CATIA - Surface Machining

TOC
Surface Machining
Preface
What's New?
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Advanced Tasks
Customizing
Workbench
Description
Glossary
Index
© Dassault Systèmes 1994-2001. All rights reserved.
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Preface
Preface
3 Axis Surface Machining is a new generation product that defines and manages NC programs.
3 Axis Surface Machining is dedicated to the machining of 3D geometry work parts with 3-axis
machining techniques. It is particularly adapted to the needs of mold, die and tool makers and
prototype manufacturers in all branches and at all levels of industry.
3 Axis Surface Machining offers easy-to-learn and easy-to-use shopfloor-oriented tool path
definition for 3-axis manufacturing. 3 Axis Surface Machining is based on industry-recognized,
leading-edge technologies which offer the tightest integration between tool path definition,
verification and instant cycle updates.
3 Axis Surface Machining covers full design-to-manufacture processes offering functions for:
defining the areas you want to machine,
rough machining either by vertical or horizontal planes,
roughing rework,
sweeping,
ZLevel machining,
pencil operations,
contour-driven operations,
profile contouring,
drilling,
detecting residual material,
defining areas to rework,
visualization of the result of the machining program,
the production of shopfloor documentation.
3 Axis Surface Machining gives you the freedom to choose the working methods that best suit
your needs.
Methodology
Where to find more information
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Methodology
Methodology
Surface Machining is a versatile application, fully adapted to your needs and your
working methods whether they are machining area-oriented or operation-oriented. You
can either define the machining areas on your part and then assign an operation to each
of them or you can define your machining process as a series of operations with an area
to machine for each operation.
A machining area can be:
the whole part (for example, in roughing),
a subset of the faces on the part,
a subset of faces on the part with a limiting contour.
The Getting Started chapter contains two sections, one which demonstrates
operation-oriented machining and another which demonstrates area-oriented machining.
Before starting work with Surface Machining, please ensure that you have an open file
(CATPart or CATProduct) and that you are in the Surface Machining workbench (Start >
NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining).
Here is a suggested order for operations in a machining program:

rough machining operations,
(semi-)finishing operations,
detection of unmachined areas,
reworking of unmachined areas,
generation and output of documentation.
Area-oriented Area-oriented methodology is useful when you have a complex part

to machine and you know in advance what kind of operation you are
going to apply to each separate area.
This approach is of great use when, for example, you are going to
machine a "family" of similar parts and when you have dedicated
machines for mass production.
You define the areas on one part, you assign an operation to each
area, and then you machine. At the end you have a program that you
can apply to all of the "members" of the "family" at least working cost
because:
the machining strategy has already been defined (chosen
operations),
the tool has already been defined,
only the area need be redefined,
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Methodology
you know exactly what kind of output you require,

and as a result the computation can be run in batch to further
reduce time loss.
1. Define all of the separate areas to machine on your work piece.
2. Select the area or areas you want to machine with a particular

operation.
3. Click on the appropriate icon (for example, sweeping).
4. Change the parameters in that operation (if required).

The only mandatory data for a operation is the area to machine (with
the exception of roughing which requires a rough stock too) and all of
the other parameters have default values.
We recommend that you use the default parameters first unless you
are sure of the values you wish to enter.
5. Compute the operation. If the results are satisfactory, repeat steps 2,
3, and 4 for all of the other areas to machine.
Operation-oriented Use operation-oriented machining when you want to progressively

define your machining program operation-by-operation sequentially.
Each operation has the area it deals with defined as part of its data.
This approach is useful for single or limited part production because
it allows you to define your requirements step-by-step.
1. Choose the operation you want to use.
2. Click the "part" area in the geometric components of the operation.
3. Select the area(s) to machine either as the whole part with the
contextual menu or as a face or group of faces with the face
selection wizard.
4. Change the other parameters in the operation (if required).
The only mandatory data for a operation is the area to machine (with
the exception of roughing which requires a rough stock too) and all of
the other parameters have default values.
We recommend that you use the default parameters first unless you
are sure of the values you wish to enter.
5. Compute the operation. If the results are satisfactory, continue
defining the remaining operations for your machining program

Methodology

Where to find more information
Where to Find More Information

Prior to reading this book, we recommend that you read the Version 5 Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
You will also find useful information on wireframe and surface element creation in the
Wireframe and Surfaces User's Guide.
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What's new
What's new?
General functions
New: There is a new cycle, spiral milling, that has been developed to finish-mill flat surfaces.
New: There are three new types of approach and retract for sweeping, contour-driven and
pencil operations.
New: There is now an option that allows you to extend paths in a straight line to link two areas
in a part when they are separated by a hole or a gap. You can find this option in the sweeping
and contour-driven operations.
Enhanced: The stepover options have been enriched with the possibility of defining the
stepover by two points.
Part to machine
New: You can now apply an overall default offset to an offset group.
Enhanced: The Face selection wizard now has an option that lets you select faces that are
normal to an axis or parallel/perpendicular to a selected face.
New: You can now use faces from existing machining areas or offset areas to form a new
machining area.
Tools to use
New: tapered tool/conical mill for sweeping, contour driven and pencil operations and also for
rework areas.
Roughing
New: You can now choose whether or not you want to contour the rough stock before milling.
This option is intended for use with zig-zag tool path style only.
ZLevel
New: You can now use variable offsets in ZLevel operations.
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What's new
Tool Path Editor

New: You can now create multiple transformations of a tool path. All of the tool paths now
appear in the specifications tree under the operation they belong to.
Enhanced: If a tool path is not closed (for example, if you have cut an area out of it), you will
be informed of this by the word open after its name in the specifications tree.
Enhanced: When you reverse a tool path, a message now tells you that it has been reversed.
New: You can now add approaches or retracts to a tool path via an item in the tool path
contextual menu.
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Getting Started
Getting Started
Before getting to grips with all of the Surface Machining capacities, here are two short step-by
step tutorials that will help guide you through the key functionalities.
You will learn how to use the functions listed below and learn how to define areas on the part to
machine, use specific machining operations on the part and output data.
There are two ways of defining your machining program, you can either base it on operation
definition or on area definition. Try both tutorials to see which method suits your working
techniques best.
The tutorials should take you 30 minutes each to complete.
Operation-oriented machining
Area-oriented machining
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Operation-oriented Machining
Operation-oriented machining is a method where you define each operation one-by-one. When
you define an operation you decide (using the geometry tab) which areas of the part you want
to machine with that particular operation.
This tutorial teaches you how to:
define the operations necessary for the machining of the part below,
run the program to create the tool paths,
check for residual material,
rework the unmachined areas,
and produce an APT file and a workshop document.
Entering the workbench

Rough machining the part
ZLevel machining of the outside of a part
Zlevel machining of the inside walls of a part
Sweeping
Checking the results of the operations
Creating a rework area
Reworking the part
Generating an output file
Generating workshop documentation
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Entering the Workbench
This task shows you how to open a part and enter the Surface Machining workbench.
1.
Open the SurfaceMachining3.CATProduct file in the samples directory.
2. Select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining from the Start menu.

The Surface Machining workbench is displayed.
The part surrounded by the rough stock is displayed in the Set Up Editor window along with the
manufacturing specifications.
3. Select Product1 containing the shape to machine and the rough stock in the specifications tree
and display them in wireframe mode using this icon .

Double click Part Operation.1 in the tree. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the design part
icon, select the part in the viewer and double click in the viewer to validate your selection and
redisplay the dialog box. Then click the stock icon, select the rough stock in the viewer and
double click in the viewer to redisplay the dialog box.
Click Ok to confirm.
This information defines the reference part that will be used by the application to calculate the
residual material.
4. Select Manufacturing Program.1 (under PartOperation.1) in the specifications tree to make it the
current entity.
A program must be current before you can insert program entities such as machining
operations, tools and auxiliary commands.

Rough Machining the Part

This task shows you how to insert a rough machining operation in the program.
As this operation will use the default tool and options proposed by the program, you just
specify the geometry to be machined.
1.
Select the Roughing icon .
A Roughing.1 entity and a default tool are added to the program.
The Roughing dialog box is displayed.
The status light on the geometric components tab is red ( ) which means that
you must select the part geometry in order to create the operation.
There are sensitive areas that are colored red in the tab. These are areas that
represent geometry that must be defined. In roughing, they are the part to
machine and the rough stock.
2. Hold MB3 down over the red area (do not click) that represents the part.

Choose Body in the contextual menu. The dialog box shrinks to allow you to select
the part in the viewer.
3. In the viewer, click on the part inside the rough stock. Double click anywhere in the
viewer to confirm your selection and to redisplay the dialog box. The red area in
the geometric area is now green to indicate that the geometry has been selected.
4. Click the sensitive area that represents the rough stock. The dialog box shrinks to
allow you to select the rough stock in the viewer.
5. In the viewer, click on the geometry that defines the rough stock. The red area in
the geometric components tab is now green to indicate that the geometry has been
selected.

6. Click Replay.
7. The tool path is displayed and the display and analysis dialog box is called up.
Click OK.
8. The tool path is erased from the viewer and you come back to the operation dialog
box.
Click OK to close the dialog box.
Now we are going to use ZLevel machining on the walls of the pocket and the
outside of the part.

Zlevel machining of the outside of a part
ZLevel Machining of the Outside of a Part
This task shows you how to use ZLevel machining for finishing the outside of the part.
Make sure that Roughing.1 is the current entity so that the ZLevel operation will be
inserted after it.
To simplify the selection of faces in this task, select Rough Stock in the ProductList and,
using the Hide/Show option in the contextual menu, make it invisible. Then select Shape
to Machine in the ProductList and display it in shading with edges mode ( ).
1.
Select the ZLevel machining icon .
A Zlevel.1 entity is added to the program.
The Zlevel dialog box is displayed.

2. Click the sensitive red area. The dialog box shrinks and the face selection wizard is
displayed.
Select all of the walls that form a belt around the part. Click OK.
The dialog box is redisplayed and the red area is now green.
In the viewer, the edges around the selected faces are highlighted.

3. Click the check element in the sensitive icon and select the upper face of the part.
4.
Go to the machining strategy tab ( ) and choose Outer part for the Machining
mode.
5. Click Replay.
Click OK.
box.
The operation you have just created should still be the current entity. Now we are
going to define the ZLevel machining of the pocket.

ZLevel Machining of the Inside Walls of a

Part
This task shows you how to use ZLevel machining for finishing the inside walls of the
pocket.
Make sure thatZLevel.1 is the current entity so that this operation will be inserted after it.
1.
Select the ZLevel machining icon .
A Zlevel.2 entity is added to the program.
The Zlevel dialog box is displayed.

displayed.
Select all of the faces that form the inside wall of the pocket. Click OK.
In the viewer, the edges around the selected faces are highlighted.
3.
Go to the machining strategy tab ( ) and choose Pockets only for the Machining
mode.
4. Click Replay.
Click OK.
box.
The operation you have just created should still be the current entity.
Now we are going to define a sweeping operation for the top surface of the part and
the bottom of the pocket.


Machining with parallel contours
Sweeping
This task shows you how to use sweeping for finishing the part.
You are going to define two separate operations one for the top surface and another for
the bottom of the pocket.
Make sure that ZLevel2 is the current entity so that the sweeping operation will be
inserted after it.
1.
Select the Sweeping icon .
A Sweeping.1 entity is added to the program.
The Sweeping dialog box is displayed.

Machining with parallel contours
displayed.
Select the top surface of the part. Click OK.
In the viewer, the edges around the top surface are now highlighted.
3. Click Replay.
Click OK.
5. The operation you have just created should still be the current entity.
Repeat all of the above steps for the bottom surface of the pocket.

Computing the toolpath
Checking the Result of the Operations

This task shows you how to visually check the machined part resulting from the tool
paths for the operations you defined in your machining program.
Your specification tree
should look like this.
1. Select Manufacturing Program.1.

Computing the toolpath
2. In the contextual menu, choose Manufacturing Program.1 object > Tool Path Replay.
The Display and Analysis dialog box is displayed.
Click this icon to go from one operation to the next displaying the computed tool
path after each operation. If any of the operations were not computed with Replay,
they will be computed at this stage.
You can display a photo of how the finished part would look with .
Press OK to close the dialog box.

Creating rework areas
Creating an Area to Rework
This task shows you how to define an area to rework from the areas of the part that were not machined with the tool used in the operations.
You must compute the tool paths for your machining program first.
You should also make sure that you defined a reference part and rough stock.
1.
Click the Rework Area icon .
2. Hold MB3 down over the red area (do not click) that represents the part. Choose Body in the contextual menu. The dialog box shrinks to allow you to select
the part in the viewer. Select the part. Double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and to redisplay the dialog box.
3. Enter a value of 10mm for the Entry diameter and 2mm for the Corner radius
(values used in the machining operations).

Creating rework areas
4. Click Compute. This creates a Rework Area which remains the current entity. The areas that we are going to rework are displayed.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Reworking the part
Reworking
This task shows you how to rework the areas of the part that have not been machined
and were there is residual material.
You must have created a rework area. A rework area is an area that cannot be machined
with a given tool.
The rework area must be the current entity.
If you have doubts about whether the rework area you just defined is still the current
entity or not (i.e. if you performed another action since), click the Manufacturing Features
icon .
1.
Click the ZLevel icon and click OK.
2.
In the Manufacturing Features window ( ), double click the tool that is
associated with the third ZLevel operation.
3. Double click the tool diameter.
Enter a value of 5.

Reworking the part
Press OK to confirm the tool diameter and then OK to close the tool definition dialog
box.
4. Still in the Machining Features window, double click ZLevel.3.
5. Press Replay. The new tool path is displayed.
6. Click OK to close the operation dialog box and Close to close the manufacturing
view.
Now we are going to generate an NC data file.

Generating an NC Output File

This task explains how to interactively generate NC code from the program you have just
created.
1. Save your program with File/Save as ... in the directory of your choice (here we have
a directory called models)
and call your program MySurfaceMachining.

Press Save.
2. Select Manufacturing Program.1 in the specifications tree and select Generate NC
Code interactively in the contextual menu.

In the dialog box that is displayed, call your file SurfaceMachining (the aptsource suffix
is automatic). Browse to the directory where you want to save it (here we have chosen
to put it in the same directory as the CATProcess but this is not obligatory).
Click Save to create the APT file.

The APT file can be read with any kind of text editor.

Generating NC Shopfloor Documentation
This task explains how to interactively generate shopfloor NC documentation in HTML

format from the program you have just created.
1.
Select the Generate documentation icon .
The process documentation dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the SurfaceMachinist4.CATScript file from the samples directory.
Leave "Process" as the process name.

Choose the directory where you want to store your new file (we have chosen
MyFiles, but this is not obligatory).
Leave "Process" in the Base field.
3. Press Document now.
Your NC document has been created.
Press Done to close the dialog box.

Area-oriented Machining
Area-oriented machining is a method where you define all of the separate areas you want to
machine on the part before assigning an operation to each one.
In this tutorial you are going to learn how to:
define areas (including a rework area) on the part below,
define tools to use on the areas,
use a safety plane,
change a tool axis,
create an APT file and a workshop document.

Defining the areas to machine
Defining the tools to use
Sweep roughing the part
Sweeping the top surface
Sweeping the side areas
ZLevel on vertical walls
Reworking between contours

Entering the Workbench
This task shows you how to open a part and enter the Surface Machining workbench.
1.
Open the Gets2.CATPart in the samples directory.
2. Select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining from the Start menu.

The Surface Machining workbench is displayed.
The part is displayed in the viewer along with the manufacturing specifications.
3. Press MB2 and MB3 at the same time and turn the part round so that it looks like this.
4. Double click Part Operation.1 in the tree. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the
design part icon and click the part in the viewer.
The double click anywhere in the viewer and press OK.

This step is necessary for the visualization and analysis part of the process.


Defining the Areas to Machine
This task teaches you how to define the specific areas on the part that you are going to
machine. You are going to define:
the whole part as a machining area for rough machining purposes
four other areas for use with different cycle types
and a rework area.
1.
Click on the Machining Area icon .
2. Place your mouse cursor over the red, sensitive area in the dialog box and press
MB3.
3. Choose Body(ies) in the contextual menu.
4. Click the part in the view. The whole part is selected. Double click anywhere in the
viewer to redisplay the dialog box.

5. Give the machining area a name. Replace the text in the name box by Whole.
Click OK. You have just created your first machining area.
6. Now create an area on the top of the part. Select the Machining area icon and click
(MB1 this time) on the red, sensitive area in the dialog box. Now select the areas
that you see selected in the picture below.
Click on OK in the face selection toolbar.

Call this area Top.
7. Now do the same for the left side of the part with these faces:

Call this area Left.

8. Define a third area with these faces and call it Right.

9. Finally, create the last machining area with the faces below and call it Bottom.
10.
Check the areas that you have just created in the Manufacturing view .
The view should look like this:
11. Now you are going to create a rework area to use when removing residual
material.. Select Whole in the manufacturing view.
12.
Click the Rework area icon .

13. In the dialog box that is displayed, change the Entry diameter to 10 mm, the
Corner radius to 5 mm and the name to Rework.

14. Press Compute to compute the area. The rework area should look like this on the
part:
15. Press OK to close the dialog box.

Press Close to close the manufacturing view.
The next step is to define the tools that you will need to machine the areas you
have just defined.

Defining the Tools to Use
This task defines the three tools that you are going to need to machine the part.
Click Manufacturing Program.1 in the PPR and then click the End mill tool change
1.
icon . If you cannot see this icon, use View > Toolbars and activate Auxiliary
Operations.
2. In the dialog box that is displayed, click the box to select a ball-end tool
and confirm with OK.

3. Click the End mill tool change icon again.
4. Tick the ball-end tool box.
5. Double click the diameter.

6. Enter a value of 20 in the dialog box that is displayed.
Click OK
7. Change the tool name to T2 End Mill D 20.
Click OK.
8. Now define a third tool that:
is ball end,
has a diameter of 4 mm,
and is called T3 End Mill D 04.
9. You now have the three tools that you will need to machine the part. Your PPR
should look like this:
We are now going to move on to the next step where you will rough machine the
part.

Rough Machining the Part

This task will show you how to rough machine the whole part using a sweep roughing
operation.
1.
Open the manufacturing view by clicking this icon .
2. Select Whole from the list of areas.
3.
Click the Sweep roughing icon .
4.
Go to the geometry tab and click on Part autolimit.
.
5. Go to the tool tab and choose tool T2 End Mill D20.

6. Press Replay to compute the operation. The toolpath is displayed on the part.
Press OK to close the small dialog box that is displayed (bottom right).
7. Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
Now you are going to machine the Top surface.

Sweeping the Top Surface

This task will show you how to sweep the top surface of the part and how to change a
tool.
1. In the manufacturing view, select the machining area called Top from the list of
areas.
2.
Click the Sweeping icon .
3. In the strategy tab, give a stepover distance value of 1mm.
4. Go to the geometry tab and make sure that Part autolimit is turned on.
5. Go to the tool tab and choose tool T1 End Mill D 10.
6. Press Replay to compute the tool path.

Now you are going to machine the sides of the part.


Sweeping the Sides
This task is going to teach you how to:

sweep machining areas Left and Right and
change the orientation of the tool axis.
1. In the manufacturing view, select the machining area called Left.
2.
3. In the strategy tab, define a new tool axis like this:
4. Go to the tool tab and change the tool like this:

5.
Press Replay to compute the tool path.
6.
Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
7. Now you are going to machine the area called Right. Select it in the manufacturing
view.
8.
9. Change the tool axis like this:

10.
Define the same tool as for area Left.
11.
Press Replay to compute the tool path.
12.
Press OK to close the operation dialog box.
The next step is to machine the area called Bottom.

ZLevel on the Vertical Walls
This task teaches you how to:

use ZLevel milling
change a tool axis
use the safety plane.
1. In the manufacturing view, select the machining area called Bottom.
2.
Click the ZLevel icon .
3. In the strategy tab, define a new tool axis like this:
Click here:
Define the tool axis with these settings:
4. Go to the geometry tab. Click the safety plane in the sensitive icon.
Then click the top face of the part to define the safety plane. The purpose of this is to ensure that the tool rises high enough
over the area to avoid gouging the rest of the part.



Reworking between contours
Reworking Between Contours
This task shows you how to take an area that has not been machined because the tool
used was too big and rework it with a smaller tool.
1. Select Rework in the manufacturing view.
2.
Click the Contour-driven operation icon .
3. Go to the Stepover tab and choose Constant on part.
4. Now go to the tool tab and select tool T3 End Mill D 04.
Now, you are going to create an APT file.

Generating an Output File
This task explains how to interactively generate NC code from the program you have just
created.
1. Save your program with File/Save as ... in the directory of your choice (here we
have a directory called models)
Call your program MyGettingStarted.

Press Save.
2. Select Manufacturing Program.1 in the specifications tree then select the
Generate NC Code Interactively icon .

Call your file SurfaceMachining (the aptsource suffix is automatic). Browse to the
directory where you want to save it (here we have chosen to put it in the same
directory as the CATPRocess but this is not obligatory).
Click Save to create the APT file.
The APT file can be read with any kind of editor.
Next you are going to generate workshop documentation in HTML format.

Generating Workshop Documentation
This task explains how to interactively generate shopfloor NC documentation in HTML

format from the program you have just created.
1.
Select the Generate documentation icon .
The process documentation dialog box is displayed.
2. Select the SurfaceMachinist4.CATScript file from the samples directory.
Leave "Process" as the process name.

Choose the directory where you want to store your new file (we have chosen
MyFiles, but this is not obligatory).
Leave "Process" in the Base field.
3. Press Document now.
Your NC document has been created.
Press Done to close the dialog box.


Basic Tasks
Basic Tasks
The basic tasks in this section involve creating, editing and managing machining operations
and other entities of the manufacturing process.
Roughing operations
Finishing and semi-finishing operations
Reworking operations
Axial machining operations
Machining areas
Tool path editor
Reading STL files
Auxiliary operations
Part operation and manufacturing program
Managing manufacturing entities
Verification, simulation and program output
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Roughing operations
Rough Machining Operations

These are the tasks that you will use for rough machining the part.
Create a sweep roughing operation: Select the sweep roughing icon, choose a part to
machine and specify the tool to be used. You can also specify machining parameters,
feedrates and spindle speeds.
Create a roughing operation: Select the roughing icon, choose a part to machine and
specify the tool to be used. You can also specify machining parameters, feedrates and
spindle speeds.

Sweep roughing
Sweep Roughing
This task shows you how to insert a sweep roughing operation into the program. Sweep
roughing is an operation which allows you to rough machine parts by vertical planes.
To create the operation you define:
the geometry of the part to machine ,
the parameters of the machining strategy ,
the tool to use ;only end mill tools are available for this operation,
the feedrates and spindle speeds ,

the macros .
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to
define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to
machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.
Below we are going to see how to do the first of these.

Open file Basic1.CATPart then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the Start
menu.
1.
Select the sweep roughing icon .
A SweepRoughing entity and a default tool are added to the program.
The dialog box opens at the geometry tab page .

This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The area that represents the part geometry is colored red indicating that the geometry
is required for defining the area to machine. All of the other geometry parameters are
optional.
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Sweep roughing
2. Press MB 3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)
and click on the part in the viewer.

Then double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay the
dialog box.
3. Press Replay. You will see that the top area of the part has been rough machined.
You can cancel tool

path computation at
any moment before
100% completion.

Sweep roughing

Sweep roughing - geometric components
Sweep Roughing - Geometric

Components
In the geometric component tab you can define the area to machine either:
by clicking on the face definition area and using the face selection wizard,
by passing the mouse over the face definition area and choosing Body in the contextual
menu if you wish to machine a whole part and not just an area on it,
or by choosing a pre-defined area like this:
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not obligatory)
are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is not
an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it.

the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of the
tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. You can also define a new safety
plane with the Offset option in the safety plane contextual menu. The new plane will be
offset from the original by the distance that you enter in the dialog box.
an upper plane which defines the highest plane that will be machined on the part,
a lower plane which defines the lowest plane that will be machined on the part,
the limit line which defines the outer machining limit on the part.
the offset on the part.
the offset on the check element.

You can also define the following parameters:

Stop position defines where the tool stops:
outside stops the tool outside the limit line,
inside stops inside the limit line,
on stops the tool on the limit line.
Stop mode defines which part of the tool is considered at the Stop Position, i.e. whether
it is the contact point or the tool tip.
Offset is the distance that the tool will be either inside or outside the limit line depending
on the Stop Mode that you chose.
Part autolimit. If you activate Part autolimit, the tool will not go beyond the edge of the
part.
Part autolimit and the limiting contour can be
used individually or together to define the
area you want to machine. In the pictures, the
blue outline is the part edge, the yellow part
is the area that will be machined, the black
line is the limiting contour:
If you use Part autolimit, the whole
part is machined.

If you use Limiting contour, only the

area inside the limiting contour is
machined.
You can now either run the operation on the part, store the operation that you have just
defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and
rates, or macro data tabs first.

Sweep roughing-machining strategy
Sweep Roughing - Machining Strategy

In the machining strategy tab, you can define the cycle type, the tool path style, the
machining tolerance, the stepover distance and the maximum cut depth. You can also
choose the tool stepover direction and the tool axis.
The sensitive icon illustrates the roughing type you select:
ZOffset; the tool path is offset from the part.
ZPlane; the part is machined plane by plane.
ZProgressive; the part is machined by interpolating the tool path between the part
and the top of a theoretical rough stock.
You can change the tool axis and the machining direction in the sensitive icon.
Change the tool axis and the machining direction with Select in the contextual menu
which will display a dialog box where you can choose between selection by angle and
selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation
around a main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis
around the main axis that you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the
direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.
Selection by coordinates has the following options:

Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to
automatically define the best tool axis.

Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve
to define the tool axis or machining direction,
Manual; you enter the XYZ coordinates,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis
or machining direction.
The machining tab concerns

the tool path style, stepover
side and machining
tolerance. Consider the
tolerance value to be the
acceptable chord error.
The tool path style can be:
Zig-zag; the tool path
alternates directions
during successive
passes,

One-way next; the tool

path always follows
the same direction
during successive
passes and goes
diagonally from the
end of one tool path to
the beginning of the
next.
One-way same; the
tool path always has
the same direction
during successive
passes and returns to
the first point in each
pass before moving on
to the first point in the
next pass.
The stepover side can be

either to the left or the right of
the tool path and is defined
with respect to the machining
direction.
The strategy tab allows you

to define
the distance which is
the width of the
overlap between two
successive passes
and the maximum
depth of cut.

Edit Tool on Operation
Edit the Tool of a Machining Operation

This task shows you how to edit the tool of a machining operation.
A machining operation always has a tool assigned to it (default tool, for example).
You can modify this tool in several ways:
edit its characteristics, thereby creating a new tool
replace it by selecting another tool that is already used in the document
replace it by selecting another tool by means of a query.
1. Double click the operation in the program, then select the Tool tab page.
2. To create a new tool:

If you want to change tool type, select the icon
corresponding to the desired tool type.
In this case the corresponding tool representation
appears in the 2D viewer.
Double click the geometric parameter that you
want to modify in the 2D viewer, then enter the
desired value in the Edit Parameters dialog box
that appears.
Modify other parameters in the same way.

The tool representation is updated to take the new
values into account.
Click More to expand the dialog box to access all

the tool's parameters.
Modify the values as desired.
Use the spinner to increment the Tool number.
Enter a name for the new tool.
3. To select a tool that is already used in the document:

Select the button opposite Name.
Select the desired tool from the list of tools already used in your document.
The tool representation is displayed in the 2D viewer. It can be edited as described above.
4. To select another tool by means of a query:
Click the Select a tool with query icon opposite Name.
The Search Tool dialog box appears.
http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/mfgug/mfgugbt0201.htm (1 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:08:38 PM]

Use the Look in combo to specify where you want to search for the tool:
in the current document,
in a tool catalog or
in an external tool database such as the Walter TDM (Tool Data Management) or CATIA Version 4
Manufacturing database
FEEDS AND SPEEDS ???.
If you want to change tool type, select the icon corresponding to the desired tool.
You can do a quick search in the Simple tab page by means of a character string on the tool name or a
value for the tool's nominal diameter.
The tools meeting the simple search criteria are listed.
Select the desired tool from the list and click OK.
The tool representation is displayed in the 2D viewer. It can be edited as described above.
You can search a tool using finer constraints by selecting the Advanced tab page.
The example below shows the result of a search for a tool with body diameter between 8mm and 12mm in the
catalog ToolsSample02.

5. Click OK to confirm using this new tool in the operation.

Sweep roughing - Macro data
Sweep Roughing - Macro Data

The Macro tab defines the tool approach and retract data.
The approach/retract mode can be:
Along tool axis; the tool moves along the tool axis,
Along a vector; the tool moves along a vector that you define with the Approach/Retract
direction: X/Y/Z boxes,
Normal; the tool moves in a direction perpendicular to the surface being machined,
Tangent to movement; the approach/retract is tangent at its end to the rest of the tool
path.
and None; no approach/retract.
You can also define an approach/retract distance for all of the values and XYZ value to define
the vector used in Along a vector.

Roughing
Roughing
This task shows you how to insert a roughing operation into the program. Roughing is an operation which allows you to rough machine parts by
horizontal planes.
To create the geometry you define:
geometric components ,
machining strategy ,
tool data ;only end mill tools are available for this operation,
speeds and rates ,

macro data .
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you want to define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same
time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.

Open file SurfaceMachining3.CATProduct, then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the Start menu.
Then display the model in wireframe mode with this icon .

1.
Select the Roughing icon .
A roughing entity and a default tool area added to the program.

The red area in the sensitive icon represents the part geometry. It is obligatory, as is the rough stock. All of the other parameters are optional.
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies).
Click on the part in the viewer.
Then double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay
the dialog box.

Roughing
3. Click on the rough stock in the sensitive icon.
Click on the stock in the viewer.
Then double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay the dialog box.
4. Press Replay to compute the operation. You will see that the part has been rough machined.
You can cancel tool path computation at any moment before 100% completion.

Roughing - geometric components
Roughing - Geometric Components

In the geometric component tab. You can define the area to machine either:
by passing the mouse over the face definition area and choosing Body in the contextual
menu if you wish to machine a whole part and not just an area on it,
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not obligatory)
are:
the rough stock. If you do not have a rough stock you can create one automatically.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (the small light brown corner near the
part selection area).
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of the
tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. You can also define a new safety
plane with the Offset option in the safety plane contextual menu. The new plane will be
offset from the original by the distance that you enter in the dialog box.
an imposed plane that the tool must obligatorily pass through. Use this option if the part
that you are going to machine has a particular shape (a groove or a step) that you want
to be sure will be cut,
a start point where the tool will start cutting. Use this option when accessing the part
from the outside.

Roughing - geometric components

Position defines where the tool center stops:
outside stops the tool outside the rough stock,
inside stops the tool inside the rough stock,
on stops the tool on the rough stock.
Offset defines the distance that the tool can overshoot the Position. It is expressed as a
percentage of the tool diameter. This parameter is useful in cases where there is an
island near the edge of the part and the tool diameter is too wide to allow the area
behind the island to be machined.
This parameter can only be used of the position is inside or outside and you must
check the Overshoot box.
There is an option which allows you to replay all previous operations.

defined or define other parameters in the machining strategy, tool data, speeds and rates, or
macro data tabs first.

Roughing-machining strategy
Roughing - Machining Strategy

Here you can define parameters concerning the style of machining, the machining strategy, and the zone
to machine. You can also choose the tool axis.
The sensitive icon illustrates the tool path style that you chose.
Change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can
choose between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the
tool axis by rotation around a main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool
axis around the main axis that you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the
axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.

Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to automatically define the
best tool axis.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to define the tool
axis,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis,

The Machining tab defines:

the Tool path style which can be:
One-way next; the tool path always
has the same direction during
successive passes and goes
diagonally from the end of one tool
path to the beginning of the next.
One-way same; the tool path always
has the same direction during
successive passes and returns to the
first point in each pass before
moving on to the first point in the
next pass.
Zig-zag; the tool path alternates
directions during successive passes.
Helical; the tool moves in successive
concentric passes from the boundary
of the area to machine towards the
interior. The tool moves from one
pass to the next by stepping over.
Contour only; only machines around
the external contour of the part.

Concentric; the tool removes the

most constant amount of material
possible at each concentric pass.
The tool is never directly in the heart
of material. It also respects the given
cutting mode in all cases. The
approach mode with this style is
always Helix.
the Machining tolerance value, consider it to be the acceptable chord error,
the Machining mode which defines the type of area to be machined and can be:
By plane; the whole part is machined plane by plane,
Pockets only; only pockets on the part are machined,
Outer part; only the outside of the part is machined,
Outer part and pockets; the whole part is machined outer area by outer area and then
pocket by pocket.
the Cutting mode which can be Climb or Conventional.
The Strategy tab defines:

the maximum depth of cut which is the
depth of the cut effected by the tool at each
pass
the overlap between two successive
passes. Define this distance by choosing
either:
By ratio and enter a percentage of
the tool diameter,
By length and enter a length.
The Zone tab includes:

Min. area which lets you filter out areas that
you consider to be too small (in millimeters)
to be machined.
Tool core diameter is the diameter of the
tool top that does not actually cut the
material.
Part contouring is an option that is only
used with the zig-zag tool path style. With
part contouring switched on, the tool goes
round the outside contour of the part before
continuing to zig-zag. Deactivating this
option allows you to gain machining time.
The tool that you are using and the part you
are working on must be such that
contouring the rough stock is superfluous.

With part contouring switched on. Note how the With part contouring switched off and exactly the
tool went round the area to machine first: same parameters. Note that the tool goes straight into
zig-zag mode:

Roughing - Macro data
Roughing - Macro Data

The Macro tab defines the tool engagement parameters.
There is a button that optimizes tool retract movements. This means that when the tool
moves over a surface where there are no obstructions, it will not rise as high as the
safety plane because there is no danger of tool-part collisions. The result is a gain in
time.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and
when you are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens,
deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
The Axial safety distance is the maximum distance that the tool will rise to when moving
from the end of one pass to the beginning of the next.
The approach mode can be:

Plunge; the tool plunges vertically,
Drilling; the tool plunges into previously drilled holes. You can change the drilling
tool diameter, angle and length,
Ramping; the tool moves progressively down at the Ramping angle,
Helix; the tool moves progressively down at the ramping angle with its center
along a (vertical) circular helix of Helix diameter.
Approach distance is the engagement distance for plunge mode.

The Radial safety distance is the tool clearance distance with respect to the sides of the
part.

Roughing - Macro data

Automatic Rough Stock
Automatic Rough Stock

This task explains how to create an automatic rough stock for a roughing operation.
You must have a part to machine in your workbench.
1. Go into the Wireframe and Surface Design workbench via Start/Mechanical

Design/Wireframe and Surface Design. Display the Surface Machining Tools via
View > Toolbars > Surface Machining Tools.
2.
Select the Automatic rough stock icon
3. Select the part that you want to machine. A dialog box is displayed that contains the
minimum and maximum values that are required in X, Y and Z to create a box that
would surround the part.
4. You can modify the values if you choose. Press OK to create the rough stock.

Finishing and Semi-finishing Operations

These are the operations that you will need to finish or semi-finish the machining of the part.
Sweeping
ZLevel machining
Contour-driven machining
Profile contouring
Spiral milling

Sweeping
Sweeping
Sweeping operations machine the whole part and are used for finishing and semi-finishing
work. The tool paths are executed in vertical parallel planes.
This task shows you how to insert a sweeping operation into the program. Sweeping is
an operation that is used after a part has been rough machined.
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools for
this operation,

the macros .
Either:

Open file Basic1.CATPart then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the Start
menu.
1.
Select the Sweeping icon .
A Sweeping entity and a default tool are added to the program. The dialog box
opens at the geometry tab page .
This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be
machined.
The area that represents the part geometry is colored red indicating that the
geometry is required for defining the area to machine.

Sweeping
2. Press MB3 over the red area in the sensitive icon and choose Body(ies)

Then double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay
the dialog box.
3. Press Replay. You will see that the top surface and the bottom of the pocket have
been sweep machined.
You can cancel

tool path
computation at any
moment before
100% completion.

Sweeping

Sweeping - geometric components
Sweeping - Geometric Components

by passing the mouse over the face definition area and choosing Body in the
contextual menu if you wish to machine a whole part and not just an area on it,
You can also use an Offset Group on the part.
The other geometric components that you can select in the view (but that are not
obligatory) are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is
not an area to be machined.
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it.
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. The safety plane contextual
menu allows you to define:
an offset safety plane at a distance that you give in a dialog box that is
displayed,
and the tool retract mode which may be either normal to the safety plane or
normal to the tool axis.
a start plane which is the first plane that will be machined,
an end plane which is the last plane that will be machined,
the limiting contour which defines the machining limit on the part. The contour that
defines the outer machining limit on the part.

The picture is slightly different if you are using a rework area and will have fewer
parameters.
There is also an Info button that, when pressed, gives the details on the parameters that
were defined with the rework area.


Stop mode defines which part of the tool is considered at the Stop position,
whether it is the contact point or the tool tip.
Offset is the distance that the tool that the tool will be either inside or outside the
limit line depending on the Stop mode that you chose.
Part autolimit. I f you activate Part autolimit, the tool will not go beyond the edge of
the part.
blue outline is the part edge, the yellow part is
the area that will be machined, the black line
is the limiting contour:
If you use Part autolimit, the whole part
is machined.

machined.


Sweeping-machining strategy
Sweeping - Machining Strategy

In the machining strategy tab, you can define the tool path style, the machining tolerance, the
stepover and the types of area to machine. You can also choose the tool stepover direction
and distance, the tool axis and the tool advance direction.
A button allows you to reverse the tool path direction.
The sensitive icon illustrates the mode that you have chosen.
Change the tool axis and the machining direction with Select in the contextual menu which
will display a dialog box where you can choose between selection by angle and selection by
coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a main axis.
Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that
you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to
the coordinate system origin.


Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to
define the tool axis or machining direction,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis or
machining direction.
The machining tab lets you:

define the tool path style
which can be :
One-way next; the
the same direction
during successive
passes and goes
diagonally from the
end of one tool path
to the beginning of
the next.

One-way same; the

the same direction
during successive
passes and returns
to the first point in
each pass before
moving on to the
first point in the next
pass.
Zig-zag; the tool
path alternates
directions during
successive passes.
define the machining
tolerance value, consider it
to be the acceptable chord
error.
reverse the tool path
direction.
The stepover tab concerns the distance between successive passes and has two possibilities:
Constant
Scallop Height
Constant has a constant stepover distance defined in a plane and projected onto the part.
You can modify the stepover distance.

Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that you choose. You can
also define the maximum and minimum distances that can exist between passes with the
scallop height that you defined.

There are three parameters in the

Stepover Strategy area:
Maximum distance is the

stepover distance if you
have selected Constant as
the value or the maximum
stepover distance if you
chose Scallop height.
Minimum distance is the
minimum stepover distance
if you chose Via Scallop
height.
Scallop height is a value
that you define for the
maximum allowable height
of the crests of material left
uncut after machining.
The stepover side can be
left or right and is defined
with respect to the
machining direction.
Use Along tool axis when you want to machine along the axis you have selected (or along the
default axis).
Other axis can only be used with a ball-nose tool. When it is selected, the axis/direction icon
lets you define a second axis (the other axis - the one pointing up to the left).
Activating Other axis displays a button for collision checking. When this is turned on, all of the
points where the toolholder would have collided with the part are displayed on the tool path
(after Replay).

The Machined Zone tab lets you

define:
which parts of the part or
machining area you wish to
machine:
All; all of the
surfaces are
machined,
Frontal walls; frontal
surfaces of the part
are machined,
Lateral walls; lateral
surfaces of the part
are machined,
Horizontal zones;
horizontal surfaces
of the part are
machined.
Min. lateral slope gives the
minimum angle between
the tool axis and the part
surface normal for the
surface to be considered to
be a lateral wall.
Min. frontal slope gives the
minimum angle between
the tool axis and the part
surface normal for the
be a frontal wall.
Max. horizontal slope gives
the maximum angle
between the tool axis and
the part surface for the
be a horizontal area.

Sweeping - Macro data
Sweeping - Macro Data

The Macro tab defines the tool approach, retract and plunge data as well as the parameters for high speed milling and
optimization of retracts.
There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are detected, the tool will not rise to
the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in order to clear the part. The result is a faster machining process.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and when you are using a safety
plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens, deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
High speed milling parameters are:

Transition radius is the radius of the arc that
joins successive passes,
Discretization angle is a value which, when
reduced, gives a smoother tool path.
Safety distance is the clearance distance
that the tool passes over the part at the
feedrate in order to disengage the tool from
cutting between passes.

Along tool axis; the tool moves along the
tool axis,
Along a vector; the tool moves along a
vector that you define with the
Approach/Retract direction: X/Y/Z boxes,
Normal; the tool moves in a direction
perpendicular to the surface being
machined,
Tangent to movement; the approach/retract
is tangent at its end to the rest of the
toolpath.
None; no approach/retract.
Back; the tool doubles back like an arrow
above the cutting tool path. You can either
define this type with two lengths or a length
and an angle. The parameters that you can
modify are:
the length (1)
the height (2)
the ramp angle (3).

Circular; the tool moves towards/away from

the part in an arc. The parameters that you
can set are:
the length (1),
the angle (2)
the radius (3).
If you do not use Part autolimit, the curve
will be below the surface of the part.
If you use the manual plane computation
mode, the approach/retract arc will be
normal to the plane that you select.
Box, the tool moves across the diagonal of

an imaginary box, either in a straight line or
in a curve (Linking mode). The Length(4) is
the distance that the tool will move in once
it has crossed the box. The box is defined
by three distance values:
the distance along the normal axis
(1),
the distance along the tangent (2) ,
the distance (can be a negative
value) along the tool axis (3),
The direction of the box diagonal is

defined by whether you want to use
the normal to the left or the right of the
end of the tool path. Left or right is
determined by looking along the tool
path in the direction of the
approach/retract. In the image, it is the
the right side that is used.
Plunges can only be defined if you selected a one-way sweeping mode in the machining strategy tab. Plunges can be :
No check; the tool can plunge and rise with the surface,
No plunge; the tool cannot plunge,
Same height; the tool does not plunge but will not stop when it encounters a peak.
In the Linking tab, check the Island skip box if you

want to use intermediate approaches and retracts
(i.e. those that link two different areas to machine
and that are not at the beginning nor the end of
the tool path).

With Island skip turned on: With Island skip turned off:
Island skip length is the height that the tool will rise to on intermediate approaches and retracts.
The Feedrate length defines the distance beyond which tool path straight lines will be replaced by intermediate
approaches and retracts. In the picture below, the Feedrate length was set to 45 mm. Note that the gaps that
were less than 45 mm are crossed by a straight line tool path and those that are greater than 45 mm are crossed
with a standard intermediate tool path with an approach and a retract.
Feedrate length is only active if the Island skip length is 0 mm.

ZLevel machining
ZLevel Machining
This task shows you how to insert a ZLevel operation into the program.
ZLevel operations are finishing or semi-finishing operations that machine the
whole part by parallel horizontal planes that are perpendicular to the tool axis.
the tool to use ;only end mill tools are available for this
operation,

the macros .
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other requirements have a default
value.
Either:
make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree if you
want to define an operation and the part/area to machine at the same
time,
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the
area to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.

Open file Basic1.CATPart then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in
the Start menu.
1.
Select the ZLevel icon .
The ZLevel dialog box is displayed.

A ZLevel entity and a default tool area added to the program.
The dialog box opens at the geometry tab page . This page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.

ZLevel machining
The area that represents the part geometry is colored red indicating that the
geometry is required for defining the area to machine. All the other geometry
parameters are optional.
2. Click on the red area that represents the part geometry then select the belt of
faces around the outside of the part.
The edges surrounding the selected faces are highlighted.

Double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection.
3. Press Replay. You will see that the outside of the part has been machined.

ZLevel machining
You can cancel

tool path
computation at
any moment
before 100%
completion.

ZLevel machining - geometric components
ZLevel Machining - Geometric

Components

obligatory) are:
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (small light brown corner near
the red part selection area).
the safety plane which is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of the tool
path in order to avoid collisions with the part.
an imposed plane that the tool must obligatorily pass through. Use this option if
the part that you are going to machine has a particular shape (a groove or a step)
that you want to be sure will be cut,
a start point where the tool will start cutting. Use this option when accessing the
part from the outside.
If you use a limiting contour that results in successive passes not being closed, the start
point(s) will be ignored.
the limiting contour which is the contour that defines the outer machining limit on
the part.

parameters.


Stop mode defines which part of the tool is considered at the Stop Position,
Offset is the distance that the tool will be either inside or outside the limit line
depending on the Stop mode that you chose.
Part autolimit. If you activate Part Autolimit, the tool will not go beyond the edge of
the part.
Part autolimit and the limiting contour can
be used individually or together to define
the area you want to machine. In the
pictures, the blue outline is the part edge,
the yellow part is the area that will be
machined, the black line is the limiting
contour:
part is machined.

machined.
If you have selected a single face to be machined and you are not using Part autolimit,
the tool will machine both sides of the face. If you use Part autolimit, the tool will stop
when it reaches the edge of the face (as shown below).

You can now either ix-ZLevel parameters:run the operation on the part, store the
operation that you have just defined or define other parameters in the machining
strategy, tool data, speeds and rates, or macro data tabs first.

ZLevel machining-machining strategy
ZLevel - Machining Strategy

In the machining strategy tab, you can define the cutting mode, the machining mode,
the machining tolerance and the stepover distance. You can also choose the tool axis.
A button allows you to reverse the tool path direction.
The sensitive icon illustrates the machining mode that you have chosen.
Change the tool axis by clicking the tool in the sensitive icon and choosing Select in the
contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can choose between
selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the
tool axis by rotation around a main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the
location of the tool axis around the main axis that you select. There is also a button that
lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.


Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will
serve to define the tool axis,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool
axis.
The machining tab lets you

define:
the machining
tolerance value,
consider it to be the
acceptable chord
error,

the machining mode

which defines the
type of area to be
machined and can
be:
By plane; the
whole part is
machined
plane by
plane,
Pockets only;
only pockets
on the part are
machined,
Outer part;
only the
outside of the
part is
machined,
Outer part &
pockets; the
whole part is
machined
external area
by external
area and
pocket by
pocket.
the cutting mode
which can be Climb
or Conventional.
The stepover tab concerns

the distance between
successive passes and has
two possibilities:
Constant
Scallop Height

Constant has a constant stepover distance defined in a plane and projected onto the
part. You can modify the stepover distance.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that you choose.
You can also define the maximum and minimum distance between passes with the
scallop height that you defined.

The Machined Zone tab lets

you define:
the maximum slope
that can be
considered to be
horizontal (any area
that is considered to
be horizontal will not
be machined),
the width of the
overlap of the end of
a pass over its
beginning,

ZLevel machining - Macro data
ZLevel Machining - Macro Data

The Macro tab defines the tool approach, retract and plunge data.
There is a button where you can optimize retract distances. this means that if no obstacle
is detected between two passes, the tool will not rise to the safety plane (because it is
not necessary) and the operation will take less time.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and
when you are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens,
deactivate the Optimize retracts button.
Another button lets you
use high speed milling.
High speed milling
parameters are:
Transition radius is
the radius of the arc
that joins
successive passes,
Discretization angle
is a value which,
when reduced,
gives a smoother
tool path.
Safety distance is
the clearance
distance that the
tool over over at the
feedrate in order to
disengage the tool
from cutting
between passes.

ZLevel machining - Macro data
The approach and retracts are defined with these parameters:
The linking pass (i.e. the means of moving from the end of one pass to the beginning of
the next one) can be:
Ramping; the tool follows a slope defined by the ramping angle,
Circular; the tool describes a circle defined by the value of Radius,
Circular or ramping; the tool uses either circular or ramping mode depending on
whichever is best adapted to the part being machined.
In certain cases, notably where there is a risk of collision with a circular linking pass, you
should choose Circular or ramping rather than simply Circular in order to ensure that your
tool path will be produced.
Approach distance is the engagement distance for all types of linking pass.
Safety distance is the distance that the tool moves horizontally before it begins its
approach.

Spiral milling
Spiral Milling
Spiral machining gives a good surface without having to use a particularly small tool. It
gives particularly good results for areas that are relatively flat. Use this type of operation
to optimize machine time by reducing the stepover.
the parameters for the machining strategy ,
the tool to use . The tools that can be used with this type of operation are:
end mill tools ,
conical tools ,
face mill tools ,
and T-slotters .
the macros .
Either:

1. Open file gets2.CATPart.
A Spiral milling entity and a default tool are added to the program.
Select the Spiral milling icon .
The Spiral milling dialog box opens at the geometry tab page .

Spiral milling

dialog box.
3.
Go to the machining strategy tab and make sure that Horizontal area
selection is Automatic.
4. Press Replay to compute the tool path for the operation.
You can cancel tool

path computation at
any moment before
100% completion.

Spiral milling

Spiral - geometric components
Spiral Milling - Geometric Components

The other geometric components that you can select in the sensitive icon are:
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the left hand
corner near the part selection area).
the safety plane. The safety
plane is the plane that the
tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to
avoid collisions with the
part. The safety plane
contextual menu allows you
to:
define an offset
safety plane at a
distance that you
give in a dialog box
that is displayed,
remove the safety
plane.
a top plane which defines
the highest plane that will
be machined on the part,

a bottom plane which

defines the lowest plane
that will be machined on the
part,
a start point which is the
first point that will be
machined,
an end point which is the
last point that will be
machined,
a limiting contour which
defines the machining limit
on the part. The contour
that defines the outer
machining limit on the part.
the offset on the check
element.
You can also define the following

parameters:
Stop position defines where
the tool stops:
outside stops the tool
outside the limit line,
inside stops inside
the limit line,
on stops the tool on
the limit line.
Stop mode defines which
part of the tool is
considered at the Stop
Position, whether it is the
contact point or the tool
end.
Offset is the distance that
the tool that the tool will be
either inside or outside the
limit line depending on the
Stop mode that you chose.
Part autolimit. If you
activate Part autolimit, the
tool will not go beyond the
edge of the part.


part is machined.

machined.

Spiral - machining strategy
Spiral Milling - Machining Strategy

The machining strategy tab is where you define the machining and strategy parameters
and also the area that you want to machine. Start by selecting what you want to machine
with one of the two options:
automatic; the surfaces that are considered to be horizontal with respect to the
maximum angle are automatically selected for machining.
or manual. A red contour lights up in the sensitive icon. Click on it and then select
the contours that will form the limit to the area you want to machine. The selection
takes account of all the surfaces inside the limit, horizontal or not.
You can also define more than one contour. Defining another contour inside the
original contour will have the effect that only the area between the two contours
(i.e. inside one and outside the other) will be machined.
The blue contour
represents the
first contour,
the black
contour
represents the
second contour,
and the yellow
area represents
what will be
machined.
There are three tabs:
Machining,
Stepover,
Zone,
HSM (High Speed Milling).
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a
dialog box where you can choose between selection by angle and selection by
coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a main
axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main
axis that you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis
with respect to the coordinate system origin.


Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve
to define the tool axis,
Points in the view; click on two points anywhere in the view to define the tool axis.

The machining tab lets you define:

the cutting mode which can
be Climb or Conventional,
the tool offset with respect
to the contour,
the machining tolerance
value, consider it to be the
the tool path style:
With Outward, the tool path will begin at the middle of the area to machine
and work outwards.
With Inward, the tool path will begin at the outer limit of the area to machine
and work inwards.
You can also reverse the tool path. Reversing the tool path means that a tool path that
goes from right to left will now go from left to right and vice versa.

The stepover tab lets you define

the maximum distance between
successive passes in the tool path.
At the bottom of the stepover tab

are the View Direction buttons.
View direction is used to calculate
the stepover distance, as if you
were looking along an axis.
If you wish to use an axis other than the tool axis to define the stepover, select Other
axis.
Other axis can only be used with a ball-nose tool.
When Other axis is active, there is

a box is also displayed where you
can choose to check for
toolholder-part collisions.
The icon at the top of the tab for axis selection has changed and you can now select an
axis (the oblique axis in the icon) other than the tool axis for the view direction.

In the Zone tab, you can define the

maximum angle that can be
considered as horizontal. The
angle is measured perpendicular to
the tool path.
If you choose to perform high

speed milling, you can define the
corner radius to round the ends of
passes. The ends are rounded to
give a smoother path that is
machined much faster.

Spiral - Macro data
Spiral Milling - Macro Data

The approach/retract
mode can be:
along tool axis;
the tool moves
along the tool
axis,
along a vector;
the tool moves
along a vector
that you define
with the
Approach/Retract
direction: X/Y/Z
boxes,
normal; the tool
moves in a
direction
perpendicular to
the surface being
machined,
tangent to
movement; the
approach/retract
is tangent at its
end to the rest of
the tool path.
none; no
approach/retract.

Spiral - Macro data
back; the tool

doubles back like
an arrow above
the cutting tool
path. You can
either define this
type with two
lengths or a
length and an
angle. The
parameters that
you can modify
are:
the length
(1)
the height
(2)
the ramp
angle (3).
circular; the tool

moves
towards/away
from the part in an
arc. The
parameters that
you can set are:
the length
(1),
the angle
(2)
the radius
(3).
If you do not use

Part autolimit, the
curve will be
below the surface
of the part.
If you use the
manual plane
computation
mode, the
approach/retract

Spiral - Macro data
arc will be normal

to the plane that
you select.
box, the tool
moves across the
diagonal of an
imaginary box,
either in a straight
line or in a curve
(Linking mode).
The Length(4) is
the distance that
the tool will move
in once it has
crossed the box.
The box is defined
by three distance
values:
the
distance
along the
normal axis
(1),
the
distance
along the
tangent (2),
the
distance
(can be a
negative
value)
along the
tool axis
(3),
The direction
of the box
diagonal is
defined by
whether you
want to use
the normal to
the left or the
right of the

Spiral - Macro data
end of the
tool path.
Left or right
is determined
by looking
along the tool
path in the
direction of
the
approach/retract.
In the image,
it is the the
right side that
is used.

Contour-driven Machining
This task explains how to machine an area on a part by using a contour as guide.
There are three types of machining included in this task:
parallel contours where the tool sweeps out an area by following progressively
distant (or closer) parallel offsets of a given guide contour.
between contours where the tool sweeps between two guide contours along a tool
path that is obtained by interpolating between the guide contours. The ends of
each pass lie on two stop contours.
spine contour where the tool sweeps across a contour in perpendicular planes.
To create the operation, you define:
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools for
this operation,

the macros .
Only the geometry and the guide contour(s) (strategy tab) are obligatory. All of the other
requirements have a default value
Either:
Below we are going to see how to do the first of these with a between contours operation
on a small area of a part.
Open file Basic2.CATPart, then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the
Start menu.

1.
Select the Contour-driven icon .
The Contour-driven dialog box is displayed.

2. Press MB3 over
the red area in the
sensitive icon and
choose Body(ies).
Click on the part in
the viewer.
Double click
anywhere in the
viewer to confirm
your selection and
redisplay the
dialog box.
3. Go to the strategy tab.
Select Between contours.
Click on Guide 1 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
Click on Guide 2 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.

Click on Stop 1 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
Click on Stop 2 in the sensitive icon and select these contours in the viewer.
So your selections should give you this as an overall result:


You can cancel

tool path
computation at
any moment
before 100%
completion.
The result will show you that you have machined between two guide contours
delimited at either end by two others.


Contour-driven - geometric components
Contour-driven Machining - Geometric

Components
The other geometric components that you can select in the sensitive icon are:
the guide contours,
the stop contours (only used for machining with parallel contours),
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the left hand
corner near the part selection area).
the safety plane. The
safety plane is the
plane that the tool will
rise to at the end of
the tool path in order
to avoid collisions with
the part. The safety
plane contextual menu
allows you to define:
an offset safety
plane at a
distance that
you give in a
dialog box that
is displayed,

and the tool

retract mode
which may be
either normal to
the safety plane
or normal to the
tool axis.
an upper plane which
defines the highest
plane that will be
machined on the part,
a lower plane which
defines the lowest
plane that will be
machined on the part,
a limiting contour
which defines the
machining limit on the
part. The contour that
defines the outer
machining limit on the
part.
the offset on the check
element.
The picture is slightly

different if you are using a
rework area and will have
fewer parameters.
There is also an Info button
that, when pressed, gives the
details on the parameters
that were defined with the
rework area.

You can also define the

following parameters:
Stop position defines
where the tool stops:
outside stops
the tool outside
the limit line,
inside stops
inside the limit
line,
on stops the
tool on the limit
line.
Stop mode defines
which part of the tool
is considered at the
Stop Position, whether
it is the contact point
or the tool end.
Offset is the distance
that the tool that the
tool will be either
inside or outside the
limit line depending on
the Stop mode that
you chose.
Part autolimit. If you
activate Part autolimit,
the tool will not go
beyond the edge of
the part.
part is machined.


machined.

Contour-driven - machining strategy
Contour-driven Machining - Machining Strategy

In the machining strategy tab, you can define the machining, strategy and stepover parameters and the zone to machine.
You should choose the cycle type (between contours, parallel contour or spine contour) that you want before setting any of the
other parameters. The parameters that you can use depend on the cycle type you choose.
Between Contours
The Between contours option has four active tabs:
Machining,
Strategy,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.
First choose whether you want to machine:

between four open contours (i.e. that are not necessarily perfectly
connected to each other)
Guide 1 and Guide 2 are the two contours between which
you are going to machine.
Stop 1 and Stop 2 delimit the ends of the machining paths.

or by machining or within one closed contour. To do this you must
select four points on the contour and you must select them in the
order that you see in the sensitive icon.
P1, P2, P3 and P4 are the four points that you select on
the contour within which you are going to machine.
You can also change the tool axis with Select in the contextual menu which will display a dialog box where you can choose
between selection by angle and selection by coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a
main axis. Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that you select. There is also
a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to the coordinate system origin.

Feature-defined; you select a 3D element such as a plane that will serve to automatically define the best tool axis.
Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to define the tool axis,

define the tool path style which can be:
One-way next; the tool path always has the same direction
during successive passes and goes diagonally from the
end of one tool path to the beginning of the next.
One-way same; the tool path always has the same
direction during successive passes and returns to the first
point in each pass before moving on to the first point in the
next pass.
Zig-zag; the tool path alternates directions during
successive passes.
define the machining tolerance value, consider it to be the
reverse the tool path direction.

The strategy tab has an option that lets you start an automatic pencil
operation (defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the
contour driven operation.
There are four stepover possibilities:

Constant,
Scallop height,
Constant on part,
Maximum on part.
Constant has a maximum stepover distance defined in a plane and

projected onto the part. You can modify the stepover distance.
Scallop height has a stepover which depends on the scallop height that
you choose. You can also define the maximum and minimum distances
that can exist between passes with the scallop height that you defined.


Constant on part is a stepover that has a constant distance on the part
itself. The parameters that you can define are:
the distance; the constant distance between two successive
passes,
The sweeping strategy, i.e. where you want to start machining
and where you want to end, the possibilities are:
From guide 1 to guide 2 (starts at guide 1 and ends at
guide 2)
guide 1),
From guide to zone center (starts at guide 1 and works
towards the center of the zone then goes to guide 2 and
works towards the center of the zone),
From zone center to guide (starts at the center of the zone
and works towards guide 1 then comes back to the center
and works towards guide 2),
From guide to zone center (spiral) starts at guide 1 and
spirals towards the center),
From zone center to guide (spiral) starts at the center and
sprials towards the guide contours),
the tool initial position with respect to the guide contour (inside,
outside, on),
the tool reference; whether the tool end or the tool contact point is
used for the computation,
the tool offset with respect to the guide contour. With a negative
value the tool path will start outside the guide contour, with a
positive value it will start inside the guide contour.
Below is an example of Constant on part use.

The stepover is of a constant distance along the whole length of the path measured on the part itself, starting from Guide 1 and
going towards Guide 2.


Maximum on part defines the stepover with a maximum distance

between passes that must be respected. The parameters that you can
define are:
the maximum distance; the constant distance between two
successive passes,
The sweeping strategy, i.e. where you want to start machining
and where you want to end, the possibilities are:
guide 2)
guide 1),
From guide to zone center (starts at guide 1 and works
towards the center of the zone then goes to guide 2 and
works towards the center of the zone),
From zone center to guide (starts at the center of the zone
and works towards guide 1 then comes back to the center
and works towards guide 2),
From guide to zone center (spiral) starts at guide 1 and
spirals towards the center),
From zone center to guide (spiral) starts at the center and
spirals towards the guide contours),
the tool initial position with respect to the guide contour (inside,
outside, on),
the tool reference; whether the tool end or the tool contact point is
used for the computation,
the tool offset with respect to the guide contour. With a negative
value the tool path will start outside the guide contour, with a
positive value it will start inside the guide contour.

Below is an example to illustrate the difference between Constant on part and Maximum on part. We are going to take the same
part and use the same parameters and then look at the results. This is the surface we are going to use
When we use Constant on part the result is of an equal distance on the part surface from guide 1 to guide 2. Note the bottom of
the machined area and how the paths remain perfectly parallel to each other but because of the shape of the surface they finish
gradually on guide 2.

Now see the difference when we use Maximum on part. There is a variation in the distance between the paths on the surface but
the paths respect both guide 1 and guide 2. There is no gradual finish on Guide 2 as there was with Constant on part.
At the bottom of the stepover tab are the View Direction buttons. View
direction is used to calculate the stepover distance, as if you were
looking along an axis.
If you wish to use an axis other than the tool axis to define the stepover, select Other axis.
When Other axis is active, there is a box is also displayed where you
can choose to check for toolholder-part collisions.
The icon at the top of the tab for axis selection has changed and you can now select an axis (the oblique axis in the icon) other
than the tool axis for the view direction.
Here is an example of View direction use:

This is the surface that we are going to machine:
Taking this surface, using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and with this edge (red edge) defined as the other axis:
will give you this result:

This is what you get using a distance of 5, Constant stepover and along the tool axis:
However if you look along the tool axis you will see how the same distance is used for the stepover as in the first
operation:
The Machined Zone parameters are used to define the type of area on
the part that you wish to machine:
All; all of the surfaces are machined,
Frontal walls; frontal surfaces of the part are machined,
Lateral walls; lateral surfaces of the part are machined,
Horizontal zones; horizontal surfaces of the part are machined.
Below the zone selection area are parameters which let you define
whether a surface is frontal, lateral or horizontal:
Min. lateral slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered to
be a lateral wall.

Min. frontal slope gives the minimum angle between the tool axis
be a frontal wall.
Max. horizontal slope gives the maximum angle between the tool
axis and the part surface normal for the surface to be considered
to be a horizontal area.
Parallel Contours
The Parallel contour option has four active tabs:
Machining,
Strategy,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.
You must choose a contour on the part to be the reference for your
operation.



define the tool path style which can be :
next pass.
successive passes.

The strategy tab has parameters that concern the tool position and
distance:
Pencil rework lets you start an automatic pencil operation
(defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the
contour-driven operation,
Offset on contour is the distance the tool will be from the guide
contour at the beginning of the operation
Maximum width to machine defines the width of the area to
machine starting from the guide contour,
Offset side defines the side of the contour where machining will
be performed (left or right), i.e. if you choose Left, the tool will
machine on the left side of the guide contour for the Maximum
width distance,
Direction is the machining direction, either towards the contour
(starting at the Maximum width distance from the guide contour)
or away from the contour.
Initial tool position is where the tool will start with respect to the
guide contour (in red); it can be:
to (1)
on (2)
past (3)
There is also an option that lets you start an automatic pencil operation
(defined with a set of default parameters) at the end of the contour
driven operation.
There are two stepover possibilities:

Constant,
Scallop height.




operation:

The Zone parameters are used to define the type of area on the part that
you wish to machine:
be a lateral wall.
be a frontal wall.
Spine Contour
The Spine contour option has three active tabs:
Machining,
Stepover,
Machined Zone.

You must choose a contour on the part to be the reference for your
operation.

define the tool path style which can be :
next pass.
successive passes.

There are two stepover possibilities:
Constant,
Scallop height.




operation:

The zone parameters are used to define the type of area on the part that
you wish to machine:
be a lateral wall.
be a frontal wall.

Contour-driven - Macro data
Contour-driven Machining - Macro Data

There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are detected, the
tool will not rise to the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in order to clear the part.
The result is a faster machining process.
In some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and when you
are using a safety plane), the tool will cut into the part. When this happens, deactivate the Optimize
retracts button.
High speed milling parameters
are:
Transition radius is the
radius of the arc that
joins successive passes,
Discretization angle is a
value which, when
reduced, gives a
smoother tool path.
Safety distance is the
clearance distance that
the tool over over at the
feedrate in order to
disengage the tool from
cutting between passes
The approach/retract mode can

be:
along tool axis; the tool
moves along the tool
axis,
along a vector; the tool
moves along a vector
that you define with the
Approach/Retract
direction: X/Y/Z boxes,
normal; the tool moves
in a direction
perpendicular to the
surface being machined,
tangent to movement;
the approach/retract is
tangent at its end to the
rest of the tool path.
and none; no
approach/retract.

Back; the tool doubles

back like an arrow
above the cutting tool
path. You can either
define this type with two
lengths or a length and
an angle. The
parameters that you can
modify are:
the length (1)
the height (2)
the ramp angle
(3).
Circular; the tool moves

towards/away from the
part in an arc. The
parameters that you can
set are:
the length (1),
the angle (2)
the radius (3).
If you do not use Part

autolimit, the curve will
be below the surface of
the part.
If you use the manual
plane computation
mode, the
approach/retract arc will
be normal to the plane
that you select.

Box, the tool moves

across the diagonal of
an imaginary box, either
in a straight line or in a
curve (Linking mode).
The Length(4) is the
distance that the tool will
move in once it has
crossed the box. The
box is defined by three
distance values:
the distance
along the normal
axis (1),
the distance
along the tangent
(2),
the distance (can
be a negative
value) along the
tool axis (3),
The direction of the

box diagonal is
defined by whether
you want to use the
normal to the left or
the right of the end
of the tool path. Left
or right is
determined by
looking along the
tool path in the
direction of the
approach/retract. In
the image, it is the
the right side that is
used.
In the Linking tab, check the Island skip box if you
want to use intermediate approaches and retracts
(i.e. those that link two different areas to machine
and that are not at the beginning nor the end of
the tool path).

With Island skip turned on: With Island skip turned off:
Island skip length is the height that the tool will rise to on intermediate approaches and
retracts.
The Feedrate length defines the distance beyond which tool path straight lines will be
replaced by intermediate approaches and retracts. In the picture below, the Feedrate length
was set to 45 mm. Note that the gaps that were less than 45 mm are crossed by a straight
line tool path and those that are greater than 45 mm are crossed with a standard intermediate
tool path with an approach and a retract.
Feedrate length is only active if the Island skip length is 0 mm.
Your guide contour(s) must be closed.

Contouring
Create a Profile Contouring Operation

This task explains how to create a profile contouring operation on a part.
A profile contouring operation can be created from machining:
Between two planes
The tool follows a contour between the top and bottom planes while respecting
user-defined geometry limitations and machining strategy parameters.
Between two curves
The tool follows the trajectory defined by the top and bottom guide curves while
respecting user-defined geometry limitations and machining strategy parameters.
Between a curve and surfaces
The tool follows a trajectory defined by a top guide curve and the bottom surfaces
while respecting user-defined geometry limitations and machining strategy
parameters.

Plns Profile Contouring
Create a Profile Contouring Operation

Between Two Planes
This task shows how to insert a 'Between Two Planes' Profile Contouring operation in the program.
To create the operation you must define:
the Contouring mode as Between two planes
the geometry to be machined
the tool that will be used
the parameters of the machining strategy
the feedrates and spindle speeds
the macros (transition paths) .
Open the PrismaticMilling01.CATPart document, then select the desired NC Manufacturing workbench from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Profile Contouring icon .
The Profile Contouring dialog box appears directly at

the Geometry tab page .
This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify
the geometry to be machined.
Right click the Contouring mode text and select
Between Two Planes.
The part bottom and flanks in the icon are colored red
indicating that this geometry is required for defining the
operation.
All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the red bottom in the icon, then select the
underside of the part in the 3D window.
3. Set the Bottom type to Soft by clicking the text, then set
the Offset on Bottom to -5mm.
4. Click the red flank in the icon, then select the profile along the front edge of the part in the 3D window.
5. Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at one end of the contour profile in
the 3D window.
6. Click the second relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at the other end of the contour
profile in the 3D window.
7. Click the check element in the icon, then select the top face of the green fixture in the 3D window.
The bottom, guide, limit and check elements of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is
now defined. These are also indicated on the part.
http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/pmgug/pmgugbt0102.htm (1 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:13:41 PM]

8. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the

desired tool path style.
You can then use the tab pages to set parameters for:
machining such as machining tolerance
stepover (see example)
finishing.
You can choose between the standard tip output and a cutter profile output by means of the Output type option
in the Machining tab page.
If a cutter profile style is selected, both the tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path replay.
For cutter profile, cutter compensation instructions are generated in the NC data output. In this case, an
approach macro must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
For macro types other than approach and retract, the compensation is not applied: these macros will be framed
with CUTCOM/OFF and CUTCOM /left/right instructions.
Any user defined PP words in macros are added to the cutter compensation instructions generated in the NC
data output. Therefore you should be careful when specifying CUTCOM instructions in macros.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.

9. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.

10. Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
The specified operation uses a default linking macro to avoid collision with the selected fixture.
You can optimize the linking macro and add approach and retract macros to the operation in the Macros tab
page . This is described in Define Macros of a Milling Operation.
11. Click OK to create the operation.

Reworking Operations
These are the operations that you will use to rework an area on a part where there is residual
material. Before using one of these operations, compute the areas that you want to rework.
Pencil operations

Pencil operations
Pencil Operations
This task shows you how to insert a pencil operation into the program. A pencil
operation is one where the tool remains tangent in two places to the surface to be
machined during the cycle. It is often used to remove crests along the intersection of
two surfaces that were left behind by a previous operation.
the tool to use ; you have the choice of end mill or conical tools
for this operation,
the feedrates and spindle speeds,
the macros .
Only the geometry is obligatory, all of the other parameters have a default value.
Either:
or select a machining feature from the list if you have already defined the area
to machine and now you want to define the operation to apply to it.

A Pencil entity and a default tool are added to the program.
Select the Pencil icon .
The dialog box opens at the geometry page .


Pencil operations

dialog box.
You can cancel tool

path computation at
any moment before
100% completion.

Pencil operations

Pencil - geometric components
Pencil - Geometric Components

obligatory) are:
an area to avoid if you do not wish to machine it (light brown area in the corner
near part selection).
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of
the tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part. The safety plane contextual
menu allows you to define:
an offset safety plane at a distance that you give in a dialog box that is
displayed,
and the tool retract mode which may be either normal to the safety plane or
normal to the tool axis.
the limiting contour which defines the outer machining limit on the part.

parameters.


Stop mode defines which part of the tool is considered at the Stop position,
Offset is the distance that the tool that the tool will be either inside or outside the
limit line depending on the Stop mode that you chose.
Part autolimit. If you activate Part autolimit, the tool will not go beyond the edge of
the part.

blue outline is the part edge, the yellow part is
the area that will be machined, the black line
is the limiting contour:
If you use Part autolimit, the whole part
is machined.

machined.


Pencil - machining strategy
Pencil - Machining Strategy

In the machining strategy tab, you can define the machining tolerance, the cutting mode the
axial direction, the minimum change length and the size of the smallest areas to be
machined. You can also choose the tool axis.
The sensitive icon illustrates a pencil tool path, i.e. one that is tangent to two surfaces at the
same time.
In the sensitive icon you can change the tool axis via Select in the contextual menu which will
display a dialog box where you can choose between selection by angle and selection by
coordinates. Selection by angle lets you choose the tool axis by rotation around a main axis.
Angle 1 and Angle 2 are used to define the location of the tool axis around the main axis that
you select. There is also a button that lets you reverse the direction of the axis with respect to
the coordinate system origin.


Selection; you select a 2D element such as a line or a straight edge that will serve to
define the tool axis,
In the machining tab, consider

the machining tolerance value to
be the acceptable chord error.
There is also a button that
reverses the tool path direction.

The axial direction can be:

up,
down
or either.
Either means that the direction

which is most suitable to the
current cutting action will be
used.
The cutting mode can be:
Conventional where the
back of the advancing tool
cuts into the material first,
Climb where the front of
the advancing tool cuts
into the material first,
Either where either of the
two possibilities may be
used depending on which
is most suitable to the
current cutting action.
Minimum change length is the

minimum distance for a change of
axial direction or cutting mode,
i.e. if a portion of the pass is
shorter than this value, the tool
will ignore it and continue in the
same direction or mode.

Pencil - Macro data
Pencil - Macro Data

There is a button where you can optimize retract distances. this means that if no obstacle is
detected between two passes, the tool will not rise to the safety plane (because it is not
necessary) and the operation will take less time.
There is a button where you can optimize retracts. This means that if no collisions are
detected, the tool will not rise to the safety plane. It will only rise as high as necessary in
order to clear the part. The result is a faster machining process.
The approach/retract
mode can be:
along tool axis;
the tool moves
along the tool
axis for a given
Length,
along a vector;
the tool moves
along a vector
that you define
with the X,Y and
Z directions for a
given Length,
normal; the tool
moves in a
direction
perpendicular to
the surface
being machined
for a given
Length,
tangent to
movement; the
approach/retract
is tangent at its
end to the rest of
the tool path and
is of a given
Length,
and none; no
approach/retract.

Pencil - Macro data
Back; the tool

doubles back
like an arrow
above the
cutting tool path.
You can either
define this type
with two lengths
or a length and
an angle. The
parameters that
you can modify
are:
the length
(1)
the height
(2)
the ramp
angle (3).
Circular; the tool

moves
towards/away
from the part in
an arc. The
parameters that
you can set are:
the length
(1),
the angle
(2)
the radius
(3).
If you do not use

Part autolimit,
the curve will be
below the
surface of the
part.
If you use the
manual plane
computation
mode, the
approach/retract
arc will be

Pencil - Macro data
normal to the
plane that you
select.
Box, the tool
moves across
the diagonal of
an imaginary
box, either in a
straight line or in
a curve (Linking
mode). The
Length(4) is the
distance that the
tool will move in
once it has
crossed the box.
The box is
defined by three
distance values:
the
distance
along the
normal
axis (1),
the
distance
along the
tangent
(2),
the
distance
(can be a
negative
value)
along the
tool axis
(3),
The
direction of
the box
diagonal is
defined by
whether
you want to
use the
normal to

Pencil - Macro data
the left or
the right of
the end of
the tool
path. Left or
right is
determined
by looking
along the
tool path in
the
direction of
the
approach/retract.
In the
image, it is
the the right
side that is
used.

Roughing rework
Roughing Rework Operations

This task explains how to rework a part.
You must have computed at least one machining operation prior to this one in the
manufacturing program.
The rough stock used for a program where you insert a reworking operation must be
topologically closed, that is, it cannot be formed by a set of faces.
1.
Select the roughing icon .
2. In the geometric component tab, define the area to machine either:

by clicking on the face definition area and using the face selection wizard.
or by passing the mouse over the face definition area and choosing Body in
the contextual menu.
Do not define the rough stock for this operation. The residual material that is left by
the operations preceding the reworking is automatically taken as the rough stock for
the operation.
obligatory) are:
the check element. The check is often a clamp that holds the part and
therefore is not an area to be machined.
the safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the
end of the tool path in order to avoid collisions with the part.
an upper plane which defines the highest plane that will be machined on the
part,
a lower plane which defines the lowest plane that will be machined on the
part,
an imposed plane that the tool must obligatorily pass through. Use this option
if the part that you are going to machine has a particular shape (a groove or a
step) that you want to be sure will be cut,
a start point where the tool will start cutting. Use this option when accessing
the part from the outside
an inner point where the tool will start cutting. This option is used when
machining pockets.

Roughing rework
3. You can modify the data in the other roughing panels:

machining strategy,
speeds and rates,
macro data.
and also change the type or size of tool used.

4. When you are satisfied with the results, press Replay to compute the tool path for
the operation.
You can cancel tool
path computation at
any moment before
100% completion.

Axial Machining Operations

The tasks in this section show you how to create axial machining operations in your NC manufacturing program.
Spot Drilling Operation

Create a Spot Drilling Operation: Select the Spot Drilling icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined
and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds as
needed.
Drilling Operations
Create a Drilling Operation: Select the Drilling icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and specify
the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Drilling Dwell Delay Operation: Select the Drilling Dwell Delay icon then select the hole or hole pattern to
be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and
speeds as needed.
Create a Drilling Deep Hole Operation: Select the Drilling Deep Hole icon then select the hole or hole pattern to
speeds as needed.
Create a Drilling Break Chips Operation: Select the Drilling Break Chips icon then select the hole or hole pattern
to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and
speeds as needed.
Hole Finishing Operations
Create a Reaming Operation: Select the Reaming icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and
specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Counterboring Operation: Select the Counterboring icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds
as needed.
Boring Operations
Create a Boring Operation: Select the Boring icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and specify
the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Boring Spindle Stop Operation: Select the Boring Spindle Stop icon then select the hole or hole pattern
to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and
speeds as needed.
Create a Boring and Chamfering Operation: Select the Boring and Chamfering icon then select the hole or hole
pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds
and speeds as needed.
Create a Back Boring Operation: Select the Back Boring icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined
and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds and speeds as
needed.
Threading Operations
Create a Tapping Operation: Select the Tapping icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and
Create a Reverse Threading Operation: Select the Reverse Threading icon then select the hole or hole pattern to
speeds as needed.
Create a Thread without Tap Head Operation: Select the Thread without Tap Head icon then select the hole or
hole pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and
feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Thread Milling Operation: Select the Thread Milling icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
as needed.

Countersinking and Chamfering Operations

Create a Countersinking Operation: Select the Countersinking icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
as needed.
Create a Chamfering Two Sides Operation: Select the Chamfering Two Sides icon then select the hole or hole
pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros and feeds
and speeds as needed.
T-Slotting and Circular Milling
Create a T-Slotting Operation: Select the T-Slotting icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and
Create a Circular Milling Operation: Select the Circular Milling icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify machining strategy parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds
as needed.

Spot Drilling
Create a Spot Drilling Operation

This task shows how to insert a Spot Drilling operation in the program.
the geometry of the holes to be machined
Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired NC Manufacturing workbench from the
Start menu.
Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Spot Drilling icon .
A Spot Drilling entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Spot Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes an icon
representing a simple hole. There are several hot spots in the icon.
2. Select red hole depth representation, then select the points to be spot drilled.
You can do this by selecting the circular REDGEs of holes.
In this case, the circle centers are taken as the points to be spot drilled.
Just double click to end your selections.
3. If needed select a tool axis direction.

Spot Drilling
Please note that in the Geometry tab page, the operation is assigned a machining pattern, which is initially
empty. The identifier of this machining pattern appears in the combo at the top of this page. When you select
hole points as described above, these positions are added to the pattern.
Another way to assign a machining pattern to an axial machining operation is to click on the sensitive text (No
Points or x Points). This opens the Pattern Selection dialog box that lists all available patterns. Just select one
of the patterns and double click to exit.
If there are already machining patterns on previous operations, the combo allows a quick selection of an
existing pattern. This provides a shortcut to the selection method described above.
4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the
following machining parameters:
approach clearance
depth mode: by diameter
The diameter value used is the one specified in
the geometry tab page.
dwell
compensation number depending on those
available on the tool.
The other parameters are optional in this case.

If you want to generate CYCLE statements, you must
select the Output CYCLE syntax checkbox and set the
Syntax Used option to Yes in the NC Output generation
dialog box.
Otherwise, GOTO statements will be generated.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation.

If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.

Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
Dwell for the specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
specify the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.

Spot Drilling
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Spot Drilling operations:
CYCLE / SPDRL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
A typical NC data output is as follows:
CYCLE/SPDRL, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Drilling
Create a Drilling Operation

This task shows how to insert a Drilling operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Drilling icon .
A Drilling entity along with a default tool is added to the program.

The Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a sensitive
icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select 4 hole features as shown below.
The sensitive icon is updated with the following information:
depth and diameter of the first selected feature
hole extension type: through hole
number of points to machine.
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon
then specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.
4. If needed, you can define a clearance by first double clicking the Jump Distance in the sensitive icon then
specifying a value in the Edit Parameter dialog box that appears.

Drilling
Note that the jump distance allows an extra clearance for moving in Rapid motion between the holes to be
drilled whenever this distance is greater than the approach clearance.
For example, for an approach clearance of 2.5mm and a jump distance of 10mm, the extra clearance is 7.5mm.
You can also locally specify Entry and Exit distances at individual points in a hole pattern using the contextual
menu (right click the pattern point).
The contextual menu also allows you to skip pattern points and choose the start point for the pattern.
The program automatically manages holes at different levels using horizontal transition paths.
When dealing with design feature holes in design patterns, both the result and specification mode are taken into
account.
If the Machine different depths checkbox is not selected, the program uses the values specified in the Geometry
tab page for the pattern holes (specification mode)
If you select the Machine different depths checkbox if you want the program to automatically manage different
depths of holes in a pattern (result mode)
You can specify an Origin Offset in order to shift the entire tool path by the specified amount.
following machining parameters:
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
The depth value used is the one used in the
Geometry tab page.
Breakthrough distance
Compensation number depending on those

Drilling

dialog box.

Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an
appropriate tool.
Note that in the Drilling tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
machining feedrate from 1 to 2
retract or rapid feedrate from 2 to 3.
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling operations:
CYCLE/DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
CYCLE/DRILL, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Drilling

Drilling Dwell Delay
Create a Drilling Dwell Delay Operation

This task shows how to insert a Drilling Dwell Delay operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Drilling Dwell Delay icon .
A Drilling Dwell Delay entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Dwell Delay dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to drill.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown.
Just double click to end your selection.
The sensitive icon is updated with the following

information:
depth and diameter of the selected hole
hole extension type: blind.
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon
then specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.


following machining strategy parameters:
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by shoulder
The depth value used is the one specified in the
Geometry tab page.
Dwell delay
dialog box.

Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an
appropriate tool.
machining feedrate from 1 to 2
dwell for the specified duration
retract or rapid feedrate from 2 to 3.
6 If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Dwell Delay operations:
CYCLE / DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
CYCLE/DRILL, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3


Drilling Deep Hole
Create a Drilling Deep Hole Operation

This task shows how to insert a Drilling Deep Hole operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Drilling Deep Hole icon .
A Drilling Deep Hole entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Deep Hole dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole features as shown below.

depth and diameter of the first selected hole
hole extension type: through
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon then
specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.

Drilling Deep Hole
4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the following

machining parameters:
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
Geometry tab page.
Maximum depth of cut and retract offset
Decrement rate and limit
Dwell
Compensation number depending on those available on
the tool.

If you want to generate CYCLE statements, you must select the
Output CYCLE syntax checkbox and set the Syntax Used
option to Yes in the NC Output generation dialog box.

Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate
tool.
Dwell for specified duration
Retract at retract feedrate from 2 to 3
Motion at rapid rate from 3 to 4
Motion at rapid rate from 6 to 7
Distance (1,2) = A + Dc
Distance (3,4) = A + Dc - Or
Distance (4,5) = Or + Dc*(1 - decrement rate)

Drilling Deep Hole
Distance (7,8) = Or + Dc*(1 - 2*decrement rate).
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Deep Hole operations:
CYCLE/DEEPHL,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE,
&MFG_FEED_UNIT,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
CYCLE/DEEPHL, 25.000000, INCR, 5.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Drilling Break Chips
Create a Drilling Break Chips Operation

This task shows how to insert a Drilling Break Chips operation in the program.
Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired NC Manufacturing workbench from the Start
menu.
1. Select the Drilling Break Chips icon .
A Drilling Break Chips entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Break Chips dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a sensitive
icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown below.

depth and diameter of the selected hole
hole extension type: through.
3. If needed, you can define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon then
specifying the direction by means of the dialog box that appears.

4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the following

machining parameters.
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
The depth value used is the one specified in the geometry
tab page.
Maximum depth of cut and retract offset
Dwell
Compensation number depending on those available on
the tool.
If you want to generate CYCLE statements, you must select the
Output CYCLE syntax checkbox and set the Syntax Used option
to Yes in the NC Output generation dialog box.

Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate tool.
Distance (1,2) = A + Dc
Distance (2,3) = Distance (4,5) = Or
Distance (3,4) = Distance (5,6) = Or + Dc
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify the
desired transition paths.

Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Break Chips operations:
CYCLE/BRKCHP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
CYCLE/BRKCHP, 25.000000, INCR, 5.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Reaming
Create a Reaming Operation

This task shows how to insert a Reaming operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Reaming icon .
A Reaming entity along with a default tool

is added to the program.
The Reaming dialog box appears directly at
the Geometry tab page . This tab
page includes a sensitive icon to help you
specify the geometry of the hole or hole
pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation
then select the desired hole features.
The sensitive icon is updated with the
following information:
depth and diameter of the first
selected feature
3. If needed, select the tool axis direction.
4. Select the Strategy tab page to
specify the following machining
parameters.
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by shoulder
The depth value used is the one
specified in the Geometry tab page.
Dwell (in seconds)
Compensation number depending
on those available on the tool.
The other parameters are optional in this
case.
If you want to generate CYCLE statements,
you must select the Output CYCLE syntax
checkbox and set the Syntax Used option
to Yes in the NC Output generation dialog

Reaming
box.
Otherwise, GOTO statements will be
generated.


Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reaming operations:
CYCLE/REAM, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
CYCLE/REAM, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Reaming

Counterboring
Create a Counterboring Operation

This task shows how to insert a Counterboring operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Counterboring icon .
A Counterboring entity along with a default

tool is added to the program.
The Counterboring dialog box appears
directly at the Geometry tab page .

then select hole geometry in the 3D
window.

4. Select the Strategy tab page and
parameters.
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
Dwell
Compensation number depending
case.
If you want to generate CYCLE
statements, you must select the Output
CYCLE syntax checkbox and set the
Syntax Used option to Yes in the NC
Output generation dialog box.

Counterboring
generated.


Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Counterboring operations:
CYCLE/CBORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
CYCLE/CBORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Counterboring

Boring
Create a Boring Operation

This task shows how to insert a Boring operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Boring icon .
A Boring entity along with a default tool is

added to the program.
The Boring dialog box appears directly at

then select 4 hole features.
selected feature

parameters:
approach clearance
depth mode: by tip
specified in the Geometry tab page
breakthrough distance
dwell
compensation number depending on
those available on the tool.
case.

Boring
box.
generated.


Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Boring

Boring Spindle Stop
Create a Boring Spindle Stop Operation

This task shows how to insert a Boring Spindle Stop operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Boring Spindle Stop icon .
A Boring Spindle Stop entity along with a

default tool is added to the program.
The Boring Spindle Stop dialog box
appears directly at the Geometry tab page
.

window.
selected hole
hole extension type: through
Number of points to machine.

parameters.
approach clearance
depth mode: by tip
shift: by linear coordinates (along
X)
dwell
compensation number depending

case.

Boring Spindle Stop
generated.


Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion with a boring bar is as follows:
Spindle stop
Shift motion at retract feedrate from 2 to 3
Shift motion at retract feedrate from 4 to 1.

Boring Spindle Stop
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring Spindle Stop operations:
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, ORIENT, %MFG_XOFF, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, ORIENT, 1.000000, DWELL, 3

Boring and Chamfering
Create a Boring and Chamfering Operation

This task shows how to insert a Boring and Chamfering operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Boring and Chamfering icon

.
A Boring and Chamfering entity along with

a default tool is added to the program.
The Boring and Chamfering dialog box
.

window.
depth, diameter conterbore depth
and angle of the first selected
feature
3. If needed, select tool axis direction.

parameters:
approach clearances 1 and 2
depth mode: by shoulder
chamfer diameter
dwell
first compensation number
depending on those available on the
tool for boring

second compensation number
tool for chamfering.

generated.


You can specify a machining feedrate for the boring phase of the operation and a chamfering feedrate for the
chamfering phase.
Similarly, you can specify a machining spindle speed for the boring phase and a low spindle speed for the
chamfering phase.
Boring
Motion at machining feedrate from 1 up to the position where hole is to be bored

Possibly, activation of second tool compensation number
Rapid feedrate up to a clearance position before start of chamfering.
Chamfering
Motion at chamfering feedrate from clearance position to 2

Possibly, activation of first tool compensation number

Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring and Chamfering operations:
CYCLE/BORE, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, %MFG_CHAMFERFEED_VALUE,
&MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_SPINDLE_MACH_VALUE, %MFG_SPINDLE_LOW_VALUE,
&MFG_SPNDL_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, 150.000000, MMPM,
70.000000, 40.000000, RPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Back Boring
Create a Back Boring Operation

This task shows how to insert a Back Boring operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Back Boring icon .
A Back Boring entity along with a default

The Back Boring dialog box appears
2. Select the top plane representation then

select the top of the part.
then specify the hole pattern to be
machined by selecting two counterbored
features in the 3D window.
The Geometry page is updated with
information about the first selected feature.

parameters.
approach clearance
depth mode: by tip
shift: by linear coordinates (along X)
dwell

Back Boring
generated.


Shift motion at rapid feedrate from 1 to 2
Motion at rapid feedrate from 2 to 3
Shift motion at rapid feedrate from 3 to 4
Shift motion at approach feedrate from 6 to 7
Shift motion at approach feedrate from 8 to 9.

Back Boring
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Back Boring operations:
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP, ORIENT, %MFG_XOFF, DWELL, %MFG_DWELL_REVOL
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, ORIENT, 1.000000, DWELL, 3

Tapping
Create a Tapping Operation

This task shows how to insert a Tapping operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Tapping icon .
A Tapping entity along with a default tool

is added to the program.
The Tapping dialog box appears directly at
This tab page includes an icon

representing a simple hole. There are
several hot spots in the icon.
then select a threaded hole feature in the
3D window.
following:
thread depth and thread diameter
hole extension type
thread pitch
thread direction.
You can modify this data.
Other values are shown for information
only.
3. If needed, select tool axis direction.
parameters.
approach clearance
case.

Tapping
generated.


Reverse spindle rotation
Retract at machining feedrate from 2 to 3
Reverse spindle rotation.
If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Tapping operations:
CYCLE/TAP, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT, %MFG_CLEAR_TIP
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Tapping

Reverse Threading
Create a Reverse Threading Operation

This task shows how to insert a Reverse Threading operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Reverse Threading icon .
A Reverse Threading entity along with a

default tool is added to the program.
The Reverse Threading dialog box
.

3D window.
following:
hole extension type
thread pitch
thread direction.

only.
parameters.
approach clearance

case.

Reverse Threading
generated.


Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
Spindle off then reverse spindle rotation
Retract at machining feedrate from 2 to 3.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reverse Threading operations:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Thread without Tap Head
Create a Thread without Tap Head Operation

This task shows how to insert a Thread without Tap Head operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Thread without Tap Head icon

.
A Thread without Tap Head entity along

with a default tool is added to the program.
The Thread without Tap Head dialog box
.
3D window.
following:
hole extension type
thread pitch
thread direction.
only.
4. Select the Strategy tab page and
parameters.
approach clearance
depth mode: by tip

case.

Thread without Tap Head
generated.


Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Spindle stop
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread without Tap Head operations:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Thread Milling
Create a Thread Milling Operation

This task shows how to insert a Thread Milling operation in the program.
Start menu.
1.
Select the Thread Milling icon .
A Thread Milling entity along with a default tool is added
to the program.
The Thread Milling dialog box appears directly at the
Geometry tab page .
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select a

threaded hole feature in the 3D window.
The sensitive icon is updated with the following:
hole extension type
thread pitch
thread direction.
Other values are shown for information only.
3. If needed, enter Offset values for the Bottom and

Contour.
5. Select the Strategy tab page and set the
machining parameters:
Approach clearance
Machining tolerance
Output style: standard tip or cutter profile.

dialog box.

Thread Milling
If a cutter profile output style is selected, both the tip and

cutter profile will be visualized during tool path replay.
The cutter profile output allows easier tool compensation
to be done on the shop floor.


Motion at feedrates defined on macros from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2', 2' to 3' and 3' to 4'
Retract at retract feedrate from 4' to 5.
7. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion, for
example).
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread Milling operations:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Countersinking
Create a Countersinking Operation

This task shows how to insert a Countersinking operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Countersinking icon .
A Countersinking entity along with a default

The Countersinking dialog box appears

window.

specify the following machining parameters.
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by distance
Dwell
Compensation number depending on
those available on the tool.
case.

Countersinking
box.
generated.


Increment at finishing feedrate from 2 to 3
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Countersinking operations:
CYCLE/CSINK, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
CYCLE/CSINK, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

Countersinking

Chamfering Two Sides
Create a Chamfering Two Sides Operation

This task shows how to insert a Chamfering Two Sides operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Chamfering Two Sides icon .
A Chamfering Two Sides entity along with

a default tool is added to the program.
The Chamfering Two Sides dialog box
.

then select the hole geometry in the 3D
window.

parameters:
approach clearances 1 and 2
depth mode: by tip
dwell in seconds
first compensation number
tool for top chamfering
second compensation number
tool for bottom chamfering.
Please note that the depth value and

chamfer diameter are retrieved from your

geometry selections.
generated.


Possibly, activation of second tool compensation number (output point change)
Motion at approach feedrate from 2 to 3
Possibly, activation of first tool compensation number (output point change)

Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Chamfering Two Sides operations:
CYCLE/BORE, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3

T-Slotting
Create a T-Slotting Operation

This task shows how to insert a T-Slotting operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the T-Slotting icon .
A T-Slotting entity along with a default tool is added to

the program.
The T-Slotting dialog box appears directly at the
Geometry tab page .
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select hole

geometry in the 3D window.

following machining parameters.
Approach clearance
Depth mode: by tip
Geometry tab page.
Dwell

dialog box.

T-Slotting


Motion at approach feedrate from 1 to 2
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for T-Slotting operations:
CYCLE/TAP, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Circular Milling
Create a Circular Milling Operation

This task shows how to insert a Circular Milling operation in the program.
Start menu.
1. Select the Circular Milling icon .
A Circular Milling entity along with a default tool is added

to the program.
The Circular Milling dialog box appears directly at the
Geometry tab page .
2. Enter Offset values for the Bottom and Contour.
3. Select the red hole depth representation then select hole

geometry in the 3D window.

5. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the
machining mode:
standard
helical.
6. Specify the machining parameters.

The following are common to the two machining modes:
Approach clearance
Machining tolerance
Direction of cut
available on the tool
Output style: standard tip or cutter profile.

Circular Milling
If a cutter profile output style is selected, both the tip and

cutter profile will be visualized during tool path replay.
The cutter profile output allows easier tool compensation
to be done on the shop floor.
Standard machining parameters:

Number and distance between paths
Axial mode:
Maximum depth of cut
or Number of levels
Sequencing mode:
Axial first or Radial first
Percentage overlap
Automatic draft angle.
Helical machining parameters:

Helical mode: Angle or Pitch
Angle or Pitch value.
If you want to generate CYCLE statements, you must select the Output CYCLE syntax checkbox and set the
Syntax Used option to Yes in the NC Output generation dialog box.

Motion at feedrates defined on macros from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2', 2' to 3' and 3' to 4'
Retract at retract feedrate from 4' to 5.
8. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion, for
example).
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Operation.

Circular Milling

Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Circular Milling operations:
CYCLE/CIRCULARMILLING, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
CYCLE/CIRCULARMILLING, 38.500000, 500.000000, MMPM, 2.500000

Machining features
Machining Features
Machining features are areas that you define on a part. You may want to define an area where
you want to use a specific type of operation or you may want to define an area to rework
because there is too much residual material on the part.
Besides this, you can also decide to define a specific offset on an area of a part or a group of
varied offsets on a part.
Area to machine
Area to rework
Offset area
Group of offset areas

Defining an area to machine
Defining an Area to Machine

Machining areas can be used to define different zones on a part. First you define the
machining areas and then you assign an operation to each of them. This is a useful
approach if, before you start machining, you are aware that the part has areas that will
require different types of operation.
Click the Machining area icon .

2. Click the red area and select these faces in the viewer.
Press OK to confirm your selection and redisplay the dialog box.

Change the name to MyMachiningArea.
Press OK to create the machining area. If you wish to use any of the non-obligatory
parameters, do not press OK but follow the steps below.
3. Open the manufacturing view and you will see that the machining area has been
created.
4. Change the check element by clicking on it in the sensitive icon and making your
selection in the viewer.

You can either click on the part body area (red) and then make your selection with
the face selection wizard or you can use the contextual menu:
Body(ies) lets you
select the whole part.
Load from... lets you
use existing machining
areas or offset areas
to define a new
machining area.
Remove cancels the
selection that you
have made.
Analyze lets you
analyze the selected
geometry.
5. To load from a machining
area:
Choose a machining
area from the list.
Click either Part or
Check.
Part selects the
surfaces that
were defined in
the selected
machining area
as part
surfaces.
Check selects
the surfaces
that were
defined in the
selected
machining area
as part of the
check element.
Press Apply.
Repeat these steps
until you have
acquired all of the
surfaces that you
want.

Press OK to end the

definition of the new
machining area.
To load from an offset area:

Choose an offset area
from the list (note that
an offset area is
identified by its name
and the name of the
offset group it belongs
to).
Press Apply.
Repeat these steps
until you have
acquired all of the
surfaces that you
want.
Press OK to end the
definition of the new
machining area.
6. If required, click the area to avoid to define a zone on the part that you do not want
to machine.
7. Click OK. This creates a machining area.
7. When you want to assign an operation to one of these areas, simply click on its
name in the Manufacturing feature view and then click the icon for the operation
that you want to use.
The operation dialog box opens at the machining strategy tab and not the
geometric components tab because the area to machine is already defined.
The area is displayed in blue on the part in the viewer.
If you want to edit a machining area, double click on its name in the Manufacturing
feature view.

Defining an area to rework
Defining an Area to Rework

Once you have machined a part and visually checked it, you may decide to rework
certain areas where residual material remains. Defining a rework area allows you to
focus only on the areas where there is residual material and this gain time.
This task explains how to define an area to rework and how to use it.
Before creating a rework area you must have executed a manufacturing program.
1. Open gets2.CATPart.
Click the Rework Area icon .

2. In the dialog box that is displayed, change the Entry diameter to 10 mm, the Corner
radius to 5 mm and the name to Rework.

3. Press OK to compute the rework area.
The rework area is created and can be seen in the Manufacturing feature view .
The following steps are not obligatory.

4. There is a Load from button at the top of the dialog box that can be used to simplify
the creation of a rework area by loading all of the appropriate data from an existing
operation, tool or area.
Click on the button and then select an operation and/or a tool in the specifications
tree and/or select a machining area in the manufacturing view.
5. In the General tab, click

the red area and either:
use the face
selection wizard to
choose the faces
that you want to
make up the area
to machine.
or pass the mouse
over the face
definition area and
choosing Body in
the contextual
menu if you wish to
machine a whole
part and not just an
area on it.
Define the limit line in order to restrict the area to be reworked.

Select the tool axis that you used to machine the rest of the part.
Enter the tool data that
you used to machine the
rest of the part.
If you wish to use a
conical tool, enter a
positive cutting angle. For
an end mill, leave the
default value of 0
degrees.
6. Press Compute.
7. If you find that there are too many areas to be reworked or if you decide to
concentrate on only a part of the rework area, go to the Advanced tab and define
other parameters to restrict the area to rework.

You can use a filter line to

define a smaller area, and
the minimum depth,
length and width
parameters to filter out
areas that you wish to
ignore because they are
not deep, long or wide
enough.
Tolerance is the
machining tolerance that
you want to use for the
rework area. For the sake
of speed you should use
the same value as for the
machining tolerance in
the operation that the
rework area is going to be
used in. You may decide
to use a smaller tolerance
in the machining area and
a larger one in the
operation, reducing the
operation one until you
obtain satisfactory results
as regards the finish that
you require.
Overlap is the distance
that you allow the tool to
go beyond the boundaries
of the rework area and is
defined as a percentage
of the tool radius.
Part offset is the offset
that is computed for the
rework area with respect
to the part.
8. Click Compute to create a rework area. Press OK to close the dialog box.

9. When you want to assign an operation to a rework area, simply click on its name in
the Manufacturing feature view and then click the icon for the operation that you
want to use.
The operation dialog box opens at the machining strategy tab and not the
geometric components tab because the area to machine is already defined.
The area is displayed in blue on the part in the viewer.
If you want to edit a rework area, double click on its name in the Manufacturing
feature view.

Defining offsets
Defining offsets
This task shows you how to define offset areas and groups of offset areas.
An offset area must belong to a group of offset areas. An offset area is a group of faces
(at least one) with a n offset value (with respect to the original part) and a color to identify
it.
An Offset group must include at least one offset area.
Offset groups can be used to machine upper and lower dies using a single set of
geometry.
1. Open file Basic1.CATPart then select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining in the
Start menu.
2.
Click the Offset group icon .
In the dialog box that is displayed, change the name of the group to Group1 and
press OK.
Offset in the dialog box is the overall offset that will be applied to the group in
general. It is applied only to areas in the offset group that do not have their own
specific offset. For example, if you assign an offset of 10 mm to a group and within
that group there is an area that has a thickness of 5 mm and an area that has no
thickness assigned to it, the first area will still have an offset of 5mm and the
second area will have an offset of 10 mm.

Defining offsets
Open the manufacturing view and you will see that the group has been created.
3. As Group1 is still the current object, you are going to create two offset areas there.
Click the Offset area icon .

A dialog box is displayed.
Enter a value of 10 mm for the
thickness and leave green as the
color you want to display the
offset area in.
The thickness of the offset can be negative. If you want to use a negative value, the
tool corner radius must be greater than 2mm.

Defining offsets
4. Click on the red area in the dialog box and select these three faces in the viewer:
Click OK in the Face Selection wizard.

Click OK in the Offset Area creation dialog box.
5. Click on the Offset Area creation icon again.
This time enter a thickness of 20
mm and change the color.

Defining offsets
6. Click on the red area in the dialog box and select these two faces in the viewer.
Click OK in the Face Selection wizard.

Click OK in the Offset Area creation dialog box.
So now you have Group 1 containing two areas, one with an offset of 10 mm and
the other with an offset of 20 mm.

Defining offsets
7.
At the top of the geometry tab, select Group1 as Offset Group.
Offset groups can be used with Sweeping, Pencil and Contour-driven operations.
They can also be used with rework areas. If you are using a rework area that
includes an offset group in an operation, you will not be able to modify the offset
group.
8. Using MB3 over the red area, choose Body(ies) in the contextual menu and click on
the part in the viewer.
Double click anywhere in the viewer to confirm your selection and redisplay the
dialog box.
Press Replay.
Note the effect of the two offset areas (on the left in the picture.)
The same face cannot be used in two separate offset areas in the same group. If
you wish to have two different offsets on any given face, you must create a new
group for the second value.

Toolpath editor
Tool Path Editor

This is where you can find the functions you need to edit tool paths.
Before using any of the functions below, you must have computed a tool path.
All of the functions are accessed via the tool path contextual menu.
Editing a point
Editing an area
Transformations
Connecting toolpaths
Reversing a toolpath
Approaches and Retracts in tool paths
Packing a tool path
Checking tool holder collision

Editing a point
Editing a Point on a Tool Path

This task explains how to either move or remove a point on a tool path.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the
current entity.
1. Open Block.CATProcess.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the
sweeping operation.
Select Point modification in the tool path contextual menu.
2. The tool path is displayed. As you pass the mouse cursor over it you will notice that
a small white square moves along the tool path. Click where you want to select a
point.
A dialog box that lets you either remove or move the point is displayed.

Editing a point
3. To move a point, click the move button. You can then either pull it to the place you
want it to be in the viewer or enter the coordinates where it should be in the spin
boxes.
4. To remove a point, click the cut button.
You can only move or remove a point if you have one selected.

Editing an area
Editing an Area on a Tool Path

This task explains how to edit an area on a tool path.
You can select areas of the tool path by using:
one point on the tool path and deciding whether you want to use the portion before
or after it,
two points and deciding whether you want to use the part of the tool path that is
between the two points or outside of the two points,
a contour and deciding whether you want to use the part of the tool path that is
inside or outside of the contour,
a polyline and deciding whether you want to use the part of the tool path that is
inside or outside of the contour.
current entity.
sweeping operation.
Select Area modification in the tool path contextual menu.
2. The tool path and the tool path editor are displayed.
The tool path editor has options that let you select an area using:
one point ,
two points ,
a contour ,
a polyline ,
or by swapping the selection for the area that is not selected ,
so that you can then choose whether you what to move or cut the area.
You can also predefine the selection value .

Editing an area
3. First select the area that you want to modify:
by selecting one point on the tool path. This selects the portion of the tool
path after the point.
by selecting two points on the tool path. This selects the portion of the tool
path that falls between the two points.
by selecting an existing closed contour on the part. This selects the area of
the tool path that is within the contour.

Editing an area
by clicking on the part to define a polyline.
Double click to end selection.

Editing an area
4.
You can swap the selected area by clicking . So if you selected the area with:
one point the part of the tool path that is before the point is now selected,
two points the part of the tool path that is outside the two points is now
selected,
a contour the part of the tool path that is outside the contour is now selected.
Clicking the swap icon a second time will give you the original selection.
Use to change the default value of the selected areas. Click it and this dialog
box is displayed:
Depending on the button you pick, you can choose whether the part of the tool path
selected is before or after the single point or inside or outside the two points or
contour. Whichever of the buttons you choose its effect will be applied to the next
tool path selection action.
5. Now you can either cut the area of the tool path with or move it with .
If you cut an area and you do not reconnect the points,
you will see the word "open" after the tool path name in
the specifications tree.
To move it, grab the point at the end of the arrow beside the word distance and pull.
Distance reflects the distance that you move the area. You can also double click on
the word distance and enter a value in the dialog box.

Editing an area
If you wish to translate the area along an axis other than the (default) tool axis, use
the contextual menu over the word Distance and choose an axis.
6. Click OK to close the tool path editor.

Transformations
Transformations
This task explains how to apply transformations to a tool path. You can:
translate a tool path,
rotate a tool path,
mirror a tool path.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the current entity.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the sweeping operation.
2. Choose whether you want to translate, rotate or mirror-reflect the tool path.
3. Translation Choose Translation in the tool path contextual menu.

The tool path is displayed on the part.
You can also translate the tool path by selecting it in the viewer, clicking either on the approach
or the retract and dragging. The contextual menu over the word "distance" lets you choose
whether you want to translate the tool path along:
the X axis,
the Y axis,
the Z axis,
or the tool axis.
and then pulling the tool path. You can also double click "Distance" and enter a value in the
distance dialog box that is displayed.
Click OK in the tool path translation dialog box to validate and exit the action.

Transformations
Rotation Choose Rotation in the tool path contextual menu.

The tool path is displayed on the part.
You can define the rotation you want with respect to:
a point; this defines the origin for the rotation,
an edge this defines the rotation axis,
a plane; the normal to the plane defines the rotation axis,
or a face; the normal to the face defines the rotation axis.
As you move the mouse over the tool path, the elements that can be used for the rotation are
highlighted in red. By default the rotation is effected around the tool axis.
Change the angle by double-clicking on the word Angle in the viewer (you can also drag the
direction arrow in the viewer). A dialog box is displayed.
Enter the number of degrees you want to rotate the tool path by.
For instance, a rotation of 90 will give you this result:
Click OK to validate and exit the action.

Transformations
Mirror Choose Mirror in the tool path contextual menu.

Choose a plane or a face to be the mirror plane.
Double click to validate and exit the action.

Connecting a Tool Path

This task explains how to connect a tool path.
You must have computed a tool path, removed an area and have selected it in the PPR
making it the current entity.
1. Open BlockB.CATPRocess.
sweeping operation.
Choose Connection in the tool path contextual menu.

2. Choose a connection option. You can either have the tool path connection go:
from one point to its connecting point by raising it to a DZ distance (if you
enter a value of 0 the tool path will go straight from one point to the other) or
from one point to its connecting point by passing through the safety plane.

3. Click OK.
If you want to check the tool path, choose the operation that you used to create it
and press Replay. You will see that the gap in the tool path is now closed.

Reversing a toolpath
Reversing a Tool Path

This task explains how to reverse a tool path.
current entity.
sweeping operation
Choose Reverse in the tool path contextual menu.
The tool path is reversed but

not displayed.
If you want to check the tool path, choose the operation that you used to create it and
press replay. You will see that the tool approach and retract points have been
exchanged.


This task explains how to add or remove approaches and retracts in a tool path.
You must have computed a tool path and have selected it in the PPR making it the current entity.
Expand the manufacturing process completely and select the tool path for the sweeping operation.
Choose Change approach and retract in the contextual menu.
You can delete:
approaches,
retracts,
linking passes,
passes between paths.
from the whole tool path or from a polygon that you draw on the tool path.
2. Choose the Approach tab.
3. Change the type to Back.
Enter a value of 20 mm for the Length, Distance and Height.

4. Press Apply.
If you are satisfied with the results press OK. If not, continue to make changes to the approach and retract tabs until you
are.
5. You can also modify existing approaches or retracts.
Check the appropriate boxes and press the Remove from whole
tool path if you want to remove all occurrences.
Check the appropriate boxes and press Remove from area
inside polygon if you want to remove only the occurrences in a
specific area. Then define the polygon in the viewer and double
click to confirm and end it.

Use the Approach and Retract tabs to modify the existing approaches and retracts on the whole tool path. Choose the
type that you wish to use (Along tool axis, Back, Circular, Box or None), modify the settings if necessary. Use Apply to see
your modifications. If you are not satisfied with the result press Undo and modify the settings until you are.

Back; the tool doubles back like an arrow above the
cutting tool path. You can either define this type with
two lengths or a length and an angle. The
parameters that you can modify are:
the length (1)
the height (2)
the ramp angle (3).

Circular; the tool moves towards/away from the part
in an arc. The parameters that you can set are:
the length (1),
the angle (2)
the radius (3).
If you do not use Part autolimit, the curve will be

below the surface of the part.
If you use the manual plane computation mode, the
approach/retract arc will be normal to the plane that
you select.
Box; the tool moves across the diagonal of an

imaginary box, either in a straight line or in a curve
(Linking mode). The Length(4) is the distance that
the tool will move in once it has crossed the box. The
box is defined by three distance values:
the distance along the normal axis (1),
the distance along the tangent (2) ,
the distance (can be a negative value) along
the tool axis (3),
The direction of the box diagonal is defined by

whether you want to use the normal to the left
or the right of the end of the tool path. Left or
right is determined by looking along the tool
path in the direction of the approach/retract. In
the image, it is the the right side that is used.
None; no approach/retract.


Packing a tool path
Packing and unpacking a tool path

This task explains how to reduce the size of your CATProcess by packing the tool paths in it
and then unpacking them when used later.
Open the Basic1.CATPart in the Samples directory. Select Surface Machining from the Start
menu.
Choose the Sweeping icon. Select the whole body as the part to machine.
Press Replay. This computes a tool path.
1. Start by defining a directory for your new CATProcess. It is advisable to create a directory
for each new CATProcess.
Go to the Tools > Options > NC Manufacturing option. Select the Output tab. Enter a
directory for Tool Path Location.

Packing a tool path
2. Select the computed sweeping

operation in the specifications tree.
In the contextual menu, choose

Pack Tool Path.
A message is displayed giving you
the name of the file created and the
name of the directory it is created in
(i.e. the one you defined in the
options).
3. You must pack each tool path for each individual operation in order to obtain a CATProcess
that requires as little memory as possible when it is saved.

Packing a tool path
4. Unpack the tool paths in the same

manner when you open a stored
CATProcess. Select each operation
in the specifications tree, one after
the other, and use Unpack Tool
Path in the contextual menu.

Checking for Tool Holder Collisions

This task explains how to check a tool path to identify all the points where the tool holder
collides with the part.
Open the Basic1.CATPart in the Samples directory. Select Surface Machining from the
Start menu.
Choose the Sweeping icon. Select the whole body as the part to machine.
Press Replay. This computes a tool path. Select the tool path.
1. Choose Check Tool Length in the tool path contextual menu.
A dialog box is displayed.
Extra geometry allows you to add additional geometry to the part in the operation
where the tool path was computed. Additional geometry may be a face or a clamp
that you would rather avoid using in the computation and that is not defined in the
operation.

There are other parameters that you may choose to modify:

When you select Use part, the part you defined in the operation is used to
compute the collision points.
Collision tolerance defines the distance within which the tool holder is
considered to be in collision.
Offset on tool holder radius and Offset on tool length define the tolerance
distances specific to the tool holder radius and tool length.
2. Click Apply.
The tool path is displayed on the part. The points where the tool holder is in collision
with the part are shown in red.
A small dialog box is displayed that gives the number of collision points on this tool

path, the minimum tool length that is required in order to avoid having collision points
and the coordinates of the current point (move the mouse over the tool path to see
the coordinates change for each point) plus reference data on the tool length and the
offset on the tool length.
You can also display the tool on the tool path.

Click Cancel.
Close the dialog box
This is only a visual check to let you see where the collision points are and find the
tool length that is required to avoid them.
3. You now have the choice of either changing the tool length or editing the tool path in
order to get rid of the collision points.
If you want to change the tool length you must create a new tool or select another
tool.
4. Select the tool path again in the specifications tree. Choose Area modification in the
contextual menu.
The tool path is displayed.
5.
Click the Select collision points icon .
The same dialog box as above is displayed. Change the parameter values if you
wish.
6. Press apply to display the collision points in red on the toolpath.
You can then cut ( ) the collision points from the tool path.


Importing files
Reading STL files

This task shows you how to open STL files into your Surface Machining session.
1. Go to the Wireframe and Surface Design workbench. Display the Surface Machining
Tools via View > Toolbars > Surface Machining Tools.
Click the Inserts an STL file icon .

2. Navigate to the samples directory and select the Basic.stl file.
3. Press Open.

Importing files
You can now machine the part that you have just opened.

Auxiliary Operations
This section shows you how to insert auxiliary operations in the NC manufacturing program.
Insert Tool Change: Select the Tool Change icon then select the tool type to be referenced in the tool change.
Insert Machine Rotation: Select the Machine Rotation icon then specify the tool rotation characteristics.
Insert Machining Axis System or Origin: Select the Machining Axis or Origin icon then specify the characteristics
of the machining axis system or origin.
Insert PP Instruction: Select the PP Instruction icon then enter the syntax of the PP instruction.
Insert Copy Transformation Instruction: Select the reference operation then select the Copy Transformation icon.
You can then specify the number of copies and the characteristics of the transformation.
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Tool Change
Insert a Tool Change

This task shows how to insert tool changes in the program.
You can either add tool changes locally or generate all necessary tool changes automatically in the program.
1. To add a tool change locally:
In the specification tree, select the program entity after which you want to add the tool change.
2. Select the desired icon in the Tool Change toolbar.
The corresponding dialog box appears for defining the tool change.
3. Select the Tool tab page in order to specify the tool to be referenced by the tool change. You can do this by
either:
creating a new tool
selecting another tool that is already used in the document
selecting another tool either in the document or in tool catalogs by means of a query.
This is the same procedure as described in Select or Create a Tool.

Tool Change
4. Select the Tool Assembly tab page if you want to specify the geometric and technological characteristics of
the tool assembly.
In this case a tool assembly is added to the Resource List in the specification tree.
5. Select the Syntax tab page .
Select the Initialize from PP words table checkbox to consult the tool change syntax defined in the PP
table that is referenced by the Part Operation.
Otherwise, enter a PP instruction for your tool change. This user-defined syntax has no link with the PP
table and its validity is not checked by the program.
If the PP Instruction comprises a sequence of PP word syntaxes, you can choose the sequence to be used
by means of the Sequence number spinner.
6. Click OK to create the tool change in the program.
You can click Replay to visualize the tool at the tool change point.
This point is specified in the current part operation.
1. To generate tool changes automatically:
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Generate Tool Changes from the
contextual menu.
The program is updated with all necessary tool changes.
2. To delete tool changes that were automatically generated :
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Delete Generated Tool Changes
from the contextual menu.
All tool changes that were automatically generated are removed from the program.

Edit Assembly
Edit a Tool Assembly in the Resource List

This task shows you how to edit a tool assembly that is already used in your document.
1. To edit a tool assembly in the resource list either double click it or right click it and select the Definition contextual
command.
The Tool Assembly Definition dialog box is
displayed allowing you to edit the tool assembly's
geometric and technological characteristics.
2. If needed, enter a new name for the tool

assembly.
You can also assign a comment.
3. If needed, use the spinner to change the Tool

number.
4. Click More to expand the dialog box to access the

Geometry and Technology tab pages.
5. You can specify the tool assembly geometry in

two ways:
double click a parameter in the large tool
assembly icon and enter the desired value
in the Edit Parameter dialog box that
appears
or enter the desired values in the Geometry
tab page.

Edit Assembly
6. Click the Technology tab and enter the desired

values for the tool assembly's technological
parameters.
7. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the tool assembly.

A user representation (CATPart) can be assigned to the tool assembly by the contextual command in the
Resource List.

Machine Rotation
Insert a Machine Rotation

This task shows how to insert a machine rotation in the program.
You can either add machine rotations locally or generate all necessary machine rotations automatically in the
program.
Either the program or a program entity must be current in the specification tree.
1. To add a machine rotation locally:

In the specification tree, select the
program entity after which you want to
add the machine rotation, then select the
Machine Rotation icon .
The Machine Rotation dialog box

appears.
2. Select the Properties tab page to

specify the characteristics of the Machine
rotation.
3. Select the rotary direction:
Clockwise
Counter-clockwise
Shortest.
4. Enter the value of the rotary angle.
The machine table is rotated by this angle about the rotary axis (A, B or C). This axis is defined on the machine
referenced by the Part Operation.
The rotary type is set to Absolute in this version.
Select the Initialize from PP words table checkbox to consult the machine rotation syntax defined in the
PP table that is referenced by the Part Operation.
Otherwise, enter a PP instruction for your machine rotation. This user-defined syntax has no link with the
PP table and its validity is not checked by the program.
6. Click OK to accept creation of the machine rotation in the program.
1. To generate machine rotations automatically:
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Generate Machine Rotations from
the contextual menu.
The program is updated with all necessary machine rotations.
2. To delete machine rotations that were automatically generated:
Right click the Manufacturing Program entity in the specification tree and select Delete Generated Machine
Rotations from the contextual menu.
All machine rotations that were automatically generated are removed from the program.

Glossary
Glossary
A
approach Motion defined for approaching the operation start point
macro
auxiliary A control function such as tool change or machine table rotation. These
command commands may be interpreted by a specific post-processor.
axial Operation in which machining is done along a single axis and is mainly
machining intended for hole making (drilling, counter boring, and so on).
operation
B
back and forth Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other.
Compare with one way.
bottom plane A planar geometric element that represents the bottom surface of an area to
machine. It is normal to the tool axis.
C
clearance Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane
macro and then plunging from that plane.
climb milling Milling in which the advancing tool rotates down into the material. Chips of cut
material tend to be thrown behind the tool, which results to give good surface
finish.
Compare with conventional milling.
conventional Milling in which the advancing tool rotates up into the material. Chips of cut
milling material tend to be carried around with the tool, which often impairs good
surface finish.
Compare with climb milling.
D
DPM Digital Process for Manufacturing.
E
extension Defines the end type of a hole as being through hole or blind.
type
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Glossary
F
Facing A surfacing operation in which material is removed in one cut or several axial
operation cuts of equal depth according to a pre-defined machining strategy. Boundaries
of the planar area to be machined are soft.
Fault Types of faults in material removal simulation are gouge, undercut, and tool
clash.
feedrate Rate at which a cutter advances into a work piece.
Measured in linear or angular units (mm/min or mm/rev, for example).
fixture Elements used to secure or support the workpiece on a machine.
G
gouge Area where the tool has removed too much material from the workpiece.
H
hard A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool
cannot pass beyond.
I
inward helical Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine
and follows paths parallel to the domain boundary towards the center of the
domain. Compare with outward helical.
L
linking motion Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane
and then plunging from that plane.
M
machine An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a rotation of the
rotation machine table.
machining Reference axis system in which coordinates of points of the tool path are
axis system given.
machining A feature instance representing a volume of material to be removed, a
feature machining axis, tolerances, and other technological attributes. These features
may be hole type or milling type.
machining Contains all the necessary information for machining a part of the workpiece
operation using a single tool.

Glossary
machining An ordered list of machining operations and PP instructions. It can be used in

process two ways:
to generate a complete subprogram by defining all the operations from
geometrical information which will be solved when the machining
process is instantiated into another CATProcess file.
to generate a subprogram by defining all the operations without any
geometrical information (design or manufacturing geometrical features):
this way is dedicated to the settings mode.
machining The maximum allowed difference between the theoretical and computed tool
tolerance path.
manufacturing Defines the sequence of part operations necessary for the complete
process manufacture of a part.
manufacturing Describes the processing order of the NC entities that are taken into account
program for tool path computation: machining operations, auxiliary commands and PP
instructions.
manufacturing The set of machining features defined in the part operation.
view
milling Operation in which 2.5 to 5-axis capabilities are used for part machining
operation (roughing, pocketing, surface machining, contouring, and so on).
multi-level Milling operation (such as Pocketing or Profile Contouring) that is done in a
operation series of axial cuts.
O
offset Specifies a virtual displacement of a reference geometric element in an
operation (such as the offset on the bottom plane of a pocket, for example).
Compare with thickness.
one way Machining in which motion is always done in the same direction. Compare with
zig zag or back and forth.
outward Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine
helical and follows paths parallel to the domain boundary away from the center of the
domain. Compare with inward helical.
P
part operation Links all the operations necessary for machining a part based on a unique part
registration on a machine. The part operation links these operations with the
associated fixture and set-up entities.
pocket An area to be machined that is defined by a closed boundary and a bottom
plane. The pocket definition may also include a top plane and one or more
islands.

Glossary
Pocketing A machining operation in which material is removed from a pocket in one cut or
operation several axial cuts of equal depth according to a pre-defined machining
strategy.
The toolpath style is either inward helical or outward helical.
Boundaries of the pocket are hard.
Point to Point A milling operation in which the tool moves in straight line segments between
operation user-defined points.
PP instruction Instructions that control certain functions that are auxiliary to the tool-part
relationship. They may be interpreted by a specific post processor.
PPR Process Product Resources.
Profile A milling operation in which the tool follows a guide curve and possibly other
Contouring guide elements while respecting user-defined geometric limitations and
operation machining strategy parameters.
R
retract macro Motion defined for retracting from the operation end point
return macro Motion for linking between paths or between levels. It involves retracting to a
safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane and then plunging from that
plane.
S
safety plane A plane normal to the tool axis in which the tool tip can move or remain a
clearance distance away from the workpiece, fixture or machine.
set up Describes how the part, stock and fixture are positioned on the machine.
soft A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool can
pass beyond.
spindle speed The angular speed of the machine spindle.
Measured in linear or angular units (m/min or rev/min, for example).
stock Workpiece prior to machining by the operations of a part operation.
T
thickness Specifies a thickness of material to be removed by machining. Compare with
offset.
top plane A planar geometric element that represents the top surface of an area to
machine. It is always normal to the associated tool's rotational axis.

Glossary
tool axis Center line of the cutter.
tool change An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a change of tool.
tool clash Area where the tool collided with the workpiece during a rapid move.
tool path The path that the center of the tool tip follows during a machining operation.
total depth The total depth including breakthrough distance that is machined in a hole
making operation.
U
undercut Area where the tool has left material behind on the workpiece.
Z
zig zag Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other.
Compare with one way.

Machining Axis
Insert a Machining Axis or Origin

This task shows how to insert a machining axis or origin auxiliary operation in the program.
A feature representation of the corresponding axis system will be created in the 3D view.
Output coordinates are computed in the current machining axis system as shown in the example below.
Tool path computed in machining axis system AXS1 with origin (0,0,0):
$$*CATIA0
$$*AXS1
$$ 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000
GOTO/ -40.00000, -30.00000, 20.00000
GOTO/ -40.00000, 30.00000, 20.00000
Same tool path computed in machining axis system AXS2 with origin (0,0,20):
$$*CATIA0
$$*AXS2
$$ 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 0.00000 1.00000 20.00000
GOTO/ -40.00000, -30.00000, 0.00000
GOTO/ -40.00000, 30.00000, 0.00000
1. Select the Machining Axis or Origin icon .
The corresponding dialog box is displayed directly

at the Geometry tab page .
You can define your axis system with the help of

the sensitive icon in the dialog box.
2. Select the symbol representing the origin in the

sensitive icon.
3. Select a point or a circle to define the origin of the

machining axis.

Machining Axis
4. Select one of the axes (Z, for example) in the

sensitive icon to specify the orientation of that axis.
The following dialog box appears.
The Z axis is the privileged axis. You should define

it first, then specify the X axis. The XY plane is
always perpendicular to the Z axis.
5. Select the desired method to specify the orientation using the combo:
Manual. In this case, choose one of the following:
Coordinates to define the orientation by means of X, Y and Z components
Angles to define the orientation by means of a rotation of the X, Y or Z axis. The rotation is
specified by means of one or two angles.
Selection. In this case just select a line or linear edge to define the orientation.
Points in the View. In this case just select two points to define the orientation.
Just click OK to accept the specified orientation.

6. Repeat this procedure to specify the orientation of another axis (X, for example).
The specified origin along with the X and Z axes are sufficient to define the machining axis system.
You can also define a machining axis by selecting one of the triangular areas in the sensitive icon.
You can then select an existing axis system and position it by selecting a point in the 3D view.
7. You can click the Origin checkbox if you want to specify an origin.
For certain machine types it may be useful to specify an origin number and group. This will result in the
following type of output syntax:
$$*CATIA0
$$Origin.1
$$ 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000
ORIGIN/ 0.00000,0.00000,0.00000, 1, 1
This output is for an origin with coordinates (0,0,0) and whose origin number and group are both equal to 1.
8. You can enter a name for the machining axis or origin to be created. This name will be visualized beside the
representation of the axis system in the 3D view.
Select the Initialize from PP words table checkbox to consult the Machining Axis or Origin syntax
defined in the PP table that is referenced by the Part Operation.
Otherwise, enter a PP instruction for your machining axis or origin. This user-defined syntax has no link
with the PP table and its validity is not checked by the program.
10. Click OK to create the machining axis or origin auxiliary operation in the program.
A feature representation of the corresponding axis system is created in the 3D view.

Machining Axis

PP Instruction
Insert a PP Instruction
This task shows how to insert a PP instruction in the program.
1. In the specification tree, select a

reference program entity. The PP
instruction will be added after this
entity in the program..
2. Select the PP Instruction icon .
The Post-Processor Instruction dialog

box appears.
3. Enter the syntax of a PP instruction.
You can do this in the following ways:
enter one or more PP word
syntaxes directly in the text
field
click the icon to access the
PP words table that is
referenced in the current part
operation.
You can then select
predefined syntaxes from this
table using the dialog box that
appears.
Please note that the program does not check the validity of your syntax.
4. Click OK to create the PP instruction in the program.

Copy Order
Insert a Copy Transformation Instruction

This task shows how to insert a Copy Transformation instruction in the program.
1. Select the Copy Transformation icon

.
2. In the specification tree, select the

program entity after which you want to
add the instruction.
The Copy Transformation dialog box
appears.
3. Choose the desired transformation

type: translation or rotation, then set
the corresponding parameters.
4. Click OK to create the Copy Transformation instruction in the program.

Part Operations, Programs and Processes
Part Operations, Programs and Processes

This section deals with creating and managing the following major entities of the NC Manufacturing environment.
Create and Edit a Part Operation: Select the Part Operation icon then specify the entities to be referenced by the
part operation: machine tool, machining axis system, tool change point, part set up, and so on.
Create and Edit a Manufacturing Program: Select the Manufacturing Program icon to add a program to the
current part operation then insert all necessary program entities: machining operations, tool changes, PP
instructions, and so on.
Create a Machining Process: Select the Machining Process icon to create a machining process, which will be
stored in a CATProcess document and then as a catalog component.
Organize Machining Processes: In the Catalog Editor workbench, store the Machining Process as a Catalog
component.
Apply a Machining Process: Select the Open Catalog icon to access the machining process to be applied to
selected geometry.

Part Operation
Part Operation
This task shows you how to create a part operation in the manufacturing process.
When you open an NC Manufacturing workbench on a CATPart or CATProduct document, the manufacturing
document is initialized with a part operation.
1. Select the Part Operation icon .
A new part operation is initialized in the manufacturing

process and a Part Operation entity is added to the tree.
To access the parameters of the part operation, double
click the Part Operation entity in the tree or use the
contextual menu.
The Part Operation dialog box appears.
2. If needed, enter a new part operation name and assign

comments to the part operation.
3. Click the Machine icon to assign a machine tool to the part operation.
The Machine Editor dialog box appears.

Part Operation
4. Select the desired type of machine tool by clicking the corresponding icon:
3-axis machine
3-axis machine with rotary table
5-axis machine
horizontal lathe
vertical lathe.
The default characteristics of the selected machine type are displayed and the following parameters can be
edited to correspond to your actual machine tool.
Machine name and associated comments
Numerical control parameters such as PP words table
Spindle parameters
Tool change parameters including the Tools catalog
Rotary table parameters for 3-axis machine with rotary table.
Just click OK to accept the machine parameters and return to the Part Operation dialog box.
5. Click the Machining Axis icon to assign a reference machining axis system to the part operation.
The Machining Axis dialog box appears.

This is similar to the procedure described in Insert a Machining Axis Change.
Output coordinates will be described in the specified axis system except when local machining axis systems are
inserted in the program.
6. Click the Product icon to associate an existing product (CATProduct) or part (CATPart) to the part operation.
This procedure is described in Set Up and Part Positioning.

7. Select the Geometry tab to associate the following geometry to the part operation:
Design part: Just click the Design Part icon then select the desired geometry.
This is useful if you want to do material removal simulations later.
Stock: Just click the Stock icon then select the desired geometry.
This is useful for certain surface machining operations and also for material removal simulations.
Safety plane: Just click the Safety Plane icon then select the desired plane that will be used as a
global safety plane for the part operation.
In Process Model: Just click the In Process Model icon then select the desired geometry to be used for
the DPM Powertrain.
8. Select the Position tab to specify the following reference positions on the part operation:
tool change point
table center setup.
9. Select the Option tab to specify the type of NC output that is to be generated for Profile Contouring operations:
standard tool tip
cutter profile.
10. Click OK to create the part operation.
The tree is updated with the new entity.

Set Up and Part Positioning

This task shows you how to manage part set up.
You must create a CATProduct entity for each part set up you want to represent.
1. Enter an NC Manufacturing workbench and

double click the Part Operation.1 entity in
the tree.
2. Click the Product icon to associate a product
to the part operation.
3. Select a CATProduct from the Associated

Product list, then click Open to display the
corresponding part set up.
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4. Click OK in the Part Operation dialog box.

5. Click the Part Operation icon to create the Part Operation.2 entity in the tree.
6. Associate another product to Part Operation.2 in the same way as described above.
7. Click OK in the Part Operation dialog box.
To display the desired part set up, just select the corresponding Part Operation in the tree.
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Manufacturing Program
This task shows you how you can edit a manufacturing program.
A number of capabilities are available for managing manufacturing programs:
Create
Insert entities
Reorder using Copy / Paste or Drag / Drop
Delete.
When you open an NC Manufacturing workbench on a CATPart document, the manufacturing document is initialized
with a manufacturing program.
When you select the Manufacturing Program icon , a new program is initialized in the part operation and a new
Manufacturing Program entity is added to the tree.
Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select NC Manufacturing > Prismatic Machining from the
Start menu.
1. Create a drilling operation on a pattern of two holes.
2. Create a spot drilling operation on the same holes.
3. Create another drilling operation on another pattern of four

holes.
The three operations are assigned the same default tool.
4. Edit the spot drilling operation to assign a spot drill tool.

Each operation now has an associated tool change.
5. Right click the second Drilling operation and select the Cut command.

6. Right click the first Drilling operation and select the Paste
command.
The program is now reordered and the number of tool
changes reduced.
The same result could have been obtained by using the drag and drop capability.

Machining Process
Create a Machining Process

This task shows how to create a machining process that will be used to sequence a set of axial machining
operations.
Select an NC Manufacturing workbench from the Start menu.
No CATPart or CATProcess is needed at this stage.
1. Select the Machining Process View icon .
The Machining Process View dialog box appears.

2. Select the Machining Process icon .
The dialog box is updated with a new machining

process as shown.
3. Select the Spot Drilling icon.
The Operation Definition dialog box appears, if the Start Edit mode is selected in the Tools > Options NC
Manufacturing Operation settings.
At this stage you can set certain parameters such as feeds and speeds and machining strategy parameters.
However, there is only limited access to geometry parameters and it is not possible to specify a tool.
Just click OK to add a reference Spot Drilling operation
to the machining process.
The reference operation has an associated Tool Query.

You can associate Formulas or Checks to the operation
and specify a Tool Query.
The Formulas, Checks and Tool Query dialog boxes have a similar presentation. They have 4 common areas:
1. all expressions of the current entity (tool query or machining operation and for a machining operation,
either formulas or checks)
2. the commands list
3. area for editing the current expression with restrictions (you cannot do everything) and some helps by
using operator, function and unit combos. To validate an edited expression, you have to select the Add
button.
4. all the possible attributes that you can use in an expression, according to the knowledgeware description:
o the different packages/dictionaries which group a set of object types: the 3 manufacturing dictionaries (for
machining features, activities and resources like tools) are always available.
o the object types list for the selected dictionary
o the attributes list for a selected type: select one of them to insert it into the expression.
For Tool Query dialog box a fifth area allows you to define the tool type and tool repository.
4. In the same way add Drilling and Tapping operations to
the machining process by selecting first the Drilling icon
then the Tapping icon.
The Machining Process View dialog box is updated as
shown.

Machining Process
5. Right click the Spot Drilling operation in the Machining Process View and select the Edit formula command.
The Formula Editor dialog box appears.
A formula is an expression associated to an operation or a machining feature attribute, which will be converted
to a F(x) formula when applying the machining process.
Define the following formula: “the tool tip approach clearance is half the depth of the spot drill feature”.
Click OK to assign the formula to the Spot Drilling operation.

You can assign formula to the Drilling and Tapping operations in the same way.
6. Right click the Spot Drilling operation in the Machining Process View and select the Edit Checks command. The
Checks Editor dialog box appears.
A check is a logical expression associated to the corresponding operation. Inside a check, “and” and “or”
operators are available, and between several checks, an “and” operator is applied. When applying the
machining process, the checks list is solved, a logical status is returned and the operation is created if the
status is true.
Define the following check : “ the spot drilling operation is only available for design holes with a diameter greater
than 2mm.”

Machining Process
7. Double click the Tool Query associated to the Spot Drilling operation.
The Tool Query Definition dialog box appears.
Define a simple tool query as shown below.
8.

Machining Process
Select the tool repository to ToolSampleMP using the Look in combo.

Click OK to assign the tool query to the Spot Drilling operation.
You can assign tool queries to the Drilling and Tapping operations in the same way
(Drill D10.5 and Tap D12, for example).
9. Select File > Save As to save the machining process in a CATProcess document called
AxialMachiningProcess1.CATProcess, for example.
Please keep this file open in order to do the Organize Machining Processes task.

Organize Machining Processes
Organize Machining Processes

This task shows how to organize machining processes inside a catalog file.
A catalog file allows you to display the machining processes list as you wish, by using the Catalog Editor workbench.
This is also the only way to interactively apply a machining process.
Select an NC Manufacturing workbench from the Start menu.
No CATPart or CATProcess is needed at this stage.
Make sure the Start Edit mode is selected in the Tools > Options NC Manufacturing settings.
1. In order to store the Machining Process as a Catalog component, select the Catalog Editor workbench from the
Start > Infrastructure menu.
2. Click the Add Family icon to create a Component Family (for example, AxialMachiningProcesses).
Double click the component family: AxialMachingProcesses.
Click the Add Component icon . The Description Definition dialog box appears.
Click Select external feature then select AxialMachProcess1 in the Machining Process View of your
AxialMachiningProcess1.CATProcess file that you want to use as the catalog component.
Click OK to make the machining process a component of the catalog family.
3. Select File > Save As to save the catalog (catalogAxialMP1.catalog, for example).
Please refer to Apply a Machining Process for information about applying machining processes to geometry such
as design features and hole patterns.

Apply a Machining Process

This task shows how to apply a machining process.
The machining process application uses a standard mechanism of instantiation of features from a feature reference.
In our case, the feature reference is the machining process to be applied.
When applying a machining process, the following steps are executed for each operation:
Default mapping execution in case of geometry selection
Checks execution
Tool query execution
Cutting condition execution
Formulas solving.
Open the desired CATPart document, then select the desired NC Manufacturing workbench from the Start menu.
1. Select the Open Catalog icon and open the

catalog you created in the previous task:
catalogAxialMP1.catalog.
2. Select the Machining Process family:

AxialMachiningProcesses.
3. Select the Machining Process to be applied:
AxialMachiningProcess1.
The Insert Object dialog box appears allowing you
to apply the machining process.
Two input types can be defined:
geometry to machine
insertion in program.
The default geometrical input is the manufacturing

view, and if this is not redefined by selecting a
geometrical feature (when it is possible), you are
in settings mode. In such a case and if a
geometrical reference is used in checks, tool
queries or formulas, an error is sent.
Note that for drilling machining processes, from
any selection, if it is linked to a design pattern, this
pattern is taken as selected geometry.
The program input only appears if the insertion
into program mode is activated. If no operation is
yet inserted and only one machining program is
created, the machining program is the default
program input.
4. Select the geometry to be machined: this can be either a design feature or a manufacturing pattern.

Then click OK in the Insert Object dialog box.

5. The program is updated with the operations

contained in the machining process:
spot drilling
drilling
tapping.
These operations reference the selected geometry
and make use of the formula defined in the
machining process.
In addition, the tool queries are resolved so that
each operation references the desired tool.

Managing Manufacturing Entities
Managing Manufacturing Entities

This section deals with creating and managing the specific entities of the NC Manufacturing environment (other than
machining operations and auxiliary commands).
Edit the Tool of a Machining Operation: Double click the machining operation in the program and select the Tool
tab page to edit the tool characteristics or search for another tool.
Edit a Tool in the Resource List: Double click a tool in the resource list and edit the tool characteristics in the Tool
Definition dialog box.
Edit a Tool Assembly in the Resource List: Double click a tool assembly in the resource list and edit the tool
characteristics in the Tool Definition dialog box.
Specify Tool Compensation Information: Double click a tool referenced in the program or resource list and specify
the tool compensation information in the Compensation tab page of the Tool Definition dialog box .
Create and Use Machining Patterns: Select Insert > Machining Feature > Machining Pattern then select a pattern
of holes to be machined.
Feature Based Programming: Select a feature using the Manufacturing view and create operations based on this
feature.
Define Macros on a Milling Operation: Select the Macros tab page when creating or editing a milling operation,
then specify the transition paths of the macros to be used in the operation.
Define Macros on an Axial Machining Operation: Select the Macros tab page when creating or editing an axial
machining operation, then specify the transition paths of the macros to be used in the operation.
Manage the Status of Manufacturing Entities: Use the status lights to know whether or not your operation is
correctly defined.

Create Tool
Edit a Tool in the Resource List

This task shows you how to edit a tool that is already used in your document.
1. To edit a tool in the resource list either double click it or right click it and select the Definition contextual
command.
The Tool Definition dialog box is displayed allowing you
to edit the tool's geometric, technological, feed and
speed, and compensation characteristics.
2. If needed, enter a new name for the tool.

You can also assign a comment.
3. If needed, use the spinner to increment the Tool number.
4. Click More to expand the dialog box to access the

Geometry, Technology, Feeds & Speeds, and
Compensation tab pages.
5. You can specify the tool geometry in two ways:

double click a parameter in the large tool icon and
enter the desired value in the Edit Parameter
dialog box that appears
or enter the desired values in the Geometry tab
page.
The icon representation of the tool is updated with these
values.

Create Tool
6. Click the Technology tab and enter the desired values

for the tool's technological parameters.
7. Click the Feeds & Speeds tab and enter the desired
values for the tool's cutting conditions.
8. If tool compensation is required, click the

Compensation tab.
You can either edit an existing compensation site or add
another site, if other sites are proposed.
9. Right click the desired line to either edit or add tool compensation data.
The Compensation Definition dialog box appears.
10. Enter the desired values for the tool's compensation sites.
See Specify Tool Compensation for more information.
11. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the tool.
A user representation (CATPart) can be assigned to the tool by the contextual command in the Resource List.

Compensation
Specify Tool Compensation

This task shows you how to specify tool compensation information.
1. Select the Compensation tab page of the Tool Definition dialog box.
2. Right click the desired compensation site to either edit or

add tool compensation data.
The Compensation Definition dialog box is displayed
allowing you to specify the tool's compensation
characteristics.
3. You can associate the following information to each
compensation site on a tool:
corrector number
length register number
radius register number (if radius compensation is
allowed on the machine referenced by the part
operation)
diameter in order to specify the compensation site
location (if allowed for the tool). Site P2 of a drill,
for example.
The following tool types have only one compensation site. This is the site P1 located at the extremity of the tool.
End mill Face mill Boring tool
Tap Reamer Thread mill

Compensation
The following tool types have more than one compensation site. Some sites are defined by means of a diameter
value.
Drill Multi-diameter drill Center drill
Spot drill Boring and chamfering tool T-slotter
Conical mill Countersink Two sides chamfering tool

Lathe tools have nine compensation sites P1 to P9. Their position depends on the type of insert used on the tool.
Please refer to the Lathe Machining User's Guide for more information about cutter compensation.
4. Click OK to update the tool with the desired compensation information.
It is possible to define tool compensation site numbers for all machining operation types, if tool compensation
numbers are already defined on the tool used by the machining operation.
In general, the tool compensation site number used by the operation can be specified.
For operations such as Boring and Chamfering, Chamfering Two Sides or Contouring (when a T-slotter is used),
two tool compensation site numbers can be used during machining.

Compensation

Patterns
Machining Patterns
This task shows you how to:
create a specific machining feature called machining pattern
use this pattern of holes by referencing it directly in a drilling operation.
Create a machining pattern
1. Select the Manufacturing Feature View icon to
display the Manufacturing View.
2. Select the Insert > Machining Features > Machining
Pattern command.
A Machining Pattern entity is added to the
Manufacturing View.
3. Right click the Machining Pattern entity and select the
Definition contextual menu command.
The Machining Pattern dialog box is displayed.
4. Click the No Points sensitive text in the dialog box, then
select the points to be included in the machining pattern.
The icon is updated with this information.
5. Click OK to create the machining pattern.
Use a machining pattern in a machining operation

The Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page.
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be
machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the machining pattern from the displayed list.
The pattern is highlighted in the model.

Patterns
3. Click OK to create the drilling operation: the holes of the machining pattern will be drilled by this operation.

Feaures
Features
This task shows you how to use features displayed in the Manufacturing View for NC programming.
1. Select the Manufacturing Feature View icon to display the

Manufacturing View.
2. Select a feature in the View (Hole5, for example).

The operations to be created will be attached to this feature.
3. To attach a spot drilling operation to the feature, s .
The Spot Drilling dialog box appears. Select the Geometry tab
page.
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the
geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
4. Click the 1 Point sensitive text in the dialog box, then select the points to be included along with Hole5 in the
machining pattern (Hole6, Hole7, Hole8, for example).
The icon is updated with this information.

Feaures
5. Click OK to create the Spot Drilling operation, which is created

with Machining Pattern.1 comprising 4 holes.
The Manufacturing View is updated.
In Geometry tab page of the Drilling dialog box, click the No Points sensitive text in the dialog box, then select
Machining Pattern.1 from the displayed list.
7. Click OK to create the Drilling operation, which is created with

Machining Pattern.2, which references Machining Pattern.1 for the
position of the four holes in the pattern.
The Manufacturing View is updated.

Feaures
8. Replay the two operations in the program to check that they both use the selected machining pattern based on the
initial feature selection.
You can use the contextual menu to sort the manufacturing view
by Features, Patterns, Activities or Tools.
If you edit the Machining Pattern.1 (to include more points, for example) both the Spot Drilling and Drilling operations
will be updated.

Define Macros on a Milling Operation

This task shows you how to define macros on a milling operation. In this example you will create circular approach,
circular retract and linking macros on a Profile Contouring operation.
You must have created the previously described Profile Contouring operation.
1. Double click the Profile Contouring operation.
2.
Select the Macros tab page .
3. Click the Approach macro checkbox, then select the large
icon representing a Circular Approach.
A sensitive icon representing the elementary paths of the
macro appears.
4. Double click each elementary path to display a dialog box

that allows you to specify the exact characteristics the
path.
The following dialog box allows you to specify the exact
characteristics of the circular path.
Set the values of the circular approach paths so as to

have a 10mm vertical path followed by a 15mm radius
circular path.
You can click Replay to check the circular approach.
5. Click the Retract macro check box and create a circular retract macro in the same way.
6. Click the Linking macro checkbox.
Linking Retract is automatically displayed in the combo
allowing you to specify the retract path of the linking
macro.
Select the linear retract path icon.

7. Double click the displayed value, then assign a 20mm

value to the retract path.
8. Select Linking Approach in the combo. Select the linear approach path icon and assign a 20mm value to the
approach path.
9. Click the Cornerized Clearance with Radius checkbox,
then enter a corner radius value of 3mm.

You can insert PP words in macros by double clicking the green X symbols in the sensitive icons.
The PP Words Selection dialog box is displayed. You can enter the syntax in the following ways:
enter one or more PP word syntaxes directly in the text field
click the icon to access the PP words table that is referenced in the current part operation.
You can then select predefined syntaxes from this table using the dialog box that appears.
For CUTCOM, you should select the NC_CUTCOM_ON instruction in the list of available syntaxes if you want
the program to interpret cutter compensation automatically (that is, by a CUTCOM/LEFT or CUTCOM/RIGHT
instruction). If you choose different syntax in the list, it will be used as selected.
10. Click Replay to validate the tool path.
11. In the Replay dialog box select the By colors mode in order to visualize feedrate changes. The tool path is
displayed with the following colors:
Yellow: approach feedrate
Green: machining feedrate
Blue: retract feedrate
Red: Rapid feedrate
White: user-defined feedrate.
Please note that transition paths are represented by dashed white lines.
12. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the operation.
The operation is updated with the specified macros.

Define Macros on an Axial Machining Operation

This task shows you how to define macros on an axial machining operation. In this example you will add approach,
retract and linking macros to an existing Drilling operation.
You must have created the previously described Drilling operation.
1. Double click the Drilling operation.
2.
Select the Macros tab page .
3. Click the Approach macro definition checkbox, then

select the Add Axial Motion icon .
A sensitive icon representing the elementary paths of the
macro appears.
4. Double click the displayed value in order to edit it.

A dialog box appears to allow you to specify the desired
distance (30mm, for example).
5. Click the Retract macro definition checkbox and create a 30 mm axial retract motion in the same way.
6. Click the Linking macro definition checkbox and create 25mm axial approach and retract motions for the linking
macro.
7. Click Replay to validate the tool path.
In the Replay dialog box select the By colors mode in order to visualize feedrate changes. The tool path is
displayed with the following colors:

Blue: retract feedrate
Red: Rapid feedrate
Purple: plunge feedrate
White: local feedrate.
Note that if a jump distance is defined on the operation, it will be used in preference to the linking macro.
Similarly if local entry/exit distances are defined on the operation, they will be used in preference to the linking
macro.
8. Click OK to accept the modifications made to the operation.
The operation is updated with the specified macros.

Status Management
Status Management
This task shows you how the status of manufacturing entities is managed.
1. Select the Pocketing icon .
The Pocketing Definition dialog box appears directly

at the Geometry tab page.
The status light on the tab is red indicating

that you must specify the geometry to be machined
by the operation.
A symbol on the Pocketing entity in the

specification tree also indicates that the operation
definition is incomplete.
2. Select the required pocket geometry. The status light switches to green on the tab .
The status lights on the Strategy , Feeds and Macros tab are all green indicating that default
values are already set for operation creation.
You can of course modify these values. Just select the corresponding tab to access these parameters.
The status lights on the Tool tab is orange. This indicates that, although a default tool is set for the
operation, you may want to modify or change that tool for a more suitable one.
3. When all the status lights are green you generally
have sufficient conditions to create the operation.
Just click OK to create the operation.
Remember that you should always check the
operation's tool path by means of a replay.
The symbol on the Pocketing tree entity is

removed when the operation definition is complete.
The operation name in the specification tree is
appended with the text Computed after a replay is
done on the operation.

Verif/Simu/NC Output
Verification, Simulation and Program Output

This section shows you how to use the various tools provided with NC Manufacturing such as tool path verification, material
removal simulation, and production of NC output data.
Replay Tool Path: Select the Tool Path Replay icon then specify the display options for an animated tool path
display of the manufacturing program of machining operation.
Simulate Material Removal: Select the desired icon in the Tool Path Replay dialog box to run a material removal
simulation either in Photo or Video mode.
Generate APT Source Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the APT source processing options.
Generate Clfile Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the Clfile processing options.
Generate NC Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the NC code processing options.
Generate a CGR File in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Output in Batch Mode icon then select the
manufacturing program to be processed and define the CGR file processing options.
Generate APT Source Code in Interactive Mode: Select the Generate NC Code Interactively icon to generate
APT source code for the current manufacturing program.
Generate NC Documentation: Select the Generate Documentation icon to produce shop floor documentation in
HTML format.
Import an APT Source into the Program: Select the APT Import contextual command to insert an existing APT
source into the current manufacturing program.
Access VNC: Use the Macro Output to VNC icon to access the Delmia VNC product from the CATIA NC
Manufacturing workbench.

Tool Path Replay
Replay a Tool Path

This task shows you how to replay the tool path of an operation.
You can also replay the tool path of a manufacturing program.
1. Select an operation in the program, then select the Replay icon .
You can also right-click the operation and select Replay Tool Path from the contextual menu.
The operation's tool path is computed interactively and a progress bar appears giving the status of the
computation.
You can interrupt the computation by clicking Cancel.
The Replay dialog box appears at the end of the computation.

Information that appears in this dialog box includes:
current feedrate
current tool tip position
machining time and total time.
Total time is machining time plus non-machining time (that is, time spent in transition paths and so on).
You can also access the Replay dialog box directly from the Operation Definition dialog box.
2. Choose one of the Replay modes by
selecting one of the drop down icons:
Point to Point
Continuous
Plane by Plane
Feedrate by Feedrate .
3. Choose one of the Tool Visualization modes by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Tool displayed at last position only
Tool axis displayed at each position
Tool displayed at each position .
4. Choose a Color mode by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Tool path displayed in same color
Tool path displayed in different colors for different feedrates :

Blue retract feedrate
Red: Rapid feedrate.

Tool Path Replay
Please note that transition paths are represented by white dashed lines.
5. Choose one of the Point Display modes by selecting one of the drop down icons:
Trajectory of the contact point is displayed
Trajectory of either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed
Trajectories of the contact point and either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed .
Trajectory of either the contact point or either the tool tip or the tool center point is displayed .
6. Click the button to position the tool at the operation start point, then to start the replay.
You can use the other Tool Animation buttons to move the tool along the tool path as follows:
go to the operation end point
run the replay in reverse mode
request a pause in the replay .
7. Click the Machine Verification icon to check the accessibility of the part on a VNC machine.
Please refer to Accessibility on a VNC Machine.

8. Click OK to quit the replay mode.
If the operation has been deactivated by means of the Deactivate command, it cannot be replayed. If you want to
replay the operation, you must reactivate it using the Activate command.
Similarly, if the manufacturing program has been deactivated by means of the Deactivate command, it cannot be
replayed. If you want to replay the program, you must reactivate it using the Activate command.
If a Profile Contouring operation was created with the cutter profile output option, both the cutter profile and tip
trajectory will be displayed in the replay.
If a user-defined tool representation is related to the operation, that tool will be displayed in the replay.

Machine Accessibility
Accessibility on VNC Machine

This task shows how to check accessibility on a VNC machine. This involves:
customizing the machine tool environment
loading part and opening the desired NC workbench
using the commands of the Machine Management toolbar for:
importing resources
viewing part operation setup
positioning the part on the machine table
attaching the part on the machine table
checking accessibility at the current tool position by means of a replay.
1. Select Tools > Options from the menu bar.
Select the Compatibility category in the tree to the left.
In the Root Libraries field enter the path of library that will allow importing DELMIA/Deneb device files (for example,
..\startup\Manufacturing\Samples\NCMachinesToollib).
Click OK to validate this choice.
2. Open the AccessibilityChecking.CATPart document, then select NC Manufacturing > Prismatic Machining from the Start
menu.
3. Double click the Part Operation in the tree, then click the Machine icon .
In the Machine Editor dialog box, select the 5-axis_Default_machine and click OK.
Click OK in the Part Operation dialog box: the machine is added to the Resource List.
If the Machine Management toolbar is not displayed in the workbench, you can activate it by selecting View > Toolbars >
Machine Management.
4. Select the Resource Context icon to import a VNC machine.
In the dialog box that appears, select Files of type: (*.dev) Deneb devices then open the machine 3_2_axis.dev in the
NCMachinesToollib\Devices folder.
This machine is also added to the Resource List.
5. Right click the 5-axis_Default_machine in the tree, select the Assign VNC Machine contextual command then select the
Makino_5.1 VNC machine in the tree.
6. Select the Part Setup icon .
A window entitled Process1 : Part Operation.1 appears showing the machine and the part of the current part operation.
7. Select the Snap icon then position the part on the machine table as follows.
Select the part in the Process1 : Part Operation.1 window. A square symbol appears.
Use the mouse to move the symbol and click when the An orientation symbol and the Define Reference Plane
square is located on the underside of the part. dialog box appear. Click OK in the dialog box.

Select the machine table in the Process1 : Part Operation.1 window. A square symbol appears.
Use the mouse to move the symbol and click when the An orientation symbol and the Define Reference Plane
square is located on the center of the table. dialog box appear. Click OK in the dialog box. The part
is then snapped onto the table.
Click the Select icon to exit the Snap command.

8. Select the Attach icon then attach the part and the machine as follows.
Select the table (parent object) then the part (child object).
Click OK in the Child Selection dialog box.

9. Close the Process1 : Part Operation.1 window.
You can use the Fit All In icon to reframe the part in the Process window
10. Create a machining operation (a pocketing operation, for example).

11. Activate the Replay dialog box, then click the Check Accessibility icon to verify that the machine can effectively reach the
part at the current tool position.
The Process1 : Part Operation.1 window appears again along with a Check dialog box.
If the position is reachable, the tool, part and machine are displayed at that position.
If the position is not reachable, the part and machine are displayed with the tool at the home position.
12. Click OK in the Check dialog box to return to the replay mode.

Machine Management Toolbar

This toolbar is available for P2 products and contains the following tools for checking
accessibility on the machine.
Loads products and resources.

Positions the part on the machine for current part operation.
Snaps resources together.
Aligns objects using various methods.
Attaches objects.
http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/mfgug/mfgugwd0209.htm [5/17/2001 3:25:32 PM]

Material Removal Simulation

This task shows you how to simulate the material removed by a machining operation. Two modes are available: Photo
and Video.
In Photo mode, you can only simulate operations whose tool axis is the same as the Z-axis of the Part Operation's
machining axis system.
In Video mode, if the stock geometry is not correctly closed, a stock representing the envelope volume of the design
part is computed.
Select the operation in the tree, then select
the Replay icon .
You can also right-click the operation in the

tree and select Replay Tool Path from the
contextual menu.
The Replay dialog box appears.
1. Material Removal - Photo mode

Select the Photo icon .
The result of the material removal is displayed in a window entitled Photo.

The following icons become available for analyzing the result of the simulation:
for comparing the machined part with the design part.
for customizing material removal settings.
2. Select the Analyze Photo icon .
The Errors dialog box appears that gives

details of all errors found.

3. In the Filter Setting section, select the

desired fault types and specify the Tolerance
for the comparison.
The fault filter setting permits three types of
faults:
Gouge: areas where the tool has
removed excess material from the
workpiece.
Undercut: areas where the tool has left
behind material on the workpiece.
Tool Clash: areas where the tool
collided with the workpiece during a
rapid move.
4. Click the Compare button.

The machined part is compared with the design part based on the specified Filter Setting.
Any point on the machined surface of the workpiece is considered to be part of a fault if the normal distance
(normal deviation) to the design part surface is greater than the specified tolerance.
Results of the comparison are reflected on the workpiece, based on the extent of severity of the fault and the
customized color settings.
The list of detected faults are listed in the Faults combo box.
The faults are ordered in such a way that Tool Clash appears at the top of the list followed by Gouge and
Undercut. The gouges and undercuts are in turn sorted on the basis of decreasing fault area.
On selecting a fault from the Faults combo box, the region corresponding to the fault is indicated by a "Fault
Indicator" bounding box on the workpiece.
Other detailed information about the selected fault is displayed.
If needed, you can update the program data and display by clicking on the Photo icon again.
At any time you can pick on the surface of the

workpiece. A dialog box appears giving
information about the pick point:
The operation used for removing
material.
The normal deviation between the
workpiece and the design part.
The X, Y, and Z coordinates of the pick
point.
The tool used for machining.
5. Click Close to quit the Analyze Photo mode and return to the Replay dialog box.
1. Material Removal - Video mode
Select the Video icon .
The Material removal video is displayed in a window entitled Video.

If the Replay mode is set to Point to Point, the number of points value is taken into account.
If the Replay mode is set to Continuous, the slider position is taken into account for adjusting the speed of the
animation.
2. Use the Tool animation replay buttons to run the material simulation video:
run
run one or more blocks
stop
rewind
run reverse.
3. If needed, click the Save Video icon to save the material simulation video.
The Save Machined Workpiece dialog box appears allowing you to save the result of the simulation video in a cgr
(Catia geometric representation) type file.
4. Click OK to quit the Replay dialog box.

Material Simulation Settings

This task shows you how to customize settings for material removal simulation.
1. Select the Photo Settings icon in the Material Removal Simulation Photo mode section of the Tool Path
Replay dialog box.
The Settings dialog box appears that allows you to set options for the Photo mode.
In the Faults tab you can customize:
the colors in which the faults on the workpiece will be displayed after a machined part/design part
comparison.
the appearance of the fault indicator bounding box.
In the General tab you can customize:
the colors of the tools used for machining
the machining accuracy
the size of the workpiece scooped out.
2. In the Faults tab, select the desired colors to be
displayed for machining that is within tolerance and
for tool clashes.
3. For a particular type of fault, select the

desired tolerance range (for example, Tol and Tol
X 2) from the combo box and select its color
representation in the adjacent combo box.
Tol represents the tolerance value that you
specified in the Material Removal Simulation -
Errors dialog box.
4. In the Indicator section, select:

the Solid button to display a transparent cuboid Indicator bounding box. You can also vary the amount of
transparency.
the Wireframe button to display a wireframe Indicator bounding box.
The color of the bounding box may be modified to suit the workpiece color to ensure adequate visibility.
These colors will be reflected on the workpiece wherever the tools have been used to cut material on the
workpiece.
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5. In the General tab, if the machining resolution is

changed from coarse to fine, machining accuracy
improves and results in a very detailed machining.
However, a "fine" resolution results in more memory
and time being consumed for machining.
The Close-up options are not used in this version.
6. Click OK to quit Material Removal Settings and return to the Replay dialog box.

Batch Generation of APT Source Code
Generate APT Source File in Batch Mode

This task shows you how to generate NC code in APT format from the program in batch mode.
Always save your program modifications before generating the NC code.

For best results, you should have verified the operations of your program by replay or simulation. There should be no
operations to be updated or in an undefined state.
1. Select the Manufacturing Program entity in the tree,
then select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode
icon .
The corresponding dialog box appears.
2. In the In/Out tab page:

Specify the manufacturing program to be processed
by:
either selecting the Current document check
box
or using the Document button and Program
combo.
3. Select APT as the type of NC data output that you

want.
4. Specify the file where you want the NC data to be
written using the Output File button.
5. If needed, you can choose to write the document after processing.
Just select the Save document checkbox and specify where you want to save it using the Document button.
You can attach the generated output file to the selected manufacturing program by selecting the Associate
document checkbox. The output file can be accessed by means of the Display NC File contextual command
on the manufacturing program.
6. In the Options tab page:
Specify the options to be used in the processing.
Some of these options take machine characteristics
into account (for example, Circular Interpolation).
Others determine how information is to be presented
on the output file (for example, information
statements to be presented with the PPRINT
syntax).
If Syntax used is set to Yes, then for axial
machining operations the PP word syntax specified
in the PP word table will be output . Otherwise,
GOTO statements will be generated.
7. Click Execute to request computation of the APT source file.

A log file is also generated in the resulting NC data folder. It contains machining time information similar to that
obtained during the interactive tool path replay.

Batch Generation of APT Source Code

Batch Generation of Clfile Code
Generate Clfile Code in Batch Mode

This task shows you how to generate NC code in Clfile format from the program in batch mode.
Always save your program modifications before generating the NC code.

then select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode
icon .

Specify the manufacturing program to be processed
by:
box
combo.
3. Select CLF as the type of NC data output that you

want.
4. Specify the file where you want the NC data to be
written using the Output File button.
Just select the Save document checkbox and specify where you want to save it using the Document button.
You can attach the generated output file to the selected manufacturing program by selecting the Associate
document checkbox. The output file can be accessed by means of the Display NC File contextual command
on the manufacturing program.
6. In the Options tab page:
Specify the options to be used in the processing.
Some of these options take machine characteristics
into account (for example, Circular Interpolation).
Others determine how information is to be presented
on the output file (for example, information
statements to be presented with the PPRINT
syntax).
If Syntax used is set to Yes, then for axial
machining operations the PP word syntax specified
in the PP word table will be output . Otherwise,
GOTO statements will be generated.
7. Click Execute to request computation of the Clfile code.

A log file is also generated in the resulting NC data folder. It contains machining time information similar to that
obtained during the interactive tool path replay.

Batch Generation of Clfile Code

Batch Generation of ISO NC Code
Generate NC Code in Batch Mode

This task shows you how to generate NC code from the program in batch mode.
Always save your program modifications before generating NC code.

then select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode icon
.

Specify the manufacturing program to be processed by:
box
combo.
3. Select NC Code as the type of NC data output that you

want.
4. Specify the file you want the NC data to be written

using the Output File button.

Just select the Save document checkbox and specify where you want to save the document.
6. You can attach the generated output file to the selected manufacturing program by selecting the Associate
document checkbox. The output file can be accessed by means of the Display NC File contextual command on
the manufacturing program.
The setting of certain options in the Options tab page may have an influence on the generated NC code.
7. In the NC Code tab page, use the combo to select the

desired Post Processor parameters file.
8. Click Execute to request computation of the NC code.

Sample Post Processor parameter files are delivered with the product in the folder
\Startup\Manufacturing\PPPar
which provides NC output for various machine types.
Select the type of Post Processor parameter files to be made available for selection in the NC Code tab
page using Tools > Options > NC Manufacturing > Output tab. If the output option is set to None, no
parameter files will be available for selection.
For information about how to acquire Post Processor parameters files that provide machine specific NC
code output, please contact your IBM representative.

Batch Generation of ISO NC Code

Batch Generation of CGR File
Generate a CGR File in Batch Mode

This task shows you how to generate a CGR from the program in batch mode.
Always save your program modifications before running a batch execution.

then select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode icon
.

Specify the manufacturing program to be processed by:
box
combo.
3. Select In Process Model (CGR) as the type of NC data

output that you want.
4. Specify the file you want the NC data to be written

using the Output File button.

Just select the Save document checkbox and specify where you want to save the document.
6. You can attach the generated output file to the selected manufacturing program by selecting the Associate
document checkbox. The output file can be accessed by means of the Display NC File contextual command on
the manufacturing program.
The Options and NC Code tab pages are not useful for generating CGR files.
7. Click Execute to request computation of the CGR file.

The CGR file can be used in a CATProduct. For example, this can be useful when the result of a previous
process is to be used as the stock of the next process.

Interactive Generation of APT Source Code
Generate NC Code Interactively

This task shows you how to generate NC code from the program in interactive mode.
The generated NC code is in APT format.
1. Select the Manufacturing Program entity
in the tree, then select the Generate NC
Code Interactively icon .
You can also use the right mouse key on

the Manufacturing Program entity to
select Generate NC code.
The Save NC File dialog box appears.
2. Select the folder where the file is to be

saved and specify the name of the file.
3. Click Save to create the APT file.
The generated APT file can be browsed with any kind of editor.

NC Doc Generation
Generate NC Documentation
This task shows how to generate NC documentation in HTML format.
You can use the following scripting languages, depending on the platform you are running on:
BasicScript 2.2 SDK for UNIX (BasicScript is a registered trademark of Summit Software Company)
VBScript, short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, for Windows NT (Visual Basic is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation).
Users on NT machines must have Windows Scripting Host installed.

You should have previously customized a CATScript file that defines the layout of the document you want to
generate.
Samples are delivered with the product in \Startup\Manufacturing\Documentation.
1. Select the NC Documentation icon .
The Process Documentation dialog box appears.
2. Select the CATScript file by clicking the button on the right of the Script field.
In this version, just leave Process as the Process name.
3. Specify the folder and file where the documentation is to be generated by clicking the button on the right of the
Path field.
4. Click Document Now to generate your documentation.
An extract from a Sample Shop Floor Documentation delivered with this User's Guide is given below.

NC Doc Generation

APT Import
APT Import
This task shows how to import an existing APT file into the program.
1. Right click the Manufacturing Program

entity in the specification tree and select
APT Import from the contextual menu.
The Read NC File dialog box appears.
2. Navigate to find the folder in which the desired APT file is stored.
3. Select the APT file in the displayed list then click Open to insert it in the program.
You can right-click the APT Import entity in the specification tree to access a contextual menu that allows you to:
replay the APT source file
edit the APT source file definition.

VNC Access
VNC Access
This task outlines the steps you need to perform to access the Delmia VNC product from the CATIA NC
Manufacturing workbench.
This task makes use of the V5_VNC_Bridge.CATScript VB macro file and other objects delivered with your CATIA
NC Manufacturing product in the \Startup\Manufacturing\Samples\Vnc folder.
Copy the file T30_machine from this folder to the "Machines" folder in your Delmia VNC installation path
(that is, copy T30_machine to c:\deneb\VNClib\MACHINES\).
Copy the mimic file T30_machine.mmc from this folder to the "Mimic" folder in your Delmia VNC installation path
(that is, copy T30_machine.mmc to c:\deneb\VNClib\Mimic\ ).
You must create some directories where the demo and simulation data will be copied.
They are : c:\deneb\VNCLib\CLIMACROS\CATIAVNC
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PARTS\CATIAVNC
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PARTS\CATIAVNC\TOOL_HOLDERS
c:\deneb\VNCLib\PROGRAMS\CATIAVNC
You can find detailed information in the \Startup\Manufacturing\Samples\Vnc\V5-VNCReadMe.htm file.
In the V5_VNC_Bridge.CATScript VB macro file the line containing the
VNClib path (theVNCRoot = "C:\deneb\VNClib\") may need to be customized to your own VNClib path .
1. Open the V5_VNC_demo.CATProcess document in CATIA V5, then select the desired NC Manufacturing
workbench from the Start menu.
2. Double click the Part Operation entity in the specification tree.
3. Click the Machine icon to access the Machine
Editor dialog box.
Make sure that a 3-axis with rotary table
machine with the VNC machine name is
selected (that is, T30_machine).
When computing NC data from your program, make sure that the NC data type is set to NC Code in the
Generate NC Output in Batch Mode dialog box
4. In the Part Operation dialog box, make sure a stock is specified. This will become the VNC workpiece.
5. Click the Macro Output to VNC icon .

VNC Access
6. Then the V5_VNC_Bridge.CATScript VB macro file:

uses CATIA Manufacturing VB interfaces to read and extract data from the V5 Manufacturing Process
document in order to generate a 'VNC CLI macro' and start VNC.
retrieves Manufacturing tools from the V5 program and initializes them in VNC.
creates a VNC workpiece from the stock specified in the Part Operation dialog box.
starts VNC
For version 5.3, VNC starts automatically.
For versions 5.21, a CLI macro is generated, which you can use to start VNC.
initializes the machine and loads the ISO NC code program generated from the V5 program.
Note that the syntax of the Manufacturing VB interfaces is subject to change in the next releases.
No compatibility of the present set of Manufacturing VB interfaces is guaranteed with future releases.

Advanced Tasks
Advanced Tasks
The tasks described in this section deal with specific NC Manufacturing processes.
Design Changes
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Design Changes
Design Changes
This task shows you how to manage your design changes.
1. Create a Profile Contouring operation and replay the tool path.

All the tabs of the Profile Contouring dialog box display a green status.
The Profile Contouring entity is displayed in the tree with no related symbol.
2. Switch to the window showing the CATpart design and modify the part geometry.
3. Switch to the Set Up Editor manufacturing window.
The Profile Contouring entity is now displayed in the tree with an Update symbol.
4. Double click the Profile Contouring entity to edit the operation.
The Geometry tab has an orange status, indicating that the geometry has been modified.
5. Select the Analyze contextual command in
the sensitive icon zone of the dialog box.
The Geometry Analyzer dialog box appears
showing the status of the referenced
geometry.
6. Click the Smart icon to highlight the geometry

that was used in the operation before the part
was modified.
Geometry highlighted in this way helps you to
analyze the design change.
7. Click OK to return to the Profile Contouring

dialog box.
8. Replay the tool path to make sure that the machining is consistent with the design change.
You should check that there is no longer an Update symbol beside the Profile Contouring entity in the graph.
http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/mfgug/mfgugat0300.htm [5/17/2001 3:26:54 PM]

Customizing
Customizing
The tasks in this section describe ways in which you can customize your NC Manufacturing
environment.
NC Manufacturing Settings
Build a Tool Catalog
Access External Tool Catalogs
PP Word Syntaxes
NC Documentation
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This task briefly describes which settings you can customize.
For more information, see Settings for NC Manufacturing products.
Administrator authorizations for NC Manufacturing settings are handled in the standard way described in the Version
5 Infrastructure User's Guide.
2. Select the NC Manufacturing category in the tree to the left.

The options for NC Manufacturing settings appear. They are organized in tab pages and allow you to
customize:
Display settings
the display of the specification tree
the tool path display during replay
the colors of displayed geometry and parameters
You can choose to highlight geometry instead of assigning colors.
the creation of a CATPart at Product level for storing geometry that is necessary for NC manufacturing
the activation of the Smart NC mode.
Resource settings
the path of the folder containing tool catalogs and PP word tables
the selection of tools.
Operation settings
the use of default values for operation creation
the creation of machining operations
the duplication of geometry links when copying
the automatic selection of contours and islands from part bottom selection.
Output settings
the selection of PP parameter files from different suppliers
how tool path information is to be stored (current document or external file)
where tool path information is to be stored
what type of tool path information is to be stored.
3. Click OK to apply the settings and quit the dialog box.

NC Manufacturing
Display
This task explains how to customize Display settings for NC Manufacturing products.
2. Select the NC Manufacturing category in the tree to the

left.
The options for NC Manufacturing settings appear,
organized in tab pages.
Select the Display tab to customize:
the display of the specification tree
the colors of displayed geometry and parameters
the tool display during tool path replay
the handling of geometry necessary for
manufacturing
the use of the Smart NC mode.
3. In the Tree Display area:

select the checkbox to activate the PPR tree display mode.
4. Select the colors to be used to identify the various manufacturing entities by means of the combos in the Color
and Highlight area.
5. In the Tool Path Replay area:
select the checkbox if you want to display the tool near your cursor position on the trajectory during a tool
path replay.
6. In the Complementary Geometry area:
select the checkbox to create a CATPart dedicated to manufacturing-specific geometry in the Product List
part of the PPR tree.
7. In the Smart NC area:
select the checkbox to activate the Smart NC mode.
8. Click OK to apply the settings and quit the dialog box.
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Build a Tools Catalog

This task shows you how to build a customized tools catalog.
You will have to customize an Excel file and a VB macro file in order to build your tools catalog.
1. Edit an Excel file with the desired tool descriptions.
The characteristic attributes of each tool type are described in Tools.

You can include user-defined tool representations in your catalog. You do this by associating a CATPart
document containing this representation to the desired tool in the last column of the Excel file.
The user-defined tool representation will be displayed in the tool path replay.
2. Save the tool descriptions as a csv type file.
3. Edit the VB macro file to specify the input and output files. An example is shown below:
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
'' VBScript for Manufacturing Tools catalog generation.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
csvFile ="MyCatalog.csv"
catalogFile ="MyCatalog.catalog"
'Get the outputDir and inputDir environment variables

inputDir = "HOME\Catalog"
outputDir = "HOME\Catalog"
'Creates a catalog document

Dim Catlg As Document
Set Catlg=CATIA.Documents.Add("CatalogDocument")
InitData1=inputDir & "\" & csvFile

Newcata1=outputDir & "\" & catalogFile
'Calls CreateCatalogFromcsv method on Catlg (ENDCHAPTER)
Catlg.CreateCatalogFromcsv InitData1 , Newcata1
Catlg.Close
End Sub

4. In your Version 5 session, select Tool > Macro >

Macros.
The Macro dialog box is displayed.
5. Select the VB macro file that you edited previously,

then click Run.
The tools catalog is created (MyCatalog.catalog) along with a report file (MyCatalog.report).
You can check this in the Search Tool dialog box.

Tools
Tool Resources
All supported tool types as well as their main geometry attributes are presented in this section:
Milling and Drilling Tools
Lathe Tools
Lathe Inserts.
These attributes are particularly useful for tasks such as Building a catalog of tools.
Milling and Drilling Tools

Face Mill
The MFG_NAME_BAS attribute for this tool is
MfgFaceMillTool
Manufacturing geometry attributes used in this resource are:
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OUTSIDE_DIAM: Da
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: Kr
End Mill

MfgEndMillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
Center Drill
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Tools

MfgCenterDrillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a1
MFG_TAPER_ANGLE: a2
Spot Drill

MfgSpotDrillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
Drill

MfgDrillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
Countersink

Tools

MfgCountersinkTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
Reamer

MfgReamerTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
Boring Bar
MfgBoringBarTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
MFG_NON_CUT_DIAM: dn
MFG_TIP_LENGTH: lt
MFG_TIP_ANGLE: e
MFG_TIP_RADIUS: Re
MFG_TOOL_ANGLE: b
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
Tap

Tools

MfgTapTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
T-Slotter

MfgTSlotterTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CORNER_RAD_2: Rc2
Multi-Diameter Drill
MfgMultiDiamDrillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a1
MFG_TAPER_ANGLE: a3
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
MFG_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_LENGTH_2: l2
MFG_ANGLE_2: a2
MFG_CHAMFR_DIAM1: Dc
MFG_CHAMFR_DIAM2: Dc2
Two Sides Chamfering Tool

Tools

MfgTwoSidesChamferingTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a1
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: ld
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
MFG_ANGLE_2: a2
Boring and Chamfering Tool

MfgBoringAndChamferingTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_CHAMFR_DIAM1: Dc
MFG_TAPER_ANGLE: a
Conical Mill
MfgConicalMillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Rc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: Db
MFG_ENTRY_DIAM: d
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: a
Thread Mill

Tools

MfgThreadMillTool
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: D
MFG_OVERALL_LGTH: L
MFG_LENGTH: l
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: lc
MFG_BODY_DIAM: db
MFG_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_TAPER_ANGLE: Ach
Lathe Tools
External Tool

MfgExternalTool.
MFG_SHANK_HEIGHT: h
MFG_SHANK_WIDTH: b
MFG_SHK_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_SHK_CUT_WDTH: f
MFG_KAPPA_R: Kr
Internal Tool

MfgInternalTool.
MFG_BODY_DIAM: db
MFG_BAR_LENGTH_1: l1
MFG_BAR_CUT_RAD: f
MFG_KAPPA_R: Kr

Tools
External Groove Tool

MfgGrooveExternalTool.
MFG_SHANK_HEIGHT: h
MFG_SHANK_WIDTH: b
MFG_SHK_CUT_WDTH: f
Frontal Groove Tool

MfgGrooveFrontalTool
MFG_SHANK_HEIGHT: h
MFG_SHANK_WIDTH: b
MFG_SHK_CUT_WDTH: f
Internal Groove Tool

MfgGrooveInternalTool
MFG_BODY_DIAM: db
MFG_BAR_CUT_RAD: f
External Thread Tool

Tools

MfgThreadExternalTool
MFG_SHANK_HEIGHT: h
MFG_SHANK_WIDTH: b
MFG_SHK_CUT_WDTH: f
Internal Thread Tool

MfgThreadInternalTool
MFG_BODY_DIAM: db
MFG_BAR_CUT_RAD: f
Lathe Inserts
Diamond Insert

MfgDiamondInsert
MFG_INSCRIB_DIAM: IC
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK: s
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS: r
MFG_INSERT_ANGL: a
Square Insert

Tools

MfgSquareInsert
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK: s
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS: r
MFG_INSERT_ANGL: 90
Triangular Insert

MfgTriangularInsert
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK: s
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS: r
MFG_INSERT_ANGL: 60
Round Insert

MfgRoundInsert
MFG_INSERT_THICK: s
Trigon Insert

Tools

MfgTrigonInsert
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK: s
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS: r
MFG_INSERT_ANGL: 80
Groove Insert
MfgGrooveInsert
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK
MFG_INSERT_WIDTH: la
MFG_NOSE_RAD_1: r1
MFG_NOSE_RAD_2: r2
MFG_BOTTOM_ANGLE: b
MFG_FLANK_ANG_1: a1
MFG_FLANK_ANG_2: a2
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: l1
Thread Insert
MfgThreadInsert
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: l
MFG_INSERT_THICK
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS
MFG_INSERT_ANGLE: 60
MFG_THREAD_ANGLE
MFG_TOOTH_X
MFG_TOOTH_Z
MFG_TOOTH_H

Access to External Tool Catalogs

This task shows you how to customize access to the following external tool catalogs:
CATIA Version 4 Manufacturing database
Walter TDM (Tool Data Management) database.
CATIA Version 4 Manufacturing relational database (db2 or Oracle)
1. Customize the "CATIAV4NC" file in the " ...\intel_a\startup\Manufacturing\Database" directory of your CATIA V5
installation as follows.
In this file, you should declare information related to the V4 database installation:
user, password, database name and type (should be 'oracle' or 'db2')
DatabaseType =DB2 (or ORACLE)
DataBaseName =SAMPLE
User =db2adm
Password =db2adm
ProjectName =PROJET_422
CDMADictionary =CATIA
2. Declare the UNIX workstation as being used as the server.
For a CATIA V5 installation on NT :
xxxxxxx
For a CATI A V5 installation on UNIX:
xxxxxx
Walter TDM (Tool Data Management) relational database (db2 or Oracle)

1. Customize the "WalterTDM" file in the " ...\intel_a\startup\Manufacturing\Database" directory of your CATIA V5
installation as follows.
In this file, you should declare information related to the Walter TDM database installation:
user, password, database name and type (should be 'oracle' or 'db2')
DatabaseType =DB2 (or ORACLE)

DataBaseName =SAMPLE
User =db2adm
Password =db2adm
ProjectName =PROJET_422
CDMADictionary =CATIA
2. Declare the UNIX workstation as being used as the server.
For a CATIA V5 installation on NT :
xxxxxxx
For a CATI A V5 installation on UNIX:
xxxxxx


PP Word Syntaxes
PP Word Syntaxes
This section shows you how to customize the following types of syntaxes in your PP word table:
syntaxes associated to NC commands
sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to NC instructions.
The NC Manufacturing product will resolve the parameters of these syntaxes and syntax sequences and generate the
corresponding statements in the APT output.
A sample PP word table is delivered with the product in \Startup\Manufacturing\PPTables\PPTableSample.pptable
It can be used as a basis for creating user-defined tables.
Please refer to PP Tables and Word Syntaxes for more information.
1. NC Commands
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC
commands.
An NC command is a machine function such as feedrate declaration (NC_FEEDRATE) or spindle activation
(NC_SPINDLE_START).
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values, list
values and parameters.
A syntax that includes lists or parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_FEEDRATE
FEDRAT/%MFG_FEED_VALUE,&MFG_FEED_UNIT
*END
Note that the `&' character indicates a list and the `%' character indicates a parameter.
You can define only one syntax for each NC command.
The following example shows how the NC command NC_DELAY could be used in a Drilling Dwell Delay
operation.
2. Make sure that the PP word table is referenced by the machine used in the Part Operation and the syntax
associated with the NC_DELAY command is already created as follows:
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_DELAY
DELAY/&MFG_DELAY_UNIT,%MFG_DELAY_VALUE
*END
3. Create a Drilling Dwell Delay operation.
4. In the dialog box showing the available options, set the Dwell mode to Revolutions and enter a numerical dwell
value of `5'.
In this case the statement generated in the resulting APT source will be:
DELAY/REV,5.000
If the operation was created with the Dwell mode set to Time Units and a dwell value of `5', the statement
generated in the resulting APT source would be:
DELAY/5.000

PP Word Syntaxes
1. NC Instructions
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to
particular NC instructions.
NC instructions are either axial machining operations or auxiliary commands.
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values and
standard parameters. A set of standard parameters is associated to each NC instruction. Parameters may be
combined in arithmetical expressions.
A syntax that includes parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TOOL_CHANGE
*START_SEQUENCE
TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM
TPRINT/%MFG_TOOL_NAME
LOADTL/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER
*END
*END
Note that the `%' character indicates a parameter.
You can define one or more syntax sequences for each NC instruction.
The following example shows how the NC instruction NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY could be used to
generate a specific NC data output.
2. Make sure that the PP word table is referenced by the machine used in the Part Operation and the syntax
associated with NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY instruction is already created as follows:
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE / DRILL, %MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH, %MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
*END
*END
3. Create a Drilling Dwell Delay operation.
4. In the dialog box showing the available options, set:
hole depth to 25.0
feedrate to 500.0
approach clearance to 5.0
Dwell mode to Revolutions and enter a numerical dwell value of `3'.
In this case the NC data output is as follows:

CYCLE/DRILL, 25.000000, 500.000000, MMPM, 5.000000, DWELL, 3
The PP word table is updated with your syntaxes when you save the file.

PP Tables and PP Word Syntaxes

PP Word Tables
You can create and manage Post-Processor word tables with NC Manufacturing products.
A sample PP word table is delivered with the product, and can be used as a basis for creating user-defined tables. A PP
word table is stored in a unique text file with suffix pptable.
A PP word table can be defined for a specific machine tool and used in NC applications.
You can also define the general syntaxes of post-processor words. These syntaxes will be proposed when you want to
create a PP instruction.
A PP word table comprises:
major words without parameters
major words with a text
major words with parameters
minor words
word syntaxes.
You can define for a given machine tool:

syntaxes associated to particular NC commands
sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC instructions.
The NC Manufacturing product will resolve the parameters of these syntaxes and syntax sequences and generate the
corresponding statements in the APT output.
NC Commands
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC commands.
An NC command is a machine function such as feedrate declaration (NC_FEEDRATE) or spindle activation
(NC_SPINDLE_START).
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values, lists and
parameters.
A syntax that includes lists or parameters is a parameterized syntax (see example below):
*START_NC_COMMAND NC_COMPENSATION
LOADTL/%MFG_TL_NUMBER,%MFG_TOOL_COMP
*END
Note that the & character indicates a list and the % character indicates a parameter. A list has a finite number of values.
You can define only one syntax for each NC command.
For an example of how to define syntaxes in NC commands, please see PP Word Syntaxes in the Customizing section of
this guide.
Syntaxes of NC Commands
NC command syntaxes that are supported in the current version are as follows:
NC_COMMENT
NC_COMPENSATION
NC_CUTCOM_LEFT
NC_CUTCOM_OFF
NC_CUTCOM_ON
NC_CUTCOM_RIGHT

NC_DELAY
NC_FEEDRATE
NC_MACHINING_AXIS
NC_MULTAX_ON
NC_MULTAX_OFF
NC_SPINDLE
NC_SPINDLE_LATHE
NC_SPINDLE_LOCK
NC_SPINDLE_OFF
NC_SPINDLE_ON
NC_SPINDLE_START
NC_SPINDLE_STOP
NC_COMMENT
MFG_MO_COMMENT: comment defined on machining operation.
NC_COMPENSATION
MFG_TOOL_COMP and MFG_TL_COMP (compatibility V4): value of the tool compensation length
MFG_TL_COMP_RAD: value of the tool compensation radius
MFG_TL_NUMBER: tool number associated to the compensation
MFG_TL_NAME: name of tool associated to the compensation.
NC_CUTCOM_ON
This syntax of this NC command is CUTCOM/ON and cannot be parameterized.
NC_CUTCOM_OFF
This syntax of this NC command is CUTCOM/OFF and cannot be parameterized.
NC_CUTCOM_LEFT
This syntax of this NC command is CUTCOM/LEFT and cannot be parameterized.
NC_CUTCOM_RIGHT
This syntax of this NC command is CUTCOM/RIGHT and cannot be parameterized.
NC_DELAY
MFG_DELAY_UNIT: list with two values defining the delay units.

First value: delay expressed in number of revolutions.
REV is the default value.
Second value: delay expressed in seconds.
A blank string (represented by 8 underscore characters) is the default value. When the statement is generated by the
application this string is ignored.
MFG_DELAY_VALUE: numerical value of the delay.
NC_FEEDRATE
MFG_FEED_UNIT: list with two values defining the feedrate units.

First value: feedrate expressed in model units per minute. MMPM is the default value.
Second value: feedrate expressed in model units per revolution. MMPR is the default value.
MFG_FEED_VALUE: numerical value of the feedrate.
NC_MACHINING_AXIS
This syntax of this NC command is as follows:

$$*CATIA0
$$ %MFG_NCAXIS_IDENTIFIER
$$ %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECZ %MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG
$$ %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECZ %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG
$$ %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECZ %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG
The parameters are as follows:
MFG_NCAXIS_IDENTIFIER: machining axis identifier
MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG, MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG, MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG: coordinates of the machining axis origin
MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECX, MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECX, MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECX: components of the x-axis
MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECY, MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECY, MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECY: components of the y-axis
MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECZ, MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECZ, MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECZ: components of the z-axis.
NC_MULTAX_ON
This syntax of this NC command is MULTAX and cannot be parameterized.
NC_MULTAX_OFF
This syntax of this NC command is MULTAX/OFF and cannot be parameterized.
NC_SPINDLE_ON
This syntax of this NC command is SPINDL/ON and cannot be parameterized.
NC_SPINDLE_START or NC_SPINDLE
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: list with two values defining the spindle rotation units.
First value: spindle rotation expressed in revolutions per minute. RPM is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation expressed in surface meters per minute. SMM is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_WAY: list with two values defining the direction of rotation of the spindle.
First value: spindle rotation processed clockwise. CLW is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation processed counter-clockwise. CCLW is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_SPEED: numerical value of the spindle speed.
MFG_SPNDL_DIAMTR: numerical value of the spindle diameter.
NC_SPINDLE_LATHE
Note that this corresponds to the part's spindle speed.

MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: list with two values defining the spindle rotation units.
First value: spindle rotation expressed in revolutions per minute. RPM is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation expressed in surface meters per minute. SMM is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_WAY: list with two values defining the direction of rotation of the spindle.
First value: spindle rotation processed clockwise. CLW is the default value.
Second value: spindle rotation processed counter-clockwise. CCLW is the default value.
MFG_SPNDL_SPEED: numerical value of the spindle speed.
NC_SPINDLE_STOP
MFG_SPNDL_STOP: list with two values defining the action applied to the spindle.
First value: de-activation of the spindle. OFF is the default value.
Second value: spindle locked in an indexed position. LOCK is the default value.
MFG_CMP_ANGLE: value of the indexation angle.
NC_SPINDLE_LOCK
This syntax of this NC command is SPINDL/LOCK and cannot be parameterized.
NC_SPINDLE_OFF
This syntax of this NC command is SPINDL/OFF and cannot be parameterized.

NC Instructions
You can define for a given machine tool (i.e. post-processor) sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC
instructions.
NC instructions are either axial machining operations or auxiliary commands.
A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values and standard
parameters. A set of standard parameters is associated to each NC instruction. Parameters may be combined in
arithmetical expressions.
A syntax that includes parameters is a parameterized syntax (see examples below):
*START_SEQUENCE
TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM
TPRINT/%MFG_TOOL_NAME
LOADTL/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER
*END
*END
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_TAPPING
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/TAP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
*END
*END
Note that the % character indicates a parameter.
You can define one or more syntax sequences for each NC instruction.
For an example of how to define syntax sequences in NC Instructions, please see PP Word Syntaxes in the Customizing
section of this guide.
Standard Parameters for Auxiliary Command Type NC Instructions

These parameters include data that is defined on the corresponding entity or parameters that are computed according to an
application method.
Auxiliary command type NC Instructions are as follows.
NC_END_MACRO
NC_ORIGIN
NC_START_MACRO
NC_TABLE_ROTATION
NC_TOOL_CHANGE
NC_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE
NC_END_MACRO
MFG_IDENTIFIER: Part Operation identifier

MFG_MACHINE_NAME: Machine name.
NC_ORIGIN
MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG, MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG, MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG: coordinates of the origin

MFG_ORIGIN_NUMBER: origin number
MFG_ORIGIN_GROUP: origin group.
NC_START_MACRO
MFG_IDENTIFIER: Part Operation identifier

MFG_PROGRAM_NAME: Part Operation Program name

MFG_MACHINE_NAME: Machine name
NC_TABLE_ROTATION
MFG_TYPE_OF_ROT: Rotation type (absolute angle in this version)

MFG_DIR_OF_ROT: Rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise)
MFG_AMOUNT_ROT: Angle of rotation about the axis of rotation
MFG_AXIS_OF_ROT: Axis of rotation on machine table.
MFG_ABC_AXIS: Axis of rotation on machine table to get Minor word AAXIS, BAXIS or CAXIS.
NC_TOOL_CHANGE
Please note that if tool assembly resources are not used in your process, the term 'tool assembly' means 'tool' or
'cutter' in the following description.
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID: Tool assembly identifier
MFG_TL_SET_LGTH: Tool set length
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM: Nominal diameter of the tool
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool
MFG_TOOL_NUMBER: Tool assembly number
MFG_ASS_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool assembly
MFG_WEIGHT_SNTX: Tool weight syntax
MFG_COOLNT_SNTX: Coolant supply syntax
MFG_TOOTH_DES: Tooth description
MFG_DIAMETER_2: Diameter 2 of the tool assembly
MFG_MAX_MIL_TIME: Tool life (in time units)
MFG_MAX_MIL_LGTH: Tool life (in length units)
MFG_CORNER_RAD: Tool corner radius
MFG_CUT_ANGLE: Tool cutting angle
MFG_LENGTH: Length of active part of the tool
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH: Tool tip length
MFG_CUT_LENGTH: Tool cutting length
MFG_NB_OF_FLUTES: Number of teeth
MFG_TOOL_NAME: Tool name
MFG_FEED_MACH: Machining feedrate
MFG_SPNDL_MACH: Machining spindle speed
MFG_TL_SET_X: Tool set length in x direction
MFG_TL_SET_Y: Tool set length in y direction
MFG_FEED_UNIT: Computed feedrate unit
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: Computed spindle speed unit
MFG_WAY_OF_ROT: Computed rotation direction of tool (RIGHTHAND or LEFTHAND)
MFG_TOOL_ASS_POW: Computed tool assembly power type
If fixed the value is TURN, otherwise the value is MILL
MFG_TOOL_COMP_2: value of the second tool compensation length.
NC_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE
Please note that if tool assembly resources are not used in your process, the term 'tool assembly' means 'tool' or
'cutter' in the following description.
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID: Tool assembly identifier
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool
MFG_TOOL_NUMBER: Tool assembly number
MFG_ASS_COMMENT: Comment associated with the tool assembly
MFG_TOOL_NAME: Tool name
MFG_TL_SET_X: Tool set length in x direction (Assembly)
MFG_TL_SET_Y: Tool set length in y direction (Assembly)
MFG_TL_SET_Z: Computed tool set length in z direction (Assembly)
MFG_LIFE_TIME: Computed tool life (in time units) of Insert

MFG_SPINDL_WAY: Computed direction of spindle direction
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS: Computed insert nose radius
MFG_CLEAR_ANGLE: Computed tool clearance angle (on Insert)
MFG_SPINDL_MACH: Computed machining spindle speed
MFG_INSERT_LGTH: Computed insert length
MFG_INSCRIB_DIAM: Computed inscribed diameter of insert
MFG_INSERT_ANGLE: Computed insert shape angle
MFG_FED_MACH: Computed machining feedrate
MFG_FED_UNIT: Computed feedrate unit
MFG_SPINDL_UNIT: Computed spindle speed unit
MFG_QUADRANT: Computed output point number.
Standard Parameters for Axial Machining Operation Type NC Instructions

For axial machining operations the standard parameters are either:
tool guiding parameters or machinability data defined on the corresponding machining operation
geometrical data defined on the corresponding operation
parameters that are calculated according to an application method.
Axial machining operation type NC Instructions are as follows:
NC_BACK_BORING
NC_BORING
NC_BORING_SPINDLE_STOP
NC_BORING_AND_CHAMFERING
NC_BREAK_CHIPS
NC_CIRCULAR_MILLING
NC_COUNTERBORING
NC_COUNTERSINKING
NC_DEEPHOLE
NC_DRILLING
NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY
NC_LATHE_THREADING
NC_REAMING
NC_REVERSE_THREADING
NC_SPOT_DRILLING
NC_T_SLOTTING
NC_TAPPING
NC_THREAD_WITHOUT_TAP_HEAD
NC_THREAD_MILLING
NC_TWO_SIDES_CHAMFERING
NC_BACK_BORING
Feeds and Speeds parameters are as follows:

MFG_FEED_PLUNGE_MODE: Plunge feedrate mode
MFG_FEED_PLUNGE_VALUE: Plunge feedrate
MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE: Machining feedrate
MFG_SPINDLE_MACH_VALUE: Machining spindle speed
MFG_FEED_RETRACT_MODE: Retract feedrate mode
MFG_FEED_RETRACT_VALUE: Retract feedrate
Machining Strategy parameters are as follows:
MFG_CLEAR_TIP: Approach clearance
MFG_BREAKTHROUGH: Breakthrough distance
MFG_DWELL_MODE: Dwell mode
MFG_DWELL_REVOL: Dwell delay in revolutions

MFG_DWELL_TIME: Dwell delay in time units (seconds)
MFG_LIFT_MODE: Shift mode
MFG_XOFF: Shift along X
MFG_YOFF: Shift along Y
MFG_ZOFF: Shift along Z
MFG_LIFT_ANGLE: Shift angle
MFG_LIFT_DIST: Shift distance
MFG_TOOL_COMP and MFG_TL_COMP (compatibility V4): Length number of current corrector
MFG_TOOL_COMP_1: Length number of first corrector
MFG_TOOL_COMP_DIST: Distance between the position of the current corrector and the tool tip
MFG_TOOL_COMP_DIST_1: Distance between the position of the first corrector and the tool tip.
Geometry parameters are as follows:
MFG_JUMP_DIST: Jump distance.
Computed parameters are as follows:
MFG_DETAIL_DEPTH: Detail depth
MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH: Total depth
MFG_PLUNGE_DIST: Plunge distance
MFG_CMP_DWL_TIME: Computed dwell delay
MFG_CMP_OFFSET: Computed offset
MFG_CMP_ANGLE: Computed angle.
NC_BORING

MFG_DEPTH_MODE: Depth mode
MFG_PLUNGE_MODE: Plunge mode
MFG_PLUNGE_TIP: Plunge tip distance
MFG_PLUNGE_OFFST: Plunge tip offset
MFG_PLUNGE_DIAMETER: Plunge diameter

NC_BORING_SPINDLE_STOP

MFG_LIFT_MODE: Shift mode
MFG_XOFF: Shift along X
MFG_YOFF: Shift along Y
MFG_ZOFF: Shift along Z
MFG_LIFT_ANGLE: Shift angle
MFG_LIFT_DIST: Shift distance
MFG_CMP_OFFSET: Computed offset
MFG_CMP_ANGLE: Computed angle
NC_BORING_AND_CHAMFERING

MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE: Machining feedrate for boring phase
MFG_SPINDLE_MACH_VALUE: Machining spindle speed for boring phase
MFG_CHAMFER_FEED_VALUE: Machining feedrate for chamfering phase
MFG_CHAMFER_SPINDLE_VALUE: Machining spindle speed for chamfering phase.

MFG_CLEAR_TIP_2: Second approach clearance
MFG_CHAMFER_VAL: Chamfer value
MFG_TOOL_COMP_2: Length number of second corrector
MFG_DWELL_TIME: Dwell delay in time units (seconds).
MFG_CMP_DWL_TIME: Computed dwell delay.
NC_BREAK_CHIPS

MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH: Axial depth
MFG_OFFSET_RET: Retract offset

MFG_EFFCT_DEPTH: Effective depth
NC_CIRCULAR_MILLING

MFG_TOOL_COMP_DIST_1: Distance between the position of the first corrector and the tool tip
MFG_RADIAL_STEP: Distance between paths
MFG_RADIAL_NB: Number of paths
MFG_AXIAL_STRAT: Axial mode
MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH: Maximum depth of cut
MFG_AXIAL_NUMBER: Number of levels
MFG_SEQUENCING_STRAT: Sequencing mode
MFG_TOLER_MACH: Machining tolerance
MFG_DIR_CUT: Direction of cut
MFG_OVERHANG: Percentage overlap
MFG_DRAFT_ANGLE: Automatic draft angle.
MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH: Total depth.
NC_COUNTERBORING


NC_COUNTERSINKING

NC_DEEPHOLE


MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH: Axial depth
MFG_OFFSET_RET: Retract offset
MFG_DEPTH_DEC: Decrement limit
MFG_DEPTH_LIM: Decrement rate
MFG_EFFCT_DEPTH: Effective depth.
NC_DRILLING

MFG_TL_COMP: Tool compensation number
MFG_TOOL_COMP: Tool compensation.

MFG_PLUNGE_DIST: Plunge distance.
NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY

NC_LATHE_THREADING

MFG_NUM_FIR_PATH: Number of first passes
MFG_NUM_LAS_PATH: Number of last passes
MFG_NUM_SPR_PATH: Number of spring passes
MFG_CRES_DIA_CLR: Clearance on crest diameter
MFG_ENTER_ANG: Entry angle
MFG_LEAD_IN_DIST: Lead-in distance
MFG_LIFT_OFF_ANG: Lift-off angle
MFG_LIFT_OFF_DIS: Lift-off distance
MFG_FIR_SECT_CUT: Section of cut for first passes
MFG_LAS_DEPT_CUT: Depth of cut for last passes
MFG_FIR_SECT_RAT: Section ratio between first passes and next passes
MFG_THREAD_PITCH: Thread pitch
MFG_NUM_THREADS: Number of threads
MFG_THRD_PER_UNIT: Threads per inch.
MFG_ST_THRD_AX: Axial coordinate of the start thread on the crest.
MFG_ST_THRD_RAD: Radial coordinate of the start thread on the crest.
MFG_END_THRD_AX: Axial coordinate of the end thread on the crest.

MFG_END_THRD_RAD: Radial coordinate of the end thread on the crest.
MFG_END_THRD1_AX: Axial coordinate of the end thread on the root.
MFG_END_THRD1_RAD: Radial coordinate of the end thread on the root.
MFG_THRD_DEL_RD: Depth of thread according to the radial axis.
MFG_THRD_ANG: Angle of the thread. If different from zero, this angle indicates a conical thread.
MFG_NOM_DIAM: Nominal diameter of the thread.
MFG_THRD_LENGTH: Length of the thread.
MFG_NB_PATH: Number of passes. First, last and spring passes are not included.
MFG_DEPTH_CUT: Depth of cut.
MFG_SECTION_CUT: Section of cut for passes that follow the first passes.
MFG_THREAD_DEPTH: Depth of thread.
NC_REAMING

NC_REVERSE_THREADING


NC_SPOT_DRILLING

NC_T_SLOTTING

NC_TAPPING


NC_THREAD_WITHOUT_TAP_HEAD

NC_THREAD_MILLING

MFG_FEED_APP_VALUE: Approach feedrate
MFG_FEED_UNIT: Feedrate unit
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT: Spindle unit.
MFG_DIAMETER: Drill diameter
MFG_THREAD_DIAMETER: Thread diameter
MFG_PITCH: Thread pitch
MFG_PITCH_SENS: Thread direction (right-hand or left-hand)
MFG_THREAD_TYPE: Type of thread (internal or external).


MFG_TOOL_PITCH: Tool pitch
NC_TWO_SIDES_CHAMFERING

MFG_CLEAR_TIP_2: Second approach clearance
MFG_TOOL_COMP_2: Length number of second corrector
MFG_TOOL_COMP_DIST_1: Distance between the position of the first corrector and the tool tip
MFG_TOOL_COMP_DIST_2: Distance between the position of the second corrector and the tool tip
MFG_DWELL_TIME: Dwell delay in time units (seconds).

NC Documentation
NC Documentation
This task shows you how to generate customized NC documentation.
You will have to customize a VBScript macro file according to the document that you want to generate.
You can use the following scripting languages, depending on the platform you are running on:
BasicScript 2.2 SDK for UNIX (BasicScript is a registered trademark of Summit Software Company)
VBScript, short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, for Windows NT (Visual Basic is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation).
Users on NT machines must have Windows Scripting Host installed.

1. Open a sample delivered with the product from \Startup\Manufacturing\Documentation.
2. Open the document delivered with the product in

\Startup\Manufacturing\Documentation\NCDocumentationReadMe.htm.
This document describes the interfaces to help you to produce NC manufacturing documentation.
3. Modify the sample according to the type of document you want.
4. Generate the documentation as described in Generate NC Documentation.

Workbench Description
This section describes the menu commands and icon toolbars that are specific to the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench. This is what the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench
looks like.
Menu bar description

Toolbar description
Specification tree
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Menu Bar
This is the menu bar for the 3 Axis Surface Machining workbench.
Start File Edit View Insert Tools Window Help
Tasks corresponding to general menu commands are described in the Version 5 Infrastructure
User's Guide.
Below are the menus that specifically concern 3 Axis Surface Machining.
Insert menu
Accesses all machining
Machining Operations
operations
Accesses the definition of
Machining Features
machining areas
Accesses auxiliary
operations
Machining Features
Milling Features Defines milling areas
Machining Pattern Defines machining patterns
Milling Features
Machining Area Defines a machining area
Rework Area Defines an area to rework
Machining Axis System Defines a machining axis
system
Machining Operations
Sweep Roughing Defines a sweep roughing
operation
Roughing Defines a roughing
operation
Sweeping Defines a sweeping
operation
Pencil Defines a pencil operation

ZLevel Defines a ZLevel operation

Contour-driven Defines a contour-driven
operation
Spiral milling Defines a spiral milling
operation
Profile Contouring Defines a profile contouring
operation
Axial Machining Operations Defines a hole-making
operation

Toolbar description
Toolbars
These are the specific icon toolbars that belong to the Surface Machining workbench.
Manufacturing Program Toolbar
Machining Operations Toolbar
Auxiliary Operations Toolbar
Tool Path Management Toolbar
Tool Path Editor Toolbar
Manufacturing Features Toolbar
Machining Areas Toolbar
Geometry Selection Toolbars
Edge selection Toolbar
Face Selection Toolbar
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This toolbar contains the following tools for creating manufacturing program and part operation
entities.
See Part Operation

See Manufacturing Program


This toolbar contains commands for creating auxiliary operations in the program.
See Tool Change

See Machine Rotation
See Machining Axis System
See PP Instruction
See Copy Transformation.


This toolbar contains the following tools to help you validate the tool path and generate NC
output.
See Replay Tool Path

See Generate NC Output in Batch Mode
See Generate NC Output in Interactive Mode
See Generate NC Documentation
See Access to VNC.

Machining Features Toolbar

This toolbar contains commands for managing machining features.
Machining Axis System

See Machining Patterns

Manufacturing Auxiliary Views Toolbar

This toolbar contains the following tools to help you manage auxiliary manufacturing views.
Open catalog.
See procedure for applying machining processes.
See Manufacturing View described in Machining Patterns.
You can use the following commands on the Manufacturing View entity:
sort by features
sort by activities
sort by patterns
sort by tools.
Import Tools.
See procedure for searching tools described in Select or Create a Tool.


The Edge Selection toolbar contains commands to help you select edges of contours when
specifying geometry in machining operations.
Navigates tangentially on edges

Closes the contour with a line
Inserts lines on gaps
Resets all selections
Exits geometry selection mode
Cancels any already selected geometry.
The Face Selection toolbar contains commands to help you select faces when specifying
geometry in machining operations.
Navigates on faces
Previews contours
Resets all selections
Exits geometry selection mode
Cancels any already selected geometry.

Machining Process Toolbar

This toolbar is available for P2 products and contains the following tools for creating and
viewing machining processes.
Displays the Machining Process View. See procedure described in Create a

Machining Process.
See Create a Machining Process.

Toolbars
NC Manufacturing Toolbars
The NC Manufacturing Infrastructure provides a number of icon toolbars that are common to all
the NC machining products. These are described below.

This section contains the description of the menu commands and icon toolbars that are common to the NC Manufacturing
products. The Prismatic Machining workbench below is shown as an example.
Menu Bar
Toolbars
Specification Tree

Specification Tree
Specification Tree
Here is an example of a Process Product Resources (PPR) specification tree for NC
Manufacturing products.
Process List is a plan that gives all the
activities and machining operations
required to transform a part from a rough
to a finished state.
Part Operation defines the
manufacturing resources and the
reference data.
Manufacturing Program is the list of all
of the operations and tool changes
performed.
Pocketing.1 operation is complete
and has been computed.
Pocketing.3 operation is complete
but has not been computed.
Pocketing.2 operation has not
been computed and does not have
all of the necessary data (indicated
by the exclamation mark).
Product List gives all of the parts to
machine as well as CATPart documents
containing complementary geometry.
Resources List gives all of the resources
such as machine or tools that can be
used in the program.

Glossary
Glossary
A
Approach The part of a tool path that ends where the tool begins to cut the
material
Approach feedrate The speed of linear advancement of the tool during its approach,
before cutting.
C
Climb milling A cutting mode where the front of the tool (advancing in the
machining direction) cuts into the material first.
Check element Geometry that represents material that is not to be machined in an

operation. It often represents a clamp that holds the part to machine
in place.
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Glossary
Contour-driven This type of machining uses a contour as guide. There are three
machining types of contour driven machining:
parallel contours where the tool sweeps out an area by
following progressively distant (or closer) parallel offsets of a
given guide contour.
between contours where the tool sweeps between two guide
contours along a tool path that is obtained by interpolating
between the guide contours. The ends of each pass lie on two
stop contours.
spine contour where the tool sweeps across a contour in
perpendicular planes.
Conventional milling A cutting mode where the back of the tool (advancing in the
machining direction) cuts into the material first. See Climb milling.
Cut depth The maximum depth of the cut effected by the tool at each pass.
F
Feedrate The speed of linear advancement of the tool into the material while
cutting.
Frontal wall An area of the part surface that forms an inclined wall that the
advancing tool will climb or descend.
G
Guide contour A contour used to guide the tool during an operation.
See Contour-driven machining.
I
Imposed plane A plane that the tool must pass through. This option is useful for
machining parts that have grooves or steps and when you want to
make sure that these areas are cut.
Inner point The point where the tool will start cutting in a roughing operation
when the surface to machine has pockets.
L
Lateral wall An area of the part surface that forms an inclined wall that the tool
will advance along laterally instead of climbing or descending.
Limit line A contour that is used to delimit the areas to machine in an
operation.
Lower plane One of the two planes normal to the tool axis that confines the area
to machine. The operation will only machine between this plane and
the upper plane.

Glossary
M
Machining area An area defined on a part either:
during an operation as part of the machining geometry ,
or before an operation, the operation being assigned to a
machining area afterwards.

P
Pencil operations A pencil operation is one where the tool remains tangent in two
places to the surface to be machined during the cycle. It is often
used to remove crests along the intersection of two surfaces that
were left behind by a previous operation.
Plunge A movement where the tool plunges deeper into the material,
advancing along the (negative) tool axis.
Pocket An area on a part surface that represents an internal depression (in
Z) relative to the surrounding part surfaces. An internal depression is
one that does not extend to the outside edge of the part.
P.P.R. Process Product Resources.
R
Retract The part of a tool path that begins where the tool stops cutting the
material.
Rework area An area that cannot be machined with a given tool.
Reworking An operation which touches up zones that are left completely
unmachined by previous operations.
Roughing An operation where a part is rough-machined by horizontal planes.
Rough stock The block of raw material to be machined to produce a part.
S
Safety distance A horizontal clearance distance that the tool moves over at the
feedrate in order to disengage the tool from cutting between passes.
Scallop height The maximum allowable height of the crests of material left uncut
after machining.
Spindle speed The speed of the spinning tool around its axis.
Start point The point where the tool will start cutting in a roughing operation
where the surface to cut is accessed from the outside of the part.

Glossary
Stepover distance The width of the overlap between two successive passes.
Stop contours The two contours connecting the ends of two guide contours in
contour-driven machining (between contours option). The ends of
each pass lie on the stop contours.
Sweeping operations Sweeping operations machine the whole part and are used for
finishing and semi-finishing work. The tool paths are executed in
vertical parallel planes.
Sweep roughing An operation where a part is rough-machined by vertical planes.
U
Upper plane One of the two planes normal to the tool axis that confines the area
to machine. The operation will only machine between this plane and
the lower plane.
Z
ZLevel machining An operation where the tool progressively follows the part surface at
different constant Z values (heights).

Index
Index
A
Along tool axis
Between contour parameters
Parallel contour parameters
Spine contour parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
Approach distance
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Approach modes
Contour-driven parameters
Pencil operation parameters
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweep roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Area to avoid
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
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Index
Getting started
Area-oriented machining methodology
Assigning an operation
Defining machining areas
Automatic rough stock
Automatic surface selection
Spiral milling
Avoiding
Tool holder collisions
Axial direction
Axial safety distance
Roughing parameters
B
Along tool axis
Constant on part stepover
Constant stepover
Four open contours
Guide contour
Machining tolerance
Max. horizontal slope
Maximum on part stepover
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
One closed contour

Index
Other axis
Pencil rework
Reverse tool path
Scallop height stepover
Tool path style
Zone
Between contours
Body
Bottom plane
Spiral milling
By chaining continuous edges
Selecting edges
By color
Selecting faces
C
Changing approach and retract types
Tool path editor
Changing selection defaults
Tool path editor
Check element
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling

Index
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Checking for
Collisions
Closing a contour with a line
Selecting edges
Collisions
Checking for
Color
Offset area parameters
Connecting an open tool path
Tool path editor
Constant on part stepover
Constant stepover
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Contour-driven operations
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Between contours
Check element
Feedrate length
Geometric components
Guide contour

Index
High speed milling

Island skip
Island skip length
Limiting contour
Linking
Lower plane
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Part autolimit
Retract modes
Safety distance
Safety plane
Stop contours
Stop mode
Stop position
Transition radius
Upper plane
Corner radius
Spiral milling
Cutting mode
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
ZLevel parameters

Index
D
Defining
Machining areas
Offset areas
Offset groups
Rework areas
Defining continuity constraints
Selecting edges
Assigning an operation
Body
Load from
Deleting approaches
Tool path editor
Deleting linking passes
Tool path editor
Deleting passes between paths
Tool path editor
Deleting retracts
Tool path editor
Direction
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Displaying
Rework areas

Index
E
Editing a point
Tool path editor
Editing an area
Tool path editor
End plane
Sweeping parameters
End point
Spiral milling
F
Feedrate length
Sweeping parameters
Filter
Rework areas
Four open contours
G
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling

Index

Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Getting started
Guide contour
H
High speed milling
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
I
Importing
STL files
Imposed plane
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Initial tool position
Inserting a line between two points

Index
Selecting edges
Inside a polygon
Selecting faces
Island skip
Sweeping parameters
Island skip length
Sweeping parameters
L
Limit line
Rework area parameters
Limiting contour
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Linking
Sweeping parameters
Linking pass
ZLevel parameters
Load from
Rework areas
Lower plane
Roughing parameters

Index

Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
M
Machining areas
Defining
Machining direction
Sweeping parameters
Machining features
Machining mode
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Machining tolerance
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Manual surface selection
Spiral milling

Index

Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Maximum angle
Spiral milling
Maximum cut depth
Roughing parameters
Maximum distance
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
Maximum on part stepover
Maximum width to machine
Min. area
Roughing parameters
Min. frontal slope
Sweeping parameters
Min. lateral slope
Sweeping parameters
Minimum change length
Minimum distance

Index
Sweeping parameters
Mirror translation of the tool path
Tool path editor
Moving a point
Tool path editor
Moving an area
Tool path editor
N
Normal to an axis
Selecting faces
O
Offset
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Color
Thickness
Offset areas
Defining
Offset group parameters

Index
Thickness
Offset groups
Defining
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset on check
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset on contour
Spiral milling
Offset on part
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Offset side
One closed contour

Index

Getting started
Operation-oriented machining methodology
Optimize retract
Roughing parameters
ZLevel parameters
Optimize retracts
Sweeping parameters
Other axis
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
Overlap
Rework areas
Overshoot
Roughing parameters
P
Tool path editor
Along tool axis
Constant stepover

Index
Direction
Guide contour
Initial tool position
Machining tolerance
Maximum width to machine
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Offset on contour
Offset side
Other axis
Pencil rework
Reverse tool path
Tool path style
Zone
Parallel contours
Parallel to a face
Selecting faces
Parameters
Part autolimit
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Part contouring

Index
Roughing parameters
Part offset
Rework areas
Pass overlap
ZLevel parameters
Pass overlap (length)
Roughing parameters
Pass overlap (ratio)
Roughing parameters
Approach modes
Axial direction
Check element
Cutting mode
Limiting contour
Machining tolerance
Minimum change length
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Part autolimit
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety plane
Stop mode
Stop position

Index
Tool axis
Pencil operations
Pencil rework
Perpendicular to a face
Selecting faces
Plunges
Sweeping parameters
Position
Roughing parameters
Previewing a contour
Selecting faces
Profile contouring operations
R
Radial safety distance
Roughing parameters
Radial strategy distance
Reading STL files
Reducing the size of a tool path
Saving space
Remove from area inside polygon
Tool path editor
Remove from whole tool path
Tool path editor
Removing a point
Tool path editor

Index
Resetting selection
Selecting edges
Selecting faces
Retract modes
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Reverse tool path
Spiral milling
ZLevel parameters
Reversing a tool path
Tool path editor
Limit line
Tool
Rework areas
Defining
Displaying
Filter
Load from
Overlap
Part offset

Index
Tolerance
Tool axis
Rotating the tool path
Tool path editor
Rough machining operations
Rough stock
Roughing parameters
Roughing operations
Roughing parameters
Approach distance
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Axial safety distance
Check element
Cutting mode
Imposed plane
Lower plane
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Maximum cut depth
Min. area
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Overshoot

Index
Part contouring
Pass overlap (length)
Pass overlap (ratio)
Position
Radial safety distance
Rough stock
Safety plane
Start point
Tool axis
Tool core diameter
Tool path style
Upper plane
Roughing rework operations
Roughing type
S
Safety distance
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Safety plane
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling

Index
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Saving space
Reducing the size of a tool path
Scallop height
Sweeping parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Selecting an area with a closed contour
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with a polyline
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with one point
Tool path editor
Selecting an area with two points
Tool path editor
Selecting edges
By chaining continuous edges
Closing a contour with a line
Defining continuity constraints
Inserting a line between two points
Resetting selection
Tangent to an edge
Selecting faces
By color
Inside a polygon

Index
Normal to an axis
Parallel to a face
Perpendicular to a face
Previewing a contour
Resetting selection
Selection sets
Tangent to a face
Selection sets
Selecting faces
Spine contour
Along tool axis
Constant stepover
Guide contour
Machining tolerance
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Other axis
Reverse tool path
Tool path style
Zone
Spiral milling
Along tool axis
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Automatic surface selection

Index
Bottom plane
Check element
Corner radius
Cutting mode
End point
High speed milling
Machining tolerance
Manual surface selection
Maximum angle
Maximum distance
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on contour
Offset on part
Other axis
Part autolimit
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety plane
Start point
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path style
Top plane
Start plane
Sweeping parameters

Index
Start point
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
ZLevel parameters
Stepover side
Sweeping parameters
STL files
Importing
Stop contours
Stop mode
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Stop position
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Swapping selection
Tool path editor
Sweep roughing operations
Approach modes

Index
Area to avoid
Check element
Lower plane
Machining direction
Maximum cut depth
Offset
Offset on check
Offset on part
Part autolimit
Radial strategy distance
Retract modes
Roughing type
Safety plane
Stepover side
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path style
Upper plane
Sweeping operations
Sweeping parameters
Along tool axis
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Check element
Constant stepover

Index
End plane
Feedrate length
High speed milling
Island skip
Island skip length
Limiting contour
Linking
Lower plane
Machining direction
Machining tolerance
Maximum distance
Min. frontal slope
Min. lateral slope
Minimum distance
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retracts
Other axis
Part autolimit
Plunges
Retract modes
Safety distance
Safety plane

Index
Scallop height
Start plane
Stepover side
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Tool path direction
Tool path style
Transition radius
Upper plane
Zone
T
Tangent to a face
Selecting faces
Tangent to an edge
Selecting edges
Thickness
Offset group parameters
Tolerance
Rework areas
Tool
Tool axis
Rework areas

Index
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Tool core diameter
Roughing parameters
Avoiding
Parameters
Tool path direction
Sweeping parameters
Tool path editor
Changing approach and retract types
Changing selection defaults
Connecting an open tool path
Deleting approaches
Deleting linking passes
Deleting passes between paths
Deleting retracts
Editing a point
Editing an area
Mirror translation of the tool path
Moving a point
Moving an area
Remove from area inside polygon
Remove from whole tool path

Index
Removing a point
Reversing a tool path
Rotating the tool path
Selecting an area with a closed contour
Selecting an area with a polyline
Selecting an area with one point
Selecting an area with two points
Swapping selection
Transformations
Translating an area along an axis
Translating the tool path
Tool path style
Roughing parameters
Spiral milling
Sweeping parameters
Top plane
Spiral milling
Transformations
Tool path editor
Transition radius
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
Translating an area along an axis
Tool path editor

Index
Translating the tool path

Tool path editor
U
Upper plane
Roughing parameters
Sweeping parameters
ZLevel parameters
W
What's new?
Z
ZLevel operations
ZLevel parameters
Approach distance
Approach modes
Area to avoid
Check element
Constant stepover
Cutting mode

Index
Imposed plane
Limiting contour
Linking pass
Lower plane
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Offset
Offset groups
Offset on check
Offset on part
Optimize retract
Part autolimit
Pass overlap
Retract modes
Reverse tool path
Safety distance
Safety plane
Start point
Stop mode
Stop position
Tool axis
Transition radius
Upper plane
Zone

Index

Sweeping parameters

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TOC

© Dassault Systèmes 1994-2001. All rights reserved.

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugtoc.htm [5/17/2001 3:06:09 PM]

Where to find more information

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugpr01.htm [5/17/2001 3:06:17 PM]

Here is a suggested order for operations in a machining program:

Area-oriented Area-oriented methodology is useful when you have a complex part

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugpr02.htm (1 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:20 PM]

you know exactly what kind of output you require,

2. Select the area or areas you want to machine with a particular

4. Change the parameters in that operation (if required).

Operation-oriented Use operation-oriented machining when you want to progressively

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugpr02.htm (2 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:20 PM]

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugpr02.htm (3 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:20 PM]

Where to Find More Information

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugpr03.htm [5/17/2001 3:06:24 PM]

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugwn.htm (1 of 2) [5/17/2001 3:06:30 PM]

Tool Path Editor

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smgugwn.htm (2 of 2) [5/17/2001 3:06:30 PM]

The tutorials should take you 30 minutes each to complete.

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs01.htm [5/17/2001 3:06:36 PM]

Entering the workbench

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Entering the Workbench

2. Select NC Manufacturing > Surface Machining from the Start menu.

and display them in wireframe mode using this icon .

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Rough Machining the Part

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ZLevel Machining of the Outside of a Part

to Machine in the ProductList and display it in shading with edges mode ( ).

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs04.htm (1 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:46 PM]

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http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs04.htm (3 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:46 PM]

ZLevel Machining of the Inside Walls of a

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http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs14.htm (3 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:06:49 PM]

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs05.htm (1 of 2) [5/17/2001 3:06:52 PM]

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs05.htm (2 of 2) [5/17/2001 3:06:52 PM]

Checking the Result of the Operations

1. Select Manufacturing Program.1.

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Creating an Area to Rework

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5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

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3. Double click the tool diameter.

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5. Press Replay. The new tool path is displayed.

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Generating an NC Output File

and call your program MySurfaceMachining.

http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs10.htm (1 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:07:01 PM]

Click Save to create the APT file.

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http://dsfr2e/itprm/doc/CXR7doc/doc/online/smgug/smguggs10.htm (3 of 3) [5/17/2001 3:07:01 PM]

Generating NC Shopfloor Documentation

This task explains how to interactively generate shopfloor NC documentation in HTML