How to Use Edit Toolpath - Replace

Introduction

This example explains how to use the Replace option in the Edit Toolpathdialog box.The Replace command mode will allow you to substitute wireframeand/or edge geometry for existing toolpath elements.The example providedwill have you:

  • Viewing the Toolpath
  • Opening the Edit Toolpath Dialog Box
  • Setting the Command Mode
  • Selecting Toolpath Elements
  • Setting the Toolpath Chain
  • Adjusting the Results
  • 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_Replace_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 Toolpath

On our example part, we have created an Advanced Planar toolpath, andhave used boundaries to isolate it on the angled surfaces of our part.In this case, the toolpath has been separated into two separate regions,and those regions are connected with a rapid.It is this rapid we willreplace with a feed move that traces around the inner fillet in the directionseen below.

  1. In the CAM Tree, click the Advanced Planar operation of the Feature 3 Axisto highlight the toolpath in the graphics area.

    Take a moment to look at the existing linking between toolpath regionsto see what we intend to accomplish.

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 Advanced Planar operation of theFeature 3 Axis.

  2. Select Edit Toolpath.

    TheEdit Toolpath dialog appears.

Part 3) Setting the Command Mode

The Edit Toolpath dialog gives you access to eight different CommandModes.For this example, we will be utilizing the Replace Command Mode.

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

  2. Select the Replaceoption.

  3. By default, the Previewcheck box is already selected.Leave this check box selected, as itwill allow us to see a preview of the executable result, once ourToolpath Chain has been confirmed.

Part 4) Selecting Toolpath Elements

Select the toolpath to be edited.

  1. In the graphicsarea, zoom into the area shown in the image below.



  2. Hover over the lower portionof the retract move and click on the toolpath element shown below.


Important: If the toolpath elements thathighlights is not the first move of the rapid, as in the image below,be sure to include the first toolpath element in your selection as well.



  1. Zoom out in order to bring the entire model back intoview.



  2. Now, zoom into the area shown in the image below.



  3. Move your mouse to the end of the green toolpath element.



  4. Press and hold Shift and click the bottom of the toolpath element to perform a chain selection of all the toolpath elements between.


Part 5) Setting the Toolpath Chain

With the toolpath elements selected, we will need to set the ToolpathChain to define the new path of the toolpath elements.

  1. In the Parametersgroup, click the Pick buttonto begin selecting the Toolpath Chain.

  2. Select the five individual edges on the model, as shownin the images below.



  3. With the five edges selected, right-click and selectOK.

    The executable preview displays.

Part 6) Adjusting the Results

In some cases, depending on the direction of the Toolpath Chain, thepreview may show an unintentional result, as shown in the image below.In these cases, we would need to Reverse Direction.

  1. In the Toolpath Chain list, click on Chain 1 to highlight it.

    The Chain highlights and shows directional arrows.



  2. Right-click Chain 1 in the Toolpath Chain list and select Reverse Direction if the chain is not moving in the X negative direction.



    The preview updates if the chain is reversed.

Part 7) 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 8) 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.With either the (Solid), (Transparent), or (Wireframe)view.

Part 9) 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.