How to Use Edit Toolpath - Extend Cut Move

Introduction

This example explains how to use the Extend Cut Move option in the Edit Toolpath dialog box. The Extend Cut Move command will allow you to select particular toolpath elements to extend a particular distance. The example provided will have you:

 

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

Example Part

The part file for this example is available for download at: http://bobcad.com/helpfiles. If you are connected to the Internet, you can click the link provided to download and save the Toolpath_Editor_Extend_Example SLDPRT.zip file. After extracting the zip file, you can open the file to follow along with this example. In the example file provided, the stock and Machine Setup are already defined for the part, and the toolpath to be adjusted has been applied.

 

 

Part 1) Viewing the Toolpath

On our example part, we have roughed out the stock with an Advanced Rough and have finished that up with an Advanced Planar toolpath. In this case, we intend to extend our toolpath elements beyond the edge of the model without rolling over the edge.

 

  1. In the Property Manager, click the CAM Tree tab.

  2. In the CAM Tree, click the  Advanced Planar operation of the Feature 3 Axis to highlight the toolpath in the graphics area.

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



  3. Rotate the part into a side view.

  4. Change the Display Style to Hidden Lines Removed.

    Notice the toolpath ends at the edge of the model.


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 be adjusted.

 

  1. Right-click the   Advanced Planar operation of the Feature 3 Axis.

  2. Select Edit Toolpath.

    The Edit Toolpath dialog appears.

Part 3) Setting the Command Mode

The Edit Toolpath dialog gives you access to eight different Command Modes. For this example, we will be utilizing the Extend Cut Move Command Mode.

   

  1. Click the arrow on the Command Mode list to view the list items.

  2. Select the Extend Cut Move option.



    The preview displays.

  3. By default, the Preview check box is already selected. Leave this check box selected, as it allows us to see a preview of the executable result.

 

Note: By default, the Extend Cut Move command automatically extends the cut moves of the entire operation. If our intent was to extend the cut move on particular moves, we would select those toolpath elements at this point. In this case, we want all of our moves to be extend, and will, therefore, leave the Selected Toolpath Elements empty.

Part 4) Setting the Parameters

At this point, we need to determine how far to extend our cuts.

 

  1. In the Parameters group, click the % toggle button to change the extension method from a percentage of the tool diameter, to an absolute increment.

  2. Change the extension value to 0.45.

    The preview updates.

Part 5) 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 OK will Execute and exit simultaneously, using Execute will allow you to use Animation to verify the results and Undo the executed command if and adjustments necessary.

 

  1.  Click Execute.

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

Part 6) Viewing the Animation

The Animation is an excellent way to double check the edits we have made 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 controls to play through the animation. With either the (Solid), (Transparent), or (Wireframe) view.

         

Part 7) Exiting the Edit Toolpath Dialog

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

 

  1. Click Apply.

    This finalizes the edits.

 

Important: Keep in mind clicking OK, executes the command and exits the Edit Toolpath dialog. Since we can see a preview for an additional extend move, clicking OK would execute another extension and then exit. It is for this reason that we have used the Apply button and will not Cancel to exit the dialog.

 

  1. Click Cancel.

    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.