How to Use Edit Toolpath - Delete

Introduction

This example explains how to use the Delete option in the Edit Toolpathdialog box.The Delete command will allow you to select particular toolpathelements and adjust their position.The example provided will have you:

  • Viewing the Stock and Toolpath
  • Opening the Edit Toolpath Dialog Box
  • Setting the Command Mode
  • Selecting Toolpath Elements
  • Setting the Parameters
  • Executing the Action
  • Viewing the Animation
  • Exiting the Edit Toolpath Dialog

Example Part

If you are connected to the Internet, the part file for this example can be downloaded automatically by clicking the following link: Toolpath_Editor_Delete_Example.sldprt

Once you download and saved the zip file, extract the files on your system in an easy place to remember.You can then open the file to use with this tutorial.All files for the tutorials in this help system available for download can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.bobcad.com/helpfiles.

In the example file provided, the stock and MachineSetup are already defined for the part, and the toolpath to be adjustedhas been applied.

Part 1) Viewing the Stock and Toolpath

On our example part, we need to remove stock to a uniform depth on threeof our four walls.The last wall only needs the top half of the stockremoved.Take a moment to notice how the last four passes cut into themodel.It is the last segments of the last four passes that we will needto remove.

  1. In the Property Manager, click the CAMTree tab.

  2. Rotate the part into a side view.

    Notice the shorter depth of the wall on the left.


Part 2) Opening the Edit Toolpath Dialog Box

The Edit Toolpath function is only applied to individual operations,as such, the first step is always to right-click on the operation to beadjusted.

  1. Right-click the   Profile Rough operationof the Feature 2 Axis.

  2. Select Edit Toolpath.

    TheEdit Toolpath dialog appears.

Part 3) Setting the Command Mode

The Edit Toolpath dialog gives you access to multiple Commands.Forthis example, we will be utilizing the Delete Command.

  1. Click the arrow on the Commandlist to view the list items.

  2. Select the Deleteoption.

Part 4) Selecting Toolpath Elements

Now, we need to select the toolpath segments intersecting the solidmodel that we want to delete, and the lead-out moves they are connectedto.

  1. In the graphicsarea, select the toolpath elements highlighted  in the imagebelow.



    With the toolpath segments selected, the preview is shown.


Part 5) Setting the Parameters

With the toolpath elements selected, we will need to set the Parametersto define how to link between the entities that still exist, since weare removing some of the toolpath.We can just leave the defaults andhave the tool move to the rapid plane of the feature, but let's adjustit to stay a little lower and save some time.Be very cautions when makingrapid moves occur around the part.

  1. In the Parametersgroup, change the Retractoption to Custom.

  2. Enter -0.95for the Rapid Plane value.

    The preview updates showing the new retract height.

Note: When theAbsolute or Incremental toggle is left at the default Absolute setting,the Rapid Plane value uses the Machine Setup as zero.As such, any heightbelow the machine setup will be a negative value.

  1. Select the Extensioncheck box.

    The Preview updates.


    Extension Extension


  2. Enter 25 forthe Extension value.

    The Preview updates.


    Extension 50% Extension 25%

Part 6) Executing the Action

To move beyond the preview, and before clicking OK to finalize and exit,it is a good idea to Execute the current settings.Although clicking OKwill Execute and exit simultaneously, using Execute will allow you touse Animation to verify the results and Undo the executed command if andadjustments necessary.

  1. Click Execute.

    The toolpath elements update to show the effect of our edits.

Part 7) Viewing the Animation

The Animation is an excellent way to double check the edits we havemade to our toolpath elements.If any issues are noticed in the animation,we can easily undo our edits and make the necessary adjustments.

  1. Select the check box for Animation.

    The tool appears in the graphics area at the start of our toolpath.

  2. Use the Animation controlsto play through the animation.

Part 8) Exiting the Edit Toolpath Dialog

Once the Animation has been viewed to ensure no further edits are needed,click OK to finalize and exit the Edit Toolpath Dialog.If you need tochange the toolpath to its original state after clicking OK, recomputethe operation.

  1. Click OK.

    The Edit Toolpath Dialog closes.

Important: Once the toolpath of an operation has been edited, the operation will be locked. In the CAM Tree, to the left of the operation name, which will be shown in red font, you will notice a lock icon: . This ensures the toolpath can not be accidentally recalculated. To return the toolpath to its original state, or to update the operation with the wizard, and recalculate the toolpath, you must first right-click the operation and select Lock/Unlock Operation. The toolpath can then be recalculated to undo the edits that have been made to it with the Edit Toolpath dialog.

This concludes this example.