How to Change the Stock Orientation for Wireframe Geometry

Introduction

In this example, you learn how to change the stock orientation when using the Wireframe stock type. The sketch entity for this example is shown first. It is a chamfered rectangle that is tilted 45 degrees from the X-axis.

 

Part 1) Select the Stock Type

1. By default, the Stock Type is set to Rectangular and the default stock can be seen in the graphics area enclosing the available geometry.
   
   
   
   Under Stock Type, select Wireframe.
   
   
   
   

Part 2) Change the Stock Orientation

1. To define the profile used for the stock, select the sketch in the graphics area.
   
   To create the stock, click Calculate Stock.
   
   The result (of using the default values) is a one-inch tall stock extruded in the Z-axis direction.
   
   The Top of Stock default of 0.00 means that the top of the stock is currently at the WCS origin (X0Y0Z0).
   
   
   
   
2. To change the extrusion direction, click the Extrusion Direction arrow, and click X-axis.
   
   The stock is now extruded along the X-axis instead of the default Z-axis direction.
   
   Notice that the Top of Stock (default of Z0.00) is still the WCS origin (or X0Y0Z0).
   
   
   
   The previous steps show how to project the contour of the wireframe entity along an axis to create the stock within the projected area. When you want to align the stock to the sketch entity, you use the remaining Stock Orientation options.

3. To align the stock to the sketch entity, click in the X Axis box, and select the desired X axis direction from the wireframe.
   
   

4. When you select the X axis direction, the X axis of the stock coordinate system is aligned to the selected entity. (You can repeat the process for the Y axis direction if necessary.)
   
   If one of the axes is pointing in the wrong direction, click to reverse the corresponding axis direction.
   
   
   
   The result with the coordinate system properly aligned to the wireframe orientation is shown next.
   
   
   
   Notice that the stock is . The Extrusion Direction is still set to the X Axis, and the stock coordinate X axis is aligned to the sketch geometry, thus creating a flat plane. The stock can no longer be extruded in the X axis direction and have any thickness.
   
   
5. To change the Extrusion Direction to accommodate the new alignment, click the Extrusion Direction arrow, and select Z Axis.
   
   The stock is now properly extruded in the Z axis direction of the stock coordinate system.
   
   
   
   
6. To finish the stock, the Top of Stock must be set.
   
   You can type coordinate values to the Top of Stock, or click Pick, and select geometry in the graphics area to define the top of stock.
   
   The following image shows the result of using Pick to select geometry.
   
   
   
   The Stock Definition is now complete. Click Next>> to go to the Machine Setup dialog.