Machine Parameters

Introduction

This topic will explain the Machine Parameters page of the CAM Defaults Current Settings dialog, will explain how to access it, the options found in it, and will provide links to related topics.

Machine Parameters

The Machine Parameters page of the Current Settings is used to select a default machine, modify an existing machine, or to create a new machine. All of these actions are performed using the Machine group as explained next. When you select a machine in the Machine group, all of the parameters contained in the Current Settings dialog box (for all pages) pertain to that machine.

To access the Machine Parameters page: 

 

  • In the CAM Tree Manager, right click CAM Defaults and select Current Settings.

    The Current Settings dialog appears with the Machine Parameters page as the first page.

Parameters

Machine

  • Make - displays the make/name of the currently selected machine. To update the Current Settings dialog box with all of the parameters for a machine, click the arrow, and select a machine. You can then modify the parameters as needed. These are saved when you click OK. To use the current selection and settings for all new files, click Save As Default.

  • Type - displays the machine type that is defined during machine creation.

  • Add - opens the Add/Modify Machine dialog box for you to create a new machine as explained in the next section.

  • Delete - removes the selected machine. A dialog box displays, click Yes to delete the selected machine.

  • Modify - opens the Add/Modify Machine dialog box for you to change the name of the machine. For Milling machines, the type can be changed to Laser, Plasma, or Waterjet.

  • Save As Default - saves the current machine and all parameters as the default machine for all new files (for the corresponding machine/job type).

  • Number of Axes - displays the number of axes of the selected machine (when a mill, lathe, waterjet, laser, or plasma machine is selected).

  • Auto Tool Numbering By Device (Mill Turn Machines Only)

When you select a mill turn machine under Make, the Auto Tool Number By Device check box becomes available. This setting determines how the stations of the machine's tool device are numbered in the Tool Crib. This then determines how the Tool ID and Tool Numbering options you select in the Tool Crib work. (For more information, view Mill Turn Tool Crib Parameters.) Selecting the check box considers each tool device on the machine as its own component (by device). Clearing the check box considers all tool devices on the machine together as though they are one device (globally) as explained next.

    • On - determines the tool numbering by device. For example, on a machine with two six-station turrets, both turrets contain station numbers 1 through 6 in the Tool Crib. When more than one tool is mounted to a station, the additional tools for each turret use ID/number 7 through n number of tools.

    • Off - determines the tool numbering globally. For example, on a machine with two six-station turrets, the first (upper) turret contains station numbers 1 through 6, and the second (lower) turret contains station numbers 7 through 12 in the Tool Crib. When more than one tool is mounted to a single station, the additional tools for either turret use tool ID/number 13 through n number of tools.

 

Add/Modify Machine Dialog Box

  • Machine Name - type the name of the machine you are creating.

  • Type - set the machine type: Milling, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet, Lathe, Wire, or Mill Turn.

     

Note: The Axes option only appears when adding a machine, but does not display when a Lathe or Wire EDM machine type is selected.

 

  • Axes - select the number of axes/machine type for Milling, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet, or Mill Turn machines only.

    • When a pre-defined machine type is selected, a template of the selected machine is automatically created for you in the Machine Definition tree. The templates contain the basic elements of the machine to get you started.

    • When User Defined is selected, the Machine Definition tree is empty so you must create every element.

Note: When finished with the Add/Modify Machine dialog box, click OK. A folder is automatically created in the BobCAD-CAM Data\...\MachSim folder using the Machine Name. This folder is used to store the machine information. This includes an .xml file of the machine definition and any files (.stl or .bmp) that are added in the Machine Definition dialog box that is explained later in this topic.

 

  • Machine Make - sets the machine manufacturer for Wire EDM machines only. (For Wire EDM Current Settings, view the Current Settings Default for Wire EDM.)

 

Cutting Conditions Database

The Cutting Conditions Database section only appears when a Wire EDM machine is selected.

Use Cutting Conditions

Select the check box when using the Cutting Conditions Database that is provided with the software. You can then click Select to assign the appropriate database file to the machine.

Clear the check box when not using the Cutting Conditions Database. The Select option no longer displays. When you clear the check box, the Link to Database check box in the Wire EDM Wizard becomes disabled for all features.

    • Select - displays the Open dialog box for you to select the appropriate Cutting Conditions Database for your machine. Be aware that there are three filter types, Generic Database (.EDMCC), Sodick Database (.SODCC), and Brother Database (.BROCC). The filter option displays in the lower-right corner of the dialog box, next to File Name. If you are not finding the database that you are looking for, click the arrow and select the appropriate filter type for your machine.

 

Use CT Expert

Select the check box when using the Cutting Technology Expert database for Charmille machines only. You can then click CT Expert to assign the appropriate database file to the machine.

Clear the check box when not using the CT Expert for Charmille machines.

 

Use Machining Registers

Select the check box when manually editing the machining registers for Agie machines. The four available registers are added to the Cutting Conditions page of each operation in the Wire EDM Wizard.

Clear the check box to not allow editing of the machining registers.

Parameters

The Cutting Conditions Database section only appears when a Wire EDM machine is selected.

  • Number of Work Offsets - sets the number of work offsets supported by the machine. Type the appropriate value in this box.

 

  • Use Submerged Machining

Select the check box when your Wire EDM programs use submerged machining.

Clear the check box when your Wire EDM program does not use submerged machining.

 

  • Maximum Arc Radius - determines the maximum radius for arc moves output in the NC program. Type the appropriate value supported by your machine in this box.

Machine Parameters

  • Maximum # of Tools - sets the number of tools the machine can use for one program.

  • Maximum Spindle Speed - sets the maximum speed rate for the spindle.

  • Rapid Feed - sets the rapid rate of the machine in units per minute.

  • Maximum Cutting Feedrate - sets the maximum feedrate for cutting.

Tip: The Maximum Cutting Feedrate is also used to determine the feedrate for some retract moves as well as adaptive link moves for toolpaths using Adaptive high-speed machining as listed next:

• For any toolpath with Adaptive turned on (2 Axis Advanced Pocket, 3 Axis Advanced Rough, Multiaxis Roughing), the feedrate applies to the link clearance moves from one cut to the next (not full retract/rapid moves).
• For all 3 Axis Pro operations, the feedrate is used for retract moves.
• For Multiaxis toolpaths the feedrate applies to retract moves.

 

After defining the Machine Parameters, click Machine Definition to access the parameters used to create your machine. It is important to set up your machine properly in order to create proper simulation and posted NC programs.

Next Topic

CAM Defaults Machine Definition