Housing Plate Geometry Creation Tutorial 2011 r1 v2.1

Geometry CreationHousing Plate

Geometry Creation Tutorial

Housing Plate Geometry Creation tutorial

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Copyright

Copyright © 2010 Planit Software Ltd. All rights reserved.

Any copyright or other intellectual property right of whatever nature which subsists or may subsist in the presentation and/or content of the programs (including without limitation its look, feel, visual or other non-literal elements) remains the property of Planit Software Ltd or its licensor(s) absolutely.

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Unauthorised reproduction or distribution of these programs or any part thereof is unlawful and may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Alphacam and the Alphacam Logo are trademarks of Planit Software Ltd.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

All product names mentioned in this publication, and not listed above, are acknowledged as the trademarks of the respective manufacturers and producers of such products.

Planit Software Ltd makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of satisfactory quality or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Planit Software Ltd reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in the contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such changes or revisions.

The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a licence agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Housing Plate Geometry Creation Tutorial

Version 2 A1 Page 3 of 25

Contents

Conventions used in this guide ......................................................................... 5

Recommended Operating Systems and Hardware for Alphacam ..................... 6

Supported Operating Systems 6

Alphacam Minimum Specifications 6

THE PART GEOMETRY .................................................................................. 7

THE PROCESS PLAN 8

CREATING THE GEOMETRY ......................................................................... 9

Draw profiles 1 & 2 9

Draw profiles 3 & 4 9

Draw profile 5 10

Draw the 38 and 75 circles 10

Break the circles 10

Add Fillet Radius 11

Join the profile 11

Draw profile 6 12

Draw the 48 and 85 circles 12

Add Tangent Lines 12

Trim the Circles to the Lines 13

Join the profile 13

Create profile 7 14

Offset profile 6. 14

Create Hole & Lug 14

Copy Hole and Lug 15

Rotate Hole and Lug to 35 Deg. 15

Mirror Holes & Lugs 16

Trim and Join 17

Method 1 17

Unite 17

Method 2 17

Hide Geometries 17

Trim Lugs & Outer Profile 17

Join outer profile 1 18

Join outer profile 2 18

Turn on hidden geometries 18

Fillet 4mm 19

Draw Rapids 19

Order Geometries. 20

Position the Geometry for Machining .............................................................. 21

Create the material geometry 21

Set the Material 21

Set the ISO view 22

Save the Job 22

Set Geometry Z Levels ................................................................................... 23





Conventions used in this guide

To enable you to use the information in this guide effectively, you need to understand the used in the guide to represent different types of information.

• Buttons on the screen are represented as the button text in square brackets. For example: Click on [Ok].

• Keys on the keyboard are represented as bold lettering in between <> characters. For example: Press <Enter.>

• Menu options are represented as a path with the main menu in UPPER case with sub menus Capitalised and separated with a vertical bar For example: Select FILE | Open

• Field names are represented as bold text. And the value to be entered will be represented by Narrow Bold Text. For example: Enter the value 50 in the Offset field. Or When prompted for the X & Y values type 100,50 <Enter>

� This is a note. It contains useful or additional information.

� This is a reference. It directs you to another part of the user guide.

This is a thought box. It is generally used in exercises and contains a question for you to consider.

� This is a warning, it contains information that you must not ignore.

� This is a tip. It is generally used in exercises and offers further advice.

1 This is the first line a number list item this is the second line of the numbered item

2 This is the second item of the numbered instructions, which you must

3 Follow in sequence.

• This is a list

• of items, in which

• The order is not important.



Recommended Operating Systems and Hardware for Alphacam

Supported Operating Systems

• Operating System

• Windows XP (XP Pro Service pack 2), Windows Vista, Windows 7 (Business, Ultimate or Enterprise versions)

• Alphacam will install and run on the 'Home' editions of the above operating systems (including Windows XP Home Edition, Vista Home Basic, and Vista Home Premium); however, this is not recommended and we cannot guarantee to fix any Alphacam issues specifically related to these operating systems.

• Alphacam will install and run on 64-bit versions of these operating systems, where applicable (note however that Alphacam is a 32-bit application).

We recommend you keep up to date with the with the latest service packs for the supported operating systems and drivers for your hardware base.

� Windows NT, 95,98 and ME are not supported operating systems

Alphacam Minimum Specifications

• Processor Intel XEON or ADM

• Memory 4GB RAM

• ATI or NVIDIA Video Card, OpenGL compatible, High Colour Setting with 512MB on-board memory

• 17” Monitor 1280x1024 resolution

• Hard Disk Space 10 Gb free hard disk space

• Disk Drive DVD drive for software installation

• Pointing Device 2 button with wheel Windows compatible mouse

• Ports USB 1.1 or 2.0 port for single user security key support

• Network TCP/IP required for network security support

• Optional: Space Ball and Space Mouse.

• Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

• The Alphacam installer will install any additional software/drivers required if it is not already installed on your PC.

� If using Autodesk Inventor please check the current Inventor requirements at www.autodesk.com

Version 2

THE PART GEOMETRY

This drawing is the part you are going to create. It was drawn, dimensioned and printed with AlphaCAM.

AlphaCAM provides various ways of creating part geometry, however for the purposes of these notes we will be using only CAD style geometry creation, whereby individual geometric features are created and then trimmed in order to create geometric contours. Toolpaths are then applied to the geometric contours from which the NC program is produced.

CAD style geometry creation mainly utilises Line, Arc, Circle and rectangle commands, however, AlphaCAM also includes “Special Geometries” which automatically producstandard geometric shapes.


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THE PART GEOMETRY

This drawing is the part you are going to create. It was drawn, dimensioned and printed with

AlphaCAM provides various ways of creating part geometry, however for the purposes of these notes we will be using only CAD style geometry creation, whereby individual geometric features are created and then trimmed in order to create geometric contours.

oolpaths are then applied to the geometric contours from which the NC program is

CAD style geometry creation mainly utilises Line, Arc, Circle and rectangle commands, however, AlphaCAM also includes “Special Geometries” which automatically produc


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This drawing is the part you are going to create. It was drawn, dimensioned and printed with

AlphaCAM provides various ways of creating part geometry, however for the purposes of these notes we will be using only CAD style geometry creation, whereby individual geometric features are created and then trimmed in order to create geometric contours.

oolpaths are then applied to the geometric contours from which the NC program is

CAD style geometry creation mainly utilises Line, Arc, Circle and rectangle commands, however, AlphaCAM also includes “Special Geometries” which automatically produces



THE PROCESS PLAN

As per the job process you should create a machining process plan prior to creating the geometric profiles. It is the process plan that determines what geometry is required to control the machining. In this example we can assume that all the geometry is required for machining.

Prior to creating the geometry it is good practice to produce outline notes about the geometry to be defined.

In this case for clarity we will number the profiles to be drawn.

Profile Outline

1 Circle 20 diameter centre at 0,0

2 Circle 30 diameter centre at 100,0

3 Circle 6mm offset from profile 2

4 Circle 6mm offset from profile 1

5 Circle 38 Radius same centre as 1 + Circle 75 radius same centre as 2. Circles need to be broken at inner quadrants to allow 13mm fillets to be created. Join to create profile

6 Circle 48 Radius same centre as 1 + Circle 85 radius same centre as 2. 2 lines tangent to circles. Circles to be trimmed to the lines. Join to create profile

7 Profile offset 6mm from profile 6. Circle 8mm diameter at left most quadrant, Circle 10mm radius at left most quadrant. The 2 circles are copied by their centre to two positions -18.47, 50.74 & 68.86, 85.55 plus one additional at the right most quadrant. Rotate right most set to 35 degrees. Mirror top three holes and lugs about horizontal axis through 0, 0. Use either Fabricate- Unite to create the outer boundary or Turn off profile 6 and 8mm holes. Trim profile 7 and lugs. Join to produce contour. Fillet all corners to 4mm radius.

Make 8mm holes and profile 6 visible and reorder 8mm holes.

Version 2

CREATING THE GEOMETRY

Draw profiles 1 & 2

Select GEOMETRY | Circle | Centre +

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle diameter. Type the co-ordinates of the circle centre. The 20mm diameter circle will be drawn.

The command line will again ask you for the circle diameter. Type the co-ordinates of the circle centre. The 30mm diameter circle will be drawn.

Draw profiles 3 & 4

Create the flanges around the two holes using the offset command.

Select EDIT | Break Join etc. | Offset

Set the options as shown then [OK]

Select the 20 diameter circle then a point on the outside, the new profile will be drawn.



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CREATING THE GEOMETRY

| Centre + Diameter

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle diameter. Type 20 ��ordinates of the circle centre. The 20mm diameter circle will be drawn.

The command line will again ask you for the circle diameter. Type 30 �� . ordinates of the circle centre. The 30mm diameter circle will be drawn.

Create the flanges around the two holes using the offset command.

Join etc. | Offset


he 20 diameter circle then a point on the outside, the new profile will be drawn.



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�� . Type 0� 0�� for ordinates of the circle centre. The 20mm diameter circle will be drawn.

. Type 100�� 0�� for ordinates of the circle centre. The 30mm diameter circle will be drawn.

he 20 diameter circle then a point on the outside, the new profile will be drawn.



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Draw profile 5

Draw the 38 and 75 circles

Prior to activating the next command bottom right of the screen). To activate Auto Snap press <F2>.

Select GEOMETRY | Circle | Centre + Radius

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type over the centre of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this position. The 38mm radius circle will be drawn

The command line will again ask you for the circle radius. Type over the centre of profile 2 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this position. The 75mm radius circle will be drawn

Break the circles

Select EDIT | Break Join etc. | Break


Position the cursor on the positions


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Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the bottom right of the screen). To activate Auto Snap press <F2>.

Centre + Radius

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type 38 �� of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this

circle will be drawn.

The command line will again ask you for the circle radius. Type 75 �� , pofile 2 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this


EDIT | Break Join etc. | Break


Position the cursor on the positions shown and <L click> the geometry will be broken.

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ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the

, position the cursor of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this

position the cursor ofile 2 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this

shown and <L click> the geometry will be broken.

Version 2

Add Fillet Radius

Select EDIT | Break Join etc. | Fillet


Select a point on the geometry either side of the position, as shown, where the fillet radius is to be created. When the fillet is created the extending lines are automatically trimmed back to the fillet.

Join the profile

Select <Ctrl>+<G> or to display the ghost tools

Select EDIT | Break Join Etc. | Join

<L click> on each part of profile 5 so that it is althis will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 5 will only be displayed with one ghost tool.


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Select a point on the geometry either side of the position, as shown, where the fillet radius is ted. When the fillet is created the extending lines are automatically trimmed back

to display the ghost tools

<L click> on each part of profile 5 so that it is all (selected) blue, <R click> or press <Esc> this will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 5 will only be displayed with


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Select a point on the geometry either side of the position, as shown, where the fillet radius is ted. When the fillet is created the extending lines are automatically trimmed back

l (selected) blue, <R click> or press <Esc> this will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 5 will only be displayed with


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Draw profile 6

Draw the 48 and 85 circles

Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snapbottom right of the screen). To activate Auto Snap press <F2>.


The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type over the centre of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this position. The 48mm radius circle will be drawn

The command line will again ask you for the circle radius. Type over the centre of profile 2 (the snap sposition. The 85mm radius circle will be drawn

Add Tangent Lines

Prior to creating the tangent lines ensure that Auto Snap is deactivated, (is the word Auto at the bottom right of the screen). To deactivmandatory to turn off auto snap we do so because the Auto Snap only snaps to End, Mid, Centre & quadrant points and it can be confusing when the position to be selected is a tangent point.

Select GEOMETRY | Line

For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the top left of the 38 diameter circle.

The elastic cursor line will be displayed and this will remain tangent to the 38 circle as it is moved.

For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the top right of the 75 diameter circle.

The tangent line will be created <R click>or press [Esc] to finish the line command

Press <Space> to reactivate the line command.

For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the bottom left of the 38 diameter circle.

The elastic cursor line will be displayed and this will remain tangenmoved.

For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the bottom right of the 75 diameter circle.

The tangent line will be created <R click>or press [Esc] to finish



Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the bottom right of the screen). To activate Auto Snap press <F2>.

| Centre + Radius

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type 48 �� of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this


The command line will again ask you for the circle radius. Type 85 �� , pof profile 2 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this


Prior to creating the tangent lines ensure that Auto Snap is deactivated, (is the word Auto at the bottom right of the screen). To deactivated Auto Snap press <F2>. Although it is not mandatory to turn off auto snap we do so because the Auto Snap only snaps to End, Mid, Centre & quadrant points and it can be confusing when the position to be selected is a

For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the top left of the 38 diameter circle.

The elastic cursor line will be displayed and this will remain tangent to the 38 circle as it is

For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the top right of the 75 diameter circle.


o reactivate the line command.

For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the bottom left of the 38 diameter circle.


For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a position towards the bottom right of the 75 diameter circle.


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is active (is the word Auto at the

, position the cursor of profile 1 (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this

position the cursor elector will be displayed) <L click> to select this

Prior to creating the tangent lines ensure that Auto Snap is deactivated, (is the word Auto at ated Auto Snap press <F2>. Although it is not

mandatory to turn off auto snap we do so because the Auto Snap only snaps to End, Mid, Centre & quadrant points and it can be confusing when the position to be selected is a

For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a


For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a


For the “Line From” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a

t to the 38 circle as it is

For the “Line to” point press <F10> the prompt will change to select circle or arc. Select a

the line command

Version 2

Trim the Circles to the Lines

Select EDIT | Break Join etc.| Trim

The system will prompt “select the cutting geometries”, <L click> on each of the lines (they should turn blue).

Press [Esc] or <R Click>

The system will prompt “select the Geometries or Tool paths to trim”, position the cursor on the portion of the circles to be removed and <L click>.

Join the profile



<L click> on each part of profile 6 so that it is all (selected) blue, <R click> or press <Esc> this will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 6 will only be displayed with one ghost tool.


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The system will prompt “select the cutting geometries”, <L click> on each of the lines (they

the Geometries or Tool paths to trim”, position the cursor on the portion of the circles to be removed and <L click>.


le 6 so that it is all (selected) blue, <R click> or press <Esc> this will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 6 will only be displayed with


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The system will prompt “select the cutting geometries”, <L click> on each of the lines (they

the Geometries or Tool paths to trim”, position the cursor on

le 6 so that it is all (selected) blue, <R click> or press <Esc> this will action the join command and if drawn properly profile 6 will only be displayed with


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Create profile 7

Offset profile 6.



Select profile 6 then a point on the outside, the new profile will be drawn.

Create Hole & Lug

Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the bottom right of the screen). To


The command line will prompt you to enter the circle diameter. Type over the left most end of profile 7 as shown, (the snap selector will be displayeselect this position. The 8mm diameter

Select GEOMETRY | Circle | Centre + Radius

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type as previous, (the snap selector will radius circle will be drawn.



Join etc. | Offset



Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the activate Auto Snap press <F2>.

| Centre + Diameter

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle diameter. Type 8 ��left most end of profile 7 as shown, (the snap selector will be displaye

diameter circle will be drawn.

Centre + Radius

The command line will prompt you to enter the circle radius. Type 10 �� as previous, (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to select this position. T

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Prior to activating the next command ensure that Auto Snap is active (is the word Auto at the

�� . position the cursor left most end of profile 7 as shown, (the snap selector will be displayed) <L click> to

, position the cursor be displayed) <L click> to select this position. The 10mm

Version 2

Copy Hole and Lug

Select EDIT | Move Copy etc.| Copy

<L Click> on the two circles (they should turn blue), then <R click> or press <Esc>

The system will prompt you to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre point of the two circles.

The system will prompt you to “Drag to Position or entre coboth circles will be copied to the new position.

The system will prompt you to “Drag to Position or entre coagain both circles will be copied to the new position.

For the third set using the auto snap select the right most quadrant position on the outer profile, as shown below.

Rotate Hole and Lug to 35 Deg.

Select EDIT | Move Copy Etc. | Rotate

<L click> on the hole and lug circles on the right side to select them, then <R click> or Press <Esc>

The system will prompt you to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre point of the 30 diameter circle.

The system will prompt you to select or enter the rotation angle, type 35

The system will prompt you “How many Copies Including the Original”, type 1

The hole and lug will be rotated to its new position.


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EDIT | Move Copy etc.| Copy


to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre

The system will prompt you to “Drag to Position or entre co-ordinates”, type both circles will be copied to the new position.

you to “Drag to Position or entre co-ordinates”, type 68.86again both circles will be copied to the new position.

For the third set using the auto snap select the right most quadrant position on the outer

nd Lug to 35 Deg.

EDIT | Move Copy Etc. | Rotate

<L click> on the hole and lug circles on the right side to select them, then <R click> or

The system will prompt you to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre

The system will prompt you to select or enter the rotation angle, type 35

The system will prompt you “How many Copies Including the Original”, type 1

The hole and lug will be rotated to its new position.


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to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre

ordinates”, type -18.47� 50.74�

ordinates”, type 68.86� 85.55�

For the third set using the auto snap select the right most quadrant position on the outer

<L click> on the hole and lug circles on the right side to select them, then <R click> or

The system will prompt you to select the base point, using the auto snap select the centre

The system will prompt you to select or enter the rotation angle, type 35 �

The system will prompt you “How many Copies Including the Original”, type 1 �


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Mirror Holes & Lugs

Select EDIT | Move Copy Etc. | Mirror

You can use a window selection to select the top three sets of holes and lugs. Position the cursor at P1 shown then <L click> move the cursor, (the window rectangle will be displayed), to the position P2 shown then <L click>. The three sets of holes and lugs will be selected (turned blue), <R click> or Press <esc>

The system will prompt you to select the First point on Mirror line, using auto snap select P3

The system will prompt you to select the SecoP4.

The Mirror options dialog is displayed as shown:

Select the [Yes] option and the holes and lugs will be duplicated and mirrored.



Mirror

You can use a window selection to select the top three sets of holes and lugs. Position the cursor at P1 shown then <L click> move the cursor, (the window rectangle will be displayed),

hown then <L click>. The three sets of holes and lugs will be selected (turned blue), <R click> or Press <esc>


The system will prompt you to select the Second point on Mirror line, using auto snap select

The Mirror options dialog is displayed as shown:


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You can use a window selection to select the top three sets of holes and lugs. Position the cursor at P1 shown then <L click> move the cursor, (the window rectangle will be displayed),

hown then <L click>. The three sets of holes and lugs will be selected


nd point on Mirror line, using auto snap select


Version 2

Trim and Join

Method 1

Unite

Select EDIT | Fabricate | Unite finish and the lugs and outer profile will be trimmed and joined to form the closed boundary.

Method 2

In order to make the trimming ofholes and profile 6.

Hide Geometries

Select CAD | Hide Parts

Select the 8mm diameter holes and profile 6 when they are all blue <R Click> or press<Esc> and they will be turned off. This way.

Trim Lugs & Outer Profile

Select EDIT | Break Join etc. | Trim

For the cutting geometries select all the 10 radius circles and the outer profile. <R click> or Press <Esc>

For the geometries to be cut select all the inner parts of the 10 radius circles, then select the portions of the outer profile inside the lugs.

Remember that Refresh <Ctrl>+<R>

When the trimming is complete <R click> or Press<Esc>.

� All The trimmed outer profile should be displayed as blue if not use option 2 for the join option. It is only necessary to use one option.


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then select the outer profile and the lug circle, Rfinish and the lugs and outer profile will be trimmed and joined to form the closed boundary.

of the outer profile and lugs easier you will firstly turn off the

Select the 8mm diameter holes and profile 6 when they are all blue <R Click> or press<Esc> and they will be turned off. This will enable easier trimming as they can no longer get in the

For the cutting geometries select all the 10 radius circles and the outer profile. <R click> or

s to be cut select all the inner parts of the 10 radius circles, then select the portions of the outer profile inside the lugs.

Remember that Refresh <Ctrl>+<R> can be used at any time

When the trimming is complete <R click> or Press<Esc>.

mmed outer profile should be displayed as blue if not use option 2 for the join option. It is only necessary to use one option.


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ect the outer profile and the lug circle, R-Click to finish and the lugs and outer profile will be trimmed and joined to form the closed boundary.

the outer profile and lugs easier you will firstly turn off the

Select the 8mm diameter holes and profile 6 when they are all blue <R Click> or press<Esc> will enable easier trimming as they can no longer get in the

For the cutting geometries select all the 10 radius circles and the outer profile. <R click> or

s to be cut select all the inner parts of the 10 radius circles, then select the

can be used at any time

mmed outer profile should be displayed as blue if not use option 2


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Join outer profile 1


Select the [Previous] button on the prompt line, this will select whcommand, <R click> or Press <esc. to completed the command.

Select <Ctrl>+<G> or to display the ghost tools, ensure that there is only one on the outer profile.

Join outer profile 2


Select the [All] button on the prompt line, this will select all the visible geometries, <R click> or Press <esc. to completed the command.

Select <Ctrl>+<G> or to display the ghost tools, ensure that there is only one on the outer profile.

� Selecting other geometries that are not connected with the geometries being joined has no effect.

Turn on hidden geometries

Select CAD | Show All

This will cause all hidden items to be made visible.



EDIT | Break Join Etc. | Join

Select the [Previous] button on the prompt line, this will select what was blue in the previous command, <R click> or Press <esc. to completed the command.

to display the ghost tools, ensure that there is only one on the outer

EDIT | Break Join Etc. | Join

t the [All] button on the prompt line, this will select all the visible geometries, <R click> or Press <esc. to completed the command.


ometries that are not connected with the geometries being joined has no effect.

This will cause all hidden items to be made visible.

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at was blue in the previous


t the [All] button on the prompt line, this will select all the visible geometries, <R click>


ometries that are not connected with the geometries being

Version 2

Fillet 4mm

All the sharp corners in the outer profile can be filleted

Select EDIT | Break Join etc. | Fillet


Select the outer profile then <Rclick> or Press <Esc> and the fillit radii will be created around the outer profile.

This concludes the geometry creation for the reproducing the 8 mm holes the geometry pattern is not as short as it could be.

Draw Rapids

Select VIEW | Display Options | Draw Rapids

Because no tool has been selected and not tool paths have been created thecommand shows the connections between the geometries in the order they were created.

You can see that the order of the holes comes back across the part to the bottom set of holes; this is because the top holes were mirrored to the bottom.

This is the order in with the holes will be drilled. Whilst it is possible to reorder a series of tool paths, it is easier to set the order of the geometries especially if the holes are to be machined more than once. i.e. Centre Drill, Drill, Tap and Chamfer


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All the sharp corners in the outer profile can be filleted in one go.


Select the outer profile then <Rclick> or Press <Esc> and the fillit radii will be created

This concludes the geometry creation for the housing plate. However due to the nature of reproducing the 8 mm holes the geometry pattern is not as short as it could be.

VIEW | Display Options | Draw Rapids

Because no tool has been selected and not tool paths have been created thecommand shows the connections between the geometries in the order they were created.

You can see that the order of the holes comes back across the part to the bottom set of holes; this is because the top holes were mirrored to the bottom.

is is the order in with the holes will be drilled. Whilst it is possible to reorder a series of tool paths, it is easier to set the order of the geometries especially if the holes are to be

once. i.e. Centre Drill, Drill, Tap and Chamfer.


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Select the outer profile then <Rclick> or Press <Esc> and the fillit radii will be created

housing plate. However due to the nature of reproducing the 8 mm holes the geometry pattern is not as short as it could be.

Because no tool has been selected and not tool paths have been created the Draw Rapids command shows the connections between the geometries in the order they were created.

You can see that the order of the holes comes back across the part to the bottom set of

is is the order in with the holes will be drilled. Whilst it is possible to reorder a series of tool paths, it is easier to set the order of the geometries especially if the holes are to be


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Order Geometries.

Select EDIT | Start Order. | Order

This command allows you to reorder geometries or tool paths.

Set the options as shown then select [OK]

The system prompts you to select the geometries <L click> on each of the 8mm circles when they are all blue <R click> or Press <Esc>

� The way in which the geometries are selected does not affect the order.

The system requires you to select the geometry that will be the first in the pattern <L click> on the left most 8 mm diameter circle.

The geometries will be reordered.



This command allows you to reorder geometries or tool paths.

Set the options as shown then select [OK]

The system prompts you to select the geometries <L click> on each of the 8mm circles when are all blue <R click> or Press <Esc>

The way in which the geometries are selected does not affect the order.

The system requires you to select the geometry that will be the first in the pattern <L click> on the left most 8 mm diameter circle.

ies will be reordered.

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The system prompts you to select the geometries <L click> on each of the 8mm circles when

The way in which the geometries are selected does not affect the order.

The system requires you to select the geometry that will be the first in the pattern <L click>

Version 2

Position the Geometry for Machining

Create the material geometry

Select GEOMETRY | Special Geometries | Enclosing Rectangle

Select the outer profile then <R click> and the enclosing rectangle is drawn



Select the enclosing rectangle then a point on the outside, the new rectangle will be drawn.

Delete the original rectangle. Select

Select the original inner rectangle the <R click>

Select EDIT | Move Copy etc. | Move

Select the [All] option on the prompt line then <R click>

For the Base point using the auto snap select the lower left corner of the rectangle.

For the new position type 0 � 0

Set the Material

Select 3D | Set Materials

Select the outer rectangle and the dialog will be displayed.

Set the options as shown

Select [OK]

Or Use the 3D | Auto Set Material Macro.


A1

Position the Geometry for Machining

Create the material geometry

GEOMETRY | Special Geometries | Enclosing Rectangle


Join etc. | Offset



Delete the original rectangle. Select EDIT | Delete

Select the original inner rectangle the <R click> then select [Ok] on the dialog to confirm.

EDIT | Move Copy etc. | Move

Select the [All] option on the prompt line then <R click>


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Select the outer rectangle and the dialog will be displayed.

Macro.


Page 21 of 25



then select [Ok] on the dialog to confirm.



Page 22 of 25

Set the ISO view

This will enable you to see the geometry and mat

Select VIEW | VIEWS | Iso

Prior to saving the job ensure that the geometry profiles only have one ghost tool


Save the Job

Select FILE | Save

The save dialog is displayed, Select the required



This will enable you to see the geometry and material.



The save dialog is displayed, Select the required location folder then enter the job name.

Planit Software Ltd


location folder then enter the job name.

Version 2

If it is required to machine the component using auto Z machining then you will need to set the geometry Z Levels

Set Geometry Z Levels

1. Select 3D | Set Geometry Z Levels

2. The system prompt you Select Geometries LHoles then R Click. In the Dialog Set the

3. The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the figure 8 geometry and the flanges then R Click. In the Dialog Set the

4. The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the 3mm Recess geometry then R Click. In the Dialog Set the

5. The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the Part outer profthe 8 Diameter Holes then R Click. In the Dialog Set the

6. R Click to finish the command.


A1

If it is required to machine the component using auto Z machining then you will need to set

Set Geometry Z Levels

3D | Set Geometry Z Levels

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the 20 and 30 Diameter

In the Dialog Set the Top Z = 0 and the Bottom Z = -18 then [OK]

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the figure 8 geometry and the flanges then R Click. In the Dialog Set the Top Z = 0 and the Bottom Z = -12 then [OK]

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the 3mm Recess geometry

In the Dialog Set the Top Z = 0 and the Bottom Z = -3 then [OK]

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the Part outer profthe 8 Diameter Holes then R Click. In the Dialog Set the Top Z = -3 and the Bottom Z = -18 then [OK]

R Click to finish the command.


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If it is required to machine the component using auto Z machining then you will need to set

Click on the 20 and 30 Diameter

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the figure 8 geometry and

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the 3mm Recess geometry

The system prompt you Select Geometries L Click on the Part outer profile and



Version Amendments

REF Amendment Software Version

Ammended

2.1 Update to 2011 R1 Fabricate added and amendment control 2011 R1 07/12/2010



Trainee Notes

Documents

Housing Plate Geometry Creation Tutorial 2011 r1 v2.1