Quick CAM Training Lesson

NOTE:  This quick CAM lesson uses a pre-loaded cad file that is saved in the SAMPLES folder that loaded with V19.  Select the OPEN function in the FILE menu and locate your SAMPLES folder, double click on it to open the folder and then select the file called, “Quick CAM1.cad” and open it in the software.

Step 1.  Both the CAD and the CAM screens should be open at this time.  If they are not, select the SPECIAL/NC CAM menu and select INSERT NC.  In the Insert NC Object box that appears, select the FANUC 6M post processor and then click OK to open the CAM.  Now click on the VIEW ALL button on the main CAD toolbar.

NOTE:  This is the time that you would normally go to the CAM side of the software and build your start block or header for the program.  You would select the MACRO menu, PROGRAM and then Program Start, add fixture offsets, compensation, add your tool and any M-Codes needed etc. 

Step 2.  Now click on the solid part to select it.  Now go to the solids menu and select GENERATE TOOLPATH.  This will open the Planer Cut Options box.

Enter the following values:

• .25 for Tool Diameter
• .1 for the Step Over
• 0 for Toolpath Angle
• .0001 for Tolerance
• .0005 for the Minimum Line Length.
• Select the MACHINE HOLES option under holes.

• Select the ALTERNATE Directions option.

Now select NEXT to advance to the TOOLPATH EXTENTS box.

Under the X-Y Extents section, select BOUNDARY and then click the USE TOOL CENTER option.

Under Z-EXTENTS select USE FULL PART.

Now select GENERATE.  You will then need to click on the wireframe rectangle geometry that you see above the solid.  Just click on it once.

Once you have clicked on the rectangle geometry the toolpath will begin to be created.  This may take a moment depending on the power of your computer.

Step 3.  Now that the toolpath is completed, you should have the Solid Tool Depth Settings box on the screen.

Enter .25 for the Rapid Plane.  The material top is 0.  Check the ENABLE box and enter .5 for the Maximum Z-Depth for each pass.  Then select the OK button to generate the G-Code program. 

NOTE:  This may take a moment depending on how powerful your computer is.

You should now have the complete G-Code program.

Step 4.  Now select the EDIT menu in the CAM and choose SELECT ENTITIES and then “Select ALL.”  All of the G-Code program will highlight.  Once the code is selected, go to the EDIT menu of the CAM again and select GEOMETRY FROM NC.  This is the Backplot function.  Now the software will redraw the roughing toolpath on the CAD side of the software.  When this is done, go to the EDIT menu of the CAD side and choose SELECT ALL.  Everything on the CAD side will highlight.

Step 5.  Now go to the SOLID menu and select RENDER.

The solid render box has various options as well for viewing, panning, dynamic rotation and zoom.  You will learn more about this as you go through this training guide.

This is an excellent way to inspect the toolpath to make sure that you have the right G-Code program.