Lathe Module

GibbsCAM 2009, v9.0

version 1.1, February 2009
Proprietary Notice
This document contains propriety information of Gibbs and Associates and is to be used only pursuant to and
in conjunction with the license granted to the licensee with respect to the accompanying Gibbs and Associates
licensed software. Except as expressly permitted in the license, no part of this document may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in
any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior
expressed written permission from Gibbs and Associates or a duly authorized representative thereof.

It is strongly advised that users carefully review the license in order to understand the rights and obligations
related to this licensed software and the accompanying documentation.

Use of the computer software and the user documentation has been provided pursuant to a Gibbs and
Associates licensing agreement.

© 1996-2009 Gibbs and Associates, a Cimatron® Company. All rights reserved. The Gibbs logo,
GibbsCAM, GibbsCAM logo, Virtual Gibbs, Gibbs SFP, MTM, SolidSurfacer, and “Powerfully Simple.
Simply Powerful.” are either trademark(s) or registered trademark(s) of Gibbs and Associates in the
United States and/or other countries. Windows Vista and the Windows logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other
brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Contains Autodesk® RealDWG by Autodesk, Inc., Copyright © 1998-2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights
reserved.

Gibbs and Associates

323 Science Drive
Moorpark, CA 93021

Modif ied: February 10, 2009 10:37 pm

 Table of Contents

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO LATHE 1
How to Learn the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Help Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Text Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

PART SET-UP 5
Document Dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Part Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Machine and Stock Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TOOL CREATION 11
Tool Creation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lathe Tool dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tool Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insert Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insert Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Insert Orientation Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tool Holder Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tool Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Turret Shift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Tool Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cutter Radius Compensation (CRC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Tool List Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

MACHINING 23
Machining Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Creating an Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Multiple Tool Dragging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
What is a Cut Shape?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Multiple Process Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Modifying an Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Machining Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

PROCESSES 29
Process Dialogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contour Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contour Cut Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Contour Entry and Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Contour Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Rough Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Roughing Cut Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rough Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Clearance Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rough Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Stock Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Roughing Feeds and Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Cut Direction Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Thread Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Thread Cut Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Thread Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Thread Depth of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Thread Clearance Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Thread Machining Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Holes Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Holes Entry/Exit Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Holes Drilling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Holes Clearance/Drill Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Holes Machining Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Thread Dimensions - Defining the kind of thread to cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cut Information - Defining how to cut the thread. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Depth Of Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Thread Location - Defining where to cut the thread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Cutting standard NPT Pipe Threads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
2.5" - 8 NPT External Pipe Thread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
2.5" - 8 NPT Internal Pipe Thread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread (NPT) Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Pre-Defined Process Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

OPERATIONS 53
Clearance Moves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Auto Clearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Fixed Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Clearance Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Approaches from Tool Change Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Exits To Tool Change Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Same Tool Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Canned Cycles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Machining Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
How Machining Markers Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Start and End Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Selected Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Using The Profiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Material Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Operation Tiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Touch-Off Point Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

CUT PART RENDERING 71

Cut Part Rendering Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Comparing Standard and Flash CPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rendering Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cut Part Rendering context menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Optional Stop control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Current Display Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Fast Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
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Flash Cut Part Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Flash CPR Context Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Flash CPR/Simulation Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Printing the Cut Part Rendered Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

POST PROCESSING 81
Post Processing Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Post Processor Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Posted Output Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Post Output Preferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Lathe Post Label Definitions and Code Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
2-Axis Lathe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Label Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Code Issues: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
3 & 4-Axis Mill/Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Label Definitions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Code Issues: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

COMMUNICATIONS 89
About Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Adding a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Changing a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Removing a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Communicating with a CNC Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Communications Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sending a File to the Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sending Other .NCF Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Receiving a File from the Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

LATHE TUTORIAL 95
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
This tutorial explains how to:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Part Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Custom Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tool List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Creating the Operations - OD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Creating Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Multiple Process Group Op 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Multiple Process Group Op 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Creating the Operations - ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Multiple Process Group Op 9-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Threading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Op 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Cut Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Op 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Post Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exercise #2: Form Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Form Tool Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

iii
 Table of Contents

PART PRINTS 133

INDEX 137

iv
INTRODUCTION TO LATHE
 Introduction to Lathe

CHAPTER 1 : Introduction to Lathe

HOW TO LEARN THE SYSTEM
Congratulations on your purchase of the most productive programming system available! The most effective
way to learn the system is to look through the Getting Started Guide to become familiar with the system and
how it works. After going through Getting Started you should complete the exercises in the Geometry Creation
manual followed by the tutorials contained in this manual. For simple explanations of on-screen items and
their purpose, use Balloons and Prompting provided in the Help menu. The Common Reference Guide will
help you with items contained in the menu bar.

This manual is intended for users of a basic 2-Axis Lathe; however, the lessons learned are applied across more
advanced C-Axis and Multi-Task Machines. This manual covers information specif ic to Lathe machines;
however, most of the interface concepts are similar to other types of machining. After elaborating the concepts
of creating geometry, this manual proceeds with information on part set-up, tools, toolpath generation,
Posting and communications with a CNC.

HELP SYSTEMS
Online Help, Balloons and Prompting are built-in documentation and training information, also known as
C.A.T. (Computer Aided Training). They are accessed from the Help menu or with a shortcut key (Ctrl+B).
They provide reference information, rules, and assistance in using the system. For more detailed information
on Balloons and Prompting, see the Common Reference guide.

TEXT CONVENTIONS
In this and all other GibbsCAM manuals you will f ind a number of standards used in the text, known as
conventions.

Screen text: Any text you see like this is referring to text you will see in GibbsCAM or on your monitor.
Typically this is a button or text for a dialog.

Keystrokes: Words that appear like this refer to a keystroke or mouse action, such as right-click or
Ctrl+C.

Term: Words that appear like this followed by a colon refer to a word or phrase used in GibbsCAM.

3
 Introduction to Lathe

4
PART SET-UP
 Part Set-Up

CHAPTER 2 : Part Set-Up

DOCUMENT DIALOG
Clicking on the Document button will bring up the Document dialog. This dialog is actually a
combination of two linked dialogs. The top dialog contains general information about the part such as the
Machine and Material information. In addition, the top dialog provides f ile management options which give
the user control over where the f ile is stored on the computer. The bottom dialog provides specif ic
information about the part such as stock size, clearance moves and Tool Change positioning.

1. Machine list
2. Part Material
3. File Control
4. Measurement Units

Top section of the Document Control dialog, the Part Details.

5. Stock Size diagram
6. X Dimension Style
7. Auto Clearance Option
8. Fixed Clearance
Positions
9. Tool Change Position
10. Lathe Shank Size
11. Mill Tool Holder Class
12. Part Comment

Bottom section of the Document Control dialog, the Machine and Stock Details.

7
 Part Set-Up

PART DETAILS
This part of the dialog contains a part’s basic parameters including the type of machine to be used, the material
the part is made of, whether the part is metric or imperial. This section of the dialog also contains commands
for opening, closing and saving part f iles.

File Control: The buttons used for f ile management described below are also available under the File menu.

Open (Ctrl-O) : Clicking on the Open button will bring up the Open dialog which allows the user to select
which f ile to open. If a f ile is currently open, it will be closed and the selected f ile will be opened.

New (Ctrl-N) : This button will create a new f ile by opening a dialog and asking for a f ile name and a
location to save the new f ile. If there is a f ile open, it will be closed.

Save (Ctrl-S) : If there have been any changes made while the f ile was open, this button will save the
changes.

Save As : This button will open a dialog asking for a f ile name and a location to save the current f ile. The
changes made since the last Save command will be written into the new f ile. The original f ile will not be
affected. The new f ile will become the current, open f ile.

Save Copy : This button is very similar to the Save As button. The system will create a duplicate copy of the
open f ile. The original f ile remains the current, open f ile. The name of the duplicate f ile can be changed.

Close : This button closes the current f ile. If the f ile has not been saved before clicking on the Close button,
a dialog will come up asking if the f ile should be saved.

Machine list: Clicking on the Machine pop-up menu will produce a list of all machines the software is set up to
handle. A copy of the Machine Type selection is stored with the part f ile. Thus, if you have a custom MDD
(machine type f ile) you may easily transfer the part f ile to another system. If the Mill, Advanced CS or Multi-
Task Machining modules have been installed, there will be additional choices.

Part Material: The information in this box is used to specify the material of the part. This will help in the
calculation of feeds and speeds for the machining processes. The calculations will come from either the
CutDATA Material Database (which is an option that can be purchased with the system) or from the default
material database. A custom material database can also be created. Refer to the “Material Database” section in
the Common Reference Guide for more information.

Measurement Units: These two radio buttons determine whether values input will be based on an English or
metric standard and entered in inches or millimeters. The measurement type used to generate the posted
output is determined by the post processor itself. There are English and metric post processors. If an English
post is used on a metric part, the posted numbers will be converted from millimeters to inches. Likewise,
metric posts will convert values from inches to millimeters.

MACHINE AND STOCK DETAILS

The bottom section of the Document dialog is specif ic to the type of part being made. This section of the
dialog will change to reflect the part def inition requirements as different machine types are selected. Thus, a
horizontal or vertical turning part’s setup is different from a 3-axis mill part which is different from a 4-axis
mill part which is different from a Multi-Task Machining part. In this manual we will strictly concern ourselves
with the turning settings.

8
 Part Set-Up

Stock Size diagram: This section of the dialog is used to specify the starting size of the part stock. The stock size
entered here will be used by the system to determine positioning moves when using the Auto Clearance
function. The stock dimensions will also be taken into account when generating toolpaths with the Material
Only option selected in the Process dialog. If custom stock has been created, the system will use the custom
stock size for toolpath and positioning moves. In that case, the values entered here will only be used to draw
the stock outline and origin marker correctly. The text box for the X dimension will be a radius or diameter
value depending on which option is selected for the X Dimension Style.

1. Part Diameter
2. Stock +Z dimension (past origin)
3. Stock –Z dimension (behind origin)

X Dimension Style: These two radio buttons determine whether the X values for the part are input as radii or
diameters. Some text boxes in particular dialogs specify that the value entered is either a radius or a diameter
value, regardless of the selection made here.

Tool Change Position: If the Tool Change option is turned “on” the turret will be sent to the X and Z dimensions
specif ied when a tool change occurs. If Tool Change is not on, it is assumed that either f ixture offsets are being
used or the operator will hand input the tool change moves.

Recommendations: Having Tool Change enabled is best for newer machines which use generic offsets
or Work Fixture Offsets. Having Tool Change off is best used with older machines which use G50
offsets.

Auto Clearance Option: When the Auto Clearance option is turned on, the system will calculate positioning
moves between operations. These positions will be dynamically calculated, meaning that they will change as
the material conditions of the part change. The value entered is an offset amount from the current part stock
that the system will use to maintain adequate clearance from the material. Refer to “Clearance Moves” on
page 55 for more information.

Fixed Clearance Positions: Fixed Clearance positions must be entered when the Auto Clearance option is turned
off. When the Auto Clearance option is on, the f ixed clearance position text boxes will be grayed out. The X
and Z values entered specify the location the tool will rapid to and from during a tool change. This position
will also be used when moving from one approach type to another. Refer to “Clearance Moves” on page 55 for
more information.

Holders: The items here describe the size or class of the tool holders found on the current machine.

Lathe Shank Size: This is the shank size of lathe tool holders for the current machine. This setting controls
what tool holders are actually available when def ining tools.

Mill Tool Holder Class: This is the class or standard size of the mill tool holder on the current machine.

Part Comment: Any text entered as a part comment will be shown in the part preview section of the Open
dialog and in the posted output.

9
 Part Set-Up

10
TOOL CREATION
 Tool Creation

CHAPTER 3 : Tool Creation

TOOL CREATION OVERVIEW
The tools button in the main palette will open the Tool List. The Tool List can hold up to 999 tools in a part
f ile. To create a tool double-click on an empty tile location to open a Tool Creation dialog. This dialog is used
to create and modify tools. Once the tool information has been entered and the dialog closed, a Tool Tile will
be created in the Tool List which displays the tool type and insert width. To index through the various tools
that have been created, click on the scroll arrows located at the top and bottom of the Tool List.

Tools can be reorganized in the list at any time, even after operations have been created, without reprocessing
the operations. To reorganize the order of tools, click once on the Tool Tile to be moved and drag it to an
insertion point. The system will automatically adjust the operations to reflect the change in tool order and
number. For more information on Tile Lists, refer to the Getting Started Guide.

Tool specif ications can be modif ied at any point during part creation. However, if operations have been
created using the tool, those operations must be reprocessed. To reprocess an operation, double-click on the
Operation Tile in the Operation List and click on the Redo button. The new tool specif ications will be
incorporated into the operation toolpath.

13
 Tool Creation

LATHE TOOL DIALOG

In order to def ine lathe tools a Lathe machine type must be selected in the Document dialog. The basic
turning tools are created using the Tool Creation dialog shown below. Each of the items contained in the dialog
is described in the following section.

1. Tool Type
2. Insert Types
3. Insert Specifications
4. Insert Orientation Diagram
5. Tool Holder Definition
6. Tool Options
7. Turret Shift

TOOL TYPE
This button is used to toggle between mill tools and lathe inserts. Mill tools should only be used
with the face drilling function unless you have the Mill/Turn or Multi-Task Machining
module(s) installed.

INSERT TYPES
This area is used to select the type of insert used with the tool holder. The Insert Specs will change depending
on the selected insert. Below is a list of Insert Types with each type’s available specif ications. In many cases,
checking Other brings up different options. The alternate options are listed after Other and any additional
modif ications are noted. See the Insert Specif ications section for a detailed description of each option.

80° Diamond Insert (80° C): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

55° Diamond Insert (55° D): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

14
 Tool Creation

35° Diamond Insert (35° V): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

Round Insert (rnd. R): Tip Radius, Thickness, Included Angle, Other

Square Insert (sqr. S): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

Triangle Insert (tri. T): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

Trigon Insert (tgn. W): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

Pentagon Insert (pent. P): Tip Radius, Inscribed Diameter, Thickness, Other

55° Parallelogram (55° K): Tip Radius, Width, Thickness, Other, Length

Rectangle (rect. L): Tip Radius, Size, Thickness, Other, checking Other replaces Size with insert Length(L) and
Width(W)

Grooving Insert (groove): Tip Width, Tip Radius, Insert Width, Full Radius, Deflection Compensation, Other,
checking Other replaces Full Radius with Length

Cut Off Insert (cut off): Tip Width, Tip Radius, Face Angle, Other, Length

Groove Style Threading Insert (thd. N): Style, TPI, Insert Width, Insert Type, Other, checking Other removes the
TPI option and replaces Insert Type with Length

Lay Down Style Threading Insert (thd. LT): Style, TPI, IC

35° Profiling Groove Style Insert (35° VN): Tip Radius, Width, Thickness, Other, Length

Form: Thickness, Entry/Exit Angle (Please see the FormTool section for additional data)

INSERT SPECIFICATIONS
This information will change depending on the currently selected insert type. Each of the pop-up menus will
limit the selections available in the pop-up menus that follow it. For example, selecting a Tip Radius will limit
the number of available Inscribed Circles and Thicknesses. Selecting an IC will further limit the number of
Thicknesses available. These settings will limit the number of available tool holders and boring bars in the
holder diagram. If no tool holders or boring bars are available, the None choice will be automatically selected.

15
 Tool Creation

When the Other checkbox is checked, the user can enter any tool specif ications they wish. When Other is
selected, the holder diagram is automatically set to None.

1. Tip Length
2. Tip Width
3. Tip Radius
4. Insert Width
5. Face Angle
6. Inscribed Diameter

Diameter Relief: The angle the tip is approaching, changing affects the Face Relief.

Entry/Exit Angle: The angle used for plunging into and retracting out of material before and after cutting.

Face Angle: The angle of the insert’s cutting face.

Face Relief: The angle of the insert’s approach, changing affects the Diameter Relief.

Full Radius: When enabled, this option will limit the grooving inserts available to only those with a full radius
tip.

IC: The inscribed circumference of the insert, effectively the size of the insert.

Included Angle: Used to def ine the touch off point and automatically calculate the Face Relief and Diameter
Relief settings for Round inserts.

Inscribed Diameter: The inscribed circle of the insert.

Insert Type: The type of insert.

Insert Width: The width of the insert.

Length: The length of the insert.

Other: If this item is on, the insert specs will switch from pop-up menus to text boxes. Any value can be
entered in the text boxes. The type of tool holder will automatically be set to None (although there might be
tool holder or boring bar selections available).

Size: The IC size of the rectangle. If the Other button is turned on with this type of insert, the length and width
of the insert need to be entered instead of the size.

Thickness: The thickness of the insert.

16
 Tool Creation

Tip Radius: The tip radius of the insert.

Tip Width: The width of the tip of the insert.

TPI: The threads per inch that the blueprint calls for.

Style: The thread style of the insert.

Width: The width of the insert. This is utilized when the tip width and the insert width would be the same
measurement.

FormTool: The system supports custom form tools for Lathe parts. Unlike Mill parts, Lathe form tools must be
a closed shape. Be sure to create the shape with the part origin in mind. The origin is used as the touch-off
point for the tool. All posted output with this tool is relative to this point. The Touch-off point is shown as a
red cross in the tool diagram.

The Steps To Make a Form Tool:

1. Create the prof ile geometry, taking into account the touch-off point.

2. Select the geometry (double click it).

3. Create a new tool, designate it as a Form Tool.

4. Click on the Apply button.

17
 Tool Creation

INSERT ORIENTATION DIAGRAM

This diagram is used to specify the orientation of the insert in the tool holder or boring bar.
Changing the information will not affect the availability of other items in the dialog, but it will
change the orientation of the drawing in the Holder diagram.

TOOL HOLDER DEFINITION

Tool Holder: This option will display the tool holders available for the specif ied insert type and size, as well as
for the machine’s shank size.

Boring Bar: This option will display the Boring Bars available for the specif ied insert type and size. All shank
sizes will be displayed.

Custom Holder Definition: This option is only

recommended if you need to create a custom holder
shape. Holders can be def ined by a geometry prof ile
(similar to creating a custom tool shape), by a solid
model of the holder or by numeric values (Custom). By
default the holder is set to None, meaning a holder will
not be used. To use a geometry shape, select the
geometry, select Profile and click OK. To use a solid
model, select the solid, select the Solid option and
click OK. The Apply To All Selected Tools option will
apply the current tool holder def inition to all the tool
tiles currently selected. The Show Solid option will
show the solid model that is currently set to be the
holder. Clicking the Make Profile button will create a
geometry prof ile from the Custom tool holder
def inition.

None: If None is selected, the insert will be drawn without a holder. This is automatically selected if there are
no tool holders or boring bars available in the database for the selected insert. The face and diameter relief
angles must be entered. The cross hair marker indicates the Touch-off point of the insert. The radio buttons
below the holder diagram designate whether the holder will be shown at its actual size, or at a calculated size
that is scaled to f it in the diagram.

Tool Diagram: The tool diagram provides information about the touch off and type of holder or boring bar that
will be used for the insert. The None choice is used for holders not in the software’s database. Use the scroll bar
to scroll through the list of available holders. The holder selection is used to determine the diameter relief and
face relief angles. The red circle on the insert shows the location of the Touch-off point. The radio buttons
below the holder diagram designate whether the holder will be shown at its actual size, or at a calculated size
that is scaled to f it in the box.

Holder Specs: Detailed information appears to the right of the diagram displaying the holder data.

TOOL OPTIONS
Forward/Reverse : Forward will turn the spindle in the forward or normal direction. Selecting Reverse will
reverse the spindle.

Offset #: Normally, the offset number of the tool is determined by its location in the Tool List. This box allows
the user to override that default with a different number.

18
 Tool Creation

Deflection Compensation: If this option is turned on, all contour and rough toolpaths generated with this tool
will contain deflection tool offset utility markers at every location in the toolpath where deflection occurs.
This will allow the user to f ine tune the deflection compensation that occurs while using this particular groove
tool.

Offset #: When Deflection Compensation is used, this is the offset that we will switch to at the end of the
stroke.

Tool ID #: Enter the tool ID you wish to use instead of the tool list position.

Insert Material : This is a pop-up menu used to specify the material of the tool. The information given here is
used by the Material Database as another factor in determining speeds and feeds. The default setting for Lathe
parts is Carbide Insert, Coated.

Notch Ramp: By selecting a notch ramp amount in a Tool Dialog, the toolpath will be created by adding the
ramp value to alternating strokes: one with, one without. In Roughing Operations, this will reduce the depth of
cut on one stroke and increase it on the next. Please ensure that the ramp value is smaller than the depth of
cut. (Notch Ramp is not available for Groove, Cut Off or Thread tools.)

Comment : This is a comment associated with the tool. It will be output in the f inished code at the beginning
of every operation that uses this tool.

TURRET SHIFT
This enables a Turret Shift (see below). It is used to specify the preset point for the tool. It can also be used to
set up different tool change positions for each tool.

1. Default Tool Change

2. Preset Point
3. Turret Shift

Default Tool Change: This is a reference to the setting in the Document Control Dialog.

Preset Point: This information is only required on some older machines. The two boxes are for entering the Xr
and Z distances from the preset point to the default tool change position. They are absolute values. These vales
are unique to each tool This function is useful for pre-programming G50 offsets in the off ice using GibbsCAM
rather than on the floor.

Turret Shift Dialog: This dialog is used to specify the distance from the preset point (also known as the Touch-
off point or the theoretical tip of the tool) of the tool to the center of the turret. It can also be used to specify a
different tool change position for the tool.

19
 Tool Creation

TOOL OFFSET
When roughing or contouring, the system calculates a tool offset amount based on the tip radius of the insert.
This is the amount the f inishing pass of the toolpath (the only pass if contouring) will be offset from the
selected part geometry. If a stock amount is entered for the process, that stock amount will be added to the
tool radius offset.

CUTTER RADIUS COMPENSATION (CRC)

In the File > Preferences > Machining Prefs dialog there are options to control the CRC types for Milling and
Turning ops. Tool Center is the recommended option because that is the method used by the system to display
the toolpaths and cut part rendered images regardless of the setting of the Contour Cutter Comp, which only
affects the posted output.

When the Tool Center item is selected, the numbers generated in the posted code will be the geometry offset
by a tip radius (providing the Stock amount is 0). Tool Center is the recommended selection for this
preference. When the Tool Edge item is selected, the numbers generated in the posted code will be the same as
the blueprint numbers.

Roughing operations will always be calculated from the tool center. If the Tool Edge item is selected for this
preference, CRC should be turned off in all roughing operations.

When using Tool Center, the offset in the CRC register at the control should be the difference between the tip
radius of the actual insert used and the tip radius of the insert programmed in the system. If the inserts are
identical, the CRC offset number should be zero. If the actual insert is smaller, a negative value can be used.

When using Tool Edge, the offset in the CRC register must be the full tool radius. Toolpath is to the tool edge,
including tool geometry. You also need a post processor that supports Tool Edge output. If your post processor
is incompatible, the system will warn you if this incompatibility.

When using Finish Profile, the output path is the prof ile that follows the selected geometry. The CRC register
must contain the full tool radius and any desired stock amount.

WARNING: The system does a much better job offsetting the tool than the majority of controls
currently available. Regardless of the setting made in this preference, all toolpath drawing and cut part
rendering will be calculated and displayed using the system’s offsetting mechanism. Therefore, it is
! possible for the cut part rendered image produced by the system to look good while the tool, cutting
according to the posted code, will not cut well. If the control’s offsetting mechanism is less advanced
than the system’s, it is possible that when the control produces the offset values, errors and interference
will result.

20
 Tool Creation

TOOL LIST SUMMARY

Selecting Tool List Summary from the Window menu displays the Tool List Summary dialog which provides
information in spreadsheet form about each tool contained in the Tool List. The information in the dialog can
either be saved as a text f ile or printed out. To save the summary as a text f ile, select the Tool List Summary
item from the Save Special submenu in the File menu. To print the summary, select the Tool List Summary
item from the Print submenu in the File menu.

21
 Tool Creation

22
MACHINING
 Machining

CHAPTER 4 : Machining
MACHINING OVERVIEW
Clicking the Machining button will bring up the Process List, the Machining palette, and the
Operation List. The Process List is used to create sets of operations to be performed on cut shapes. The
Machining palette contains Function Tiles that when used in conjunction with Tool Tiles create Process Tiles.
The Process List is a “staging area” that is used to generate f inished operations which contain the toolpaths for
cutting the part. When an operation is f inished and placed in the Operation List, the items in the Process List
can be thrown away or reused with a different cut shape. The Operation List contains the completed
operations that will be output during post processing.

CREATING AN OPERATION
Each tile in the Process List will be applied to the selected geometry. A Process Tile is created by dragging a
Function Tile from the Machining palette and a Tool Tile from the Tool List to the same location in the
Process List. They can be dragged in any order. When a Process Tile is complete, a Process dialog specif ic to
the chosen machining function will appear. This dialog contains detailed information about the way the
operation’s toolpath will be created.

1. Tool List
2. Process List
3. CAM palette

To def ine multiple processes with the same machining type, hold down the ALT key and drag a machining tile
over any selected process tile. This will apply the machining process to all selected tiles.

Contouring and roughing functions require that geometry be selected to act as the cut shape for the operation.
Machining Markers are used to select the portions of the geometry to be used as the cut shape when creating a
toolpath. The markers will appear on the geometry when it is selected. If a drilling or threading function is
being used, no geometry is required to create an operation.

25
 Machining

After the information in the Process dialog has been entered, place the machining markers in the correct
locations on the geometry. Machining Markers are not used for drilling and threading functions. Clicking on
the Do It button will create an operation(s). The operation(s) will be placed in the Operation List. If any
completed operations are selected (in yellow), the Redo button is available. If the Redo button is depressed,
the selected operations will be replaced by the new operations. Clicking on an empty operation location or an
insertion point between operation locations will deselect all the operations.

Operations contain the f inished toolpaths. A toolpath consists of the actual moves the tool will make. The
toolpath is based on the cut shape. The data contained in the operation is what the post processor will use to
make G-code.

MULTIPLE TOOL DRAGGING

There are two behaviors to consider when dragging multiple tools. First, by selecting multiple tools (shift-click
or CTRL-click) and dragging the group to the machining palette, the tools will f ill in wherever they are
dropped. If there are machining tiles present, they will be populated. If the machining tiles are blank, the tools
will populate wherever they are dropped (including between tiles if placed on an insert point.) If you hold
down the ALT key when dropping tools on top of machining tiles, the tool (or tools) will populate all selected
tiles.Holding down ALT and dragging also works to populate multiple tools with process tiles at once.

WHAT IS A CUT SHAPE?

A cut shape is used to generate a toolpath. It is not drawn on the screen, but can be visualized as the f inished
shape left after the removal of material by the toolpath. A cut shape (not the original geometry) is used to
create a toolpath because programming the toolpath to the geometry as it is def ined on the blueprint will
usually gouge the part. The software automatically generates the cut shape. Various specif ications and
limitations are taken into consideration in the creation of the cut shape.

The machining markers (the start and end point and start and end feature markers) allow the user to specify
the portion of geometry (or the entire shape) that will act as the initial outline of the cut shape. The system
then takes into account the physical attributes of the tool being used in the process, such as insert type, tool
holder, relief specs, etc. in order to prevent possible tool interference when applying the tool to the cut shape
being machined. The cut shape is further governed by information entered in the Process dialog, such as
Entry/Exit Radius, Stock Shape, Axes, etc. The system employs the concept of a cut shape so that it is not
necessary to create different geometry for different operations in order to avoid gouging the part.

MULTIPLE PROCESS PROGRAMMING

The Material Only option available in the Contouring and Roughing Process dialogs is particularly useful when
doing multiple process programming. Material Only provides for “no air cutting.” When selected, the system
optimizes the toolpaths created by only making feed moves where there is material that needs to be removed.
The system takes into account the material conditions in terms of what has already been cut in previous
operations, including those contained in the same Process List.

MODIFYING AN OPERATION
Double-clicking on an item in the Operation List will recreate all of the information in the Process List. It will
also select the geometry and place the markers exactly as they were when the Do It button was pressed. Any
operations that were created at the same time as the selected operation will become selected and their
information will also be placed in the Process List. Click on the Redo button after the changes have been made.
This will replace all selected operations in the Operation List with the newly created operations.

26
 Machining

MACHINING PALETTE
Each tile in the Machining palette has a different function. The Contouring function is used for taking a single
f inish pass. The Roughing function is used for taking multiple passes. The Threading function is used for
making different types of threads. The Drilling function is used for drilling a hole at X = 0.

The order of machining in the f inished NC program is the same as in the Operation List. This means that the
order of Operation Tiles in the Operation List is very important. Eff icient use of multiple process
programming may produce operations in a less-than-optimal machining order. The Operation List can be
organized as the part is being created or when all operations to cut the part have been completed. Clicking on
the Sort Operations menu item from the op tile right mouse menu reorganizes the operations by tool number
and creation order. Operations created in the same Process List will maintain their order to ensure that
f inishing passes cannot be moved in front of roughing passes, etc. The Operation List can also be manually
rearranged by moving tiles to different locations in the list.

While the Operation List can be reorganized to create a more optimal machining order, there are some other
considerations. When using the Auto Clearance option and/or the Material Only option, the system takes into
account the material conditions when it creates the positioning moves and toolpath for each operation.
Changing the order of operations has the potential to change the initial material conditions for existing
operations. If the order of operations is changed or operations are added or removed from the list, the
toolpaths and positioning moves should be checked. Rendering the part is a good way to check if changes need
to be made to the tool moves due to tool interference or unnecessary incorrect positioning moves. If
adjustments need to be made, the operations must be reprocessed. Reprocessing all operations in a part f ile is
very easy using the Redo All Ops item under the Edit menu. When the operations are reprocessed, the system
will recalculate all of the toolpaths and positioning moves based on the new order of operations.

27
 Machining

28
PROCESSES
 Processes

CHAPTER 5 : Processes
PROCESS DIALOGS
Process dialogs appear on the screen when a Function Tile from the Machining palette and a Tool Tile from
the Tool List are placed in a Process List location. There are four types of Process dialogs that correspond with
the four types of functions available in the Machining palette. The options available with each of these
processes are described in this section.

CONTOUR PROCESS
The Contour process is used to take a single pass along a shape. When a Contouring Function Tile is
combined with a tile from the Tool List, the following Process dialog will appear.

1. Contour Cut Options

2. Contour Entry and Exit
3. Contour Style

Contour Cut Options

Approach Type: This should be the f irst selection made in any Process dialog. The Approach Type selection
designates the axis (Z or X) along which the tool will approach the part. The OD and Front ID options specify
that the tool approach and retract along the X axis, while the Front Face option requires that the tool approach
and retract along the Z axis. Also, selecting one of these radio buttons will change the Clearance Diagram that
appears in the middle of the Process dialog.

Clearance Diagram: This picture will change depending on the Approach Type selection and on the Clearance
selection made in the Document dialog. The Approach Type selection will change the axis of approach.

If Auto Clearance is selected in the Document dialog, the diagram will disable the clearance position values
because they are calculated based on the Auto Clearance value.

31
 Processes

Entry Clearance specif ies the diameter or radius location the tool will make a rapid move to before feeding to
the operation start point. The Exit Clearance position specif ies the location the tool may rapid to after
completing its toolpath for that operation. Both boxes are labeled with arrows going towards and away from
the part, respectively.

Forward: This indicates the direction the tool will move along the designated cut shape. If the Forward option
is selected, the tool will move from the start point to the end point of the selected cut shape as designated by
the machining markers. Left unchecked, the tool will move from the end point to the start point of the selected
cut shape.

Square Corners: This checkbox determines the external corner moves for a cut shape. When this option is
turned on, the system does not add a radius move at the corners of the cut shape. Instead, the tool only makes
sharp moves when going around a corner and will leave contact with the f inished shape, possibly creating a
burr at the corner. If this option is not selected, the system automatically makes a radius move when rounding
a corner so that the tool always stays in contact with the part.

No Drag: A checkbox that indicates how the contour will be cut. When this option is selected, the chosen cut
shape is automatically broken up into segments that will be cut along the positive insert angle direction. All
cutting will be “pushing” the insert, not “pulling” it.

Deflection Compensation (Groove Tool): By choosing a “No Drag” style

toolpath you have the option to specify a deflection compensation amount.
The tool motion is modif ied whenever the deflection compensation is in
effect. This will break a contour into (possibly) several toolpaths so that the
insert is always cutting in a “forward” direction. This eliminates drag or cutting with the back side of the insert.

Cut Off: A checkbox for use with cut off tools. If the post processor has been appropriately customized, turning
this option on will trigger the post processor to output any special codes necessary for removing a part from
bar stock.

Contour Entry and Exit

The Entry and Exit options can create additional movements that will be added to the tool path. When the f irst
option is selected, a 90° arc of the specif ied radius value will be added to the toolpath. This arc will be tangent
to the start feature at the start point. If a value is entered in the Line text box, a line of the specif ied length will
be created tangent to the arc. Also, if this is selected and the radius value is zero, the line will not be

32
 Processes

perpendicular but instead will be parallel. When the second option is selected, a line of the specif ied length
will be added to the cut shape. This line will be perpendicular to the start feature at the start point.

Selecting the Advanced option allows you to def ine custom Entry and Exit Moves using the Entry/Exit Tab.
The options and behavior of these moves are similar to Mill entry/exit except that there are no Z Ramp moves
for Lathe. You may def ine moves for Entry and Exit independently. Checking the Exit option enables the Exit
moves, which can be set to the defaults or to advanced options.

Radius Entry/Exit: Select this option to base your entry/exit move on a radius.

CRC Line: This generates a line that allows Cutter Radius Compensation to activate. The CRC line can be
tangent or perpendicular to the Off Part Line depending on your machining preferences.

Off Part Line: This is generated after the CRC line, and generates a line that feeds into (or off for exit) the part.

Entry/Exit Radius: This determines the radius of the entry/exit curve.

Off Part Dist: This determines how far the system should follow the radius of the entry/exit curve. If this value
is equal to the entry/exit radius, a 90-degree curve will result.

Line Entry/Line Exit: Line entry or exit will be based on a custom angle. The entry/exit axis will be
perpendicular to the feature.

33
 Processes

Contour Style
The Contour Style selection affects the toolpaths created for the current operation. If the Material Only option
is selected, the system takes into account the current stock conditions, including custom stock specif ications,
when creating the toolpaths for an operation. When Material Only is on, the toolpath will only feed over areas
that have not yet been machined in previous operations. The system keeps track of material removed in
previous operations and generates the current toolpath based on that information, providing for “no air
cutting.”

Because of this, the order of operations directly affects how the part will be cut. If the order of operations is
changed or operations are added or removed, all operations should be reprocessed in order to account for the
change. The Redo All Ops item in the Edit menu makes reprocessing all operations of a part very easy.

The Clearance value specif ies an offset amount from the material that the system uses to calculate where the
tool can safely rapid during an operation. If the tool is within the clearance amount, only feed moves will be
allowed.

The Full option gives the user more control over toolpath creation. When the Full option is selected, the
toolpath generated will feed over the selected cut shape from the start point to the end point as designated by
the machining markers.

Corner Break: The value entered in this text box specif ies a radius that will be put on every outside sharp corner
of the selected cut shape. A value of zero will not break the corner, but will keep the tool in contact with the
part as it moves to the next feature. Note that Corner Break is only available when Square Corners is not
selected.

Fin. Stock ±: The Fin. Stock value specif ies the minimum amount of material that will be left on the cut shape
(equally on all faces) after a toolpath is completed.

Xr Stock: The Xr Stock value allows the user to specify any additional stock amount for the X axis. The value
entered here specif ies the amount of material that will be left on the cut shape along the X axis only.

Z Stock: The Z Stock value allows the user to specify a stock amount for the Z axis. The Z Stock value specif ies
the amount of material that will be left on the cut shape along the Z axis only.

Cutter Radius Compensation On: A checkbox that indicates whether Cutter Radius Compensation is turned on
or off. GibbsCAM has a number of rules for when and where it will generate CRC markers. These rules have
been chosen so as to be as safe as possible for the widest range of machines. This means that while a specif ic
machine may be able to handle different CRC rules, we will not generate markers for all cases by default. CRC
rules on arcs are the primary example of this.

For new toolpaths, GibbsCAM will do the following:

1. CRC will be activated on entry moves, before the entry arc. If there is no move before the entry arc, CRC
will be activated on the arc. GibbsCAM has a warning that will tell the end user when they are using CRC
without a line move. In general we consider CRC activation on an arc to be an invalid case, because it does
not accurately cut the arc.

2. CRC will be activated on exit moves, after the exit arc. If there is no move after the exit arc, the CRC
deactivation will be made on the Depth move. Again, GibbsCAM will warn when a user does not have a
line move. In general we consider CRC deactivation on an arc to be an invalid case, because it does not
accurately cut the arc.

34
 Processes

3. Some Operations have the option of deferring CRC activation until later in the toolpath (roughing with a
f inish pass.) Rules 1 and 2 will be applied to the f inish pass only.

For old Toolpaths, GibbsCAM will only follow rules 1 and 2. No markers will be added for rapids imbedded in
the toolpath.

Coolant: A checkbox which indicates whether coolant is turned on in a process. Flood is the standard coolant
option. Additional coolant options are available with custom post processors.

CSS (Constant Surface Speed): Selecting the CSS item will activate Constant Surface Speed (CSS). CSS will cause
the spindle RPM to constantly change based on the diameter the tool is at and the SFPM used.

Max RPM: The Max RPM setting is used to set an upper safe limit on the spindle RPM. If CSS is off, the
specif ied RPM value will be used for the spindle speed.

The SFPM and Feed values can be automatically calculated based on the material selected if the CutDATA
Material database is installed. In order for these values to be calculated and entered in the appropriate boxes,
the SFPM and Feed buttons must be clicked. If no material is selected or the CutDATA Material database is not
installed, the user will need to manually enter values for the feed and speed.

Entry Feed: By clicking on the Entry Feed button, the software will calculate the value based on our materials
database. Alternatively, you may manually override the calculated value by inputting your own value. The entry
feedrate is written to the toolpath for output in G code.

Contour Feed: This will calculate the best feedrate based on the material type selected using CutDATA.

Cut Direction Axes: The Cut Direction Axes checkboxes allow the user to regulate the axes and directions of the
cut shape. Deselecting an axis will prevent cut shape moves in that axis direction. The default settings should
have all axes selected.

35
 Processes

ROUGH PROCESS
Rough processes are used to take multiple passes on a shape. When the Rough function tile is combined
with a Tool tile, the following Process dialog will appear.

1. Roughing Cut Options

2. Rough Type
3. Stock Options
4. Roughing Feeds and
Speeds
5. Clearance Diagram
6. Rough Style
7. Coolant
8. Cut Direction Axes

Roughing Cut Options

Approach Type: The Approach Type selection designates the axis (Z or X) along which the tool will approach
the part. The OD and Front ID options specify that the tool approach and retract along the X axis, while the
Front Face option requires that the tool approach and retract along the Z axis. Also, selecting one of these
radio buttons changes the Clearance Diagram that appears in the right-hand corner of the Process dialog.

Cut Direction: These checkboxes indicate the direction the tool will move along the designated cut shape. If the
Forward option is checked, the tool will move from the start point to the end point of the selected cut shape as
designated by the machining markers. Otherwise the tool will move from the end point to the start point of
the selected cut shape. When the Back & Forth option is turned on, the tool will cut in both directions without
rapiding to the beginning of the toolpath after each pass.

Start Side Extension: This option allows you to set an extra start distance for each roughing pass. This helps to
ensure the tool will have a feed move starting off of the material.

36
 Processes

Rough Type
The Rough Type radio buttons indicate what type of roughing cycle will be used for the current process. The
three available rough types are Turn, Plunge, and Pattern Shift. Each rough type has a corresponding Clearance
Diagram. The Plunge and Pattern Shift options will bring up dialogs asking for additional information specif ic
to the selected rough cycle. The information required for each rough type is detailed below.

Turn: When the Turn option is selected, a Cut Depth amount must be entered that specif ies the depth of cut
the tool will make on each roughing pass. Depending on the Approach Type selected, the cut depth will either
be an Xr or Z value. Please note that Notch Ramp (set in the tool dialog) will reduce the depth of cut on one
stroke and increase it on the next. Please ensure that the ramp value is smaller than the depth of cut.

Pull Off Wall: Checking this box will cause the tool to pull off the wall instead of machining the wall. This will
result in a “stair-step” toolpath as the tool pulls up and retracts.

Cleanup Pass: A cleanup pass will go back and remove any material left by Pull Off Wall.

Figure 1: Toolpath generated with Pull Off Wall and a Cleanup Pass.

Plunge: When a Plunge Rough Type is selected, the following changes are made to the standard Rough dialog.

Plunge dialog: This dialog allows the user to input specif ications for
Plunge roughing cycles. The Plunge Angle specif ies the angle at which
the groove tool will plunge into the part. The default value for the
Plunge Angle is 270°, which causes the tool to plunge straight down.
There are two options available for the Cut Width. When the Exact
option is selected, the user enters a distance in Z that the tool will step
over on each plunge. The Calculate option will vary the cut width as
necessary so that the toolpath hits the endpoints of every feature in the
selected cut shape. When the Center Out Cuts option is selected, the
tool will make its f irst plunge in the center of the groove, and then
proceed to rough out each side. The Multi-Pass option performs
“breadth f irst style plunging.” This will take cuts across at the same
level X and then drop down by the step amount. The Plunge Type
options allow the user to select the type of move the tool will make
when it f irst enters the part in a plunge roughing operation. The
Plunge Type options include Feed, Peck Full Out and Peck Retract and
are described in detail below.

Plunge: This option designates that the f irst plunge will be a

continuous feed move from the clearance position to the bottom of
the groove. The First Feed percent value specif ies the percentage of
the feed rate setting for the Process.

37
 Processes

On First Plunge Only: For Peck Full Out and Peck Retract, you may designate these options for the f irst
plunge only.

Peck Full Out: This option designates that the f irst plunge be a peck. The user specif ies a Peck Amt and a
Clearance amount. Because it is a Peck Full Out, after each peck the tool will retract all the way out of the
groove to the clearance position. The tool will then reenter the part and begin its peck move a clearance
distance away from the remaining material.

Peck Retract: This option also designates that the f irst plunge be a peck. A Peck Amt is again specif ied. In
addition, the user specif ies a Retract amount which specif ies how far the tool will come out of the actual
cut instead of coming all the way out of the part.

Pattern Shift: This dialog allows the user to input specif ications for Pattern Shift
roughing cycles. The Xr Cut and Z Cut values specify the amount of material to be
removed on each roughing pass. The cut amount in each axis does not need to be
the same.

If the Full option is selected for the Rough Style, the user must enter a Cycle Start
Point and designate the number of passes to be made. The Cycle Start Point
specif ies the coordinate the tool uses as the beginning point for the Pattern Shift
roughing cycle. This point should be clear of the part. The Fixed option, when
turned on, designates that the tool will return to the Cycle Start Point after each
pass. When this option is not on, the tool will return to the Cycle Start Point minus
the Xr Cut and Z Cut after each pass. The Passes value specif ies the number of cuts
necessary to remove the desired amount of material in this process.

If the Square Corners option is selected, the system will not add a radius move at the corners of the cut shape.
Instead, the tool will only make sharp moves when going around a corner and will leave contact with the
f inished shape, possibly creating a burr at the corner. If this option is not selected, the system will always stay
in contact with the part when moving around corners.

Offset Contour: This type of roughing produces passes that follow the shape
of the part prof ile on every pass, using a decreasing offset for each pass. This
should be used when it is desirable to follow the shape of the f inal contour
with all roughing passes. This is advantageous in that each pass removes a consistent amount of material for
the entire pass, unlike other roughing types which can intersect the part prof ile at different positions along the
pass. This is particularly important for materials that work-harden due to the fact that these materials can
cause too wear or breakage if any of the cutting is performed with a thin amount of material being removed.

Clearance Diagram
The picture will change depending on various options such as the Approach Type selected and the Clearance
option selected in the Document dialog. Auto Clearance will calculate the clearance positions automatically if
it is the selected option. If not, the user must enter Entry and Exit Clearance Positions which are used
differently depending on the Approach Type selected.

38
 Processes

An Auto Clearance value in the Document dialog will disable the Entry and Exit
Clearance positions because they are handled universally.

If Material Only is selected as the Rough Style, the diagram will have
options for Entry and Exit Clearance Positions as shown in the picture.
The Entry Clearance Position specif ies the location the tool will make
a rapid move to before feeding to the operation start point. The Exit
Clearance Position specif ies the location the tool may rapid to after
completing its toolpath for that operation. Both boxes are labeled with
arrows going towards and away from the part, respectively. The use of the values entered for the Entry
Clearance Position and Exit Clearance Position changes depending on the Approach Type selected. Refer to the
Clearance Moves section in this chapter for more details.

The X Stock Start Position designates the position the f irst cut will be
calculated from. This position will only need to be specif ied if the Full
option is selected for the Rough Style (instead of Material Only). The
move from this position to the f irst cut will be the amount of the cut
depth. It will be a rapid move if the Rapid Step option is turned on
under the Full option. Otherwise, it will be a feed move.

The Entry Clearance Position specif ies the position the tool will retract to between each pass. The use of this
value changes depending on the Approach Type selected. The use of the value entered for the Exit Clearance
Position changes depending on the Approach Type selected. Refer to the Clearance Moves section in this
chapter for more information.

The X Stock Start Position only needs to be specif ied when the Full option is selected for the Rough Style. This
position will only be used when either Peck Full Out or Peck Retract is chosen for the First Plunge option.
When that is the case, the value entered will be used as the point the f irst peck will be calculated from. The
axis will change depending on the Approach Type selected.

Rough Style
The Rough Style selection affects the toolpaths created for the current operation. If the Material Only option is
selected, the system takes into account the current stock conditions, including custom stock specif ications,
when creating the toolpaths for an operation. When Material Only is on, the toolpath will only feed over areas
that have not yet been machined in a previous operations. The system keeps track of material removed in
previous operations and generates the current toolpath based on that information, providing for “no air
cutting.”

Because of this, the order of operations directly affects how the part will be cut. If the order of operations is
changed or operations are added or removed, all operations should be reprocessed in order to calculate for the
change. The Redo All Ops item in the Edit menu makes reprocessing all operations of a part a very easy
process.

The Clearance value specif ies an offset amount from the part geometry that the system uses to calculate where
the tool can safely rapid during an operation. If the tool is within the clearance amount, only feed moves will

39
 Processes

be allowed. This Clearance amount will be looked at along with the Auto Clearance amount when creating any
necessary entry and exit moves.

The Full option gives the user more control over toolpath creation. When the Full option is selected, the
toolpath generated will simply feed over the selected cut shape from the start point to the end point as
designated by the machining markers. If the Rapid Step option is turned on, the tool will make rapid moves
between each pass, otherwise all moves in the toolpath itself will be feed moves.

Stock Options
Corner Break: The value entered in this text box specif ies a radius that will be put on every outside sharp corner
of the selected cut shape. A value of zero will not break the corner, but will keep the tool in contact with the
part as it moves to the next feature. Corner breaks are only calculated with turn and pattern shift roughing
cycles.

Fin. Stock ±: The Fin. Stock value specif ies the minimum amount of material that will be left on the cut shape
after a toolpath is completed. The Fin. Stock amount affects the cut shape which in turn affects the toolpath
created in a canned cycle.

Xr Stock ±: The Xr Stock value allows the user to specify an additional stock amount for the X axis. The value
entered here specif ies the amount of material that will be left on the cut shape along the X axis only. This stock
amount is used as a parameter in canned cycles.

Z Stock ±: The Z Stock value allows the user to specify a separate stock amount for the Z axis. The Z Stock value
specif ies the amount of material that will be left on the cut shape along the Z axis only. This stock amount is
used as a parameter in canned cycles.

Roughing Feeds and Speeds

CSS (Constant Surface Speed): Selecting the CSS item will activate Constant Surface Speed (CSS). CSS will cause
the spindle RPM to constantly change based on the diameter the tool is at and the SFPM used. The Max RPM
setting is used to set an upper safe limit on the spindle RPM. If CSS is off, the specif ied RPM value will be used
for the spindle speed.

The SFPM and Feed values can be automatically calculated based on the material selected if the CutDATA
Material database is installed. In order for these values to be calculated and entered in the appropriate boxes,
the SFPM and Feed buttons must be clicked. If no material is selected or the CutDATA Material database is not
installed, the user will need to manually enter values for the feed and speed.

Entry Feed: By clicking on the Entry Feed button, the software will calculate the value based on our materials
database. Alternatively, you may manually override the calculated value by inputting your own value. The entry
feedrate is written to the toolpath for output in G code. This value affects every potential entry move of a
toolpath.

Coolant
Flood: This is the standard coolant option. Additional coolant options are available with custom post
processors.

Prefer Canned: A checkbox that will output roughing cycles as canned cycles if the lathe being programmed is
capable of handling canned cycles. If the Auto Finish option is turned on, a canned f inishing pass will
automatically be added to the post processed code after the roughing canned cycle. The Prefer Canned option
is only available when using Fixed Clearance positions (NOT Auto Clearance) and the Full Rough Style (NOT
Material Only).

40
 Processes

Cut Direction Axes

The Cut Direction Axes checkboxes allow the user to regulate the axes and directions of the cut shape.
Deselecting an axis will prevent cut shape moves in that axis direction. The default settings should have all
axes selected.

41
 Processes

THREAD PROCESS
Thread processes are used to create ID and OD threads. When the Threading Function tile is combined
with a Tool tile, the Process dialog shown below will appear. For more information on thread creation,
see “Threading” on page 47

1. Thread Cut Options

2. Thread Definition
3. Thread Depth of Cut
4. Thread Clearance
Diagram
5. Thread Machining
Parameters

Thread Cut Options

Cut Direction: The selection made for this option determines the direction the tool will move when creating the
thread. If the Z- option is selected, the tool will move towards the spindle. If the Z+ option is selected the tool
will move away from the spindle. The Run In and Run Out distances and the actual thread start and end will
change positions in the Clearance/Thread Diagram depending on the cut selection.

Approach Type: With both selections in the threading process, the approach is along the X axis. These
selections allow the user to determine whether the thread will be located on the OD or the Front ID of the part.
The Clearance/Thread Diagram will change according to the choice made here.

Thread Definition
Style: The choices for Style are contained in a pop-up menu and allow the user to specify what type of thread
will be cut. The selection made here designates the appropriate thread form for control of calculations.

Nominal Xd: The value entered in this text box is the diameter location of the thread as specif ied on the part
blueprint.

TPI: The value entered in this text box specif ies the number of threads per inch.

Pitch: TPI and Pitch are interactive inputs. Entering either the TPI or Pitch calculates the value for the other
input. For example, entering a TPI value of 1.0 will calculate a Pitch value of 25.4 (and vice versa.)

Taper: Taper is a “slope” value, not an angle. A slope is a ratio of vertical/horizontal distances. The equivalent
angle is:

42
 Processes

angle = tan (vertical/horizontal) or tan (slope)

The NPT specif ication def ines the taper as 1/16, or 1” vertical for 16” horizontal, with the horizontal measured
on the diameter. This entry requires a radial slope, or 1/32. You may type in 1/32 or you may type in .03125,
the decimal equivalent. If your taper is def ined as a radial angle, the slope = arctan (angle).

# of Starts: The value entered here is the number of starts for the thread. Most standard threads have one start.
If a value greater than one is entered here, the process will create a multiple thread start.

Major Xd: The value in this text box automatically defaults to the value entered for the Nominal Xd; however, it
can be changed. Cutting begins at this diameter on an OD thread.

Minor Xd: The value in this text box defaults to a calculated value based on the Nominal Xd and the desired
pitch. Cutting begins at this diameter on an ID thread.

Thrd Ht Xr: This value is calculated by taking the difference between the Major and Minor diameters and
dividing it by two. It represents the Thread Height given as a radius value.

In Feed: This section allows the user to control how a threading insert will cut. The Balanced option will cut
with both sides of the insert equally. For UN thread forms, a Balanced or 0° In Feed takes all cuts at the same Z
position. The Thrd Angle selection allows the user to specify the In Feed angle. The value entered is measured
in degrees and specif ies the single edge In Feed angle for the thread form. The value 29.5° is the default Thrd
Angle for all thread types. Each cut starts at a different Z position, always cutting with one edge. The Alternate
option is available when Thrd Angle is the In Feed selection. When turned “on,” each cut taken at the specif ied
angle will alternate (e.g. 29.5°, -29.5°, 29.5°) Only one edge is used at a time to cut, but it alternates to provide
for maximum insert life. This is also known as “using the leading edge & trailing edge alternately”.

Thread Depth of Cut

The selections made in this box allow the user to designate the cut depth for each pass of the threading
operation. The One Finish Pass option specif ies that the tool will make a single pass over the thread. Its
primary use is to remove burrs or small excesses of material on an existing thread. Selecting One Finish Pass
will grey out the Last Cut dialog, as there is only one pass. The Const Cut selection allows the user to designate
the Depth Of Cut that the threading tool will make on each pass. The value is measured as a radius and is
entered in the text box labeled 1st. The Const Load selection allows the user to specify the depth of the cut
made on the f irst pass. This value is also measured as a radius and entered in the text box labeled 1st. The
amount of material (the load) removed for that depth of cut will be calculated, and on each successive pass the
depth of cut will decrease while the tool pressure remains constant.

The Last Cut option is selected to prevent any cut from removing less than a given amount of material on the
last pass. The value entered is measured as a radius value and specif ies the minimum cut for the constant load
to diminish to. The Spring Pass option can be used in conjunction with any of the depth of cut selections. It
will create additional passes equal to the number entered after the thread has been cut.

43
 Processes

Thread Clearance Diagram

1. Auto Clearance
2. Thread End
3. Thread Start
4. Z Run Out
5. Z Run In
6. Entry Clearance
7. Exit Clearance

If the Auto Clearance option is on, no Entry and Exit Clearance Positions need to be entered. If Auto Clearance
is off, the Entry and Exit Clearance Positions must be entered to specify where the tool will move to when
approaching and retracting from the part.

Run In values are used if the threading tool needs to begin a certain distance away from the actual thread start
in order to accelerate to the proper feed rate. The Z Run In distance allows the user to designate a distance
along the Z axis to begin the threading pass. The X Run In distance can be used in conjunction with the Z Run
In distance to start the thread at an angle. The Run Out values allow the user to designate a distance and angle
for the threading tool to come off the thread and function the same as the Run In values.

The Run In and Run Out labels and values will change positions in the diagram depending on whether the tool
is cutting towards the spindle or away from the spindles which is determined by the selection made for cut
direction (Z+ or Z-).

The Actual Thread Start and Actual Thread End values specify where along the Z axis the thread will begin and
end. Any Run In or Run Out values will be added on the actual length of the thread.

Thread Machining Parameters

Coolant: This checkbox indicates whether coolant is on. Flood is the standard coolant option. Additional
coolant options are available with custom post processors.

Prefer Canned: A checkbox that will output threading passes as canned cycles if the lathe being programmed is
capable of handling canned cycles.

Material button: Clicking on this button will open the Materials dialog which will enable the system to
calculate the recommended speed for the material selected. Refer to the Material Database section in this
chapter for details.

Speed: RPM: The value entered here is the rate of the spindle measured in revolutions per minute. You may
manually enter the RPM or click the button to auto-calculate the RPM based on the Material database.

HOLES PROCESS
Holes Processes are used to make holes on center (X0). When the Drilling Function tile is combined
with a Tool tile, the following Process dialog will appear.

Holes Entry/Exit Cycle

The selections made here determine the cycle the tool will use to make its hole features. The choices include:
Feed In-Rapid Out, Feed In-Feed Out, Tap, Rigid Tap, Peck Full Out, and Peck Chip Breaker. Additional Entry
and Exit Cycles are available with custom post processors.
44
 Processes

1. Holes Entry/Exit Cycle

2. Holes Drilling Options
3. Holes Clearance/Drill Diagram
4. Holes Machining Parameters

Holes Drilling Options

Clearance: This text box is only active if Peck Full Out is the selected Entry/Exit Cycle. The value entered
specif ies the incremental distance away from the material that the tool will start its next peck from.

Peck: This text box is only active when either Peck Full Out or Peck Chip Breaker is the selected Entry/Exit
Cycle. The value entered here specif ies the depth increment the tool will drill on each peck.

Retract: This text box is only active if Peck Chip Breaker is the selected Entry/Exit Cycle. The value entered here
specif ies the amount the tool will retract after each peck.

Holes Clearance/Drill Diagram

1. Auto Clearance
2. Drill Surface Z
3. Spot Diameter
4. Entry Clearance Plane
5. Exit Clearance Plane
6. Sharp Tip Z
7. Full Diameter Z

Entry and Exit Clearance Positions will need to be entered only if the Auto Clearance option is turned off, in
which case these values specify the positions the tool may use when approaching and retracting from the part.
The other four values described below are all interactive, automatically calculating the unknown values.

Sharp Tip Z: Specif ies the absolute Z depth of the tool tip, and is the number that will be used in the posted
output of the f inished code.

Drill Surface Z: Specif ies the absolute Z value of the surface of the part.

Spot Diameter: Specif ies the diameter of the hole at the Surface Z. This is useful when counter-sinking, for
instance.

Full Diameter Z: Specif ies the absolute Z depth of the full diameter of the drill.
45
 Processes

Holes Machining Parameters

Dwell: The value entered in this text box allows the user to specify the length of time the drill will pause at the
hole bottom with the spindle on. The value can either be measured in seconds (entered in the text box labeled
sec) or in revolutions per second (entered in the text box labeled revs). Because the two boxes are interactive, a
value only needs to be entered in one and the system will calculate the other.

Material button: Clicking on this button will open the Materials dialog which will enable the system to
calculate the recommended speed for the material selected. Refer to the Material Database section in this
chapter for more information.

Speed: RPM: The value entered here is the rate of the spindle measured in revolutions per minute. You may
manually enter the RPM or click the button to auto-calculate the value from the Material Database. For
information see the Material Database section in this chapter for details.

Feed: Plunge: The value entered here is the inches per revolution. You may manually enter the feed rate or click
the button to auto-calculate the value from the Material Database. For information see the Material Database
section in this chapter for details.

Coolant: A checkbox which indicates whether coolant is turned on in the process. Flood is the standard coolant
option. Additional coolant selections are available with custom post processors.

Prefer Canned: A checkbox that will output the drilling moves as canned cycles if the lathe being programmed
is capable of handling canned cycles.

46
 Processes

THREADING
This section is intended to assist in calculating the correct parameters for cutting both straight threads and
standard NPT pipe threads using the system. First, an overview of general thread cutting using the system will
be outlined. There are three things the user must def ine in order to properly cut a thread using the system:
what kind of thread to cut, how to cut the thread, and where to cut the thread.

THREAD DIMENSIONS - DEFINING THE KIND OF THREAD TO CUT

Style: This pop-up menu is used to select the thread style, such as UNF, NPT, etc.

Nominal Xd: This is the nominal thread diameter.

TPI: This is the number of threads per inch, (per millimeter for metric parts).

Taper (Slope): This is the decimal slope of the thread taper, measured radially. For straight threads, this value
should be zero. For standard NPT pipe threads, this value should be 1/32 or 0.03125 (the slope of NPT threads is
1/16 of an inch per inch on diameter, which is 1/32 of an inch per inch radially). If you are creating a tapered
thread with Run In, Canned Cycles should not be used. This is because most machines cannot handle this
situation.

# of starts: This is the number of thread starts. For multiple start threads, enter the number of starts here.
Otherwise, this value should be one.

Major Xd & Minor Xd: These values will default to the theoretical major and minor diameters based on a perfect
sharp thread. The value as calculated is primarily for reference; this value can be changed as required for the
particular thread class and f it desired. For OD threads, the minor diameter is critical as this will be the
diameter that the tool will cut on the f inish pass. On ID threads, the opposite is true. The major diameter is
critical as this will be the diameter that the tool will cut on the f inish pass of an ID thread.

Thrd Ht Xr (Thread Height Xr): This value is the actual thread height as a radius dimension. This value is
calculated as the radial difference between the Major Xd and the Minor Xd and can be changed as required.

CUT INFORMATION - DEFINING HOW TO CUT THE THREAD

Cuts (Z-, Z+): This is used to specify the direction of the thread cut; Z- will cut toward the spindle and Z+ will
cut away from the spindle. The Z- choice is the default as most threads will be cut toward the spindle; only in
rare cases is the Z+ option used.

OD, Front ID (Approach Type): This is used to specify whether the user is cutting an external or internal thread;
the type of thread will affect the approach moves to the thread cutting cycle. It is also correct to think of this as
the Thread Type.

In Feed - Balanced: This choice will feed the thread tool straight in for each pass resulting in both edges of the
thread tool cutting equally.

The Balanced In feed is often used when cutting tough stainless steels that are easily work hardened,
as the equal metal removal method helps prevent work hardening during the cutting cycle. This
method usually does not work well on softer materials that tend to load up on the insert; for these
materials it is usually best to use the Thread Angle In feed.

47
 Processes

In Feed - Thrd Angle (Thread Angle): This choice will cause the positioning move at the start of each pass to feed
the thread tool in at the angle specif ied, resulting in the leading edge of the tool doing most or all of the
cutting. It is common to set the in feed angle slightly steeper than the thread angle so that the trailing edge of
the tool takes a ‘light’ cut to ensure that the back side of the thread cleans up.

This option is often used to improve the chip flow on soft or gummy materials
that tend to tear during the cutting cycle because of material load up on the tool

Alternate: This option is only available when the Thrd Angle is selected for the In feed. It will alternate the
in feed, resulting in the tool f irst cutting with the leading edge, then alternating to the trailing edge, and
then back to the leading edge, etc. This provides even tool wear, in turn providing maximum tool life.

Depth Of Cut
The values and options in this section of the Thread dialog are used to control the number of cuts as well as
depths of cuts, minimum cut depth, and spring passes.

1st Xr: This value is the stock amount to remove on the f irst rough pass. This value also controls the entire
roughing cycle as described below for Constant Cut and Constant Load.

One Finish Pass: This option specif ies that the tool only take one cut at the f inish thread depth. This would
normally be used to re-cut a thread as part of a de-burring process.

Const Cut (Constant Cut): The Const Cut option will cause the roughing cycle to step in the amount specif ied in
1st Xr on each subsequent pass until the tool reaches the Last Cut amount. A larger 1st Xr will result in fewer
passes, while a smaller 1st Xr will result in more passes.

Const Load (Constant Load): The Const Load option is the most commonly used type of thread roughing cycle.
This cycle will take a constant volume of material on each pass, resulting in a smaller depth of cut on each
subsequent pass until the tool reaches the Last Cut amount. The volume removed on each pass is calculated
based on the depth of cut specif ied in the 1st Xr f ield. This can also be considered a constant amount of tool
pressure.

Last Cut: When selected, this option will prevent the roughing cycle from taking any rough passes at less than
the value specif ied. In addition, the rough cycle will always leave exactly this amount for the last pass.

Spring Pass: This value is used to specify whether to take one or more spring passes at the f inish depth.

THREAD LOCATION - DEFINING WHERE TO CUT THE THREAD

Thread Start Z: This value is used to specify where the actual thread begins in Z. If a thread begins at the face of
the part, this value should be Z0; note that this is not the Z start of the thread cycle.

Thread End Z: This value is used to specify where the thread ends in Z.

Z Run In: This is where the user specif ies the acceleration distance, incrementally. For example, if the thread
cycle is to start 3/10” before the actual thread start, simply enter 0.300 for the Z Run In.

48
 Processes

X Run In: This value would be used to specify an X acceleration value if necessary. Note that this value should
normally be zero.

An example of where this is used would be to machine a cable groove in the drum of a cargo winch; in
this case a round groove needs to be cut at a given pitch (similar to a thread) where the groove must
start in, and be timed with, a hole drilled through the diameter of the part. Using both the X & Z Run
In would allow the plunging of the tool into the hole after starting the thread cycle, thereby not
cutting the area between the face of the part and the hole.

Z Run Ou: This value will extend the thread by the amount entered. If the threading tool needs to pull out from
the thread on an angle, enter a value for the Z Run Out and the X Run Out. Typically, a zero would be entered.

X Run Out: When used with Z Run Out, will cause the tool to pull out of the thread on an angle. For example, to
specify a thread pull out of 3/20” at 45 degrees enter 0.150 X Run Out and 0.150 Z Run Out. A pull out move at
45 degrees for a distance of 0.150 will be added to the thread cycle.

If the X Run Out value is less than the Z Run Out, a pull out move of less than 45 degrees will occur;
and if the X Run Out is larger than the Z Run Out, a pull out move greater than 45 degrees will occur.

CUTTING STANDARD NPT PIPE THREADS

The primary problem that most people encounter when trying to cut pipe threads is determining the correct
Major or Minor diameter, which is necessary in order to program the tool path. Unfortunately, the Machinery’s
Handbook does not supply these numbers. It provides the pitch diameter, and the major or minor diameters
must be calculated accordingly. This becomes tricky due to the fact that all of these diameters are at an angle;
therefore, these values will change depending upon the horizontal Z value.

Step by step instructions will be provided for programming both a 2.5"-8 NPT external and a 2.5"-8 NPT
internal thread to show the actual process required to determine the minor and major diameters.

First, a given horizontal value must be established to act as a gauge point. Since the Machinery Handbook
supplies the pitch diameter at the start of the thread, the horizontal value most commonly used is Z0 (the face
of the part). The system also assumes this value for the major and minor diameters, and will calculate the
major and minor diameters at the start and end of the toolpath based on this assumption. The advantage of
this is that only one value needs to be calculated; in the case of external pipe threads, only the minor diameter
at the face of the part is needed, and with internal pipe threads only the major diameter at the face of the part
is needed.

2.5" - 8 NPT External Pipe Thread

1. Find the Pitch Diameter at Beginning of External Thread (E0) from Machinery Handbook: American Pipe
Threads: Table 3 (Basic Dimensions, American National Standard Taper Pipe Threads). For a 2.5" - 8 NPT
external thread this value is 2.71953

2. Find the nominal truncated Height of Pipe Thread (h) from Machinery Handbook: American Pipe
Threads: Table 1 (Limits on Crest and Root of American National Standard Taper Pipe Threads). This value
is given as a max/min dimension; add the minimum and maximum height and divide by two to obtain the
nominal thread height. For a 2.5" - 8 NPT external thread this would be (.1000+.09275)/2 or 0.096375

3. Find the Minor diameter at the start of the thread. To calculate this value, simply subtract the nominal
thread height from the Pitch diameter (E0). For a 2.5" - 8 NPT external thread this would be 2.71953 -
0.096375 or 2.623155

49
 Processes

2.5" - 8 NPT Internal Pipe Thread

1. Find the Pitch Diameter at Beginning of External Thread (E1) from Machinery Handbook: American Pipe
Threads: Table 3 (Basic Dimensions, American National Standard Taper Pipe Threads). For a 2.5" - 8 NPT
internal thread this value is 2.76216

2. Find the nominal truncated Height of Pipe Thread. This value does not change for external and internal
threads and is the same as the 2.5" - 8 NPT external thread above (0.096375)

3. Find the Major diameter at the start of the thread. To calculate this value, simply add the nominal thread
height to the Pitch diameter (E1). For a 2.5" - 8 NPT internal thread this would be 2.76216 + 0.096375, or
2.858535

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD TAPER PIPE THREAD (NPT) CHART

This is a simple chart containing the values for the Standard NPT Pipe Thread sizes. For an external thread,
enter the Minor diameter as given on the chart, and for an internal thread, enter the Major diameter as given
on the chart.

PIPE SIZE EXTERNAL THREADS INTERNAL THREADS

Nominal Pipe Size TPI Minor Major Minor Major
1/16” 27 0.2439 0.2985 0.2539 0.3085
1/8” 27 0.3362 0.3908 0.3463 0.4009
1/4” 18 0.4360 0.5188 0.4502 0.5330
3/8” 18 0.5706 0.6534 0.5856 0.6684
1/2” 14 0.7045 0.8124 0.7245 0.8324
3/4” 14 0.9138 1.0216 0.9349 1.0428
1" 11 1/2 1.1475 1.2797 1.1725 1.3047
1 1/4” 11 1/2 1.4910 1.6232 1.5173 1.6495
1 1/2” 11 1/2 1.7300 1.8622 1.7563 1.8884
2" 11 1/2 2.2029 2.3351 2.2302 2.3624
2 1/2” 8 2.6232 2.8159 2.6658 2.8585
3" 8 3.2442 3.4370 3.2921 3.4849
3 1/2” 8 3.7411 3.9339 3.7924 3.9852
4" 8 4.2380 4.4308 4.2908 4.4835
5" 8 5.2944 5.4871 5.3529 5.5457
6" 8 6.3497 6.5425 6.4096 6.6023
8" 8 8.3372 8.5300 8.4037 8.5964
10" 8 10.4489 10.6417 10.5246 10.7173
12" 8 12.4364 12.7286 12.6208 12.7142

50
 Processes

14" OD 8 13.6786 13.8714 13.7763 13.9690

16" OD 8 15.6661 15.8589 15.7794 15.9721
18" OD 8 17.6536 17.8464 17.7786 17.9714
20" OD 8 19.6411 19.8339 19.7739 19.9667
24" OD 8 23.6161 23.8089 23.7646 23.9573

51
 Processes

PRE-DEFINED PROCESS GROUPS

All machining operations are created from the information contained in the Process List. Processes are created
by combining a Function tile with a Tool tile and entering the necessary information in the Process dialog. A
Process Group is the collection of Process tiles contained in the Process List at any one time. A Process Group
contains all of the tooling and machining information needed to generate a specif ic set of operations.

A Process Group can be saved as an external f ile that can then be loaded into other part f iles. This capability
allows user to access and reuse common machining and tool data for multiple part f iles quickly and easily
without having to recreate tools and processes.

Process Groups can be saved by selecting Save from the Processes

menu when the Process List contains the completed Process tiles that
will compose the group. The system will ask for a f ile name and a
location to save the f ile. Once a Process Group f ile is saved, it can be
loaded into any part f ile by selecting the Load item from the
Processes menu. Another way to quickly load Process Groups is by
choosing a directory that contains Process Group f iles. The directory
is chosen by selecting the Set Directory item from the Processes
menu. When a directory is set, all the Process Group f iles contained
in that directory will appear in the Processes menu. For a quick load,
simply select the name of the Process Group f ile to be loaded from the list.

When a Process Group is loaded into a part f ile, any Process tiles currently highlighted in the Process List will
be removed and replaced by the loaded Process Group (if this removes process tiles that were needed, simply
select Undo from the Edit menu). If the Tool List contains Tool tiles, those tools will become deselected but
not removed from the list. The system will search through the existing Tool List to f ind the necessary tools for
the loaded Process Group. If the system f inds an exact tool match, that tool will be used. If an exact match is
not found, the necessary tools for the loaded Process Group will be created and added to the Tool List in the
f irst available positions. Added tools will be highlighted.

Once the Process Group is loaded into the Process List, select the appropriate geometry to act as the cut shape
and click on the Do It button to create the operation and toolpath.

52
OPERATIONS
 Operations

CHAPTER 6 : Operations
CLEARANCE MOVES
This section contains information and diagrams on rapiding and feeding around lathe parts. It is very
important when working with lathes to avoid tool interference with the part, the spindle, etc., while at the
same time quickly and eff iciently maneuvering around the part. Clearance positioning is the term used for
various positions the tool will move to when not actually cutting the part.

The primary tool change position is specif ied

in the Document dialog. This position can be
overridden on a tool by tool basis using the
Turret Shift function in the Tool Creation
dialog. For more information on Turret Shift,
refer to the Tool Creation chapter. If Tool
Change is turned off, it is assumed that the
f inished code will be manually edited to handle
the tool change. Otherwise, the tool will start
at the Tool Change position entered in this
dialog.

In addition to specifying the position of the

turret when tools are changed, the Document
dialog provides the user with two options for
handling part clearance, Auto Clearance or
Fixed Clearance. The selection made will
determine how the system will calculate
positioning moves between operations.

AUTO CLEARANCE
The Auto Clearance option performs several functions when it is turned on. It will calculate the part clearances
in both Z and X that are used to position the tool between each operation. These positioning moves will be
dynamically calculated for each operation. This means that as the stock conditions of the part change as
material is removed, the clearance positions will adjust accordingly. When Auto Clearance is on, the system
will also take into account where the tool needs to be to begin the next operations’ toolpath when calculating
the positioning moves. Additionally, the Auto Clearance function may add entry and/or exit moves to the
toolpath in order to safely maneuver around the part. The Auto Clearance function generates the most
eff icient positioning moves around a part. However, canned cycles cannot be used in conjunction with Auto
Clearance. In order to use canned cycles, which are turned on in Process dialogs by selecting the Prefer Canned
option, Fixed Clearance positions must be used.

The Auto Clearance option requires the user to enter an offset amount from the part stock that the system
uses to calculate the clearance positioning moves between operations. Because the stock conditions are
constantly changing as material is removed from the part, in order to optimize the toolpaths, an offset amount
is used for positioning rather than absolute positions. Fixed clearance, which is used when Auto Clearance is
turned off, uses absolute positions.

FIXED CLEARANCE
When the Auto Clearance option is turned off, f ixed clearance positions are used by the system to calculate
clearance moves. The user must enter an overall part clearance in the Document dialog, as well as Entry and

55
 Operations

Exit Clearance Positions in the Process dialogs for each operation. When using canned cycles, f ixed clearance
positioning should be used.

The overall part clearance is entered in the Document dialog in the X and Z text boxes that become active
when Auto Clearance is turned off. They designate the position the tool will rapid to and from during a tool
change. This position will also be used when moving from one approach type to another between operations
that use the same tool. The absolute positions specif ied in the X and Z text boxes are locations the tool can
rapid to when moving around the part. One or both of these f ixed positions are used whenever a tool is moving
to the start point of the toolpath or exiting from the toolpath. Where the tool moves when approaching and
retracting from the part depends on the Approach Type selected and the positions specif ied in the Clearance
Diagrams in the Process dialog.

The Approach Type selections are located in the upper left corner of the Process dialog. The tool can approach
the part along two different axes—either X or Z. The tool will approach the part along the Z axis if Front Face is
selected. The tool will approach the part in X if OD or Front ID is selected. When a Drilling Process is selected,
the Approach Type is automatically set to Front Face. Only one selection can be made for each process.

Once the Approach Type is selected, the corresponding Clearance Diagram appears in the Process dialog. The
boxes with the arrows next to them represent the Entry and Exit Clearance Positions that the tool may use
when approaching and retracting from the part. The Entry and Exit Clearance Positions are only required
when Auto Clearance is turned off.

When a Turn roughing cycle is selected, an additional move will be added between the Entry Clearance
Position and the X Stock Start Position. When a Pattern Shift roughing cycle is selected, an additional move
will be added between the Entry Clearance Position and the contour start point.

CLEARANCE DIAGRAMS
The tool will use some or all of the clearance positions depending on which Approach Type is selected. When
Auto Clearance is selected, the tool will still move to the positions indicated in the diagrams shown below.
However, the system will calculate these positions and they will change as the material conditions of the part
change. Also, when Auto Clearance is on, the system may add additional entry and exit moves as necessary to
prevent tool interference. The following conventions are used in the clearance diagrams.

Black Dot Absolute coordinate the tool will move to; each Black Dot has an X and Z coordinate
Dashed Line Rapid Move
Solid Line Feed Move
SP - Start Point The f irst move of the operation. Not necessarily the Start Point Machining Marker.
EP - End Point The last move of the operation. Not necessarily the End Point Machining Marker.
OP1 Operation 1 (the f irst series of cuts made on the part)
OP2 Operation 2 (the second series of cuts made on the part)

56
 Operations

APPROACHES FROM TOOL CHANGE POSITION

The tool can approach the part in three different ways from the tool change position.

OD Approach From Tool Change

1. Tool Change
2. SP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
4. SP Xd

Face Approach From Tool Change

1. Tool Change
2. SP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Entry Clearance Z, SP Xd
4. SP Z

ID Approach From Tool Change

1. Tool Change
2. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, SP Xd
4. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
5. SP Xd

57
 Operations

EXITS TO TOOL CHANGE POSITION

The tool can exit from the cut shape to the tool position in three different ways.

OD Exit To Tool Change

1. EP Xd
2. EP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Tool Change

Face Exit To Tool Change

1. EP Z
2. Part Clearance Z, EP Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
4. Tool Change

ID Exit To Tool Change

1. EP Z
2. EP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Exit Clearance Xd
4. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
5. Tool Change

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 Operations

SAME TOOL POSITIONS

If the next operation uses the same tool, there are seven different methods the tool could use to get to the next
start point.

OD To Face

1. EP Z
Op #1 2. EP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
Op #2 4. Part Clearance Z, SP Xd
5. Entry Clearance Z, SP Xd
6. SP Z

OD To OD

1. EP Xd
Op #2 2. EP Z, Exit Clearance Xd
Op #1 3. SP Z, Exit Clearance Xd
4. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
5. SP Xd

Face To ID

1. EP Z
2. Part Clearance Z, EP Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Entry Clearance Xd
4. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
Op #1 5. SP Xd

Op #2

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 Operations

Face To OD

1. EP Z
2. EP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
Op #2 4. SP Z, Part Clearance Xd
5. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
6. SP Xd

Op #1

Face To Face

1. EP Z
2. EP Z, Part Clearance Xd
3. Part Clearance Z, Part Clearance Xd
Op #2
4. Entry Clearance Z, SP Xd
5. SP Z
Op #1

ID To Face

1. EP Xd
2. EP Z, Exit Clearance Xd
Op #2 3. Part Clearance Z, Exit Clearance Xd
4. Part Clearance Z, SP Xd
5. Entry Clearance Z, SP Xd
6. SP Z
Op #1

ID To ID

1. EP Xd
2. EP Z, Exit Clearance Xd
3. SP Z, Exit Clearance Xd
4. SP Z, Entry Clearance Xd
5. SP Xd
Op #2
Op #1

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 Operations

CANNED CYCLES
The Auto Clearance and Material Only functions of the system calculate more eff icient toolpaths than canned
cycles. Auto Clearance is activated in the Document dialog and designates that the system dynamically
calculate clearance positioning moves for the part. The Material Only option is located in Process dialogs and
designates that toolpath calculation for an individual process take into consideration the material conditions
of the part to provide for no “air cutting.” If either of these options are being used, the Prefer Canned option
found in the Process dialogs will not be available.

Using canned cycles will output shorter processed code however, the Auto Clearance and Material Only
functions will produce more eff icient toolpaths in general. To generate canned cycles in the posted code, turn
Auto Clearance off and enter f ixed X and Z clearance positions in the Document dialog, and select the Full
Rough Style in the Rough Process dialog.

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 Operations

MACHINING MARKERS
Machining Markers allow the user to specify the start and end feature and start and end point of the cut shape,
the cut direction, and the offset position of the tool. These markers appear on the screen when geometry is
selected as the cut shape for Contouring and Roughing Processes.

Start Feature: The geometry feature (line or circle) on which the tool will start cutting.

Start Point: The point on the start feature where the tool will start cutting.

End Feature: The geometry feature on which the tool will stop cutting.

End Point: The point on the end feature where the tool will stop cutting.

Move Start\End Point by . . .: The right-click context menu for a start or end
point includes the Move Start\End Point by . . . option. By selecting this option,
you will be prompted by a dialog to enter a new value (+ or -) by which to
extend or trim the point from the beginning or end of the last feature. The options presented will depend on
whether you select a Start Point or and End Point machining marker.

Cutter Side and Direction: The circles represent the offset position of the tool with regard to the
cut shape. The three possible options are the inside, centerline or the outside of the cut shape.
The arrows indicate which direction the tool will travel. Simply click on the desired circle and
direction arrow.

HOW MACHINING MARKERS WORK

Machining Markers appear on selected geometry for contouring and roughing processes only. To move a
marker, the cursor is placed over the marker, and when the mouse button is depressed, the cursor changes to
the marker. This is called “picking up a marker.” The marker is then moved to the desired location and the
mouse button released. Note: When positioning or placing a marker, place the “tip” of the “marker arrow head”
onto the line, circle or point.

When the Start Feature marker is moved to a new feature on the geometry, the Start Point marker will “follow”
it and snap to the same point as the Start Feature. This is also true for the End Feature marker. To make the
Start Point and End Points the same: drag the Start Feature to the desired feature, and drag the Start Point to
the desired location, drag the End Feature to the same feature- the End Point automatically snaps to the Start
Point.

For precise control over the Start and End Point marker locations, create a geometry point at the
desired location. Dragging a Start or End Point marker close to the point will cause the marker to
“snap” to the point and use its exact XZ values.

START AND END POINTS

The Start and End Points do not necessarily have to be on the part geometry. There may be times when it is
desirable to have the tool start or end its toolpath off the part. This can be done by moving the markers. A
geometry feature (e.g. line or circle) is trimmed between two connectors. When the Start Point marker is
dragged off the part, it automatically snaps to the nearest extension of the Start Feature. The nearest section of
the Start Feature may be a section that was trimmed away, so the Start Point will snap to an extension of the
Start Feature. This is also true for the End Feature. The end feature markers may be quickly set using a

62
 Operations

Ctrl+Shift click. When performing a Ctrl+Shift click the end point markers will snap to the location
you clicked.

SELECTED GEOMETRY
The machining markers allow the user to specify the portions of geometry to act as the outline for the cut
shape. When markers are present on geometry, the cut shape is indicated by a dark blue color. When the cut
shape is not the entire contour, the geometry not included as part of the cut shape is drawn in light blue.

The prof iler may also be used to create the geometry for lathe processes from a solid. For detailed information
on this process please see the 2.5D solids manual or the Solid Surfacer manual.

USING THE PROFILER

You can use the prof iler at Z0 to select a cut shape prof ile directly from a solid. The prof iler acts just like
geometry except that it is volatile and will not be shown when prof iler is turned off. If you create an operation
in the prof iler and subsequently turn it off, double clicking on the operation will turn the prof iler back on and
display the machining markers.

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 Operations

MATERIAL DATABASE
The Material Database is used for storing and quickly retrieving feeds and speeds for various types of materials.
The calculations will come from either the CutDATA Material Database (which is an option that can be
purchased with the system) or from the default material database. A custom material database can also be
created. The information in the database can be changed by selecting Materials from the File menu. To use the
information, click on the Material button in any of the Process dialogs. Below is a picture of the Materials
dialog. It is used for both creating and editing materials as well as placing feeds and speeds information into
Process dialogs. These values can be directly overridden by typing in the speed or feed info in the Process
dialog at any time. The Material database is fully detailed in the Common Reference guide.

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 Operations

OPERATION TILES
The operation list context menu contains several useful functions as detailed in the
following paragraphs.

Operation Data: It is possible to edit certain operation specif ications in the

Operation Data dialog. Values are locked by clicking once on the lock next to the
text box. Unlocked values will return to their original values if the operation is
reprocessed. Locked items will retain the values entered in this dialog even if the
operation is reprocessed. Changes that affect the toolpath can be seen in the
toolpath drawing and the rendered image. The information in the Process Tile that
created the operation will not be modif ied to reflect the changes made in the
Operation Data dialog.

Information entered in the Op Comment text box will

appear in the posted output before the selected operation
it refers to. Utility data can also be entered in this dialog.
Custom posts allow the user to input custom commands
in the At Op Start and At Op End text boxes that will
trigger actions inside the post processor. In addition, any
text that appears in quotations in the At Op Start and At
Op End text boxes will appear in the posted output. Each
set of quotes will be on a separate line in the posted
output.

The Program Stop checkbox is only available in the

Operation Data dialog. If it is turned on, a program stop
command will be added at the end of the operation in the
posted output. The default position is off.

If operations contain locked values, a small lock symbol

will appear on the Operation Tile. If utility data is
entered in the At Op Start text box, a small recessed
square will appear on the Operation tile in the upper left
hand corner. If utility data is entered in the At Op End
text box, a small recessed square will appear in the lower left hand corner of the Operation Tile.

Utility Markers: The Utility Markers menu item allows editing of various
position-dependent toolpath data. When chosen, the dialog shown will
come up as well as the current operation’s toolpath.

For each operation, you may select a variety of utility marker types, many
of which have additional sub-options. The primary options are Variable
Feed Rate, Spindle Speed, Tool Offset #, Text, CRC, Dwell and Tool Sub
Position.

To add markers of any type to a toolpath, drag and drop the marker of the
desired type to a toolpath. The currently selected markers properties will
be displayed in the dialog, and the currently selected marker will be displayed in red.

65
 Operations

Additionally, you may select the checkbox to “Show All Markers.” When this checkbox is on, the icons for all
utility marker types are displayed on the toolpath. When you step through the markers, the dialog performs
context switching so you can see the details of each utility marker. Each marker now has a unique icon.

All of the new markers will require a post processor upgrade, except for Variable Feed Rate and CRC. Please
contact the Tech Support Department for more information.

Variable Feed Rate: This marker allows you to set the feedrate for the elements of the toolpath following the
marker. The f ive sub-options for this type of marker are User, Entry, Contour, Percent and Max. User allows
you to explicitly set the feedrate to your desired value. Entry sets to feedrate to the operation’s def ined
entry feedrate. Contour sets the feedrate to the operation’s def ined contour feed rate. Percent sets the
feedrate to a user def ined percentage of the last f ixed feedrate marker. Max sets the feedrate to the
maximum feedrate def ined by the post processor.

Spindle Speed: For turning ops, this marker sets the spindle speed to the value def ined in the SMPM or
SFPM f ield.

Tool Offset #: This marker sets the tool offset. There are three options available here Tl Offset, Deflect Tl
Offset and Explicit Offset. Tl Offset will set the offset to the Offset # def ined by the tool. Deflect Tl Offset
will set the offset to the Deflection Compensation Offset # def ined by the tool. Explicit sets the offset to a
user def ined value.

Text: This marker allows you to insert a comment into the posted output.

CRC: This marker is used to turn CRC on or off during an operation. There are three options available for
this marker, On, Off and Reverse. Please see the section on CRC in the Process portion of the manual for
further details.

Dwell: This marker causes the program to pause (dwell) for the specif ied time. This marker has two option,
Seconds or Revolutions. The Revolutions option uses the current spindle speed to compute the time.

Program Stop: This marker causes the post to output a program stop (M0). If the Optional Program Stop
box is checked the post will output an optional stop (M1).

Tool Sub Position: This option is only available for Lathe machines that allow tool sub positions. This
marker allows you to set the tool sub position.

66
 Operations

This image shows Utility Markers placed on toolpath. The markers are placed by an arc, modifying the speed
going into and coming out of the arc.

Open Tool: This brings up the tool dialog associated with the operation.

Operation To Geometry: This option converts the selected operations to geometry. This geometry can be edited
and used as a centerline contour op if necessary.

Redo Selected Ops: This will reprocess the toolpath for any selected operation(s).

Redo All Operations: This will reprocess the toolpath for all operations.

Move To: This selection allows the user to move one or several of the operation
tiles to the end of the list or to another tile location by entering the tab number
of the destination tile location and clicking Move To. It functions exactly the
same as the Move To item on the Tool and Process tiles.

Find: The Find option allows a user to locate a specif ic tile By Tile #, Tool # or to
f ind the last tile. It functions exactly the same as the Find item from the Tile List
Scroll Arrows.

Sort Operations: This command will change the order of all operations. The
operations will be sorted by tool number, from low to high. Operations created in
the same Process List will maintain their order to ensure that f inishing passes cannot be moved in front of
roughing passes, etc.

Operation Manager: The Operation Manager is an expanded view of the Operation list. The Operation Manager can
show 31 different operation parameters, can sort operation data and can calculate accurate runtimes. Additionally the
Operation Manager and the Operations list have synchronized selection meaning that as operations are selected or

67
 Operations

deselected in one they are also selected or deselected in the other. Double clicking on an entry will load the operation’s
process tiles

Right clicking on a column header: The items

displayed in the Operation Manager can be
customized. The Operation Manager supports 31
different parameters but it is impractical to try and
view all at the same time. Right clicking on one of
the parameter headers, such as the Depth parameter
seen in the previous graphic, allows you to choose
which parameters are displayed.

Right clicking on the title bar: The title bar offers

access to several very useful commands including
the sort command and runtimes. Additionally, the
Operation Manager can be printed from here.

Sorting: Selecting the Multi-Level Sort… command

opens a dialog where you can select how you
wish to sort operations. Operations may be
sorted by up to four parameters and each may
be in an ascending or descending order. The
sorts are based on the parameters shown in the Operations Manager.

It is important to realize that performing a

sort will change the order of your
operations. If you are not careful you
could tell the system to do something you
do not want, such as tapping a hole before
the hole is drilled. The system does have a
reminder to warn you that performing a
sort can be harmful but you should still be
aware of the potential consequences.

Right clicking on a cell entry: Right clicking on an entry brings up the same menu as right clicking a tile in the
Operations list. From this menu you can access things like Operation Data, Utility Markers and Redo functions.

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 Operations

TOUCH-OFF POINT INFORMATION

All post data is output to the theoretical tool tip. If the tool is machining parallel to the Z-axis, the X values are
output to blueprint dimensions. If the tool is machining parallel to the X-axis, the Z values are output to
blueprint dimensions. So, the theoretical tool tip only aligns with blueprint dimensions on faces and
diameters.

When the tool is machining at an angle, the X and Z-axis values

will not match the blueprint dimensions. This is because the
theoretical tool tip is not always a blueprint dimension. So, in
order for the system to get the surface of the tool in position to
cut the part, the theoretical tool tip is calculated closer to the
part, and in some cases inside the part.

69
 Operations

70
CUT PART RENDERING
 Cut Part Rendering

CHAPTER 7 : Cut Part Rendering

CUT PART RENDERING OVERVIEW
Modeling is the process of def ining a three dimensional object. Rendering is the process of displaying a picture
of this model. A cut part model is def ined when the operations necessary to machine a part have been created.
The computer has 3D knowledge of the inside of the model, even of the areas that are not visible.

The cut part rendering capability in the system is called Three Dimensional Real Time Cut Part Rendering.
“Three Dimensional” refers to the fact that the model can be rotated around in space and viewed at any angle.
“Real Time” refers to the speed at which the part is rendered. The cutting action is rendered as it is calculated
rather than calculating the rendered image and then playing back a “movie,” or just displaying a picture of the
f inished model. Real Time does NOT mean actual feed rates are used. The tool can cut as fast as the computer
can calculate the moves. “Cut Part” refers to watching the effect of the tools cutting, as opposed to seeing only
the f inished picture. Seeing the cutting process is more valuable, in most cases, than the f inished picture.
Rendering refers to the process of displaying the graphic image of the cut part model def ined by the machining
operations.

The system has two distinct Cut Part Rendering (CPR) methods. The f irst is Standard CPR. Standard CPR is the
system’s legacy rendering mode. The second mode is Flash CPR. Flash CPR is an OpenGL-based system which
is more powerful and flexible than Standard CPR. We have two modes for CPR because each has its own
strength. You can use whichever suits your needs or use both modes. Additionally, if you have purchased the
Machine Simulation option you can use that render mode.

All operations are rendered in their current order. Selected operations will render in shades of yellow, and all
others will render in shades of grey. Shades of red will be drawn when non-cutting tool surfaces or rapid moves
hit the material. Selected tools will be drawn in shades of yellow. Deselected tools will be drawn in shades of
grey. Smaller pictures will render faster and use less computer memory.

COMPARING STANDARD AND FLASH CPR

The two rendering modes are two completely different technologies. The primary difference between the two
rendering modes is that Standard CPR is view dependent while Flash CPR is view independent. Basically, with
Standard CPR the rendering process will start over whenever the view is changed or zoomed while Flash CPR is
a “machined” solid model so it can be manipulated while being rendered.Flash CPR is far more useful for part
analysis despite its slower speed.

Function Standard CPR Flash CPR

Speed For any specif ic view Standard CPR is The speed of Flash CPR is dependent upon the
usually faster. image quality and size of the rendered image.
Change of View Restarts every time – it is best to Rendering is not interrupted by a change of view.
select the view you want f irst.
Quality A f ixed image quality. Image quality is user-controlled.
Transparency Tools may be set to transparent. Tools, f ixtures and stock can be transparent.
Collision Checking None. Yes.
Facet Bodies None. Create from rendered image and use as a stock
condition.

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 Cut Part Rendering

RENDERING PALETTE
When the Cut Part Rendering button is clicked, the Cut Part
Rendering palette appears on the screen, and the stock shape will be
displayed as a blue, solid image. The Cut Part Rendering palette
controls the cut part rendering process. The functions of the items in
the palette are described below.

Current Display: This box displays the number of the current operation being rendered or the
current runtime.

Rewind: This button sets the current operation to the f irst operation. If the Play button is down when
the Rewind button is depressed, the part will be redrawn.

Stop: This button stops any rendering in progress and raises the Play button.

Step Forward: This button renders the next feature of the current operation. If the Play button is
depressed, it will be raised and rendering will be stopped at the end of the current feature.

Play: When the play button is depressed, the part will be rendered from the current feature of the
current operation as listed in the Current Display box. Rendering will continue until one of the other
buttons is depressed or the last feature of the last operation is rendered. The Stop and Step Forward buttons
stop the rendering and raise the Play button. Pressing the Play button during rendering will also stop the
rendering. The Next Operation and Rewind buttons will change the current operation being rendered, but will
not stop the rendering process. When the last feature of the last operation is complete, rendering will stop, but
the Play button will remain depressed. Anytime the rendering process stops, hitting the Play button again will
resume rendering from the current location.

Next Feature: If the Play button is depressed, the current feature being rendered is f inished and the
remaining features for that operation are skipped. The next feature to be rendered is the f irst feature of
the next operation. If the Play button is not depressed, the current operation is set to the next operation. The
Operation Box will be updated, but nothing will be rendered until the Play button is depressed again.

Throttle Control: Shows the current location of the Throttle slider. The plus side
represents maximum rendering speed, and the minus side the minimum. The location
of the slider can be changed by dragging it left or right. This can be done during the rendering process and the
effects will be seen as the slider is moved.

Invisible Tool: If this button is selected, the tools will not be drawn during the rendering process, although
the material as a result of the tools cutting is removed (see example below). Radii will render more
smoothly, and the part will render faster with this choice selected.

Transparent Tool: If this button is selected, transparent tools will be drawn during the rendering process
(see example below).

Visible Tool: If this button is selected, solid tools will be drawn during the rendering process (see example
below).

During the cut part rendering process, if the screen is redrawn due to a view change or redraw, the rendering
process will start over from the f irst operation. Therefore, it is good practice to set the desired view before
rendering the part.

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 Cut Part Rendering

When the rendering process is stopped by pressing either the Stop or Step Forward button, the next time the
part is rendered the system will automatically stop the rendering process at the same location. User set stops
are maintained by the system. Anytime the rendering process is stopped, simply click on the Play button to
continue.

If the Play button is depressed when the Cut Part Rendering button in the Top Level palette is raised, it will
resume playing when the Cut Part Rendering button is selected once again. It is essentially the same as pausing
the render. However, if the view was changed, it will restart as stated above.

CUT PART RENDERING CONTEXT MENU

Right-clicking on the title bar of the Cut part Rendering palette will bring up optional controls for setting a
stopping point during rendering and changing the status display.

Optional Stop control

Set Op Start/Stop #s... This option opens a dialog to specify a start and stop
point before a specif ic operation begins.

Use Op Start: Placing a check mark on this option activates the Set Op Start #... option. Removing the check
mark will disable the stop point specif ied in the Set Op Start And Stop dialog.

Use Op Stop: Placing a check mark on this option activates the Set Op Start/Stop #... option. Removing the
check mark will disable the stop point specif ied in the Set Op Start And Stop dialog.

Current Display Options

Show Time: This will set the status to display the elapsed cut time.

Show Op: This will set the status to display the current operation number.

FAST UPDATE
The Fast Update quickly gets you back to the last rendered state of your part after changing the view. If you
have begun rendering your part, press Stop then zoom or change the screen position of the part and press Play,
the system will regenerate the rendering in the new viewing position and orientation as quickly as possible. It
does this by automatically setting the CPR speed to the fastest speed and hiding the tool when replaying the

75
 Cut Part Rendering

rendering. Once the render reaches the place it was last stopped the controls will revert back to your previous
setting.

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 Cut Part Rendering

FLASH CUT PART RENDERING

Flash CPR is an OpenGL based rendering option that provides an alternative to the
standard rendering mode. Flash CPR is a non-view dependant option meaning that the
part can be rotated, zoomed and panned during the cut part rendering. There are several
other capabilities that go along with Flash CPR including the Rapid Cut option that
displays only the end condition of each operation, resulting in a much faster rendering,
but at a lower display resolution. Flash CPR is activated and deactivated by right-clicking on the Render button
in the Top Level palette and choosing the Flash CPR option. The Flash CPR option uses the same Render
palette as the traditional rendering engine.

FLASH CPR CONTEXT MENU

Right clicking on the Render palette title bar provides access to the
Flash CPR options. Set Op Stop#, Use Op Stop, Show Time and Show Op#
are the same functions as the standard rendering mode.

Analyze Cut Part: The Analyze Cut Part dialog provides several options to
determine the results of the toolpath on a rendered part. This is an easy
way to determine if there are areas on a body that are not being machined
(Remaining Material) or if any cuts violate the part. A solid must be
selected prior to starting Flash CPR to use the Analyze Cut Part option.

Transparent Stock: If Transparent Stock is selected, the stock will be

transparent, showing both the part and the stock when rendering.

Transparent Fixture: If the Transparent Fixture item is selected any f ixtures

in the part will be transparent, allowing you to more readily see the stock
body when rendering.

Rapid Cut: When enabled this will generate the f inished part in the
background. The f inished result will be slightly less smooth than a
normally rendered part. This will be disabled on any part with a rotary
move.

Acceleration & Checking: The next set of options provide methods for
accelerating or conf ining the rendered part.

Skip Pecks: The Skip Pecks option will not render any pecking moves
used in drilling operations.

Skip Unselected Ops: Skip Unselected Ops will only render the
currently selected operations.

Op Color Mode... This option utilizes color to enhance the functionality

of CPR and Simulation. The corresponding options sub-dialog has 3 color modes, cut color, tool number
and op number. The color palette is generated automatically to create a set of colors that are readily
distinguishable from one another. The color of the remaining material changes with each operation.

77
 Cut Part Rendering

Set CPR Stock=Target: This option causes Flash CPR to ignore the stock def inition. Instead, the selected
body is used as stock and rendering is run on this body. This is a quick and easy way to check for gouges.

Collision Checking: Selecting Collision Checking enables the collision checking based on the options set in
the Preferences, See the section “Flash CPR/Simulation Settings” or the Common Reference Manual for
more information.

Show Rapid Tool: When this mode is on (indicated by a check next to the menu item) the tool is rendered
in a different color to show when it is moving in Rapid mode.

POV Lock: The choices here all control how the part (or part/
machine) move during the simulation sequence. This gives
the user control over how the virtual camera moves around
the scene, def ining the point of view during animation.

The choices available for Point of View Lock will be different

depending on the rendering mode. For CPR, Part Sim and Tool
Sim, the options are Fixed Part, Tool Rotary Axes, Tool Linear
Axes and Too Rotary & Linear Axes. For Machine Sim, the
choices are Operator, Part, Machine Component, Tool Rotary
Axes, Tool Linear Axes and Tool Rotary and Linear Axes.

Save To STL: Save To STL will save the current stock results of the Flash CPR rendered image to disk in STL
format.

Create Facet Body: The Create Facet Body function turns the current cut rendered condition into a facet body.
The facet body will appear in the workspace as a transparent body. One of the few uses of facet bodies is that
they can be set as stock for “display only” purposes, i.e. they cannot be used as a stock condition for creating
toolpath but they can be shown in rendering for Flash CPR sessions. Looking at the properties dialog you can
see that essentially nothing can be done but setting the body as a part, f ixture or stock. Setting a facet body as
stock can be quite useful for saving a rendered condition so you can instantly get to later operations.

Don’t Pre-Load Sub Spindles: Disables sub-spindle stock generation. This will improve performance at the cost
of not having accurate stock on the sub-spindle during the f irst run.

Reload Simulation: This option will reload the Flash CPR simulation.

Overlay Geometry: This will display the workgroup geometry on top of Flash CPR continuously. To display the
Geometry temporarily, use CTRL+], which continues to work as in prior releases.

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 Cut Part Rendering

Settings: Settings opens the Rendering Preferences dialog that

allows you to control the speed, quality and color of the Flash
CPR display. Alternatively, this dialog can be accessed by
opening the Display preferences tab (File->Preferences-Display)
and clicking the Edit Flash CPR Settings . . . button which opens
the Flash CPR Settings dialog.

Flash CPR/Simulation Settings

Cutting: The Cutting options section allow you to control the
quality and responsiveness of Flash CPR.

Steps Per Update: Specif ies the maximum number of CPR

features to render before updating the display. Large numbers
will increase the rendering speed but will result in a rougher
rendering animation. With large numbers the tool may appear
to jump ahead of rendering, which will suddenly snap to the
tool. This may be jerky, but can be rather fast. A low number
provides a smooth animation, but may be slow.

Cut Part Chord Height: This is the resolution for the part and
tools displayed in Flash CPR. There are separate settings for
inch and metric tools. The smaller the value, the higher quality
of the display and the more resources needed by the system,
resulting in a slower rendering.

Body Chord Height: This option determines the resolution of

bodies (part, stock and f ixtures) in rendering. There are two
ways this can be set, either by the Chord Height (which is
setting a specif ic value), or by the % of Body’s Chord Height
option. This second option uses the value set in the Properties
dialog. A setting of 100% will use the body’s Chord Height
while a setting of 10% will is 1/10th of the body’s Chord Height.
Any percentage between 1 and 100,000 is acceptable. As the
percentage is set higher the body will appear rougher but the
display will be faster.

Collisions/Limits: The items found in the Collisions/Limits section of the dialog provide control over how the
system reports machining errors while rendering. A collision in Flash CPR occurs when the tool rapids into the
stock or touches a f ixture or if a holder touches anything. Any combination of the three available alert
methods may be used. Please note that the Collision Checking option (in the Render Control palette) must be
activated for the system to check for collisions.

Alert Types: The Beep option provides an audible alert, Log To Display will output an error in a collision log
window and Stock Flash provides a visual alert to the error by flashing the rendered stock. Stop Animation will
cease the rendering at the point of a collision.

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 Cut Part Rendering

Tolerance: The Tolerance setting allows a different value for metric and inch parts. Any collision within the
specif ied tolerance will generate a collision alert.

Slider: This item allows you to change the sensitivity of the render speed control. The render speed is based
around the size of features being rendered.

Circular Threads: Activate this option to create fake, “circular”

threads when using Flash CPR. The rendered thread will be a series
of indented circles the size of the thread and will not be helical.
This option renders much faster then drawing proper, accurate
threads. A comparison of normal and “circular” threads is seen to
the right.

Statistics: Select this option to open a window that shows the Flash
CPR frame rate (how often the image is updated while rendering)
and any errors that get logged. To close the window you need to
deselect this option

PRINTING THE CUT PART RENDERED IMAGE

After the rendering is complete, the rendered image can be printed in either black and white or color. When
the rendered image is on the screen, choose Drawing from the Print sub-menu in the File menu. To adjust the
way the image will print, choose Printing from the Preferences sub-menu in the File menu. The Printing
Preferences dialog, shown below, allows the user to specify how the software will handle the background color.
If the printer being used is a black and white printer, choose the Black on White option to ensure that all
portions of the image, including those that are of a light color, can be seen in the print.

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POST PROCESSING
 Post Processing

CHAPTER 8 : Post Processing

POST PROCESSING OVERVIEW
Once the operations to machine the part have been created, the f ile needs to be post processed. Post
processing generates a text f ile (NC Program) that contains the machining operations and toolpaths
from the part f ile (VNC.) This NC program is created using Post Processor f iles (PST Files) specif ic to
individual machine controls. Communicating the posted text f ile to the CNC machine is discussed in the
Communications chapter which follows this one.

POST PROCESSOR DIALOG

The Post Processor button in the Top Level palette becomes active once machining operations have been
created in a f ile. Clicking on the Post Processor button will display the Post Processor dialog shown below.
This dialog allows the user to select a specif ic post processor f ile, specify a program name and currently open
part.

1. Post Processor Selection

2. Program Name
3. Communications
4. Text Window

The Process button will generate the NC program for the f ile currently open. The text f ile will be saved under
the f ile name displayed to the right of the Program Name button. If a f ile with that name already exists,
clicking the Process button will erase the old f ile and replace it with the new one. To view the text f ile as it
processes, click on the Text Window button. When this button is depressed, a window will appear that displays
the posted text f ile as it is created. The program will scroll by in the window as it is being generated. The Pause
button allows the user to stop the scrolling of the output as it is being processed. The Print button will be
available after the program f ile is f inished processing.

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 Post Processing

Before posted output can be generated, the post processor and

program f ile name must be specif ied. When a f ile is post processed, a
text f ile is created with the extension specif ied in the Post text box in
the File Extension dialog. By default, this extension is set to .NCF. A
f ile can be post processed multiple times and saved with different
.NCF f ile names. If changes are made to the part f ile, it must be post
processed again in order to incorporate the changes into the posted
output. As a default, the text f ile uses the part f ile name with an .NCF
extension (e.g. EXAMPLE1.NCF). This f ile name can be changed by
clicking on the Program Name button and entering a new name.

To specify an output f ile name for the f inished program, click on the
Program Name button. The system will automatically add the
extension specif ied in the File Extension dialog. Selecting the File tab
from the Preferences dialog will display the File Extension dialog
shown above.

To select the post processor, click the Post Selection button. An Open
dialog will appear that allows the user to access the directory or
folder where the post processors are stored in the system.

The actual f ile names of the post processors are different depending
on the operating system. However, when selecting a post processor,
the full name (including the Control and Machine) will be displayed
in the Open dialog.

POSTED OUTPUT FORMAT

The items in the top box of the Post Processor dialog change the format and contents of the f inished output.
Each item can react differently with different post processors. Below is a description of the effect they will have
with most post processors.

Selected Ops: Checking this item will cause the output to only include operations that are currently selected in
the Operations list. Items that are unselected will not be output.

Starting Program Number: This is the number of the program as it will appear in the control. It is also the
starting number for all sub-programs. If the Starting Program Number is one, the f irst sub-program will be
two, the second three, etc.

Sequence from: This is the starting number for the block numbers or “N” numbers. The by box determines the
increment.

Minimize: If this option is turned on, the post processor will only output block numbers on tool change
positions.

Insert Comments: This option will output information about each operation and tool used as well as f ile length.
If any additional comments have been entered by the user about tools or operations, they will be output as
well.

Insert Optional Stops at Tool Change Positions: If this option is on, the software will output a machine operator
selectable program stop at every tool change.

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 Post Processing

POST OUTPUT PREFERENCES

The Post Processing preference allows the user to specify comment data that is output in the NCF f ile
generated by the system. If an item is checked, that data will be output. This dialog can be found in the File
menu under Preferences -> Post Processor Comments.

LATHE POST LABEL DEFINITIONS AND CODE ISSUES

Lathe post names use letters to signify their capabilities. The designation may be a single letter or multiple
letters to specify the post's capability. Following the letter designation is a unique number for this post.

The general format of a post can be described as:

<control name><machine name>[client initials]<letter>###.##

Note that a metric post will end with an “m”.

Following is a description of how Lathe Posts are named and what they do. Also included are brief
explanations of code issues that might be encountered in Lathe Posts.

2-AXIS LATHE
Label Definitions
L This designates a regular 2-axis turning post. A Lathe post has 2 linear axes (X and Z) that can position
and cut simultaneously.

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] L800.18.pst

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 Post Processing

Code Issues:
• Tool Tip

1. The system draws the toolpath to the center of the tool tip radius. The X and Z-axis values are output to
the theoretical tool tip if the system is able to calculate a touch-off point in both axes. X or Z-axis
values are output to the center of the tool tip radius when the software is not able to calculate the
touch-off point in that particular axis.

2. If the tool is machining parallel to the Z-axis, the X values are output to blueprint dimensions. If the
tool is machining parallel to the X-axis, the Z values are output to blueprint dimensions. So, the
theoretical tool tip only aligns with blueprint dimensions on faces and diameters.

3. When the tool is machining at an angle, the X and Z-axis values will not match the blueprint
dimensions. This is because the theoretical tool tip is not always a blueprint dimension. So, in order for
the system to get the surface of the tool in position to cut the part, the theoretical tool tip is calculated
closer to the part, and in some cases inside the part.

4. Most Lathe Posts output X and Z values to the theoretical tool tip. Posts can be modif ied to output X
and Z values to the center of the tool tip radius.

• Canned Cycles

1. Lathe canned cycles are output when the Prefer Canned checkbox is checked. This checkbox will only
be available if Auto Clearance and Material only are not selected. If Auto Clearance and/or Material
Only are selected, the system will not output Canned Cycles.

3 & 4-AXIS MILL/TURN

A Mill/Turn post supports both milling and turning operations in the same part. A 2-axis lathe post is no
longer needed if a Mill/Turn post is available.

Label Definitions:
ML This designates a Mill/Turn post.

S This designates a Mill/Turn post that segments rotary arcs into linear moves.

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] SML800.19.pst

I This designates a Mill/Turn post that supports Polar and Cylindrical Interpolation. A Polar and
Cylindrical Interpolation Mill/Turn post will output a G2 or G3 with rotary moves.

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] IML800.19.pst

Y This designation is for a 4-axis Mill/Turn machine that has a linear Y-axis.

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] YIML800.19.pst

Fanuc 16T [VG] YSML800.19.pst

P This designates a C-axis positioning post. A Mill/Turn positioning post will rotate the part and then
move in X and Z. It will not rotate and cut simultaneously.

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 Post Processing

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] PML800.19.pst

N This designates a Mill/Turn post that does not use subprograms. This is known as a “Long Hand post”.
Subprograms are frequently used for multi-process drilling, C-repeat drilling, Z-repeat milling, C-repeat
milling, Patterns (OD only), etcetera.

Example: Fanuc 16T [VG] NSML800.19.pst

Fanuc 16T [VG] NIML800.19.pst

B This designates a B-axis rotation post. This supports the creation of coordinate systems that has the
tool rotate about the B-axis.

Example: Super Hicell 250 HS [JMC] BSML1082.19.7.pst

Code Issues:
• Tool Orientation

1. When using a mill tool on the Face or OD, it is important to def ine the orientation of that tool
correctly. When Milling or Drilling on the face, make sure the orientation of the tool is perpendicular
to the face. When Milling or Drilling on the OD, make sure the orientation of the tool is perpendicular
the OD. If the tool is not oriented properly, the output will not be correct.

• C-Axis And Y-Axis Output

1. The radio buttons Position and Rotary Milling in the Rotate Tab determine whether C-axis moves or Y-
axis moves are output during Rotary Mill operations. If the Position radio button is selected, the system
calculates Y-axis moves. If the Rotary Milling radio button is selected, the system calculates C-axis
moves.

2. If your machine does not have a Y-axis, then you need to select the Rotary Milling radio button.

3. If your machine has a Y-axis, this capability can be added to any Mill/Turn post.

• Rotary Feedrates

1. Most rotary feedrates are calculated in Degrees Per Minute per rotary segment based on its length.
Since the length of each segment is variable, the system outputs a different feedrate for each segment.
The resulting rotary feedrate can be a large value based on the Degrees Per Minute calculation.

2. Certain CNCs, such as Haas and Mazak, calculate rotary feedrates using Inverse Time. Any Mill/Turn
post can be modif ied to use Inverse Time for feedrates.

3. Polar Interpolation posts use inches per minute for rotary feedrate calculations. Any Mill/Turn post
can be modif ied to use Polar Interpolation with inches per minute feedrates.

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 Post Processing

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COMMUNICATIONS
 Communications

CHAPTER 9 : Communications
ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS
The system contains integrated communications. Third party communications packages can also be used to
communicate with CNC machines.

Before a f ile can be sent to the CNC machine, the parameters for a f ile transfer need to be set-up. This is done
in the Com Set-Up tab in the Preferences sub-menu of the File menu. This dialog is used to set up
communication protocols needed for sending a program (text f ile) to a control or receiving a program from the
control. Different controls have different protocols (parameters). Refer to the machine control manual for the
necessary protocol specif ications.

PROTOCOLS
ADDING A PROTOCOL
A new protocol is added by typing in a new name and changing all of the settings to match those of the CNC
machine. Clicking on the Add button will add the protocol to the current database of protocols.

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 Communications

After a protocol has been added, the name will appear in the upper left hand corner.
Additional protocols can be entered and saved in the same manner. Saved protocols
can be accessed in the Protocol pop-up menu in the upper left-hand corner of the
dialog.

CHANGING A PROTOCOL
To change information about a protocol, select the protocol from the list and change
the information. The changes are automatically saved when the dialog is closed or when a different protocol in
the list is selected.

REMOVING A PROTOCOL
To remove a protocol, simply select the desired protocol from the list and click on the Remove
button.

COMMUNICATING WITH A CNC MACHINE

To send a f ile to or receive a f ile from a CNC machine, click on the Communications button in the Post
Processor dialog.

COMMUNICATIONS DIALOG
The Communication dialog can also be accessed from the File menu. Files can either be sent to the machine
control or received from the control. The File type radio buttons indicate what type of f ile will be sent. When a
f ile is post processed, a text f ile (NCF f ile) is created. NCF (text) is the necessary selection when sending posted
NCF f iles from the computer to the control or vice versa. The VNC (binary) selection allows users to send and
receive VNC f iles, which are the actual part f iles that contain the geometry and toolpaths. VNC f iles can be
communicated between computers that have the system installed. This is especially useful when the system is
built into the control of a machine tool. Part f iles (VNC f iles) can be communicated in their entirety from a
computer to the machine’s control, and from the control back to the computer.

SENDING A FILE TO THE CONTROL

To send a f ile, the Send Mode button must be depressed. The protocol is chosen by using the Protocol pop-up
menu. The program to be sent is specif ied by clicking on the Program Name button. When everything is set
correctly, click on the Send button to send the f ile. While the program is being sent, the Send button becomes
the Stop button. Click on the Stop button to stop the communication. The Progress Bar shows the status of the

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 Communications

1. Send Mode
2. Receive Mode
3. Program Name
4. Protocol Menu
5. Progress Bar

f ile being sent. If the Text Window is opened from the Post Processor dialog, the program will scroll by as it is
being sent to the control.

SENDING OTHER .NCF FILES

Any text f ile that matches the extension set in the Post text box in the File Extensions Preference can be sent to
the control. Refer to the Post Processing chapter for more information on output f ile extensions.

RECEIVING A FILE FROM THE CONTROL

To receive a f ile from the control, open the Communication dialog from the Post Processor dialog or from the
File menu. The Receive Mode button should be depressed. Choose the correct protocol from the Protocol pop-
up menu. The name of the received program is specif ied by clicking on the Program Name button. When
everything is set correctly, click on the Receive button, and then send the program from the control. If the Text
Window is open from the Post Processor dialog, the program will scroll by as it is received.

It is recommended that edited NCF f iles received back from the machine control be saved under a
different name than the original NCF f ile that was initially sent to the control. That way if the original
VNC f ile is reprocessed, it won't affect the edited NCF f ile. For example, a part f ile named
SAMPLE.VNC is post processed and a text f ile named SAMPLE.NCF is created. Changes are made to
the program at the machine control and the new f ile containing those changes is sent back and
received at the offline computer, but under the name SAMPLE1.NCF. If SAMPLE.VNC is reprocessed
again at a later date, it won't destroy the SAMPLE1.NCF f ile that contains the changes that were made
at the machine.

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 Communications

94
LATHE TUTORIAL
 Lathe Tutorial

CHAPTER 10 : Lathe Tutorial

The Lathe module is the most basic of the turning machines supported by the system. This chapter
provides instruction on how to create turning operations. Covered in this chapter are tool setup, process
def inition, operation creation, custom stock def inition, cut part rendering and form tool use.

Most of this information is covered in “Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial” while “Exercise #2: Form Tools”
primarily covers creating and using a form tool.

EXERCISE #1: LATHE TUTORIAL

The following tutorial shows how a simple lathe part is set up, tooled and output. Each step is bulleted and
additional information and tips are also provided. It is recommended that all the information contained in
this tutorial is read to gain the most thorough understanding. This part was created in the Geometry
Creation manual and the dimensions for this part are also on page 135. Refer to the Geometry Creation
manual for details on constructing the Geometry for this part. You may convert the measurement units
with the Modify > Scale command if necessary.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial

THIS TUTORIAL EXPLAINS HOW TO:
1. Set up stock, clearance and tool change settings

2. Specify custom stock

3. Create a tool list with standard and custom tool settings

4. Generate different types of operations that rough, contour, drill and thread a part.

5. Render the machining operations.

6. Create posted code for the part.

PART SETUP
• Open the Documents dialog.

The Document dialog contains information about the Machine Type, Material, measurement system,
stock, Tool Change, clearance and a part Comment. It also has the f ile management tools to open,
save, close, etc.

• Select Open in the Documents dialog.

• Locate the Lathe tutorial part that was created using the Geometry Creation manual.

This part was created in both the Geometry Expert and Free-Form CAD Exercises in the Geometry
Creation manual. Either of the part f iles can be used. If the part was not created, go back to the
Geometry Creation manual and do so or use the dimensions at the end of the book to create the
geometry.

• Click the file then click Open or double-click Lathe Tut.vnc in the list.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Select the Auto Clearance option.

Auto Clearance defaults the clearance values of each process unless overridden by unchecking Use
Auto Clearance in the Process dialogs.

The Auto Clearance option will calculate part clearances (in both Z and Xd/Xr) that are used to
position the tool between operations. These values are dynamically calculated as the stock
condition changes as material is removed. The clearance positions calculated will also take into
L account where the tool needs to move to begin the next operation’s toolpath. Additionally, the Auto
Clearance option may add entry and exit moves as needed to safely maneuver around the part and
complete each toolpath.

• Enter the stock, Auto Clearance and Tool

Change positions shown.
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Part Setup

Tool Change will send the tool to the

specif ied location for the tool change. If
Tool Change is turned off, it is assumed
that f ixture offsets are being used or the
operator will manually input the tool
change moves.

• Close the Document dialog (Ctrl+1, F1,

Ctrl+W).

• Open the View palette (Ctrl+5, F5).

• Choose Help > Balloons from the menu.

Balloons provide a reference to the

interface. A check mark will appear next to the Balloons item, indicating that it is on. Move the cursor
over the object to see the information.

• Select Unzoom (Ctrl+U).

The part may already be unzoomed if the part was saved.

• Select the Isometric view (Ctrl+I).

The Isometric view is a 45° perspective of the part. This view gives
the best overall perspective of the current status of a part from
the top, right and front view of the part.

The Top or Home view is recommended for creating geometry

and toolpaths, while the Isometric view is an excellent choice for rendering and viewing the cut part.

• Choose Help > Balloons to deactivate them.

Balloons are also activated by using the associated shortcut to the right of the menu command
(Ctrl+B).
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 Lathe Tutorial

• Switch back to the Top view.

• Click the View button again to close the View palette.

CUSTOM STOCK
The stock specif ications entered in the Document dialog simply creates a cylindrical
stock shape using the X and Z coordinates entered. It is possible to def ine a custom stock shape by drawing
the stock shape in a separate workgroup designated for part stock. This is very useful because the stock
shape affects the machining of the part in that the stock conditions are used to calculate the clearance
positioning moves when using Auto Clearance. The custom stock shape also appears when viewing the
rendered image of the part.

• Open the Geometry palette. (Ctrl+2, F2)

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Custom Stock

• Click the Workgroup list button in the Geometry Creation palette.

In Level 2 this can be accessed from the main palette.

This button also accesses a workgroup selection menu if the mouse

button is held down. The menu will be discussed later in this tutorial.

• Click New WG and rename it “Stock”.

A second workgroup is created and is now the current workgroup,

indicated by the open eye. Also, notice that the screen now displays an
empty stock outline.

• Right click the name of the workgroup, choose WG Info.

The Workgroup #2 dialog def ines whether the workgroup will

contain part geometry or a stock outline.

• Select the Part Stock Revolve option.

• Close the Workgroup #2 Info dialog.

In order to create the geometry for the stock outline, it will be

necessary to view the part geometry that we have already created as
a machining workgroup. The entry highlighted in the Workgroup Selection dialog is the active
workgroup.

Other workgroups can be viewed by opening the eye next to their name in the Workgroup Selection
dialog. Geometry in inactive workgroups are gray and can not be edited while inactive.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Double-click the closed eye next to Workgroup #1.

Both eyes are now open. Workgroup 2: Stock is highlighted to indicate

that it is the active workgroup. Workgroup #1 is visible but inactive.

• Close the Workgroup list.

We will use the Mouse-line tool in the Geometry Creation palette to draw
a rough outline of the stock. Any geometry creation method can be used to create a stock outline.

• Click the Line button.

• Click the Mouse-Line button.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Custom Stock

The Mouse-Line dialog contains Z and Xd values

determined by the location of the cursor. The Grid
value specif ies constraint spacing the lines will
snap to. For a review on using the Mouse-Line tool,
refer to Exercise #5: Doodle in the Geometry Expert
Section of the Geometry Creation manual.

The initial stock is a cylinder with two different diameters for our stock outline. The stock does not
need to be perfect, but should not cross the f inish geometry def ined. The only condition is that the
bottom line must be drawn at X0 to have a correctly revolved part.

• Draw a stock shape around the

part as shown.

This will be the stock condition

before cutting is preformed.

• Hold the Workgroup Selection

button down until the selection
menu appears.

• Select Workgroup 1.

• Close the Geometry Creation palette.

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 Lathe Tutorial

TOOL LIST
• Open the Tool list button in the Top Level palette.

• Double-click tile position #1 in the empty tool list.

The Tool Creation dialog contains all tool specif ications necessary for the system to
calculate accurate toolpath and rendering. Tool information can be edited at any time by
clicking on tool tiles and editing the information contained in the Tool dialog. For more
information, refer to “Tool Creation Overview” on page 13.

• Select the 80° C insert with the following

specifications.

Values for insert specif ications, such as Tip

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Tool List

Radius, IC (Inscribed Circle), Thickness, etc.
can either be selected from the list of
standard inserts in the menus or manually
entered by selecting Other.

Holders can be chosen by using the scroll

bar next to the insert diagram. The text to
the right of the scroll bar displays the holder
specif ications which provide detailed
information about the insert angle and
holder type. For our part, the f irst position
provides the desired selection. The red circle
at the end of the insert indicates the touch-
off point of the tool.

The selection of insert and tool holder also

affects the toolpaths created using this tool.
The system uses the selections made here
when constructing a toolpath to prevent
tool interference. Therefore, selections made here directly affect the machining of the part.

• Double-click the empty tool tile at position #2.

This closes the Turning Tool #1 dialog and brings up the Turning Tool #2 dialog. A tool tile displaying
the insert type and tip radius appears in position #1 of the tool list.

This next tool is a drill, so it must be def ined in a Milling Tool dialog.

• Click the Milling Tool button.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Select the Drill tool with the following

specifications.

• Double-click tile position #3 in the Tool List.

• Click the Turning Tool type button.

• Select the 35° V diamond insert.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Tool List

• Enter the tool information shown.

The position on the insert orientation

diagram remains the same as the previous
insert selection, so no adjustment is
necessary.

The insert angle and holder type selection

is the last one in the group.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Create this insert as tool #4.

Double-click the tool tile to open the new

tool dialog. We will skip this step from here
on.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Tool List

• Create this custom insert as tool #5.

The tool holder diagram is set to Custom.

Only the insert is drawn in the diagram
according to the values entered.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Create this insert as tool #6.

The Insert Orientation Diagram changes in

appearance when the Boring Bar option is
selected.

• Scroll down to reveal two empty tiles (if

necessary).

The scroll arrows at the top and bottom of

tile lists allow you to easily move through
the tiles in the list. To scroll quickly
through the list, hold down the button and
drag the mouse downward. This will change
the arrow to red and scroll a “page” at a
time. Refer to the the Getting Started guide
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Tool List

for more information on tile lists.

• Create this insert as tool #7.

Once the Style and TPI (threads per inch)

values are selected, the Insert Width and
Insert Type will default to the desired
values.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Create this custom insert as tool #8.

• Close the Turning Tool #8 dialog.

The tools necessary to machine this part

have now been created. A good way to
review the tools contained in the list is by
using the Window > Tool List Summary.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Tool List

• Choose Window > Tool List
Summary.

The Tool List Summary

contains all of the current
tool information.

The information may be

printed by choosing File >
Print > Tool List Summary. While the Tool List Summary is the active window the print shortcut
Ctrl+P will work. The list is set up to print in landscape mode ONLY. When any of the summaries are
displayed on the screen, they can be printed or saved as a text f ile with the Save Special command.

• Close the Tool List Summary.

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 Lathe Tutorial

CREATING THE OPERATIONS - OD

• Click the CAM button in the Main
palette.

The Machining palette, Process List

and the Operation List appear.

The Machining palette contains

Function tiles. The functions
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - OD

available for use with lathe are

contouring, roughing, threading,
and drilling.

Process tiles are created by dragging

a Tool Tile and a Function Tile to a
Process List location. Operation tiles
are created from Process tiles when
the Do It or Redo button is
depressed.

In order to machine this part, operations must be created. Operations are created from completed
processes. To create a process, one tool and one process (roughing, contouring, drilling, threading) is
needed. In this tutorial, we will f irst describe the necessary machining operation, then we will detail
the steps necessary to create that operation.

First, we will create an operation that will face the front of the part.

• Select the Contouring Function Tile and drag it to position #1 in the Process list.

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 Lathe Tutorial

• Drag tool #1 (80° C) and drag it to position #1 in the Process List. Place it on top of the
Contouring tile in position #1.

When you place the Tool Tile in position #1, the tool number is displayed in the
small box on the Contouring Process Tile. The Contour Process dialog appears
after the Tool tile is added.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - OD

• Enter the information shown in the Contour
dialog.

To position the tool to cut the face of this

part, we need the tool to approach and
retract along the Z axis. Therefore, the
Front Face option is selected.

For this process, the Material Only option

is selected so no toolpath will be
generated unnecessarily to cut the face.

• Close the Contour Process dialog.

When the Process dialog is complete, the

1. Start point
cut shape must be def ined. Machining Markers (shown
2. Offset cut
below) are used to designate a cut shape for contouring
3. Start feature
processes.
4. End Point
5. End Feature
6. Centerline cut
7. Direction
• Select the vertical line at Z=0.

The Machining Markers will appear on the selected feature. The markers allow you
specify the start and end feature and the start and end point of the cut shape. They
can be “picked up” by clicking on them and dragging them to any location on the part
geometry. The arrows allow you to choose the cut direction. The two circles allow you
to choose the side from which the tool will be offset.

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 Lathe Tutorial

In this case, the start feature and end feature markers will stay in their initial positions because only
one feature, the face, will be cut. The start point and end point markers will be moved to cut the entire
length of the face. The start and end point markers can rest anywhere on the selected line, even on the
trimmed sections. Refer to the Machining Markers section in the Machining chapter for more
information.

• Select the outside circle.

This is the OD side of the geometry.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - OD

• Click the arrow pointing down.

We will approach the line from the OD and bring the tool just past the center to
ensure a complete facing is done.

• Drag the start point marker above the workspace as shown.

Because Material Only is used in this process, the start and end point markers do not
need to be placed in exact positions as long as they clear the stock outline we def ined.

• Drag the end point marker down to

the location shown.

If markers are not properly

placed a process may not
generate the desired toolpath.
The common mistake is to chose
the wrong cut side.

• Click the Do It button in the

Machining palette.

An Operation tile will be created and added to the Operation list and the approach and
retract moves and the toolpath drawn. The orange lines represent the toolpath, while the

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dashed gray lines represent positioning moves. The solid lines for both the toolpath and positioning
indicate feed moves. And the dashed lines of both colors indicate rapid moves.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

The picture above on the right shows the toolpath without the Machining Markers so you can get a
better picture. To view the toolpath without the Machining Markers, simply click anywhere off the
part. The dashed gray line shows the tool rapiding from the tool change position (entered in the
Document dialog, to the start point of the toolpath).

The angled lines at the beginning and end of the toolpath are entry and exit positioning moves that
have been added because Auto Clearance is turned on. They are angled along the centerline of the
insert angle. The position the tool can safely rapid to before beginning the toolpath is determined by
the Auto Clearance value entered in the Document dialog.

• Deselect the operation created by clicking on an empty Operation location, or by clicking an

insertion point between Operation locations.

Tiles are considered selected when they are highlighted in yellow. Deselected tiles are
the standard gray color.

CREATING OPERATIONS
When operations have been satisfactorily completed, it is VERY IMPORTANT before proceeding
that all operations are deselected. By deselecting the completed operations, they become f ixed in
L the Operations List and will not be affected by changes made to the Process List. Operations can be
edited, but to do so they must be reloaded into the Process List by double-clicking on them.

• Drag the Process in position #1 to the Trashcan.

When creating a new Process, you can either throw away the old tiles in the list or modify them in
order to create the new operations. In this case we will throw away the old tile and start from scratch.
Every tile in the Process list will be used to create operations.

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The next group of operations will rough and f inish the outside contour of the part. This will be
accomplished using multiple process programming which allows multiple process tiles to be applied to
one cut shape.

Multiple Process Group Op 2-4

• Create this Rough process with tool #1.

To properly position the tool to rough the

OD of this part, we need the tool to
approach and retract along the X axis.
Therefore, the OD option is selected for
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

the approach type.

Lathes use different roughing (multiple

cut) cycles. There are three general types:
Turn, Plunge, and Pattern Shift. These
three types of cycles will allow us to
output the different canned cycles
def ined in programming manuals for
lathes. The software will output these
roughing cycles as canned cycles if the
Prefer Canned option is selected and the
lathe is capable of using canned cycles. If
not, the post processor will output every
move necessary to rough the part.

Turn roughing cycles are the standard

contour rough cycle. For turning cycles,
the selection made for the approach type
(OD, ID, Front Face) determines what type of contour rough style will be generated by the system.

Plunge roughing cycles are used to generate grooving operations. These cycles are used when it is
desirable to rough the part with a groove tool. Pattern Shift roughing cycles are commonly used when
roughing a cast part. This type of cycle generates the part contour and shifts the toolpath on each
successive cut until the specif ied area is roughed.

In this process, we will use a turn roughing cycle. When a turning cycle is selected, a Cut Depth value is
entered which designates how much material will be removed on each pass.

For this process, the Cut Depth value entered is 0.1. The Xr label indicates that it is a radius value. This
means that 0.1" of material will be removed from each side on each pass.

The Shape Axes check boxes allow the user to regulate the axes and directions of the cut shape.
Omitting an axis (such as X-) will prevent cut shape moves in the disallowed direction. Refer to the
Machining chapter for more information on cut shapes and the Shape Axes buttons.

For this process, the X axis in the negative direction is turned off. This will prevent the toolpath from
making any moves in the X- direction so it doesn’t go into the grooves.

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The value entered in the Fin. Stock ± text box designates the minimum amount of material that will be
left outside of the part geometry after the roughing cycle is completed. The toolpath created by the
system will be offset from the part geometry in Z and in Xd. We will remove this excess with the f inish
pass.

• Close the Rough Process dialog.

• Create another Roughing Process with tool

#3 in position #2.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

This process is included in this group to
rough the neck groove on the part. Again,
an OD approach type is selected so the
tool will approach and retract along the X
axis. And a Turn rough cycle is selected
using a Cut Depth.

Material Only is again selected for the

Rough Style so that the toolpath
generated for this operation will only cut
the remaining material left on the part
after the previous operations have been completed. The Material Only selection is particularly useful
when utilizing the multiple process programming capabilities of the system. Feed moves will only be
made where it is necessary to remove material. The tool will make rapid moves whenever possible
while maintaining the clearance offset.

In addition to entering a f inished stock amount which will leave the designated amount of material
around the entire cut shape.

• Close the Rough Process dialog.

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• In position #3 create this Contour process

with tool #3.
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

• Close the Contour Process dialog.

Now that the Process List is complete, we

will def ine the cut shape.

• Click the chamfer as shown.

The Machining Markers will appear on the selected feature.

• Click the outside circle.

• Click the arrow pointing up.

• Drag the Start Point Marker to the position shown.

The Start and End Point Markers do not need to be placed in exact
locations as long as they clear the material.

• Drag the End Feature Marker (black square) and drop it on the part
geometry as shown.

The End Point marker will automatically move with the End Feature marker.

Alternately the End Feature Marker can be placed by pressing

Ctrl+Shift and clicking on the end feature geometry.
L When positioning any one of the four machining markers on a
geometry feature, place the tip of it’s arrowhead on the geometry
feature.

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• Drag the end point marker to the

position shown.

The Dark blue line represents the

cutting path. Notice that the middle
V groove and the O-ring groove are
not included in this cut shape.

• Click the Do It button.

This will create the toolpath. If any

mistakes were made, edit the process
and use the Redo button to make

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

changes to a selected operation.

Three operations are created.

The Operation list should have four

operations now.

The positioning moves and toolpaths for each of the operations are also drawn on
the screen. In order to get a better picture of the toolpaths generated by the system,
we will view the tool moves for the f irst roughing operation separately.

• Select Operation #2.

Clicking once on a tile will select and highlight the tile without opening any dialogs
or selecting other tiles that were created with it.

• Open the View Control palette.

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• Click the Redraw button (Ctrl+R).

Only the toolpath and positioning

moves for the selected operation
are drawn. This is helpful if you use
multiple process programming and
wish to view individual toolpaths.

Notice that the custom stock

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

outline was taken into account

because Auto Clearance is on and
the Material Only option was selected. Also, the toolpath created does not slope at all into the neck
groove because the X- Shape Axis was deselected in the Rough Process dialog that created this
operation.

The dashed gray lines show the tool rapiding from the end point of the previous operation to the start
point of this operation, and to the tool change position at the end of the operation.

Now that operations have been created, we will render the part. There are several ways to verify that the
toolpaths generated by the system will safely and correctly cut the part. Looking at the toolpaths, as we
have done thus far, is one way. Another way is to render the part which allows you to actually view the
tool removing material and cutting the part.

• Choose View > Isometric.

• Open the Rendering palette.

This changes the working mode to Cut Part

Rendering. The initial stock we def ined at the
beginning will display as a solid object. The
Geometry is hidden but can be viewed by using
View > Show Geometry ( Ctrl+[ ).

• Click the Play button.

The Cut Part Rendering palette shown below also appears on the screen.

• Click the Show Solid Tool button.

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• Click the Play button.

A part can be rendered at any time once operations

have been created. The stock will always be shown in
shades of blue. Selected operations will render in
shades of yellow, while all other operations will render
in shades of gray. Red will be displayed when non-
cutting tool surfaces or rapid moves hit the material.
Refer to the Cut Part Rendering chapter for more
information.

• Close the Rendering palette.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

• Choose View Top from the menu or Ctrl+E.

This is also the same as the Home view in CS1.

• Deselect the operations by clicking on an empty operation location or by

clicking on an insertion point between operation locations.

• Shift select the three tiles in the Process List and drag them to the trash.

You may also use the Delete key.

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Multiple Process Group Op 5-8

• For Process 1 create this Rough process with
tool #4.

An OD approach type is selected so the

tool will approach and retract along the X
axis. Material Only is again selected for
the Rough Style. Also, a Finished Stock
amount is left on this groove that will be
removed in the following f inish pass.

In this process, we will use a Plunge

roughing cycle.
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

When the Plunge option is selected for

the Rough Type, the Plunge dialog will
come up on the screen. To make the
Plunge dialog come up, click the Plunge
option in the Rough Type selections.

• Enter the information shown below in the

Plunge dialog.

The Plunge Angle specif ies the angle at which the groove tool will
make its plunging moves. The default is 270° which has the tool
plunging straight down.

For this process, we have selected the Details option for the Cut Width.
This option will vary the Cut Width distance as necessary in order to
hit the endpoints of each feature of the cut shape. The Z value entered
specif ies the maximum distance the tool will step over on each pass.
The Center Out Cuts option is selected so that the tool will make its
f irst plunging move in the center of the groove, and then proceed to
rough each side.

For this groove, the Peck Full Out option is selected because the groove
is relatively deep, and in order to remove all of the chips (material), the
tool will need to come all the way out of the part after the peck. The value entered in the Peck Amt text
box specif ies the distance the tool will plunge into the part on each peck. The Clearance value specif ies
the distance away from the remaining material the next peck will begin.

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• For Process 2 create this Contour process

with tool #4.

The No Drag option is turned on in this

process so that the toolpath is created in
such a way that only the positive insert
angle of the tool cuts material. The
designated cut shape is segmented into
pieces to accomplish this.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

• For Process 3 create this Rough process with
tool #5.

An OD approach type is selected so the

tool will approach and retract along the X
axis. Material Only is again selected for
the Rough Style. Also, a Finished Stock
amount is left on this groove that will be
removed in the following f inish pass.
Plunge is selected for the Rough Type.

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• Enter the information shown below in the Plunge dialog.

The Exact option is selected for the Cut Width. The tool will step over
on each pass regardless of the endpoints of the cut shape. The Peck
Retract option is selected for the First Plunge. The Peck Amt specif ies
the depth of each plunge and the Retract amount specif ies the
distance the tool will come out of the groove after each peck.
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

• For Process #4 create this Contour Process

with tool #5.

Now we will def ine the cut shape for this

process list.

• Click the part geometry as shown.

The Machining Markers will appear on

the selected feature.

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• Right-click the last feature shown and

choose Move End Feature here so the
Machining Markers appear as shown.

Make sure you select the outside circle

and the arrow pointing left. The blue
cut shape drawn should include the V
groove and O-ring.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating Operations

• Create the toolpath.

The toolpaths that are created will

properly rough and f inish both the V
groove and the O-ring. Notice that the
toolpath contains no unnecessary
moves. Material Only takes full
advantage of multiple process
programming without making
unnecessary tool moves.

• Switch to the Isometric view. (Ctrl+I)

• Render the Operations.

During the rendering process, you will be able to better

see the No Drag contour option at work. Notice the
tool will f inish one side of the groove, rapid up and
over, and then go down and f inish the other side of the
groove, always cutting along the positive direction of
the insert angle.

• Exit Rendering mode.

• Switch to the Top view (Ctrl+E).

• Deselect any operations.

• With the Process list selected choose Edit > Select All
(Ctrl+A) and delete the tiles or drag them to the
Trashcan.

Except for the thread, the OD of our part is complete.

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CREATING THE OPERATIONS - ID

Now, we will create the operations to drill a hole through the center of the part and rough and f inish the
ID.

Multiple Process Group Op 9-11

• Create this Holes process with tool
#2.

The depth the drill will feed to is

specif ied by the value entered in
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - ID

the Sharp Tip Z text box. Values

may be entered in the text boxes
specifying the Full Diameter Z
depth and the Spot Diameter.
These values will cause the Sharp
Tip Z to be recalculated. The
Sharp Tip Z is the value used in
the posted output.

The drill cannot feed through the

part in one pass. Therefore, the Peck, Full Out option is selected. Because it is a Peck, Full Out, the drill
will rapid all the way out of the part after each peck.

The value entered in the Peck text box specif ies the amount the tool will peck into the material on each
pass. The next peck will start a Clearance amount away from the material remaining after the previous
peck.

Remember to use the Balloons in the Help menu if you don’t understand the f ields.
L
Drilling operations do not require the selection of geometry. In a standard lathe a drill can only feeds in
at X=0. Therefore, the placement of the Machining Markers will only affect the toolpath created for the
Roughing and Contouring operations.

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• For Process #2 create this Rough Process

with tool #6.

A Front ID approach type is selected so

the tool will approach and retract from
the part along the X axis. A Turn Rough
Type is selected and separate stock
amounts are entered for each axis.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - ID

• For Process #3 create this Contour process
with tool #6.

The Front ID approach type is selected

and Material Only is turned on in the
process.

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• Position the Machining Markers as shown.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Creating the Operations - ID

• Create the toolpath.

The dashed orange line at X = 0 shows

the tool rapiding out of the part after it
has pecked in to the Sharp Tip Z depth
in the Drilling operation.

• Switch to the Isometric view.

• Render the Operations.

• Deselect the operations.

• Clear the Process list.

We will skip stating these last two steps in the future.

• Switch back to the Top view.

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THREADING
Op 12
Next, we will create the operation that will cut the required thread.

• Create this Thread process

with tool #7.

These values can be found in

the Machinery’s Handbook,
and are calculated from the
values entered for an “ideal
thread.”

The Minor Xd will default to

a calculated value according

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Threading

to the Nominal Xd and the
desired pitch. The Thrd Ht
Xr is calculated [(Major -
Minor)/2]. Changing the
Nominal Xd will change the
values in the Major Xd,
Minor Xd, and Thrd Ht Xr.

Const Load is selected to maintain the same amount of tool pressure on each pass. The Last Cut option
is selected to prevent any cut from removing less than the value entered from each side. This is also the
cut depth that the threading tool will remove on the last pass.

Threading operations do not

require the selection of geometry.
The information entered in the
Thread dialog determines where
the thread will be located on the
part.

• Create the toolpath.

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CUT OFF
Op 13
Finally, we will create an operation to cut off the machined part from the bar stock.

• Create this Contour Process with tool #8.

An OD approach type is selected so the

tool will approach and retract along the X
axis. Material Only is selected for the
Rough Type with a Clearance of 0.25. The
Clearance value is relatively large to
ensure that no tool interference occurs
with our f inished part.

The Cut Off option is turned on so the

post processed output will contain the
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Cut Off

necessary codes for removing the part

from bar stock. Not all post processors
support this option.

• Close the Contour Process dialog.

• Select the cut off line of the part

and position the Machining
Markers as shown.

Ensure the end point extends

past X0 and the start point
begins above the stock.

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• Create the toolpath.

As the last step we will sort the

operations to have less tool
changes.

• Right click an operation in the

Operations List and choose “Sort
Ops.”

The only change that occurs is

the Drilling operation that uses
Tool #2 will be moved up in the
Operation List to location #3.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Cut Off

Whenever the order of operations is changed, it is good practice to verify that the
positioning moves and toolpaths are still valid. When using the Auto Clearance
L option and/or Material Only option, the material condition is taken into account
when it creates the tool moves for each operation. Changing the order of operations
has the potential to change the initial material conditions for existing operations.
Rendering the part is a good way to check the validity of the toolpaths.

• Select the Isometric view. (Ctrl+I)

• Render the Operations (F6).

For this case, changing the order of the operations does

not cause any tool interference and does not appear to
affect the eff iciency of the toolpath and positioning
moves generated by the system. Had there been any
problems, we would have needed to reprocess the
existing operations so that the system would have
recalculated the tool moves for each operation based
on the new conditions. Reprocessing the operations is
very easy using the Redo All Ops item in the Edit menu
or the Operation list context menu.

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POST PROCESSING
Now that all of the operations to machine the part have been satisfactorily created and verif ied, we
need to post process the f ile. Post processing will create a text f ile that the CNC machine will use to cut
the part.

• Open Post Processor dialog.

From the Post Processor dialog a post processor may

be selected as well as generating a post f ile and
communicating with a machine control. Refer to the
Post Processing and Communications chapters for
more information.
Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Post Processing

• Click the Post Processor Selection button.

• Select a Lathe post processor.

• Click the Open button.

The name of the selected post processor will appear

in the dialog next to the button.

• Click the Program Name button.

The Program Name defaults to the name of the

part f ile. You can change the name or leave it as it
is.

• Click the Save button.

Once you have selected a post processor and

named and saved the program, the Process button
at the bottom of the dialog becomes active.

• Click the Text Window button.

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 Lathe Tutorial

This allows you to view the posted code as it is processing.

• Click the Process button.

This will create a post f ile that can then be sent to the
machine.

The program will scroll by as it is being processed. You can

click the Pause button to momentarily stop the processing so
that you can read the program. Once the program has f inished
processing, the Print button becomes active and the posted
code can be printed.

Exercise #1: Lathe Tutorial - Post Processing

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 Lathe Tutorial

EXERCISE #2: FORM TOOLS

This exercise introduces you to creating and using Form Tools in GibbsCAM. We will start with an existing,
very simple part f ile, create a Form Tool and apply a machining operation using the Form Tool.

• Open the part file Form Tool.vnc located in the Tutorial Parts folder that was installed with the software.

The f ile contains geometry for the part, a tool and two roughing operations. The existing operations
face and rough the part. First we need to create geometry for the Form Tool.

• Create a new workgroup for the Form Tool.

• Use the data in “Form Tool Blueprint” on page 136 to create the geometry for the form tool.

Remember that the system uses the

Exercise #2: Form Tools - Post Processing

origin as the tool’s touch-off point. The

tool should look like this image.

• Open the tool dialog.

• Select Form tool as the tool type.

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 Lathe Tutorial

You are prompted to select a shape to use

for the tool’s prof ile.

• Double click the Form Tool geometry and click

Apply.

The shape of the tool is displayed in the

Tool dialog. Note the touch-off point is
shown in the tool diagram.

Exercise #2: Form Tools - Form Tool Contour

FORM TOOL CONTOUR
We will now make a contour process using
the form tool.

• Create this Contour Process with the form

tool.

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• Position the machining markers as shown.

We have placed the start point marker above the

roughed surface. The end point marker should be on
the connecting point to drive the tip of the tool to that
point.
Exercise #2: Form Tools - Form Tool Contour

Since we are contouring on a single line

some options become disabled when
using a Form tool.

• Create the toolpath.

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 Lathe Tutorial

The result should be a single feed line into the part.

Exercise #2: Form Tools - Form Tool Contour

• Switch to the Isometric view and render the results.

• Save this part, it is complete.

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 Exercise #2: Form Tools - Form Tool Contour

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Lathe Tutorial
PART PRINTS
 Part Print 1: Tutorial Part Blueprint

135
136
Part Print 2: Form Tool Blueprint
INDEX
 Index

SYMBOLS C
% of Body’s Chord Height: 79 C.A.T.: 3
Canned Cycles: 40, 44, 46, 55–56, 61
Chord Height: 79
NUMERICS Circular Threads: 80
3D Real Time Cut Part Rendering: 73 Clearance
Auto, see Auto Clearance
Contour operations: 31
A Data: 7
Advanced CS Module: 8 Diagrams: 56
Air Cutting: 26, 34, 39, 61 Fixed: 9
Approach Type: 9, 56 Fixed, see Fixed Clearance
Changing: 56 Master: 31
Contour: 31 Moves: 55
Front Face: 56 Clearance Moves: 9, 39, 55
Front ID: 56 Approach From Tool Change: 57
OD: 56 Exit To Tool Change: 58
Roughing: 36 Same Tool Moves: 59
Thread: 42 Clearance Positioning: 55
Auto Clearance: 9, 27, 31, 39–40, 45, 55–56, 61, 98 Clearance Positions, Entry and Exit: 56
Close File: 8
CNC, Communication with: 92
B Collision
Back & Forth Roughing: 36 Alerts: 79
Balloons: 98 Tolerance: 80
Bar Stock: 32 Collision, Flash CPR: 79
Body Chord Height: 79 Com Set-Up dialog: 91
Button Comment: 9
Close: 8 Communication
Do It: 26 Stop: 92
Document Control: 7 Communication dialog: 92
Machining: 25
Communication Protocol
Material: 44, 46 Change: 92
New: 8 New: 91
Open: 8 Remove: 92
Post Processor: 83
Constant Cut: 43
Receive: 93
Constant Load: 43
Redo: 26
Save: 8 Constant Surface Speed, see CSS
Save As: 8 Contour Cutter Compensation: 20
Save Copy: 8 Contour Feed: 35
Send: 92 Contour process: 31
Tool List: 13 Contour Style: 34

139
 Index

Full: 34 Rigid Tap: 44

Material Only: 34 Sharp Tip Z: 45
Contouring function: 27, 31 Spot Diameter: 45
Control Surface Z: 45
Receiving files from: 93 Tap: 44
Sending files to: 91 Drilling Function: 27, 44
Coolant: 35, 40, 46 Drilling Process: 44
Corner Break: 34, 40 Dwell: 46
CPR: 74
Controls: 74
CPR palette: 74 E
CRC: 20, 34 Entry Clearance
CSS: 35, 40 Contouring: 32
Position: 56
Current Display (CPR): 74
Roughing: 39
Cut Depth: 37
Thread: 43 Entry Move
90° arc: 32
Cut Direction: 36
Contour operation: 34
Cut Direction Axes: 35, 41 Line: 32
Cut Off: 32 Exit Clearance
Cut Part Chord Height: 79 Contouring: 32
Cut Shape: 26 Roughing: 39
CutDATA: 8, 64
Cutter Radius Compensation, see CRC
F
Cycle Start Point: 38
Face Relief: 18
Feed
D Move: 56
Plunge rate: 46
Decimal Slope: 47
File
Depth Of Cut: 43 Send to Control: 92
Diameter Relief: 18 File Extension: 84
Diameters, part size: 9 File Management: 7
Do It: 52 Find Operation: 67
Document Control dialog: 7, 31, 39, 55, 97, 99 Finish Stock ±: 34, 40
Drill Entry/Exit Cycle: 44 Fixed Clearance: 40, 55–56
Drilling: 120 Form Tool: 17
Diagram: 45
Forward: 32
Dwell: 46
Feed In-Feed Out: 44 From Tool Center (CRC): 20
Feed In-Rapid Out: 44 From Tool Edge (CRC): 20
Full Diameter Z: 45 Front Face Approach
Peck Chip Breaker: 44 Contour: 31
Peck Full Out: 44 Roughing: 36

140
 Index

Front ID Approach Width: 16

Contour: 31 Insert Comments (Post): 84
Roughing: 36
Insert Type: 14
Full Radius: 16
Invisible Tool (CPR): 74
Function Tile: 31
Isometric view: 98

G L
G50 Offset: 9
Last Cut: 43
G50 offset: 19
Lathe Inserts: 14
G-code: 26
List
Gouge Avoidance, see Cut Shape Operation: 25
Process: 25
Scroll Arrows: 104
H Tool: 13
Help: 3
Holder
Diagram: 18 M
Specs: 18 Machine Type: 8
Holders Machinery’s Handbook: 49, 123
Boring Bars: 15
Machining Markers: 25–26, 62, 107
None: 15 How To Use: 62
Tool Holder: 15 On Geometry: 63
Hole Diameter: 45 Machining palette: 25, 27
Making Operations
Geometry: 25
I Material Database: 8, 19, 44, 64
ID (Inner Diameter) Thread: 42–43 Material Only: 9, 26–27, 34, 39, 61
In Feed: 43 Clearance: 39
Balanced thread: 48 Material Only, Clearance: 34
Insert Max RPM: 35
Face Angle: 16
Measurement Units: 8
IC (inscribed circle): 16
Insert Type: 16 Mill Class, back end holder: 9
Material: 19 Mill Module: 8
Orientation diagram: 18 Mill Tools: 14
Positive Angle Direction: 32 Mill/Turn Module: 14
Size: 16 Minimize (Post): 84
Specifications: 15
Mouse-Line: 100
Specifications of: 14
Move Operation: 67
Thickness: 16
Thread Style: 17 Multi-Level Sort: 68
Tip Width: 17 Multiple Process Creation: 26
TPI: 17 Multi-Task Machining Module: 8, 14

141
 Index

Cycle Start Point: 38

N Fixed: 38
NC program: 27 Passes: 38
NCF file: 92 Square Corners: 38
New File: 8 Xr Cut: 38
Z Cut: 38
Next Operation (CPR): 74
Pause Posting: 83
No Air Cutting, see Air Cutting
Peck
No Drag: 32
Amount: 45
Nominal Thread diameter, see Thread, Nominal Xd Chip Breaker: 45
NPT: 47 Clearance: 46
Chart: 50 Full Out: 45
Cutting: 49 Retract: 45
Play (CPR): 74–75
O Plunge
Angle: 37
OD (Outer Diameter) Thread: 42 Center Out Cuts: 37
OD Approach Clearance: 38
Contour: 31 Cut Width: 37
Roughing: 36 Feed: 37
Offset # (Tool): 18 First Plunge: 37, 39
One Finish Pass: 43 Peck Amount: 38
Open File: 8 Peck Full Out: 38–39
Operation Data: 65 Peck Retract: 38–39
Operation List: 25–27 Retract: 38

Operation Tile: 27 Plunge dialog: 37

Operations: 109 Post

Deselecting: 26 From Part File: 83
Order of: 27 Name: 84
Reprocessing: 13, 27 Output: 84
Requirements: 84
Optional Stops (Post): 84
Selection: 84
Unit Conversion: 8
P Post Output Preferences: 85
Post Processing: 83
Part
Comment: 9 Post Processor
Material: 8 Coolant: 46
Set Up: 7–8 Custom: 32, 35, 40, 44, 46
Stock: 9 Drilling Cycles: 44
Part Clearance Prefer Canned: 40, 44, 46, 55, 61
Master: 56 Auto Finish: 40
Part Surface in Z: 45 Preset Point: 19
see also Touch-off Point
Part X Dimension: 9
Print Post: 83
Pattern Shift

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Printing: 21, 80
Process
S
Loading Saved: 52 Save
Post: 83 Duplicate Copy: 8
Stock Amount: 20 File: 8
Process dialogs: 31 File As: 8
Contour: 31 Special: 21
Rough: 36 Saving Processes: 52
Thread: 42 Saving Tool Data: 52
Process Group: 52 Selected Ops (Post): 84
Pre-defined: 52
Send Mode: 92
Process List: 25–27, 31, 67
Sending a File: 92
Program Name button: 92
Sequence from (Post): 84
Program Name, post: 83
Set Op Stop #: 75
Prompting: 3
Shank Size: 9
Protocols: 91
Slope, see Thread, Taper
Sort Operations: 27, 67
R Speed: 44
Spindle Speed: 35, 40
Radii, part size: 9
Spring Pass: 43
Radius Move, contouring: 32
Square Corners: 32, 38
Rapid
Move: 56 Start Side Extension: 36
Step: 39–40 Starting Program Number (Post): 84
Redo: 13 Statistics, Flash CPR: 80
Redo All Ops: 27, 34, 39, 125 Step Forward (CPR): 74–75
Render, checking the part: 27 Steps Per Update: 79
Rewind (CPR): 74 Stock
Rough process: 36 Finish: 34
Xr: 34
Rough Style: 39
Full: 38–40, 61 Z: 34
Material Only: 39–40 Stock Size: 7, 9
Rough Type: 37 Stop (CPR): 74–75
Cut Depth: 110 Surface Z: 45
Pattern Shift: 37–38, 40, 56
Plunge: 37
Plunge Rough: 37 T
Turn: 37, 40, 56 Text Window, post: 83
Roughing function: 27, 36 Theoretical Tool Tip, see Touch-off Point
RPM: 44, 46 Thread
Run In: 42, 44 # of Starts: 43, 47
Run Out: 42, 44 1st Xr: 48
Actual End: 44

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Actual Start: 44 Summary: 21, 105

Alternate In Feed: 43, 48 Tool Movement: 55
Approach Type: 47 Tool Specifications, modifying: 13
Balanced In Feed: 43, 47
Tool Tile: 25, 31
Constant Cut: 48
Tool Type Toggle: 14
Constant Load: 48
Cut Direction: 42, 47 Toolpath: 26
Cutter Side and Direction: 62
Depth of Cut: 43, 48
End Feature: 62
End Z: 48
End Point: 62
Front ID: 42
Recalculate: 27
Height Xr: 43, 47
Start and End Points: 62
ID: 47
Start Feature: 62
Last Cut: 48
Start Point: 62
Major & Minor Xd: 43, 47
Nominal Xd: 42–43, 47 Touch-off Point: 17–18
OD: 42, 47 Transparent Tool (CPR): 74
One Finish Pass: 48 Trashcan: 109
Run In: 48–49 Turret Shift: 19, 55
Run Out: 49
Spring Pass: 48
Start Z: 48 U
Style: 42, 47 Undo: 52
Taper: 42, 47
Units of Measurement: 8
Thread Angle In Feed: 43, 48
Utility data: 65
TPI: 42, 47
Thread Angle: 43
Thread Clearance: 42 V
Thread Load: 43 Visible Tool (CPR): 74
Thread Process: 42 VNC file: 92
Threading: 42, 47
Threading function: 27
Threads Per Inch, see Thread, TPI W
Throttle Control (CPR): 74 Work Fixture Offset: 9
Tool
Comment: 19
Custom, see Form Tool X
Offset: 20 X Dimension Style: 9
Other: 16 X Stock Start, roughing: 39
Radius Offset: 20
Xr Stock: 34, 40
Tool Change: 9, 55, 98
Tool Change Position: 7, 19
Primary: 55 Z
Tool Creation dialog: 13–14 Z Depth
Tool List Full Drill Diameter: 45

144
 Index

Tool Tip: 45
Z Stock: 34, 40

145
 Index

146