Machine Definition

Introduction

This topic will explain the Machine Definition 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 Definition

The Current Settings dialog box controls various machine and posting parameters. You define and modify the machines that you use in order to create proper NC programs and simulation. Setting these options to reflect what the machine is capable of is an important part of properly setting up the software. The settings in this dialog box apply to the selected machine and are saved when you click OK. When you click Save As Default, the machine and the current settings are used as the default for each new file that is created (this determines the default machine listed for each job type in the Machining Job dialog box).

 

The Current Settings dialog box parameters change slightly depending on the type of machine that is selected on the first page (Machine Parameters). This topic explains all of the parameters that display for mill, lathe, waterjet, laser, plasma, or mill-turn machines.

 

Note: The Machine Definition for Lathe is currently predefined. You can view the Machine Definition, but you can't update any parameters on the Machine Definition page. All machine parameters are defined by the remaining pages in Current Settings.

To access the Machine Definition page: 

 

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

    The Current Settings dialog appears.

  • In the tree on the left, select Machine Definition.

Parameters

The Machine Definition contains two groups: Machine and Machine Data. The Machine group contains a tree structure that shows all the parts/elements of the machine that are defined, such as the machine housing and axes. When you select an item, the information for that element displays in the Machine Data group. Most of the information can be edited in the dialog box. You can right-click an item in the Machine group to add or delete items. For example, you can right-click a linear Y-axis definition to add a rotational axis.

 

Important: The Machine Definition is required for all Milling, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet, and Mill Turn machines. The Machine Definition is predefined for Lathe machines. When you select a Lathe machine (in the Machine Parameters page), the Machine Definition becomes unavailable (it is visible, but can't be modified).

 

Machine

The shortcut menu that displays when you right-click a Machine group item includes some or all of the following options.

 

  • Add Transl. Axis - allows you to add an X-, Y-, Z-, or User Defined-linear axis.

  • Add Rotational Axis - allows you to add an A-, B-, C-, or User Defined-rotation axis.

  • Add Coordinate Transform - allows you to add a Workpiece, Holder, Machine, or User Defined transform. This is used to define the position of the selected item on the machine table.

  • Add Dynamic Element - The dynamic elements are the elements that can change with each program. Add Dynamic Element allows you to add a Workpiece Set, a Tool Set, a Turret, a Milling Spindle, or a Chuck. Each set contains multiple dynamic (or variable) components as listed next. After you add a set, you can then right-click the first item (Workpiece or Holder Transform) and select Add Dynamic Element to add a single item from the set. The following two elements must exist in the Machine tree, but understand that the geometry and position for these elements is generally defined by each program that you create. (The software automatically creates the geometry for each program based on the stock and tool parameters that you define in each job.)

    • Workpiece Set - contains the Workpiece Transform, Fixture, Initial Stock, Stock, Toolpath, and Workpiece tree items.

    • Tool Set - contains the Holder Transform, Tool, Flute Part, Shaft Part, Arbor Part, and Holder Part tree items.

    • Chuck - adds a chuck to the tree for mill turn machines. Click the Chuck item to display the Chuck Name box and Chuck Wizard button under Machine Data. You can right-click the Chuck item to display a shortcut menu with the following options.
      • Edit - opens the Chuck Configuration for you to define the parameters of the chuck and chuck jaws. This brings up the same dialog as would appear when the Chuck Wizard button is clicked.
      • Delete - removes the milling spindle item from the tree.
    • Turret - adds a turret item to the tree for mill turn machines. Click the Turret item in the tree to display the Turret Name box and Turret Wizard button under Machine Data. You can right-click the Turret item to display a shortcut menu with the following options.

      • Edit - opens the Turret Configuration for you to define the parameters of the turret. This brings up the same dialog as would appear when the Turret Wizard button is clicked.

      • Add Geometry - displays the Open dialog box for you to select an .stl file that is used to define the turret geometry. If you do not add geometry, the turret definition from the Turret Wizard is used.
      • Delete - removes the turret item from the tree.
    • Milling Spindle - adds a milling spindle to the tree for mill turn machines. Click the Milling Spindle item to display the Milling Spindle Name box and Milling Spindle Wizard button under Machine Data. You can right-click the Milling Spindle item to display a shortcut menu with the following options.
      • Edit - opens the Milling Spindle Configuration for you to define the parameters of the milling spindle/head. This brings up the same dialog as would appear when the Milling Spindle Wizard button is clicked.
      • Add Geometry - displays the Open dialog box for you to select an .stl file that is used to define the spindle geometry.

      • Delete - removes the milling spindle item from the tree.

  • Add Geometry - displays the Open dialog box for you to select an .stl file to use for any items that need geometry defined, such as the machine housing. Geometry should only be added to machine elements when you have the full machine simulation that is included in the Pro Simulation.

  • Add CollCheck - allows you to add a Tool-Workpiece or User Defined collision check. A tree item labeled cc is added. When you click cc, the Machine Data group shows three boxes. The large box on the left contains all the Machine group tree items. You select and add the item you want to check into the Group 1 box. You then select and add items to the Group 2 box. The items in Group 1 are checked for collisions with the items in Group 2.

  • Add Magazine - allows you to add a magazine to create a multiple-head machine.

  • Delete - removes the selected item or group of items.

 

 

Machine Data

The machine data group lists the available parameters for the item selected in the Machine group. The information is usually presented in two columns. The column on the left is for display and the column on the right is used to edit the parameters. You can click in the box to make an edit. When you select a Machine Data item you may see a button appear on the right side. For example, in the Machine group, select Head, and in the Machine Data group, click Geometry. On the right side, click . The Open dialog box displays for you to locate and select the proper .stl file which defines the Head geometry. Instead of using the button, you can double-click Geometry to accomplish the same task.

 

Important: Notes for Creating Machines:

• When you create a machine, the Machine name and the folder in which it is stored must use the same name.
• Each CAD file used to create a part of the machine must use the .stl file type.
• When creating .stl files for each part of the machine, you should orient the parts based on an origin such as the center of the machine. For example, you use the CAD coordinate X0 Y0 Z0 as the machine center point. All parts are then drawn in reference to this location. When you align each .stl file to this origin before they are added to the Machine Definition, you can eliminate extra steps needed to properly align the machine parts.
_____• There is a simulation option to hide the machine housing, any parts that you want to include as part of the machine housing need to have the prefix mh_ added to the file name. (for example mh_housing.stl) The files with this prefix are hidden when this option is selected.
_____• The files used to add Reflection Textures to the machine housing, must use the .bmp file type.
• Mill Turn Simulation: When setting machine limits, the initial position should match the position of the machine component during a tool change (if the machine component orientation applies to a tool change).

 

If you are defining a mill-turn machine, click Submachine to define all submachines and parameters. Otherwise, after creating the Machine Definition, click Posting to access the posting parameters that are used for the selected machine. It is important to define the posting parameters in order to create proper NC program output.

 

Axis ID Manager (Mill Turn only)

When a mill turn machine is selected, the Axis ID Manager button displays below the Machine Data group of the machine definition. Click the Axis ID Manager button to open the Axis ID Manager dialog box. This dialog box allows you to reorder all axes of the machine to change their ID number/order. The Axis ID Manager is used to map the machine axes to specific blocks in mill turn post processors, so unless you are creating or modifying your post processor, you should not modify the axis ID numbers.

 

View Understanding the Machine Definition.

 

Related Topics

The CAM Overview

The Milling Job Current Settings Dialog Box

The Lathe Job Current Settings Dialog Box

How to Create a Machine