2014 SolidCAM HSS User Guide


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SolidCAM 2014

HSS Machining

User Guide

1995-2014 SolidCAM

All Rights Reserved.


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Content

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Adding an HSS Operation .................................................................................................. 6

1.2 HSS operation dialog box ................................................................................................... 7

1.3 The stages of the HSS operation parameters denition................................................ 9

2. CoordSys .................................................................................................................. 11

3. Geometry ................................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Geometry ............................................................................................................................. 14

3.1.1 Geometry for the Parallel cuts strategies ........................................................... 15

3.1.2 Geometry for the Parallel to curves strategy ..................................................... 17

3.1.3 Geometry for the Parallel to surface strategy .................................................... 18

3.1.4 Geometry for the Perpendicular to curve strategy ........................................... 21

3.1.5 Geometry for the Morph between two boundary curves strategy ................ 22

3.1.6 Geometry for the Morph between two adjacent surfaces strategy ................ 23

3.1.7 Geometry for the Projection strategies ..............................................................25

3.2 Area ....................................................................................................................................... 28

3.2.1 Full, avoid cuts at exact edges ..............................................................................28

3.2.2 Full, start and end at exact surface edges ........................................................... 29

3.2.3 Limit cuts by one or two points ..........................................................................31

3.2.4 Determined by number of cuts...........................................................................31

3.2.5 Use 2D Boundary .................................................................................................. 33

4. Tool ............................................................................................................................ 35

4.1 Tool denition .....................................................................................................................36

4.1.1 Spin denition ........................................................................................................37

4.1.2 Feed denition .......................................................................................................37

4.1.3 Offsets ....................................................................................................................38

4.1.4 Cutting conditions ................................................................................................. 38

4.1.5 Feed zone control .................................................................................................. 39

4.1.6 Feed rate optimization ..........................................................................................39

4.1.7 Rapid motion in G1 mode ................................................................................... 40


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5. Levels ........................................................................................................................ 41

5.1 Regular ..................................................................................................................................42

5.1.1 Clearance area.........................................................................................................42

5.1.2 Machining levels .....................................................................................................45

5.2 Advanced ............................................................................................................................. 475.2.1 Arc t .....................................................................................................................47

5.2.2 Angle step for rapid moves .................................................................................. 48

5.2.3 Angle step for feed moves ................................................................................... 49

6. Tool path parameters ............................................................................................... 51

6.1 Surface quality .....................................................................................................................52

6.1.1 Cut tolerance ..........................................................................................................52

6.1.2 Step over .................................................................................................................536.1.3 Advanced options for surface quality .................................................................54

6.2 Sorting ..................................................................................................................................56

6.2.1 Cutting method ......................................................................................................56

6.2.2 Direction of machining ........................................................................................59

6.2.3 Cut order .................................................................................................................60

6.2.4 Machine by .............................................................................................................. 61

6.2.5 Enforce closed contours.......................................................................................61

6.2.6 Flip step over ..........................................................................................................62

6.2.7 Start point ............................................................................................................... 62

6.3 Modify ..................................................................................................................................65

6.3.1 Surface edge merge distance ................................................................................ 65

6.3.2 Apply outer sharp corners .................................................................................... 66

6.3.3 3D Tool compensation .........................................................................................67

6.3.4 Round corners ........................................................................................................67

6.3.5 Angle range ............................................................................................................. 68

6.3.6 Extend/Trim ..........................................................................................................69

7. Tool Control............................................................................................................... 73

7.1 Axial Shift ............................................................................................................................ 74

7.2 Tool contact point .............................................................................................................. 75


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Content

8. Link ............................................................................................................................ 79

8.1 Approach/Retract............................................................................................................... 80

8.1.1 First entry ................................................................................................................ 80

8.1.2 Last exit ...................................................................................................................83

8.1.3 Home position .......................................................................................................858.2 Links ..................................................................................................................................... 86

8.2.1 Gaps along cut .......................................................................................................86

8.2.2 Links between slices .............................................................................................. 89

8.3 Default Lead-In/Out .........................................................................................................93

8.3.1 Type .........................................................................................................................93

8.3.2 Approach/retreat parameters (Use the...) .......................................................... 96

8.3.3 Height ......................................................................................................................97

8.3.4 Feed rate ..................................................................................................................978.3.5 Same as Lead-In .....................................................................................................98

9. Gouge Check ............................................................................................................ 99

9.1 Gouge checking ................................................................................................................100

9.1.1 Tool ........................................................................................................................100

9.1.2 Geometry ..............................................................................................................101

9.1.3 Strategy ..................................................................................................................102

9.2 Clearance data ...................................................................................................................110

9.2.1 Clearance ...............................................................................................................110

9.2.2 Report remaining collisions ...............................................................................112

9.2.3 Check gouge between positions ........................................................................112

9.2.4 Extend tool to innity.........................................................................................113

9.2.5 Check link motions for collision .......................................................................113

10. Roughing and More ................................................................................................ 115

10.1 Multi-passes .......................................................................................................................117

10.2 Depth cuts .........................................................................................................................120

10.3 Rotate and Translate .........................................................................................................123

10.4 Stock denition .................................................................................................................126

10.5 Plunging .............................................................................................................................129

10.6 Morph pocket ....................................................................................................................130


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10.7 Sorting ................................................................................................................................133

10.7.1 Reverse order of passes/tool path....................................................................133

10.7.2 Connect slices by shortest distance...................................................................134

10.8 Links between passes .......................................................................................................136

11. Machine control ...................................................................................................... 139

11.1 Point interpolation ............................................................................................................ 141

11.2 Machine limits ................................................................................................................... 141

11.3 5th Axis ..............................................................................................................................142

12. Misc. parameters .................................................................................................... 143

12.1 Message ..............................................................................................................................144

12.2 Extra parameters ...............................................................................................................144

12.3 Tool center based calculation ..........................................................................................145

13. Exercises ................................................................................................................. 147

Exercise #1: Parallel cuts strategy ...........................................................................................148

Exercise #2: Parallel to curve strategy ....................................................................................150

Exercise #3: Parallel to surface strategy .................................................................................151

Exercise #4: Perpendicular to curve strategy ........................................................................152

Exercise #5: Morph between two boundary curves strategy .............................................153

Exercise #6: Morph between two adjacent surfaces strategy .............................................154

Exercise #7: Projection strategy ..............................................................................................155Exercise #8: General HSS machining ....................................................................................156

Exercise #9: General HSS machining ....................................................................................161

Exercise #10: General HSS machining ..................................................................................164

Exercise #11: General HSS machining ..................................................................................168

Document number: SCHSSUG1400SP3


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1Introduction


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Welcome to the SolidCAM HSS Machining module!

SolidCAM HSS is a High Speed Surface machining module for smooth and powerful machining oflocalized surface areas in the part, including undercuts. It provides easy selection of the surfaces tobe machined, with no need to dene the boundaries. It supports both standard and shaped tools.

Powerful Surface Machining Strategies for Smooth, Gouge-Free and OptimalTool Paths

The SolidCAMHSS module provides numerous surface machining strategies that produce efcient,smooth, gouge-free and optimal tool path to nish the selected surfaces.

HSS provides special tool path linking options, generating smooth and tangential lead-ins and lead-

outs. The linking moves between the tool paths can be controlled by the user to avoid holes andslots, without the need to modify the models surface. Retracts can be performed to any major plane.


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1. Introduction

Total Tool Control to Machine Only the Areas You Choose

HSS is the CAM module that takes your 2.5D machining way beyond proles, pockets and faces

providing a 3D machining capability by driving along specic surfaces on prismatic and 3D parts

The HSS tool path is focused on single or multiple surfaces and excels in creating a owing too

path on a group of surfaces that make up a complex 3D shape, e.g. llets.Experience total tool control to machine only areas you choose, without the need of constrain

boundaries or construction geometry.

Advanced Gouge Control for Holder, Arbor and Tool

Complete gouge control is available for Holder, Arbor and Tool. Adjoining check surfaces that arto be avoided can be selected. Several retract strategies are available, under user control.


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Advanced Linking

Total freedom to control tool entry and tool exit motion, to remove the need for surfacemodications. Tool paths can be extended or trimmed, gaps and holes can be jumped, and you can

choose from multiple lead-in/lead-out options.

Handling Undercut in HSS

Use Tapered, Lollipop, or T-Slot tools for undercuts or difcult to cut geometry.

Important Module for Every Machine Shop

The advantages of the SolidCAMHSS module translate to signicantly increased surface quality.

The SolidCAM HSS module is an important add-on for every machine shop for the machining ofall types of parts.


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1. Introduction

About this book

This book is intended for experienced SolidCAM users. If you are not familiar with the softwarstart with the lessons in the Getting Started Manual and then contact your reseller for informatioabout SolidCAM training classes.

About the Exercises

The CAM-Parts used for this book are attached in a ZIP archive. Extract the content of thExercises archive into your hard drive. The SolidWorksles used for exercises were prepared witSolidWorks 2014.

The contents of this book and exercises can be downloaded from the SolidCAM web sithttp://www.solidcam.com.


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1.1 Adding an HSS Operation

To add an HSS Operationto the CAM-Part, right-click the Operationsheader in SolidCAM Manager

and choose the HSScommand from the Add Milling Operationsubmenu.

You can also click the HSS icon displayed on the SolidCAM Operations ribbon of CommandManager.

The HSS Parallel cuts: Linear operationdialog box is displayed.


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1. Introduction

1.2 HSS operation dialog box

The High Speed Surface machining operation dialog box enables you to dene the parameter

of the HSS machining.

Technology

This section enables you to dene the type of the operation. SolidCAM provides you with thfollowing types of the HSS operation:

Parallel cuts (Linear, Constant Z, Hatch)

Parallel to Curve(s)

Parallel to Surface

Perpendicular to Curve

Morph between two boundary curves

Morph between two adjacent surfaces

Projection (User dened, Radial, Spiral, Offset)


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Parameter pages

The parameters of the HSS operation are divided into a number of subgroups. The subgroups aredisplayed in a tree format on the left side of the HSS machining operationdialog box. When youclick a subgroup name in the tree, the parameters of the selected subgroup appear on the right sideof the dialog box.

CoordSys

Dene the CoordSys Position for the HSS operation.

Geometry

Choose geometry for machining and dene the related parameters.

Tool

Choose a tool for the operation and dene the related parameters such as feed and spin.

Levels

Dene the Clearance area and the machining levels.

Tool path parameters

Dene the machining parameters.

Tool control

Dene the tool control parameters.

Link

The Linkand Default Lead-In/Outpages enable you to dene how the HSS cutting passesare linked to the complete tool path.

Gouge check

The Gouge checkand Clearance datapages enable you to avoid the tool gouging of anyselected drive and check surfaces.

Roughing and More

Dene the parameters of the HSS roughing.

Machine control

Dene the parameters related to the kinematics and special characteristics of your CNC-

machine.

Misc. parameters

Dene a number of miscellaneous parameters and options related to the tool path

calculation.


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1. Introduction

1.3 The stages of the HSS operation parameters definition

The operation denition is divided into the following stages:

1. CoordSys,Geometry,Tool Path Parameters andLink generation of the tool path fothe selected faces. Gouge checking is not performed at this stage.

2. Gouge check avoiding tool and holder collisions.

Tool path generation Gouge check


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2CoordSys


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CoordSys page

On this page, you dene the Coordinate System appropriate for the

operation. Choose an existing Coordinate System from the list or

click the Definebutton to dene a new one. The CoordSys Manager

dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to dene a new

Coordinate System directly on the solid model.

When the Coordinate System is chosen for the operation, the model is

rotated to the selected CoordSys orientation.

For more information on the Coordinate System denition, refer to

the SolidCAM Milling User Guide.

The CoordSys denition must be the rst step in the operation denition process.


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3Geometry


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The Geometrypage enables you to dene the geometry and its related parameters for machining.

3.1 Geometry

This section enables you to dene the geometry for the operation. The geometry consists of variouselements (curves and surfaces) that must be dened depending on the machining strategy chosenfrom the Technologylist.


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3. Geometr

1

3.1.1 Geometry for the Parallel cuts strategies

The Parallel cuts strategies create tool path cuts that are parallel toeach other. The cuts can be performed in a Linear, Constant Zor Hatch

manner.

The following geometries must be dened for the Parallel cutsstrategies:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to bemachined in the operation. Choose the appropriate geometry from

the list or dene a new one by clicking the Newicon ( ). TheSelect Facesdialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you toselect one or several faces of the SolidWorks model. Click on theappropriate model faces. The selected faces are highlighted.

To remove selection, click on the selected face again or right-clickthe face name in the list (the face is highlighted) and choose theUnselectoption from the menu.


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When transferring model les from one CAD system to another, the direction of some ofthe surface normals might be reversed. For this reason, SolidCAM provides you with thecapability to display and edit the normals of model surfaces during the geometry selection.

The Show direction for highlighted faces only

check box enables you to display the surfacenormals for the specic highlighted faces inthe list.

The Show direction for selected facescheckbox enables you to display the normalsdirection for all the faces in the list.

SolidCAM enables you to machine surfacesfrom the positive direction of the surfacenormal. Sometimes surfaces are not oriented

correctly and you have to reverse their normal

vectors. The Reverse/Reverse All command enables you to reverse the direction of thesurface normal vectors.

Drive surface offset

The Drive surface offset parameter enables you to dene a

machining allowance for the drive surface. The machining isperformed at the specied distance from the drive surface.

The offset is three-dimensional and expands the faces in every direction.

Drive surface

offset


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3. Geometr

1

Define angle by

The Define angle bysection enables you to dene theangle of linear and hatch machining. The angle canbe dened by entering its value in the edit box or bypicking a line on the model. The angles entered are

relative to the XY plane.

This option is available only in the Linear andHatchmodes of the Parallel cutsstrategy.

3.1.2 Geometry for the Parallel to curves strategy

The machining is performed along a lead curve. The generated cuts

are parallel to each other. The distance between each two adjacentpasses is determined by the Step overparameter (see topic 6.1.2).


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The following geometries must be dened for the Parallel to curvesstrategy:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surfaces to be machined in the operation(see topic 3.1.1).

Edge curveThe Edge curve section enables you to dene the lead curve parallel to which the toolpath passes are performed. Choose the appropriate geometry from the list or dene a

new one by clicking the Newicon ( ) The Geometry Editdialog box is displayed. Thisdialog box enables you to dene wireframe geometries by picking edges and vertices on theSolidWorks model.

You can also use multiple curves for multiplesurfaces. Each curve is applied only for the nearestsurface.

The lead curve must be located exactlyon the surface edge; otherwise, a wrongtool path can be generated.

3.1.3 Geometry for the Parallel to surface strategy

This strategy enables you to generate the tool path on the drive

surface parallel to the specied check surface.

Edgecurve

Tool path

Drive surface


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3. Geometr

1

The following geometries must be dened for the Parallel to surfacestrategy:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to be machined in the operatio(see topic 3.1.1).

Edge surface

The Edge surfacesection enables you to dene the check surfaces geometry for the toopath generation.

The drive and check surfaces haveto be adjacent, i.e. they must havea common edge.

Advanced options

SolidCAM enables you to dene a number of advanced options for the Parallel to surfacestrategy

Click the Advancedbutton to display the Advanced Options of Surface Paths Patterndialog box.

The Generate tool path front sideoption enables SolidCAM to take into account the normals othe dened check surface.

When this check box is not selected, the tool path isgenerated on the drive surface only - on all sides of thecheck surface.

Edge surfac

Drive surface


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When this check box is selected, SolidCAM generates the tool path taking into account the directionof the check surface normals. The resulting tool path is created only at the front side of the checksurface.

SolidCAM automatically extends the passes tangentiallyat the drive surface edges. Using Single edge tool path

tangent angleparameter changes the extension direction.The option affects only the rst pass adjacent to the checksurface; all other passes are extended tangentially.

Single edge toolpath tangent angle

Single edge toolpath tangent angle


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3. Geometr

2

3.1.4 Geometry for the Perpendicular to curve strategy

This strategy enables you to generate the tool path orthogonal tothe dened Lead curve.

The following geometries must be dened for the Perpendicular to curvestrategy:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to be machined in the operatio

(see topic 3.1.1).

Lead curve

The lead curve geometry does not have to be located on the surface. During the toopath calculation, SolidCAM generates in each point of the lead curve virtual points on thcurve. The distance between these points isdetermined by the Step over value(see topic6.1.2).

SolidCAM projects the virtual points onto

the drive surface; the direction of theprojection is the normal vector of the curveat the virtual point. Where the normal vector

intersects with the surface, a virtual surfacepoint is generated. The passes are generatedthrough these points, normal to the leadcurve.

Leading curve

Drive surface

Tool path


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If the cuts cross each other at the surface edge caused by an inappropriate lead curve, youwill not obtain an acceptable result.

The lead curve must be located exactly on or above the drive surface. If the curve is notlocated above the surface, no tool path is generated. When only a part of the lead curve islocated above the surface, a tool path is generated only where the normal vector of the leadcurve intersects with the drive surface.

Note that when the selected curve is not a straight line, the cuts are not parallelto each other.

3.1.5 Geometry for the Morph between two boundary curves strategy

This option creates a morphed tool path between two leadingcurves. The generated tool path is evenly spread over the drive

surface.

The following geometries must be dened for the Morph between two boundary curvesstrategy:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to be machined in the operation(see topic 3.1.1).


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3. Geometr

2

Curves

The Start edge curve and End edge curve

sections enable you to dene the leading curvesfor the morphing using the Geometry Editdialog box (see topic 3.1.2).

It is recommended to choose thedrive surface edges as the lead curvesgeometry to get better morphing ofthe tool path.

3.1.6 Geometry for the Morph between two adjacent surfaces strategy

This strategy enables you to generate the morphed tool path ona drive surface enclosed by two check surfaces. The tool path isgenerated between the check surfaces evenly spaced over the drive

surface.

The following geometries must be dened for the Morph between two adjacent surfacesstrategy

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to be machined in the operatio(see topic 3.1.1).

Start edge curve

End edgcurve

Drive surface


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Surfaces

The Start edge surfacesand End edge surfacessections enable you to dene the checksurfaces geometry for the tool path generation.

The drive and check surfaces have to be adjacent, i.e. they must have a common

edge.

Advanced options

SolidCAM enables you to dene a number of advancedoptions for the Morph between two adjacent surfaces strategy.Click the Advancedbutton to display the Advanced Options

of Surface Paths Patterndialog box.

The Generate tool path front side option enables SolidCAM to take into account the normalsof the dened check surfaces.

When this check box is not selected, the tool path is generated on thedrive surface from all sides of the check surfaces.

When this check box is selected, SolidCAM generates the tool path takinginto account the direction of the check surfaces normals. The resulting

tool path is located between the check surfaces only.

SolidCAM automatically extends the passes tangentially to the drivesurface edges. Using the First surface tool path tangent angleand the

Second surface tool path tangent angleparameters, you can change theextension direction. The direction can be changed for the rst and lastpasses; all the internal passes are evenly morphed between them.

First surface toolpath tangent angle

Second surface toolpath tangent angle

First surface toolpath tangent angle

Second surface toolpath tangent angle


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3. Geometr

2

3.1.7 Geometry for the Projection strategies

The Projection strategies enable you to generate a single tool pathalong a curve projected on the drive surface. These strategies can beused for engraving or creating radial, spiral, offsetted tool path or ofany other shape dened by the user.

Technology

This section enables you to choose a strategy for creating a projection on the drive surface.

User defined

This strategy projects the curve selected in the Projection curvessection down onto thdrive surfaces.

Radial

This strategy projects a radial pattern on the surface. It can be particularly effective ocircular shaped components and shallow areas. The Center point section enables you t

dene the center point of the radial pattern either by typing its coordinates or picking

on the model. The cuting area is dened by theStart

andEnd

radius and can be limited bangular span between 0 and 360.

Spiral

This strategy projects a spiral pattern on the surface. It can be particularly effective ocircular shaped components and shallow areas. The Center point section enables you t

dene the center point of the radial pattern either by typing its coordinates or picking it othe model. The cutting area is dened by the Startand Endradius. Machining starts fromthe inner circle dened by the Startradius cutting spirally in outward direction.


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Offset

This strategy projects the curve selected in theProjection curvessection down onto the

drive surfaces and creates offsets on the Left, Right, or Bothsides of the projection curve.The number of offsets is dened by the Number of cutsparameter.

The following geometries must be dened for the Projectionstrategy:

Drive surface

The Drive surfacesection enables you to dene the surface to be machined in the operation(see topic 3.1.1).

Direction

This section enables you to specify to which direction the curve is projected.

X, Y, Z:The curve direction is dened as parallel to one of the Coordinate System axes.

Line:The projection vector is dened by a line that you can pick directly on the solid model.

Surface normal:This option projects the curve into the normal direction of the surface

below.

If the curve/pattern lies exactly on the face, the tool path has the same shape and

position as the curve.

If the curve/pattern lies above the drive surfaces, the tool path changes. The toolpath is built only on an interval between those normals that intersect the curve.

The projection has to lie within the Max. projection distanceto the drive surface.Otherwise the curves cannot be considered for projecting. The option of Surface

normalis available only in the User definedstrategy.

Projection curves

The Projection curvessection enables you to dene the curves for the tool path generation.

The option of Projection curves is available only in User defined and Offset

strategies.


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3. Geometr

2

Max. projection distance

When the Projection tool path strategy is chosen, the system expects to get projectiocurves lying on the drive surfaces.

Due to tolerance issues in CAD systems, sometimes the curves do not lie exactly on thdrive surfaces. This error can be compensated by the Maximal projection distancevalu

For example, if the value is 0.1 mm, it allows to have the projection curve 0.1 mm awafrom the drive surfaces.

Center point

This section enables you to dene the position of a center point of the virtual circle tha

SolidCAM creates to generate radial/spiral passes.

This position can be dened manually by entering the coordinate values in XYZ eld

picking the point directly on the solid model using the button, or automatically bselecting the Auto detectoption.

Radius

Start:This option enables you to create a virtual inner circle that starts the tool path fromthis inner circle so that the tool does not rub at the converging point where the radius izero.

End:This option enables you to to stop the tool path at the extreme end of the virtuaouter circle.

The Auto detectoption enables you to detect the required maximum radius to automaticall

machine the surface.

Angle

This section enables you to dene an area based on two angles for the tool path calculation

Start: This parameter denes the starting angle of area denition for the tool patcalculation.

End:This parameter denes the ending angle of area denition for the tool path calculation

The Angleoption is available only in the Radialstrategy.


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3.2 Area

The Areasection enables you to dene the cuttingarea on the drive surface.

The following options are available to dene thearea:

Full, avoid cuts at exact edges

Full, start and end at exact surface edges

Determined by number of cuts

Limit cuts by one or two points

All of these options are unavailable with the Projectionstrategy.

3.2.1 Full, avoid cuts at exact edges

This option enables you to generate the tool path on the whole drive

surface avoiding the drive surface edges. With this option, the minimaldistance between the edge and the tool path is equal to half of theMax. step over (see topic 6.1.2).

This option can be used when the boundary of the drive surfaces is not smoothand has gaps. The half of the Max. step overoffset from the surface edge enablesyou to compensate these surface defects. In case of large gaps, SolidCAMenablesyou to handle them using the Gap along cutsoption (see topic 8.2.1).

The image illustrates the use of this option. Note that the

machining does not start at the exact edge of the surface.Therefore the shape of the upper edge does not inuence thetool path.

Edge

Edge


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3. Geometr

2

3.2.2 Full, start and end at exact surface edges

With this option, the tool path is generated on the whole surfacestarting and nishing exactly at the drive surface edges or at the nearestpossible position.

Make sure that the surface edges are perfectly trimmed. Gaps cause unnecessartool air movements during the machining, therefore the Full, avoid cuts at exacedgesoption (see topic 3.2.1) is preferable.

The number of cuts depends on the Max. step overvalue. Since the rst and the last cuts arlocated exactly on the drive surface edges, SolidCAM modies the specied Max. step overvalu(see topic 6.1.2) to achieve equal distance between the cuts. The modied Max. step overused fothe tool path calculation is smaller than the specied one.

Margins

You can dene margins for the tool path calculation when working with the following strategieMorph between two boundary curves, Parallel to Curve(s), Parallel to Surfaceand Morph betwee

two adjacent surfaces.

Click the Marginsbutton.

Edge

Edge


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The Margins dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables youto dene a margin for the drive surface edges. The machining startsand nishes at the specied distances from the drive surface edges.

Advanced parameter for margins

Tool path strategies that use edge curves and surfaces sometimes encounter difculties since CADsystems deliver the drive surfaces and the edge geometry (curves or surfaces) only within accuracy.If you would like to start the tool path exactly at the zero distance to the edge geometry, this isproblematic, because the geometry can never be exactly aligned. To avoid this problem, SolidCAM

provides you with the Advanced parameter for marginsoption.

The option of Margins is not available for the Perpendicular to Curvestrategy.

The Additional margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies parameter enables you to

compensate the inaccuracy of the CAD model edges. For example, to get the tool path at the

5 mm distance from the geometry, set the margin to 4.97 mm and the Additional margin to overcomesurface edge inaccuraciesto 0.03.

The Add tool radius to marginsoption enables you to expand the cutting area, which is dened bymargins, by adding the tool radius distance.

Start margin

End margin

Drivesurface


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3. Geometr

3

3.2.3 Limit cuts by one or two points

This option enables you to limit the tool path by one or two points.

Click the Points button to dene the limiting

points with the Limit cuts between 2 pointsdialog box.This dialog box enables you to enter the coordinates ofthe limiting points or dene them by picking directlyon the solid model.

The dened limiting pointsmust be located within theregion of the cuts.

3.2.4 Determined by number of cuts

This option enables you to limit the tool path by a number of cuts.The Number of cuts parameter denes the number of cuttingpasses.

Start point End point

1

2

3


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When the Parallel to curves/Parallel to surfacestrategy is chosen for the geometry denition, theDetermined by number of cutsoption generates the following tool path: the tool starts machiningfrom the dened curve/surface and performs the number of cuts dened with the correspondingparameter.

When the Morph between two adjacent surfacesstrategy is chosen for the geometry denition, the areabetween the dened surfaces is divided by the numberof cuts in such a manner that the rst cut is performedat the Start edge surface, and the last cut at the End

edge surface.

This option is available only for the Parallel to Curve(s), Parallel to Surface,Morph between two boundary curvesand Morph between two adjacent surfaces

strategies.

1

Parallel to curve Parallel to surface

23

1

2

3

4

4

1 2 3 4


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3. Geometr

3

Margins

SolidCAM enables you to dene a margin, shifting the rst and last cutlocations. Click the Margins button to display the Margins dialog box.

The location of the rst cut is shifted by the distance specied by the Start marginparameter.

The Start marginand End marginoptions are available only for the Morph betweetwo adjacent surfaces and Morph between two boundary curves technologieOnly one Margin parameter is available for Parallel to Curve(s) and Parallel tSurfacetechnologies.

3.2.5 Use 2D Boundary

SolidCAM provides you with a functionality to limit the machiningto specic model areas. The machining limitation is performed bya planar boundary that is projected on the model. The projected

boundary is virtually trimming the drive surfaces. All the contactpoints of the tool and drive surfaces are enclosed by this projectedboundary.

2D Boundary curves

SolidCAM enables you to dene a boundary based on a Working areageometry (closed loop omodel edges as well as sketch entities).

For more information on the Working area geometry, refer to the SolidCAMMilling User Guidebook.

The Newicon ( ) displays the Geometry Editdialog box that enables you to dene the geometr

Using the Editicon ( ), you can edit the geometry in the same dialog box.

The Showbutton enables you to display the already dened boundary directly on the solid model

Margin

12

34

5


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4Tool


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4.1 Tool definition

The Toolpage enables you to choose a tool for the operation from the Part Tool Table.

Click the Selectbutton to display the Part Tool Tableand choose a tool for the operation.

For more information on the tool denition, refer to the SolidCAM Milling User Guidebook.


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4. Too

3

Click the Datatab to display and dene the Spinand Feedparameters.

4.1.1 Spin definition

The Spin section enables you to dene the spinning speed of the

tool.

The spin value can be dened in two types of units: Sand V. S is

the default that signies Revolutions per Minute.Vsignies material

cutting speed in Meters per Minutein the Metricsystem or in Feet per

Minute in the Inchsystem; it is calculated according to the following

formula:

V = (S * PI * Tool Diameter) / 1000

The Spin directionsection enables you to choose between the clockwise (CW) or counterclockwis

(CCW) direction.

4.1.2 Feed definition

The Feed section enables you to dene the tool feed for the HSSoperation.

The feed value can be dened in two types of units: Fand FZ. Fis the

default that signies Units per minute. FZsignies Units per toothand

is calculated according to the following formula:

FZ = F/(Number of Flutes * S

The F/FZbuttons enable you to check the parameter values.


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Cutting feed

This eld denes the cutting feed rate of the tool.

Feed Z

This eld denes the feed of the tool movements from the safety position to the cutting depth.

For Tap tools, SolidCAM automatically calculates the Feed Z (F and FZ) valueaccording to the following formulas:

F=Spin Rate * Pitch

FZ=Pitch

The calculated values are displayed in the Feed Zeld. These values cannot be

changed.

Retract feed

This eld denes the feed of the tool movements from the material to the retract level.

4.1.3 Offsets

The Diameter offset numberparameter denes the number of the Diameter Offset Registerof the

current tool in the Offset tableof the CNC-machine. The Length offset numberparameter denes

the number of the Length Offset Registerof the current tool in the Offset tableof the CNC-

machine.

4.1.4 Cutting conditions

This button enables you to update the cutting conditions dened for use of the current tool on the

chosen CNC-machine according to the parameters set in the Part Tool Table.


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This section enables you to dene the feed rate for the Flat tool path segments where

the Curvature radius is Innite.

This section enables you to dene the feed rate for the tool path segments of Large

radius (the radius value can be customized).

This section enables you to dene the feed rate for the tool path segments of Small

radius (the radius value can be customized).

This section enables you to dene the feed rate for the Sharp Corners of the tool

path where the radius is equal to 0.

4.1.7 Rapid motion in G1 mode

Some CNC-machines do not support synchronization between axis motors when the rapid

movement (G0) is performed. The absence of synchronization causes the deviation between the

calculated path and the real tool movements. SolidCAMenables you to avoid the problems describedabove by replacing all rapid movements (G0) with non-rapid ones using a particular feed rate.

The Rapid motion in G1 modegroup enables you to control the use of rapid feed (G0).

When the Rapid motion in G1 modecheck box is not selected, the resulting GCode contains rapid

movements (G0).

Example:G0 X-2.942 Y75.567 Z24.402 A-88.436 B-26.482 M116

When the Rapid motion in G1 modecheck box is selected, the resulting GCode does not containG0commands. The rapid movements are performed using the feed rate dened by the Rapid feed

rateparameter.

Example:

G1 X-2.942 Y75.567 Z24.402 A-88.436 B-26.482 F9998 M116

First cut feed rate percentage

In some machining cases, the tool load is not uniform along the tool path; the maximum tool load

is reached along the rst cutting pass. The First cut feed rate percentageoption enables you tochange the feed rate at the rst cutting path in order to optimize the cutting process. The feed rate

is changed as a percentage of the dened feed rate (see topic 4.1.2).


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5Levels


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The Levelspage enables you to dene the Clearance areaand the machining levels.

5.1 Regular

The Regulartab enables you to dene the parameters for clearance area and machining levels.

5.1.1 Clearance area

The Clearance area is the area where the tool movements can be performed safely without

contacting the material. The tool movements in the Clearance areaare performed with the rapidfeed.

Depending on the drive surface or your machining strategy, you can choose different clearance area

types:

Plane

Cylinder

Plane

This option enables you to dene the Clearance areaby plane. Thetool performs a retract movement to the Clearance areaplane, and

then a rapid movement in this plane.

The plane orientation is dened by a vector normal to the plane. With

the In X, In Yand In Z options, SolidCAMenables you to dene this

vector as one of the Coordinate System axes (X, Y or Z).


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5. Level

4

The Plane heightparameter denes the distance between the appropriate Coordinate System plan

and the Clearance areaplane.

The User-defined directionoption provides you with an additional capability to dene the plane b

an arbitrarily-oriented vector.

This option enables you to dene the direction vector by its coordinates

(dX, dYand dZparameters). Using the icons, you can pick the start and

end points of the vector directly on the solid model, or select the entire

face.

Plane height

Z

User-defined vector


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Cylinder

This option enables you to dene the Clearance areaas a cylindrical

surface enclosing the Drive surface. The tool performs a retract

movement to the Clearance cylinder, and then a rapid movement

along the cylinder surface.

The Radiusparameter enables you to specify the cylinder radius.

The Parallel to X, Parallel to Yand Parallel to Zoptions enable you to dene the cylinder axes only

parallel to one of the Coordinate System axes (X, Y or Z).

The Parallel to user-defined directionoption provides you with

an additional capability to dene the cylinder axis by an arbitrarily-

oriented vector.

It enables you to dene the direction vector by its coordinates

(dX,dYand dZparameters). Using the icons, you can pick the start

and end points of the vector directly on the solid model, or select

the entire face.

By default, the cylinder axis passes through the CoordinateSystem origin. You can specify the cylinder axis location either by

clicking the Through pointbutton or by dening the X, Y and Z

coordinates of a point on the cylinder axis.

Radius

User-defined

vector


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Rapid retract

This option enables you to perform the retract movement with rapid feed.

When this check box is not selected, the tool moves to the Exit safety distancewith the feed

dened as the Retract feedparameter (see topic 4.1.2).

When this check box is selected, the retract movement is performed with rapid feed.

Retract rate

Rapid feed

Retractdistance

Safetydistance

Rapid feed

Retractdistance


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5. Level

4

5.2 Advanced

The Advancedtab enables you to dene the parameters to control rapid retracts. This tab is visibl

only when the Advancedcheck box is selected.

5.2.1 Arc fit

SolidCAMenables to add tangential arcs for the approaching and retracting link segments. The ar

can be dened for Clearance area, Retract distance, and Safety distance.

The radius value is set in the Arc radiuseld.


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5.2.2 Angle step for rapid moves

SolidCAM enables you to approximate by lines the curved rapid movements performed in the

cylindrical clearance area.

The approximation is controlled by the Angle step for rapid movesparameter illustrated below.

Small values of the Angle step for rapid movesparameter cause less deviation between the initial

curve and the approximated path, but may cause some machines to slow down.

Using larger values of the Angle step for rapid movesparameter, you can reduce the number of

approximation lines thus increasing the motion speed; however then collisions are possible, since

the curved motion is simplied (when the Angle step for rapid moves is set to 90 the circular

movement is approximated to a square).

Initial motion Approximated motion

Initial motion

Approximated motion

Angle step for rapid moves


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5. Level

4

5.2.3 Angle step for feed moves

Similar to rapid movements, SolidCAM enables you to approximate by lines the curved fee

movements.

The options of Angle step for rapid moves and Angle step for feed movesar

available only when Cylinderis selected as the Clearance area Type.


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6Tool path

parameters


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The Tool path parameterspage enables you to dene the parameters of nish machining.

6.1 Surface quality

The Surface qualitytab enables you to dene the parameters that affect the surface nish quality.

6.1.1 Cut tolerance

The Cut toleranceparameter denes the tool path accuracy:

the chordal deviation between the machined surface and thetool path; the tool path can deviate from the surface in therange dened by Cut tolerance.

A smaller Cut tolerancevalue gives you more tool path pointson the drive surface resulting in more accurately generated tool

path. The result is a better surface quality, but the calculationtime is increased.

A greater Cut tolerancevalue generates less points on the tool

path. After the machining, the surface nish quality is lower,but the calculation is much faster.

You can type the value manually or adjust it using the slider.The xed values available on the slider are dened in the

SolidCAM settings, under Defaults> Tolerance> HSS.


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6. Tool path parameter

5

Distance

The Cut toleranceparameter denes the number of tool path pointson a surface. The distance between these points is not constant anddepends on the surface curvature: there are less points calculatedon at surfaces and more points on curved surfaces. The Distance

parameter enables you to dene the maximal distance between two consecutive tool path points. Iother words, when the Distanceoption is used and the value is dened, SolidCAM generates toopath points at least at every specied distance.

The Distanceoption is not used The Distanceoption is used

When the Distance option is not used, the number of tool path positions is determined bthe Cut toleranceparameter.

6.1.2 Step over

This option enables you to dene the maximum step over and scallop parameters.

Maximum step over

This parameter denes the maximum distance between twoconsecutive cuts.

The denition of the Maximum step overparameter is different for each machining strategy:

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For the Parallel cutsstrategies (see topic 3.1.1), the Maximum step over parameterdenesthe distance between the parallel planes.

For the Parallel to curve/surfacestrategies (see topics 3.1.2and 3.1.3), the Maximum stepoverdenes the distance between two consecutive passes along the drive surface.

For the Perpendicular to curvestrategy (see topic 3.1.4), the Maximum step overis measured

along the curve, perpendicular to which the cutting planes are created. For the Morph between two boundary curves/Morph between two adjacent surfaces

strategies (see topics 3.1.5and 3.1.6), the Maximum step overdenes the distance betweentwo consecutive passes along the drive surface.

For the User definedtechnology of the Projectionstrategy (see topic 3.1.7), the Maximumstep overparameter is not relevant, because the projection curves can be chosen arbitrarily.For the Spiraland Radialtechnologies, the Maximum step over denes the distance betweentwo consecutive passes.

Scallop

The Scallopparameter enables you to dene the cusp height of themachined surface.

The Scallopparameter is available only when a BallNose Milltool is chosen for the operation.

The Scallop parameter corresponds to the Maximum step

over parameter. When the Scallop is dened, SolidCAM

automatically updates the Maximum step overvalue accordingto the chosen tool diameter and the Scallop; vise versa, whenthe Maximum step overis redened, SolidCAM automaticallyrecalculates the Scallopvalue.

6.1.3 Advanced options for surface quality

The Chaining tolerance parameter denes the tolerance of the initial

grid used for the tool path calculation. The recommended value is1 to 10 times the Cut tolerance. In some cases, for simple untrimmed surfaces, the Chainingtolerancevalue can be dened up to 100 times the Cut toleranceand would increase the calculationspeed signicantly.

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5

The surface contact paths are created while analyzing and slicing the surface patches. If due tslicing the tool path topology becomes very complex (for example, patches parallel to curve ansurface are very large), sometimes the surface contact paths cannot be constructed safely.

If the Automatic chaining tolerancecheck box is selected, a ner grid (based on the Maximum steovervalue) is applied for initial analysis of surface patches, thus delivering slow but safe results fo

surface contact points.

Adaptive cuts

This check box enables you to adjust the step over between tool path passes adaptively, in order t

ensure an acceptable distance between adjacent passes. This option is especially useful in machininof steep surfaces, molds, and U-shaped parts.

When this check box is not selected, thetool path passes can be distributed in

such a manner that the distance betweenthem is varying throughout the toolpath. In certain cases, such distributionof passes may result in poor quality of

surface machining.

When this check box is selected,additional lines can be inserted in thetool path if the distance between twoadjacent passes is considered too large.

As a result, the number of calculatedcuts is increased.

This option is not available for use with the Parallel cuts, Perpendicular to curv

and Projectionstrategies.

Note that when this option is used, the calculation time increases.

Adaptive cuts check boxis not selected Adaptive cuts check bois selected


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6.2 Sorting

The Sortingtab enables you to dene the order and direction of the cuts.

6.2.1 Cutting method

This option enables you to dene how the cuts are connected. Ithas three choices: One Way, Zigzag,and Spiral.

One way

When the One wayoption is chosen, all cuts are machined in thesame direction. The tool performs the machining of a cut in thespecied direction, then moves to the start of the next cut and

machines it in the same direction.

One Way


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5

Zigzag

When the Zigzagoption is chosen, the machining direction changesfrom cut to cut. The tool performs the machining of a cut in thespecied direction, then moves to the next cut and machines it in theopposite direction.

Spiral

With the Spiraloption, SolidCAM generates a spiral tool path aroundthe drive surface according to the chosen pattern.

The spiral pitch is dened by the Max. step overparameter.

This cutting method is available for use with all the machining strategies except fothe Projectionstrategy (see topic 3.1.7).

The Advancedbutton displays the Advanced options for spiral machiningdialog box.

Step over

Spiral

Zigzag


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Perform spiral

When the Fulloption is chosen, the cuts are performed in constant spiral motions.

When the Blend along distanceoption is selected, every slice except for the last one istrimmed by a certain distance. The trimmed slice is connected with the following slice by a

blend spline. The value in the corresponding edit box denes the trimming distance for the

slice in case the Blend along distanceoption is chosen.

Close

When the First contourcheck box is selected, machining of the rst slice is performed in aclosed contour. The spiral machining motions start with the second slice.

When this check box is not selected, the spiral machining motions start with the rstslice. Likewise, when the Last contourcheck box is selected, machining of the last slice isperformed in a closed contour.

Full spiral Blend along distance

Distance

First contour Last contour


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5

6.2.2 Direction of machining

When the One way or Spiral options are chosen for Cutting method,SolidCAM enables you to dene the following directions of cuts.

The CCWoption enables you to perform the machining in thecounterclockwise direction.

The CW option enables you to perform the machining in theclockwise direction.

The Climboption enables you to perform climb milling, which is preferred when millinheat treated alloys. Otherwise, chipping may result when milling hot rolled materials due tthe hardened layer on the surface.

The Conventional option enables you to perform the conventional milling, which ipreferred for milling of castings or forgings with very rough surfaces.

Clockwise Counterclockwise

Tool movementdirection

Tool rotation

Tool movementdirection

Conventional milling Climb milling

Tool rotation


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6.2.3 Cut order

The Cut order option enables you to dene the sequence of thecuts when the One wayor Zigzagoptions are chosen for Cuttingmethod. The following options are available:

With the Standard option, SolidCAM performs themachining from one side of the drive surface and continuesto the other side.

With the From center away option, the machining startsfrom the center of the drive surface and continues outwards.

With the From outside to center option, the machiningstarts from the drive surface edges and continues inwards.


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6

6.2.4 Machine by

SolidCAM enables you to dene the machining order for the operation.The Machine by list enables you to choose the order of machiningof certain areas; it denes whether the surface will be machined byLanesor by Regions.

The generated tool path usually has a topology of multiple contours(lanes) on the drive surfaces. When the tool path is generated in manyzones, it might be preferable to machine all the regions independently.

6.2.5 Enforce closed contours

When the geometry is not completely closed, the Enforce closedcontoursoption enables you to close the geometry and perform themachining of closed contours.

This option is available only with the CWand CCWoptions chosen for Directioof machining(see topic 6.2.2).

12

4 5

6

3

1

12

23

3

1 2

3

1 2

3

Lanes Regions

Enforce closed contoursoption is selected

Enforce closed contoursoption is not selected


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6

The Start pointbutton displays the Start Point Parametersdialog box.

Start point by

This section enables you to choose the method ofstart point denition.

Position

This option enables you to dene theStart point position by specifying itscoordinates. The coordinates of theselected point are displayed in the X, Yand Zedit boxes.

Surface normal direction

When this option is chosen, the start point is located at the intersection of the too

path with the vector specied by user-dened XYZ coordinates. Vector coordinatecan be set by numeric values, or the direction can be picked on the model usin

the button.

The selected start point is applied to the rst cut. For the

subsequent cuts, you can dene the start point using one ofthe following options:

Shift by value

This option enables you to start the next cut at a

specied distance from the previous start point. Thedistance dened in related edit box is measured along

the path.

Rotate by

This option enables you to rotate the start

position of the cuts relative to the startposition of the rst cut. The Rotate byvaluedenes the rotation angle for start positionsfor subsequent cuts.

Start point

Value

Start point


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Minimize surface normal change

With this option, SolidCAM automatically chooses the start points for passes in such way

that the change of the direction between surface normals at the start points is minimal.

If the dened start point position is not located on the drive surface,

SolidCAM automatically determines the closest point on the drive surface anduses it as the start point.

Reverse

The Reverseparameter changes the start point of the tool. Whenthe Reversecheck box is selected, the tool starts from outside andmoves towards the center. If this check box is not selected, the toolmoves from inside towards outside.

This parameter is available only in the Projection(Radial)strategy.

Cutting side

This parameter enables you to position the tool at the Center, Left

or Rightside of the tool path.

This option is available for use only with theProjection (User definedand Offset)strategy.

Start point

Normals


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6.3.2 Apply outer sharp corners

This option enables you to perform machining of adjacent outer edges of the model in such amanner that the sharpness of the corners is preserved. Instead of rolling around the edge that resultsin rounding of the corner, the tool path is extended for both edge surfaces, and the extensions are

connected with a loop, resulting in an absolutely sharp machined corner.

When this check box is selected, you can dene the parameters and conditions for corner looping.

The Outer Angle along passparameter denes the maximal value of the angle between two normalsto the surfaces of the corner to enable looping; for angles greater than dened, loops will not beperformed.

The Loopsradius value denes the radius of the loop to be performed.

Outer anglealong pass

Loop radius

Surfacenormals

Note that when the Loops radiusis smaller than the radius of the tool, loops willnot be performed.


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6

6.3.3 3D Tool compensation

When this check box is selected, the tool compensation options ofthe CNC-controller are used in the GCode. The output tool path isrecalculated according to the following formula:

C = T + R * N,

where Cis a new coordinate of tool center, Tis the coordinate of tool tip, Ris the corner radius othe tool, and Nis the tool vector.

When the Tool tip option is chosen, thetool path is calculated according to the tooltip, and the type_offset_3D:tool_tip command is output to the GCode under@compensation_3d.

When theTool center option is chosen, the tool pathis calculated according to the tool center and thetype_offset_3D:tool_center command isoutput to the GCode under @compensation_3d.

This option is available only whenthe tool of the Ball nose millor Bull nose milltype is chosen for the operation

The location of the Tool centeris assumed at the corner radius center point leve

6.3.4 Round cornersIn some cases, the HSS tool path contains unnecessary sh tail

movements in sharp corners or in small radius areas.

Using the Round cornersoption, you can avoid such movements and generate a smoother toopath.

Tool tip Tool center


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The Round cornersbutton displays the Round corners by tool radiusdialog box. This dialog boxenables you to dene the rounding of the tool path.

The rounding is performed in the direction of passes with a

radius equal to the sum of the tool corner radius and the specied Additional radiusvalue.

6.3.5 Angle range

SolidCAM enables you to dene the cutting area by the surfaceinclination angle.

The Angle rangebutton displays the Parameters to Define Shallowand Steep Areasdialog box. This dialog box enables you to deneparameters determining the steep/shallow area to be machined.


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6

View direction

SolidCAM enables you to denea vector from where the slopeangle start and end are referenced.SolidCAM enables you to choose

one of the Coordinate Systemaxes (X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis)

or dene a vector by an end point(the start point is automaticallyconsidered to be located in theCoordinate System origin).

Slope angles

The Slope angle start and Slope angle endparameters dene the limit angles around the View

directionvector.

Machining areas

This option enables you to determine the area to be machined.

When the Machine between slope anglesoption is chosen, the machining is performed only asurfaces with inclination angles within the range dened by Slope startand Slope endangles.

When the Machine outside slope angles option is chosen, the machining is performed only asurfaces with inclination angles outside the range dened by Slope startand Slope endangles.

Note that the cutting area calculation is purely based on surface contact pointsIn other words, some portions of the surface geometry are virtually trimmed iorder to split the part into shallow and steep regions.

6.3.6 Extend/Trim

SolidCAM enables you to extend or trim the tool path tangentiallyalong cuts. SolidCAM virtually extends or trims the drive surface

tangentially and generates the tool path for it. In case of extendingtool path, the tool moves to the specied distance beyond the endof the surface. In case of tool path trimming, the tool stops at thespecied distance before the surface boundary and moves to thenext cut.

View direction axis

Slope start angle

Slope end angle

Area between slope angle

Area outside slope angles


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The Extend/Trimbutton displays the Extend/Trimdialog box. This dialog box enables you to denethe extending/trimming distances.

The Start section enables you to dene the extending/trimming distance for the start of the cutting passes.

The End section enables you to dene the extending/

trimming distance for the end of the cutting passes.

The distances can be dened either by values or by the percentage of the tool diameter. A positivevalue means extending of the passes; a negative value means trimming of the passes.

Note that with the Zigzag

option (see topic 6.2.1) thedirection of the machiningis changed for each cutting

pass, so the start and the endof the passes are reversedfor each pass. Therefore,to obtain the correct toolpath, it is recommendedto use the One wayoption.

With this option, the startpoints of the passes are onone side of the drive surface

and the end points are onthe other side, providingyou with the possibility ofcorrect extending/trimming.

Extend

Trim

Trimming distance

Extension distance


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7

Extend/trim gaps

Selecting this check box enables you to apply the dened extending/trimming to all gaps detectealong cutting passes during the tool path linking. In the gap area, the drive surface is virtuallextended or trimmed tangentially by the distance specied in the Start/End sections. When thdistance value is positive, the drive surface is extended; in case of a negative value it is trimmed.

When extending is applied to thedetected gaps, the tool continues itsmove to the specied distance beyondthe end of the surface, then performslinking in the gap area according to

the parameters set in the Gaps alongcut section of the Linkpage (see topic8.2.1), then continues the machining ofthe current cut at the specied distance

before the second edge of the gap. As aresult, the tool path is extended over thegap area at both sides.

When trimming is applied to thedetected gaps, the tool stops at thespecied distance before the gap

edge, performs linking in the gap areaaccording to the parameters set in theGaps along cut section of the Link

page, and continues the machining ofthe current cut at the specied distanceafter the second edge of the gap. Asa result, the tool path is trimmed overthe gap area at both sides.

Extension

distance

Trimmingdistance


80/17872


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7Tool Control


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The Tool controlpage enables you to dene the parameters that control the tool contact point with

respect to the workpiece/part.

7.1 Axial Shift

SolidCAM enables you to offset the tool along the tool axis.

You can choose one of the following options:

Constant for each contour

The offset value does not change along the axis. The value isset in the Toeld.

Gradual for all cuts

The contact point between the tool and work piece gradually shifts along the axis with eachconsecutive cut. The offset increases from the value set in the Fromeld up to the value

set in the Toeld.

Gradual for each contour

The contact point between the tool and work piece slides gradually for each cut. The offsetincreases from the value set in the Fromeld up to the value set in the Toeld.


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7. Tool Contro

7

Damp

This option enables you to smooth the tool path in such a manner that vertical jumps will bavoided.

When this check box is not selected, the resulting tool path exactly follows the dened edge curv

When this check box is selected, the tool path is smoothed, and therefore does not contain sharjumps.

7.2 Tool contact point

The Tool contact pointsection enables you to dene the point on thtool surface that contacts with the drive surfaces during the machining

Auto

SolidCAM automatically denes the tool contact point. Thetool contact point moves from the tool tip to tool centermaintaining tangency between the tool and a XY-plane level.

Damp check boxis not selected

Damp check boxis selected

Contactpoints

Move direction


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7. Tool Contro

7

At user-defined point

SolidCAM enables you to dene the contact point

between tool and drive surface by the tool centershifting; the shifting is dened by two parameters:

Front shift

This parameter enables you to dene theshift of the contact point at the tool motiondirection. With a positive value specied, the

contact point moves from tool center in the

tool motion direction.

Side shift

This parameter enables you to dene the shift of thecontact point in the direction perpendicular to that of

the tool motion. With a positive value specied, the toolcenter moves to the right side (relative to the tool motion

direction) and the contact point moves from the toolcenter to the left side.

Movedirection

Center

Side shift

Contact point

Front shif

Front shift

Tool

motion

Side shif

Tool

motion


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8Link


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The Linkpage enables you to dene the approach/retract of the tool and linking of HSS passes

into the complete tool path.

8.1 Approach/Retract

This tab enables you to dene the parameters of tool approach and retraction performed in the

HSS operation.

8.1.1 First entry

The First entrysection enables you to dene the rst approach of the tool to the cutting area.

SolidCAM enables you to specify the level from which the approach movement is started. The

following options are available:

Direct

When this option is chosen, the machining is

started directly in the rst point of the tool

path. No approach movement is performed.


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8. Lin

8

From clearance area

The approach movement is performed from the specied Clearance area(see topic 5.1.1

through the Retract distanceand Safety distancelevels (see topic 5.1.2).

Use retract distance

The approach movement is performed from the Retract distancelevel.

Use safety distance

The approach movement is performed from the Entry safety distancelevel.

Retractdistance

Clearance area

Safety

distance

Retractdistance

Safetydistance

Entrysafetydistance


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SolidCAM enables you to use the dened Lead Inoptions (see topic8.3) for the rst entry denition.

Start from home position

SolidCAM enables you to dene the Home positionfor tool path linking that can be applied to the

rst entry links. Home position is a point from which the rst rapid movement of the tool starts

during the approach.

When the Start from home positioncheck box is selected, the machining is performed as follows:

The tool is positioned at the specied Home position, then it performs its initial rapid movement tothe Clearance area/Retract distance/Safety distancelevel or to the start point of the rst cutting

pass (depending on the First entry setting). From that point it performs the approach movement to

the drive surface (or directly starts machining the surface if the Directoption was chosen for First

entry).

Retract distance

Safety distance

Home position

Clearance area


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8.1.2 Last exit

The Last exitsection enables you to dene the last retreat of the tool from the cutting area afte

the machining.

SolidCAM enables you to specify the level to which the retreat movement is performed. Th

following options are available:

Direct

When this option is chosen, the machining is nished directly in the last point of the too

path. No retreat movement is performed.

Back to clearance area

The retreat movement is performed back to the specied Clearance area(see topic 5.1.1

through the Retract distanceand Exit safety distancelevels (see topic 5.1.2).

Clearance area

Retract

distance

Exitsafetydistance


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Use retract distance

The retreat movement is performed to the Retract distancelevel.

Use safety distance

The retreat movement is performed to the Exit safety distancelevel.

Back to clearance through tube center

This option is useful in case of port and tubular parts

machining. The idea is to enable the tool to exit from the

machined part through the tube center outwards.

When this option is chosen, the tool retreats from the

interior of the machined tubular part through its center upto the clearance area level.

SolidCAM enables you to use the dened Lead Out options (see

topic 8.3) for the last exit denition.

Retract

distance

Safetydistance

Exitsafety


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Return to home position

SolidCAM enables you to dene the Home positionfor tool path linking that can be applied to th

last exit links. Home positionis a point to which the tool eventually returns after the retreat.

When the Return to home positioncheck box is selected, the machining is performed as follow

after the last cutting pass, the tool returns to theClearance area

/Retract distance

/Exit safet

distancelevel (depending on the Last exitsetting) or directly to the Home position(in case of th

Directoption chosen for Last exit).

8.1.3 Home position

This section enables you to dene the coordinates of the home position.

This section is available when the Start from home positionand/or the Return t

homeposition check box is selected.

Home position

Retract distance

Safety distance

Clearance area


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8.2 Links

This tab enables you to dene the parameters of tool path linking performed in the

HSS operation.

8.2.1 Gaps along cut

During the tool path linking, SolidCAM detects gaps along the cutting passes. The Gaps along cut

section enables you to dene how the tool moves in such gap areas.

SolidCAM enables you to dene different ways of movements in gap areas of different sizes.

Depending on the size of the gap, it is possible to choose two different options for large and

small gap areas. The maximum size for gaps to be considered as small can be specied either as

a percentage of the tool diameter using the Small gap size in % of tool diameterparameter or by

aValue.

The following types of movements are available, both for small

gaps and for large gaps:

Direct

The tool moves in the shortest way to the other side

of the gap, without any retracting movements. The tool

path in the gap area is performed by a straight line; the

tool moves with the cutting feed rate.


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Safety distance

When the gap area is detected, the tool performs

a retract movement in the tool axis direction to the Safety

distance. From this point the tool moves directly to theSafety distanceof the next segment of the pass. All the

tool movements are performed with a cutting feed rate.

Clearance area

When the gap area is detected, a link movement between

the pass segments is performed through the Clearance

area. All the movements above the Safety distance are

performed with the rapid feed rate. All the movements

below the Safety distance are performed with the

specied cutting feed rate.

Follow surfaces

In the gap area, the tool follows the drive surface geometry.

Along the connection movement, SolidCAM tries tomaintain tangency between the pass segments; when it is

not possible, SolidCAM maintains tangency only for the

rst pass segment.

Blend spline

SolidCAM connects the pass segments with a splinetangential to both segments.


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Safety distance and rapid

When the gap area is detected, the tool performs

a retract movement in the tool axis direction to the Retract

distance. From this point the tool moves directly to theRetract distanceof the next segment of the pass. All the

tool movements below the Safety distanceare performed

with a cutting feed rate. All the movements above the Safety

distanceare performed with the rapid feed rate.

Follow Stock

When a gap area is detected, the tool performs a retract

movement to the stock upper level and makes a link at the

upper level height.

SolidCAM enables you to use pre-dened Lead-In/Lead-Out

strategies (see topic 8.3) to perform the movements between

segments of a pass divided by a gap.

Use Lead-In

SolidCAM performs the approa

Documents

2014 SolidCAM HSS User Guide