Selecting Operation Stock (Trim to Stock)

Introduction

This topic will explain Trim to Stock, will describe where to find it, and provide links to related topics.

Trim to Stock

The Trim to Stock option allows you to use the current Stock Wizard stock definition, or you can select a solid model or .stl file to create the stock definition that is used to trim the toolpath in the 3 Axis Pro operations: Advanced Rough, Equidistant, Advanced Planar, Project Curves, and Advanced Z Level Finish as well as the 4 Axis Rotary operation. This topic explains how to override the Stock Wizard stock definition to assign other geometry to Trim to Stock.

 

After creating a CAM feature, it is added to the CAM Tree.

Mill 3 Axis Feature Example

Feature 3 Axis

           Geometry

           Boundary

       Advanced Rough

          Boundary

          Drill Tip Positions

          Operation Stock

       Gouge Check Surfaces

             Gouge Check Surfaces 1

             Gouge Check Surfaces 2

             Gouge Check Surfaces 3

             Gouge Check Surfaces 4

       Flatlands

                 Boundary

               Gouge Check Surfaces

                 Gouge Check Surfaces 1

                 Gouge Check Surfaces 2

                 Gouge Check Surfaces 3

                 Gouge Check Surfaces 4

 

Right-click Operation Stock and click Re/Select to open the Stock Definition in the Data Entry Manager.

Stock Definition

Two options display in the Data Entry Manager:  Solid Model and STL File.

Solid Model

To select a solid model from the graphics area, click Solid Model and click next.

 

  1. Click Pick Solid Model and click to select the solid that you want to assign as operation stock.

 

  1. To confirm the selection, press Spacebar, or click .

 

  1. In the Data Entry Manager, click OK.

 

  1. Compute the operation to update the toolpath and remove cutting outside of the operation stock.

 

Important: Be sure that the Trim to Stock check box is selected in the Parameters page of the CAM Wizard, or the operation stock isn't used in the toolpath  calculation. (This does not apply to Advanced Rough, which always uses operation stock.)

STL File

To select an .stl file, click STL File and click next.

 

  1. Select the STL File Unit that was used to create the .stl file: Inch or Millimeter.

    Click Browse to display the Open dialog box. Select the folder of the .stl file which you want to assign as operation stock.

  2. Select the file name and click Open.

    There is an informational display to show the name of the file currently in use.

  3. In the Data Entry Manager, click OK.

 

  1. Compute the operation to update the toolpath and remove cutting outside of the operation stock.

 

Important: Be sure that the Trim to Stock check box is selected in the Parameters page of the CAM Wizard, or the operation stock isn't used in the toolpath  calculation. (This does not apply to Advanced Rough, which always uses operation stock.)

Related Topics

The 3 Axis Advanced Rough Operation

The 3 Axis Equidistant Operation

The 3 Axis Advanced Planar Operation

The 3 Axis Advanced Z Level Finish Operation

The 3 Axis Project Curves Operation

The 4 Axis Rotary Operation