the centre position of the Radial Points.
Finishing
a Command
You can do
this by selecting an entity that lies along the selected wrap axis or through co-ordinate input.
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Displaying Wrapped Geometry

Wrapping the geometry gives you a clearer 3D view of the component. The wrapping process is like sticking
a label onto a can - the geometry on a rectangular envelope is displayed transformed onto the surface area
of a cylinder.
You can generate a wrapped representation of planar geometry by using the Wrap (Rotary menu)
command.
You can generate wrapped geometry using the Wrap (Rotary menu)
command. There are two
methods of using this command:
Wrapping using an envelope
Wrapping
from
planar geometry
Geometrydirectly
menu bar
although
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
145
Wrapping Using an Envelope

The Wrap dialog lets you select which views are to display the wrapped geometry. You must have already
used the Unwrap (Rotary menu) command to generate one or more unwrapped envelopes. You should
also have created all the geometry you want on the unwrapped envelope.
Once you click on OK, the command asks you to digitise the unwrapped envelope. You will now be able to
select the geometry. When you perform a finish, the selected views will contain the wrapped entities.

Enter
co-ordinate
dataortore-select
positionwhich
the entity,
directly
screen geometry
by clickinglater.
the mouse
It is3.not
possible
to change
viewseither
will show
theon
wrapped
You would have
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
to delete the wrapped geometry and re-use the Wrap command to select a new set of views.
Note that only one envelope and its associated geometry may be wrapped at a time with this command.
This is because the rectangular boundaries of unwrapped envelopes can overlap, and geometry may exist
See Also
in this overlapped area.
It is highly recommended that the wrapped geometry is not displayed in your unwrapped view. This avoids
any confusion by having both the wrapped and unwrapped geometry in one view.
Example
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
146
Wrapping Directly from Planar Geometry

There is a direct method of producing wrapped geometry with the Wrap (Rotary menu)
without using an unwrapped envelope.
147
command
By drawing planar geometry at the desired level (radius) above the CPL, you can wrap those entities by
selecting an axis from the Axis parameter.
The command takes the level of each entity as its radius.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating Geometry in the Axial CPL

Within Turning, the system has a predefined CPL called Axial that looks down along the rotary axis. You
must select CPL Axial before creating any geometry, which otherwise works in the same way as CPL Top in
planar milling.
Within the Milling environment, you can create your own CPLs with any desired orientation. See the
Creating CPLs section for details.
In this example, a PCD (pitch circle diameter) has been created on the back shoulder and a hexagonal nut
head has been produced on the front diameter.
The
PCD
created
by involved
selectingwhen
CPL Axial
andgeometric
specifyingentities.
the depth
digitising
the are:
line representing the
There
are was
several
stages
creating
Thebytypical
stages
shoulder.
You
now
a point
the correct
diameterentity
by using
Co-ordinate
Input
dialog and
1. could
Select
thecreate
command
foratcreating
the required
type.the
This
is usually a
command
fromtyping:
the
X40Y0Z-45
2. could
Enternow
parameters
intopoint
a dialog
boxthe
to modify
thebyeffects
command.Rotate
This stage
usually
You
repeat that
around
diameter
using of
thethe
Transform
(Editismenu)
bypassed
by
command
buttons.
command to produce your PCD.
3. hexagonal
Enter co-ordinate
data
to position
entity,
either or
directly
on screen
by clicking
the mouse
The
nut can be
produced
in athe
similar
fashion
by using
the Polygon
(Geometry
menu)
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
command.
To create geometry in the axial CPL
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
148
Creating a CPL on the End of a Turned Part

This section expands upon part of the sequence of events in Creating Geometry in the Axial CPL. So that
you can easily create geometry on the face of the envelope, you need to create a new construction plane on
this face, centred on the spindle axis.
To create the CPL
1. Select the Create CPL (Geometry menu) command. The parameters for the command appear.
2. Type in a Name for the new CPL.

3. Click in the Origin box to respecify the location of the origin.
4.
thethe
Dimensions
parameter
3D.
1. Set
Select
command for
creatingtothe
Geometry
menu
bar to
although
5. Set
the Work
Plane
Mill (XY).
2. Enter
parameters
into a button.
6.
Click on
the Reference
7. Set the CPL parameter to Axial.
8. Click
on OK or
to by
accept
the parameter
values andinremove
parameter input box. The parameter box
(digitising)
entering
a dialogthe
box.
is removed and you are prompted to digitise a new origin.
9. Also
Select the Co-ordinate Input
See
command to display the co-ordinates parameter box.
10. Enter
the following
co-ordinates:
X=0 (Absolute), Y=0 (Absolute), Z (Screen Select)
Selecting
Commands
from
the Menu Bar
11. Click on OK.
12. Digitise
end
of the envelope to set the Z position of the origin of the new CPL.
Displaying
thethe
CPL
Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
You
are nowaready
to create
geometry
on the
end of the envelope.
Completing
Command
accepting
Default
Parameters
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
149
Creating Planar Geometry in Turning

This example shows a turned part with a flange placed on the OD (outer diameter). This feature cannot be
machined with Rotary milling, as the tool must move in the Y axis (Planar mode).
To create the geometry relative to the turned part you must first create a CPL.
For example, select Create CPL (Geometry menu) and enter the following parameters:
Click on Reference and specify CPL = Axial
Name = Yaxis
Selectare
Origin
There
several stages involved when creating geometric entities. The typical stages are:
Click on Rotate and specify X Rotation = -90
1. Select the
Dimensions
= 3D
By digitising the centreline, a CPL will be created similar to that shown in the above diagram.
This CPL
allows by
youcommand
to create buttons.
geometry at the required orientation.
bypassed
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
150
Viewing the Part as Wireframe

UseToggle Wireframe in the Display toolbar to switch between a wireframe and a rendered view
of your part. In wireframe, you only see lines representing edges in the part. In rendered you see
the part as a solid.
Alternatively, in the View Properties dialog General tab, set the Display option to Wireframe or Rendered.
A bitmap image is generated which you can save to a file, to view later in other software packages.
Surfaces are rendered using the polygon mesh described with the surface Display parameters U Points
andV Points. Before rendering an image involving surfaces, make sure that these are set correctly.
The base entity colour is used as the base colour for the image.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
151
Using Stock and Fixtures

Fixtures
Fixtures are, for example, the clamps that hold the work piece.
You represent fixtures within EdgeCAM so that they are visible when simulating, so any collisions with the
fixtures can be detected and remedied.
To use fixtures:
1. Create the fixture in Design mode.

2. As appropriate (and dependent on the machine capabilities) assign the fixture as fixed, or to an axis
or spindle.
3. In
Manufacture
make sure
thereare
is an
Updatefor
Fixtures
instruction
(M-Functions menu) before
Geometry
menumode,
bar although
buttons
provided
frequently
used commands:
any part of the sequence which is to use the fixture (so that the fixture is visible in Simulator).
Stockbypassed by command buttons.
Stock
3. Enter
represents
co-ordinate
the rawdata
material
to position
from which
the entity,
the part
either
is to
directly
be machined.
on screen by clicking the mouse
When roughing a boss for example, you need to specify the stock so that all the material 'outside' the boss
can be removed.
To
stock:
Seeuse
Also
1. Create stock in Design mode.
Selecting
2. For Commands
multi-plane milling
with theassign
Shortcut
the Menu
fixture as fixed, or to an axis or spindle.
3. Specify the stock as appropriate when creating operations or cycles.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
152
Creating Stock and Fixtures

The command Stock/Fixture (Geometry menu) allows you to create stock or a fixture.
For EdgeCAM Simulator, stock and fixtures can be cuboid, cylindrical, defined by a profile or digitised from
solid models (this option requires a Solid Machinist licence).
(Stock and fixtures can also be used by Verify. Note that Verify is obsolete functionality.)
For a detailed explanation of individual parameters, please refer to the context sensitive help for the dialog.
Entries for Stock and fixture items appear in the Features Window. When you move the mouse over an
entry, the item becomes highlighted in the graphics area. The layer and colour properties of stock and
There are
several
stages
when
creating commands
geometric entities.
The typical
stages
are: mouse click).
fixture
items
can be
editedinvolved
using the
appropriate
in the Shortcut
menu
(right-hand
Automatic Stock
You can
automatically
stock by
checking
Automatic
Stock box
in the
Stock/Fixture dialog.
Geometry
menucreate
bar although
buttons
are the
provided
for frequently
used
commands:
There
are options
for offsetting
boxesbox
in X,
and Z.the effects of the command. This stage is usually
2. Enter
parameters
into a dialog
to Ymodify
by command
buttons.aligned with the turning axis is created. In order to do this, you will
In the bypassed
turning environment,
a cylinder
need
use co-ordinate
the standarddata
TURN
CPL or the
a user
defined
where
solidby
has
been oriented
accordingly.
3. to
Enter
to position
entity,
eitherCPL
directly
on the
screen
clicking
the mouse
For cylinder
stock, or
extension
parameters
are availableinwhich
allow
the radius of the stock or the length at
(digitising)
by entering
a dialog
box.
either end to be extended.
Please note that offsets are incremental and not absolute.
See Also
You can also create stock automatically using Auto-Stock in the Designtoolbar (though this does
notCommands
give you thefrom
offset
Selecting
theoptions).
Menu Bar
Displaying
theCPL
stock
and fixtures
Displaying the
Co-ordinates
Finishing a Command
As for any other entity, the display of stock and fixtures is controlled by layers. When using the dialog to
create stock or fixtures, you can opt for stock and fixtures to be created in their own Stock or Fixture layer
(which is created if necessary), or in any layer of your choice.
Abort the Command
Undo the
Previous
Use
Toggle Command
Stock in the Display toolbar to switch between:
Solid fixtures, translucent stock.
Wireframe fixtures, wireframe stock.
Alternatively click on the View caption (bottom left of Graphics Area) and in the subsequent View Properties
dialog click Translucent Stock.
Creating a library of fixture parts
When creating stock and fixture entities an attribute is set and saved with the part. Therefore it is possible to
save drawings of clamps, vices, rotary tables, tombstones, chucks etc with their fixture attribute set. When
these parts are inserted they will have their fixture attribute set and will be displayed as fixtures in the
Features Window. This means that fixtures can be inserted into a range of parts without further user
intervention.
See Also
Creating a Box Stock or Fixture
Creating a Cylindrical Stock or Fixture
Creating a Profile Stock or Fixture
Stock and Fixtures from Solid Models
Fixtures in Manufacture
Transforming Stock and Fixtures
EdgeCAM User Guide
153
Box Stock or Fixture
154
To Create a Box Stock or Fixture

1. Select the Stock/Fixture (Geometry menu) command. The dialog for the command now appears.
2. Select the Type of object that you want to define (Stock or Fixture).
3. Select the Shape of the object to be a Box.
4. Enter the Depth of the box. If no depth value is specified the depth of the box will be taken from the Z
values of the two digitises.
5. Click OK.
6.
must
digitisefor
two
points the
to represent
opposing
the box.
1. You
Select
the now
command
creating
required entity
type.corners
This is of
usually
a command from the
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
8.
Once you have made the two digitises, the box is created.
If you have accidentally created a box in 2D then the warning message Invalid Box definition is displayed.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Cylindrical Stock or Fixture

To Create a Cylindrical Stock or Fixture
Note that cylinders can be created at any orientation.

2. Select the Type of object that you want to define (Stock or Fixture).
3. Select the Shape of the object to be a Cylinder.

4. Enter the Radius of the cylinder. If no radius value is specified you will be prompted to digitise a point
for the radius after you have defined the axis of the cylinder.
Geometry
5. Click
OK. menu bar although buttons are provided for frequently used commands:
2. Enter
parameters
into atwo
dialog
boxtoto
modify
effects
the command.
Thishave
stage
is usually
6.
You must
now digitise
points
define
thethe
axis
of theofcylinder.
Once you
made
the two
bypassedthe
by cylinder
command
buttons.
digitises,
is created.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
155
Profile Stock or Fixture

To Create a Profile Stock or Fixture
2. Select the Type of object to be Stock or Fixture.
3. Select the Shape of the stock to be a Profile.
4. Enter the Depth of the profile. This is the height of the top of the profile above the level of the profile.
If no depth value is specified you will be prompted to digitise a point to define the depth of the profile
There before
are several
beingstages
able toinvolved
select the
when
points
creating
on thegeometric
profile. entities. The typical stages are:
5.
1.
6.
Click OK.
You
are now
prompted
to digitise
a closed
2D profile.forThe
initial level
the profile is taken from the
Geometry
menu
bar although
buttons
are provided
frequently
usedofcommands:
first digitise. The height of the top of the profile is the level plus the specified Depth.
Please note that edges and faces should not cross over or exactly meet as the Simulator converts the
profile into a solid and this will cause an illegal operation.
Please note that profile stock can only be created in CPL Top otherwise it is displayed incorrectly in
See
EdgeCAM
Also Verify.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
156
Stock and Fixture from Solid Models

Requires a Solid Machinist licence
Stock and fixtures for the EdgeCAM Simulator can be defined by digitising a solid model.
2. Set the Shape parameter to Digitise.
3. Select the Type of object to be Stock or Fixture.

4. You will be prompted to select the entities to define the stock/fixture.
To use fixtures in manufacture and display them in the Simulator see Fixtures in Manufacture and the
Simulator.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
157
Creating Stock from Turn Profiles

The Turn Billet option is available in the turn environment only
Selecting the Shape of the object to be a Turn Billet generates stock from the selected 2D turn profile
geometry. This is typically used when rough turning from casting or forging to reduce air cutting and to
optimise cycle times.

See
NoteAlso
Selecting
Commands
the Menu
Bar for EdgeCAM Simulator. The profile geometry can be an open or
This
command
is usedfrom
to generate
stock
Selecting
Command
Buttons
on Toolbars
closed
shape,
this profile
is swept
around the spindle centerline to generate stock for Simulator.
Note onthe
using
open
profiles - If the turn billet geometry does not start on the axis centreline EdgeCAM
Displaying
CPL
Co-ordinates
Simulator
forces
this
condition.
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
158
Updating Fixtures
159
Fixtures will not appear in the Simulator until after an 'Update Fixtures' instruction.
To create this instruction in the sequence, use the Update Stock/Fixtures command in the MFunctions menu.
You use Update Stock/Fixtures to create the initial fixture setup, and if necessary to subsequently modify it
during the sequence (as clamps need to be moved for example).

Note that this command does not result in a pause being placed into the CNC code. To allow the
There
are several
involved
creating
geometric
entities.
The>typical
are:perhaps Moperator
to movestages
the fixtures
youwhen
will need
to use
M-Functions
Menu
Stop stages
Type (and
Functions Menu > Comment.
The command prompts you to select fixtures to be added to the setup. Pick these as required and confirm
the2.selection
Enter parameters
with a right-hand
into a dialog
mousebox
click.
to The
modify
command
the effects
then
ofprompts
the command.
you to select
This stage
fixtures
is usually
to be
removed
bypassed
from the
bysetup.
command
Pick buttons.
these as required and confirm the selection with a right-hand mouse click or
press the return key for none.
Notes(digitising) or by entering explicit co-ordinates in a dialog box.
From the Sequence Window you can edit the digitised input for the command if required.
See Also
Rapid Result does not support fixtures and nominated fixtures will be ignored.
We do not recommend rationalising a machining sequence that contains multiple Update Fixture
commands.
Please
note that self-intersecting triangles and open solids are not suitable for simulation as Boolean
Finishing
a Command
operationsaare
impossible
on 'corrupt
solids'.
A warning message will be issued when the part is loaded
Completing
Command
accepting
Default
Parameters
into EdgeCAM
EdgeCAM
Simulator will carry on simulating the part when the warning is
Escape
Back OneSimulator.
Step in the
Command
accepted,
but will fail when it reaches the problem area.
Abort
the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
Assigning Stock and Fixtures to Axes and Spindles

Dependent on the machine capabilities each fixture or stock item can be set as a fixed in position, or
assigned to the Primary or the Secondary axis, or to the Main or Sub spindle. This tells EdgeCAM Simulator
how each part should move.
To do this:
1. Make sure you are in Manufacture mode.
2. In the Features window, right-click on the stock or fixture.
There
3. Select
are several
the appropriate
stages involved
assignment
when creating
from thegeometric
shortcut menu.
See Also
Finishing a Command
Abort the Command
EdgeCAM User Guide
160
Copyright
161
(C)1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.

Pathtrace Engineering Systems and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no liability or
responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this product, including but not limited to any
interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits or consequent damages resulting from the use
or operation of this software.
Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

MemoHASP
is a registered
trademark
Aladdin geometric
Knowledgeentities.
Systems
Ltd.
There are several
stages involved
whenofcreating
The
typical stages are:
NetSentinel is a trademark of Rainbow Technologies, Inc.
OpenGL(r) and Optimizer are trademarks of Silicon Graphics Inc.
1. Select
command
creating the
required
Parasolid
is athe
trademark
of for
Unigraphics
Solutions
Inc.
Geometry
bara although
are provided
Autodesk
Inventormenu
(tm) is
trademarkbuttons
of Autodesk
Inc. for frequently used commands:
SolidWorks
a registered
of SolidWorks
Corporation.
2. Enter is
parameters
intotrademark
a dialog box
to modify the
effects of the command. This stage is usually
Solid Edge
is
a
registered
trademark
of
EDS
Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
3. Enter Technology
co-ordinate Corporation
data to position
entity, either
screen
by countries.
clicking the mouse
Parametric
or itsthe
subsidiaries
in directly
the U.S.on
and
in other
(digitising)
or
by
entering
explicit
co-ordinates
in
a
dialog
box.
AutoCAD and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
MicroStation is a trademark of Bentley Systems Inc., an affiliate of Intergraph Corporation.
IGDS is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation.
EdgeCAM
See Also Simulator and EdgeCAM Verify use technology developed by Lightworks Designs Ltd.
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with Three-Space, Ltd.,
Selecting
Commands
fromApplied
the Menu
Bar
Cambridge,
England, and
Geometry
Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
Other
brands
and product
are trademarks
of their respective owners.
Selecting
Commands
with names
the Shortcut
Menu
Displaying
the
CPL
Co-ordinates
The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
Finishing
a Command
a commitment
on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a
Completing
a Command
accepting
licence agreement
and may
only beDefault
used orParameters
copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Abort the Command
Pathtrace Engineering Systems
45 Boulton Road Reading Berkshire England RG2 0NH
Telephone +44 (0)118 975 6084 Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143
http://www.edgecam.com
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1

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Displaying the CPL Co-ordinates

Co-ordinate Tracking button on the Display toolbar.

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating and Editing Geometry

Use the Finish command.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Completing a Command accepting Default Parameters

Creating and Editing Geometry

There are another

EdgeCAM User Guide

Escaping Back One Step in the Command

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Aborting the Command

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Undo the Previous Command

button to cancel the effect of the Undo button.

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Redo the Previous Command

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating and Editing Geometry

Vertical Line - use to create a vertical line with digitises

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating a Line with Two Digitises

Creating and Editing Geometry

2. Give position d1 in response to the Start point of line prompt.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating a Horizontal Line

1. Select the Horizontal Line command

Creating and Editing Geometry

3. Digitise position d2 in response to the End point of line prompt.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating a Vertical Line

1. Click the Vertical Line command

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

A polyline is a series of connected lines.

1. Select the Polyline command

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating a Line using Parameters

1. Click the Line

command in the Geometry menu or Design toolbar.

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Inserting Line Data

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating and Editing Geometry

EdgeCAM User Guide

Creating an Arc through Three Points

1. Click the Arc command

Creating and Editing Geometry