Lathe Machine Setup

Introduction

This topic will explain the context menu of the Lathe Machine Setup, will briefly describe the Lathe Machine Setup, and will provide links to related topics.

The Machine Setup Context Menu

The Lathe Machine Setup item in the Turning Job is used to add Lathe features, edit the clearance plane values, and define the machining origin for the job. Since Lathe does not support multiple machine setups, all Turning features are added using the default Machine Setup (or other features in the setup). The location of the Lathe Machine Setup is at the WCS or X0Y0Z0, with the Z-axis (for lathe) aligned with the X-axis of the WCS. The X-axis of the Lathe machining origin is aligned with the Y-axis of the WCS. This means that the Machine Setup is automatically set up for proper lathe output. All Turning features are based off of this machining origin.

 

 

Important: The Machine Setup coordinate system shown in the previous image is the Lathe machining origin for NC program output. Notice that Lathe Z-axis is automatically aligned with the X-axis of the WCS (world coordinate system) shown in the lower-left corner. This means that you use the XY plane of the CAD system to draw the feature geometry and have it properly aligned to the lathe machining origin.

 

Right-click Machine Setup to open a shortcut menu with the following commands. These include commands for modifying the machine setup (clearance plane values) and adding machining features.

 

Machine Setup      >> - The flyout for the Machine Setup will allow you to view, or change, the Face, Diameter, and/or Internal Diameter Clearance values.

    • Edit - opens the Machine Setup dialog box for you to edit the clearance plane values for the job.


    • Lathe End Face - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Face feature. This handles ID and OD machining with the available operations: Rough, and Basic Finish.

    • Lathe Turning - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Turning feature. This handles ID and OD machining with the available operations: Rough, Pattern Repeat, and Basic Finish.

    • Lathe Groove - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Groove feature. This handles ID and OD machining with the available operations: Groove Rough, Groove Finish, and Basic Finish.


    • Lathe Hole - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Hole feature. This handles drilling with the available operations: Center Drill, Drill, Chamfer, Bore, and Ream.

    • Lathe Tap Hole - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Hole feature. This handles tapping with the available operations: Center Drill, Drill, Chamfer, Ream, Tap, and Rolling Tap.


    • Lathe Thread - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Thread feature. This handles threading with the available operation: Thread.

    • Lathe Cutoff - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Cutoff feature. This handles part/stock cutoff with the available operation: Cutoff.

    • Lathe Stock Handling - opens the Lathe Wizard for you to create a Lathe Stock Handling feature. This handles stock feed for bar pullers with the available operation: Stock Feed.


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

    • Compute All Toolpath - computes the operations of all features contained in the Machine Setup.


    • Add Group - adds a folder to your CAM Tree. Drag and drop features into the folder to save space in the CAM Tree and have the control to set Post All Yes/No and Blank/Unblank Toolpath options on all features inside of the folder at one time.


    • Load Feature - allows you to locate and add a previously saved milling feature to the tree.

    • Paste Feature - is used to paste a copied feature to the Machine Setup after the last existing feature.


    • Delete All Features - removes all milling features in the Machine Setup.


    • Post All Yes/No - sets all toolpaths in the Machine Setup to post or not post in the NC program.

    • Blank/Unblank Toolpath - allows you to hide or show all toolpaths in the Machine Setup.


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

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


    • Rename - enables editing of the Machine Setup name in the CAM Tree. Type the new name for the setup.

Next Topic

Click here to go to the Lathe Features Overview topic.