Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
CAD/CAM
User’s manual
Rel. 6
12/00
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
SUPERVISOR
CAD
CAM
APPENDIX
2 ASPAN
1 INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
In this section are described all functions and procedures common to all parts of the program.
SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR is the active procedure when the program is started. The supervisor co-ordinates and runs
all the other ASPAN procedures when requested. The supervisor program: contains utility, configuration
and data transmission commands; will print part-programs created in the CAM environment; and will
interface with external programs. The supervisor program also handles the drawing archive and the
creation of new drawings; it will create drawings containing the panel dimension only. Graphic entities,
holes and routings will then be added to the drawings using the CAD procedure.
CAD
The CAD environment, which is used to draw the graphic entities, holes, routings, etc., is easy to use and
provides all the functions needed for standard design requirements.
From the drawing of basic entities: holes, arcs, straight lines, circles, ellipses, to the drawing of complex
entities: panel sizing, mortises (pocketing), grooves (cuts), cupboard doors, text, data entry is assisted by
messages explaining the procedure to be followed by the designer in each case.
Commands are available for manipulating routings, for easy and immediate identification of the special
points of the entities: center, midpoint, intersection, endpoint, tangent, etc., (Osnap) and for selecting
and modifying entities: these make drawing and modifying really simple.
Various Zoom and Grid commands, the possibility of drawing in exploded mode, customization of the
tool bars and programming of customized MACROS allow you to adapt the environment to your own
specific requirements.
The Undo and Redo commands allow you to operate without worrying about errors, as they are used to
cancel or restore the effects of the commands you have used in the drawing session.
The Fillet, Chamfer, Offset, Modify Vertex, Merge commands allow you to obtain entities of the
shape required.
ASPAN 3
Advanced procedures for the generation of a simple piece of furniture, for NESTING of a panel of any
shape with pieces of any shape and for vectoring an image (transformation of a BMP image into a
drawing) make the design environment extremely flexible and powerful.
AutoCAD program is an external optional CAD which can be linked to ASPAN program. ASPAN can be
linked to AutoCAD for WINDOWS, version 12, 13, 14, 2000, LT.
ASPAN is only supplied with the customizations and automatic procedures necessary for linking to
AutoCAD. Installation of AutoCAD is the responsibility of the user. The program makes available all the
commands and standard options of AutoCAD plus a personalized menu called PAD. PAD is displayed on
the right end of the upper pull-down menu bar of AutoCAD.
A drawing made in either of the two CAD environments can be exported to the other environment;
drawings from either environment can be processed by the CAM procedure.
CAM
The CAM procedure automatically assigns tools to drawing entities and then defines the machining
sequence. The program can be used to program routing lead-in and lead-out paths, to modify the
machining sequence, to modify the machining sequence and to create part-programs.
To ensure that the program provides valid results, it is important that the program configuration data
match the data on the machine.
The program therefore requires two sets of data:
- the machine configuration data, supplied with the program or imported from the machine disk with
the import procedure; these data describe the physical components of the machine tool;
- the machine tooling data which describe the tools available on the current machine and needed for
the machining requested. More than one machine tooling can be created for each machine
configuration as the case requires.
The program can handle up to 30 different machine configurations each of which can have up to 30 tool
configurations.
APPENDIX
• PROGRAMS FOLDER
• TUTORIAL
• ASCII => ASPAN
• AUTHOR 660
• INSTALLING
1.3 INSTALLING
1. Check that there is sufficient space on your hard disk to install the program. The program requires 30
megabyte of disk space.
2. Check that Windows version 95 or later is installed on your computer.
3. Start Windows.
4.
Installing from disks:
Insert the first disk of the installation program into disk drive A of the computer. From Windows Program
Manager select FILE and then RUN; in the “Command line” box type in a:setup. Select OK..
Installing from CD-ROM:
From START menu, select Run, type D:\menu at the Command Line and press Enter (where D:
represent your CD-ROM drive letter). This will run the CD-ROM manager utility, showing a menu helping
you through installation and other utilities.
4 ASPAN
As an alternative, you can run directly ASPAN setup: from START menu, select Run, type
D:\install\disk1\setup.
5. Select the language to be used for the procedure.
6. Enter the serial number of the hardware key; this is the number shown on the first line of the label on the
hardware key.
7. Select the installation mode: Express or Custom. If you select Express, no further data entries are
required and the program will be installed in C:\ASPAN4 directory. If you select Custom, you will be
asked for the directory where you want the program be installed and which procedure you want to
install.
8. Follow the instructions which are displayed on the screen.
9. Plug the hardware key (i.e. the plug) supplied with the program disks into any one of the
computer parallel ports. If the parallel port is connected to a printer, disconnect the
printer connector and plug the hardware key into the computer parallel port. Next, connect the printer
connector to the other side of the hardware. At this point the hardware key must be between the
computer parallel point and the printer connector.
10. To start the ASPAN program, double click with mouse button 1 on ASPAN icon.
ASPAN 5
Creates a new drawing (or opens an existing one).
File > New
To display the drawing archive, use the File > Drawing list
( File > Open) command; this command calls up a list of drawings and
information on all the files in the current drawing directory.
Enters the CAD procedure to enable drawing or modification of
CAD > Integrated
the graphic entities to be machined. To leave this procedure, use
the File > Exit command or the File > CAM command;
(or the same command from inside the CAD procedure) enters the
Machine > CAM
CAM procedure which will automatically assign tools, machine
( CAD::CAM)
attributes and a machining sequence and will optimize the paths
and head downstrokes. To generate a part-program and leave this
procedure, use the File > Exit command.
Prints the part-program or transmits the part-program to the
Machine > Part-Program >
Print
machine tool.
1.6 ASSISTANCE
If you have problems with the program, contact your local dealer or contact AutoSoftware directly:
fax : +39 0721 33602
e-mail: autosoftware@abanet.it
internet: http://www.autosoftware.it
For some types of problem, it is a good idea to create an assistance disk and send it to the
assistance center, following the service procedure in the program folder.
The procedure copies to disk the data of the drawing selected, the current configuration and tooling,
details of the computer environment in which the program is installed and technical information about the
program. The disk can then be sent to the Technical Service Department for diagnosis in the event of
operating faults.
The same disk can be used for several technical service sessions provided that the drawings are not too
large. If in doubt, use a separate disk for each technical service session.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the drawing to be copied to the service disk in the
selection window. The file extensions is "DRW".
Complete description of the problem Provides a complete description of the faults found in the
found drawing and in the program.
Insert a disk in the drive and then press OK
6 ASPAN
GENERAL
FUNCTIONS
SUPERVISOR double click in the drawing quadrant executes the CAD command
if no drawing open, double click in the drawing empty quadrant
executes the Drawing list command
double click in the machine data quadrant executes the CAM
command
double click in the comment area, in the drawing data box, to open
the comment editor: Utility > Archive operations > Remark editor
8 H57 ASPAN
double click in the machine head area to open the head preview
(zoom).
CAD double click on a hole or a simple routing executes the Modify >
Entity command
double click on a path executes the Path > Modify Vertex
command
CAM double click on a hole executes the Machining > Borings
command
double click on a routing executes the Machining > Routings
command
2.5 SYMBOLS
Graphic entities are shown on drawings as follows:
A. Panel
B. Hole: Normal
C. Hole: + Countersink depth
D. Hole: Through
E. Angular hole
F. Routings
G. Grooves
Holes
A: standard hole (green) or through hole (black);
B: countersunk hole (inner and outer circles in green) or
through countersunk hole (outer circle in green,
inner circle in black);
C: transparent standard hole (e.g. horizontal hole: seen
from the upper face in the transparent display mode);
D: transparent countersunk hole;
E: transparent doweled hole;
F: oblique hole.
The measurements shown on the drawing are as follows:
a: countersinking;
b: hole depth;
c: hole diameter;
d: drilling direction for an oblique hole;
e: positive angle for an oblique hole;
f: entry point for an oblique hole;
g: dowel projection for doweled hole.
To check that a path is closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
3 ENTITY SELECTION
Single entities are selected by using the pick-box. The pick box
is a square cursor and its dimensions can be changed as
required. Single entities are selected by placing the pick-box
over the entity. Groups of entities are selected by dragging the
rectangular selection window partially or fully over the entities.
In most cases the entities selected change color when selected.
At the start of the ENTITY SELECTION routine the single selection mode is active. To select a single
entity, move the pick-box over the entity to be selected and then press mouse button 1.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press the +/- button to choose the add or
subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
To switch to the multiple selection mode, click mouse button 1 outside any entity. The procedure will
automatically enter the Crossing mode and wait for the second point to be entered in the selection
window.
There are several ways of selecting entities:
If you choose the Single option and then place the pick-box over several entities, a window will appear
making it possible to select a single entity only.
4 DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
The display functions change the way the drawing is displayed on screen. The display functions can be
used to enlarge, shrink or move drawings on screen.
10 H57 ASPAN
on the screen to indicate the direction and distance of the move.
Display > Transparent
Displays the current face in the transparent mode; at the same time also displays in different
colors all the entities present on the other faces. The entities on the other faces cannot be
selected.
Display > Face
Changes, in sequence, the current working face.
Display > Exploded
Visualizes and allows to draw at the same time on all faces of the panel. For each face the
current X, Y axes origin is shown. The active face has a white origin.
Display > 3D view
Displays a 3D view of the current drawing.
Tools > Change origin
Changes the origin and direction of axes and displays the data for the current axis.
PROSPECT • The first version has a single machine configuration and can be extended for up
to 3 configurations.
• Network versions are available on request only and are supplied with a set
number of user licenses.
PILOT • The second version has an unlimited number of configurations.
• This version can be used in a network for an unlimited number of users.
In the drawing preview (E) can be displayed the upper face only or an exploded view of all faces
depending on the status of the Draw the preview drawing in exploded mode field in the Utility >
Preferences procedure.
To select the icon (B) size (large or small), use the Utility > Preferences command to change the size
field in the common defaults. Do not use large icons with a screen resolution of 640x480; large icons at
this resolution will not fit on the screen.
The color of text and entities in the various environments can be customized by using the Utility >
Preferences command to call up the button for this purpose.
HOT SPOTS
Screen areas which execute a command when selected and clicked with mouse button 2.
executes the Help > About command: it shows the program version information.
(box D) this calls up the Machine > Configuration > Select command; use this command
to select the machine configuration you wish to make the current (i.e. active) configuration.
This command is only available if more than one machine configuration is present and is
therefore only available on programs where several machine tools have been installed.
(box D) this calls up part of the Machine > Utility > Defaults command; use this command
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 13
to select the version of the numeric control unit assigned to the machine configuration.
(box D) this calls up the Machine > Machine Tooling > Select command; use this
command to select the machine tooling you wish to make the current (i.e. active) tooling.
(box F) this calls up the Utility > Archive operations > Remark editor command; use
this command to change the comment assigned to a drawing. The comment will be assigned
to the drawing when the drawing is created.
6 DOUBLE CLICK
The double click executed by the mouse left button is context sensitive, that is it runs a predefined
command, depending on the point on the screen where the mouse cursor was.
File This menu item provides access to commands for working on files and for
leaving the program and returning to the operating system.
CAD This menu item provides access to a series of commands for entering the CAD
routine.
Machine This menu item provides access to a set of commands: to call up the CAM
procedure; to print and transmit the part-program; to configure the machine and
tooling data; to define the machine default data.
Utility This menu item provides access to a series of commands for setting the general
default data common to all the routines. It also provides access to a sub-menu
for working on the drawing archive and technical sub-menu for special program
operations.
Options This menu item provides access to a set of commands used to set the default
options for the interface with external programs.
Help This menu item provides access to a series of commands used to call up
information from the program manual, to obtain information about the available
computer memory, to create a program guarantee registration card and to obtain
general information about the program.
The section below describes the hierarchy of all the menu commands.
File CAD
New Integrated
Open AutoCAD
Close
Drawing list
Furniture
Exit
14 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
Machine
CAM
CAM Furniture
Part-Program
Machine Tooling Print
Configuration Transmission
Vacuum cups Editor
Utility Display
Copy
Defaults Delete
Feed
Serial TX/RX Select
ASCII=>LST Import
Rename
Configure Delete
Set out
Select
Edit
Import
Options
Import/Export
AutoCAD 2D exploded DXF
Preferences
Link
Defaults
Utility
Archive operations
Preferences Copy drawing
Drawing recovery
Modify Defaults
Change language
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 15
Help
User's manual
Available memory
Registration card
About
7.1 File
File This menu item provides access to commands for working on files
New and for leaving the program and returning to the operating system.
Open
Close
Drawing list
Furniture
Exit
16 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
When you first select the function, a list of the drawings in the current directory is displayed. To scroll
through the list, use the vertical scroll bar on the right and the two arrows at the top on the tool bar. To
select a drawing, click on the drawing. To open the drawing selected, click the Open icon.
You can select a drawing name filter so that only drawings with particular names or extensions are
displayed (e.g. if you enter the filter: s*.drw; all the drawings with names beginning in s will be
displayed). You can also change the name of the drawing directory to be displayed.
7.2 CAD
CAD This menu item provides access to a series of commands for entering
Integrated the CAD routine.
AutoCAD
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 17
7.2.1 CAD: Integrated
Calls up the CAD procedure for drawing or modifying graphic entities on the current drawing.
The command is only enabled if a drawing has already been opened using the File > New or File >
Open commands.
7.3 Machine
Machine This menu item provides access to a set of commands: to call up the
CAM CAM procedure; to print and transmit the part-program; to configure
CAM Furniture
Part-Program the machine and tooling data; to define the machine default data.
Machine Tooling
Configuration
Vacuum cups
Utility
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
18 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
7.3.3 Machine: Part-Program
Part-Program This menu item provides access to a series of commands for
Print transmitting, printing and modifying the part-programs created.
Transmission
Editor
Display
Copy
Delete
You can also open a part-program directly with the supervisor using the command: SUPERVISOR::File > Open.
The commands and the tool-bar for the process are at the top, on the right there is a vertical scroll bar
which contains the list of (guided) instructions of the numeric control, while the central area is the work
area, where the part-program is displayed or written.
You can write freely in the work area, as with any text editor. Take care to use the syntax required by the
numeric control. If you prefer, instead of writing in the work area, you can use the guided instruction keys
on the right hand side bar.
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 19
As soon as one of the guided instruction keys is pressed, a data entry window appears, which contains all
the necessary data for the instructions. When the data has been entered and the OK key has been pressed,
the instruction required is generated and transferred to the work area.
The same operation can be used to modify an instruction by using the guided instruction bar. To do this,
go to the line corresponding to the instruction to be modified, enable the instruction overwrite mode using
the command in the menu above and press the right hand side key corresponding to the instruction to be
modified. If this instruction does not correspond with the type of instruction indicated by the cursor in the
work area, the process will fill in as many fields of the data entry window as possible, following its own
criteria of data compatibility.
Obviously, it is not necessary to use the guided instructions to modify an instruction, as the work area is a
free editing area where any text can be modified at will.
The guided instructions data window displays, as well as the data entry fields, three part-program lines at
the bottom of the window: the line immediately before the current instruction, the current instruction,
updated in real time at the moment of confirmation of every piece of data in the various fields and the line
immediately after the current instruction. This gives an immediate display of how the current instruction is
transferred to the work area.
The syntax and validity check for the part-program in the work area is enabled when the Drawing >
Display and Drawing > Rebuild commands are used and also during save operations.
• if the program instructions are incomplete or partly missing or if there are errors during the display or reconstruction
of the drawing, check that the CNC type and release, associated with the current machine configuration, correspond to
those on the machine itself (SUPERVISOR::Machine > Utility > Defaults).
• If, in the program generated, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path vertices, run the command to
automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
- description of commands -
File
opens another part-program to be edited.
Open
saves the current part-program, by performing the syntax and
Save validity check for the part-program.
Save As saves the current part-program with a different name: this new name
becomes the part-program to be edited.
leaves the part-program editor.
Exit
Edit
transfers the selected text to the Clipboard, so that it can then, for
Cut example, be inserted in other positions. The transferred text is
eliminated by the editor.
copies the selected text in the Clipboard, so that it can then, for
Copy example, be inserted in other positions.
pastes the text in the Clipboard to the correct position.
Paste
Search
looks in the document for the string required.
Find
continues the search for the previous string.
Repeat last find
Searches a text and replaces it with another one selected
Replace
Go to line passes to the line indicated.
Drawing
displays the drawing based on the instructions in the work area. The
Display command performs the syntax and validity check for the part-
program.
generates the drawing based on the instructions in the work area and
Rebuild updates the drawing archive. The command performs the syntax and
validity check for the part-program.
Mode
every new instruction is added to the work area. Every time a guided
Insert instruction is used, the instruction is inserted below the cursor in the
work area.
every new instruction replaces the instruction indicated by the cursor
Replace in the work area. Every time a guided instruction is used, the
20 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
instruction replaces the instruction previously indicated by the cursor
in the work area.
Environment variables
View displays the environment variables for the current machine
configuration.
Import imports the environment variables for the current machine
configuration. It is necessary to insert the disc containing the
variables.
when the cursor is on an instruction containing a tool, it visualize the
Select tool machine head and allows selection of one or more tools
Tool: Bit
Type: Brad
Tool: Bit
Type: Spear
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 21
Tool: Bit
Type: Countersunk
Tool: Router
Tool: Saw
Tool: Sensor
In the case of a tool changer, this indicates that the tool selected is part of a single head, i.e.
that the tool is one of a series of tools positioned in the same stock position.
- options -
Fixed head These data items refer to a tool mounted on a fixed head
Tool changer These data items refer to a tool mounted on the tool changer.
- fields description -
Number Tool identification number (1 - 96)
Tool Type of tool configured. In the case of a tool changer this field can be
modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through and select
the tool required.
Working face Face on which the tool is installed. In the case of a tool changer, this field
can be modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
and select the face required.
Length Characteristic data for the Bit and Router tools.
Useful length
Diameter
Type For the Bit only: use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
the and select the type of tool bit.
Countersink For the Bit and the Countersunk type tool, this shows
the depth setting of the countersinking tool.
Radius Characteristic data for the Saw.
Crown
Thickness
Rotation direction Use the arrow to the right of the field to select the tool direction of
rotation.
RPM default Tool rotation speed proposed when manually assigning tools.
Upper length... Characteristic data for the Sensor.
Upper stroke...
Tool change posit. In the case of a tool changer, this shows the actual position of the tool in
the stock used by the tool changer.
Offset X Position of the spindle in relation to the head zero. For tool changers,
Offset Y these fields can be modified.
Offset Z
Offset A
Path Name of the tooling to be imported complete with path. You may enter
any existing path in the tooling to be imported.
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and
release of the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the ones on board of the machine. (Machine >
Utility > Defaults).
22 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
Use the button to the right of the source tooling field to scroll through the toolings and select the tooling
you wish to copy.
If the destination tooling already exists, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite this data.
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 23
7.3.5.3 Machine: Configuration: Import
Imports configuration data from the machine disk or from any path.
The button Default assigns the pre-set value for the current type of CNC to the path.
Path Path for the configuration to be imported. Any existing path containing
the configuration to be imported may be used.
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and
release of the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the ones on board of the machine. (Machine >
Utility > Defaults).
- fields description -
Position X, X Minimum, X Current position and X-axis limits of the current cross beam.
Maximum
Vacuum cups This function is enabled to indicate that there are suction cups on the
cross beam. To configure the suction cups, press the Advanced
button and use the Vacuum cups option
Front Stop This function defines the stop type, the stop position and the stop
Position Y, Y Minimum, Y maximum and minimum positions on the current cross beam. To set
Maximum the stop measurements, press the Advanced button and use the
Stops option.
- Button description -
Add Use this option to add a cross beam after the last cross beam.
Insert Use this option to insert a cross beam after the current cross beam.
Delete Use this option to eliminate the current cross beam.
Advanced Use this function to set: the size, shape and number of suction cups;
the dimensions of the stops and cross beams; the origin and direction
of the reference axes.
24 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
7.3.6.2 Machine: Vacuum cups: Set out
Use this function: to move the cross beams and suction cups on the worktable; to position the current
panel on the worktable; to print out data concerning the positions of the suction cups and cross beams.
The worktable, with the end stops, the
crossbeams, the suction cups and the elevators
must be configured using the command:
Machine > Vacuum cups > Configure.
To move a cross beam, proceed as follows.
Move the cursor on the beam you wish to move.
The cursor will change to a horizontal arrow.
Click mouse button 1 and drag the beam to the
new position. The amount of cross beam travel
depends on the limits set in the machine
configuration.
To move a suction cup, proceed as follows. Move the cursor onto the suction cup to be moved. The cursor
will change to a vertical arrow. Click mouse button 1 and drag the suction cup to the new position.
- description of commands -
To leave the worktable set-up procedure.
To save the worktable cross beam and suction cup positions.
moves the panel on the table. It is possible to position the panel between the end parts of the
table, using the arrow keys or to position the panel in any position on the table, by entering the
X, Y co-ordinates of the panel compared to the position of the reference stop. If option Move
work. supp. and vac. cups is enabled, when the panel is moved, the crossbeams and the
suction cups will also be moved so that they maintain the same position in relation to the panel.
If both working areas are used, the arrow keys are used to bring back the position of the panel
to zero on the reference stops.
moves the reference stops to the right or the left of the crossbeam.
To add data for the suction cup and cross-beam positions to the panel part-program.
To print the suction cup and cross beam positioning data.
supplies the position of the selected crossbeam.
- fields description -
Programs origin if the option Use offset is enabled and the X,Y,Z values of the
origin are not all at zero when the part-program is generated, the
program origin data will be displayed and the corresponding O
origin displacement instruction will be enabled.
If the option Prompt on replace is also enabled, when the part-
program is generated, it will be possible to modify the program
origin data.
HEADER Values proposed when the part-program is created in the CAM
environment
Optimisation Used to apply optimization of the head downstrokes when fed into the CAM
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 25
options unit and to select the most convenient type of optimization. You can decide
whether to optimize the holes first and then the routings or vice versa, and
whether to optimize “by nearest points” only, whether to optimize them at
the same time and whether to automatically invert the direction of the
routings to reduce the machine time required.
The pre-set condition has all the options enabled.
Optimization in CAM This function optimizes the head paths and downstrokes
start-up when entering the CAM procedure. If the function is
disabled, optimization will only be performed when the
Optimize command is selected inside the CAM
procedure.
Sequence Sets the precedence of machining operations: first holes
and then routings or first routings and then holes. Note:
Angled holes will always be machined last.
NOP in LEFT/RIGHT faces Enters a NOP instruction before each machining operation
performed on the left and right faces.
NOP in FRONT/REAR Enters a NOP instruction before each machining operation
faces performed on the front and rear faces.
Spear bit protrusion Projection of the of the lance bit over the thickness Z of the panel for
passing holes.
In the CAM procedure the depth of a through hole is calculated as:
panel thickness + Spear bit protrusion.
PGM destination directory The part program directory assigned to the current configuration.
The system prompt provides the following directory as the default:
“\<directory ASPAN>\P2PART\<configuration name>“.
Numeric Control Configuring the numeric control unit.
The command can also be executed by moving the pointer onto the
Numeric Control item in the box in the bottom left-hand corner and then
clicking mouse button 2.
NC max. lines Maximum permitted number of lines for each program on the
machine's numeric control. If the source program exceeds this
number, it will automatically be broken down into sub-programs
whose length does not exceed this value.
If this field is set to zero, the part-program will not be broken down
into sub-programs (the NC will accept a program of any length).
Decimals digits Number of decimal points used by the numeric control unit.
Release Version of the numeric control to be used. An incorrect version
number can cause faults when importing configurations and tooling
when using the editor or creating part-programs.
Electrospindle Number of magazine stock location which can be reached by each electro-
spindle configured.
TWIN-PACK (For machines fitted with this option only). Use this option to define an
electro-spindle as a twin-pack and to assign a twin-pack electrospindle to a
magazine stock location.
• The header data and the optimization options can also be set using the command: CAM :: File > Preferences.
• The CNC data can also be set by pressing the second mouse button, when the cursor is at the corresponding item
in the box at the bottom left of the supervisor.
All the entities of a certain diameter (hole diameter or routing thickness) will be automatically be assigned
the speed corresponding to that diameter entered in the table; if the diameter concerned is not in the table
it will automatically be assigned the slowest speed (0).
26 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
For example, in order to automatically assign the drilling speed or routing start 2 to all the entities with
diameter 5 and 7.5, and to assign the routing speed 2 to the routings with a diameter of 6, the following
data must be entered in line no. 2:
5D,7.5D,6V
- fields description -
Boring feed or routing each line corresponds to a speed number. For example line 0 refers
start feed: 0 to speed 0. All the data items on line X refer to the diameters of the
Boring feed or routing entities to which the speed X will be assigned.
start feed: 1
...........
Boring feed or routing
start feed: 9
Routing feed Routing speed which will be assigned if the routing diameter does
not appear on any of the speed lines.
Router RPM Router RPM.
- fields description -
Port configure the serial port and the serial communications.
Baud rate
Parity
Data bit
Stop bit
Handshake Protocol type used by the numeric control unit.
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 27
PC side (socket connector) TRIA side (ESA)
7.4 Utility
Utility This menu item provides access to a series of commands for setting
Archive operations the general default data common to all the routines. It also provides
Preferences
Digitizer configuration access to a sub-menu for working on the drawing archive and
BarCode Configuration technical sub-menu for special program operations.
Vectorise image
Technical menu
28 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
7.4.1 Utility: Archive operations
Archive operations This menu item provides access to a series of commands for
Copy drawing operations on the drawing.
Rename drawing
Delete drawing
Remark editor
- fields description -
Decimals digits maximum number of decimal places used in dialogue windows. For
internal calculation the program will, in any case, use the number of
decimal places available with the processor and math co-processor
used on your unit.
Tangency tolerance Minimum distance for two routings to be defined as contiguous (i.e.
without interruptions). The pick box for the check on the tangent
tolerance is a double-side square with the tolerance value inside.
PicBox dimension dimension of the pick-box used when selecting entities.
Arc resolution Defines the precision level used when drawing arcs. The value in this
field is inversely proportional to the precision obtained, i.e. a high
value gives a low level of precision and viceversa.
Fast holes redraw when selected, this option enables faster but less accurate drawing of
the holes.
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 29
Draw the preview drawing when selected, this option displays a preview of the drawing in a
in exploded mode square in the bottom right-hand corner of the supervisor; all the
panel faces will be shown.
Big icons Defines the icon size (large or small) on the tool bars. Do not use
large icons with a screen resolution of 640x480; at this resolution the
large icons will not fit inside the display.
Configure colors Use this function to change the color of the entities and the working
environments. Any color can be assigned to each of the entity types
on the list. Use the Default button to return all entities to their
original, default setting colors.
Archive drawing directory this is the default directory containing the drawings; this directory is
displayed at the first operation with the drawing archive.
Print-out font type character font to be used on print-outs. To display a list of all the
fonts available, press the “...” button.
Print-out page number when enabled, prints page numbers on the print-out.
Alignment defines the position of the print-out number
on the sheet. Use the arrow to the right of the
field to scroll through and select the type of
alignment required.
- fields description -
X coord start position of the point X co-ordinate in the data string received.
X coord. length number of characters in the co-ordinate
Y coord start position of the point Y co-ordinate in the data string received.
Y coord. length number of characters in the co-ordinate
Push-button start position of the data for the buttons pressed in the data string
received.
Push-button length number of characters in the button data
Single point code code indicating that the data item received is a single point
Double point code code indicating that the data item received is a double point (sharp
edge)
End path code code indicating that the data item received is the end of a path
Digitizer on use if the digitizer will be connected with the program.
Confirm point when enabled, sounds a beep every time a point is received
Port configure the serial port and the serial communications.
Baud rate
Parity
Data bit
Stop bit
30 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
The quality, state and complexity of the original image have a considerable influence on the drawing
produced. In some cases, you will have to modify the drawing produced to obtain the form required.
⇒ ⇒
- fields description -
Edit as Strings converts numeric fields into string fields so that text can be entered
in the place of a numeric value.
- Button description -
Add adds a new default data item at the end of existing data.
Erase deletes the default data highlighted by the mouse
>> scrolls through the default archive
<<
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 31
7.5 Options
Options This menu item provides access to a set of commands used to set the
Import/Export default options for the interface with external programs.
AutoCAD
CONFIGURATION WINDOW
- fields description -
Diameter return enables the transfer and display in AutoCAD of the diameters
assigned to routings.
Erase the DWG AutoCAD Cancels the DWG file of an AutoCAD drawing at the end of the link.
file
Save CAM data You should keep machine data for an entity to be exported in
AutoCAD
Holes depth values to be assigned to entities which leave AutoCAD without
Routings depth values.
Routings diameter
Follows these instructions to successfully complete the Link with AutoCAD LT 97 or LT 98 or LT 2000:
- run AutoCAD LT from inside Aspan.
- from the AutoCAD LT main menu, select: Tools -> Customize menus
- enable the "Replace All" checkbox
- set aclt.mnu in the File field
- push the Load button
- confirm with Yes
- push the Close button
Now you can work with AutoCAD LT.
When you wish to go back to Aspan, saving the drawing, select PAD LT -> Exit.
If you need to go back to Aspan, WITHOUT saving the drawing, select PAD LT -> Quit.
- fields description -
Erase the DWG AutoCAD Cancels the DWG file of an AutoCAD drawing at the end of the link.
32 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
file
Save CAM data You should keep machine data for an entity to be exported in
AutoCAD
Holes depth Values to be assigned to entities which are exported from other
Routings depth environments without values.
Routings diameter
Number of significant number of decimal places to be used when importing/exporting
ASPAN SUPERVISOR 33
digits from/to external procedures.
Diameter return Enables the export and display of routing diameters to other
environments.
Holes maximum diameter Maximum diameter value for a circle: below this value the circle will
be interpreted as a holed; above this value a circle will be considered
as a routing.
File type to be exported DXF file type to be created during export operations.
7.6 Help
Help This menu item provides access to a series of commands used to call
User's manual up information from the program manual, to obtain information about
Available memory
Registration card the available computer memory, to create a program guarantee
About registration card and to obtain general information about the program.
34 SUPERVISOR ASPAN
CAD
8 CAD: GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Integrated Drawing Editor is the CAD module of the ASPAN CAD/CAM program.
This sophisticated routine is used to draw the graphic entities which will later be converted by the CAM
module into instructions for the machine tool.
The CAD routine will draw two types of primitive entity: holes and routings. You can draw countersunk
and passing holes and routing primitives such as straight lines, arcs, circles and ellipses.
The routine is very flexible and creates the graphic entities required from the measurements entered using
the keyboard or the mouse.
To move the mouse pointer to points which are at a known distance from each other, to select a point at
known co-ordinates on the panel or to select known points of entities on existing drawings, use the
Osnap and the Grid tools
To facilitate drawing, the axes origin can be positioned at any point on the face of a panel.
A series of commands for drawing complex routings or OBJECTS make it possible to create doors,
grooves, to enter text and routing symbols, to make recesses (pocketing) and to trim the panel at a
specified distance from its edges.
The program can also be used to enter formula for the entities making it possible to make parametric
drawings, interpolate on the Z axis, to modify the depth routing shape and import other CAD drawings in
DXF format.
A digitizer connected to the serial port of the computer can also be used to acquire the data for points.
Digitized points can be joined using the Spline, Cubic or Linear commands to construct paths.
The program has edit commands to copy, move, cut and scale drawing entities. The Tools > Undo
command may be used to cancel the last commands executed on the drawing and the Tools > Redo
command may be used to cancel the effects of the last Undo commands.
The current face can be displayed as opaque or transparent. In the transparent mode the entities present on
the other faces are visible and displayed in a different color.
To save the current drawing with a different name, use the Save as command. This command creates an
identical copy of the current drawing but with a different name.
To save all the operations performed on a drawing, select the save option when you leave the CAD
program using the Exit command.
36 CAD ASPAN
sequence of commands in executions. The first icon from the top is the current primary command. The
icons below represent the secondary commands which follow the current primary command.
For example, if you launch the "straight line between two points" command, the icon for this command
will appear in the top right-hand position. If you now select the zoom command, the zoom icon will
appear under the "straight line" icon.
When you start the integrated CAD for the first time, the Grid option has the default setting of 1 mm and
the panel origin is set at 0.0. This means that the X and Y co-ordinates, displayed to the left of the lower
status bar, will move by 1 mm steps during the entry of measurement values.
The axes origin can be positioned at any point on the panel face. When you start the integrated CAD the
axes origin will be positioned in the same position as that for the machine tool configured on the CAM.
The mouse pointer changes form to match the current operation.
For each pull-down menu there is a tool bar containing some or all of the commands for the current menu.
In addition to the horizontal tool bars there is a vertical tool bar (C) with display options; the buttons on
this bar correspond to the display commands for the Display option of the various menus. The commands
on this tool bar are "transparent", i.e. when executed from inside a primary command they do not change
the status of that command.
During the mouse data entry mode the pointer becomes a cross shape; in this mode the commands on the
Osnap tool bar and on the vertical display command bar are available.
8.4 SYMBOLS
A. start point
B. End point
C. end point of a routing and start point of another one
D. Direction: white arrow
ASPAN CAD 37
8.5 Panel
The panel is a special drawing entity. A panel is drawn automatically by entering the measurements for a
new drawing on the supervisor.
9 EXPLODED DRAWING
This mode, when active, allows to draw while the panel is in
exploded mode, that is with all faces visualized and all on the same
plane. The selection of the face on which to draw, automatic or
manual, could be selected in the preferences of CAD environment.
If the automatic face change option is active the face will change automatically according to the point in
the drawing where it starts to draw an entity; otherwise the entity will be drawn on the already active face.
To return to the normal drawing mode, single face mode, just click the Display > Normal icon.
38 CAD ASPAN
10 OSNAP FUNCTIONS
The snap to (Osnap) functions provide a reliable way of selecting known points of entities which have
already been drawn. The program automatically calculates and enters the position of known points on the
basis of their measurements.
Snap functions can be used with standard graphic entities (e.g. holes, routing and cuts) and can also be
used to select points on the edges of the panel.
Snap functions are available on the transparent menu and on the transparent tool bar during the entry of
measurement values.
The known points that can be selected are as follows:
Center
the center of any arc, circle or hole;
End point
the final point of any routing or panel edge;
Middle point
the middle point of any routing or panel edge;
Near to
the point on a routing or panel edge closest to the point clicked;
Intersection
the intersection point between two routings or between a routing and the edge of a panel;
Tangent to
the tangency to an entity. Tangency is only valid for STRAIGHT LINE, ARC and CIRCLE
ENTITIES.
Perpendicular
Perpendicular with a selected entity. This condition is only enabled when drawing straight
lines.
Tangent at a point
the tangent to an entity at one of its points which you have selected.
11 GRID FUNCTIONS
The Grid function defines the cursor movements as discrete aligned points on an X and Y grid; the
distance between the points is defined by the grid dimensions.
The grid function makes it possible to move the cursor to points which are at a known distance from each
other or to select a point with known co-ordinates on a panel.
When the grid is active it is only displayed and its effect on the cursor is only visible during measurement
entry operations. In this case the X and Y co-ordinates of the cursor shown in lower right-hand corner
move according to the grid pitch.
The grid origin can be fixed at any point on the panel.
When active, the grid can be displayed inside the work area. In this case it is displayed as a series of red
points at an equal distance apart at the grid size selected.
The grid will not be displayed if its size is set to below the screen resolution of 4 pixel.
The Grid function can be called up from the main menu and from the transparent menu during
measurement entry.
When you start the integrated CAD for the first time, the grid is
enabled at a size of 1 mm and with its origin on the 0.0 point of the
panel; the View option is not active.
File This menu item provides access to a series of commands for operations on files,
for importing DXF files, for printing drawings and leaving the supervisor
ASPAN CAD 39
program.
Display This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display
of the current work area.
Draw This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawing all
drawing graphic entities inside the work area.
Set This menu item provides access to a series of commands for: editing the
attributes of holes and routings; creating parametric drawings; interpolating
routings on the Z axis; converting routings into cuts and vice versa.
Modify This menu item provides access to a series of commands for modifying entities
which have already been drawn.
Tools This menu item provides access to a series of commands for special operations
on entities which have already been drawn. These operations include: filleting;
chamfering; canceling previous commands.
Path These commands allow the modification of the paths in the drawing.
Information This menu item provides access to a series of commands giving information
about the drawing entities and the CAD status.
The section below describes the hierarchy of all the menu commands.
File
Save
Save as
Save upside-down
Print
Dimensioned print
Exploded print
Preferences
Modify Single Line font
DXF import
Exit 2D generic
CAM Drill-Mate
Kreate
Display
Zoom
Face Previous
Exploded Window
3D view Out
Transparent Face
Extension
Pan
Upper
Left
Right
Front
Rear
Lower
40 CAD ASPAN
Set Information
Diameter Panel
Depth Entity
Formulae Status
Z Interpolation
Set grooves
Countersink depth
Global direction
Modify Path
Erase Cut and join
Copy Autojoin
Rotate Interpole
Mirror Smooth
Oppose Rotate in z
Extend Merge
Scale
Array XY
Panel X
Entity Y
ASPAN CAD 41
Draw
Holes
Objects Normal
Block Angular
Routings Holes row
Table
Rectangular pocket
Grooves
Text Ellipse
Line
2 Points Arc
Start,Angle,Length Circle
Follow
Start,End,Center Angular
Start,Point,End
Arc End,Center
Arc
File
Tools Utility
Change origin Macro
Fillet Nesting
Chamfer
Offset
Grid
Background
Dimensioning
Distance View
Undo Edit
Redo
42 CAD ASPAN
12.1 File
File This menu item provides access to a series of commands for
Save operations on files, for importing DXF files, for printing drawings
Save as
Save upside-down and leaving the supervisor program.
Print
Dimensioned print
Exploded print
Preferences
Modify Single Line font
DXF import
Exit
CAM
- Operations description -
PRINT This dialogue window belongs to the operating system currently in use.
Use this dialogue window to select the print-out size, print-out quality,
the number of copies required and the print-to-file command. To change
the print and printer options refer to the instructions in your operating
system manual. Press the OK button to confirm your selections and to
continue the command.
PREVIEW A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the print-
out before it is printed.
Print Prints the print-out on the printer selected.
ASPAN CAD 43
12.1.5 File: Dimensioned print
Prints the portion of the drawing currently displayed on the printer selected. Automatically prints holes
with their measurements and legends.
This command is used to modify print parameters.
You will be asked to specify: absolute or relative measurements; the position and origin of hole
measurements; the hole Legenda.
If you select the Legenda option, a letter from A to Z will be printed next to each hole indicating the
hole type; a legend giving the letter and its corresponding hole type will be printed at the bottom of the
page.
Use the Partial print option to zoom into a drawing and to print out only the holes that interest you.
A print preview will be displayed on screen before the print-out begins.
The procedure also prints the bar code at the bottom of the page. The data contained in the bar code must
be configured using the command: SUPERVISOR :: Utility > BarCode Configuration.
- Operations description -
PRINT This dialogue window belongs to the operating system currently in use.
Use this dialogue window to select the print-out size, print-out quality,
the number of copies required and the print-to-file command. To change
the print and printer options refer to the instructions in your operating
system manual. Press the OK button to confirm your selections and to
continue the command.
DEFINE DIMENSIONED PRINT-OUT
- fields description -
Relative X The X axis measurements can be printed as absolute values with
Absolute X reference to a fixed pointed on the X axis or as relative values using
selected entities as references.
Relative Y The Y axis measurements can be printed as absolute values with
Absolute Y reference to a fixed point on the Y axis or as relative values using
selected entities as references.
Dimension origin Reference edge to be used for calculating X and Y measurements.
There are four options, one for each edge of the panel.
Dimension position Zone on the drawing whose measurements are to be printed. There are
two options for the Z axis measurements and two options for the Y
axis measurements.
Legenda When selected, this option prints a letter from A to Z next to each hole
indicating the hole type; a legend giving the letter and its
corresponding hole type will be printed at the bottom of the page. This
option is disabled if there are more than 20 different hole types in the
holes selected.
- Button description -
Print A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the print-
out before it is printed.
Print Prints the print-out on the printer selected.
Partial Use this option to select the holes to be printed with measurements or to
use the zoom functions. Press the button to display the drawing on the
entire screen; the ENTITY SELECTION and Display commands are
enabled. Press the CONFIRM or CANCEL buttons to return to the
window for defining print-outs with measurements. When this option is
active a rectangle with a dotted edge will be displayed inside the panel
window.
- Operations description -
PRINT This dialogue window belongs to the operating system currently in use.
44 CAD ASPAN
Use this dialogue window to select the print-out size, print-out quality,
the number of copies required and the print-to-file command. To change
the print and printer options refer to the instructions in your operating
system manual. Press the OK button to confirm your selections and to
continue the command.
PREVIEW A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the print-
out before it is printed.
Print Prints the print-out on the printer selected.
The font modify environment is identical to the one in CAD, although some commands are not available.
You can use almost all the CAD commands plus the font menu which allows you to navigate among the
characters, to set the font parameters and to define the font Kerning (i.e. the space between two
characters).
To draw a character, draw it inside the box, considering that the two horizontal lines limit the normal
uppercase character area, if Helvetica or Arial. For other font types, as well as the two horizontal lines, the
subscript and superscript of the various characters may be present (see the figure in parameters).
ASPAN CAD 45
The import routine must be repeated for each work face of the panel.
A selection window (typical to your operating system) will appear asking you to indicate the name of the
file to be imported; the .DXF file extension will be displayed as the default setting. When you have
selected the file to be imported, the program will ask you to enter the data in the layer selection table; this
table is described below. When you have completed the data entries in this table, press the confirm key;
the program will import the file requested.
In the layer selection window, the Layer name field contains the layer name as it is found in the DXF
file selected. Use the Import field to select the layers to be imported into the drawing. With the scale
factor set to 1, the dimensions of the original drawing will remain unchanged after the import routine.
It is possible that the edges of the old panel will be displayed after the import routine. In this case cancel
the lines representing the edges of the old panel using the Modify > Erase command.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the file in the selection window; the program will display
".DXF" as the default file extension.
SELECT LAYERS TO BE All the importable layers found in the DXF file will be displayed.
IMPORTED
- fields description -
Scale Scale factor to be used when importing the drawing. 1 is displayed as
the default setting. A scale factor of 1 will import the drawing with
its original dimensions.
No. Ascending number
Layer name Layer name as found in the DXF file
Import Import the corresponding layer - Yes/No.
Max. diam. Maximum diameter value for a circle: below this value the circle will
be interpreted as a holed; above this value a circle will be considered
as a routing.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the file in the selection window; the program will display
".DXF" as the default file extension.
LAYER SELECTION This option displays all the possible DRILL-MATE entities. Click
the List button to list all the layers to be found in the file selected.
Each source layer must be associated with a different type of entity.
- fields description -
Panel Name of the corresponding layer as found in the panel file. This
layer is obligatory.
Vertical holes.... Name of the corresponding layer as found in the entity file. These
layers are not obligatory.
46 CAD ASPAN
Drill-Mate drawings are imported into the current drawing; panel dimensions are automatically updated
with the dimensions read in the file being imported.
A selection window (typical to your operating system) will appear asking you to indicate the name of the
file to be imported; the .DXF file extension will be displayed as the default setting. When you have
selected the file to be imported, the program will ask you to enter the data in the LAYER SELECTION
table; this table is described below. When you have completed the data entries in this table, press the
confirm key; the program will import the file requested.
On the left of the layer selection window the program will display all the entities that can be constructed
with the KREATE program. The Panel layer field is obligatory. The other fields indicate which fields
must to be imported.
Each source layer must be associated with a different entity type; a single layer cannot be associated with
more than one type of entity.
Up to two different layers can be used for routings.
The Layer fields must contain the layer names as they are to be found in the DXF file selected. Use the
List button to list all the layers in the file.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the file in the selection window; the program will display
".DXF" as the default file extension.
LAYER SELECTION This option displays all the possible KREATE entities. Click the
List button to list all the layers to be found in the file selected. Each
source layer must be associated with a different entity type.
- fields description -
Panel Name of the corresponding layer as found in the panel file. This
layer is obligatory.
Holes.... Name of the corresponding layer as found in the entity file. These
layers are not obligatory.
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
12.2 Display
Display This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling
Zoom the display of the current work area.
Face
Exploded
3D view
Transparent
ASPAN CAD 47
12.2.1.1 Zoom: Previous
Restores the previous display size; this command can be repeated to restore up to 200 previous zoom
levels.
⇒ ⇒
⇒ ⇒
To change the display size of the drawing so that the work area contains all the drawing entities, wherever they are, use the
command: Zoom > Extension.
This command can be used from all menus which have the Display menu item and is also available when
the corresponding icon is shown on the vertical tool bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
To cancel the effects of the Zoom applied, use the command Zoom > Previous.
48 CAD ASPAN
⇒
ASPAN CAD 49
Face-Upper Face-Left Face-Front
These commands can be executed on the main pull-down menu, on the transparent menu or by clicking
the face icon on the left-hand, vertical tool bar.
If the automatic face change option is active the face will change automatically according to the point in
the drawing where it starts to draw an entity; otherwise the entity will be drawn on the already active face.
This command can be used from all menus which have the Display menu item and is also available when
the corresponding icon is shown on the vertical tool bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
Display-Opaque Display-Transparent
When this display option is active the "seen" sign will appear alongside the command name. To disable
the command, repeat the command.
This option is disabled at start-up.
You will note that the screen refresh will be slower when this display option is active.
This command can be used from all menus which have the Display menu item and is also available when
the corresponding icon is shown on the vertical tool bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
50 CAD ASPAN
12.3 Draw
Draw This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawing
Holes all drawing graphic entities inside the work area.
Routings
Objects
Block
Depth On the upper or lower face. If the value is negative or greater than the
panel thickness, the hole will be changed into a passing hole.
Countersink depth If the value is zero, the hole is not countersunk. The countersinking height
must be less than the hole diameter or depth.
X repetition number of holes to be drawn along the X(Y) axis (default value 1).
(Y repetition)
X step distance X(Y) between the holes (default value 32). This is only
(Y step) significant if X repetition(Y repetition) > 1
Mirror in X if the holes drawn are to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
(Mirror in Y) on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
Oppose if the holes drawn are to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to their original position.
ASPAN CAD 51
in the Countersink depth field in the data entry window; this value must be less than diameter and the
depth of the hole.
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Position Z Hole depth in relation to panel thickness. The default setting proposed is
half the panel thickness.
Angle Hole insertion angle on the X and Y planes around the Z axis. In other
words, this is the tool working angle calculated clockwise starting from
the X axis.
Countersink depth If the value is zero, the hole is not countersunk. The countersinking height
must be less than the hole diameter or depth.
To draw a countersunk hole, enter a the countersink depth value in the Countersink depth field in the
data entry window; this value must be less than diameter and the depth of the hole.
To draw a passing hole on the upper or lower faces, enter a suitable value in the Depth field of the data
entry window; enter a negative value or a value which is greater than the panel thickness. In this case the
hole depth will be calculated in the CAM routine as: panel thickness + projection of lance bit (the lance
bit projection is given in the default data for the machine).
On the horizontal faces, the default hole height (position X for left and right faces, position Y for front or
rear faces) given by the program is half the panel thickness.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points of the line of holes, the hole diameter and
then the following data:
52 CAD ASPAN
face in the identical position to their original position.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
ASPAN CAD 53
• If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin at the endpoint of another entity, instead of this command, you can use the
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Tangent line.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points, the tool diameter and then the following data:
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin at the endpoint of another entity, instead of this command, you can use the
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Line Angle,Length.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the straight line start point, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
54 CAD ASPAN
12.3.2.2 Draw: Routings: Arc
Arc This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawing
Start,End,Center arcs based on available data.
Start,End,Radius
Start,Point,End
Start,Center,Angle
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin at the endpoint of another entity, instead of this command, you can use the
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Arc End,Center.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the arc start, finish and centre points, the tool diameter and then the
following data:
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin at the endpoint of another entity, instead of this command, you can use the
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Arc End,&Radius.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
ASPAN CAD 55
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points, the tool diameter and then the following data:
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
Point 3 (C)
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
• If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the three points of the entity, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
Angle (C)
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the entity),
that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become available in
the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
56 CAD ASPAN
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Radius (B)
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Center X
Center Y circle center point
Radius circle radius
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Mirror in X if the routing drawn is to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
(Mirror in Y) on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
Oppose if the routing drawn is to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to its original position.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
Point 3 (C)
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the three points of the entity, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
ASPAN CAD 57
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Mirror in X if the routing drawn is to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
(Mirror in Y) on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
Oppose if the routing drawn is to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to its original position.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
• To draw an irregular polygon, you can use the command Draw > Routings > Shape by points > Digitizer,
simulating the points with the mouse and interpolating the points acquired in linear mode.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
X radius (B)
Y radius (C)
Center X
Center Y center of the ellipse
X radius
Y radius radius or semi-axis of the ellipse
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Mirror in X if the routing drawn is to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
(Mirror in Y) on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
Oppose if the routing drawn is to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to its original position.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
58 CAD ASPAN
Select the ellipse center (A)
X radius (B)
Y radius (C)
Center X
Center Y center of the ellipse
X radius
Y radius radius or semi-axis of the ellipse
Start angle defines the start point of the ellipse.
End angle defines the end point of the ellipse. If the start and end points have the
same value, the program will draw a complete ellipse.
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Mirror in X if the routing drawn is to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
(Mirror in Y) on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
Oppose if the routing drawn is to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to its original position.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Direction (A)
Face-Upper Face-Front
The entity lead-in side, i.e. the side where the tool starts machining, is displayed in yellow.
Enter the following data: the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the line start and finish with reference to the
panel origin; the tool depth and diameter. You should also enter the following data:
XY tool angle the tool angle (or perpendicularity to the entity) on the upper face in
relation to the horizontal axis. The program proposes two angles at 180°
to each other. These are the two possible positions of the tool on either
side of the entity.
XZ tool angle Tool angle in relation to the plane of the upper face.
The preview area displays the entity to be drawn seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the depth
direction.
ASPAN CAD 59
12.3.2.7.2 Routings: Angular: Arc
raws arcs on any plane perpendicular to the upper face and inside the panel; does not draw lines on panel
faces; does not draw arcs on panel faces.
The entity lead-in side, i.e. the side where the tool starts machining, is displayed in yellow.
Enter the following data: the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the arc start and finish with reference to the panel
origin; the tool depth, diameter and direction. You should also enter the following data:
XY tool angle the tool angle (or perpendicularity to the entity) on the upper face in
relation to the horizontal axis. The program proposes two angles at 180°
to each other. These are the two possible positions of the tool on either
side of the entity.
XZ tool angle Tool angle in relation to the plane of the upper face.
The preview area displays the entity to be drawn seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the depth
direction.
Movement Tool movement type: if tool movement is radial, the tools will be kept
perpendicular to the path during machining.
Tool leading angle For radial movement types, enter the angle of the tool in relation to the
perpendicular of the path. If the angle is set = 0, this indicates that the tool
is perfectly perpendicular.
XY tool angle the tool angle (or perpendicularity to the entity) on the upper face in
relation to the horizontal axis. The program proposes two angles at 180°
to each other. These are the two possible positions of the tool on either
side of the entity.
XZ tool angle Tool angle in relation to the plane of the upper face.
The preview area displays the arc to be drawn (hatched) seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the
plane on which the arc lies.
60 CAD ASPAN
ENTITY SELECTION (A)
⇒ ⇒
ASPAN CAD 61
Length length of the straight line segment to be drawn
62 CAD ASPAN
ENTITY SELECTION (A)
End point of the arc routing (B)
⇒ ⇒
Radius 140
ASPAN CAD 63
⇒ ⇒
- Operations description -
Insert points Entering the points using a digitizer or mouse.
When you have completed point entries, press the Confirm button to
continue the command or press the Cancel button to cancel the
command.
Shape definition Select the shape to be interpolated by using the points acquired;
modifying and saving the points acquired.
- fields description -
Type Type of interpolation between acquired points.
Options:
Linear Spline Cubic.
Closed is the shape to be created closed or open.
Diameter tool diameter.
Depth routing depth
- Button description -
Save saves acquired points in a file. Select the name of the file where the points
are to be saved using the file selection window for your operating system;
the system will propose the .PNT extension as the default file extension.
The file with the points can later be entered in a drawing using the Draw
> Routings > Shape by points > File command
Add adds a point with co-ordinates 0.0 to the end of the hole list.
Delete cancels the point in the current cursor position from the list of holes.
Insert enters a point with co-ordinates 0.0 in the current cursor position to the
hole list.
Modify returns to the work area to enable graphic modifications to the acquired
points. The points are displayed as small alternating red and green squares
joined by straight lines. The pointer changes to a hand with an
outstretched index finger; the index finger is the hot-spot. To move a
point, move the index finger onto the point, click and keep the mouse
button 1 pressed down and then move the mouse pointer to the position
required. The point will follow the mouse movements. If the two points
are the same, the small square will change to blue. To return to the table,
press the Confirm button to save the modifications or press the Cancel
button to cancel the modifications.
• To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
• To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
64 CAD ASPAN
To enter other points, press the Add or Insert buttons and then enter the X and Y measurements for the
points in the list displayed on the right side of the window.
There are two ways of modifying points:
- the data entry mode: click mouse button 1 on the field to be modified and then enter the X and Y
measurements in the list of points on the right of the window;
- the graphics mode: press the Modify button. This will return you to the work area where the points
will be displayed as small red and green squares joined by straight lines. Use the mouse. Move the
'hand' pointer onto the point to be modified, click and hold down mouse button 1 and then move the
pointer to the point required. If the two points are the same, the square will be displayed in blue.
When you have finished entering the points, you must select the type of interpolation to be applied to the
points and also the diameter and depth attributes to be assigned to the resulting routing.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the file in the selection window. The program will propose the
.PNT file extension.
Insert points Inserting other points by entering their measurements in the table on the
right of the window.
Shape definition Select the shape to be interpolated by using the points entered in a table;
modifying and saving the points in a file.
Automatic tool compensation can also be selected. This makes it possible to draw the squaring routings in
a position that takes into account the routing tool diameter. If you select tool compensation here it will not
be necessary to assign compensation to the tool later during the CAM environment.
If the entity is not mathematically possible with the data entered, a beep will sound when you press the
OK button and the mouse cursor will highlight the field containing the incorrect data item.
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Edge distance Distance from the edge of the panel at which the trimming cut is to be
drawn.
Fillet radius Fillet radius between the trim routing. If this field is set to zero, the
program will not execute any fillet radius and the trim cuts will be made
with a sharp edge.
Automatic tool When active this option makes the trim routing with automatic
correction compensation, i.e. the trim routing will be drawn in a position calculated
as: distance from the edge - router radius).
Corner if enabled, moulding is machined with a sharp edge.
Inlet/Outlet if enabled, tool lead-in and lead-out paths are created.
ASPAN CAD 65
Cuts a rectangular recess of the size required. The rectangle to
be recessed is defined by the two points at the ends of its
diagonal.
The rectangle to be recessed can have corners with a set radius.
The value in the Routing diameter field defines the number
of passes required to empty the recess.
The lead-in and lead-out paths of the machine head are calculated automatically.
If the entity is not mathematically possible with the data entered, a beep will sound when you press the
OK button and the mouse cursor will highlight the field containing the incorrect data item.
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Start X
Start Y Measurement of the first corner of the recess rectangle.
End X
End Y Measurement of the second corner of the recess rectangle.
Fillet radius Fillet radius between the sides of the recess rectangle. If this field is set
to zero, the fillet radii will not be made and the recess rectangle will be
cut with sharp edges.
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Center X
Center Y circle center point
Pocket radius circle radius
Direction Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
The path to be recessed and any internal islands must be drawn before this command is run.
It has also the ability to select, at the same time, more than one closed path to be emptied. In this case the
command executes a multiple pocketing.
66 CAD ASPAN
The areas recessed, yellow-colored, will be considered as a single complex entity. You cannot modify or
delete a single section of a recess unless you first divide it into its basic sections using the command Path >
Cut and join.
You will be asked to select the path to be emptied and any islands inside the path not to be emptied. Enter
the depth and then the following data:
Finish diameter Tool diameter of the outermost path. The default setting is the diameter
set when the path was created.
Finish mode Defines the path mode of the finishing tool. If the mode is set to offset,
an offset will be generated inside the path at a distance which is half the
Finish diameter; the finishing tool will follow this path. If the mode is
set at correction, the tool will follow the path but with internal
correction.
Roughing diameter Emptying tool diameter.
Overlap Percentage of overlap on two successive roughing passes.
This command does not work if the external path or any islands to be recessed are not closed. To check that a path is
closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
Unlike standard routings, these cuts are displayed in dark blue; a saw tool will be assigned to these
cuttings in the CAM routine (where possible).
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Edge distance (a) distance of the groove from the edge of the panel
Overedging (b) Amount inside or outside the panel. If the edging value is negative the
cut will start inside the panel.
Groove 1 The edge grooves for the edges selected can be cut a the same time.
Groove 2
Groove 3
Groove 4
'a' distance distance of the sides of the door from the edges of the panel and as
'b' distance indicated in the figure to the right of the data entry window.
'c' distance
'd' distance
'r1' radius door radius, as indicated in the figure to the right of the data entry
'r2' radius window.
'r3' radius
Inlet/Outlet tangent Enters the tool lead-in/lead-out paths at the center of the upper
mode horizontal side of the door and interpolates the paths on the Z axis.
Parametric Creates a parametric door so that the distance of the shape from the
ASPAN CAD 67
edges of the door remain the same when the panel size is changed.
The text may follow a path of any shape selected by the Path
button, with the ability to rotate the characters and to fit the
length of the text to the length of the selected path. A positive
value in the Extrablank field allows to insert an additional
extra space, between the characters, to the standard one.
The procedure executes a reduction of the number of routing
sections found in the font and transforms the text in routings.
To modify or create a single-line font, use the command: File >
Modify Single Line font.
All the TrueType fonts are two-line fonts: the corresponding characters are formed by closed paths. If you want to draw
single-line text, use the internal single-line fonts.
Enter the point where the symbols are to be entered, the symbol size, the tool size and the symbol font to
be used. Press the OK button. A selection window will appear for the selection of the symbols to be
applied to the panel. To select a symbol, click mouse button 1 on the symbol. Press the Insert button for
each selection. The routine will temporarily save the symbols in sequence. The last symbols saved will be
shown in the lower right-hand corner in 5 cells together with a number indicating the symbols saved. The
remaining symbols in the file are displayed in the vertical scroll bar on the right. When you press the OK
button the saved symbols will be transferred to the panel. The entities made up of symbols are routings.
- Button description -
Font ... selects TRUETYPE font files with the .TTF extension; use the file selection
window for your operating system
OK confirms the data settings and passes to the symbol selection window and
reads the symbols present in the file selected.
- Button description -
Zoom displays the selected symbol enlarged to fill the entire screen. To
select a symbol, click mouse button 1 on the symbol.
Insert temporarily saves the symbol selected in one of the five cells in
the bottom right hand corner of the screen and updates the
number of the symbols memorized (i.e. the number displayed to
the left of the cells).
OK transfers all the symbols saved onto the upper panel face and then
exits from this command routine.
68 CAD ASPAN
12.3.4 Draw: Block
Block This menu item provides access to a series of commands for defining
Define and entering a block of entities on a drawing.
Insert
SAVE BLOCK
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION
Position X position of block base/entry point. This is the reference point used later
Position Y when entering the block on the drawing using the Draw > Block >
Insert command.
SAVE BLOCK saves the block in a file with a name and the .BLK extension; this
operation takes place in the file selection window of your operating
system.
Files selection
⇒ Block insertion point (A)
⇒
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the .BLK file your require in the selection window.
Position X position of the block base/entry point. This is the block reference point
Position Y previously saved using the Draw > Block > Define command.
ASPAN CAD 69
12.4 Set
Set This menu item provides access to a series of commands for defining
Diameter and entering a block of entities on a drawing.
Depth
Formulae
Z Interpolation
Set grooves
Countersink depth
Global direction
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS.
70 CAD ASPAN
Grooves Type of entity selected: "X" indicates that cuts are selected; " " indicates
that routings are selected. This field will be colored gray if the entity
selected contains both cuts and routings.
To convert all the entities selected into cuts (where possible), enter "X" in
this field. To convert all the entities selected into routings, enter " " in this
field.
ENTITY SELECTION
⇒ Countersink depth 5
⇒
Direction Right
⇒ ⇒
12.5 Modify
Modify This menu item provides access to a series of commands for
Erase modifying entities which have already been drawn.
Copy
Move
Rotate
Mirror
Oppose
Trim
Extend
Scale...
Array
Panel
Entity
ASPAN CAD 71
selection of all entities and
⇒ confirmation ⇒
If the entities to be deleted are on more than one face of the panel, it is better to work in exploded mode, using the
command: Display > Exploded.
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS
Start X base or reference point for the copy of the entity selected. This is
Start Y usually a known point on one of the entities selected.
End X
End Y The point to which the objects selected are to be copied.
72 CAD ASPAN
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS
Start X base or reference point for the copy of the entity selected. This is
Start Y usually a known point on one of the entities selected.
End X
End Y The point to which the objects selected are to be moved.
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS
Center X base point or center of rotation around which the objects selected
Center Y will be rotated.
Angle The angle of rotation through which the objects selected are to be
rotated. A positive value in this field indicates a clockwise direction
of rotation.
ASPAN CAD 73
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS
Point 1 X
Point 1 Y The first point of the mirror axis.
Point 2 X
Point 2 Y The second point of the mirror axis.
- Mirror in options-
With respect to a confirms the mirror axis defined by the points entered in the previous
selected axis fields.
X the mirror axis is vertical(horizontal) to the center of the panel. The values
(Y) defined in the previous fields will be ignored.
⇒ ⇒
74 CAD ASPAN
12.5.8 Modify: Extend
Use this option to extend (i.e. to lengthen) the entity selected to the edges specified.
First, select the entities to be used as edges or extension limits. Next, select the entities to be extended one
at a time.
ASPAN CAD 75
selection of all entities and
confirmation
⇒ insertion of the base point near the ⇒
endpoint at the bottom of the curve
insertion of a scale factor of 1.5
- options -
Rectangular array the series of multiple copies will be made along a vertical, horizontal or
diagonal straight line.
Polar array the entities will be copied on a circular path around the center of rotation
at the angle specified. The entities copied will be rotated around the center
of rotation.
Rectangular array
A rectangular series on the X and Y axes set to the value 1 does not make sense because this setting
will simply display the original objects.
Polar array
76 CAD ASPAN
selection of all entities and
confirmation
insert as rotation center nearly the
⇒ center of the panel ⇒
Quantity 5
Angle to be filled 360°
This operation is possible on single routings (i.e. on routings not connected to other entities).
ASPAN CAD 77
12.6 Tools
Tools This menu item provides access to a series of commands for special
Change origin operations on entities which have already been drawn. These
Fillet
Chamfer operations include: filleting; chamfering; canceling previous
Offset commands.
Grid
Background
Dimensioning
Distance
Undo
Redo
- fields description -
Axes direction there are 4 possible directions, one for each edge of the panel. The
Offset X and Offset Y fields are updated at each change in direction.
Offset X These fields are automatically up-dated at each modification in the
Offset Y Axes direction and can be used to move the origin to any point on the
panel; these fields have the same effect as the Tools > Shift origin
command.
Invert X-Y changes the X axis with the Y axis; this command is useful for the panel
side faces.
Default applies the default origin set using the associated CAM routine; sets the
other fields to this default setting.
If you have to fillet, using the same fillet radius, all the vertices of a path, use the command: Path > Smooth.
- Operations description -
Radius radius to be used for fillets.
ENTITY SELECTION Select the first routing to be filleted in the area where the fillet is to
be made.
ENTITY SELECTION Select the second routing in the area where the fillet is to be made.
78 CAD ASPAN
12.6.3 Tools: Chamfer
The chamfer command cuts two, non-parallel straight lines at points which depend on the beveling
measurements set. The value may be set in the upper toolbar.
Select the two straight routings one at a time; the program will then execute the chamfer.
The point at which the two straight lines meet is used as the reference point for calculating the chamfer
distance (i.e. the bevel measurements).
Note that:
Distance 1 refers to the first straight routing selected.
Distance 2 refers to the second straight routing selected
ASPAN CAD 79
repeat the procedure but select any
external point
⇒ ⇒
- Operations description -
Distance offset, i.e. distance at which the new routings will be created from the
original routing selected.
ENTITY SELECTION Select the routing to which the offset is to be applied.
Value: 10
Center X, Center Y: 0
⇒ set the options Enable and View ⇒
active
- fields description -
Value grid step. This is the minimum distance for mouse pointer movements
on the X and Y axes.
Center X grid origin. The grid origin can be fixed at any point on the panel.
Center Y
Enable enables the grid with the set values
View displays or hides the grid.
80 CAD ASPAN
The background can be used with various drawing commands to trace drawings; this function can
therefore be used as an alternative to the digitiser. If the background to be traced contains many arcs, use
the Routings > Shape by points > Digitizer command; use the mouse to click on various points of
the background image and then select the type of interpolation available with this command.
- fields description -
Enable Use this function to enable and disable the background image.
ASPAN CAD 81
⇒ ⇒
⇒ ⇒
Redo: result
12.7 Path
Path These commands allow the modification of the paths in the drawing.
Cut and join
Autojoin
Routing reduction
Interpole
Smooth
Rotate in z
Modify Vertex
Merge
-
to divide a single routing into a series
of routings at the points selected;
- to join a series of contiguous routings
to make a single routing;
- to change the start point of a routing.
- to change the routing direction.
When the command is started, the start and end
points of all the routings on the drawing will be
displayed. You will be asked to select the
routing you wish to modify. When you select a
routing all its vertices will be displayed in the form of white crosses. The tool bar and the Cut and join
menu are displayed at the top of the screen. The tool bar has all the commands on the menu.
The Next Vertex and Previous Vertex buttons select the next and previous vertices of the routing
selected.
82 CAD ASPAN
The Cut button divides the routing into two sections at the current vertex. A routing cannot be divided
when the current vertex is the start or end point of the routing. After the routing has been cut into two
sections, only the section nearest to the original start point will be selected.
The Join button joins the current routing to another routing. To execute this command you must select a
second routing to which to join the routing already selected. This can only be done if the two routings are
touching each other. When the two routings have been joined all the resulting vertices will be displayed.
The Invert direction button changes the direction of the routing selected.
The Explode button splits the routing selected into its component parts. When this command has been
completed only the routing section closest to the original start point will remain selected.
The Multiple join button joins all the selected and contiguous routings to the current routing. Select the
routings to be joined to the currently selected routing by using the ENTITY SELECTION routine. When
this command has been completed, all the vertices of the resulting routing will be displayed.
The next section describes the commands on the Cut and join tool bar and menu.
A start point
B End point
C vertexes whose the path is composed
D tangent vertex
Direction: white arrow
Next Vertex
selects the next vertex of the routing
The vertex is shown by a white cross. When you start the command, all the routing vertices are
displayed. The vertex selected can be used by the other commands on this menu.
Previous Vertex
selects the previous vertex of the routing.
The vertex is shown by a white cross. When you start the command, all the routing vertices are
displayed. The vertex selected can be used by the other commands on this menu.
Cut
splits the routing at the vertex selected.
Join
joins the current routing with another, contiguous vertex.
Select the routing (one only) to be jointed to the current routing.
Invert direction
changes the direction of the routing selected.
Explode
splits the routing selected into its component parts.
Multiple join
joins selected and contiguous routings to the current routing. Select the routings to be joined to
the current routing using the ENTITY SELECTION routine.
New start point
Changes the path start point. If the path is closed, the start point is moved to the new point
required, transforming the old start point into a vertex; if the path is open, it will be cut at the
point corresponding to the new start point selected.
Select next routing
selects another routing.
End cut and join
Leaves the Cut and join command.
Invert direction
Invert the direction of the selected routing
To apply the same direction to all the drawing routings, use the command: Set > Global direction.
ASPAN CAD 83
Define a new start point for this routing
To check that a path is closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
Explode
Explode the routing in all its component sections
To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
Do NOT use this command when there are formulas or if some paths have been cut or joined with the Path > Cut and
join procedure commands. In this case, use the command Multiple join of the procedure Path > Cut and join to select
and join the paths required.
84 CAD ASPAN
⇒ ENTITY SELECTION ⇒
To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
Interpole
⇒ ⇒
Type: Spline
Fillet radius 50
⇒ ⇒
To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
ASPAN CAD 85
⇒
⇒ ⇒
To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
12.8 Utility
Utility
Macro
Nesting
86 CAD ASPAN
Macro: Example
A: area to be filled in
⇒ B: parts to be used for filling in ⇒
12.9 Information
Information This menu item provides access to a series of commands giving
Panel information about the drawing entities and the CAD status.
Entity
Status
ASPAN CAD 87
12.9.1 Information: Panel
Selection Display
Window Zoom ...
Crossing Face ...
Previous Exploded
Mode Transparent
13.1 Display
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that for the main menu. For a
description of the commands available on this menu, see the section on the main menu.
88 CAD ASPAN
13.2 Selection
Selection This menu item provides access to a series of commands for selecting
Window the graphic entities on drawings.
Crossing
Previous
Mode
Single entities are selected by using the pick-box. The pick box is a square cursor and its dimensions can
be changed as required. Single entities are selected by placing the pick-box over the entity. Groups of
entities are selected by dragging the rectangular selection window partially or fully over the entities.
In most cases the entities selected change color when selected.
At the start of the ENTITY SELECTION routine the single selection mode is active. To select a single
entity, move the pick-box over the entity to be selected and then press mouse button 1.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press the +/- button to choose the add or
subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the command press the Cancel key.
If you choose the Single option and then place the pick-box over several entities, a window will appear
making it possible to select a single entity only.
The title bar of the window will show the number of the current entity with respect to all the other entities
inside the selection rectangle. The data for the current entity will be displayed inside the window. To
scroll through and select the other entities one at a time, press the "NEXT" button. To confirm selection of
the entity whose data are currently displayed in the window, press the OK button. To move the window at
any time, click the mouse button 1 on the window title bar, keep the button pressed down and then drag
the window to the position you require. Use this option to move the window to uncover any parts of the
drawing hidden underneath the window and to display the entity currently selected (this entity is displayed
in a different color from the others).
In the following the list of these commands.
ASPAN CAD 89
To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the command press the Cancel key.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press the +/- button to choose the add or
subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
Given that the use of the Tools > Undo command during a drawing session has the effect of canceling
the previous selection, this command will have no effect on the selection.
Osnap Display
Center Zoom ...
End point Face ...
Middle point Exploded
Near to Transparent
Intersection
Tangent to
Perpendicular
Tangent at a point
14.1 Display
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that for the main menu. For a
description of the commands available on this menu, see the section on the main menu.
14.2 Osnap
The snap to object (Osnap) functions are used to accurately select Osnap
known points of entities already on drawings. The snap functions have Center
Middle point
the advantage that they make it possible to accurately select known Near to
graphic points without needing to know their precise measurements. This Intersection
Tangent to
routine automatically calculates and enters the measurements. Perpendicular
Tangent at a point
90 CAD ASPAN
ENTITY SELECTION (A)
⇒ ⇒
ASPAN CAD 91
ENTITY SELECTION (A)
⇒ ⇒
If you want the tangent to pass through a given point on the entity, use the command: Osnap > Tangent at a point.
92 CAD ASPAN
Draw-Routings-Line-2 Points
Osnap-Perpendicular
⇒ ENTITY SELECTION (A) ⇒
15 PARAMETRIC MODE
Path Set
Formulae
The parametric routine transforms fixed drawings or drawing entities into parametric drawings and
entities. The routine uses the CAD parametric commands to transform entity dimensions and positions so
that they depend on and vary with the dimensions of the panel.
The parametric routine involves applying the formulas described below to the entities and then setting the
new panel dimensions using the Modify > Panel command. At this point all the entities which have been
assigned parametric formulas will be changed to match the new panel dimensions.
If you wish to make several versions of the same drawing with different panel dimensions for subsequent
use in the CAM module, save the original parametric drawing with its name using the File > Save as
command and then make copies altering the panel dimensions each time; you will then have a series of
copies ready for processing in the CAM module.
15.1 INTRODUCTION
The parametric routine is the tool used to develop parametric drawings where the dimensions and position
of the entities on the drawing are not fixed but are determined by formulas assigned to the entities using
the parametric routine.
When the panel dimensions of a parametric drawing are modified, all the entities which have been
assigned a formula will be modified accordingly; entity position, scale and shape (where routings are
present) will be modified according to the formulas assigned to the entity.
To facilitate programming, the parametric procedure is supplied complete with some of the more
commonly used formulas ready for use.
For routings the formulas are assigned to the X and Y co-ordinates of the starting point and to the scales X
and Y defining the shape of the routing. For holes, the formulas are assigned to the X and Y position (and
Z for angled holes) of the holes (i.e. the center of the circle) on the panel.
There are two methods for entering formulas: the mathematical method and the icon method. In the
mathematical method the data variables and operators are entered in the fields of a data table. In the icon
method, you enter a predefined formula by selecting the icon for that formula.
In the mathematical method you can also enter a formula by selecting the icon for one of the predefined
formula. To do this, press the List button at the bottom of the formula entry table. When you select an
ASPAN CAD 93
icon, the data entry fields currently highlighted by the cursor will be filled with the values for the icon you
selected.
When you select more than one entity you cannot use the mathematical method for assigning formulas.
You must use the icon method to assign predefined formulas; assign the formula first to the X variable,
then to the Y variable and then to the Z variable (where one is required). After you have assigned
predefined formulas to the variables X, Y and Z, you will be asked to complete the data table with
mathematical plausibility variables defining the entity. If the entity variable values entered are not
plausible for the panel dimensions, the entity will be cancelled from the panel. If you leave the data fields
empty, the entities will always be present on the panel regardless of panel dimensions. This will always be
the case as long as the routing scale value remains positive as the panel dimensions are modified.
The mathematical variables defining an entity are: the entity starting point and scale where the entity is a
routing; the entity position where the entity is a hole.
If the current selection contains both holes and routings, the procedure will process the entities in the
cascade mode asking you to enter formulas first for the holes and then for the routings.
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS
Entering formulas entering formulas using the mathematical method or the icon method
94 CAD ASPAN
Not all the data entry fields will be displayed at once; some data fields are displayed as and when required
during formula entry.
The fields enclosed in round brackets on the left show the formula itself. The fields enclosed in round
brackets on the right after the unequal sign (g) are the mathematical plausibility conditions for the entity.
- fields description -
a Variable name
b Sum term
The term to be summed to the measurement resulting from the multiplication or division of
the panel dimension variable (d) (Dx or Dy or Dz) by the field (f). When no formula has been
assigned, this field shows the current routing starting position X or the current position X of
the hole selected.
c + sign
d panel dimension variable (X, Y or Z dimensions)
Panel dimension. For example, DX refers to dimension X of the panel.
e algebraic operator (division or multiplication)
This is an algebraic operator of the variables Dx, Dy or Dz for the term which comes after
f multiplication or division term
term to be multiplied by the variable Dx, Dy or Dz
g inequality operator (<, <=, >, >=)
A series of fields defining the plausibility conditions of an entity.
h inequality sum term
Term to be summed to the measurement obtained by multiplying or dividing the variable (j)
by the panel dimensions (Dx, Dy or Dz) by the multiplier term (l) in order to obtain a
comparison value for the inequation.
i + sign
j panel dimension variable considered for inequality (X, Y or Z)
Panel dimension used in inequation
k algebraic equation for inequality (division or multiplication)
This is an algebraic operator of the variables Dx, Dy or Dz for the term which comes after
l multiplication or division term for inequality
term to be multiplied by the variable Dx, Dy or Dz
m formula result field for the variable
Result of the expression made by inserting various data in the previous fields. For the
variables X, Y and Z, the result field shows the current position of the entity; for the scale
variables Xx and Yx, the result field must contain the value 1 otherwise the dimensions of the
entity will be modified when the formula is confirmed even with the current dimensions of the
panel.
p current panel dimensions DX, DY, DZ
current dimensions of the panel (display field only)
q variable name (scale factor)
this is only displayed when routing has been selected.
- Button description -
List This displays a list of the predefined formulas (icons) and can also be used to
enter the formula for the variable currently highlighted by the cursor (see icon
method)
The fields described above are used to create expressions which will execute any type of parameterization.
In some cases, however, it is not easy to find the multiplier terms, the sum terms and the operators needed
to obtain a particular result. Here the predefined formulas (icons) can be used as a teaching aid and can be
used to analyze the expressions which correspond to each icon. To do this, select the line for the variable
you require, press the List button and select the icon for the formula you require; a table will be displayed
showing the data and the fields for that formula.
Example 1: the current panel dimensions (p) are DX=600 and DY=400; you want the straight line from
100.300 to 500.300 to remain at a fixed distance from the left and right edges of the panel. Apply the
predefined formula 2 to the variable X. This formula will generate the expression: -0.5 + DX / 400 to the
scaling variable Xx which will keep the ends of the straight line at the fixed distance required. It should be
noted that the result (m) of this expression is 1; this is because the straight line must not change with the
current panel dimensions.
Example 2: the current panel dimensions (p) are DX=600 and DY=400; you want the line from 100.300 to
500.300 to remain at a fixed distance from the right edge of the panel. Apply the predefined formula 12 to
the variable X. This formula generates the expression: -500 + DX x 1.0 to the variable X which will keep
ASPAN CAD 95
the line at the fixed distance required. It should be noted that the result (m) of the expression is 100 which
is the current starting point of the line.
In the case of angled holes, a formula can also be associated to the variable Z (hole depth in relation to the
lower face) following the rules described for the other variables.
Formulas must be entered for all the variables (i.e. for all the lines of the data entry table) of the entity
selected for parametrizing.
- Operations description -
selecting icons selecting the icon for the X variable
selecting icons selecting the icon for the Y variable
plausibility entering the mathematical plausibility data. If these fields are left empty,
the entity will always be present regardless of panel dimensions.
- Button description -
None deletes any formula assigned to the corresponding variable.
96 CAD ASPAN
The icons available for the X variable and their respective
meanings are shown below.
ASPAN CAD 97
routing lower end fixed to lower panel side;
9 routing upper end fixed to panel center;
routing lower end proportionally attached to lower panel side.
10 routing upper end proportionally attached to panel center;
routing lower end fixed to lower panel side;
11 both routing ends fixed to upper panel side.
12 both routing ends fixed to lower panel side.
After you have selected the icon for each variable, you will be asked to complete the data table with fields
for the mathematical plausibility values defining the entity to which formulas have just been assigned.
These fields have the same meaning as those described for the mathematical method above.
If you leave the mathematical plausibility fields empty, the routings will always be present regardless of
panel dimensions. This will always be the case as long as the scale factor remains positive.
After you have selected the icon for each variable, you will be asked to complete the data table with fields
for the mathematical plausibility values defining the entity to which formulas have just been assigned.
These fields have the same meaning as those described for the mathematical method above.
If you leave the mathematical plausibility fields empty, the holes will always be present regardless of
panel dimensions.
16 ROUTING Z INTERPOLATION
Path Set
Z Interpolation
98 CAD ASPAN
If the routing is a horizontal or vertical straight line, its depth profile can be any arc or line joining the
depth starting point with the finishing point (circular or linear interpolation). The only other depth profile
permitted is the case of any line joining the depth starting point with the finishing point (linear
interpolation).
To start the interpolation procedure, select the section of routing whose Z profile you wish to modify.
The reference for the depth profile is an imaginary line joining the depth starting point with the depth
finishing point of the section of routing selected. The depth profile can be defined by one of the following
parameters: center, radius, starting angle, finishing angle.
You need only enter one of these parameters; the others will then be calculated automatically.
If the section of routing selected is connected and joined to others (see the Path > Cut and join and
Path > Autojoin commands on the main menu), modifying the depth profile of that section will also
modify the adjacent sections so that they remain contiguous with that section.
During data entry operations, a preview graphic of the Z profile resulting from the entries will be
displayed at the bottom of the window; when you modify a data item the preview will be updated
immediately when you move the cursor to the next field. To move from one data field to the next and to
update the graphic preview, press the TAB key.
The graphic preview shows the starting and finishing points of the routing as green and red circles and
shows the routing direction as a white arrow. The Z profile is shown as a white line or arc. The panel
surface is shown as a broken, horizontal green line. Contiguous sections are shown in blue.
When you have completed the procedure, display the routing Z profile by using the transparent display
mode (use the Display > Transparent command); to change the current face, use the Display > Face
command. The Z profiles of the entities on the screen will be displayed in yellow.
When you have selected the section for interpolation, you will be asked to complete the fields of the data
table; the fields are described below. When you have finished data entries, press the OK key; the Z profile
will be updated.
- Button description -
Zoom + enlarging or reducing the preview size.
Zoom -
- fields description -
Start X the profile starting point is shown by a green circle. Only the Z depth
Z start value can be modified.
End X the profile finishing point is shown by a red circle. Only the Z depth value
Z end can be changed.
Mode these fields must not be modified during the linear interpolation
Internal procedure.
Center X
Z center
Start angle
End angle
Radius
ASPAN CAD 99
The circular profile can be "internal" or "external" depending on the setting used in the Internal option.
An "internal" profile is one which starts and moves away from the panel towards the finishing point to
form a concave circular profile. An "external" profile is one which starts away from the panel and moves
towards panel surface and finishing point to form a convex circular profile.
To define a circular profile, you must first define the starting and finishing points of the section on the Z
axis and indicate the value of the radius or arc center to be constructed on the Z axis. If you do not know
the center or the radius, indicate the starting or the finishing angle on the Z axis.
You need only enter one of the data items mentioned, the other values will be calculated automatically.
- fields description -
Start X the profile starting point is shown by a green circle. Only the Z depth
Z start value can be modified.
End X the profile finishing point is shown by a red circle. Only the Z depth value
Z end can be changed.
Mode this field defines the parameter to be entered; there are four possible
parameters: center (1), radius (2), starting angle (3), finishing angle (4).
When you enter the value for one of these parameters, the values for the
other three parameters will be calculated automatically.
Internal (in mode 2 only) when active, the profile starts and moves away from the
panel surface towards the finishing point to form a concave profile.
Alternatively, the profile starts away from the panel and moves towards
the panel surface and finishing point to form a convex profile.
Center X (active in mode 1 only) the center on the X and Z axes of the profile arc Z
Z center using, as a reference, an imaginary line joining the starting and finishing
points of the depth profile of the routing section selected.
Radius (active in mode 2 only) arc radius of the profile Z using, as a reference, an
imaginary line joining the starting and finishing points of the depth profile
of the routing section selected.
Start angle (active in mode 3 only) angle between the Z profile starting point and the
horizontal axis.
End angle (active in mode 4 only) angle between the Z profile finishing point and the
horizontal axis.
- fields description -
Start X the profile starting point is shown by a green circle. Only the Z depth
Z start value can be modified.
End X the profile finishing point is shown by a red circle. Only the Z depth value
Z end can be changed.
- Button description -
Zoom + enlarging or reducing the preview size.
Zoom -
The CAM routine is the part of the ASPAN CAD/CAM which converts CAD drawings into part-
programs.
In order to be able to operate, the CAM environment requires the machine configuration and tooling data.
The machine configuration data is supplied with the program or imported from the machine diskette using
the import procedure. The machine configuration describes the physical layout of the machine tool. The
tooling data describe the tools available for that machine and for the machining operations required. Each
machine configuration can have several machine toolings.
The machine configuration that will be used is the current configuration. The machine tooling to be used
by the procedure depends on the status of the drawing. If the drawing has already been processed in the
CAM environment with a tooling, this tooling, if it still exists, will be used again in the CAM
environment; if this is not the case, the current tooling will be used.
The current machine configuration and tooling are those indicated on the screen of the supervisor
program.
On entering the CAM environment, the procedure will automatically assign tools to the entities on the
drawing: each entity will be assigned the first tool of the current tooling whose diameter is the same as that
of the entity (diameter of a hole or thickness of a routing), compatible with the depth specified and within
the physical limits of the machine configuration.
Next, the machining speed will be automatically assigned to all the entities which have already been
assigned tools. Speeds will be assigned according to entity diameter and using the table of default
diameter/speed settings; this table is set using the Machine > Utility > Feed command on the
supervisor. If the diameter of one or more of the entities is not in the table, you will be asked to enter the
speed to be assigned to that diameter; this value can be stored directly in the default diameter/speed table
(speed self-teach mode).
In the next stage, the procedure optimizes the head paths and downstrokes. To set the optimization
parameters (these include the hole/routing or routing/hole machining sequence), use the Machine >
Utility > Defaults command of the supervisor for the current machine configuration, use the
Optimization type, Increasing optimization, Sequence fields. Note that any angle holes present
will be machined after all the other entities have been completed. At the end of optimization, the traffic
light on the right-side vertical bar will change to green.
This operation will take several seconds; the length of the operation depends on the complexity of the
drawing to be processed.
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on
the drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond
to any of the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached
by a currently valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the corresponding Options > View
command option is enabled. This command can also be used to enable a display for the overall
dimensions and the number of the tool.
The machine time needed to complete the operations specified will be recalculated and displayed to the
right of the upper tool bar.
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
The command Process > Create Part-Program generates the part-program for the feasible entities. At
this point the part-program can be copied to disk or transmitted via the supervisor to the machine tool.
Commands are available in this environment for manually assigning tools, speeds and other machine
attributes to entities, for creating machining sequences and obligatory multiple drillings, for displaying
information about assignments and for showing real head movements during the machining of the current
drawing.
17.1 INTRODUCTION
Each pull-down menu has a tool bar with shortcut buttons for all or some of the commands on menu.
In addition to the horizontal tool bars there is a vertical tool bar with some or all of the display commands
from the Display option available under various menus. The commands on this bar are transparent, i.e.
they can be executed from inside a primary command without effecting the execution status of the primary
command.
18 SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS
The basic procedure is as follows:
? Check that the traffic light is green (i.e. indicating that the drawing is
optimized); if the traffic light is red, run the Process > Optimize command
to optimize the head paths and downstrokes .
? Check that all the entities to be machined are feasible. If some entities are not
feasible, the icon shown here on the left will be displayed in the right frame of
the screen. The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if
the corresponding Options > View command option is enabled. This
command can also be used to enable a display for the overall dimensions and
the number of the tool.
To create the part-program for the current drawing.
Process > Create Part-
Program
To leave the procedure and return to the supervisor; from the supervisor you
can print out the part-program and transmit it to the machine.
File > Exit
19 CAM: COMMANDS
The main menu is a pull-down menu displayed when you first enter the routine. The main menu consists
of the commands described in the paragraphs below.
The items on the main menu are as follows:
File This menu item provides access to a set of commands for working on files,
exiting from the supervisor or calling up the CAD procedure directly.
Display This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display
of the current work area.
Machine This menu item provides access to a series of commands for working on
machine toolings and configurations (only where multiple configurations are
installed).
Machining This menu item provides access to a set of commands for modifying the tools
and speeds assigned, for adding or removing NOP attributes, for assigning tool
corrections to routings, for executing multiple machining operations on the
entities selected.
Process This menu item provides access to a set of commands for optimizing head paths
and downstrokes, generating part-programs and simulating machine
movements.
Options This menu item provides access to a set of commands for selecting display
options.
Information This menu item provides access to a set of commands for obtaining information
about the machining on a drawing.
The section below describes the hierarchy of all the menu commands.
File Options
Save View
Exit
CAD
Preferences
Lead-out Animation
Set slot
Sequence
Invert direction
Machine Information
Select Configuration Machining
Modify Tooling
Head
19.1 File
File This menu item provides access to a set of commands for working on
Save files, exiting from the supervisor or calling up the CAD procedure
Exit
CAD directly.
Preferences
19.2 Display
This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display of the current work area.
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that reported in the CAD. The vertical,
display tool bar, is also identical to the one in the CAD. For a description of the commands available on
this menu, see the CAD section.
Tool: Bit
Type: Brad
Tool: Bit
Type: Spear
Tool: Bit
Type: Countersunk
Tool: Router
Tool: Saw
Tool: Sensor
In the case of a tool changer, this indicates that the tool selected is part of a single head,
i.e. that the tool is one of a series of tools positioned in the same stock position.
- options -
Fixed head These data items refer to a tool mounted on a fixed head
Tool changer These data items refer to a tool mounted on the tool changer.
- fields description -
Number Tool identification number (1 - 96)
Tool Type of tool configured. In the case of a tool changer this field can be
modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through and select
the tool required.
Working face Face on which the tool is installed. In the case of a tool changer, this field
can be modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
and select the face required.
Length Characteristic data for the Bit and Router tools.
Useful length
Diameter
In the upper part of the head window there is a color legend enabling rapid identification of the tool type
mounted on the head spindles.
When you select an electro-spindle, two buttons will appear in the tooling window; use these buttons to
scroll through the tools available on the tool changer.
The icon shown here will be displayed in the tooling window if the electrospindle tool selected
is part of a head, i.e. if it is one of a series of tools associated with a single stock position.
19.4 Machining
Machining This menu item provides access to a set of commands for modifying
Borings the tools and speeds assigned, for adding or removing NOP
Holes drop
Routings attributes, for assigning tool corrections to routings, for executing
Lead-in multiple machining operations on the entities selected.
Lead-out
Set slot
Sequence
Invert direction
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS.
- fields description -
Tool Tool number as entered in the tooling. To change the number, use the
arrow buttons to the right of the field or key-in the number required. If
you do not wish to assign an entity, enter the figure "0" or key-in the word
None (key-in any letter of the word); the entity will not be machined. The
data for the tool selected are displayed to the right of the field if valid.
Feed Drilling speed code.
The speed codes range from 0 to 9 (0 is the slowest speed). None
indicates that no speed value has been assigned to entities; these entities
will be machined as "0" the slowest speed.
Depth In machining operation 1, the depth cannot be modified because it is
assigned in the CAD environment to the entity selected. Depth machining
can be executed in a number of head downstrokes defined by the value in
Steps.
Steps The number of head downstrokes required to machine to the depth
required. Depth per pass is calculated by the formula: “Depth x Steps /
current pass”. For example: with Depth = 15.00 and Steps = 3, the head
will travel downwards three times in succession to the following depths: 5,
10, 15.
NOP When this option is active, the NOP instruction takes precedence over the
machining instruction. This option will have no effect over the side faces
unless the corresponding NOP defaults are active (see Machine > Utility
> Defaults in the supervisor for the current configuration) before each
machining operation is entered automatically.
Sensor If this option is active, the machining operation will be preceded by a
sensor tool operation.
Multi machining enables operations with multiple tools or multiple passes on the selected
entity.
Buttons:
Add adds a machining operation to the end of the previous ones;
Insert inserts a machining operations between existing operations;
Delete deletes the current operation.
Move the head to the first drop on the drawing. This is the condition shown at the start
of the of the procedure.
First holes
drop
Move the head onto the last drop of the drawing.
Last holes
drop
Move the head to the next drop on the drawing.
Next holes
drop
Move the head to the next head on the drawing.
Previous
holes drop
Moves the head to the drop for the hole to be indicated.
Go to holes
drop
Activate or deactivate the spindle for the drop by clicking with mouse button 1 on the
spindle.
Enable /
Disable
Select the routings whose machining data are to be edited and then confirm the routings selected. Next,
enter the data in the data entry window described below.
If any of the data items to be modified or entered for the entities selected have different values, the
corresponding field in the data entry window will be empty. Any holes selected will be ignored.
Use the Multi machining option to define machining operations using multiple tools or passes on
selected entities. When you select this option a vertical bar to the right of the data entry window is
displayed; select the type of machining required from this bar. The number of the current machining
operation in relation to the total of machining operations entered is displayed in the upper left-hand
corner. Press the Add button to add a machining operation to the end of the other operations. Press the
Insert button to insert a machining operation between the other operations . Press the Delete button to
delete the current machining operation.
Tools belonging to a fixed head have a two-figure number; tools belonging to the tool changer have a
three-figure number (the first number is the number of the electro-spindle; enter None if no tool is to be
assigned.
The Options > View command allows highlighting all entities already assigned to a tool.
- Operations description -
ENTITY SELECTION see: SELECTION COMMANDS.
- fields description -
Tool Tool number as entered in the tooling. To change the number, use the
arrow buttons to the right of the field or key-in the number required. If
you do not wish to assign an entity, enter the figure "0" or key-in the word
None (key-in any letter of the word); the entity will not be machined. The
data for the tool selected are displayed to the right of the field if valid.
RPM Rotation speed assigned to the spindle (RPM x 1000) for that machining
operation.
Start feed Routing start speed code.
The speed codes range from 0 to 9 (0 is the slowest speed). None
indicates that no speed value has been assigned to entities; these entities
will be machined as "0" the slowest speed.
Feed Speed code for the routing path (machining speed).
The speed codes range from 0 to 9 (0 is the slowest speed). None
indicates that no speed value has been assigned to entities; these entities
will be machined as "0" the slowest speed.
Perpendicular line lead-in to path on a line perpendicular to the path from the tool
correction side or from the side of the direction selected.
Tangent arc lead-in to path on an arc which is at a tangent to the path and from
the side of the direction selected.
Line + Tangent arc lead-in to path on a line followed by an arc which is at a tangent to
the path, from the tool correction side or from the side of the
direction selected.
Incision The lead-in section will follow the path, i.e. the tool will enter the
path from above.
Direction This field defines the side of the path where the lead-in will take place if no
correction is applied.
The Copy as lead-out option allows to define the tool lead-out analogous to the corresponding lead-in.
Configure lengths configures the dimensions of the sections making up the lead-in, lead-out
section.
Line ( router figure to be used to multiply the radius of the tool assigned in order
radius x to define the length of the line section of the path lead-in and lead-
out.
Arc ( router figure to be used to multiply the assigned tool radius to define the
radius x length of the arc section of the path lead-in and lead-out.
Overlapping length in mm of the section where the lead-in and lead-out overlap. If
you do not require a lead-in/lead-out overlap, set this value to zero.
Extension length in mm of the extension section added to the line type of lead-
in/lead-out to the path. If you do not wish to extend the section, set
this value to zero.
Z axis speed downstroke speed assigned to the lead-in, from the end of the rapid
approach position to the working measurement.
Records a user-defined sequence and inserts the entities in the sequence in the order in
which they are selected. The sequence created will be positioned immediately after the
Recording entity which was current at the moment when the command was started.
Moves the head to the first element of the first sequence on the drawing. This is the
default position at the start of the procedure.
Start
Moves the head to the last element of the last sequence on the drawing.
End
Moves the head to the previous sequence on the drawing.
Previous
sequence
Moves the head to the next sequence on the drawing.
Next
sequence
Moves the head to the next element of the current sequence.
Next
Moves the head to the previous element of the current sequence.
Previous
Moves the head to the element in the sequence which corresponds to the entity to be
indicated.
Go to
Inserts the entities to be selected at the point immediately before the entity that was
current when the command was started. If the entities selected already belong to the
Insert sequence, this command shifts the entities to another position inside the sequence.
Cancels the elements to be selected and moves them to the end of the last element of the
last sequence.
19.5 Process
Process This menu item provides access to a set of commands for optimizing
Optimize head paths and downstrokes, generating part-programs and simulating
Deoptimize
Create Part-Program machine movements.
Part-Program Origin
Animation
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on
the drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond
to any of the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached
by a currently valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on the
drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond to any of
the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached by a currently
valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the corresponding Options > View
command option is enabled. This command can also be used to enable a display for the overall
dimensions and the number of the tool.
The default directory proposed is the one present in the PGM destination directory field of the default
data window of the current configuration. To modify the default directory setting, use the Machine >
Utility > Defaults command in the supervisor environment or the
“\<directory ASPAN>\P2PART\<configuration name>“ command in the operating system directory.
Use the Search button to scroll through and select a directory or disk in the selection window for your
operating system.
If the directory is not found, a prompt will ask if you wish to confirm the creation of a new directory.
To save a part-program on a disk, enter the path “A:” in the PGM destination directory field. Insert a
disk in disk drive A and then run the Machine > Part-Program > Transmission command in the
supervisor environment.
Some of the data items proposed are the default settings for the current configuration; these can be
modified using the Machine > Utility > Defaults command in the supervisor environment.
Enter the data in the fields described below and then press the OK push-button to create a part-program
with the name and directory indicated.
If the option Use offset of window Programs origin in Machine > Utility > Defaults of the
supervisor is enabled, the program origin data will be displayed and the corresponding O origin
displacement instruction will be enabled. This data can be modified if option Prompt on replace in
Machine > Utility > Defaults of the supervisor is enabled.
- fields description -
Header repetition Values required by the numeric control to identify the part-program
Header Field and indicating the part-program machining mode.
Measurement unit
Header Continuous
PGM destination directory Directory in which the part-program will be saved. To save the part-
program to disk, enter “A:” in this field.
Program name Name to be given to the part-program created. The name of the
current drawing is proposed.
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
To display the compensated path (i.e. the path with tool correction), select the option for this function.
19.6 Options
Options This menu item provides access to a set of commands for selecting
View display options.
19.7 Information
Information This menu item provides access to a set of commands for obtaining
Machining information about the machining on a drawing.
Status
The next section describes the meaning of each icon contained in the ASPAN group of programs.
The ASPAN program is a CAD/CAM program and is described in the user manual.
Network administrator for handling users where ASPAN is used in a local area network.
External diagnostic and troubleshooting procedure for creating disks and help sheets in
the event of malfunctions.
External program for importing ASCII type files structured according ASPAN rules,
converting them into ASPAN drawings and creating the corresponding part-program.
Converts an ASCII file type (text), containing machine instructions, in the corresponding
binary file handled by the TRIA controls
Converts a file binary containing machine instructions, used in the TRIA controls, in the
corresponding ASCII file type
Converts the drawings of a previous DOS versions in the format used by the Windows
versions
SERVICE
The procedure copies to disk the data of the drawing selected, the current configuration and tooling,
details of the computer environment in which the program is installed and technical information about the
program. The disk can then be sent to the Technical Service Department for diagnosis in the event of
operating faults.
The same disk can be used for several technical service sessions provided that the drawings are not too
large. If in doubt, use a separate disk for each technical service session.
- Operations description -
Files selection Select the drawing to be copied to the service disk in the
selection window. The file extensions is "DRW".
Complete description of the Provides a complete description of the faults found in the
problem found drawing and in the program.
Insert a disk in the drive and then press OK
bold data items to be entered by the user. For example: 850. The item marked (z)
is the active option; the item marked ( ) is the inactive option.
italic data items entered automatically by the procedure. In the example drawing
which follows, these items must be left unchanged. For example: 850. The
symbols “< >“ will be displayed if the item entered is not significant.
To move from one field to another inside a window or table, use the keyboard TAB key or click with
mouse button 1 on the field you require.
OK press this button to confirm your data table entries. This button is displayed at
the bottom of the data entry window.
The next section describes the various commands needed to create a drawing in the various programming
environments: SUPERVISOR, CAD, CAM.
21.1 SUPERVISOR
In this environment you will create a new panel of the required dimensions with the name "tutor". To start,
you must enter the CAD environment.
If a drawing with the name "tutor" already exists, before proceeding with the first drawing command you
must execute the File > Close command; when you execute the first command to create the drawing, i.e.
File > New, a prompt will ask you if you wish to overwrite the old drawing with the same name; reply
"Yes".
command:
to create a new drawing
or File > New
- field values -
Dimension X 800
Dimension Y 600
Dimension Z 20
Remark TUTOR TEST
OK
command:
to enter the CAD environment
CAD > Integrated
21.2 CAD
You will use this environment to draw the graphic entities for the project, i.e. the routings and holes. The
procedure is as follows:
• draw line 2
• draw lines 1 and 3
• draw lines 4 and 5
• draw fillet B and E
• draw fillet C and D
• convert the individual sections into a single routing
• make any changes of direction required
• make a mirror copy of the entire routing ABCDEF on the center of the panel
• draw 5 holes on the upper left section
• draw 3 holes on the lower right section
• draw holes to the right and the left of the panel center
command:
to draw line 2
Draw > Routings > Line > 2 Points
command:
to draw lines 1 and 3 at the same time
Draw > Routings > Line > 2 Points
command:
to draw lines 4 and 5 at the same time using the Osnap
Draw > Routings > Line > 2 Points
functions to find the end points
command:
to find the left end point of line 2
Osnap > End point
ENTITY SELECTION: Select line 2 at any point close to zone C (at approx. 1
cm from the end).
command:
to find the right end point of line 1
Osnap > End point
ENTITY SELECTION: Select line 1 at any point close to zone B (at approx. 1
cm from the end).
- field values -
Start X 200
Start Y 100
End X 100
End Y 200
Diameter 5
Start depth 10
End depth 10
Mirror in X ( z)
Mirror in Y ( )
Oppose ( )
OK
command:
to fillet the lines 1 and 4 with radius 40.
Tools > Fillet
Radius 40
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 1, close to zone B (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 4, close to zone B (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 3, close to zone E (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 5, close to zone E (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 4, close to zone C (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 2, close to zone C (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 2, close to zone D (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
ENTITY SELECTION Select line 5, close to zone D (at approx. 1 cm from the
end).
command:
to convert the individual routing sections into a single
Path > Autojoin
routing
command:
to check and change routing direction where necessary.
Path > Cut and join
command:
to make a mirror copy of the routing in a vertically
Modify > Mirror
symmetrical position at the center of the panel,
ENTITY SELECTION: Select the routing at any point.
- field values -
Point 1 X <>
Point 1 Y <>
Point 2 X <>
Point 2 Y <>
With respect to a ( )
selected axis
X ( )
Y ( z)
OK
command:
to draw 5 holes on the upper left section
Draw > Holes > Holes row
command:
to draw holes to the right and the left of the panel center:
Draw > Holes > Normal
command:
To leave the CAD environment and enter the CAM
File > CAM
environment.
21.3 CAM
At start up in this environment, tools are automatically assigned to all graphic entities, routings and holes
on the drawing and the machine time required to perform machining is calculated automatically.
At start-up, machining speeds are automatically assigned to all entities on the basis of their diameter and
as shown in the table of default speeds; the default speeds can be set using the Machine > Utility >
Feed command on the supervisor. If a diameter of one or more of the entities is not on the table, a speed
entry window will appear where you should enter the speed value to be associated with those diameters.
You must then save this value directly to the speed table so that it will not be requested during subsequent
sessions.
We will now work through the following steps:
• checking the feasibility of all the entities
• displaying the times requested
• creating the part-program
Check that all the entities to be machined are feasible. If some entities are not
feasible, the icon shown here on the left will be displayed in the right frame of the
screen. The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the
corresponding Options > View command option is enabled. This command can
also be used to enable a display for the overall dimensions and the number of the
command:
To create the part-program for the current drawing.
Process > Create Part-Program
- field values -
Header repetition 1
Header Field A
Measurement unit Millimeters
Header Continuous ( )
PGM destination Directory in which the part-
directory program will be saved. To save
the part-program to disk, enter
“A:” in this field.
Program name TUTOR
OK
command:
To leave the CAM environment and return to the supervisor. Answer
File > Exit
“Yes” when asked if you wish to save the changes to the drawing.
21.4 SUPERVISOR
command:
To print the part-program which has just been created
Machine > Part-Program > Print
command:
To transmit the part-program to the machine over a serial line.
Machine > Part-Program >
Transmission
command:
To edit the part-program just created.
Machine > Part-Program > Editor
command:
To leave the program at the end of a teach session.
File > Exit
Files with the extension .ASC and resident anywhere on the computer, contain information about the
construction of the graphic entities to be transferred; the structure is described below.
The procedure can be run in two modes. In the interactive mode, by clicking on the corresponding icon of
ASPAN program group; this will open a dialogue box. Or in the direct or BATCH mode by specifying the
parameters on the command line.
TOP Upper
BOT Lower
FRO Front
REA Rear
LEF Left
RIG Right
version line
V,<n.rel>
where <n.rel> is the version number of the ASCII file (the current version number is 2.0). This must
be the first line of the file.
comment line
*,<commento>
comment instruction, where <comment> is a field 254 characters long. The comment line can be
inserted at any point in the file.
work field
F,<nn>
optional instruction for setting the work field, where <nn> is the work field A/AB/00/01/D etc. (this
must be inserted before the Panel definition line).
Autojoin
J
Autojoin optional instruction: where present this function merges all the routings before creating the
DRW or the PGM; this instruction must be inserted before the Panel definition line). IMPORTANT:
this instruction takes priority over any local request to assign a tool number.
optimize routing
N
"Do not optimize routing" optional instruction: where present, optimizes the drillings only (this
instruction must be inserted before the Panel definition line).
panel definition
P,<<dx>>,<<dy>>,<<dz>>,<MM/INCHES>
where <<dx>>,<<dy>>,<<dz>> are the panel dimensions in <MM/INCHES>, millimeters or inches.
Example: P,1000,600,20,MM
standard hole
H,<F>,<<x>>,<<y>>,<<diam>>,<<depth>>,<<csink>>,<<prot>>
where <F> is the work face; <<x>>,<<y>> are the hole dimensions; <<diam>> is the diameter
measurement; <<depth>> is the depth; <<csink>> is the depth of the countersinking (positive): if the
hole is not countersunk this value must be = 0; <<prot>> is the projection of the dowel (positive): if
the hole is not doweled this value must be = 0.
Example: H,TOP,100,100,5,12,0,0
Example: R,100,100,100,45,5,12,0
routing : line
L,<F>,<<xs>>,<<ys>>,<<xe>>,<<ye>>,<<diam>>,
<<depth s>>, <<depth e>>,<<a>>
where <F> is the work face; <<xs>>,<<ys>> are the line start
measurements; <<xe>>,<<ye>> are the line end
measurements; <<diam>> is the diameter measurement;
<<depth s>> is the start depth; <<depth e> is the end depth;
<<a>> is the angle in degrees (see figure): (working from the
start point to the end point, a positive angle value means Z
interpolation towards the inside of the panel, a negative value
means Z interpolation towards the outside of the panel. If the
angle is = 0, Z interpolation is linear).
Example: L,TOP,100,100,200,200,5,8,8,0
If the line is a cut, insert the field G at the end of the line.
Indications about tool correction (< = left correction, > = right correction) followed if necessary by the
tool number to be assigned to the entity, can be added to the instructions L,A,C,E.
For CUTS where a tool correction is required, the depth correction (C3) will be assigned to the tool. If no
tool correction or tool number is assigned then the tool correction field can be left out.
In the pseudobatch mode (i.e. the non-interactive mode) with execution from the command line, the
following table provides the information needed for the procedure.
- options -
/DRW Use this to indicate the directory where the .DRW drawings will be created (this has no
significance if the /NODRW option is present).
/PGM Use this to indicate the directory where the .PGM part-programs will be created. If this
option is not present the .PGM will not be created.
/NODRW No DRW drawings will be created. Only the PGM will be created.
/ERR Stop procedure on error during execution (no stop will take place if the procedure is not
present).
/WARN Stop procedure on warning during execution (no stop will take place if the procedure is
not present).
/REPORT Writes the REPORT.TXT report file. This file is created in the directory where the
ascasp.exe file is resident. No report will be created if the file is not present.
c:\aspan4\utl\ascasp.exe C:\mydraw\*.asc
The ASPAN drawings are created in the default directory; does not create the
PGM and does not stop in the event of errors or warnings.
23 APPENDIX: INSTALLING
1. Check that there is sufficient space on your hard disk to install the program. The program requires 30
megabyte of disk space.
2. Check that Windows version 95 or later is installed on your computer.
3. Start Windows.
4.
Installing from disks:
Insert the first disk of the installation program into disk drive A of the computer. From Windows Program
Manager select FILE and then RUN; in the “Command line” box type in a:setup. Select OK..
UPGRADING
PROGRAM UPDATING. If the system does not find the program to be updated in the directory
selected, a message will be displayed indicating that updating is not possible.
If you wish to continue updating in the directory selected you can do so by changing the current updating
procedure into an installation procedure. To do this, insert disk 1 of the previous program installation and
then follow the instructions displayed on screen.
The updating procedure can also be used to transfer the program to another computer without having to
install the program using the installation disks from the previous version of the program.
Follow the instructions which are displayed on the screen.
When the installation program has been completed, Windows Program Manager will display a program
group called ASPAN; this consists of a series of icons representing the programs installed. To start a
program, double click with mouse button 1 on the icon of the program you require.
STARTING
ASPAN APPENDIX 129
1. Plug the hardware key (i.e. the plug) supplied with the program disks into any one of the computer
parallel ports. If the parallel port is connected to a printer, disconnect the printer connector and plug
the hardware key into the computer parallel port. Next, connect the printer connector to the other side
of the hardware. At this point the hardware key must be between the computer parallel point and the
printer connector.
2. To start the ASPAN program, double click with mouse button 1 on ASPAN icon.
ADDITIONAL KEY
To use the program with a secondary (or additional) hardware key, (i.e. key with serial number + A),
install or update the program and then enable the ASPAN program.
To enable the program, run the program once with the primary hardware key.
Once the program has been run with the primary key it can subsequently be used without any problems
with the secondary key.
24 APPENDIX: PC CONFIGURATION
Hardware and software configuration on which ASPAN may be used.
SUPERVISOR
CAM
On entering the CAM environment, the type of processing to use with the current drawing will be
requested:
• processing of a single panel with two heads at the same time, possible in the case of a wide panel;
• processing of two identical panels at the same time, possible in the case of a small panel.
The type of processing on the panel can be subsequently changed with the command A660 > Machining
type.
If two identical panels are being processed at the same time, all the ASPAN functions relate to only one
panel and the procedures behave as if only one panel were being processed. When the part-program is
generated, the heads for processing the panel will be requested: if both heads are selected, two panels will
be processed at the same time, one with the front head and the other with the rear head.
If one panel is being processed with two heads, both the front and the rear head will be displayed. The
numbers of the spindles of the front head are preceded by the letter A. For example, if you wish to use
spindle 5 of the front head for processing, you must enter A5 as the tool number.
The horizontal units are represented as a rectangle, which represents the dimensions of the unit, and by
many objects which have an almost square shape, which represent the stops of the units.
The stops may have the following colours:
yellow: stop in normal condition
black: stop not present in that position (removed by the user), only if the All
clampsdisplay option is enabled; otherwise a stop not present is not displayed.
red: stop in collision with processing of the upper face.
A660: Print
prints the tooling and fixturing of the horizontal units, that is, the bits used and their position in the units.
Machining: Sequence
If the option Create program with inverted sequence is enabled, two part-programs will be
generated, one with an inverted processing sequence compared to the other. The inverted part-program
will have the same name as the primary part-program, but with the letter “I” as the last character. The two
part-programs will automatically be entered in a processing list .LST, resident in the same directory as the
two part-programs. Its name will be the name of the primary part-program.
This is particularly useful, when processing subsequent panels, to prevent bringing the head to the initial
position and to begin processing in alternate mode, that is, alternately from the left and from the right.
ASPAN 133
7.3.7.1 Machine: Utility: Defaults .................................................................................................................. 25
7.3.7.2 Machine: Utility: Feed ....................................................................................................................... 26
7.3.7.3 Machine: Utility: Serial TX/RX ......................................................................................................... 27
7.3.7.4 Machine: Utility: Serial port .............................................................................................................. 27
7.3.7.5 Machine: Utility: ASCII=>LST ......................................................................................................... 28
7.3.7.6 Machine: Utility: List editor ............................................................................................................... 28
7.4 Utility................................................................................................................................................................ 28
7.4.1 Utility: Archive operations........................................................................................................................ 29
7.4.1.1 Archive operations: Copy drawing ..................................................................................................... 29
7.4.1.2 Archive operations: Rename drawing ................................................................................................ 29
7.4.1.3 Archive operations: Delete drawing ................................................................................................... 29
7.4.1.4 Archive operations: Remark editor .................................................................................................... 29
7.4.2 Utility: Preferences ................................................................................................................................ 29
7.4.3 Utility: Digitizer configuration ............................................................................................................... 30
7.4.4 Utility: BarCode Configuration .............................................................................................................. 30
7.4.5 Utility: Vectorise image ......................................................................................................................... 30
7.4.6 Utility: Technical menu............................................................................................................................. 31
7.4.6.1 Utility: Technical menu: Drawing recovery ....................................................................................... 31
7.4.6.2 Utility: Technical menu: Modify Defaults ......................................................................................... 31
7.4.6.3 Utility: Technical menu: Change language ........................................................................................ 31
7.5 Options.............................................................................................................................................................. 32
7.5.1 Options: AutoCAD ................................................................................................................................... 32
7.5.1.1 Options: AutoCAD: Link ................................................................................................................... 32
7.5.1.2 Options: AutoCAD: Defaults ............................................................................................................. 32
7.5.2 Options: Import/Export............................................................................................................................. 33
7.5.2.1 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: Import ........................................................................................ 33
7.5.2.2 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: Export ........................................................................................ 33
7.5.2.3 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: DXF Preferences ........................................................................ 33
7.5.3 Options: Import/Export: Preferences ..................................................................................................... 33
7.6 Help .................................................................................................................................................................. 34
7.6.1 Help: User's manual ............................................................................................................................... 34
7.6.2 Help: Available memory ........................................................................................................................ 34
1.1.1 Help: Registration card .......................................................................................................................... 34
7.6.3 Help: About ............................................................................................................................................ 34
8 CAD: GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................36
8.1 FIRST STEPS................................................................................................................................................... 36
8.2 MENUS & TOOL BARS ................................................................................................................................. 37
8.3 INPUT VALUES.............................................................................................................................................. 37
8.4 SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
8.5 Panel ................................................................................................................................................................. 38
8.6 UNDOING ERRORS ....................................................................................................................................... 38
9 EXPLODED DRAWING...............................................................................................38
10 OSNAP FUNCTIONS ...............................................................................................39
11 GRID FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................................39
12 CAD: MAIN COMMANDS.........................................................................................39
12.1 File .................................................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.1 File: Save ............................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.2 File: Save as ........................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.3 File: Save upside-down .......................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.4 File: Print ............................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.5 File: Dimensioned print ......................................................................................................................... 44
12.1.6 File: Exploded print ............................................................................................................................... 44
12.1.7 File: Preferences .................................................................................................................................... 45
12.1.8 File: Modify Single Line font ................................................................................................................. 45
12.1.9 File: DXF import....................................................................................................................................... 45
12.1.9.1 DXF import: 2D generic ................................................................................................................ 45
12.1.9.2 DXF import: Drill-Mate ................................................................................................................. 46
12.1.9.3 DXF import: Kreate ....................................................................................................................... 46
12.1.10 File: Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 47
12.1.11 File: CAM .......................................................................................................................................... 47
134 ASPAN
12.2 Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 47
12.2.1 Display: Zoom .......................................................................................................................................... 47
12.2.1.1 Zoom: Previous .............................................................................................................................. 48
12.2.1.2 Zoom: Window .............................................................................................................................. 48
12.2.1.3 Zoom: Out ...................................................................................................................................... 48
12.2.1.4 Zoom: Face .................................................................................................................................... 48
12.2.1.5 Zoom: Extension ............................................................................................................................ 49
12.2.1.6 Zoom: Pan ...................................................................................................................................... 49
12.2.2 Display: Face ......................................................................................................................................... 49
12.2.3 Display: Exploded .................................................................................................................................. 50
12.2.4 Display: Transparent ........................................................................................................................... 50
12.2.5 Display: 3D view ................................................................................................................................... 50
12.3 Draw ................................................................................................................................................................. 51
12.3.1 Draw: Holes .............................................................................................................................................. 51
12.3.1.1 Draw: Holes: Normal ..................................................................................................................... 51
12.3.1.2 Draw: Holes: Angular .................................................................................................................... 51
12.3.1.3 Draw: Holes: Holes row ................................................................................................................. 52
12.3.1.4 Draw: Holes: Table ........................................................................................................................ 53
12.3.1.5 Draw: Holes: On path .................................................................................................................... 53
12.3.2 Draw: Routings ......................................................................................................................................... 53
12.3.2.1 Draw: Routings: Line ........................................................................................................................ 53
12.3.2.1.1 Routings: Line: 2 Points ............................................................................................................. 53
12.3.2.1.2 Routings: Line: Start,Angle,Length ........................................................................................... 54
12.3.2.2 Draw: Routings: Arc ......................................................................................................................... 55
12.3.2.2.1 Routings: Arc: Start,End,Center ................................................................................................ 55
12.3.2.2.2 Routings: Arc: Start,End,Radius ................................................................................................ 55
12.3.2.2.3 Routings: Arc: Start,Point,End ................................................................................................... 56
12.3.2.2.4 Routings: Arc: Start,Center,Angle ............................................................................................. 56
12.3.2.3 Draw: Routings: Circle ..................................................................................................................... 57
12.3.2.3.1 Routings: Circle: Center,Radius ................................................................................................. 57
12.3.2.3.2 Routings: Circle: 3 Points .......................................................................................................... 57
12.3.2.4 Draw: Routings: Rectangle ............................................................................................................ 58
12.3.2.5 Draw: Routings: Ellipse ................................................................................................................. 58
12.3.2.6 Draw: Routings: Arc of ellipse ....................................................................................................... 58
12.3.2.7 Draw: Routings: Angular .................................................................................................................. 59
12.3.2.7.1 Routings: Angular: Line ............................................................................................................. 59
12.3.2.7.2 Routings: Angular: Arc .............................................................................................................. 60
12.3.2.7.3 Routings: Angular: Rotating arc ................................................................................................ 60
12.3.2.8 Draw: Routings: Follow.................................................................................................................... 60
12.3.2.8.1 Routings: Follow: Tangent line .................................................................................................. 60
12.3.2.8.2 Routings: Follow: Line End point .............................................................................................. 61
12.3.2.8.3 Routings: Follow: Line Angle,Length ........................................................................................ 61
12.3.2.8.4 Routings: Follow: Tangent arc ................................................................................................... 62
12.3.2.8.5 Routings: Follow: Arc End,Center ............................................................................................. 62
12.3.2.8.6 Routings: Follow: Arc End,&Radius ......................................................................................... 62
12.3.2.9 Draw: Routings: Shape by points...................................................................................................... 63
12.3.2.9.1 Routings: Shape by points: Digitizer ......................................................................................... 63
12.3.2.9.2 Routings: Shape by points: File ................................................................................................. 64
12.3.3 Draw: Objects ........................................................................................................................................... 65
12.3.3.1 Draw: Objects: Panel sizing ........................................................................................................... 65
12.3.3.2 Draw: Objects: Rectangular pocket ................................................................................................ 65
12.3.3.3 Draw: Objects: Circular pocket ...................................................................................................... 66
12.3.3.4 Draw: Objects: Generic pocket ...................................................................................................... 66
12.3.3.5 Draw: Objects: Grooves ................................................................................................................. 67
12.3.3.6 Draw: Objects: Cupboard door ...................................................................................................... 67
12.3.3.7 Draw: Objects: Text ....................................................................................................................... 68
12.3.3.8 Draw: Objects: Symbols ................................................................................................................ 68
12.3.4 Draw: Block.............................................................................................................................................. 69
12.3.4.1 Draw: Block: Define ...................................................................................................................... 69
12.3.4.2 Draw: Block: Insert ........................................................................................................................ 69
12.4 Set ..................................................................................................................................................................... 70
ASPAN 135
12.4.1 Set: Diameter ......................................................................................................................................... 70
12.4.2 Set: Depth .............................................................................................................................................. 70
12.4.3 Set: Formulae ......................................................................................................................................... 70
12.4.4 Set: Z Interpolation ................................................................................................................................ 70
12.4.5 Set: Set grooves ..................................................................................................................................... 70
12.4.6 Set: Countersink depth ........................................................................................................................... 71
12.4.7 Set: Global direction .............................................................................................................................. 71
12.5 Modify .............................................................................................................................................................. 71
12.5.1 Modify: Erase ........................................................................................................................................ 71
12.5.2 Modify: Copy ......................................................................................................................................... 72
12.5.3 Modify: Move ........................................................................................................................................ 72
12.5.4 Modify: Rotate ....................................................................................................................................... 73
12.5.5 Modify: Mirror ....................................................................................................................................... 73
12.5.6 Modify: Oppose ..................................................................................................................................... 74
12.5.7 Modify: Trim ......................................................................................................................................... 74
12.5.8 Modify: Extend ...................................................................................................................................... 75
12.5.9 Modify: Scale: XY ................................................................................................................................. 75
12.5.10 Modify: Scale: X ................................................................................................................................ 75
12.5.11 Modify: Scale: Y ................................................................................................................................ 75
12.5.12 Modify: Array .................................................................................................................................... 76
12.5.13 Modify: Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 77
12.5.14 Modify: Entity .................................................................................................................................... 77
12.6 Tools ................................................................................................................................................................. 78
12.6.1 Tools: Change origin .............................................................................................................................. 78
12.6.2 Tools: Fillet ............................................................................................................................................ 78
12.6.3 Tools: Chamfer ...................................................................................................................................... 79
12.6.4 Tools: Offset .......................................................................................................................................... 79
12.6.5 Tools: Grid ............................................................................................................................................. 80
12.6.6 Tools: Background ................................................................................................................................. 80
12.6.7 Tools: Dimensioning................................................................................................................................. 81
12.6.7.1 Tools: Dimensioning: Edit ............................................................................................................. 81
12.6.7.2 Tools: Dimensioning: View ........................................................................................................... 81
12.6.8 Tools: Distance ...................................................................................................................................... 81
12.6.9 Tools: Undo ........................................................................................................................................... 81
12.6.10 Tools: Redo ........................................................................................................................................ 82
12.7 Path ................................................................................................................................................................... 82
12.7.1 Path: Cut and join .................................................................................................................................. 82
12.7.2 Path: Autojoin ........................................................................................................................................ 84
12.7.3 Path: Routing reduction ......................................................................................................................... 84
12.7.4 Path: Interpole ........................................................................................................................................ 85
12.7.5 Path: Smooth .......................................................................................................................................... 85
12.7.6 Path: Rotate in z ..................................................................................................................................... 85
12.7.7 Path: Modify Vertex .............................................................................................................................. 86
12.7.8 Path: Merge ............................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8 Utility................................................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8.1 Utility: Macro ........................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8.2 Utility: Nesting ....................................................................................................................................... 87
12.9 Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 87
12.9.1 Information: Panel ................................................................................................................................. 88
12.9.2 Information: Entity ................................................................................................................................. 88
12.9.3 Information: Status ................................................................................................................................. 88
13 ENTITY SELECTION MENU: COMMANDS.............................................................88
13.1 Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 88
13.2 Selection ........................................................................................................................................................... 89
13.2.1 Selection: Window ................................................................................................................................. 89
13.2.2 Selection: Crossing ................................................................................................................................ 89
13.2.3 Selection: Previous ................................................................................................................................. 89
13.2.4 Selection: Mode > Add,Subtract .......................................................................................................... 90
14 OSNAP MENU: COMMANDS ..................................................................................90
14.1 Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 90
14.2 Osnap ................................................................................................................................................................ 90
136 ASPAN
14.2.1 Osnap: Center ........................................................................................................................................ 90
14.2.2 Osnap: End point ................................................................................................................................... 91
14.2.3 Osnap: Middle point .............................................................................................................................. 91
14.2.4 Osnap: Near to ....................................................................................................................................... 91
14.2.5 Osnap: Intersection ................................................................................................................................ 92
14.2.6 Osnap: Tangent to .................................................................................................................................. 92
14.2.7 Osnap: Perpendicular ............................................................................................................................. 92
14.2.8 Osnap: Tangent at a point ...................................................................................................................... 93
15 PARAMETRIC MODE ...........................................................................................93
15.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 93
15.2 MATHEMATICAL METHOD ........................................................................................................................ 94
15.3 ICON METHOD .............................................................................................................................................. 96
15.3.1 FORMULAS FOR ROUTING ................................................................................................................. 96
15.3.2 FORMULAS FOR HOLES ...................................................................................................................... 98
16 ROUTING Z INTERPOLATION .............................................................................98
16.1 VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL LINES.......................................................................................................... 99
16.1.1 LINEAR Z PROFILE ............................................................................................................................... 99
16.1.2 CIRCULAR Z PROFILE .......................................................................................................................... 99
16.2 ARCS OR DIAGONAL LINES ..................................................................................................................... 100
17 CAM: GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................102
17.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 102
17.2 MENUS & TOOL BARS ............................................................................................................................... 103
18 SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS .............................................................................103
19 CAM: COMMANDS ................................................................................................104
19.1 File .................................................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.1 File: Save ............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.2 File: Exit .............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.3 File: CAD ............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.4 File: Preferences .................................................................................................................................. 105
19.2 Display............................................................................................................................................................ 105
19.3 Machine .......................................................................................................................................................... 106
19.3.1 Machine: Select Configuration ............................................................................................................. 106
19.3.2 Machine: Select Tooling ...................................................................................................................... 106
19.3.2.1 Machine: Modify Tooling ............................................................................................................ 106
19.3.2.2 Machine: Head ............................................................................................................................. 107
19.4 Machining ....................................................................................................................................................... 107
19.4.1 Machining: Borings .............................................................................................................................. 108
19.4.2 Machining: Holes drop ........................................................................................................................ 109
19.4.3 Machining: Routings ............................................................................................................................ 110
19.4.4 Machining: Lead-in .............................................................................................................................. 111
19.4.5 Machining: Lead-out ............................................................................................................................ 112
19.4.6 Machining: Set slot .............................................................................................................................. 112
19.4.7 Machining: Sequence ........................................................................................................................... 112
19.4.8 Machining: Invert direction .................................................................................................................. 114
19.5 Process ............................................................................................................................................................ 114
19.5.1 Process: Optimize ................................................................................................................................ 114
19.5.2 Process: Deoptimize ............................................................................................................................. 115
19.5.3 Process: Create Part-Program .............................................................................................................. 115
19.5.4 Process: Part-Program Origin .............................................................................................................. 115
19.5.5 Process: Animation .............................................................................................................................. 115
19.6 Options............................................................................................................................................................ 116
19.6.1 Options: View ...................................................................................................................................... 116
19.7 Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 116
19.7.1 Information: Machining ....................................................................................................................... 116
19.7.2 Information: Status ............................................................................................................................... 117
20 APPENDIX: PROGRAMS FOLDER.......................................................................119
21 APPENDIX: TUTORIAL .........................................................................................120
21.1 SUPERVISOR ................................................................................................................................................ 120
21.2 CAD................................................................................................................................................................ 121
21.3 CAM ............................................................................................................................................................... 124
ASPAN 137
21.4 SUPERVISOR ................................................................................................................................................ 125
22 APPENDIX: ASCII > ASPAN................................................................................125
23 APPENDIX: INSTALLING ......................................................................................129
24 APPENDIX: PC CONFIGURATION .......................................................................130
25 APPENDIX: AUTHOR 660 .....................................................................................130
138 ASPAN