The CAM Tree

Introduction

This topic will explain the CAM Tree.

The CAM Tree

The CAM Tree is where all machining programs start. The CAM Tree is used to define system settings, including the system defaults and job settings. It is also used to create and edit machining jobs, tools, stock, and features. This section contains a basic introduction to the CAM Tree and provides links to more in depth machining topics in this help system.

The Quick access menu

New Machining Job - launches the Machining Job dialog in the Data Entry Manager to allow you to create a Milling, Turning, Mill Turn, or Wire EDM.
New Machining Job from template - launches the Machining Job dialog to allow you to select a Job Type and then select a saved Job Template from the drop down list. To create Job Templates, right-click on an existing job and select Save as Job Template.
Blank/Unblank stock - toggles the visibility of the stock in the workspace. This hides or shows the stock based on its current condition. Note that you can click the Stock item in the tree to temporarily display the (hidden) stock geometry, until you click another tree item.
Blank/Unblank toolpath and stock - 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.
Simulate - opens the simulation window for you to view any computed feature operations set to Post Yes.
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 and 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.

Note: These last two options can also post APT output for Milling jobs where the NC File Extension has been set to .APT.

Setting Defaults and Creating Jobs

CAM Defaults

The CAM defaults and new jobs are handled using the top folder in the CAM Tree, CAM Defaults. This item is always available in the CAM Tree. The CAM Defaults include the Current Settings, Cutting Conditions, Tool Pattern, Tool Library, Thread Library, Stock Material Library, Adapter Library, and Tool Holder Library. You start with the CAM Defaults to define the system settings as you need them. This includes machine creation and setup, tool data, operation defaults, and stock materials. You can also use CAM Defaults to start a new machining job.

CAM Jobs

All CAM Jobs start with the Machining Job dialog box. You select the Job Type and the machine for the job. You can then start the Stock Wizard, or the Lathe Stock Wizard to begin creating the program. Before you create a job, the CAM Tree only contains the CAM Defaults folder. When you create a CAM job, it is added to the CAM Tree with all the items that you need to start creating the program. The following section shows what items are added to the CAM Tree for each job type. Click the links in the following section to learn all about CAM Jobs.