Solidcam Milling User Guide Vol 2

SolidCAM MillingUser’s Guide

©1995-2006 SolidCAM LTD.

All Rights Reserved.

Volume #2

SolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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Contents

Contents

Volume #2

11. Machining Processes

11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts .................................................................................................................8

11.1.1 Operation templates .........................................................................................................................8

11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions ............................................................................................................10

11.1.3 Default sets ......................................................................................................................................11

11.1.4 Machining Process Table ...............................................................................................................11

11.2 Creating Machining Processes ................................................................................................................12

11.3 Defining Machining Process Table ........................................................................................................13

11.3.1 Adding MAC file(s) ........................................................................................................................14

11.4 Machining Process Table Manager ........................................................................................................16

11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables ...........................................................................................18

11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types .................................................................................................21

11.5 Managing Machining Processes ..............................................................................................................23

11.6 Machining Process Define Manager ......................................................................................................25

11.6.1 Operation Templates page ............................................................................................................25

11.6.2 Define Operation Template ..........................................................................................................26

11.6.3 Managing Operation Templates ...................................................................................................27

11.6.4 Parametric field menu ....................................................................................................................28

11.6.5 Default Sets page ............................................................................................................................31

11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables ................................................................................................32

11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter ...............................................................................................................34

11.6.8 Variables & expressions .................................................................................................................35

11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions ......................................................................................................37

11.7 Using the Machining processes ..............................................................................................................39

11.8 Inserting The Machining Process ..........................................................................................................40

11.8.1. Choosing the tool ..........................................................................................................................43

11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager .......................................................................................................44

11.9.1 Operation Templates Page ............................................................................................................44

ContentsSolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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11.9.2 Default Sets Page ............................................................................................................................46

11.9.3 Parameters Table .............................................................................................................................46

11.9.4 Operation Points ............................................................................................................................47

11.9.5 Parameters definition .....................................................................................................................47

12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM)

12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts ..........................................................................................................52

12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition .........................................................................................................56

12.2.1 Definition of Coordinate Systems ...............................................................................................56

12.2.2 Target model ...................................................................................................................................56

12.3 Start Holes Recognition ...........................................................................................................................57

12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface ..........................................................................................................58

12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager .........................................................................................................58

12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar ...........................................................................................................59

12.5 Hole Feature Model .................................................................................................................................61

12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment ................................................................................................62

12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment .........................................................................................................64

12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment ...................................................................................................64

12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment ........................................................................................................65

12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment .........................................................................................................65

12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment .......................................................................................................66

12.5.7 Compound Holes processing .......................................................................................................67

12.5.8 Disconnected Holes processing ...................................................................................................67

12.5.9 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups ................................................................................................68

12.5.10 Hole Features page .......................................................................................................................69

12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining .........................................................................................74

12.6.1 Undercut processing ......................................................................................................................74

12.6.2 Undercut substitution ....................................................................................................................76

12.6.3 Segments Union ..............................................................................................................................80

12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features .............................................................................................................83

12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion ..........................................................................................90

12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page .................................................................................................. 100

12.7 Feature Sets ............................................................................................................................................. 114


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Contents

12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets................................................................................................................... 114

12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets.................................................................................. 115

12.7.3 Automatic CoordSys Positions definition ................................................................................ 116

12.7.4 Feature Sets page ......................................................................................................................... 118

12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features ................................................................................. 120

12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets................................................................................................................ 121

12.7.7 Defining the CoordSys Position origin location for the Feature Set ................................... 123

12.8 Technology ............................................................................................................................................. 125

12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution .............................................................................................. 126

12.8.2 Choosing the tool ........................................................................................................................ 127

12.8.3 Technology Page .......................................................................................................................... 134

12.8.4 Managing Technology ................................................................................................................. 136

12.9 Generating Operations ......................................................................................................................... 139

12.10 Technology Database .......................................................................................................................... 140

12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases ............................................................................... 141

12.10.2 Technology Database interface ............................................................................................... 142

12.10.3 Configurations page .................................................................................................................. 143

12.10.4 Current Configuration .............................................................................................................. 144

12.10.5 Solutions page ............................................................................................................................ 145

12.10.6 Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 147

12.10.7 Variables ...................................................................................................................................... 151

12.10.8 Defining a new Technology Solution ..................................................................................... 152

12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions .................................................................................................. 154

12.11 Holes Recognition Settings ................................................................................................................ 157

12.11.1 System settings ........................................................................................................................... 158

12.11.2 Part settings ................................................................................................................................ 162

Index ................................................................................................................................................................ 163

ContentsSolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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11MachiningProcessesA Machining Process is comprised of a series of Operations that are tied together through user-defined parameters. You can automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with this new Machining Process feature.

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

Machining Processes Table

Defining a new Machining Process

Operation Templates

Default Sets

Parameters & Expressions

Using Machining Processes

11. Machining ProcessesSolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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11.1 Introduction & Basic concepts

SolidCAM enables you to automate repetitive tasks in CNC-Programming with the Machining Process feature. Machining Process (MP) is the structure of fully parameterized Operation Templates. In subsequent identical or similar situations, the machining process templates can be either used directly or they can be adapted to the new situation by giving values to its parameters.

11.1.1 Operation templates

An Operation template is the parametric template of the single operation that is used within the Machining Process. There can be one or several operation templates in a Machining Process.

For example: To create a threaded countersink hole, we need three Operations using the common geometry:

• Centering

At this stage, preliminary centering is made for the hole and a chamfer.

Operation Templates

MachiningProcess

Parameters

SolidCAM2006 User’s Guide

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• Drilling

At this stage, the hole is drilled.

• Threading

At this stage, the threading is preformed.


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11.1.2 Parameters & Expressions

Parameters can be given a constant value or an expression.

In the above sample the following parameters are needed:

• The tap size (D_thread)

• The tap depth (H_thread)

• The drill depth (H_drill)

• The chamfer diameter (D_chamfer)

In the above example you can define the following expression for centering depth.

With a group of such Operation templates, Parameters and Expressions, you can define the universal Machining Process.

H_d

rill

D_chamfer

D_thread

H_t

hrea

d

D_chamfer

α H_c

ente

r

H_center=D_chamfer/2tan(α/2)


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11.1.3 Default sets

A Default set is a combination of parameters and expressions used for Operation template customization. You can define a number of the default sets by attaching different specific values or expressions to parameters. You can use the default sets to adapt machining process to specific tasks.

In the above example we can create default sets for each tap size (e.g. M6, M8 etc).

11.1.4 Machining Process Table

SolidCAM enables you to join your Machining Processes into the Machining Process Table.

Default Set

Operation Templates

Parameters

MachiningProcess

MachiningProcess

1

MachiningProcess

2

MachiningProcess

3

MachiningProcess

N

MachiningProcesses

Table


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11.2 Creating Machining Processes

Three basic stages are needed to create a Machining Process.

SolidCAM enables you to use three major interface tools for these tasks:

• New Machining Process Table – With this dialog you can define a new MP Table. SolidCAM also enables you to manage existing MP Tables.

For more information on this subject, please refer to topic 11.3.

• Machining Process Table Manager enables you to create and manage a single Machining Process in the Table.


• Machining Process Define Manager enables you to define components of the single Machining Process: Operation Templates, Default sets, Parameters and Expressions.


New Machining Process Table

dialog

Creating Machining Process Table

Creating Machining Process

Defining Machining Process components

Machining Process Table

Manager

Machining Process Define

Manager


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11.3 Defining Machining Process Table

The first stage of the Machining Process creation is the definition of the Machining Process Table.

1. In the SolidCAM manager, right click on Machining Process field to open the pull down menu and choose the type of the MP table – Milling from the New sub menu.

The dialog window, New Machining Process Table, will be displayed.

2. Enter a name for the Machining Process Table in the Table name field.

3. Press the Add Mac File button to define the MAC file for your Machining Process Table. Since not all machines support all of the options in SolidCAM, you must also give the Mac file that you will be using. This will assure that only the options that are supported by your machine will be used.

4. Confirm the Machining Process Table creation with the OK button.


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11.3.1 Adding MAC file(s)

The Add MAC file(s) dialog enables you to choose a MAC file or a set of similar MAC files for your Machining Process. The MAC file contains options oriented to the specific CNC Machine. This file enables you to adapt your Machining Processes for your CNC Machines.

• Adding MAC file

1. Press the Add button to choose the suitable MAC file from the list.

2. In the dialog window displayed, pick the MAC file that you wish to work with and press OK.

The original dialog window will be displayed again with the chosen MAC file.


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• Adding similar MAC-files

This option will add to the list any MAC file that is similar to the MAC file that you originally picked. The criteria of the similarity is the coincidence of the MAC-file options needed for Machining Processes.

Please contact SolidCAM customer support for further details.


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11.4 Machining Process Table Manager

With the Machining Process Table Manager, SolidCAM enables you to control single Machining Processes in the Machining Process Table.

The Machining Process table dialog contains the following fields:

• Machining Process List

This field contains the list of all Machining Processes from the current table.

Double-click on the Machining Process name in the list to edit the MP in the Machining Process Define Manager (see topic 11.6).

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Managing Machining Processes (see topic 11.5).

During the Machining Process definition SolidCAM enables you to divide the Machining Processes in the MP Table into groups. Each group name has to be started from the “==” symbols. All the Machining Processes following the group name (till the next group name) will be included into the group.

In the Add Machining Processes menu (see topic 11.8), each such group will be displayed as a separate submenu.


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• MP Picture

This option enables you to attach a picture to your MP.

Click on the Browse MP Pictures... button and choose a bitmap file (*.bmp) in the browser window.

• Type

For easier identification and classification of Machining Processes, you can define and use your own MP types.

• Description

In this field you can enter text describing the Machining Processes.


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11.4.1 Managing Machining Process Tables

The Machining Process Tables contains the following options:

• Current

This option enables you to load the current MP Table in the Machining Process Table Manager (see topic 11.4).

• New

With this option you can create a new MP Table. SolidCAM enables you to create the type of MP Table: Milling.


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• Open

This option enables you to load an MP Table via the standard Windows Browser.

1. Right-click on the Machining Process field and choose Open from the sub-menu to load the Machining Process Table. The Browser Window will be displayed.

2. Select the Machining Process Table file (*.mpt)

The Machining Process Table will be loaded and the Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.


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• Copy

This option enables you to copy the MP Table.

The Copy Machining Process Table dialog will be displayed.

1. In the left field of the dialog, choose the MP Table you want.

2. Click on the icon to move the MP Table in the copy-container field. You can

use the icon to remove MP Tables.

3. Choose the copy location in the right field.

4. Click on the Copy button to confirm the operation.

5. Click on the Exit button to close the dialog.

• Delete

Choose this option to delete the MP Table via the standard Windows Browser.

• Recent MP Tables

This option displays a list of the last MP Tables that you loaded in SolidCAM. You can open the file by simply clicking on the file you want to open.


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• Group Types

This option enables you to create your own MP Group Type.

• Expressions

This option enables you to create and manage your own list of expressions that will be available in each MP you design.

11.4.2 Machining Process Group Types

For easier identification and classification of Machining Processes, you can define and use your own Machining Process Group Types.

Defining Group Types

1. Right-click on the Machining Process field in the SolidCAM Manager and choose Group Types... from the pull down menu.

The MP Group Types Manager will be loaded.


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• To add a new Group Type, click on the Add button and type the name.

• To remove an existing Group Type from the list, select the item and click on the Delete button.

• To edit the Group Type name, click on the icon in the name field and choose Edit-View.

The Edit dialog will be displayed. Change the MP Group Type name and confirm it with OK.

• You can use the hotkey F2 to open the Edit dialog.

• By double-clicking on the Group Type name in the list, you can edit the name in the list directly without going to the Edit dialog.


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Using Group Types

The Machining Process Table Manager enables you to assign the Group Type to the Machining Process by choosing it from the list.

11.5 Managing Machining Processes

Right-click on the Machining Process name in the list to get the pull down menu of Machining Process operations.

• Add

This option enables you to add a new Machining Process to Machining Process Table.

• Edit

This option enables you to edit components of the Machining Process in the Machining Process Define Manager (see topic 11.6).


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• Copy

This option creates a copy of the current Machining Process.

• Rename

This option enables you to rename the current Machining Process.

• Delete

This option enables you to remove the current Machining Process from the Machining Process Table.

• Import

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

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

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

2. Choose the MP Table you want from the Browser. The MP Export Table Manager will be displayed.

3. Choose the Machining Process you want from the Manager and confirm the operation with the Export button.


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11.6 Machining Process Define Manager

11.6.1 Operation Templates page

In this page you can work with the set of Operation Templates in the same way as the conventional

SolidCAM Operations via the SolidCAM Manager.


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11.6.2 Define Operation Template

The Operation template dialog contains the same fields as the SolidCAM Operation dialog.

You can now fill the fields of the Operation template like in a conventional Operation. Note that some fields in the Operation Templates are marked with the icon. These fields are parametric. In these fields you can enter the following data:

• Variable

• Expression

• Value

If a variable you entered does not exist, SolidCAM adds it to the Used Parameter Table (see topic 11.6.6).

To edit this parametric field, you can use the parametric field menu by clicking on the icon.

If you entered wrong data in the parametric field (unacceptable type of variable, mistake in expression etc.), SolidCAM will mark this parametric field with the icon.

In the Operation template, you have to define the Geometry and the Tool.


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11.6.3 Managing Operation Templates

An Operation Template is a parametrically defined single SolidCAM Operation. In addition to numerical values for the technology parameter definition you can use variables and expressions in the Operation Templates.

The following options enable you to manage your Operation templates:

• Add

The process of the Operation Template creation is the same as creating Operations via the SolidCAM Manager.

1. Right-click on the Operations field situated in the Operation Templates tab. The pull down menu will be displayed:

2. Choose the Operation Template type from the menu.

The corresponding Operation Template screen will be displayed.


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• Edit

This option enables you to edit the Operation Template.

The corresponding Operation Template screen will be displayed.

• Delete

• Change Tool

This option enables you to change the tool used in the specific Operation Template. The Part Tool Table dialog (see topic 3.6) will be displayed.

11.6.4 Parametric field menu

The parametric field menu enables you to choose parameters and expressions simply and effectively.

When you click on the icon, the following menu will be displayed:


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• User Defined Parameters

This option displays a list of existing User Defined Parameters.

Choose the variable name you want from this list.

You can open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

• Part’s parameters

This option displays a list of existing Part’s Parameters.

Choose the variable name you want from this list.


• Expressions

This option displays the list of defined expressions.



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• Functions

This option displays the list of standard SolidCAM functions. (For more information on this subject, please refer to topic 11.6.9)


• Edit-View

This option displays the parameter edit dialog.

Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.

1. You can open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the icon.


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11.6.5 Default Sets page

In this page you can work with the set of Default Sets created in the actual Machining Process.

You can use the following operations to manage Default Sets:

• Set as Current

This operation activates the selected Default Set.

• Rename

This command enables you to rename the selected Default Set.

• Copy

This command enables you to copy the selected Default Set.

• Delete

This command removes the selected Default Set.

You can create a number of Default Sets and assign the specific combination of values and expressions to the parameters in each of them. The Default Sets enables you to adapt the Machining Process to specific tasks.

Parameters

Default Set

Default Set

Default Set


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1. Create a new Default Set via Copy operation.

2. Activate the created Default Set with the Current option.

3. Change parameters definition via Parameter Tables.

11.6.6 Parameters & Expressions Tables

There are two specific areas in the Machining Process Define Manager that enable you to manage your parameters and expressions:

Used Parameters Table

This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Operation Templates.

This area shows the table of parameters that were used in the Operation Templates with the actual Default Set.


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This table contains the following columns:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this field you can change the name of the parameter. In this case the name will be updated in all Operation Templates that use this parameter.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition as an expression or value. To edit this parametric field you can use the parametric field menu available by clicking on the icon.

• Result value - shows the result value returned by the parameter.

• G - shows the status of the parameter. If the status is Global - the „G“ letter is shown. In this case the expression of this value will be the same in the all Default Sets.

By right-clicking on this field, you can change the status of the parameter.

• R/O - shows the access status of the parameter. If the status is Read-only, the „R/O“ letters are shown. In this case the parameter definition cannot be changed during Machining process insertion.

By right clicking on this field, you can change the read-only status of the parameter.

• Description - shows your own text description of the parameter. To edit the field you can use the context menu available by clicking on the icon.


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Unused Parameters Table

This area shows the table of parameters that were not used in the Operation Templates with the actual Default Set.

This table contains the following columns:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name. In this field you can change the name of the parameter. In this case the name will be updated in all Operation Templates that use this parameter.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition as either expressions or values. To edit this parametric field, you can use the operational menu available by clicking on the icon.


11.6.7 Adding a new Parameter

This field enables you to add a new parameter.

1. Choose the new parameter type from the list.

2. Type the parameter name.

3. Click the Add button to enter the parameter to the table.

The Delete button enables you to delete the selected parameter item from the Unused Parameters table.


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11.6.8 Variables & expressions

SolidCAM enables you to use variables and expressions in your Operation templates.

Part’s Parameters

SolidCAM enables you to use a set of the standard built-in variables. All these variables get their values from the SolidCAM CAM-Part when you insert the Machining Process.

• clearance_plane - the Z-value of the Clearance Level.

• safety - the Z-value of the Safety Distance.

• tool_start_plane - the Z-value of the Tool Start Level.

• work_upper_plane - the Z-value of the CAM-Part Upper Level.

• work_lower_plane - the Z-value of the CAM-Part Lower Level.

• zero_plane - the Z-value of the Zero Level.

User Defined Parameters

You can define your own variables and use it in Operation Templates definition.

SolidCAM supports the following types of variables:

Profile Geometry variables are stored in the Profile Geometries.

Slot Geometry variables are stored in the Slot Geometries.

Limit Geometry variables are stored in the Limit Geometries or Working Areas.

3D Model Geometry variables are stored in the 3D Model Geometries.

Section Geometry variables are stored in the Section Geometries.

Drill Geometry variables are stored in the Drill Geometries.

Z Z-Value variables are stored in the Z-coordinate of the picked point.

Distance Value variables are stored in the distance between two picked points.


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String variables are stored in the string of symbols.

Float variables are stored in the positive and negative floating-point numbers.

Integer variables are stored in the positive and negative whole numbers.

You must follow the following rules when naming variables in SolidCAM:

• You must use a letter as the first character.

• You can‘t use any characters except capital and lower-case English letters, numbers and underscore symbols (_)

• Names can‘t exceed 255 characters in length.

Expressions

SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters definition.

You can use the following symbols in expressions:

• Addition (+)

• Subtraction (-)

• Multiplication (*)

• Division (/)

Parentheses are acceptable.

When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some CAM-Parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained.

SolidCAM enables you to use the set of the standard mathematical functions like sine, cosine etc... in your formulas.

Example:

For the H_center variable in the following formula we can write the expression:

H_center=(D_chamfer/2)/(tan(Alpha/2))

H_center=D_chamfer/2tan(α/2)


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11.6.9 SolidCAM standard functions

sqrt()

Returns a value specifying the square root of a number.

sin()

Returns a value specifying the sine of an angle.

cos()

Returns a value specifying the cosine of an angle.

tan()

Returns a value specifying the tangent of an angle.

abs()

Returns a value of the same type that is passed to it specifying the absolute value of a number.

The absolute value of a number is its unsigned magnitude. For example, abs(-1) and abs(1) both return 1.

acos()

Returns a value specifying the arccosine of a number.

asin()

Returns a value specifying the arcsine of a number.

atan()

Returns a value specifying the arctangent of a number.


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atan2(,)

Returns a value specifying the arctangent of quotient first and second arguments.

dist(,) and ang(,)

Returns polar coordinates: distance and angle (in radians) of the point defined in Cartesian coordinates.

pow(,)

Returns a value of the first argument raised to the power of the second argument.

For example: pow(2,3) returns 8.

log10()

Returns a value specifying the base-10 logarithms of a number.

ln()

Returns a value specifying the natural logarithm of a number.

sum3( , , )

Returns the sum value of three arguments.

int()

Returns the integer portion of a number.

rad()

Converts degrees to radians.

deg()

Converts radians to degrees.

(X,Y)

dist(X,Y)

0

ang(X,Y)


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11.7 Using the Machining processes

You can use the defined Machining Process by inserting it into a CAM-Part. During the insertion, SolidCAM transforms each Operation Template into a single Operation.

The main interface tool to insert a Machining Process into a CAM-Part is through the Machining Process Insert Manager.

Machining Process Insert

Manager

MachiningProcess

CAM-Part

OperationTemplates Operations

Insertion


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11.8 Inserting The Machining Process

Before inserting the Machining Process into your CAM-Part you have to perform the following steps.

1. Load the CAM-Part where you want to use the technology defined in the Machining Process.

2. Load the Machining Process Table

All the Machining Processes of the current Machining Process table can be inserted into the CAM-Part directly from the Add Machining Process menu.

Machining Processes in the menu are classified according to pre-defined groups (see topic 11.4).

If the MP contains Operation Templates with Operation options that are not compatible with the Operation options of the current MAC-file, the operation is marked with the icon. Such MP can be inserted to the current CAM-Part, but Operation options will not be inserted.

When the MP has Drill Operation Template with drill options non compatible with the drill options of current MAC-file, this MP is marked with the ! icon.

The Add Machining processes command is not available in the following cases:

• When there is no current Machining Process Table;

• When the current Machining Process Table is incompatible with the MAC-file used in the current CAM-Part.


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When the Machining process is chosen, the Machining Process Insert Manager will be displayed.

The From MP Table command enables you to choose the Machining Process to insert from the Machining Process Table Manager dialog box.

The Machining Process Table Manager will be displayed.

Select the Machining Process you want from the list. Click on the Pick button. The Machining Process Insert Manager will be displayed.


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When the Insert Manager is loading, SolidCAM receives necessary information from the CAM-Part. Then SolidCAM receives expressions for other parameters from the current Default Set and calculates them.

To prepare the Machining Process for insertion, do the following steps:

1. With the Default Sets page choose the Default Set you require.

2. With the Parameters Table fill all the blank expression fields. You can also change all expressions that do not have Read-Only status.

3. When the Machining Process is defined, click on the Insert button to insert the Machining Process into the current CAM-Part.

4. SolidCAM chooses tools for the Machining Process..

5. The Operations will be inserted into the CAM-Part.

• To undo the last insertion, you can use the Undo button.

• The Simulate button enables you to simulate Operations of the current CAM-Part.


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11.8.1. Choosing the tool

When you insert the Machining process, SolidCAM searches for the tool by the following parameters pre-defined in the Operation Template:

• Tool type

• Diameter

• Corner radius or angle (These parameters are not relevant for shaped tools)

• Tool Material (If defined)

• Number of teeth

• ID Number (If defined)

• Contour of the shape (for Shaped tools)

• Contour of the Tool Holder (If defined)

These parameters are specified in the Operation template of the specific Machining Process.

The process of choosing is following:

• SolidCAM searches the tool in the Part Tool Table (from tools already used in the CAM-Part).

• SolidCAM searches the tool in the Current Tool Library (if it was defined).

• The search criteria are the tool shape and parameters. The first found tool, with an identical tool shape and parameter, is chosen.

• If a tool with an identical shape and parameters is not found, SolidCAM will add a new tool with the first available tool number.


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11.9 Machining Process Insert Manager

11.9.1 Operation Templates Page

This page displays the list of Operation Templates that were inserted in the CAM-Part.

• By clicking on the (+) sign near each Operation Template, you can see the list of parameters used in the selected Operation template.


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• To see the Operation Template parameters and settings, right-click on the Operation Template name in the list and choose the Show command from the list. The Operation Template dialog will be displayed.

In this screen you cannot change the Operation Template definition. To edit the Operation Template, go to the Machining Process Define Manager (see topic 11.6).

In the Operation Template screen, all parametric fields are marked with the icon. Click on this icon to see the parametric field menu. The Edit-View option is available in this menu. This option opens the parameter edit dialog.

This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.


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11.9.2 Default Sets Page

Double-click on the Default Set name to make it current. The Parameters and values from the selected Default set will be shown in the Parameters Table.

11.9.3 Parameters Table

There are three columns in this table:

• Parameter - shows the parameter name.

• Expression - shows the parameter definition. In this field you have to define missed expressions for parameters. You can also edit all expressions that don‘t have Read-Only status.


With the Show read only checkbox, you can allow or forbid showing parameters marked Read-Only.


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The Show descriptions option enables you to show the parameter description instead of the parameter name in the Parameter column.

11.9.4 Operation Points

This field contains buttons to define specific points of the Operation.

11.9.5 Parameters definition

Click on the icon to display menus for each parametric field.

Parametric field menu for Geometries

• Geom Select

This option displays a list of geometries of a suitable type that is defined in the CAM-Part.

Choose the variable name you want from the list.

You can also open this list with the F5 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

• Geom Define

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



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• Geom Show

With the Show command, the current 3D model, drill or chain geometry will be displayed in the SolidWorks window.

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


• Edit-View


This dialog enables you to see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.

1. You can also open this list with the F2 hotkey when you are in the parametric field.

2. In this dialog you can also use the operational menu by clicking on the icon.

Parameters of Z-value and Distance types.

For parameters of these types, SolidCAM enables you to define values by picking them from the active CAD-model.

• To define the Z-value, choose the Pick Z-value (F5) item from the parametric menu.

The Pick Z-Value dialog will be displayed. Pick the point you want on the model and click on the OK button to confirm the selection.


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• To define the Distance, choose the Pick Distance (F5) item from the Parametric menu.

1. In the SolidWorks window, pick the first point.

2. Confirm the selection with the OK button in the Distance: Pick first point dialog.

3. Pick the second point and confirm it in the same way.

The Distance value will be calculated.

Other Parameters

For parameters of other types, the parametric field menu contains only one item: Edit-View (F2).

Choose it to edit the parameter definition in the Edit window.


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12Automatic Feature Recognition

and Machining (AFRM)

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the.Solid model and generate the tool path for machining

Hole Feature recognition

Preparing to machining

Feature Sets definition

Technology

Technology Database

12. Automatic Feature Recognition and MachiningSolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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12.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

The SolidCAM Automatic Holes Feature Recognition and Machining (AFRM) module enables you to automatically recognize holes in the Solid model and generate the tool path for machining.

At the first stage of the AFRM process, SolidCAM recognizes all Hole Features (see topic 12.5) from the solid model and classifies them. SolidCAM analyzes the manufacturability of the recognized features and converts the Hole Features into Machinable Hole Features (see topic 12.6.4) by making the necessary changes of the Hole Feature components. SolidCAM distributes Machinable Hole Features to Feature Sets (see topic 12.7) related to the previously defined Coordinate Systems(see topic 12.7.3). For each Feature Set, SolidCAM searches for a suitable technology in the Technology Database (TDB) (see topic 12.8) and for tools in the Part Tool Table (see topic 3.2). The appropriate technology will be converted to SolidCAM Operations.

SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition

and Machining

Solid Model

Tool Path


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12. Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining

All the holes recognized by SolidCAM can be classified either as Simple Hole Features or as Compound Hole Features.

A Simple Hole Feature is a cut in the solid body generated by the figure of revolution. The diameter of a Simple Hole can be constant or changing. A Simple Hole can either be Blind or Through.

Blind Simple Hole Feature Through Simple Hole Feature

Solid Model

TechnologyDatabase

Part Tool Table

CAM-Part

Holes Recognition

Hole Features

Machinable HoleFeatures

Feature Sets

Operations

Coordinate Systems

Conversion to Machinable Features

Distribution to Feature Sets

Feature based Machining


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A Compound Hole Feature is also generated by the cut of the figure of revolution. The diameter of the Compound Hole Feature is constant or decreasing at the start of the hole and increasing at the end of the hole. The Compound Hole Feature can be only through.

SolidCAM recognizes Disconnected Hole Features containing a number of ”broken” holes consisting of coaxial and coradial segments divided by the model elements.


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SolidCAM recognizes the holes with the undercuts.

Blind Hole Feature with undercut

Compound Hole Feature with undercut Through Hole Feature with undercut


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12.2 Preparation to Holes Recognition

You have to prepare the CAM-Part before you activate the Holes recognition. The preparation includes the Coordinate Systems and Target model definition.

12.2.1 Definition of Coordinate Systems

You have to define a number of Coordinate Systems (see topic 2.2) corresponding to the setup positions of the part on the CNC machine. The number of Coordinate Systems has to be enough to machine the part from all directions that you need.

12.2.2 Target model

The Target model (see topic 2.4) has to be defined. SolidCAM uses the Target model for the AFRM.

When the CAM-Part is defined and prepared, you can start the Holes recognition process.


�7


12.3 Start Holes Recognition

To start the holes recognition process, right click on the Operations field in the SolidCAM Manager and choose the Holes Recognition item from the menu.

The Holes Recognition will be started. SolidCAM parses the solid model in order to gather the information about all holes. When the recognition process will be finished, SolidCAM displays the Holes Recognition Manager.


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12.4 Holes Recognition User Interface

12.4.1 Holes Recognition Manager

When the AFRM module is activated, the Holes Recognition Manager is displayed. The SolidCAM Holes Recognition Manager is shown in the SolidWorks Feature Manager area.

The SolidCAM HR Manager consists of a number of pages that can be controlled with the HR Manager Toolbar.

This toolbar enables you to switch between the various.

Hole Features Page

Machinable Features Page

Feature Set Page Technology Page

Operations Page


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Hole Features Page

Machinable Hole Features Page

Feature Sets Page

Technology Page

Operations Page

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

• Machinable Hole Features page (see topic 12.6.6) displays all Machinable Hole Features converted from the Hole Features.

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

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

• Operations page (see topic 12.9) displays Operations generated by SolidCAM.

12.4.2 Holes Recognition Toolbar

When the AFRM is activated, the Holes Recognition toolbar is displayed.

• Technology DataBase

This button enables you to display the Technology DataBase Manager (see topic 12.10).

• Settings

This button enables you to display the Holes recognition Settings dialog (see topic 12.11).

• Show Picture

This button enables you to display the schematic picture of the selected item.

Technology DataBase

Settings

Show Data

Show Errors

Show Tool Table

Show Picture


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• Show Data

This button enables you to display the Parameters dialog which displays the parameters of the selected item.

• Show errors

This button enables you to display the Errors dialog which shows the errors that occurred during the AFRM process.

• Show Tool Table

This button enables you to display the Part Tool Table.


61


12.5 Hole Feature Model

SolidCAM analyzes the Solid model in order to recognize all the Hole features. A Hole Feature recognized by SolidCAM consists of a number of Hole Feature segments. Each Hole Feature Segment is composed of one or more faces. The Type of Hole Segment depends on the Face Surface Type.

Hole Feature segment composed from several faces

Hole Feature segment composed from one face

Types of Hole Segments:

• Cylindrical

• Cone

• Chamfer

• Planar

• Torus

• Sphere


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SolidCAM recognizes holes with thread created by SolidWorks Hole Wizard. The thread is an optional property of the Cylindrical Hole Feature segment.

SolidCAM determines the total Depth, Hole Upper Plane and Direction of each Hole Feature.

SolidCAM determines the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment.

The Upper plane of the Hole Feature is the upper Z-level of the hole determined in compliance with the SolidWorks Part origin.

12.5.1 Cylindrical Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a cylindrical face.

• Diameter (D1)

• Height (H1)

Solid Model Origin

Z Direction Hole Upper Plane

Depth

Diameter (D1)

Height (H1)


6�


SolidCAM recognizes holes with thread created by SolidWorks Hole Wizard.

The thread is an optional property of the Cylindrical Hole Feature segment. The Cylindrical segment that has a thread is marked with a specific Thread flag.

SolidCAM determines a number of parameters of the thread hole:

• Segment diameter

• Segment height

• Thread diameter

• Thread depth

• Thread pitch

• Thread Upper level

• Thread depth

Segment Diameter

Thread Diameter

Hole Feature Upper level

Thread Height

Segment Height

Thread depth

Thread Upper Level = Segment Upper Level


6�

12.5.2 Cone Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a cone face.

• Diameter (D1),

• Height (H1),

• Angle (A1)

12.5.3 Chamfer Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a truncated conical face.

• Upper diameter (D1),

• Lower diameter (D2),

• Height (H1),

• Angle (A1)

Diameter (D1)

Height (H1)

Angle (A1)

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Angle (A1)


6�


12.5.4 Planar Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a planar face. A segment of this type has no parameters.

12.5.5 Torus Hole Feature segment

• Upper Diameter (D1)

• Lower Diameter (D2)

• Height (H1)

• Radius (R1)

There are two parameters describing the location of the center of the generatrix circle:

• HC - Height of the center relative to the bottom of the torus.

• DC - Diameter of the center.

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Radius (R1)

Diameter of the center (DC)

Height of the center (HC)Radius (R1)


66

12.5.6 Sphere Hole Feature segment

This segment is formed by a spherical face. The center of the sphere is situated on the hole axis.

• Upper Diameter (D1)

• Lower Diameter (D2)

• Height (H1)

• Radius (R1)

The Sphere segment can be either Open or Closed. A Closed Sphere segment has zero Lower Diameter (D2).

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

Upper Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2)

Height (H1)

Radius (R1)

Open Sphere(D2>0)

Closed Sphere(D2<0)


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12.5.7 Compound Holes processing

SolidCAM splits the Compound Hole into two Simple Hole Features: one above the splitter line and one below the splitter line. This enables you to machine the Compound Hole Feature from both sides using two Coordinate Systems.

12.5.8 Disconnected Holes processing

Sometimes Solid Models contain a number of ”broken” holes consisting of coaxial and coradial segments divided by the model elements. Previously these segments were recognized and machined as separate Hole Features. The AFRM module enables you to automatically connect these segments into one single Connected Hole Feature (see topic 12.11).

Splitter Splitter


6�

Shape

Group #1

Group #2

Hole #1Hole #2

...Hole #N

Hole #1Hole #2

...

...

Hole #N

Group #N

12.5.9 Hole Feature Shapes and Groups

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

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

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


6�


12.5.10 Hole Features page

The Hole Features page displays the list of all Hole Features recognized in the solid model. The Hole Features are classified into Shapes and Groups. You can highlight the Hole Features, Groups and Shapes in the graphic view by selecting the items in the list.

You can repeat the Holes recognition process with the Recognize command.


70

SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog shows the schematic picture of the selected Shape, Group or Hole Feature.

SolidCAM enables you to display the Topology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog contains a number of pages.

The Holes parameters page display the global Hole parameters:

• Depth

• Upper Plane

• Direction

Other pages display the geometry parameters of each Hole Feature segment. When the specific segment page is selected in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog, the corresponding segment will be highlighted in the Hole Picture.

The parameters values displayed in the Topology Hole Parameters dialog cannot be changed. In order to change them, you have to edit the solid model and perform the Holes Recognition again.


71


Managing Hole Features

SolidCAM enables you to manage the Hole Features, Shapes and Groups with the right-click menu.

Shape or Group menu

The right-click menu for Shape and Group includes the following items:

• Split/Unsplit

This option enables you to split/unsplit all Compound Holes in the selected Shape or Group

This operation is available only if the Shape or Group contains only Compound Holes.

• Change direction to opposite

This option changes the direction of all the Hole features in the specified Shape or Group.

• Connect

This option enables you to connect appropriate "broken" segments into one single Connected Hole Feature (see topic 12.5.8).

• Disconnect

This option enables you to disconnect a Connected Hole Feature into separate segments (see topic 12.5.8).


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Hole Feature menu

The right-click menu for the Hole Features includes the following items:

• Split/Unsplit

This option enables you to split/unsplit the selected Compound Hole.

This operation is available only for Compound Holes.

• Change direction to opposite

This option changes the direction of the selected Hole Feature.

• Go to Opposite

This option enables you to jump in the list to the Opposite part of the Split Compound Hole.

This operation is available only for Split Compound Holes.


7�


Hole Features filter

The filter capabilities enable you to display in the list only those Hole Features that correspond to a certain criterion.

• Direction filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features with a specified direction only.

• Upper level filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features with a specified Upper Level only.

The Upper Level filter is active only for the specified direction.

• Hole type filter

This filter enables you to display Hole Features of a specified type: either Blind or Through.

• Compound Hole Only

This option enables you to display only the Compound holes.

• Split Hole Only

This option enables you to display only the Split Holes.

• Hole with Undercut Only

This option enables you to display only the Hole Features with undercut.

• Connected Holes only

This option enables you to show/hide the Connected Hole Features (see topic 12.5.8).


7�

12.6 Preparing Hole Features for the machining

There are following stages of preparing Hole Features for the machining:

• Undercut processing

• Segments Union

• Creating Machinable Hole Features

12.6.1 Undercut processing

SolidCAM recognizes undercuts in the Hole Feature model.

The SolidCAM AFRM Module analyzes Hole Feature segments in order to find an undercut. An undercut is detected when the diameter increases during one topology segment. The Undercut consists of a number of segments and finishes when the current diameter is equal to the undercut initial diameter.

SolidCAM determines the Undercut Height (HU) as the sum of the height of all topology segments of the undercut.

UndercutHeight (HU)

Undercut Diameter (DU)

Undercut


7�


SolidCAM classifies undercuts depending on the last Hole Feature segment included in undercut. The classification is as follows:

• Undercut – None

In this case the finish diameter of the last segment of the undercut is equal to the Undercut diameter.

• Undercut – Planar

In this case Undercut finishes with the Planar Hole Feature segment (see topic 12.5.4).

• Undercut – Cone

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

• Undercut – Chamfer

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

• Undercut – Torus

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

• Undercut – Sphere

In this case Undercut finishes with the Sphere Hole Feature segment (see topic 12.5.6).


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12.6.2 Undercut substitution

SolidCAM handles undercuts by substituting the undercut with a cylindrical segment depending on the undercut type. The cylinder diameter is equal to the Undercut diameter (DU). When a part of the lower undercut segment is less then the Undercut diameter, SolidCAM substitutes this part with a cone, chamfer, torus or sphere segment.

Undercut substitution schemes:

• Undercut – None segment substitution

• Undercut – Planar segment substitution

HU

H1=HU

D1=DU

Height (H1)

DU Diameter (D1)

HU

H1=HU

D1=DU

Height (H1)

DU Diameter (D1)


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• Undercut – Cone segment substitution

• Undercut – Chamfer segment substitution

HU

H1=HU-H2H2=DU/(2*tg(A1/2))

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Angle (A1) Angle (A1)

HU

H1=HU-H2 H2=(DU-D2)/(2*tg(A1/2))

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Angle (A1)

Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)

Angle (A1)


7�

• Undercut – Torus segment substitution

HU

HT

R

H1=HU-H2

H2=HC-H

H= R2-((DU-DCENTER)/2)2

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

Lower Diameter (D2) Lower Diameter (D2)

R

DT UPPER

DU

R

R

R

DCENTER

H2

HC

H


7�


• Undercut – Sphere segment substitution

HU

HS

R

H1=HU-H2

H2= R- R2-D2/4

D1=DU

Height (H1)

Height (H2)

DU Diameter (D1)

R


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12.6.3 Segments Union

SolidCAM enables you to unite identical adjacent Hole Feature segments.

There are the following cases for union:

• Planar + Planar

• Cylinder + Cylinder

The diameter of the resulting cylinder will be the same as the diameter of the original cylinders. The Height will be sum of the original cylinder heights.

Planar 1

Planar 2

United Planar

Cylinder 1

Cylinder 2

United Cylinder


�1


• Chamfer + Cone

The Diameter of the resulting cone will be the same as the Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original cones. The Height will be sum of the original cone heights.

• Chamfer + Chamfer

The Upper Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper chamfer. The Angle of the resulting segment is equal to the Angle of the original chamfers. The Lower Diameter of the resulting chamfer segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower chamfer. The Height will be sum of the original chamfer heights.

Chamfer

Cone

United Cone

Chamfer 1

Chamfer 2

United Chamfer


�2

• Torus + Torus

The Upper Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper torus. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original torus. The Lower Diameter of the resulting torus segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower torus. The Height will be sum of the original torus heights.

• Sphere + Sphere

The Upper Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Upper Diameter of the original upper sphere. The Radius of the resulting segment is equal to the Radius of the original spheres. The Lower Diameter of the resulting sphere segment will be the same as the Lower Diameter of the original lower sphere. The Height will be sum of the original sphere heights.

Torus 1

Torus 2

United Torus

Sphere 1

Sphere 2

United Sphere


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12.6.4 Machinable Hole Features

SolidCAM converts Hole Features into the Machinable Hole Features in order to prepare them for machining. The Machinable Hole Feature consists of one or more Machinable Hole Feature segments that can be machined in one operation with the same tool.

Types of Machinable Hole Feature segments

The following types of the Machinable Hole Feature segments exist:

• Drill

• Chamfer

• Flat Cylinder

• Flat Chamfer

• Thread


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Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments

SolidCAM calculates the values of the following parameters for the Machinable Hole Feature segments. These parameters are called HR variables. They will be used later for the technology definition.

Each Machinable Hole Feature segment has the following parameters that define the position of the segment along the revolution axis:

• hr_segm_upper_plane

This parameters is the distance from the Solid Model Origin to the upper level of the Machinable Hole Feature segment (Segment Upper plane).

• hr_segm_depth

This parameters is the distance from the Hole Upper Plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• hr_segm_height

This parameters is the Height of the segment; the distance from the Segment Upper plane to the lower point of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Segment Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

Origin

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_upper_plane

hr_segm_depth


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In addition to the general parameters, SolidCAM determines the following parameters for each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment:

Drill

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_diameter

• hr_segm_height

• hr_segm_angle

Chamfer

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_lower_diameter


• hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_lower_diameter


�6

Flat Cylinder

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_diameter

hr_prev_segm_diameter

hr_segm_blind = true

hr_segm_blind = false


• hr_segm_blind

• hr_prev_segm_diameter


�7


Flat Chamfer

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_diameter

hr_prev_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_blind = true

hr_segm_blind = false



• hr_segm_angle

• hr_segm_height

• hr_segm_lower_diameter

• hr_segm_blind

• hr_prev_segm_diameter


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Thread

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane • Thread Upper level (hr_segm_ upper_plane)

• Thread Diameter (hr_segm diameter)

• Thread Height (hr_segm_height)

• Thread Depth (hr_segm_depth)

• Pitch (hr_thread_pitch)


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For the Machinable Hole Feature segments contain cylinder (Drill and Flat Cylinder) the Hole Upper Plane is coincide with the Segment Upper Plane. Therefore, the hr_segm_height is equal to the hr_segm_depth.

hr_segm_height = hr_segm_depth

Segment Upper Plane = Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_upper_plane

Origin


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12.6.5 Machinable Hole Feature conversion

SolidCAM converts Hole Feature segments into Machinable Hole Features with the following rules:

General Conversion Rules

1. All possible combinations with Upper segment – Cylinder are converted into the one Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Exception: When a pair consisting of Cylinder and Planar segments are converted into Flat Cylinder segment.

Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cylinder + None Drill

Cylinder + Chamfer Drill

Cylinder + Cone Drill


�1


Cylinder + Torus (open Sphere) Drill

Cylinder + Sphere Drill


�2

2. Cone and Closed Sphere segments are converted into a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cone Drill

Closed Sphere Drill

3. All possible combinations with Lower segment – Planar are converted into one Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Upper + Lower Hole Feature Segments Machinable Hole Feature segment

Cylinder + Planar Flat Cylinder

Chamfer + Planar Flat Chamfer


��


Torus/Open Sphere + Planar Flat Chamfer

4. Single segments like Torus, Chamfer and Open Sphere are converted into Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segments.

Hole Feature segment Machinable Hole Feature segment

Chamfer Chamfer

Torus Chamfer

Open Sphere Chamfer


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Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment

SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.

The scheme of the Drill segment generation is the following:

• The vertex of the cone is located on the same depth (hr_segm_height) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

• The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_diameter) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment.

• The resulting Machinable Hole Feature segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane.

• The Cone angle (hr_segm_angle) is 118°.

UpperSegment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

DepthH

U

HL

H

LowerSegment


��


In some cases, according to the General conversion rules (see topic 12.6.5) described earlier, the upper segment is absent. In this case the upper segment will be None and the segment Height will be 0.

Exception: In the case of translation of a through Cylindrical Hole Feature segment to a Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment, the hr_segm_height parameter of the Drill will be the following:

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_diameterhr_segm_angle

hr_segm_height

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_diameterD

hr_segm_angle

hr_segm_heightH


�6

Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment

SolidCAM determines the following dimensions of the upper and lower Hole Feature segments of the pair. In the scheme below, the segments are represented as two cylinders surrounding the segments.

If the lower Hole feature segment is Planar, the HL is 0.

The scheme of Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature generation is the following:

• The planar face is located on the same depth (hr_segm_diameter) as the lower point of the lower segment of the initial Hole Feature.

• The diameter of the Cylinder (hr_segm_height) is the same as the diameter of the Hole Feature Segment.

• The resulting segment is extended upward till the Hole Upper Plane.

UpperSegment

Hole Upper Plane

D

Upper Plane

DepthH

U

HL

H

LowerSegment

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_height

Hole Upper Plane


�7


Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see topic 12.6.5), the scheme of input data for the conversion will be the following.

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

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

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

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

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

• The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle ) will be calculated automatically.

Depth

Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

H

DU

DL

LowerSegment

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_heightLower

Segment

hr_segm_diameter



��

Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

According to the General conversion rules explained earlier (see topic 12.6.5), the scheme of the input data for the conversion will be the following.

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

• The Upper diameter (hr_segm_diameter) of the Chamfer segment will be equal to the

Upper diameter of the initial Hole Feature segment.

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

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

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

• The Chamfer Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be calculated automatically.

Depth

Upper Plane

Hole Upper Plane

H

DU

DL

LowerSegment

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane

Hole Upper Plane

hr_segm_heightLower

Segment

hr_segm_diameter



��


Conversion to Thread Machinable Hole Feature segment

At the first stage, SolidCAM converts the Cylindrical Hole Feature segment into Drill/Flat Cylinder segment according to SolidCAM conversion rules. After that, the separate Thread MHF segment is created with the following parameters:

• hr_segm_diameter = Thread Diameter

• hr_segm_height = Thread Height

• hr_thread_pitch = Thread Pitch

• hr_segm_upper_plane = Thread Upper level

• hr_segm_depth = Thread Depth

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

Thread Diameter

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane

Thread Height

Thread Depth

Thread Upper level


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12.6.6 Machinable Hole Feature Page

The Machinable Hole Features Page is divided to two parts. The upper part displays the list of Machinable Hole Features, classified into Shapes and Groups. When an item is selected in the Machinable Hole Features list, the lower part of the page displays the segments of the selected item.

When the Hole Features were changed, SolidCAM enables you to rebuild the Machinable Features. The Rebuild operation is available either for all Machinable Hole Features or for the selected Machinable Hole Feature (Shape, Group).

SolidCAM enables you to display the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar. This dialog schematically shows the segments of the selected Machinable Hole feature.


101


Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments

The lower part of the Machinable Hole Features page displays the list of the segments for the selected Machinable Hole Feature. The Machinable Hole Feature segments are situated in the list with specific order from the lower segment to upper. The Thread MHF Segment is the last segment. SolidCAM enables you to manage the Machinable Features segments with the right-click menu.

The following operations are available:

• Change type

The Change type option enables you to change the type of the Machinable Feature Segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed. This dialog enables you to change the type of the Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• Reset

SolidCAM enables you to change the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Reset option enables you to reset the selected changed Machinable Hole Feature segment to its initial dimensions calculated by SolidCAM.

• Insert Before / Insert After

This option enables you to insert a new Machinable Hole Feature segment before or after the selected segment. The M-Feature segment type dialog will be displayed in order to choose the type of the segment.

• Insert Thread

This command adds a user-defined Thread segment. This command is available only for Drill and Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segments.

• Delete

This option enables you to delete a selected Machinable Hole Feature segment.

Only the segments added by the user can be deleted. The segments automatically built by SolidCAM cannot be deleted, except the Thread segment..


102

Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments

SolidCAM enables you to display the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located on the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog displays the parameters of the selected Machinable Hole feature or selected Machinable Hole Feature segment.

The Holes parameters page is displayed when the Machinable Hole Feature is selected. This page displays the following parameters of the Machinable Hole feature:

• Depth

• Upper Plane

• Origin X /Origin Y

• Direction

The Depth, Upper Plane, Origin X/Y and Direction parameters cannot be changed.

Upper Plane

Home

Home

Origin Y

Origin X

Depth


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When a segment is selected, the Machinable Hole Feature Parameters dialog displays the specific parameters of the selected segment.

SolidCAM enables you to assign a new value (User value) to parameters of the Machinable Hole Feature segments.

When the new value is assigned to the parameter, SolidCAM modifies the segment according to the specific rules.

• Drill segment

• Flat Cylinder segment

• Chamfer segment

• Flat Chamfer segment


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Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)

When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Angle (hr_segm_ange) remain unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.

Changing Angle (hr_segm_angle)

When the Angle changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) and Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The height of the conical and cylindrical faces will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing Height (hr_segm_height)

When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) remains unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height will be changed. The Upper plane will be fixed.

Changing Upper Plane

When the Upper Plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Height of the Conical face will be the same; the height of the cylindrical face will be changed. So, the Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed. The Cone corner will be fixed.


106

Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter)

When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be fixed.


When the Height changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The Upper plane will be fixed.

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter


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When the Upper plane changes, the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will remain unchanged. The lower edge of the cylinder will be fixed. The Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


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Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or

Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)

When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.


Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.

hr_segm_height


hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be fixed. The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.


Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


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Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment

Changing Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) or

Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter)

When the Diameter or Lower Diameter changes; the Angle (hr_segm_angle) parameter will remain unchanged. It means that the second diameter will also be changed. The Height (hr_segm_height) and Upper plane will be the same.


Changing the Angle causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. The Height and Upper Plane will stay the same.

hr_segm_height


hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_angle


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Changing the Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) to change. The Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) will be fixed. The Upper Plane and Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged.


Changing the Upper Plane causes the Diameter (hr_segm_diameter) to change. The Angle (hr_segm_angle) will be unchanged. The Lower Diameter (hr_segm_lower_diameter) will be fixed. So, Height (hr_segm_height) will be changed.


112

Modifying Thread Machinable Hole Feature segment

When the Diameter changes, the Height (hr_segm_height) remains unchanged.

Changing the Thread Upper level (hr_segm_upper_level) causes the Thread Depth (hr_segm_depth) to change. The Thread Height (hr_segm_height) is unchanged.

hr_segm_height

hr_segm_diameter

hr_segm_depth

hr_segm_upper_plane


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Changing the Thread Height (hr_segm_height) causes the Thread Depth (hr_segm_depth) to change. The Thread Upper level (hr_segm_upper_level) is unchanged.

Changing the Thread Depth (hr_segm_depth) causes the Thread Upper level (hr_segm_upper_level) to change. The Thread height (hr_segm_height) is unchanged.


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12.7 Feature Sets

Feature Set is a number of Machinable Hole Features that will be machined within the same setup using one Coordinate System. Once used in a Feature Set, the CoordSys cannot be used in another Feature Set.

12.7.1 Creating Feature Sets

SolidCAM automatically creates a number of Feature Sets according to the Coordinate Systems defined in the current CAM-Part.

Feature Set

CoordSys

Feature Set

CoordSys #1

Feature Set

CoordSys #2

Feature Set

CoordSys #3

Feature Set

CoordSys #N

...

CAM-Part


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12.7.2 Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets

SolidCAM automatically distributes Hole Features to the Feature Sets.

SolidCAM checks the compatibility of the Machinable Hole Features with the Feature Sets and assigns Holes to the Feature Sets. The compatibility checker examines each Machinable Hole Feature according to the CoordSys (owned by the specific Feature Set) and the Axis type of the Feature Set.

Axis type enables you to limit the number of the axes used for the machining of the Machinable Hole Features in Feature Set; the Axes number can be the same or less than Axis number of the CAM-Part. The Machinable Hole Features included in the Feature Set will be machined according to this Axis number, not considering the Axis number of the CAM-Part.

Each Machinable Hole Feature can be assigned to a specific Feature Set if one of the following conditions is kept:

• The direction of the Machinable Hole Feature is parallel to the Z-axis of the Coordinate System;

• It is possible to define a CoordSys position (according to the Axis Type) under the Machine Coordinate System with the Z-axis parallel to the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature.

The order of the assignment depends on the Machine CoordSys Number; the Feature Set with the smaller Machine CoordSys number will be filled with Machinable Hole Features first. Thus, if the Machinable Hole Feature is compatible to a number of Feature Sets, the Machinable Hole Feature will be assigned to the Feature Set using the Machine CoordSys with the lowest number.

The Machinable Hole Features that were not assigned are stored in the bank of the Recognized Hole Features.

RecognizedHoles

HolesBank

CAM-Part

CompatibilityChecker



Feature Set #1

CoordSys #1

Feature Set #2

CoordSys #2

Feature Set #N

CoordSys #N

Recognized Holes Recognized Holes Recognized Holes

IncompatibleHoles

Compatible Holes Compatible Holes Compatible Holes

IncompatibleHoles

IncompatibleHoles

Axis type Axis type Axis type


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12.7.3 Automatic CoordSys Positions definition

SolidCAM automatically defines CoordSys Positions related to the Machine CoordSys suitable to machine Machinable Hole Features of a specific Feature Set. The CoordSys Position is created according to the following data:

• The Machine CoordSys used in the Feature Set,

• The Axis type of the Feature Set

• The Direction of the Machinable Hole Feature.

The Z-axis of the defined CoordSys Position is coincident with the Machinable Hole Feature direction. The direction of the X- and Y-axis is defined according to the Machine CoordSys and Axis Type.

When the Machinable Hole Feature is accepted by the Compatibility Checker, SolidCAM compares the direction of the Machinable Hole Feature with the Z-axis of the existing CoordSys Positions related to the Machine CoordSys of the Feature Set. If the direction and Z-axis of the CoordSys Position are parallel, the Hole Feature will be assigned to the CoordSys Position. If a suitable position is not found, SolidCAM defines a new one.

SolidCAM enables you to automatically locate the origin of the created CoordSys position in dependence of the Hole Recognition Settings. The origin of the CoordSys position can be placed in the following locations:

• The CoordSys position is placed in the position of Machine CoordSys #1

Feature Set

Axis type Machine CoordSys Direction

Hole Feature

CoordSys Position


117


• The CoordSys position can be placed in the corner of the model box.

SolidCAM calculates the box surrounding the model (model box) in the coordinate system of the first Machine CoordSys.

The CoordSys Position will be located in the corner of the model box with the following coordinates (XMIN, YMIN, ZMAX).

YZ

X


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12.7.4 Feature Sets page

The Feature Sets Page enables you to define and edit Feature Sets of the current CAM-Part and also to assign Hole Features to the Feature Sets.


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The Feature Sets Page is divided into three areas.

The upper area displays the tree of the Feature Sets with their Hole Features.

The middle area displays Compatible Hole Features – the Holes that can be assigned to the current Feature Set.

The lower area displays Incompatible Hole Features – the Holes that cannot be assigned to the current Feature Set.

Feature Sets Area

Compatible Holes Area

Incompatible Holes Area


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12.7.5 Compatible/Incompatible Hole features

All the holes that are not distributed to the Feature Sets are located in the Holes Bank. In the Holes Bank holes are divided into two groups, depending on the current Feature Set.

The Feature Sets Page displays both the Compatible and Incompatible Hole Features for the Current Feature Set.

The checkbox, situated near each item in the Compatible Hole Features tree, enables you to select the item to move to the current Feature Set. The selected Compatible Features can be moved to the Current Feature Set by the Move to Current Set command available in the right-click menu in the Compatible Features area.

Holes Bank

CompatibleHoles

IncompatibleHoles

Compatible Holes Area

Incompatible Holes Area


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12.7.6 Operating Feature Sets

SolidCAM enables you to manage your Feature sets with the right-click menu.

The following commands are available:

Set as Current

This option enables you to set a specific Feature Set as current. All other operations will be performed with the current Feature Set. The content of the Compatible/Incompatible Features areas will be changed according to the current Feature Set.

Add

This option enables you to add a new Feature Set. The Add Feature Set dialog will be displayed.

This dialog enables you to set the Axis type of the Feature Set and assign the Machine CoordSys to the Feature Set. SolidCAM enables you to define the Axis type of the Feature Set.


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Edit

This option displays the Edit Feature Set dialog.

This dialog enables you to edit the name and Axis type of the Feature Set and change the Machine CoordSys assigned to t he Feature Set.

Remove All

This option enables you to remove all Machinable Hole Features from the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.

Delete

This option enables you to delete the Feature Set. All the Machinable Features will be moved to the Holes bank.


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12.7.7 Defining the CoordSys Position origin location for the Feature Set

SolidCAM enables you to define the default location of the CoordSys Position origin with the right click menu on the Machine CoordSys of the specified Feature Set.

The Place CoordSys origin to dialog will be displayed.

• Corner of Model Box

The CoordSys position can be placed in the corner of the model box.


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• CoordSys #1

The CoordSys position is placed in the position of Machine CoordSys #1.


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12.8 Technology

For the each segment of the Machinable Hole Feature, SolidCAM chooses:

• A suitable Technology Solution from the Technology DataBase (TDB) (see topic 12.10).

• A tool from the Part Tool Table (see topic 3.2) or defines a new tool.

Part Tool Table

Technology Database

Technology solution

Machinable HoleFeature Segment

Operations


126

12.8.1 Choosing a Technology Solution

SolidCAM stores all Technology Solutions in the Technology Database. All the Technology Solutions are classified according to the type of Machinable Hole Feature segments.

For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment).

The Technology solutions can be either a user-defined Machining Process or built-in Algorithm.

• The user-defined Machining process contains Operation templates with parametric technology data and parametric data of the tools. It can be defined and edited by the user.

• A built-in Algorithm is hard-coded in SolidCAM; it generates a number of Machining Processes. Parameters of the algorithm can be edited.

Technology Solutions

Technology Database

Drill MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Cylinder MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment

Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment




Thread MachinableFeature Segment



Technology Solution

Algorythm


127


Technology Solutions use the dimensions of the Machinable Hole Feature Segments.

SolidCAM automatically chooses the suitable Technology Solutions for the machining of the specified Machinable Hole Feature segment from the TDB. The choice of the Technology Solution is defined by the set of conditions. A Condition is a logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current technology solution can be used to machine the Machinable Hole Feature segment. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the technology solutions in sequence; the first solution with a true condition will be chosen.

12.8.2 Choosing the tool

When the technology solution is chosen from the TDB, SolidCAM chooses the suitable Tool from the Part Tool Table. The method of choosing the tools depends on the type of the operation where the tool is used. SolidCAM differentiates between the following types of operations:

• Drill Operation

• Mill Operation

• Center Drill Operation

• Chamfer Drill Operation

• Center-Chamfer Drill Operation


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Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-defined tool type, diameter and angle. These parameters are specified in the Operation template of the specific Technology Solution. SolidCAM searches for the suitable tool in the Part Tool Table. If the search fails, SolidCAM performs an additional search with the same criteria in the Current Tool Library. If the tool is not found, SolidCAM defines a new tool according to the data of the Operation Template.

Does the Part Tool Tablecontain a suitable tool?

Does the Current Tool Librarycontain a suitable tool?

Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Diameter

Tool Angle

Define a new tool

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool according to the pre-defined tool type and corner radius. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from 0 till the product of Hole diameter and Constant. Constant is equal to 0.9. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool was not found in the Part Tool Table, the search will be performed again in the Current Tool Library.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and the tool for the milling operation will have to be defined manually.

Hole Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

0 < Tool Diameter < Hole Diameter + Constant



Technology Solution

Tool TypeCorner Radius

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of the sum of the Hole diameter and Constant endlessly. Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter was not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-defined tool type and angle. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Library.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message will be displayed and a tool for the center drilling operation will have to be defined manually.



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No

Hole Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

Hole Diameter + Constant < Tool Diameter


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Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of the Hole diameter and Constant till the difference between the next segment diameter and Constant. The Constant is equal to 1. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Library.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, SolidCAM defines a new tool with the pre-defined tool type, angle and minimum possible diameter (Hole diameter + Constant).

Next Segment Diameter

Tool Diameter Range

< Tool Diameter <Next Segment Diameter -- Constant

Hole Diameter ++ Constant

Hole Diameter



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Define a new tool:tool diameter = hole diameter + constant

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation

SolidCAM searches for the tool in compliance with the pre-defined tool type and angle. The search is performed in the Part Tool Table in the diameter range from the value of sum of hole diameter and Constant endlessly. The Constant is equal to 1. The tool with the maximum diameter will be chosen. If the tool with such diameter is not found, SolidCAM chooses the tool of any diameter with a pre-defined tool type and angle. If the suitable tool does not exist in the Part Tool Table, the search will be continued in the Current Tool Library.

In the case of the absence of a suitable tool, an error message is displayed and the tool for the operation will have to be defined manually.

Tool Diameter Range

< Tool DiameterHole Diameter ++ Constant

Hole Diameter



Technology Solution

Tool TypeTool Angle

Tool Diameter Range

Error

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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Choosing the tool for the Thread Operation

SolidCAM uses operation tools of Tap tool type for the Threading operation.

SolidCAM searches the suitable tool for the operation according to the following criteria:

• The tool must be of Tap tool type.

• The Thread diameter of the tool must be equal to the Thread diameter defined in the Technology solution (hr_segm_diameter).

• The Pitch of the tool must be equal to the Pitch defined in the Technology solution (hr_segm_pitch).

These parameters are specified in the Operation template of the specific Technology Solution. SolidCAM searches for the suitable tool in the Part Tool Table. If the search fails, SolidCAM performs an additional search with the same criteria in the Current Tool Library. If the tool is not found, SolidCAM defines a new tool according to the data of the Operation Template.

Does the Part Tool Table contain a suitable tool?

Does the Current Tool Library contain a suitable tool?

Technology Solution

Tool TypeThread Diameter

Pitch

Define a new tool

Technology Solution

Tool

Yes

Yes

No

No


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12.8.3 Technology Page

The Technology Page is divided into two parts.

The upper part displays the tree of all Machinable Hole Features of the Current Feature Set. The Machinable Hole Features are structured by Technologies and Groups.

• Technology – the set of Machinable Hole Features machined by the same Technology Solutions.

• Group - the set of Machinable Hole Features within the Technology with the same dimensions.


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The lower part of the Technology Page displays technology solution and tools chosen for the machining of the specified Machinable Hole Feature.

Activate the Hole Picture dialog with the Show Picture button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar to display the schematic picture illustrating the result of applying the technology solution.

SolidCAM enables you to display the Technology Hole Parameters dialog with the Show Data button located in the Holes Recognition toolbar.

This dialog enables you to edit the parameters of the specified Technology solution. SolidCAM enables you to edit only parameters that were not marked as Read only in the Technology Database.


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12.8.4 Managing Technology

The following operations are available in the upper part of the Technology Page with the right-click menu:

• Rebuild

This command rebuilds the technology for the selected item. The technology solutions will be chosen again from the Technology database.

• Find Tool

The Find Tool command enables you to perform the tool search again for the selected item.

This command is useful in the following cases:

• When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not defined by SolidCAM.

• The Part Tool Table was updated.


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Managing Technology Solutions

The lower part of the Technology Page displays the set of Technology Solutions necessary to the machining of the selected Machinable Hole Feature.

• Change

This option enables you to change the Technology Solution. The Machining process list dialog will be displayed; this dialog enables you to choose the necessary solution from the list of available Solutions for this type of Machinable Hole Feature segment.

• Find tool

This command enables you to automatically find the suitable tool from the Part Tool Table for the selected Technology Solution.

This command is useful in the following cases:

• When the suitable tool was not found in the Part Tool Table and was not defined by SolidCAM.

• The Part Tool Table was updated.

SolidCAM enables you to change the tool for the Technology Solution with the Change Tool option. The option is available with the right-click menu on the Tool item.


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The Part Tool Table dialog will be displayed in order to select a new tool.

The Show command is available with the right-click menu on the operations of the Technology Solution.

This command displays the Operation dialog with the parameters of the specified operation.


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12.9 Generating Operations

When the Technology is defined, SolidCAM enables you to show the generated Operations with the Operations Page. These Operations are also available in the CAM-Manager.

The Edit command is available for the Operations in the right-click menu.

This command enables you to display the Operation dialog.


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12.10 Technology Database

The SolidCAM Technology Database (TDB) stores all the Technology Solutions available for the machining of the Machinable Hole Feature segments. The Technology Solutions in TDB are classified according to types of Machinable Features Hole Feature segments. For each type of Machinable Hole Feature segment, there is a number of connected technology solutions (each technology solution can belong to only one type of Machinable Hole Feature segment).


Technology Database

Drill MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Cylinder MachinableFeature Segment

Flat Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment

Chamfer MachinableFeature Segment




Thread MachinableFeature Segment



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12.10.1 Global and Local Technology databases

When SolidCAM is installed, the Global Technology Database is also installed in the system folder of SolidCAM. SolidCAM enables you to customize the Global TDB by adding and editing Technology Solutions.

When SolidCAM starts the AFRM process, the Global TDB will be copied into the CAM-part folder. This copy is called the Local TDB. During the AFRM process, SolidCAM receives data only from the Local TDB. The Local TDB can be modified by the user for specific tasks in the context of the specific CAM-Part.

The Global TDB can be replaced with the Local TDB.

SolidCAM enables you to load the Global TDB with the Technology Database command from the SolidCAM menu.

The Technology Database Manager dialog will be dixsplayed containing the Global TDB.

The Global Technology Database is unavailable when the Holes Recognition process is working. In this case only the Local TDB can be edited.

The Local Technology Database can be loaded only when the Holes Recognition process is working. The Local TDB can be loaded with the related icon from the Holes Recognition toolbar.

The Technology Database Manager dialog will be displayed containing the Local TDB.


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12.10.2 Technology Database interface

The Technology Database Manager dialog enables you to manage the Technology Database. The dialog contains the areas shown on the picture below.

Current Configuration

Solutions/Configurationspage

Conditions Area

Variables Area


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12.10.3 Configurations page

SolidCAM enables you to use configurations in order to create multiple variations of a technology database suitable for different tasks. By default, two basics configurations are implemented in SolidCAM: System Configuration and User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be changed. It contains the set of technology solutions supplied by SolidCAM.

The User configuration supplied by SolidCAM is a copy of the System configuration. All the content of the technology database can be edited within this configuration. SolidCAM enables you to create a number of user configurations. Technology solutions will be the same in all User Configurations. The sequence of the Technology Solutions, conditions and expressions of user-defined variables can be different within different User Configurations.

The Configurations Page of the TDB Manager enables you to manage configurations of TDB, either Global or Local.

SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the right-click menu.

• Set as Current

This option enables you to make the specified configuration current. All the further operation will be performed for the Current Configuration.


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• Rename

This option enables you to change the name of the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be renamed.

• Copy

This option enables you to create a copy of the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration cannot be copied.

• Delete

This option enables you to remove the specified User Configuration.

The System Configuration, Current Configuration and last User Configuration cannot be deleted.

12.10.4 Current Configuration

The Current Configuration combo box displays the name of the current configuration and enables you to switch quickly between configurations in TDB.

When the Configurations page is displayed, the Current Configuration combo box is disabled; it only shows the name of the current configuration.


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12.10.5 Solutions page

The page displays all the Technology solutions classified by the Machinable Hole Feature segment type.

SolidCAM enables you to perform the following operations with the Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.

Edit

This option enables you to edit the definition of the specified Technology Solution. The Machining Process Define Manager will be displayed.

Add

This option enables you to define a new Technology Solution within the specified Machinable Hole Feature segment. The Machining Process Define Manager will be displayed. (For a more detailed explanation, refer to paragraph 10.3).

Delete

This option enables you to remove the specified Technology Solution from the TDB.


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Copy

This option enables you to create a copy of the specified Technology Solution.

Rename

This option enables you to rename the specified Technology Solution.

All the operations above are available only for Technology Solutions of a User Configuration.

For the Technology Solutions of the System Configuration, SolidCAM enables you to use the following right-click menu.

• View

This option enables you to display the specified Technology Solution with the Machining Process View Manager. The displayed Solution cannot be edited.

• Copy To User Configurations

This option enables you to copy the specified Technology Solution to the User Configurations. Since all the User Configurations use the same Technology Solutions, the copied Technology Solution can be used within all User Configurations.


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12.10.6 Conditions

SolidCAM enables you to define the following set of conditions. If these conditions are true, the technology solution is chosen.

A Condition is a complex logical expression; its result can be either true or false. When the condition is true, the current Technology Solution can be used. SolidCAM checks the conditions of the Technology Solutions in a defined sequence; the first solution with a true condition will be chosen.

A Condition consists of condition lines combined by logical operators AND and OR. A Condition line is a comparison of two expressions. The following comparison operators are acceptable in condition lines:

• > (greater than);

• < (less than);

• = (equal);

• <= (less than or equal);

• >= (greater than or equal);

The expression used in condition lines can include constants, user-defined variables and functions, HR-variables and functions.

For the each Expression field the parametric menu is available.


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User Defined Parameters

This option displays a list of existing User Defined Parameters. These parameters can be used only for a Condition definition but cannot be used for the Technology Solution definition.


Holes Recognition parameters

This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Parameters



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Holes Recognition Functions

This option displays a list of existing Holes Recognition Functions.


Expressions

This option displays the list of defined expressions.

SolidCAM enables you to use expressions for parameters definition.

You can use the following symbols in expressions:

• Addition (+)

• Subtraction (-)

• Multiplication (*)

• Division (/)

Parentheses are acceptable.


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When multiplication and division occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated as it occurs from left to right. When addition and subtraction occur together in an expression, each operation is evaluated in order of appearance from left to right. Parentheses can be used to override the order of precedence and force some parts of an expression to be evaluated before others. Operations within parentheses are always performed before those outside. Within parentheses, however, operator precedence is maintained.


Functions

This option displays a list of existing Standard Functions.


Edit-View


Here you can see and edit the full parameter name or expression string.



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12.10.7 Variables

The Variables area displays the list of variables and their expressions used in Conditions.

SolidCAM enables you to filter the variables used for the Condition definition with the following radio buttons.

• Data Base

This option enables you to display all the variables used in the TDB.

• Technology Segment

This option enables you to display all the variables used in the Technology Solutions of the Current Technology Segment.

• Technology Solution

This option enables you to display all the variables used in for the current Technology Solution.


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12.10.8 Defining a new Technology Solution

SolidCAM enables you add a new Technology Solution to the User Configurations. To do it, choose the Add option from the right click menu of the Solutions page in the TDB Manager.

A new Technology solution will be added. Choose the Edit command in the right click menu. The Machining Process Define Manager will be displayed.

The Machining Process Define Manager enables you to define the Machining Process as a Technology Solution. SolidCAM enables you to define parametric Operation Templates and use CAM-Part parameters, HR variables, expressions, standard functions for the parameters definition.


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Tool definition

SolidCAM enables you to define tools for the Operation Templates. The tools have to be defined according to the tool search algorithms (see topic 12.8.2).

For drilling operations, SolidCAM enables the parametric definition of the tool. The expression for the tool parameters have to be defined. When the Technology Solution will be applied, expressions will be calculated and parameters used for the tool definition will get their values. The tool with defined parameters will be chosen according to the specific algorithm.

For milling and chamfering operations SolidCAM enables the parametric definition of the tool but expressions for the tool parameters are unnecessary. SolidCAM will choose the tool according to the built-in algorithm. When the tool is chosen, the parameters will receive values offered by the tool search algorithm.


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12.10.9 Holes Recognition Functions

hr_clear_offset(,,,)

This function enables you to calculate the clear offset that have to be removed during the milling operation.

This function receives the following parameters:

• Diameter

• Next_diameter

• Tool_diameter

• Overlap (%)

next_diameter

tool_diameterdelta/2

diameter


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The logic of this function is the following:

diameternext_diametertool_diameter

overlap

delta=diameter/next_diameter

side_step=overlap*tool_diameter/100 clear_offset=(delta-tool_diameter)/2

clear_offset=0 clear_offset=delta-side_step

clear_offset

delta>tool_diameter

delta>side_step

No Yes

No Yes


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hr_equal_down_step(,)

This function enables you to calculate equal down steps in order to machine the specified depth. The function receives the following values:

• wish_down_step

• hole_depth

The function returns the value of the equal down step closest to the wish_down_step parameter.

down_step

hole_depth


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12.11 Holes Recognition Settings

SolidCAM enables you to define the System and Part settings of the Holes Recognition with the Holes Recognition settings dialog.

The Holes Recognition settings dialog structure has two tabs:

• System. The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all CAM-Parts

• Part. The CAM-Part settings apply only to the current CAM-Part.


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12.11.1 System settings

The system settings are stored in the registry and affect all the CAM-Parts.

Topology settings

General

Place CoordSys at:

This option enables you to set the default location for the CoordSys Position created by the AFRM at the stage of the Feature Sets definition.

• Corner of Model Box

The CoordSys positions will be automatically placed at the corner of the box surrounding the model.

• CoordSys #1

The CoordSys positions will be automatically placed at the position of Machine CoordSys #1.


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Connection

The Connection settings page of the Hole Recognition settings enables you to define parameters of the Hole Features connection.

Connection Holes

This option enables you to turn on/off the connection of the Hole Features.

Axis Tolerance

This parameter enables you to define the tolerance of the concentricity for the Hole Features that can be connected.

Use Max Distance between Holes

When this option is turned on, SolidCAM enables you to specify the maximal Distance between Hole Features that can be connected.

If the distance between the holes exceeds the specified value, holes will not be connected.

Distance


160

Technology Settings

General

• Add Center Drill

This option enables SolidCAM to automatically perform the center drilling. The center drilling will be inserted before the machining of the first Machinable Hole Feature segment that will be machined with the drilling technology.

• Calculate operations inside Holes Recognition

The Calculate operations inside Holes Recognition option enables you to postpone the calculation of the operations during insert them from the AFRM. Not calculated operations can be calculated later together with other CAM-Part operations.

When this option is turned on (default) SolidCAM will calculate the operations inserted by AFRM.


161


Colors

The Color Settings page enables you to define the colors that will be used in the HR Manager for the items changed or inserted by the user.


162

12.11.2 Part settings

Topology settings: Cutting angle

The Cutting angle parameter defines the minimal value of the arc angle. If the angle of the section of the Hole Feature is less than the defined value, SolidCAM does not recognize this as a hole.

Cutting Angle


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Index

Index

A

Add Center Drill 160Adding a new Parameter 34AFRM 52Algorithm 126Assigning Hole Features to Feature Sets 115Automatic CoordSys Positions definition 116Axis Tolerance 159Axis type 115

B

Blind Simple Hol Feature 53

C

Calculate operations inside Holes Recognition 160Chamfer Hole Feature segment 64Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 83Changing Angle 104, 108, 110Changing Diameter 104, 106, 108, 110Changing Height 105, 106, 109, 111Changing Upper Plane 105, 107, 109, 111Choosing a Technology Solution 126Choosing the tool 43, 127Choosing the tool for the Center - Chamfer Drill Operation 132Choosing the tool for the Center Drill Operation 130Choosing the tool for the Chamfer Drill Operation 131Choosing the tool for the Drill Operation 128Choosing the tool for the Mill Operation 129Choosing the tool for the Thread Operation 133Compatible Hole Features 120Compound Hole Features 53Compound Holes processing 67Condition 127Conditions 147Cone Hole Feature segment 64Configurations page 143Conversion to Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 97Conversion to Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 94Conversion to Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 98Conversion to Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 96Conversion to Thread Machinable Hole Feature segment 99Creating Feature Sets 114Current Configuration 144Cutting angle 162Cylindrical Hole Feature segment 62

IndexSolidCAM2006 Milling User’s Guide

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D

Default Sets Page 46Default Sets page 31Define Operation Template 26Defining a new Technology Solution 152Definition of Coordinate Systems 56Disconnected Holes processing 67Distance 49Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 83

E

Expression 34, 147Expressions 32, 36, 149

F

Feature Set 114Feature Set page 59Feature Sets 52Feature Sets page 118Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 83Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 83Functions 30, 150

G

Generating Operations 139Global TDB 141Group Types 21

H

Hole Feature Groups 68Hole Feature Model 61Hole Features 52Hole Feature segments 61Hole Features filter 73Hole Feature Shapes 68Hole Features page 59, 69Holes Recognition Functions 149, 154Holes Recognition Manager 57, 58Holes Recognition parameters 148Holes Recognition Settings 157Holes Recognition Toolbar 59HR Manager Toolbar 58

I

Incompatible Hole Features 120Inserting The Machining Process 40


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Index

L

Local TDB 141

M

Machinable Hole Feature conversion 90Machinable Hole Feature Page 100Machinable Hole Features 52, 83Machinable Hole Features page 59Machining Process 126Machining Process Define Manager 25Machining Process Group Types 21Machining Process Insert Manager 44Machining Process List 16Machining Process Table Manager 16Managing Hole Features 71Managing Machinable Hole Feature Segments 101Managing Machining Processes 23Managing Machining Process Tables 18Managing Operation Templates 27Managing Technology 136Managing Technology Solutions 137Max Distance between Holes 159Modifying Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 108Modifying Drill Machinable Hole Feature segment 104Modifying Flat Chamfer Machinable Hole Feature segment 110Modifying Flat Cylinder Machinable Hole Feature segment 106Modifying Machinable Hole Feature segments 102MP Picture 17

O

Operating Feature Sets 121Operation Points 47Operations page 59Operation Templates page 25

P

Parameter 34Parameters 32Parameters definition 47Parameters of Machinable Hole Feature segments 84Parameters Table 46Parametric field menu 28Part’s Parameters 35Part settings 162Planar Hole Feature segment 65Preparation to Holes Recognition 56

R

Result value 34


166

S

Segments Union 80Simple Hole Features 53SolidCAM standard functions 37Solutions page 145Sphere Hole Feature segment 66Start Holes Recognition 57System Configuration 143System settings 158

T

Technology 125Technology DataBase 125Technology Database 52, 140Technology Database Manager dialog 142Technology Page 134Technology page 59Technology Settings 160Technology Solutions 126Thread 63, 83Through Simple Hole Feature 53Topology settings 158Torus Hole Feature segment 65

U

Undercut – Chamfer 75Undercut – Cone 75Undercut – None 75Undercut – Planar 75Undercut – Sphere 75Undercut – Torus 75Undercut processing 74Undercut substitution 76Unused parameters Table 34Used Parameters Table 32User Configuration 143User Defined Parameters 35, 148Using the Machining processes 39

V

Variables 151Variables & expressions 35

Z

Z-value 48


167

Index


16�Document Number: SCMUG2ENG06003

Solidcam Milling User Guide Vol 2

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