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Prismatic Machining
Overview
Conventions
What's New
Getting Started
Enter the Workbench
Create a Pocketing Operation
Replay the Toolpath
Create a Profile Contouring Operation
Create a Drilling Operation
Assign a Macro
Assign a Tool
Generate NC Code
User Tasks
Milling Operations
Closed Pocketing
Open Pocketing
Prismatic Roughing
Facing
Profile Contouring: Between Two Planes
Profile Contouring: Between Two Curves
Profile Contouring: Between Curve and Surfaces
Profile Contouring: Flank Contouring
Curve Following
Groove Milling
Point to Point
2.5 to 5-axis Drilling Operations
Spot Drilling
Drilling
Drilling Dwell Delay
Drilling Deep Hole
Drilling Break Chips
Reaming
Counterboring
Boring
Boring Spindle Stop
Boring and Chamfering
Back Boring
Tapping
Reverse Threading
Thread without Tap Head
Thread Milling
Countersinking
Chamfering Two Sides
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 2
T-Slotting
Circular Milling
Auxiliary Operations
Features for Machining
Create and Use a Prismatic Machining Area
Create a Prismatic Rework Area for Reworking Corners and Channels
Part Operations, Manufacturing Programs, and Machining Processes
Create a Machining Process for Prismatic Features
NC Manufacturing Entities
Verification, Simulation and Program Output
Workbench Description
Menu Bar
Toolbars
Specification Tree
Customizing
General
Resources
Operation
Output
Program
Photo/Video
Reference Information
Pocketing Operations
Profile Contouring Operations
Prismatic Roughing Operations
Facing Operations
Curve Following Operations
Groove Milling Operations
Point to Point Operations
2.5 to 5-axis Drilling Operations
Machining Patterns
Methodology
How to Generate CUTCOM Syntaxes
Select Hole Design Features for Machining
Use Tolerances on Design Features for Machining
Glossary
Index
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 3
Overview
Welcome to the Prismatic Machining User's Guide. This guide is intended for users who need to become
quickly familiar with the Prismatic Machining Version 5 product.
It offers an easy-to-use and easy-to-learn graphic interface that makes it suitable for shop floor-oriented
use. Moreover, its leading edge technologies together with a tight integration with Version 5 design
methodologies and DELMIA's digital manufacturing environment, fully satisfy the requirements of office
programming. Prismatic Machining is a unique solution that reconciliates office and shop floor activities.
It is integrated to a Post Processor Access execution engine, allowing the product to cover the whole
manufacturing process from tool trajectory (APT source) to NC code.
This product is particularly adapted for tooling and simple machined parts, and is also an ideal complement
to other manufacturing applications.
● Flexible management of the manufacturing program with intuitive and easy-to-learn user interface
based on graphic dialog boxes
● High associative level of the manufacturing program ensures productive design change management
thanks to the integration with Version 5 modeling capabilities
● Based on the Process Product Resources (PPR) model, the manufacturing applications are integrated
with Digital Process for Manufacturing (DPM).
You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license is
required:
● NC Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide: explains how to use common Machining functionalities
● Prismatic Machining Preparation Assistant User's Guide: describes Machinable Features recognition and
associated functionalities for preparing a Design Part for Prismatic Machining.
Once you have finished, you should move on to the User Tasks section, which gives more complete
information about the product's functionalities. The Reference section provides useful complementary
information.
The Workbench Description section, which describes the commands that are specific to Prismatic Machining,
and the Customizing section, which explains how to customize settings, and the Methodology section, which
provides useful information about recommended work methods, will also certainly prove useful.
Conventions
Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and
understand important concepts and specifications.
Graphic Conventions
The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:
a target of a task
the prerequisites
a tip
a warning
information
basic concepts
methodology
reference information
Site Map
What's New?
Overview
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Workbench Description
Customizing
Reference
Methodology
Glossary
Index
Text Conventions
The following text conventions are used:
● The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.
● File -> New identifies the commands to be used.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 7
Use this
mouse button... Whenever you read...
● Drag
● Move
What's New ?
Enhanced Functionalities
Milling Operations
General Functions
Getting Started
Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Prismatic Machining, this tutorial is intended to give
you a feel of what you can accomplish with the product.
It provides the following step-by-step scenario that shows you how to use some of the key functionalities.
The part is displayed in the Setup Editor window along with the manufacturing specification tree.
● click the insert program entity command then make the program current.
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As this operation will use the default tool and options proposed by the program, you just need to
specify the geometry to be machined.
1. Select the
Pocketing icon .
A Pocketing.1
entity along with a
default tool is
added to the
program.
The Pocketing
dialog box appears
directly at the
Geometry tab page
.
The boundary of
the selected pocket
bottom is
automatically
proposed as drive
element for the
operation thanks to
the Contour
Detection setting
Make sure that the pocketing operation is the current entity in the program.
page .
4. Click the Top plane in the icon, then select the corresponding part geometry.
5. Double click Offset on
Contour in the icon.
7. If needed, you can change the tool axis orientation. Just click the Tool Axis symbol then click the Reverse
Direction button in the Tool Axis dialog box.
You can display the tool with the specified orientation by selecting the Display tool checkbox.
8. Click Preview in the dialog box to request that the program verifies the compatibility of the selected tool,
geometry and machining parameters. A message box appears giving feedback about this verification.
9. Click Replay in the dialog box to visually check the operation's tool path.
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At the end of the replay click OK to return to the Profile Contouring dialog box.
10. Click OK to create the operation.
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Assign a Macro
This task shows you how to assign a circular approach macro to the Profile Contouring operation.
1. Double click the Profile Contouring operation in the program, then select the Macro tab page
. All the possible macro types are listed. They are all deactivated as indicated by the
symbol.
2. In the Macro Management frame, right click the Approach line and select the Activate
contextual command. The macro status changes to Undefined.
3. In the Current Macro Toolbox frame, select the Circular Horizontal Axial mode. An icon
representing this approach motion is displayed.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 20
At the end of the replay click OK to return to the Profile Contouring dialog box.
Note that the status of the specified approach macro is now Up to date.
Assign a Tool
This task shows you how to assign another tool to an operation.
1. Double click the Profile Contouring operation in the program, then in the Tooling tab page
3. Double click the D (nominal diameter) parameter in the icon, then enter 16mm in the Edit
Parameter dialog box. The tool icon is updated to take the new value into account.
4. Double click the Rc (corner radius) parameter in the icon, then enter 0mm in the Edit
Parameter dialog box. Set the db (body diameter) parameter to 24mm in the same way.
The Tool number is set to 2.
You can modify the tools of the other operations in the same way. For example, you may want
to replace the End Mill by a Drill in the Drilling operation.
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Generate NC Code
This task shows you how to generate NC data in APT format from the program.
For more information about this procedure please refer to Program Output.
1. Use the right mouse key on the Manufacturing Program.1 entity in the tree to select
Manufacturing Program.1 object > Generate NC Code Interactively. The Generate NC Output
Interactively dialog box appears.
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$$ -----------------------------------------------------------------
$$ Generated on Thursday, May 10, 2001 04:58:20 PM
$$ -----------------------------------------------------------------
$$ Manufacturing Program.1
$$ Part Operation.1
$$*CATIA0
$$ Manufacturing Program.1
$$ 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000
$$ 0.00000 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000
PARTNO PART TO BE MACHINED
COOLNT/ON
CUTCOM/OFF
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Tool Change.1
$$ Start generation of : Tool Change.1
TLAXIS/ 0.000000, 0.000000, 1.000000
$$ TOOLCHANGEBEGINNING
RAPID
GOTO / 0.00000, 0.00000, 100.00000
CUTTER/ 10.000000, 2.000000, 3.000000, 2.000000, 0.000000$
, 0.000000, 100.000000
TOOLNO/1, 10.000000
TPRINT/T1 End Mill D 10
LOADTL/1
$$ End of generation of : Tool Change.1
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Pocketing.1
$$ Start generation of : Pocketing.1
FEDRAT/ 1000.0000,MMPM
SPINDL/ 70.0000,RPM,CLW
GOTO / 30.61644, 2.50000, 5.00000
GOTO / 17.50000, 2.50000, 5.00000
...
GOTO / 30.61644, 35.00000, 5.00000
$$ End of generation of : Pocketing.1
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Tool Change.2
$$ Start generation of : Tool Change.2
$$ TOOLCHANGEBEGINNING
RAPID
GOTO / 0.00000, 0.00000, 100.00000
CUTTER/ 16.000000, 0.000000, 8.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000$
, 0.000000, 100.000000
TOOLNO/2, 16.000000
TPRINT/16 Flat Milling Tool
LOADTL/2
$$ End of generation of : Tool Change.2
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Profile Contouring.1
$$ Start generation of : Profile Contouring.1
FEDRAT/ 300.0000,MMPM
SPINDL/ 70.0000,RPM,CLW
GOTO / -69.00000, 40.00000, 46.00000
...
GOTO / -69.00000, 50.00000, 0.00000
$$ End of generation of : Profile Contouring.1
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Tool Change.3
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 26
$$ Start generation of : Tool Change.3
$$ TOOLCHANGEBEGINNING
RAPID
GOTO / 0.00000, 0.00000, 100.00000
CUTTER/ 9.000000, 0.000000, 4.500000, 2.598076, 30.000000$
, 0.000000, 100.000000
TOOLNO/3, 9.000000
TPRINT/9mm Drill
LOADTL/3
$$ End of generation of : Tool Change.3
PPRINT OPERATION NAME : Drilling.1
$$ Start generation of : Drilling.1
LOADTL/3,1
SPINDL/ 70.0000,RPM,CLW
RAPID
GOTO / -40.00000, -30.00000, 25.00000
RAPID
GOTO / -40.00000, -30.00000, 21.00000
CYCLE/DRILL, 10.000000, 1.000000, 1000.000000,MMPM
GOTO / -40.00000, -30.00000, 20.00000
GOTO / -40.00000, 30.00000, 20.00000
CYCLE/OFF
RAPID
GOTO / -40.00000, 30.00000, 21.00000
RAPID
GOTO / -40.00000, 30.00000, 25.00000
$$ End of generation of : Drilling.1
SPINDL/OFF
REWIND/0
END
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 27
User Tasks
The tasks you will perform in the Prismatic Machining workbench involve creating, editing and managing
machining operations and other Machining entities.
Milling Operations
2.5 to 5-axis Drilling Operations
Auxiliary Operations
Features for Machining
Part Operations, Manufacturing Programs, and Machining Processes
NC Manufacturing Entities
Verification, Simulation and Program Output
The tasks dealing with the following Machining topics are documented in the NC Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
Design Changes
Set Up and Part Positioning
MfgBatch Utility for Generating NC Data
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 28
Milling Operations
The tasks in this section show you how to create 2.5 axis milling operations in your manufacturing program.
Pocketing Operations
Select the Pocketing icon then select the geometry to be machined (open or closed pocket, islands,
and so on). Specify the tool to be used.
Set parameters for axial and radial machining and other criteria such as finishing and high-speed
milling. Set feeds and speeds and NC macros as needed.
● Closed pockets
Tool machines the area delimited by hard boundaries
● Open pockets
Tool machines the area that has a least one soft boundary.
Facing Operations
Create a Facing Operation: Select the Facing icon then select the geometry to be machined and
specify the tool to be used.
Set parameters for axial and radial machining and other criteria such as finishing and high-speed
milling. Set feeds and speeds and NC macros as needed.
Open the PrismaticMilling01.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from
the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
The Pocketing dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page .
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
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The bottom and flanks of the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required for
defining the pocket.
All other pocket geometry is optional.
Make sure that the Pocketing style is set to Closed Pocket.
2. Right click the red Bottom in the icon and select Contour Detection from the contextual menu.
Click the red Bottom then select the desired pocket bottom in the 3D window.
The pocket boundary is automatically deduced thanks to the Contour Detection setting. This is
indicated by the highlighted Drive elements.
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The bottom and flanks of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now
defined.
For parts containing islands, you can right click the red Bottom in the icon and select Island
Detection from the contextual menu. This allows island boundaries to be deduced
automatically.
3. Click the Top Plane in the icon then select the desired top element in the 3D window.
4. Set the following offsets:
● 1.5mm on hard boundary
● 0.25mm on bottom.
If your part includes islands, you can specify different offsets on individual islands using the
Offset on Island contextual command (right click the Island label in the 3D window).
5. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style: Inward helical,
Outward helical or Back and forth.
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You can then use the tab pages to set parameters for:
● Machining such as machining tolerance
● Radial strategy
● Finishing
A tool is proposed by default when you create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
● In the Current Macro Toolbox frame, select the Axial mode. A sensitive icon representing this
approach motion is displayed.
● Double click the distance parameter in the sensitive icon and enter the desired value in the
pop-up dialog box.
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See Define Macros of an Operation for another example of specifying transition paths on a
machining operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
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Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from
the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
A Pocketing entity along with a default tool is added to the program. The Pocketing dialog box
appears directly at the Geometry tab page .
This tab page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
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The bottom and flanks of the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required for
defining the pocket. All other pocket geometry is optional.
Click the red Bottom then select the desired pocket bottom in the 3D window.
The pocket boundary is automatically deduced thanks to the Contour Detection setting. This is
indicated by the highlighted Drive elements.
Hard boundaries are shown by full lines and soft boundaries by dashed lines.
For edge selection only, you can change a boundary segment from hard to soft (or from soft to
hard) by selecting the corresponding edge.
You can also globally change segments from hard to soft and from soft to hard using the
Swap Hardness Mode contextual command.
The bottom and flanks of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now
defined.
For parts containing islands, you can right click the red Bottom in the icon and select Island
Detection from the contextual menu. This allows island boundaries to be deduced
automatically.
3. Click the Top Plane in the icon then select the desired top element in the 3D window.
4. Set the following offsets:
● 1.5mm on hard boundary
● 0.25mm on bottom.
If your part includes islands, you can specify different offsets on individual islands using the
Offset on Island contextual command (right click the Island label in the 3D window).
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5. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style: Inward helical,
Outward helical or Back and forth.
You can then use the tab pages to set parameters for:
● Finishing
For Back and forth, you can modify the proposed machining direction and progression
direction that are symbolized by arrows next to the machining axis system.
Clicking the Machining direction arrow displays a dialog box for specifying the direction of
paths.
Clicking the Progression direction arrow reverses the overall direction of progression of the
paths.
6. A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed
tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
8. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and
retract motion, for example).
● In the Macro Management frame, right-click the Approach line and select the Activate
contextual command.
● In the Current Macro Toolbox frame, select the Axial mode. An icon representing this
approach motion is displayed.
● Double click the distance parameter in the sensitive icon and enter the desired value in the
pop-up dialog box.
See Define Macros of an Operation for another example of specifying transition paths on a
machining operation.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 40
9. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Open the Multi_Pockets.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1.
Select the Prismatic Roughing icon . A Prismatic Roughing entity along with a default tool is added to
the program.
The Prismatic Roughing dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page
includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the operation's required and optional geometry.
The Part and Rough stock areas of the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required. All
other geometry is optional.
2. Click the red Part area then select PartBody either in the specification tree or in the 3D window.
3. Click the red Rough stock area in the icon then select Rough Stock.1 either in the specification tree or in the
3D window.
4. Set a 1.0mm offset on part.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 42
The Part and Rough stock areas are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.
5. Select the Strategy tab page . You can then use the tab pages to set parameters for:
● Machining
● Radial strategy
● Axial strategy
In the strategy tab page, you can modify the proposed tool axis direction by clicking on the arrow in the
sensitive icon. This displays a dialog box for specifying the tool axis.
For a Back and forth tool path, you can modify the proposed machining direction by clicking on the arrow in
the sensitive icon. This displays a dialog box for specifying the direction of paths.
6. A tool is proposed by default when you create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not suitable,
just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of
an Operation.
Only end mills can be used in Prismatic Roughing operations.
7. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
8.
Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion,
for example).
9. Before accepting the operation, check its validity by replaying the tool path.
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Open the PrismaticMilling01.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Facing icon . A Facing entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Facing dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The part bottom and flanks in the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required for
defining the operation.
All other geometry is optional.
2. Right click the red Bottom in the icon and select Contour Detection from the contextual menu.
Click the red Bottom then select the underside of the part in the 3D window.
The part boundary is automatically deduced thanks to the Contour Detection option. This is indicated by
the highlighted Drive elements.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 45
The bottom and flanks of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.
3. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style: Inward helical, Back and
forth, or One way.
You can then use the tab pages to set parameters for:
● Finishing
● High speed milling (for Inward helical tool path style only).
4. Select the Tool tab page to replace the default tool by a more suitable one.
A 50mm diameter face mill is proposed. You can adjust the parameters as required.
See Edit the Tool of an Operation for more information about selecting tools.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the
operation.
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7.
Select the Macros tab page to specify a return macro, which is necessary for the One Way
mode.
● In the Macro Management frame, right-click the Return in a Level Retract line and select the
Activate contextual command.
● In the Current Macro Toolbox frame, select the Axial mode. An icon representing this retract motion
is displayed.
● Double click the distance parameter in the sensitive icon and enter the desired value in the pop-up
dialog box.
● Select the Return in a Level Approach line, the repeat the procedure to specify the approach motion.
See Define Macros of an Operation for another example of specifying transition paths on a machining
operation.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 47
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If you want to define a different start point, you can click the start point symbol in the sensitive icon
then select a point.
Please note that the exact position of operation's start point may be different from your selected point.
The program will choose the nearest point from a number of possible start positions.
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Open the PrismaticMilling01.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start menu. Make the
Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Profile Contouring icon . The Profile Contouring dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page
. This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The part bottom and flanks in the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required for defining the operation.
All other geometry is optional.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 49
2. Click the red bottom in the icon, then select the underside of the part in the 3D window.
3. Set the Bottom type to Soft by clicking the text, then set the Offset on Bottom to -5mm.
4. Click the red flank in the icon, then select the profile along the front edge of the part in the 3D window.
5. Right click Start to set this condition to Out.
Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at one end of the contour profile in the 3D
window.
6. Right click Stop to set this condition to Out.
Click the second relimiting element in the icon, then select the horizontal edge at the other end of the contour profile in the
3D window.
7. Click the check element in the icon, then select the top face of the green fixture in the 3D window.
The bottom, guide, limit and check elements of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.
These are also indicated on the part.
8. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style. You can then use the tabs to set parameters
for:
● Machining such as machining tolerance
● Finishing
11. Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
The specified operation uses a default linking macro to avoid collision with the selected fixture.
You can optimize the linking macro and add approach and retract macros to the operation in the Macros tab page .
Please note that if a user-defined linking macro is not collision free, a default linking macro is applied.
This task shows how to insert a 'Between Two Curves' Profile Contouring operation in the program. To create
the operation you must define:
● the Contouring mode as Between Two Curves
This task also illustrates the capability to machine a discontinuous guiding curve.
Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Profile Contouring icon . The Profile Contouring dialog box appears directly at the Geometry
tab page . This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The top guiding curve in the icon is colored red indicating that this geometry is required for defining the
operation. All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the red guiding curve in the icon, then in the 3D window:
● select the three continuous edges on the top of the part as shown (Guide 1 in figure below)
● select the three continuous edges of the downward slope on the other side of the part as shown (Guide
2 in figure below).
● select the three continuous bottom edges on the other side of the part as shown.
5. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style. You can then use the tabs to
set parameters for:
● Machining such as machining tolerance
● Finishing
6. In the Macros tab page you should add an appropriate Linking macro that will allow the tool to
retract and approach the discontinuous guiding curves. This is described in Define Macros of an Operation.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This procedure for this is
described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 54
7. If needed, select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the
operation.
8. Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
Please note that the tool tip is shifted below the guiding curves by a distance equal to the tool corner
radius. If you want the tool tip to exactly follow the guiding curves you should enter an appropriate Offset
on Contour value.
9. Click OK to create the operation.
A Collision Checking capability is available in the Geometry tab page, which allows collision checking
between the tool and guide elements during macro motions. See Reference section for more information.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 55
This task shows how to insert a 'Between Curve and Surfaces' Profile Contouring operation in the program. To
create the operation you must define:
● the Contouring mode as Between Curve and Surfaces
Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Profile Contouring icon . The Profile Contouring dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab
page . This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The top guiding curve and part bottom in the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required for
defining the operation. All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the red bottom in the icon, then select the bottom surface of the part in the 3D window.
3. Click the top guiding curve in the icon, then select the top edge of the part in the 3D window.
4. Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then select a vertical edge at one end of the part in the 3D
window.
5. Click the second relimiting element in the icon, then select the vertical edge at the other end of the part in the
3D window.
6. If needed, set offsets on the geometric elements.
The guide and limit elements of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.
These are also indicated on the part.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 57
7. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style. You can then use the tabs to set
parameters for:
● Machining such as machining tolerance
● Finishing
You can add approach and retract motions to the operation in the Macros tab page . This is described in
Define Macros of an Operation.
10. Click OK to create the operation.
A Collision Checking capability is available in the Geometry tab page, which allows collision checking between
the tool and guide elements during macro motions. See Reference section for more information.
Prismatic Machining Version 5 Release 14 Page 59
This task shows how to insert a 'Flank Contouring' Profile Contouring operation in the program. To create the
operation you must define:
● the Contouring mode as Flank Contouring
Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Profile Contouring icon . The Profile Contouring dialog box appears directly at the Geometry
tab page . This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The guiding element in the icon is colored red indicating that this geometry is required for defining the
operation. All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the guiding element in the icon, then select the vertical face of the part in the 3D window.
3. Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then select a vertical edge at one end of the part in the 3D
window.
4. Click the second relimiting element in the icon, then select the vertical edge at the other end of the part in
the 3D window.
The guide and limit elements of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now
defined. These are also indicated on the part.
6. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style. You can then use the tabs to
set parameters for:
● Machining such as machining tolerance
● Finishing.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This is described in Edit
the Tool of an Operation.
7. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the
operation.
8. Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
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You can add approach and retract motions to the operation in the Macros tab page . This is
described in Define Macros of an Operation.
9. Click OK to create the operation.
A Collision Checking capability is available in the Geometry tab page, which allows collision checking
between the tool and guide elements during macro motions. See Reference section for more information.
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Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from
the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
The Curve Following dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page .
This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry to be machined.
The guiding curve in the icon is colored red indicating that this geometry is required for
defining the operation. All other geometry is optional.
2. Click the guiding curve in the icon, then select the desired curve in the 3D window.
3. If needed, set an axial offset on the guiding curve.
The guide element of the icon is now colored green indicating that this geometry is now
defined. It is also indicated on the part.
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● Machining
● Axial.
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed
tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
You can add approach and retract motions to the operation in the Macros tab page
. This is described in Define Macros of an Operation.
Open the sample_groove_milling.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
1. Select the Groove Milling icon . The Groove Milling dialog box appears directly at the
Geometry tab page . This page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the
geometry to be machined.
The groove top, bottom and flank in the icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is
required for defining the operation. All other geometry is optional.
4. Click the red guiding element in the icon, then select the flank contour of the groove in the 3D
window.
If the Contour Detection contextual command is set, the boundary of the selected face will
be proposed automatically as guiding contour. See Specifying Guiding Contours for more
information.
5. Right click Start to set this condition to Out. Click the first relimiting element in the icon, then
select the horizontal edge at one end of the contour profile in the 3D window.
Set the Offset on Limit1 to 5mm.
6. Right click Stop to set this condition to Out. Click the second relimiting element in the icon,
then select the horizontal edge at the other end of the contour profile in the 3D window.
Set the Offset on Limit2 to 5mm.
7. Select the Strategy tab page and choose the desired tool path style. You can then use
the tabs to set parameters for:
● Machining
● Finishing.
8. A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed
tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
The specified operation uses a default Return between levels macro to allow switching
compensation points for machining upper and lower levels of the groove.
You can optimize this macro and add approach and retract macros to the operation in the
Macros tab page . This is described in Define Macros of a Milling Operation.
Open the PrismaticMilling02.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from the Start menu. Make
the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
A Point to Point entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Point to Point dialog box appears directly at the Strategy tab page .
This Motions tab allows you to define the elementary Goto Point, Goto Position and Go Delta motions making up the
machining operation.
2.
Click the Goto Point icon , then select a corner point on the underside of the part.
Just double-click to end point selection. The first tool motion is defined and appears in the list in the dialog box.
3.
Click the Goto Position icon . A dialog box appears to help you specify the part, drive and check elements as well
as positioning conditions (To / On / Past).
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4. Just click OK when you have specified the desired elements and conditions. The second tool motion is defined and
appears in the list in the dialog box.
5. Add other Goto Point, Goto Position and Go Delta motions as shown in the figure below.
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● add PP words to the list by clicking on the PP words icon and specifying the desired syntax.
● move motions up or down the list by the Arrow icons or remove motions by means of the Remove icon.
If needed, double click the sensitive text in the icon to specify an offset along the tool axis.
Define the tool axis direction by first selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon then specifying the
direction in the dialog box that appears.
7. Select the Tool tab page to replace the default tool by a more suitable one.
Select the Face Mill icon. A 50mm diameter face mill is proposed. You can adjust the parameters as required.
See Edit the Tool of an Operation for more information about selecting tools.
Check the validity of the operation by replaying the tool path.
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8. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
9. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths.
Drilling Operations
Create a Drilling Operation: Select the Drilling icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
drilled and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or By Shoulder). Finally,
set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Drilling Dwell Delay Operation: Select the Drilling Dwell Delay icon then select the hole
or hole pattern to be drilled and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or
By Shoulder) and the dwell duration. Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and
feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Drilling Deep Hole Operation: Select the Drilling Deep Hole icon then select the hole or
hole pattern to be drilled and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or By
Shoulder). Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as
needed.
Create a Drilling Break Chips Operation: Select the Drilling Break Chips icon then select the hole
or hole pattern to be drilled and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or
By Shoulder). Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as
needed.
Boring Operations
Create a Boring Operation: Select the Boring icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or By Shoulder).
Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Boring Spindle Stop Operation: Select the Boring Spindle Stop icon then select the
hole or hole pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode
(By Tip or By Shoulder) and the amount of tool shift away from the bored hole. Finally, set the
other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Boring and Chamfering Operation: Select the Boring and Chamfering icon then select
the hole or hole pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth
mode (By Tip or By Shoulder). Finally, for the boring and chamfering phases set the machining
parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
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Create a Back Boring Operation: Select the Back Boring icon then select the hole or hole
pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or By
Shoulder) and the amount of tool shift for back boring. Finally, set the other machining
parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Threading Operations
Create a Tapping Operation: Select the Tapping icon then select the hole or hole pattern to be
machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip or By Shoulder).
Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Reverse Threading Operation: Select the Reverse Threading icon then select the hole
or hole pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Specify the depth mode (By Tip
or By Shoulder). Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as
needed.
Create a Thread without Tap Head Operation: Select the Thread without Tap Head icon then
select the hole or hole pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. The By Tip depth
mode is imposed for this operation. Finally, set the other machining parameters, macros, and
feeds and speeds as needed.
Create a Thread Milling Operation: Select the Thread Milling icon then select the hole or hole
pattern to be machined and specify the tool to be used. Finally, set the other machining
parameters, macros, and feeds and speeds as needed.
Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start menu.
A Spot Drilling entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Spot Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes an icon
representing a simple hole. There are several hot spots in the icon.
2. Select red hole depth representation, then select the points to be spot drilled.
You can do this by selecting the circular edges of holes.
In this case, the circle centers are taken as the points to be spot drilled.
Just double click to end your selections.
3. If needed, click on the tool axis symbol to invert the tool axis direction.
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4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the following
machining parameters:
● approach clearance
● dwell
Drills, Multi-diameter Drills, Spot Drills, and Center Drills can be used.
Conical Mills can also be used.
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This is
described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify
the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining
Operation.
8. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
9. Click OK to create the operation.
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Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Spot Drilling operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information please refer to Editing
Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the NC_SPOT_DRILLING
section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
1. Select the Drilling icon . A Drilling entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page
includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be
machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the pattern of 10 holes as shown below.
Just double click to end your selections.
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3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
4. If needed, you can define a clearance by first double clicking the Jump Distance parameter in
the sensitive icon then specifying a value in the Edit Parameter dialog box that appears.
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● Breakthrough distance
● Compensation number
depending on those available
on the tool.
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to
select an appropriate tool.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the
operation.
Note that in the Drilling tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page
to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described in
Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_DRILLING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
A Drilling Dwell Delay entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Dwell Delay dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab
page includes a sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to drill.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown.
Just double click to end your selection.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
4. Select the Strategy tab page to
specify the following machining parameters:
● Approach clearance
● Dwell delay
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to
select an appropriate tool. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the
operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
6 If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page
to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described in
Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
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Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Dwell Delay operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_DRILLING_DWELL_DELAY section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start menu.
A Drilling Deep Hole entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Deep Hole dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole features as shown below.
Just double click to end your selections.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon.
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4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the following
machining parameters:
● Approach clearance
● Breakthrough distance
● Dwell mode
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate
tool. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
● Motion at machining feedrate from 1 to 2
For more information see Example of Decrement rate and Decrement limit.
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify the
desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
7. Before accepting the operation, check its validity by replaying the tool path.
8. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Deep Hole operations:
CYCLE/DEEPHL,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE,
&MFG_FEED_UNIT,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information please refer to Editing
Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the NC_DEEPHOLE section
of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench from the Start menu.
A Drilling Break Chips entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
The Drilling Break Chips dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the geometry of the hole or hole pattern to be machined.
2. Select the red hole depth representation then select the hole feature as shown below.
Just double click to end your selections.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the sensitive icon.
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4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify the following
machining parameters:
● Approach clearance
● Breakthrough distance
● Dwell
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use.
Remember that you can make use of the hole diameter found on the selected hole feature to select an appropriate
tool. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Distance (1,2) = A + Dc
Distance (2,3) = Distance (4,5) = Or
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Distance (3,4) = Distance (5,6) = Or + Dc
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab page to specify the
desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Drilling Break Chips operations:
CYCLE/BRKCHP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,INCR,%MFG_AXIAL_DEPTH,%MFG_FEED_MACH_VALUE, &MFG_FEED_UNIT,
%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,DWELL,%MFG_DWELL_REVOL
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information please refer to Editing
Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the NC_BREAK_CHIPS
section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
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If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reaming operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_REAMING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
● Dwell
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Counterboring operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_COUNTERBORING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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● breakthrough distance
● dwell
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
8. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Note that Boring Bars are supported for Photo and Video material removal simulations.
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If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_BORING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Strategy tab page to
specify the following machining
parameters:
● approach clearance
● breakthrough distance
● dwell
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion with a boring bar is as
follows:
● Spindle stop
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
8. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Note that Boring Bars are supported for Photo and Video material removal simulations.
9. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring Spindle Stop operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_BORING_SPINDLE_STOP section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
● breakthrough distance
● dwell
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
Boring
Chamfering
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths.
The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Boring and Chamfering
operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_BORING_AND_CHAMFERING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
4. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Strategy tab page
to specify the following machining
parameters:
● approach clearances A and A2
● retract clearance
● compensation number
depending on those available on
the tool
● NC output with CYCLE syntax.
7. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
8. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
9. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Note that Boring Bars are supported for material removal simulations in Video mode.
10. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Back Boring operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_BACK_BORING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
● thread pitch
● thread direction.
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
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Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Tapping operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_TAPPING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
● thread pitch
● thread direction.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
4. Select the Strategy tab page to
specify the following machining
parameters:
● approach clearance
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Reverse Threading operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_REVERSE_THREADING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
● thread pitch
● thread direction.
● breakthrough
5. A tool is proposed by default when you create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not
suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This is
described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
● Spindle stop
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread without Tap Head
operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_THREAD_WITHOUT_TAP_HEAD section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
● thread pitch
● thread direction.
4. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
5. Select the Strategy tab page
● Breakthrough
● Machining tolerance
● Plunge mode
A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed
tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. This
is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
7. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and
retract motion, for example). The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an
Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Thread Milling operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_THREAD_MILLING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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● Dwell
Countersinks, Drills, Multi-diameter Drills, Spot Drills, Center Drills, and Two Sides Chamfering
tools are the recommended tools. Conical Mills can also be used.
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. For more information, please refer to Edit the Tool of an Operation.
6. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
7. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
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8. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
9. Click OK to create the operation.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Countersinking operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_COUNTERSINKING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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● breakthrough distance
● dwell in seconds
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the tool path represented in the strategy page, tool motion is as follows:
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Chamfering Two Sides
operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_TWO_SIDES_CHAMFERING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
3. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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● Dwell
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
5. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
6. If you want to specify approach and retract motion for the operation, select the Macros tab
page to specify the desired transition paths. The general procedure for this is described
in Define Macros of an Axial Machining Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
Example of output
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for T-Slotting operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_T_SLOTTING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Open the HoleMakingOperations.CATPart document, then select the desired Machining workbench
from the Start menu.
4. If needed, you can invert the tool axis direction by selecting the axis representation in the
sensitive icon.
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● Helical.
● Plunge mode
● Machining tolerance
● Direction of cut
● Percentage overlap
● Compensation number
depending on those
available on the tool
● Axial mode: Maximum depth of cut or Number of levels (with or without top)
7. A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. You can use an
End Mill or a T-slotter in this type of operation.
If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you
want to use. This is described in Edit the Tool of an Operation.
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8. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for
the operation.
Note that in the toolpath represented in the strategy page, tool motion is at:
● Motion at feedrates defined on macros from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2', 2' to 3' and 3' to 4'
9. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and
retract motion, for example). The general procedure for this is described in Define Macros of an
Operation.
Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.
If your PP table is customized with the following statement for Circular Milling operations:
You can use the Edit Cycle icon to edit or choose output syntaxes. For more information
please refer to Editing Cycle Syntaxes in Axial Machining Operations.
The parameters available for PP word syntaxes for this type of operation are described in the
NC_CIRCULAR_MILLING section of the Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
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Auxiliary Operations
The tasks for inserting auxiliary operations in the manufacturing program are documented in the NC
Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
Insert Tool Change: Select the Tool Change icon then select the tool type to be referenced in the
tool change.
Insert Machine Rotation: Select the Machine Rotation icon then specify the tool rotation
characteristics.
Insert Machining Axis Change: Select the Machining Axis Change icon then specify the
characteristics of the new machining axis system.
Insert PP Instruction: Select the PP Instruction icon then enter the syntax of the PP instruction.
Insert COPY Operator (P2 functionality): Select the COPY Operator icon then select the
reference operation. You can then specify the number of copies and the characteristics of the
transformation.
Insert TRACUT Operator (P2 functionality): Select the TRACUT Operator icon then select the
reference operation. You can then specify the characteristics of the transformation.
Insert Copy Transformation Instruction (P2 functionality): Select the Copy Transformation icon
then select the reference operation. You can then specify the number of copies and the
characteristics of the transformation.
Machining Features
The tasks for creating and using prismatic machining features are described in this guide.
Corners and channels left unmachined by Pocketing or Profile Contouring operations can be identified thanks
to a Prismatic Rework Area. This feature can then be used to Create operations for reworking corners and
channels.
The tasks dealing with the following machining feature capabilities are documented in the NC Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
Open the Rework01.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from the Start menu.
2. Click the red Bottom in the icon then select the pocket bottom in the 3D window.
The pocket boundary (Guide.1) is automatically deduced from the pocket bottom.
Click OK to create the feature called Prismatic machining area.1. This feature references the selected pocket geometry.
3. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree, then select the Pocketing icon .
4. In the Pocketing dialog box select the Prismatic machining area.1 feature using the Feature combo.
The operation's geometry is initialized with the pocket bottom and guide elements referenced by the feature.
5. Select the Tool tab page to specify a tool with nominal diameter = 16mm.
You can refer to Edit the Tool of an Operation for more information.
6. Select the Macros tab page to specify a Retract macro with a linear Retract path of 50mm.
You can see that in the corners the pocketing operation leaves some unmachined material.
9. In the Profile Contouring dialog box select the Prismatic machining area.1 feature using the Feature combo.
The operation's geometry is initialized with the pocket bottom and guide elements referenced by the feature.
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10. Select the Tool tab page to specify a tool with nominal diameter = 5mm.
You can refer to Edit the Tool of an Operation for more information.
11. Select the Macros tab page to specify an Approach macro with a linear Approach path of 50mm.
You can see that in the remaining material has now been machined by the Profile Contouring operation.
Use the Sort by Machining Features contextual command to see how the Prismatic machining area is referenced by the
Pocketing and Profile Contouring operations.
In addition to Pocketing and Profile Contouring operations, Prismatic Machining Areas can also be used on Prismatic Rework
Areas.
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You will first create a Pocketing operation to rough cut the part. Then, you will see how corners and
channels can be quickly identified and then reworked using different operations.
Open the Rework01.CATPart document, then select Machining > Prismatic Machining from the Start
menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.
2. Click the red Bottom in the icon then select the pocket bottom in the 3D window.
3. Select the Tool tab page to specify a tool with nominal diameter = 40mm.
You can refer to Edit the Tool of an Operation for more information.
4. Select the Macros tab page to specify a Return in a Level macro with linear Approach
and Retract paths of 50mm.
5. Check the Pocketing operation by replaying the tool path in Video mode.
You can see that the pocket is rough cut by this operation.
The Prismatic Rework Area dialog box appears. Click Load From then select the Pocketing
operation that you have just created.
The Rework feature is initialized with the geometry and other characteristics of the defined
operation.
The dialog box is then updated with information from the feature.
11. Select the Strategy tab page and set the Overhang value to 100.
● a Return in a Level macro with linear Approach and Retract paths of 50mm
13. Check the operation by replaying the tool path in Video mode.
Select the ReworkPocket.1 feature using the combo in the Geometry tab page.
The dialog box is then updated with information from the feature.
16. Select the Tool tab page to specify a tool with nominal diameter = 5mm.
● a Return in a Level macro with linear Approach and Retract paths of 50mm
19. Check the operation by replaying the tool path in Video mode.
You can see that the corners are machined by this operation.
20. Rename the operation Corner Rework then click OK to create it.
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This user task illustrates the Load From capability in which the Rework feature is initialized
with the geometric and other characteristics of a machining operation.
You can also set the characteristics of the Rework feature manually by means of the Prismatic
Rework Area dialog box.
● Pocketing
● Profile Contouring in Between two planes mode
● Profile Contouring in Between two curves mode
● Profile Contouring in Between a curve and surfaces mode.
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Create a Machining Process for Prismatic Features (P2 functionality): Create a Machining
Process dedicated to machining a Prismatic Machining Area including rework operations.
Other tasks for creating and managing Part Operations, Manufacturing Programs and Machining Processes
are documented in the NC Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
Create and Edit a Part Operation: Select the Part Operation icon then specify the entities to be
referenced by the part operation: machine tool, machining axis system, tool change point, part
set up, and so on.
Create and Edit a Manufacturing Program: Select the Manufacturing Program icon to add a
program to the current part operation then insert all necessary program entities: machining
operations, tool changes, PP instructions, and so on.
Auto-sequence Operations in a Program (P2 functionality): Verify the administrator's settings
for sequencing rules and priorities. If you are authorized, you can adjust these settings before
applying the Auto-sequencing to your program.
Generate Transition Paths in a Program (P2 functionality): Automatically creates all necessary
transition paths and machine rotations in the program according to the kinematics of the machine
tool assigned to the Part Operation and user-defined transition planes.
Create a Machining Process (P2 functionality): Select the Machining Process icon to create a
machining process, which can then be stored in a catalog.
Apply a Machining Process (P2 functionality): Select the Open Catalog icon to access the
machining process to be applied to selected geometry.
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Create a Machining Process for Prismatic Features
This task shows how to create a Machining Process (MP) dedicated to machining a Prismatic Machining Area including rework operations. The
objective of the MP is to machine a prismatic pocket by:
● a roughing stage using a Pocketing operation
● a channel rework stage using a Pocketing operation
● a corner rework stage using a Profile Contouring operation
● a finishing stage using a Profile Contouring operation.
2. In the Knowledge Advisor workbench, use the Parameters Explorer icon to create a "RoughingRadius" length type parameter for the
"RoughingPocketing" operation.
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In the same way, create a "MacroRadius" length type parameter for the "FinishingProfileContouring" operation and set the value to
3mm.
These user parameters will enable you to set manufacturing parameters such as the "RoughingRadius" for the rework stages or the
"Approach and retract tool path radius" for the finishing stage.
3. In the Prismatic Machining workbench, create a Prismatic Rework Area feature .
Set the "Tool radius" corresponding to the roughing radius before the rework stage to the "RoughingRadius" parameter of
"RoughingPocketing" by using the Edit Formula contextual command inside the field.
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Check that the feature is included in the Manufacturing View .
Note: If the "ToolRadius" parameter is set to 0.0, it will be automatically computed when the machining process is applied.
4. Edit the "RoughingPocketing" operation in the Machining Process View and set "Offset on Contour" to 1mm.
5. Using the Edit Formula contextual command on "RoughingPocketing", set the "Roughing Radius" to half the End mill Nominal diameter
which will be found when the MP is applied.
● Set the Cutting length to be greater than the Depth of the "Prismatic Machining Area" feature which will be selected when the MP is
applied.
● Choose the repository file for the Tool Query: ToolsSampleMP, for example.
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Select the previously created Prismatic Rework Area using the combo.
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Edit "Offset on Contour" using the Edit Formula contextual command, and set it to the same parameter of the "Roughing Pocketing"
operation.
Note: If no Rework Area feature is assigned to a Pocketing operation identified as Channel, Corner and channel, or Channel rework, a
new Prismatic Rework Area will be created when the MP is applied.
In this case, the "ToolRadius" parameter will be automatically computed and equal to half of nominal tool diameter of the operation
which precedes the first operation referencing this Prismatic Rework Area.
8. Edit the ChannelReworkByPocketing Tool Query:
● Set the Tool Diameter to be less than 10mm.
● Set the Cutting Length to be greater than the Depth of the "Prismatic Machining Area" feature which will be selected when the MP is
applied.
● Choose the repository file for the Tool Query: ToolsSampleMP, for example.
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9. Repeat the Edit Operation and Tool Query steps described above for the "CornerReworkByProfileContouring" operation.
10. Edit the "FinishingProfileContouring" operation in the Machining Process View.
Edit the "Distance between paths" parameter using the Edit Formula contextual command, and set it to the "Offset on Contour" of
"RoughingPocketing" divided by the Number of paths.
In the Macro tab page, assign a circular path on each macro, and set each "Radius" parameter to the "Macro Radius" parameter using
the Edit Formula contextual command in the Edit Parameters pop-up.
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11. Using the Edit Formula contextual command on "FinishingProfileContouring", set the "MacroRadius" to a quarter of the End mill Nominal
diameter which will be found for this operation when the MP is applied.
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● Set the Cutting Length to be greater than the Depth of the "Prismatic Machining Area" feature which will be selected when the MP is
applied.
13. Click Close in the Machining Process View to store the machining process.
A sample StandardMPForPocketing machining process similar to the one just created is available in
\Startup\Manufacturing\Processes\MP_Demo.catalog.
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Machining Entities
The tasks for creating and managing the specific entities of the Machining environment are documented in
the NC Manufacturing Infrastructure User's Guide.
● Edit the Tool of a Machining Operation: Double click the machining operation in the program and select
the Tool tab page to edit the tool characteristics or search for another tool.
● Edit a Tool in the Resource List: Double click a tool in the resource list and edit the tool characteristics in
the Tool Definition dialog box.
● Edit a Tool Assembly in the Resource List: Double click a tool assembly in the resource list and edit the
tool characteristics in the Tool Definition dialog box.
● Replace Tools in Resource List: Click the Replace Tools icon to rename tools already used in your
document.
● Specify Tool Compensation Information: Double click a tool referenced in the program or resource list
and specify the tool compensation information in the Compensation tab page of the Tool Definition
dialog box.
● Create and Use Machining Patterns: Select Insert > Machining Feature > Machining Pattern then select
a pattern of holes to be machined.
● Manufacturing View: Select a feature using the Manufacturing view and create operations based on this
feature.
● Define Macros on a Milling Operation: Select the Macros tab page when creating or editing a milling
operation, then specify the transition paths of the macros to be used in the operation.
● Define Macros on an Axial Machining Operation: Select the Macros tab page when creating or editing an
axial machining operation, then specify the transition paths of the macros to be used in the operation.
● Manage the Status of Manufacturing Entities: Use the status lights to know whether or not your
operation is correctly defined.
Replay Tool Path: Select the Tool Path Replay icon then specify the display options for an animated
tool path display of the manufacturing program or machining operation.
Simulate Material Removal (P2 functionality): Select the desired icon in the Tool Path Replay
dialog box to run a material removal simulation in Photo or Video mode.
● Generate APT Source Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode icon
then select the manufacturing program to be processed and define the APT source processing
options.
● Generate NC Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode icon then select
the manufacturing program to be processed and define the NC code processing options.
● Generate Clfile Code in Batch Mode: Select the Generate NC Code in Batch Mode icon then
select the manufacturing program to be processed and define the Clfile processing options.
● Generate a CGR File in Batch Mode (P2 functionality): Select the Generate NC Code in Batch
Mode icon then select the manufacturing program to be processed and define the CGR file
processing options.
● MfgBatch Utility that allows you to generate NC data files from a manufacturing program by
means of an executable program under Windows or a shell under UNIX.
Batch Queue Management: Manage tool path computation outside the interactive CATIA session,
with the possibility of scheduling the execution of several batch jobs.
Generate NC Code in Interactive Mode: Select the Generate NC Code Interactively icon to generate
NC data for the current manufacturing program.
Generate Documentation: Select the Generate Documentation icon to produce shop floor
documentation in HTML format.
Import an APT Source into the Program: Select the APT Import contextual command to insert an
existing APT source into the current manufacturing program.
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Workbench Description
This section contains the description of the menu commands and icon toolbars that are specific to the Prismatic Machining workbench, which is
shown below.
Menu Bar
Toolbars
Specification Tree
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Tasks corresponding to general menu commands are described in the CATIA Version 5 Infrastructure User's
Guide.
Tasks corresponding to common Machining menu commands are described in the NC Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
Insert Menu
Command... Description...
Machining Operations See Insert > Machining Operations
Auxiliary Operations Inserts Auxiliary Operations
Machining Features Inserts Machining Features:
● Prismatic Machining Area
● Machining Pattern
● Machining Operations
● Machining Features.
The other toolbars in the workbench are common to all the Machining products and are described in the NC Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
The icons for creating and editing 2.5 axis Milling operations are as follows.
The following toolbar is accessed from the drop-down icon in the Prismatic Operations toolbar.
It contains icons for creating and editing Axial Machining operations as follows.
See Create Operations for Channel and Corner Rework for information about
how to use the Prismatic Rework Area feature.
See Machining Patterns
Specification Tree
Here is an example of a Process Product Resources (PPR) specification tree for Prismatic Machining.
Process List gives all the activities and machining operations required to transform a part from a rough to
a finished state.
● Part Operation defines the manufacturing resources and the reference data.
● Manufacturing Program is the list of all of the machining operations, associated tool changes, and
auxiliary operations. The example above shows that:
❍ Drilling.1 is complete and has not been computed
❍ Drilling.2 is complete but has been computed (by means of a replay)
❍ Drilling.3 does not have all of the necessary data (indicated by the exclamation mark symbol)
❍ Drilling.4 has been deactivated by the user (indicated by the brackets symbol)
❍ Drilling.5 has been modified and needs to be recomputed (indicated by the update symbol).
Product List gives all of the parts to machine as well as CATPart documents containing complementary
geometry.
Resources List gives all of the resources such as machine or tools that can be used in the program.
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Customizing
This section describes how to customize settings for Machining.
Before you start your first working session, you can customize the settings to suit your working habits. Your
customized settings are stored in permanent setting files: they will not be lost at the end of your session.
Other tasks for customizing your Machining environment are documented in the NC Manufacturing Infrastructure
User's Guide:
1. Select Tools > Options from the menu bar: the Options dialog box appears.
2. Select the Machining category in the tree to the left. The options for Machining settings appear, organized in tab
pages.
General
This document explains how to customize general settings for Machining products.
Performance
Click the Optimize button in order to automatically set a number of the Machining options for optimized performance. These
options are listed in the Information dialog box that appears:
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If you click Yes, these options will be set as described in the dialog box. Note that, if needed, you may locally reset any of
these options.
If you click No, the options will remain with their current settings.
The Information box also lists some recommendations for manually setting other options that have an influence on
performance.
Tree Display
● Select the checkbox if you want the status of activities in the tree to be updated automatically.
● If this checkbox is not selected:
❍ you can update activity status manually in your workbench using the Update Status icon in the Auxiliary
Commands toolbar.
❍ the status of the activity after a manual update is masked at the first action on the node (for example, edit, replay,
collapse/expand of a parent node). To retrieve the status of the activity you must select the Update Status icon
again.
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If this checkbox is not selected, performance is improved.
● Select the colors to be used for identifying the various manufacturing entities by means of the combos.
Note that for Geometry that is not found or not up to date, you can select the colors used to display the valuated
parameters in the corresponding Operation or Feature dialog boxes.
● For certain entities, you can select the corresponding checkbox to use highlighting.
Performance is improved when all the Highlight checkboxes are selected.
Select this checkbox if you want to display the tool near your cursor position on the trajectory during a tool path replay
Select this checkbox if you want to display the tool center point instead of the tool tip during a tool path replay
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Display circles
Select this checkbox if you want to display each circular trajectory as a circular arc instead of a set of discretization points.
The extremities of the circular arc are indicated by means of 'O' symbols.
This allows better control of the Point by Point replay mode, where it is necessary to make several interactions to replay a
circle (because of its representation by a set of points). With the graphic representation as a circle, only one interaction is
necessary to perform the replay.
Color of feedrates
Select the colors to be used for identifying the various feedrate types by means of the combos. The selected colors will be
displayed in the Different colors replay mode.
Complementary Geometry
Select the checkbox to create a CATPart dedicated to manufacturing-specific geometry in the Product List of the PPR tree.
Design Changes
Smart NC mode
Select this checkbox to activate the Smart NC mode. In this mode, an image of the geometry selected in machining
operations is kept to allow analysis of design changes.
Performance is improved when this checkbox is not selected.
Select this check box to enable a geometrical comparison mode in order to more precisely determine the design change
status of machining operations.
Resources
This document explains how to customize resource settings for Machining products.
Enter the path of the folder containing tool catalogs, PP tables, macros, and machining processes. You can choose a folder by clicking
the [...] button.
For example, if the concatenated folders E:\DownloadOfCXR12rel\intel_a\startup and e:\users\jmn\NC in the figure above contain PP
tables, then those PP tables will be available for selection in the Part Operation's Machine Editor dialog box.
Tool Selection
Select this checkbox if you want to to activate an automatic query after each modification of a tool parameter. Performance is improved
when this checkbox is not selected.
Select this checkbox if you want to preview the tool after selection.
Select this checkbox if you want the Automatic Update of Feedrates option to be set by default in the Feeds and Speeds tab page of
machining operations.
This option allows feedrates of operations to be automatically updated whenever feedrate information on the tool is modified.
Select this checkbox if you want the Automatic Update of Speeds option to be set by default in the Feeds and Speeds tab page of
machining operations.
This option allows spindle speeds of operations to be automatically updated whenever speed information on the tool is modified.
Select the type of Tool Query to be executed when a Machining Process is instantiated:
Depending on the selected option, the Advanced tab page of the Search Tool dialog box shows the solved Tool Query for each operation
in the Machining Process.
Operation
This document explains how to customize machining operation settings for Machining products.
Default Values
Select the checkbox if you want operations to be created with the values used in the current program.
The values and units of attributes at the creation step of an operation are set to the values and units of the last edited and
validated operation whatever its type (that is, exit the operation definition dialog box using OK).
Otherwise the default settings delivered with the application are used.
Select the desired checkboxes to specify conditions to be applied when you create machining operations or machining
processes.
Machining operations are automatically sequenced in the current program after creation.
Otherwise, sequencing can be managed in the feature view.
When creating an operation, if a compatible tool exists in a previous operation of the current program, it will be set in the
new operation.
Otherwise, the operation will be incomplete.
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When creating an operation, a search is done in the document to find a compatible tool. If no compatible tool exists, a
default one is created in the document and set in the created operation.
If checkbox is not selected, no tool will be defined on the operation.
When creating a machining operation, Edit mode is automatically started to allow modifying parameters of the created
operation.
Otherwise, the operation is added to the program but the machining operation editor is not started.
When Copying
Select the checkbox if you want geometry links to be duplicated in a copied operation.
Otherwise the geometry must be defined for the copied operation. Performance is improved when this checkbox is not
selected.
Display
Select the checkbox if you want to display tool paths of operations in the current Part Operation.
User Interface
Select the checkbox if you want to have the possibility of simplifying the dialog boxes of machining operations (that is, you
can display the minimum number of parameters necessary for a correct tool path). This setting is available for 3-axis surface
machining operations only.
Output
This document explains how to customize data output settings for Machining products.
Post Processor
● None: no Post Processor is defined. NC code output is not possible in this case
● Cenit: you can choose from among the Post Processor parameter files proposed by Cenit to generate your NC code
● IMS: you can choose from among the Post Processor parameter files proposed by Intelligent Manufacturing Software
(IMS) to generate your NC code
● ICAM: you can choose from among the Post Processor parameter files proposed by ICAM Technologies Corporation
(ICAM) to generate your NC code.
Enter the path of the folder containing Post processors. You can choose a folder by clicking the [...] button. File
concatenation is possible.
Select the desired option to store tool path data either in the current document or in an external file (as a tpl file).
For operations with large tool paths (more than 100 000 points), tool path storage in an external file is recommended.
By default, the Store tool path in the current document option is selected.
Select the checkbox if you want to be able to edit tool paths even when the operation is locked.
This capability is available only for activities with a tool path node in the specification tree.
Select the checkbox if you want to store contact points in the tool path.
Select the desired option to select one of the following as output point:
● tool tip
● tool center point
● tool center point for ball end tools (that is, any tool with the Ball-end tool attribute selected or an end mill whose nominal
diameter is equal to twice the corner radius).
Specify default locations for storing Tool Path files, NC Documentation, and NC Code output.
You can store tool paths files (tpl files) in the same folder as the CATProcess by selecting the checkbox. This allows you to
store these files according to your CATProcess context. Otherwise, you can choose another location by clicking the [...]
button.
For NC Documentation, and NC Code output you can choose a folder easily by clicking the [...] button.
You can customize the extension to be used for NC Code output (by default, the suffix used is CATNCCode).
By default, the Tool path: Store at same location as the CATProcess checkbox is not selected.
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Program
This document explains how to customize manufacturing program settings for Machining products.
Select the Program tab to customize program auto-sequencing rules and priorities. These settings are
mainly intended for the administrator.
Make sure that the document in the sequencing rules path (AllSequencingRules.CATProduct in the example
below) is accessible in Read/Write.
Auto Sequencing
Select the Access to sequencing rules settings checkbox to authorize user access to sequencing rules.
You can then specify the path for the rules base
You can choose a rules base easily by clicking the [...] button.
Select the Display sequencing rules and priorities checkbox to authorize the display of sequencing rules
and priorities in the user's view. In this case two more checkboxes can be selected in order to:
Photo/Video
This document explains how to customize material removal simulation settings for NC Manufacturing products.
Simulation at
Select the desired option to perform material removal simulation at either Program or Part Operation level.
Depending on the selected level, simulation begins either from the start of the manufacturing program or from the start of
the Part Operation.
Best performance is obtained with Program level.
Video
Select the Stop at tool change checkbox if you want the Video simulation to stop each time a tool change is encountered
in the program.
Collision detection
Touch is collision
Select the Touch is collision checkbox if you want touch (or contact) type of collision to be detected.
Select the Multiple Video result on program checkbox if you want to store video results on more than one operation in
the program.
Photo
Select the desired Fault box type for examining remaining material or gouges:
Best performance is obtained when no bounding box is required and the checkbox is not selected.
Best performance is obtained when Fault box: None is selected and the checkbox is not selected.
Performance
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There are three methods of tool faceting used in Video simulation: Standard, Smaller and Larger.
The number of facets for a tool representation is determined by the chord deviation that is set for the tool diameter (0.005%
of the tool diameter).
● Smaller: The picture shows a rough approximation of a tool with six facets. Note that the chord deviation is always
inside the actual circle, and that the points are always on the circle (accurate).
This is the most accurate method for the Arc through Three Points command.
● Standard: The picture shows a rough approximation of a tool with six facets. Note that the chord deviation is partly
inside and partly outside the actual circle, and that the points are not always on the circle.
This is not suitable for the Arc through Three Points command.
However, it can be useful for gouge detection.
Photo resolution
Best performance is obtained when the Photo resolution is set to 0. In this case, a detailed simulation of a portion of the part
can be obtained using the Closeup command.
Increasing the resolution improves machining accuracy and gives a very detailed simulation. However, this requires
increased memory and computation time.
Specify the maximum angle that the tool axis is allowed to vary between two consecutive points.
Best performance is obtained for an angle of 10 degrees. Decreasing the angle improves the precision of the simulation.
However, this requires increased memory and computation time.
Set the Optimized rendering for Video checkbox to obtain an optimized rendering that improves Video simulation
performance.
Otherwise, more realistic colors are obtained with a slightly degraded performance. Milling, drilling, and turning operations
are supported.
Color
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Set the tool (and associated machined area) color to be the same as or different from the last tool, or have different colors
for all tools. Best performance is obtained with same colored tools.
Assign colors to the different tools using the associated color combo.
Assign colors to tool holders, parts, and fixtures using the associated color combos.
Positioning Move
Set the Maximum tool axis variation that is to be allowed between the end point of an operation and the start point of
the next operation. If the tool axis varies by an amount greater than the specified value, then the tool is positioned at the
start of the following operation.
Reference Information
Reference information that is specific to the Prismatic Machining product can be found in this section.
Pocketing Operations
Profile Contouring Operations
Prismatic Roughing Operations
Facing Operations
Curve Following Operations
Groove Milling Operations
Point to Point Operations
Axial Machining Operations
Machining Patterns.
Essential reference information on the following topics is provided in the NC Manufacturing Infrastructure
User's Guide.
NC Manufacturing Resources
NC Macros
PP Tables and PP Word Syntaxes
Feeds and Speeds
APT Formats
CLfile Formats
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Pocketing Operations
The information in this section will help you create and edit pocketing operations in your manufacturing program.
● machining criteria
● finishing
● high-speed milling.
Specify the tool to be used , NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
● Outward helical: the tool starts from a point inside the pocket and follows outward paths parallel to the boundary.
● Back and forth: the machining direction is reversed from one path to the next.
Direction of cut
Specifies how milling is to be done:
In Climb, the front of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material first
In Conventional, the rear of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material first.
Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
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Fixture accuracy
Specifies a tolerance applied to the fixture thickness. If the distance between the tool and fixture is less than fixture
thickness minus fixture accuracy, the position is eliminated from the trajectory. If the distance is greater, the
position is not eliminated.
Compensation
Specifies the tool corrector identifier to be used in the operation.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on the tool. When
the NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific parameters.
Radial mode
Specifies how the distance between two consecutive paths is to be computed:
● Maximum distance between paths
● Stepover ratio.
Overhang
Allows a shift in the tool position with respect to the soft
boundary of the machining domain.
Scallop pass
Allows a final machining pass around the exterior of the trajectory and islands for removing scallops (for pocketing
using a Back and Forth tool path style).
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Scallop pass ratio
For pocketing using a Back and Forth tool path style, this parameter adjusts the position of the final pass for
removing scallops. This is done by entering a percentage of the tool diameter (0 to 50).
Always stay on bottom
When machining a multi-domain pocket using a helical tool path style, this parameter forces the tool to remain in
contact with the pocket bottom when moving from one domain to another. This avoids unnecessary linking
transitions.
● Number of levels
Finishing mode
Indicates whether or not finish passes are to be generated on the sides and bottom of the area to machine. Side
finishing can be done at each level or only at the last level of the operation.
Side finish thickness
Specifies the thickness used for side finishing.
Number of side finish paths per level
Specifies the number of side finish paths for each
level in a multi-pass operation.
● If 2D Radial profile is selected, both the tool tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path
replay. Cutter compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro
must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
● If 2D Radial tip is selected, the tool tip will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter compensation
instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro must be defined to allow the
compensation to be applied.
● If None is selected, cutter compensation instructions are not generated in the NC data output. In this case,
please refer to How to generate CUTCOM syntaxes.
Any user-defined PP words in macros are added to the cutter compensation instructions generated in the NC data
output. Therefore you should be careful when specifying CUTCOM instructions in macros.
A negative Offset on contour (parameter in Geometry tab page) is possible for 2D radial profile output.
Transition angle
Specifies the angle of the transition path that allows the
tool to move smoothly from one path to the next in a HSM
operation.
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Transition length
Specifies a minimum length for the straight segment of
the transition between paths in a HSM operation.
Pocketing Geometry
A Pocketing operation can be created for machining:
● Closed pockets: the tool machines the area delimited by hard boundaries
● Open pockets: the tool machines the area that has a least one soft boundary.
● Pocket Bottom (planar face or surface) with possible Offset on Bottom. Bottom may be Hard or Soft.
● Pocket Boundary (edges or sketch) with possible:
● if the Contour Detection contextual command is set, select the pocket bottom. The boundary of the selected
face will be proposed as pocket boundary.
● select edges. In this case the Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the pocket boundary.
● select the By Belt of Faces or By Boundary of Faces contextual command. In this case the Face Selection
toolbar appears to help you specify the pocket boundary.
● select the Sectioning contextual command. Please refer to Sectioning for details of how to use this capability.
Please note that the sectioning selection method is not associative.
Note that the Start point can be located outside an open pocket. In this case, you must specify a clearance with
respect to the pocket boundary.
Pocketing Tools
Recommended tools for pocketing are End Mills, Face Mills and T-Slotters.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC data file.
If the checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or Finish
quality of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
You can reduce feedrates in corners encountered along the tool path depending on values given in the Feeds and
Speeds tab page: reduction rate, maximum radius, minimum angle, and distances before and after the corner.
Feed reduction is applied to corners along the tool path whose radius is less than the Maximum radius value and
whose arc angle is greater than the Minimum angle value.
For Pocketing, feedrate reduction applies to inside and outside corners for machining or finishing passes. It does not
apply for macros or default linking and return motions.
Corners can be angled or rounded, and may include extra segments for HSM operations.
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Slowdown Rate
You can use Slowdown rate in the Feeds and Speeds tab page to reduce the current feedrate by a given
percentage.
In Outward/Inward Helical Pocketing, the reduction is applied to the first channel cut.
In Back and Forth Pocketing, the reduction is applied to the first channel cut and to the transitions between passes.
If a corner is included in a Slowdown path, the general rule is that the lowest percentage value is taken into account.
For example, if the Slowdown rate is set to 70 % and Feedrate reduction rate in corners is set to 50%, the feedrate
sequence is:
100%, 70% (entry in slowdown), 50% (entry in corner), 70% (end of corner, still in slowdown), 100% (end of
slowdown).
If Feedrate reduction rate in corners is then set to 75%, the feedrate sequence is:
100%, 70% (entry in slowdown), 70% (entry in corner: 75% ignored), 70% (end of corner, still in slowdown), 100%
(end of slowdown).
Pocketing NC Macros
You can define transition paths in your machining operations by means of NC Macros. These transition paths are
useful for providing approach, retract and linking motion in the tool path.
A Return on Same Level macro is used in a multi-path operation to link two consecutive paths in a given level.
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A Return between Levels macro is used in a multi-level machining operation to go to the next level.
A Return to Finish Pass macro is used in a machining operation to go to the finish pass.
A Clearance macro can be used in a machining operation to avoid a fixture, for example.
When you edit a Ramping Approach macro in Pocketing, you can select the Parameter contextual command to
access the parameters of the macro path.
If you select the Intermediate Levels checkbox, the approach macro is divided into 3 parts:
● a ramping approach from the top of the pocket to the intermediate level
● a horizontal path, which is the same as the first path if the machining mode is Back and Forth or the first closed
path if the machining mode is Helical
● a ramping approach from the intermediate level to the machining level.
The yellow path in the figure below illustrates an intermediate level for a ramping approach macro in a Back and
Forth Pocketing operation.
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● Spring pass = no
Select the Profile Contouring icon then select the geometry to be machined .
● machining criteria
● finishing
● high-speed milling.
Specify the tool to be used , NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
● One way: the same machining direction is used from one path to the next.
Direction of cut
Specifies how machining is to be done.
In Climb milling, the front of the advancing tool (in the
machining direction) cuts into the material first.
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Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
Fixture accuracy
Specifies a tolerance applied to the fixture thickness. If the distance between the tool and fixture is less
than fixture thickness minus fixture accuracy, the position is eliminated from the trajectory. If the distance
is greater, the position is not eliminated.
Type of contour
Indicates whether the contouring type of corners is:
Circular: the tool pivots around the corner point, following a
contour whose radius is equal to the tool radius
Angular: the tool does not remain in contact with the corner
point, following a contour comprised of two line segments
Output type
Allows you to manage the generation of cutter compensation (CUTCOM) instructions in the NC data output
in Between Two Planes machining mode.
● If 2D Radial profile is selected, both the tool tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path
replay. Cutter compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An
approach macro must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
Please note that only Circular contouring type is supported with this output type.
● If 2D Radial tip is selected, the tool tip will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter compensation
instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro must be defined to
allow the compensation to be applied.
Example of generated APT source:
● If None is selected, cutter compensation instructions are not automatically generated in the NC data
output. However, CUTCOM instructions can be inserted manually. For more information, please refer to
How to generate CUTCOM syntaxes.
Any user-defined PP words in macros are added to the cutter compensation instructions generated in the
NC data output. Therefore you should be careful when specifying CUTCOM instructions in macros.
A negative Offset on contour (parameter in Geometry tab page) is possible for 2D radial profile output.
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Compensation
Specifies the tool corrector identifier to be used in the operation.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on the
tool. When the NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific
parameters.
Compensation application mode
Specifies how the corrector type specified on the tool (P1, P2, P3, for example) is used to define the
position of the tool: Output point or Guiding point.
Number of paths
Defines the number of tool paths in a radial strategy.
Overhang for rework areas
Allows a shift in the tool position with respect to the soft boundary of the rework area.
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● Number of levels
In a Profile Contouring, cornering for HSM is available for Roughing and Finishing passes in the following
guiding modes:
● Between 2 planes
Cornering applies to inside corners for machining or finishing passes. It does not apply to:
Cornering
Specifies whether or not cornering for HSM is to be done on the trajectory.
Corner radius
Specifies the radius used for rounding the corners
along the trajectory of a HSM operation. Value
must be smaller than the tool radius.
Tool follows contour between top and bottom planes while respecting user-defined geometry limitations and
machining strategy parameters.
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● Bottom (planar face or surface) with possible Offset on Bottom. Bottom may be Hard or Soft.
● Top plane with possible Offset on Top. Top may be Hard or Soft.
Tool follows a trajectory defined by the Guide contour and Auxiliary Guide contour while respecting user-
defined geometry limitations and machining strategy parameters.
● Guide contour and Auxiliary Guide contour (edges or sketch) with possible global radial Offset on
Contour and an Axial Offset on each contour.
Guide contour is used for positioning the flank of the tool (radial positioning).
Auxiliary Guide contour is used for positioning the tool tip along the tool axis (axial positioning).
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If no Auxiliary Guide contour is specified, the Guide contour is used for positioning both the flank and the
tip of the tool.
You can restrict machining to a specific zone by specifying Minimum depth and Maximum depth values. The
depths are taken from the Guide contour. The Depth limitation checkbox must be activated in this case.
Tool follows trajectory defined by a top guide curve and bottom surfaces while respecting user-defined
geometry limitations and machining strategy parameters.
● Guide contour (edges or sketch) with possible radial Offset on Contour and Axial Offset.
You can restrict machining to a specific zone by specifying Minimum depth and Maximum depth values. The
depths are taken from the top guiding contour. The Depth limitation checkbox must be activated in this
case.
● Guiding flank (face parallel to tool axis) with possible Offset on Contour.
● if the Contour Detection contextual command is set in Between Two Planes mode, select the bottom
element. The boundary of the selected face will be proposed as guiding contour.
● select edges. In this case the Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the By Belt of Faces or By Boundary of Faces contextual command. In this case the Face
Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the Sectioning contextual command. Please refer to Sectioning for details of how to use this
capability.
Please note that the sectioning selection method is not associative.
The guiding contour can be restricted by means of Start and Stop relimiting elements. The tool can be
positioned In, On or Out with respect to a relimiting element. You can select a point or a curve as relimiting
element.
A fast way to specify relimiting points is to right-click the guiding contour area in the sensitive icon of the
dialog box and set the Relimitation point detection contextual command. When you select a guiding
contour, its extremities will be used as relimiting elements.
Note that a relimiting point can be created anywhere along the guiding contour by means of the Add
relimiting point contextual command. Just right-click the relimiting element area in the sensitive icon of
the dialog box and select any position along the guiding contour.
You can machine several discontinuous groups of guiding elements in all Profile Contouring modes (except
By Flank Contouring).
These contours can be selected using the Edge Selection Toolbar. A Guide.x element is displayed for each
selected continuous ordered contour.
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The side to mill is shown by the orange arrow. Click on the arrow to inverse the side to mill.
The order of in which the geometric elements are selected determines the order in which they will be
machined.
A linking macro can be used to link two discontinuous portions of the same tool path. Otherwise, a straight
line is generated.
Once the selection of the guides is validated (that is, when the dialog box is displayed again), the following
contextual menus become available.
You can also remove an element by picking it again, after having launched the Edge Selection toolbar. If
the guide is no longer continuous, another guide is created.
Before After
You can add elements to a guide by simply picking the element, after having launched the Edge Selection
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toolbar. If the element picked is connected to that guide, it is automatically added to that guide. If the
element picked is connected to two guides, the element is added and the two guides are merged into one.
Before After
Before After
Connect Guide.x: Connects a guide to another one. Select the original guide, then the item Connect
Guide.x in the contextual menu and the target guide.
Before After
The Connection Mode allows connection either by inserting a line or extrapolating a contour.
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Before After
Checking for Collisions between Tool and Guide Elements during Macro
Motions
Collision checking is done during macro motion. All guiding elements defined on the operation are taken
into account during this verification. However, in some cases, it can be useful to deactivate collision
checking with the guides (see example below).
In the following figure, collision avoidance during the circular approach macro is not necessary.
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In the following figure, there is no collision avoidance during the circular approach.
The Collision Avoidance capability allows you to manage this collision checking.
When you select Collision checking on the Geometry tab page, the following dialog box appears.
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When the Include guiding elements checkbox is selected, guides are checked for collisions during macro
motion. By default the checkbox is selected.
When the checkbox is not selected, no collision verification is done with the guides during macro motions.
In the specific case when there is no selected top element and no offset defined on the bottom element,
there is no tool motion to avoid the guiding elements, so no collisions will be detected.
Drills, Spot Drills, Center Drills, and Countersinks can also be used.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC
data file. If the checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or
Finish quality of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
You can reduce feedrates in corners encountered along the tool path depending on values given in the
Feeds and Speeds tab page: reduction rate, maximum radius, minimum angle, and distances before and
after the corner.
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Feed reduction is applied to corners along the tool path whose radius is less than the Maximum radius value
and whose arc angle is greater than the Minimum angle value. Corners can be angled or rounded.
For Profile Contouring, feedrate reduction applies to inside corners for machining or finishing passes. It does
not apply for macros or default linking and return motions.
If a cornering is defined with a radius of 5mm and the Feedrate reduction in corners set to a lower radius
value, the feedrate will not be reduced.
A Return on Same Level macro is used in a multi-path operation to link two consecutive paths in a given
level.
A Return between Levels macro is used in a multi-level machining operation to go to the next level.
A Return to Finish Pass macro is used in a machining operation to go to the finish pass.
A Clearance macro can be used in a machining operation to avoid a fixture, for example.
Select the Prismatic Roughing icon then the geometric components to be machined.
● Machining criteria
You can also define transition paths in your machining operations by means of NC macros as needed.
Machining tolerance
Maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path. Consider the value to be the acceptable chord
error.
Cutting mode
Specifies the position of the tool regarding the surface to be machined. It can be:
Climb or Conventional.
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Machining mode
Defines the type of area to be machined:
● By plane: the whole part is machined plane by plane
then
● Outer part and pockets: the whole part is machined outer area by outer area and then pocket by pocket.
Helical movement
This parameter is available when the tool path style is set to Helical. It
specifies the way the tool moves in a pocket or an external zone. It can
be:
● Inward: the tool starts from a point inside the zone and follows
inward paths parallel to the boundary.
● Outward: the tool starts from a point inside the zone and follows
outward paths parallel to the boundary.
● Both: For pockets, the tool starts from a point inside the pocket
and follows outward paths parallel to the boundary.
For external zones, the tool starts from a point on the rough stock
boundary and follows inward paths parallel to the boundary.
● Overlap ratio: the overlap between two passes, given as a percentage of the tool diameter
● Stepover ratio: the stepover between two passes, given as a percentage of the tool diameter
● Stepover length: the stepover between two passes, given as the maximum distance between passes.
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The following parameters are available when the High speed milling checkbox is selected in the HSM tab page.
Corner radius
Specifies the radius used for rounding the corners along the trajectory of a HSM operation. The tool path is rounded to give
a smoother path that can be machined faster. The minimum value of the corner radius is the radius of the tool.
Check element with possible offset. The check element is often a clamp that holds the part and therefore is not an area to
be machined.
Safety plane. The safety plane is the plane that the tool will rise to at the end of the tool path in order to avoid collisions
with the part. You can also define a new safety plane with the Offset option in the safety plane contextual menu. The new
plane will be offset from the original by the distance that you enter in the dialog box.
Top plane which defines the highest plane that will be machined on the part,
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Bottom plane which defines the lowest plane that will be machined on the part,
Imposed plane that the tool must pass through. Use this option if the part that you are going to machine has a particular
shape (a groove or a step) that you want to be sure will be cut.
Note that if you wish to use all of the planar surfaces in a part as imposed planes, use the Search/View... contextual
command to select them. When searching for planar surfaces, you can choose to find either:
● all of the planar surfaces in the part
● or only the planes that can be reached by the tool you are using.
When you are using planar surfaces in a part as imposed planes and you are using an offset on the part, select Offset
contextual command and then enter an offset value that is the same as the offset on part value plus the machining
tolerance value. For example, if the offset on part is 1mm and the machining tolerance is 0.1mm, give a value 1.1mm.
This ensures that the imposed planar surface is respected to within the offset and tolerance values.
Start point where the tool will start cutting. There are specific conditions for start points:
● They must be outside the machining limit. Examples of machining limits are the rough stock contour, a limit line, an
offset on the rough stock, an offset on the limit line, etc.
● They must be positioned so as to avoid collisions with either the part or the check element. If a start point for a given
zone causes a collision, the tool will automatically adopt ramping approach mode.
● The distance between the start point and the machining limit must be greater than the tool radius plus the machining
tolerance. If the distance between the start point and the machining limit is greater than the tool radius plus the safety
distance, the start point will only serve to define the engagement direction.
● If there are several start points for a given area, the one that is used is the first valid one (in the order in which they
were selected) for that area. If there are several possible valid points, the nearest one is taken into account.
● One start point may be valid and for more than one area.
● If a limit line is used, the tool will approach outer areas of the part and pockets in ramping mode. towards the outside
of the contour. The tool moves from the outside towards the inside of this type of area. In this case, you must define
the start point.
Note that if you use a limit line or if you use an inner offset on the rough stock, the start point may be defined inside the
initial rough stock. The rules concerning the domain of the contour line or the offset on the rough stock contour line above
must be applied.
Whenever possible, the end of the engagement associated to the start point corresponds to the beginning of the sweeping
path. If this is not possible, the path will be cut to respect the constraint imposed by the start point.
Inner points (only active if the Drilling mode has been selected in the Macro tab). There are specific conditions for inner
points:
● They are usable for pockets only.
● They must be positioned so as to avoid collisions with either the part or the check element. If an inner point for a given
pocket causes a collision, the tool will adopt a new inner point generated automatically.
● The inner point must lie inside the pocket or inside the portion of the pocket that is machined.
● If there are several inner points for a given pocket, the one that is used is the first valid one (in the order in which they
were selected) for that pocket.
When this option is inactive, the only way to ensure that a cutting plane corresponds with an horizontal area is to define an
Imposed plane crossing the area. This means that you have to consider the offset on part. This plane applies to the whole
part (which is not necessary). If there are several horizontal areas to consider at different levels you have to define all of
the corresponding imposed planes.
Then enter the value of the offset to apply on the areas (Offset on areas) and define the Maximum angle that can be
considered as horizontal. The angle is measured perpendicular to the tool path.
If the machining mode is By area, the tool path will look like this:
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If the machining mode is By plane, the tool path will look like this:
The cutting planes in green are the Standard roughing tool paths, the red ones are those computed for the horizontal areas
detected.
The computation of horizontal areas is not possible if the part is made of a cloud of points (STL).
This option is not compatible with the use of offset groups.
Horizontal areas are always defined as pockets (no distinction outer part/pocket). To mill Pocket only or Outer part areas,
please use a limiting contour.
Offset
Defines the distance that the tool can overshoot the Position. It is expressed as a percentage of the tool diameter. This
parameter is useful in cases where there is an island near the edge of the part and the tool diameter is too wide to allow
the area behind the island to be machined.
This parameter can only be used if the Position is inside or outside.
Limit Definition
Defines what area of the part will be machined with respect to the limiting contour(s). It can either be inside or outside. In
the pictures below, there are three limiting contours on the rough stock. The yellow areas will be machined.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC data file. If the
checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or Finish quality
of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
You can reduce feedrates in corners encountered along the tool path depending on values given in the Feeds and Speeds
tab page: reduction rate, maximum radius, minimum angle, and distances before and after the corner.
Feed reduction is applied to corners along the tool path whose radius is less than the Maximum radius value and whose arc
angle is greater than the Minimum angle value.
For Pocketing, feedrate reduction applies to inside and outside corners for machining or finishing passes. It does not apply
for macros or default linking and return motions.
Corners can be angled or rounded, and may include extra segments for HSM operations.
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Slowdown Rate
You can use Slowdown rate in the Feeds and Speeds tab page to reduce the current feedrate by a given percentage.
In Helical tool paths, the reduction is applied to the first channel cut.
In Back and Forth tool paths, the reduction is applied to the first channel cut and to the transitions between passes.
If a corner is included in a Slowdown path, the general rule is that the lowest percentage value is taken into account.
For example, if the Slowdown rate is set to 70 % and Feedrate reduction rate in corners is set to 50%, the feedrate
sequence is:
100%, 70% (entry in slowdown), 50% (entry in corner), 70% (end of corner, still in slowdown), 100% (end of slowdown).
If Feedrate reduction rate in corners is then set to 75%, the feedrate sequence is:
100%, 70% (entry in slowdown), 70% (entry in corner: 75% ignored), 70% (end of corner, still in slowdown), 100% (end
of slowdown).
● Automatic roughing
● Pre-motion
● Post-motion.
For more information on how to save or load an existing macro, please refer to Build and use a macros catalog.
❍ If a lateral approach is not possible (due to the check element), the approach is made in ramping mode.
● Helix: the tool moves progressively down at the ramping angle with its center along a (vertical) circular helix of Helix
diameter.
Approach distance
Engagement distance for the selected approach mode.
Optimize retract
Selecting this checkbox optimizes tool retract movements. This means that when the tool moves over a surface where
there are no obstructions, it will not rise as high as the safety plane because there is no danger of tool-part collisions. The
result is a gain in time.
Note that in some cases (where areas of the part are higher than the zone you are machining and when you are using a
safety plane), the tool may cut into the part. In this case, deselect the Optimize retract checkbox.
Pre-Motion Macros
These are macros that are built by the user using the elementary motions proposed in the Current Macro Toolbox. A pre-
motion macro is applied between the rapid motion from safety plane and the automatic macro.
Post-Motion Macros
These are macros that are built by the user using the elementary motions proposed in the Current Macro Toolbox. The post-
motion macro between the automatic macro and the rapid motion from safety plane.
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Facing Operations
The information in this section will help you create and edit Facing operations in your manufacturing
program.
● machining criteria
● finishing
● high-speed milling.
Specify the tool to be used , NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
● One way: the same machining direction is used from one path to the next.
● Back and forth: the machining direction is reversed from one path to the next.
Direction of cut
Specifies how milling is to be done in Inward helical:
In Climb, the front of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material first
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In Conventional, the rear of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material first.
Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
Fixture accuracy
Specifies a tolerance applied to the fixture thickness. If the distance between the tool and fixture is less
than fixture thickness minus fixture accuracy, the position is eliminated from the trajectory. If the
distance is greater, the position is not eliminated.
Type of contour
Indicates the contouring type of corners in Inward helical:
● Circular: the tool pivots around the corner point, following a contour whose radius is equal to the
tool radius
● Angular: the tool does not remain in contact with the corner point, following a contour comprised of
two line segments
● Optimized: the tool follows a contour derived from the corner that is continuous in tangent
● Forced circular: This option may be used in certain complex cases when the Circular option does not
give satisfactory results.
It creates tool paths comprising of portions of circular arcs (for example, when grooves are present
along the trajectory and the tool is too big to penetrate).
Compensation
Specifies the tool corrector identifier to be used in the operation.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on
the tool. When the NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific
parameters.
You should either set a Maximum distance between paths or give a Percentage of tool diameter to be
used as:
Overhang
Allows a shift in the tool position with respect to the soft boundary of the machining domain.
For Facing operations using an Inward helical tool path style only.
Transition length
Specifies a minimum length for the straight segment of the transition between paths in a HSM
operation.
Facing Geometry
You can specify the following Geometry:
● Start and end points (for One way and Back and forth).
● if the Contour Detection contextual command is set, select the bottom face. The boundary of the
selected face will be proposed as drive contour.
● select edges. In this case the Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the contour.
● select the By Belt of Faces or By Boundary of Faces contextual command. In this case the Face
Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the contour.
● select the Sectioning contextual command. Please refer to Sectioning for details of how to use this
capability.
Please note that the sectioning selection method is not associative.
You can select start and end points as preferential start and end positions on the operation. This allows
better control for optimizing the program according to the previous and following operations.
For One way and Back and forth tool path styles, you can select the Bounding envelope checkbox to
machine the maximum bounding rectangle of the part. After selecting the geometry to be machined, this
rectangle is computed after defining a machining direction.
The figures below illustrate how machining is done for different machining directions.
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Facing Tools
Recommended tools for Facing are End Mills, Face Mills and T-Slotters.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC
data file. If the checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or
Finish quality of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
Facing NC Macros
You can define transition paths in your machining operations by means of NC Macros. These transition
paths are useful for providing approach, retract and linking motion in the tool path.
A Return on Same Level macro is used in a multi-path operation to link two consecutive paths in a given
level.
A Return between Levels macro is used in a multi-level machining operation to go to the next level.
A Return to Finish Pass macro is used in a machining operation to go to the finish pass.
A Clearance macro can be used in a machining operation to avoid a fixture, for example.
Select the Curve Following icon then select the geometry to be machined .
● machining criteria
Specify the tool to be used , NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
● One way: the same machining direction is used from one path to the next.
Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
Fixture accuracy
Specifies a tolerance applied to the fixture thickness. If the distance between the tool and fixture is less
than fixture thickness minus fixture accuracy, the position is eliminated from the trajectory. If the
distance is greater, the position is not eliminated.
Compensation
Specifies the tool corrector identifier to be used in the operation.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on
the tool. When the NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific
parameters.
● select edges. In this case the Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the By Belt of Faces or By Boundary of Faces contextual command. In this case the Face
Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the Sectioning contextual command. Please refer to Sectioning for details of how to use this
capability.
Please note that the sectioning selection method is not associative.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC
data file. If the checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or
Finish quality of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
A Return between Levels macro is used in a multi-level machining operation to go to the next level.
A Clearance macro can be used in a machining operation to avoid a fixture, for example.
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Select the Groove Milling icon then select the geometry to be machined .
Specify the tool to be used , NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
● machining criteria
● finishing.
The Machining direction (Top/Bottom, Bottom/Top) and Axial strategy (Standard, Middle, Middle alternate)
parameters determine the tool path ordering for machining the groove as follows:
In Bottom/top machining with Top and Bottom finish passes, bottom finishing is done just after
the first machining level and just before the second machining level.
● The tool compensation point is taken into account for each pass. This point is switched automatically
during a Return between levels macro whenever the next level to machine requires a different
compensation point.
● One way: the same machining direction is used from one path to the next.
Direction of cut
Specifies how machining is to be done.
● In Climb milling, the front of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material
first.
● In Conventional , the rear of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material
first.
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Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
Fixture accuracy
Specifies a tolerance applied to the fixture thickness. If the distance between the tool and fixture is less
than fixture thickness minus fixture accuracy, the position is eliminated from the trajectory. If the
distance is greater, the position is not eliminated.
Close tool path
Specifies whether or not the program must close the tool path.
Percentage overlap
Specifies the amount that the tool must go beyond the end point of a closed tool path according to a
percentage of the tool diameter.
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Output type
Allows you to manage the generation of Cutter compensation (CUTCOM) instructions.
● If 2D Radial profile is selected, both the tool tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool
path replay. Cutter compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An
approach macro must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
● If 2D Radial tip is selected, the tool tip will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter
compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro
must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
● If None is selected, cutter compensation instructions are not generated in the NC data output. In
this case, please refer to How to generate CUTCOM syntaxes.
Any user-defined PP words in macros are added to the cutter compensation instructions generated in the
NC data output. Therefore you should be careful when specifying CUTCOM instructions in macros.
A negative Offset on contour (parameter in Geometry tab page) is possible for 2D radial profile output.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on
the tool. When the NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific
parameters.
Axial strategy
Defines how the tool path is to be ordered for machining the groove:
● Standard
● Middle
Example: Middle axial strategy with Bottom/Top machining
● Middle alternate
Example: Middle alternate axial strategy with Top/Bottom machining
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Axial mode
Defines how the distance between two consecutive levels is to be computed:
● Maximum depth of cut
● Number of levels
Number of paths
Defines the number of tool paths in a radial strategy.
Finishing mode
Indicates whether or not finish passes are to be generated on the sides, top and bottom of the area to
machine. Side finishing can be done at each level or only at the last level of the operation.
For example, Top/Bottom machining with side, top and bottom bottom finish passes:
● Bottom (planar face or surface) with possible Offset on Bottom. Bottom may be Hard or Soft.
● Top plane with possible Offset on Top. Top may be Hard or Soft.
● Open or closed guiding contour (edges or sketch) with possible Offset on Contour.
● Start and Stop Relimiting elements with possible Offsets.
● Fixture or check elements with possible Offset on Check.
● if the Contour Detection contextual command is set, select the bottom element. The boundary of the
selected face will be proposed as guiding contour.
● select edges. In this case the Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the By Belt of Faces or By Boundary of Faces contextual command. In this case the Face
Selection toolbar appears to help you specify the guiding contour.
● select the Sectioning contextual command. Please refer to Sectioning for details of how to use this
capability.
Please note that the sectioning selection method is not associative.
The guiding contour can be restricted by means of Start and Stop relimiting elements. The tool can be
positioned In, On or Out with respect to a relimiting element. You can select a point or a curve as relimiting
element.
A fast way to specify relimiting points is to right-click the guiding contour area in the sensitive icon of the
dialog box and set the Relimitation point detection contextual command. When you select a guiding
contour, its extremities will be used as relimiting elements.
Note that a relimiting point can be created anywhere along the guiding contour by means of the Add
relimiting point contextual command. Just right-click the relimiting element area in the sensitive icon of
the dialog box and select any position along the guiding contour.
Checking for Collisions between Tool and Guide Elements during Macro
Motions
Collision checking is done during macro motion. All guiding elements defined on the operation are taken
into account during this verification. However, in some cases, it can be useful to deactivate collision
checking with the guides (see example below).
The Collision Avoidance capability allows you to manage this collision checking.
When you select Collision checking on the Geometry tab page, the following dialog box appears.
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When the Include guiding elements checkbox is selected, guides are checked for collisions during macro
motion. By default the checkbox is selected.
When the checkbox is not selected, no collision verification is done with the guides during macro motions.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC
data file. If the checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or
Finish quality of the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
You can reduce feedrates in corners encountered along the tool path depending on values given in the
Feeds and Speeds tab page: reduction rate, maximum radius, minimum angle, and distances before and
after the corner.
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Feed reduction is applied to corners along the tool path whose radius is less than the Maximum radius value
and whose arc angle is greater than the Minimum angle value. Corners can be angled or rounded.
For Groove Milling, feedrate reduction applies to inside corners for machining or finishing passes. It does
not apply for macros or default linking and return motions.
If a cornering is defined with a radius of 5mm and the Feedrate reduction in corners set to a lower radius
value, the feedrate will not be reduced.
A Return on Same Level macro is used in a multi-path operation to link two consecutive paths in a given
level.
A Return between Levels macro is used in a multi-level machining operation to go to the next level.
A Return to Finish Pass macro is used in a machining operation to go to the finish pass.
A Clearance macro can be used in a machining operation to avoid a fixture, for example.
Select the Point to Point icon then set the strategy parameters for defining:
● a sequence of elementary Goto Point, Goto Position and Go Delta tool motions
● machining conditions.
Specify the tool to be used, NC macros , and feeds and speeds as needed.
Goto Position
A tool motion defined by positioning the tool in contact with a part element, a drive element and possibly a check
element, while taking To / On / Past conditions into account.
Go Delta
A tool motion defined by a displacement relative to a previous Point, Position or GoDelta motion location. Types of Go
Delta motion are as follows.
Components: relative motion defined by DX, DY, DZ displacements from previous
motion location.
Along Y axis: relative motion along Y axis (current axis system) on a user specified
Distance, from previous motion location.
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Along X axis: relative motion along X axis (current axis system) on a user specified
Distance, from previous motion location.
Angle to Line: relative motion on a user specified Distance, along a line computed
from user defined Angle and Line. The tool motion is done in a plane perpendicular to
the tool axis.
The corrector type (P1, P2, P3, for example), corrector identifier and corrector number are defined on the tool. When the
NC data source is generated, the corrector number can be generated using specific parameters.
A Spindle output checkbox is available for managing output of the SPINDL instruction in the generated NC data file. If the
checkbox is selected, the instruction is generated. Otherwise, it is not generated.
Feeds and speeds of the operation can be updated automatically according to tooling data and the Rough or Finish quality of
the operation. This is described in Update of Feeds and Speeds on Machining Operation.
In Point to Point operations, a local feedrate can be defined for all tool motions (except the first motion, which must be either
RAPID or a specific feedrate). The local feedrate is applied instead of the machining feedrate during the tool motion to reach
the tool position. For the operation start point, machining feedrate is taken into account.
❍ Origin Offset
❍ Jump Distance
Note that the commands and capabilities included in the Geometry tab page of the Axial Machining Operation
dialog box allow support of multi-axis as well as fixed axis drilling.
General Parameters
Shift mode
Specifies the shift mode used to offset the tool just before retracting.
● By linear coordinates
Shift along X: Specifies the shift along X
Shift along Y: Specifies the shift along Y
Shift along Z: Specifies the shift along Z
● By polar coordinates
Shift distance: Specifies the shift distance
Shift angle: Specifies the shift angle
● None.
The values entered for the selected shift mode determine the angle at which the active part of the boring bar
stops and the amount of the tool displacement.
For a shift defined by polar coordinates (90deg, 1.5mm), the tool is displaced 1.5mm as indicated by the
arrow in the figure below.
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The same shift motion could be obtained by the linear coordinates (0mm, 1.5mm, 0mm).
Max depth of cut (Dc)
Defines the maximum depth of cut for:
● each peck in a Drilling Deephole operation
● the offset where machining feedrate starts before each new peck in a Drilling Deephole operation.
If Decrement rate is equal to zero, the Maximum depth of cut is applied at each new peck as a constant step.
The manufacturing attribute is MFG_DEPTH_DEC.
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Decrement limit
Coefficient used to determine the maximum allowed depth of cut for a peck in a Drilling Deephole operation.
The depth of a new peck never becomes smaller than the Maximum depth of cut multiplied by the Decrement
limit.
That is:
Depth of current peck > Maximum depth of cut * Decrement limit.
When:
Depth of current peck = Maximum depth of cut * Decrement limit
this depth is kept for all remaining pecks until the total depth is reached.
Therefore, depth of current peck must always be greater than 8mm (that is, 10mm*0.8).
Works with 3-axis milling machine with rotary table when ROTABL/ output is requested.
Rotary motions are displayed during Replay.
ROTABL/ instructions are generated in the output file.
Facilitates environment setup by minimizing the requirement on post processors (avoids having to deal with
X, Y, Z, I, J, K outputs for rotary tables).
Provides the NC programmer with a more accurate tool path simulation for machine tools with rotary table.
Output CYCLE syntax
Specifies how the NC output is to be generated: output in CYCLE mode or in GOTO mode.
If you want to generate CYCLE statements, you must select the Output CYCLE syntax checkbox in the
Strategy tab page and set the Syntax Used option to Yes in the NC Output generation dialog box.
Otherwise, GOTO statements will be generated.
Note that when several axis orientations are present in a machining pattern, output of the components of the
tool axis orientation is possible whenever the NC data format is set to Axis (X, Y, Z, I, J, K) in the Part
Operation's Machine Editor dialog box.
First compensation
Specifies the first tool compensation number for the operation.
Second compensation
Specifies the second tool compensation number for the operation.
Only for Boring and Chamfering and Chamfering Two Sides operations.
Machining tolerance
Specifies the maximum allowed distance between the theoretical and computed tool path.
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Machining mode
Specifies the machining mode: Standard or Helical.
Distance between paths (Dp)
Defines the maximum distance between two consecutive tool paths in a radial strategy.
Number of paths (Np)
Defines the number of tool paths in a radial strategy.
Axial mode
Defines how the distance between two consecutive levels is to be computed.
Sequencing mode
Specifies the order in which machining is to be done:
Direction of cut
Specifies how milling is to be done:
Climb milling: the front of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the material
first
Conventional milling: the rear of the advancing tool (in the machining direction) cuts into the
material first
Percentage overlap
Specifies the percentage overlap.
Automatic draft angle
Specifies the draft angle to be applied on the circular flank between the top and bottom of the hole.
Helix mode
Defines how the helix computation is to be done.
The manufacturing attribute is MFG_HELIX_MODE.
Output style
Allows you to manage the generation of Cutter compensation (CUTCOM) instructions in the NC data output:
● If 2D Radial profile is selected, both the tool tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path
replay. Cutter compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach
macro must be defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
● If 2D Radial tip is selected, the tool tip will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter compensation
instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro must be defined to
allow the compensation to be applied.
● If None is selected, cutter compensation instructions are not generated in the NC data output. In this
case, please refer to How to generate CUTCOM syntaxes.
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Machining Patterns
When you create a new axial machining operation, the New Pattern command in the combo prompts you to
create a machining pattern for the operation.
You can add positions to this new machining pattern by clicking the sensitive text (No Point or x Points). This
opens the Pattern Selection dialog box that lists all available machining and design patterns. Just select one of
the existing patterns and/or select geometry in the 3D view to define the hole positions.
The new machining pattern is created when you create the machining operation. The pattern geometry and
technology data is stored and the new pattern is assigned an identifier Machining Pattern.x.
If there are already machining patterns on previous operations, the combo allows a quick selection of an existing
pattern. If selected, the existing pattern is shared between the operations.
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You can also use the following commands in the combo for assigning a machining pattern to the operation.
Copy from Current: The machining pattern (geometry and technology data) is duplicated. The pattern cannot
be shared. It is possible to modify the machining data in the current machining operation without impacting other
operations.
New from Current (share geometry): The machining pattern (geometry and technology data) is duplicated.
The pattern can be shared. If the pattern is modified, all operations using it will be impacted.
New Pattern: A new machining pattern is created with the geometry and technology data that you specify.
Modification of a machining pattern is possible using the Machining Pattern editor only. This editor can be opened
by double-clicking the machining pattern in the manufacturing view. Please refer to Machining Patterns for more
information.
Note that it is possible to reference in a machining pattern one or more 3D Wireframe features (that is,
Projection, Symmetry, Rotation and Translation operators) containing at least one point.
Holes that are selected for a machining pattern can be ordered according to the following modes:
❍ One Way ordering of the same points and same band width is illustrated below:
● Reverse Ordering: Reverses the numbered sequence of pattern points (for example, points numbered 1
thru 10 will become numbered 10 thru 1).
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A number of contextual commands are available for managing hole positions when you right click the 'No Points /
x Points' sensitive text in the Geometry tab page.
● Move After: Displays a dialog box for moving one or more positions after a specified position in the pattern.
Only available when Pattern Ordering mode is set to Manual.
● Analyze: Displays the Geometry Analyser for consulting the status of the referenced geometry.
● Find Features Through Faces: Allows you to quickly locate circular edges in a selected face. Please refer to
Select Hole Design Features for Machining.
A number of contextual commands are available when you right-click a pattern point.
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● Deactivate the Point: Deactivates the selected point in the pattern. An O symbol indicates that the point is
omitted from the pattern. A deactivated point can be activated in the pattern again.
● Invert Selection: All omitted points are retained in the pattern again; pattern points become omitted points.
● Select All: Allows you to include all omitted points in the pattern again.
● Set as Start Point: Allows you to choose the start point for the pattern.
● Renumber: Allows you to renumber points in the pattern. Only available when Pattern Ordering mode is set
to Manual.
● Edit Entry Distance and Edit Exit Distance:
Allows you to locally edit Entry and Exit distances at individual points in a hole pattern. This can be useful for
locally specifying a clearance that is greater than the one defined by the jump distance/approach clearance
discussed below.
● Edit Depth: Allows you to edit the depth of a pattern point.
● Restore Associativity: Restores the original values taken from the selected design feature if these were
modified by the user, and so restore associativity with the feature.
● Edit Local Axis: Allows you to locally modify the tool axis at a point. Choose the method for defining tool
axis orientation in the dialog box that appears:
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❍ Angles to define the orientation by means of a rotation of the X, Y or Z axis. The rotation is specified
by means of one or two angles.
Selection. If you select a line or linear edge, the tool axis will have the same orientation as that element.
If you select a planar element, the tool axis will be normal to that element.
Points in the View. Just select two points to define the orientation.
The tool axis is visualized by means of an arrow. The direction can be reversed by clicking Reverse
Direction in the dialog box. Just click OK to accept the specified tool axis orientation.
● Insert after Current Position: Allows you to insert one or more positions (or patterns) after the current
point in the pattern. Only available when Pattern Ordering mode is set to Manual.
● Remove Current Position: Deletes the current point from the pattern.
● Remove Linked Positions: Deletes the current point and all linked positions from the pattern. Linked
positions are points from the same design pattern, for example.
A Inverse pattern ordering option is available in the Geometry tab page to allow an operation to locally
override the ordering of the Machining Pattern by inversing it.
● If not selected, the Machining Pattern will be machined as defined (and as shown in the 3D view).
● If selected, the tool path computation will begin at the last point and finish at the first point.
This will not modify the ordering on the Machining Pattern: the pattern numbers shown in the 3D View are
not modified.
● To save machining time when managing two operations sharing the same Machining Pattern on a large part.
The first operation can be set to machine from the first position to the last one, and the second operation can
be set machine from the last position to the first one.
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Right click the Tool axis strategy sensitive text in the Geometry tab page and select one of the following options
to specify the general tool axis orientation:
● Fixed Axis: the tool axis orientation is the same for all the selected points
● Variable Axis: the tool axis orientation can vary from one point to another
● Normal to PS Axis: the tool axis orientation is determined by the normal to the selected part surface.
Note that the tool axis orientation can be inverted by clicking the tool axis symbol in the Geometry tab page.
Projection and Top Element Modes
In the Geometry tab page you can choose between Projection and Top Element modes by clicking on the
sensitive text.
The following figure illustrates Projection mode. The reference pattern points are projected onto the selected
part surface. The projected points and the axes normal to the surface define the hole positions to be drilled.
The following figure illustrates Top Element mode. The reference pattern points define the hole positions to be
drilled. The machining depth takes into account the normal distance between the reference points and the
selected part surface.
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Bottom Plane
If a bottom plane is selected, the machining depth is the distance between the hole origin and its projection on
the bottom plane. This machining depth is computed for each hole in the machining pattern.
The depth shown in the geometry panel is the machining depth computed for the first hole. The Machine
different depths setting is ignored when a bottom plane is selected.
Origin Offset
You can specify an Origin Offset in order to shift the entire tool path by the specified amount.
Jump Distance
The jump distance allows an extra clearance for moving in Rapid motion between the holes to be drilled
whenever this distance is greater than the approach clearance.
For example, for an approach clearance of 2.5mm and a jump distance of 10mm, the extra clearance is 7.5mm.
Holes at Different Levels
For 2.5-axis operations, the program automatically manages holes at different levels using horizontal transition
paths.
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When dealing with design feature holes in design patterns, both the result and specification mode are taken into
account (except spot drilling, counterboring, and countersinking operations).
Select the Machine different depths checkbox when you want the program to automatically manage different
depths of holes in a pattern (result mode).
If the checkbox is not selected, the program uses the values specified in the Geometry tab page for the pattern
holes (specification mode).
For threading operations, select the Machine different thread depths checkbox when you want the program to
take the real thread depth of each selected pattern hole into account.
Relimiting Hole Origins
The Relimit hole origin and Machine different depths checkboxes can be used together to manage the
machining strategy of different design hole configurations.
In the following figures the red star ( ) represents the origin of the selected design hole, and the green star
( ) represents the start of the tool path.
It is possible to machine different hole diameters in a Circular Milling operation thanks to the Machine different
diameters checkbox on the Geometry tab page of the operation's editor.
If selected, the diameter specified for each position of the machining pattern is machined.
Othrwise, the diameter of the first position of the machining pattern is used for all the pattern holes.
Managing Blind and Through Holes
A Machine Blind/Through checkbox is provided in the Geometry tab page for axial machining operations.
If selected, the blind/through characteristic of the hole is determined for each position of the machining pattern.
If not selected, the blind/through characteristic of the first position of the machining pattern is used for all the
pattern holes.
● approach
● retract
● linking
● clearance, which can be used to define the feedrate on the horizontal path between two machining positions.
All types of macros used in Drilling Operations are collision checked. If a check element is specified between two
machined positions, a linking macro is applied to avoid collisions. Check (or fixture) elements as well as an
associated Offset on Check can be specified in the Geometry tab page.
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● display the unresolved syntax of the NC Instruction of the operation. This is the syntax as specified in the PP
table referenced by the current part Operation.
● display and, if needed, modify the syntax that is resolved either by geometric selection and user entries.
For example, the Cycle Syntax Edition dialog box appears when you select the Edit Cycle icon in the Boring
operation dialog box. It displays the default cycle syntax for the Boring operation.
You can access all the cycle syntaxes contained in the current PP table for a Boring operation by means of the PP
instruction icon .
For example, if your PP Table contains the following NC Instructions for Boring operations:
/
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_BORING_1
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/BORE,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
*END
*END
/
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_BORING_2
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/BORE,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP,%MFG_BREAKTHROUGH
*END
*END
/
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_BORING_3
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/BORE,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_PLUNGE_OFFST,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
,%MFG_FEED_MACH,%MFG_FEED_RETRACT
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*END
*END
/
*START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_BORING_4
*START_SEQUENCE
CYCLE/BORE,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_PLUNGE_OFFST,0,%MFG_CMP_DWL_TIME,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
,%MFG_FEED_MACH,%MFG_SPNDL_MACH,ON,0,0,%MFG_FEED_RETRACT
*END
*END
Then these syntaxes will be displayed in the PP Words Selection dialog box that appears:
You can then select the desired syntax and click Apply to display it in the Cycle Syntax Edition dialog box. Just
click OK to use the cycle syntax in the Boring operation being edited.
Note that in the example above, the PP Table contained several PP Instructions for the same operation type:
NC_BORING_1 to NC_BORING_4.
Note that only one cycle syntax (delimited by *START_SEQUENCE / *END keywords) is allowed for each PP
Instruction.
Machining Patterns
The information in this section will help you create and use machining patterns. It deals with the following
topics:
Pattern geometry is visible in the User Interface and can be handled separately through its dedicated editor.
The share of information between Pattern geometry/technology data and machining operation is available in
all pattern list views:
The presentation is similar in all views but properties associated to the elements differ:
In the example above, the 3 machining operations share the same geometry but control it thru their own
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technology data (for example, specific Jump Distances).
This is the way to overload technology data on the same position/axis data: this data will not be moved to
the operation data structure.
All Pattern data is accessible thru the operation, when the data is not shared.
Pattern geometry and/or technology data is accessible depending on whether it is shared by other Pattern
technology data and/or Operations.
● by double clicking a Pattern Geometry entity in Manufacturing View: edition at Geometry level. If the
Pattern geometry is shared, all modifications will be propagated. Pattern technology data is not shown.
● by double clicking a Machining Pattern entity in Manufacturing View: edition at technology data level. If
the Pattern technology data is shared, all modifications will be propagated. If the underlying geometry is
not shared, it may be modified here.
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If the geometry is shared, only Jump Distance and Pattern Ordering mode can be modified in the
Machining Pattern dialog box. However, modifications could be done on the Pattern Geometry entity.
● when inserting a new Pattern: geometry and technology data is always accessible.
Existing Design/Machining patterns can be used during geometry edition to add all their positions to the
current Pattern Geometry.
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● Selection of a Design pattern: all positions of the Design pattern are referenced in current one.
● Selection of a Pattern geometry: all positions are copied from the selected one.
The reference of the whole Machining pattern thru the combo list in the Machining Operation Editor implies
its complete share.
If another operation already references a Machining Pattern, all the pattern's technology data and geometry
will be shared.
Copy/Paste of a Machining Pattern or a Machining Operation not only duplicates the data of the current
copied entity but also all the child entities.
A Copy from current command is also available in the Machining Operation Editor's list of Patterns combo.
There are other ways to invoke Operation Copy/Paste (key 3 in PPR view, for example).
In the Manufacturing View, sorted by Patterns or by Machining Features, a local copy mode called New
from current duplicates the data of the current entity and manages the share of its child/father entities:
● At pattern geometry level: copies it and creates a new father Pattern Definition
● At pattern definition level: copies it and shares the same child Pattern Geometry.
A New from current command is available in Machining Operation Editor's list of Patterns combo.
The various cases of pattern data share and duplication are detailed below.
Methodology
This section provides methodology and conceptual information on the following Prismatic Machining topics.
Methodology and conceptual information on the following topics is provided in the NC Manufacturing
Infrastructure User's Guide.
Machining Processes
Knowledgeware in Machining Processes
CATProduct and CATProcess Document Management
Design Changes and Associativity Mechanisms
Part Operation and Set Up Documents
Opposite Hand Machining
User Features for NC Manufacturing
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In the Strategy tab page of the machining operation editor, Output type allows you to manage the generation of
CUTCOM instructions in the NC data output:
● 2D Radial profile: both the tool tip and cutter profile will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter
compensation instructions are automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro must be
defined to allow the compensation to be applied.
● 2D Radial tip: the tool tip will be visualized during tool path replay. Cutter compensation instructions are
automatically generated in the NC data output. An approach macro must be defined to allow the compensation
to be applied.
● None: cutter compensation instructions are not generated in the NC data output. In this case, the following
method should be used.
For Profile Contouring operations, compensation can be defined on Approach, Retract, Return to finish pass, and
Return between levels macros for each pass.
For Circular Milling operations, compensation can be defined on Approach, Retract, and Return between levels
macros for each pass.
For Pocketing operations, compensation can be defined on Retract, Return to finish pass, and Return between
levels macros on the side finish pass only.
This is done by insertion of a dedicated PP instruction in macro tool path. In the generated APT source CUTCOM
syntaxes are inserted as follows:
Methodology
Select position in macro for Cutter Compensation
In the Macro tab page of the Machining operation edition dialog box:
● In the Macro Management frame, right-click the Approach line and select the Activate contextual command.
● In the Current Macro Toolbox frame, select the desired mode. A sensitive icon representing this approach
motion is displayed.
● Right-click the point where Cutter compensation is to be inserted in the macro path and select the PP Word
List contextual command.
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● Select Apply to add the syntax then Close to quit the dialog box.
Define the other parameters of the operation (geometry, tool, and machining strategy).
Click OK on the Machining operation edition dialog box to create the operation.
To avoid defining each time macros with cutter compensation syntaxes, a template of the operation can be
defined in a Machining Process.
This operation, which has macros but no geometry, can be instantiated from a catalog in the machining program.
Then only the geometry and tool need to be selected to completely define the operation.
Refer to Create a Machining Process and Apply a Machining Process for more information.
The Drilling dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . This tab page includes a
sensitive icon to help you specify the hole geometry to be machined.
2. Right click the No Points field and select the Find Features Through Faces contextual menu.
The following dialog box appears. It allows you to globally define a range of diameters for edges to be
searched.
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The following tool bar also appears. It allows you to filter the search based on:
3.
Select the Define Feature Query icon and define the following query.
Click OK.
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4. Select the face where the circular edges are to be searched.
5.
Select the Choose Reference Feature icon , then select a reference feature.
6.
Select the Search Circular Edges icon to start the search. The circular edges of holes identical to the
reference feature are selected and highlighted in the part.
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7. Click OK in the tool bar to accept the selection. The No Points field in the Drilling dialog box is updated with
the number of selected holes.You can then continue defining the machining operation to machine the
selected holes.
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Use Tolerances on Hole Design Features for Machining
This task shows how to use tolerances on hole design features to apply a Machining Process with tolerancing considerations such as:
● validate a Reaming operation for an H7 hole
This capability makes use of the Functional Tolerancing & Annotations TPSPackage Knowlegdeware package. You can load this package
under Tools > Options > General > Parameters and Measures. In the Knowledge tab page, select the Load extended language libraries
checkbox and choose TPSPackage as the package to load.
See Functional Tolerancing & Annotations User's Guide for more information.
1. Select File -> Open then select the Tolerances.CATPart document.
For the selected Diameter 10 H7 tolerance, the tabulated values are set to H7 and 0 / 0.018mm as minimum / maximum values. Click
OK to quit the dialog box.
These values can be accessed in Knowledgeware expressions using the following functions:
● ToleranceMin (or SemanticDimLowerLimit) for the minimum value (0mm in the example above)
● ToleranceMax (or SemanticDimUpperLimit) for the maximum value (0.018mm in the example above).
● Enter the expression in the Checks Editor as shown below and click OK.
Note that you must select the Diameter attribute before entering the SemanticDimTabValue="H7" string.
4. Tool Query
● Right click the Reaming operation's Tool Query and select Definition.
● Enter the expression in the Tool Query Definition dialog box as shown below and click OK.
Note that you must select the Diameter attribute before entering the ToleranceMin or ToleranceMax string.
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5. Formula Editor
● Right click the Circular Milling operation and select Edit Formula.
● Enter the expression in the Formula Editor as shown below and click OK.
Note that you must select the Diameter attribute before entering the ToleranceMin or ToleranceMax string.
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The hole diameter is parameterized as shown by the f(x) icon on the Edit Parameter dialog box.
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Glossary
A
approach Motion defined for approaching the operation start point
macro
auxiliary A control function such as tool change or machine table rotation. These commands may be
command interpreted by a specific post-processor.
axial Operation in which machining is done along a single axis and is mainly intended for hole
machining making (drilling, counter boring, and so on).
operation
B
back and forth Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other.
Compare with one way.
bottom plane A planar geometric element that represents the bottom surface of an area to machine. It is
normal to the tool axis.
C
clearance Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane and then
macro plunging from that plane.
climb milling Milling in which the advancing tool rotates down into the material. Chips of cut material
tend to be thrown behind the tool, which results to give good surface finish.
Compare with conventional milling.
conventional Milling in which the advancing tool rotates up into the material. Chips of cut material tend
milling to be carried around with the tool, which often impairs good surface finish.
Compare with climb milling.
D
DPM Digital Process for Manufacturing.
E
extension Defines the end type of a hole as being through hole or blind.
type
F
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Facing A surfacing operation in which material is removed in one cut or several axial cuts of equal
operation depth according to a pre-defined machining strategy. Boundaries of the planar area to be
machined are soft.
Fault Types of faults in material removal simulation are gouge, undercut, and tool clash.
G
gouge Area where the tool has removed too much material from the workpiece.
H
hard A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool cannot pass
beyond.
high speed Functionality that is supported for Pocketing and Facing operations in which corners and
milling (HSM) transitions in the tool path are rounded to ensure a smooth and continuous cutting effort.
I
inward helical Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine and follows
paths parallel to the domain boundary towards the center of the domain. Compare with
outward helical.
island Inner domain of a pocket that is to be avoided during machining. It has a closed hard
boundary.
L
linking motion Motion that involves retracting to a safety plane, a linear trajectory in that plane and then
plunging from that plane.
M
machine An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a rotation of the machine table.
rotation
machining Reference axis system in which coordinates of points of the tool path are given.
axis system
machining The maximum allowed difference between the theoretical and computed tool path.
tolerance
manufacturing Defines the sequence of part operations necessary for the complete manufacture of a part.
process
manufacturing Describes the processing order of the NC entities that are taken into account for tool path
program computation: machining operations, auxiliary commands and PP instructions.
multi-level Milling operation (such as Pocketing or Profile Contouring) that is done in a series of axial
operation cuts.
O
offset Specifies a virtual displacement of a reference geometric element in an operation (such as
the offset on the bottom plane of a pocket, for example).
An offset value can be greater than, less than, or equal to zero. It is measured normal
to the referenced geometry or in a specific direction such as axial or radial.
For example, a 5mm Offset on Contour means that a virtual displacement is applied
normal to the contour geometry. A 5mm Axial Part Offset means that a virtual
displacement is applied to the part geometry along the tool axis direction.
Compare with thickness.
one way Machining in which motion is always done in the same direction. Compare with zig zag or
back and forth.
outward Machining in which motion starts from a point inside the domain to machine and follows
helical paths parallel to the domain boundary away from the center of the domain.
Compare with inward helical.
P
part operation Links all the operations necessary for machining a part based on a unique part registration
on a machine. The part operation links these operations with the associated fixture and set-
up entities.
pocket An area to be machined that is defined by an open or closed boundary and a bottom plane.
The pocket definition may also include a top plane and one or more islands.
Pocketing A machining operation in which material is removed from a pocket in one or several axial
operation cuts of equal depth according to a pre-defined machining strategy.
The tool path style is either Inward helical, Outward helical or Back and forth.
Point to Point A milling operation consisting of a sequence of elementary tool motions between points. A
operation tool motion can be defined by:
● the point the tool tip has to reach (Goto Point motion)
● positioning the tool in contact with a part element, a drive element and possibly a
check element, while taking To/On/Past conditions into account (Goto Position motion)
PP instruction Instructions that control certain functions that are auxiliary to the tool-part relationship.
They may be interpreted by a specific post processor.
Profile A milling operation in which the tool follows a guide curve and possibly other guide
Contouring elements while respecting user-defined geometric limitations and machining strategy
operation parameters.
R
retract macro Motion defined for retracting from the operation end point
return macro Motion for linking between paths or between levels. It involves retracting to a safety
plane, a linear trajectory in that plane and then plunging from that plane.
S
safety plane A plane normal to the tool axis in which the tool tip can move or remain a clearance
distance away from the workpiece, fixture or machine.
set up Describes how the part, stock and fixture are positioned on the machine.
soft A geometric element (such as a boundary or a bottom face) that the tool can pass beyond.
T
thickness Specifies a thickness of material to be removed by machining. A thickness value must be
greater than zero and is measured normal to the machined geometry. For example, if a
5mm Finish Thickness is specified on an operation then 5mm of material will be removed
during the finish pass.
Compare with offset.
top plane A planar geometric element that represents the top surface of an area to machine. It is
always normal to the associated tool's rotational axis.
tool change An auxiliary command in the program that corresponds to a change of tool.
tool clash Area where the tool collided with the workpiece during a rapid move.
tool path The path that the center of the tool tip follows during a machining operation.
total depth The total depth including breakthrough distance that is machined in a hole making
operation.
U
undercut Area where the tool has left material behind on the workpiece.
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Z
zig zag Machining in which motion is done alternately in one direction then the other. Compare
with one way.
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Index
A
Activate the Point contextual command
Pocketing parameter
approach macro
APT import
Pocketing parameter
Auto-sequence operations
auxiliary command
Auxiliary operation
COPY Operator
Copy Transformation
Machine Rotation
PP Instruction
Tool Change
TRACUT Operator
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Avoid scallops on bottom
Pocketing parameter
Approach clearance
Approach clearance 2
Automatic ROTABL
Axial mode
Breakthrough
Decrement limit
Decrement rate
Depth mode
Direction of cut
Dwell mode
First compensation
Helix angle
Helix mode
Helix pitch
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Number of paths
Output style
Percentage overlap
Plunge diameter
Plunge mode
Plunge offset
Plunge tip
Retract offset
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Second compensation
Sequencing mode
Shift mode
Axial mode
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
B
back and forth
Boring command
Boring operation
Facing parameter
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Pocketing parameter
Bottom plane
Bounding envelope
Facing parameter
Breakthrough
Pocketing parameter
C
CGR file generation
Circular Milling
clearance macro
climb milling
Close tool path
Pocketing style
Back Boring
Boring
Circular Milling
Counterboring
Countersinking
Curve Following
Drilling
Facing
Groove Milling
Pocketing
Point to Point
Prismatic Roughing
Profile Contouring
Reaming
Reverse Threading
Spot Drilling
Tapping
Thread Milling
T-Slotting
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Compensation
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Analyze
By Band
By Belt of Faces
By Boundary of Faces
Closest
Connect Guide
Connection Mode
Contour Detection
Deactivate
Edit Depth
Invert Selection
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Island Detection
Manual
Move After
Offset on Island
Remove
Remove Element
Remove Guide
Renumber
Restore Associativity
Reverse Ordering
Sectioning
Select All
conventional milling
COPY Operator
Copy-Transformation Instruction
Corner radius
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Counterboring command
Counterboring operation
Countersinking command
Countersinking operation
Compensation
Fixture accuracy
Machining tolerance
Number of levels
CUTCOM Syntax
Cutting mode
D
Deactivate contextual command
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Documentation generation
Drilling command
Drilling operation
Dwell mode
E
Edit Depth contextual command
Facing parameter
End point
Entry distance
Exit distance
Extra segment overlap
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Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
F
Facing command
Facing operation
Facing parameter
Bounding envelope
Compensation
Corner radius
Direction of cut
End of path
Finishing mode
Fixture accuracy
Limit angle
Machining tolerance
Number of levels
Overhang
Radial mode
Stepover ratio
Transition angle
Transition length
Transition radius
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Type of contour
Fault
Feedrate reduction in corners
Pocketing parameter
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
G
Go Delta
gouge
Axial mode
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Axial strategy
Breakthrough
Collision checking
Compensation on bottom
Compensation on top
Direction of cut
Finishing mode
Fixture accuracy
Machining direction
Machining tolerance
Number of levels
Number of paths
Output type
Percentage overlap
Spring pass
H
hard geometric element
Helical movement
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
I
Insert after Current Position contextual command
Inward helical
Island
J
Jump distance
L
Limit angle
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Limit angle on side finish path
Pocketing parameter
Limit Definition
Shift mode
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M
Machine Blind/Through
Machine Rotation
Machining direction
machining feature
Machining mode
machining operation
Machining Pattern
Machining Patterns
Machining Process
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Macros
manufacturing process
Manufacturing Program
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manufacturing view
Max depth of cut (Dc)
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
milling operations
N
NC code generation
Number of levels
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Pocketing parameter
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O
Offset
offset
Offset along tool axis
One way
Open Pocket
Pocketing style
Origin offset
Output CYCLE syntax
Pocketing parameter
Output type
Outward helical
Overhang
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Overhang for rework areas
P
Parameter (ramping macro) contextual command
Part contouring
Part Operation
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Percentage of tool diameter
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Percentage overlap
Pocketing command
Pocketing operation
Pocketing parameter
Breakthrough
Compensation
Corner radius
Direction of cut
Finishing mode
Fixture accuracy
Limit angle
Machining tolerance
Number of levels
Output style
Overhang
Radial mode
Scallop pass
Slowdown rate
Spring pass
Stepover ratio
Transition angle
Transition length
Transition radius
Closed Pocket
Open Pocket
Go Delta
Goto Point
Goto Position
First compensation
Machining tolerance
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Shift mode
PP Instruction
PPR
Preview button
Approach distance
Corner radius
Cutting mode
Helical movement
Limit Definition
Machining mode
Machining tolerance
Offset
Optimize retract
Part contouring
Slowdown rate
Stepover
Process List
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Product List
By Flank Contouring
Breakthrough
Collision checking
Compensation
Corner radius
Cornering
Depth limitation
Direction of cut
Finishing mode
Fixture accuracy
Machining tolerance
Number of levels
Number of paths
Output type
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Percentage overlap
Sequencing
Spring pass
Type of contour
Progression direction
R
Radial mode
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Radial safety distance
Reaming command
Reaming operation
Resources List
retract macro
Retract offset
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return macro
S
Scallop pass
Pocketing parameter
Scallop pass ratio
Pocketing parameter
linear coordinates
polar coordinates
Side finish thickness
Pocketing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Pocketing parameter
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Pocketing parameter
Start point
Stepover
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
T
Tapping command
Tapping operation
thickness
Tolerance on Hole
Tool Change
tool clash
Tool diameter ratio
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Facing parameter
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Pocketing parameter
Facing parameter
Tools Options - Machining
General
Operation
Output
Photo/Video
Program
Resources
Top finish thickness
TRACUT Operator
Transition angle
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Transition length
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Transition paths
Transition radius
Facing parameter
Pocketing parameter
Truncated transition paths
Pocketing parameter
T-Slotting command
T-Slotting operation
Type of contour
Facing parameter
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U
undercut
User Feature
Z
Zig zag