The CAM Tree Manager

Introduction

This topic will explain the CAM Tree Manager.

The CAM Tree Manager

The CAM Tree Manager is located, in the Manager Pane. The CAM Tree Manager is what gives you access to the CAM Tree itself, the basics of which, is explained in the following section.

The CAM Tree

The CAM Tree is where all machining programs start. The CAM Tree is used to define system settings, including the system defaults and job settings. It is also used to create and edit machining jobs, tools, stock, and features. This section contains a basic introduction to the CAM Tree and provides links to more in depth machining topics in this help system.

Setting Defaults and Creating Jobs

CAM Defaults

The CAM defaults and new jobs are handled using the top folder in the CAM Tree, CAM Defaults. This item is always available in the CAM Tree. The CAM Defaults include the Current Settings, Cutting Conditions, Tool Pattern, Tool Library, Thread Library, Stock Material Library, Adapter Library, and Tool Holder Library. You start with the CAM Defaults to define the system settings as you need them. This includes machine creation and setup, tool data, operation defaults, and stock materials. You can also use CAM Defaults to start a new machining job.

CAM Jobs

All CAM Jobs start with the Machining Job dialog box. You select the Job Type and the machine for the job. You can then start the Stock Wizard, or the Lathe Stock Wizard to begin creating the program. Before you create a job, the CAM Tree only contains the CAM Defaults folder. When you create a CAM job, it is added to the CAM Tree with all the items that you need to start creating the program. The following section shows what items are added to the CAM Tree for each job type. Click the links in the following section to learn all about CAM Jobs.