_The Milling Job

Introduction

The Milling Job in the CAM Tree provides the tools needed to define job settings, machine and post processor selection, tools, stock, stock material, and Milling features. It is also used to create index systems, wrapping groups, and toolpath patterns. This topics explains everything that is included in the Milling Job in the CAM Tree.

To create a Milling Job, use one of the following two options:

 

  • In the CAM Tree, right-click CAM Defaults, and click New Job.

 

  • In the Modules menu, click New CAM Job.

 

The Machining Job dialog box displays.

 

  • Click Milling, and click OK to add the job to the CAM Tree.

 

You can also click to select the Stock Wizardbutton to open the Stock Wizard and define the stock and machine setup for the job.

The Milling Job in the CAM Tree

The following items are added to the CAM Tree when you create a Milling job.

 

Milling Job

Machine

Post Processor

Milling Tools

Stock

Stock Material

Workpiece

Machine Setup

 

All of the job items in the tree contain a right-click shortcut menu that is used to access the commands as explained next.

The Shortcut Menus

Job Settings, Commands, and Setup Sheets

Right-click Milling Job to open a shortcut menu with the following commands.

 

Milling Job

    • Current Settings - opens the Current Settings Job dialog box for you to change various machine and posting settings for the job only.

    • Machining Order - opens the Machining Order dialog box for you to define the posting order and optimization.

    • Post - creates the NC program and displays it in the Posting Manager . You can view the posted program, but you can't edit it in this location. Right-click anywhere in the Posting window to access another shortcut menu, or use Post & Save As.

    • Post & Save As - creates and displays the NC program, but first opens the Save As dialog box for you to name and save the file. You can use the default location, or select your own location.

    • Generate Setup Sheet - opens the Setup Sheet dialog box for you to select a template to format the output of the setup sheet and define what information is included. Select a Template, and click OK. The setup sheet is created and displayed in a browser showing all of the applicable information for the current job.

    • Generate Setup Sheet & Save As - opens the Setup Sheet dialog box for you to select a template to format the output of the setup sheet and define what information is included. Select a Template, and click OK. The Save As dialog box is displayed for you to select a location in which all of the setup sheet information is stored. Select a location and name the .xml file. When you click OK, a folder is created with all of the same information of the selected template, and the .xml file, in the specified location. The setup sheet is then displayed in a browser showing all of the applicable information for the current job.

 

Tip: When the Setup Sheet information displays, you can use the File - Save As command of the browser to save the file to another format or for later use. You can also print the setup sheet using the File - Print commands of the browser.

 

    • Simulation - opens the simulation window for you to view any computed feature operations set to Post Yes. To learn more, view Getting Started with Simulation.

    • Toolpath Statistics - opens the Toolpath Statistics dialog, which provides information on Time Data, Toolpath Extents, Toolpath Data, and Speeds and Feeds for the overall job, an individual setup, an entire feature, or single operations.

    • Compute All Toolpath - computes all feature operations in the job.

    • Update All Geometries - Updates all geometry associated in the CAM Tree.

    • Post All Yes/No - toggles whether or not all feature operations in the job are output in the posted program.

    • Blank/Unblank All - toggles the visibility status of the stock and all operations in the job to hide or show. Note that you can then click any CAM Tree icon that contains a preview to show the preview of that item in the workspace until you click another location to change the focus.

    • Cutting Conditions - opens the Cutting Conditions dialog box for you to modify the cutting conditions.

    • Add Setup - creates a new Machine Setup and adds it to the job tree.

    • Delete - deletes the entire job and all items from the CAM Tree.

    • Collapse Items - collapses the child items of the Milling Job folder. This is the same as clicking the minus sign () next to all child items of Milling Job.

    • Expand Items - expands the child items of the Milling Job folder. This is the same as clicking the plus sign () next to all child items of Milling Job.

Next Topic

Click here to go to the Machine Selection topic.