The Milling Stock item is always visible in the CAM tree. The process of inserting milling features and machine setups and creating and modifying milling stock can be accessed here. Also, all computed toolpath's visibility and posting status can be set from Milling Stock. These Milling Stock items are explained first. Click the links for descriptions of each item.
To access the following items right-click Milling Stock.
Drill - This option allows you to add a new hole feature to the CAM tree.
Mill 2 Axis - This option allows you to add a new 2D milling feature to the CAM tree.
Mill 3 Axis - This option allows you to add a new 3D milling feature to the CAM tree.
Edit - This option allows you to modify the stock parameters.
Color - This function displays the Color dialog box to allow you to modify the color of the stock displayed in the graphics area.
Transparency - This function displays the Stock Transparency dialog box to allow you to change the opacity of the defined stock displayed in the graphics area.
Blank - This option allows you to hide or show the defined stock in the graphics area.
Post All Yes/No - Selecting this option sets all toolpaths to post or not post in the NC program.
Blank/Unblank Toolpath - This option allows you to hide or show all toolpaths.
Add Setup - This option allows you to add another machine setup to define multiple machining origins for a single part.
There are numerous default items that are contained under Milling Stock. These items pertain to the Stock Material, Stock Geometry, Post Processor, and Machine Setup.
To access the following items click the next to Milling Stock to expand the tree.
Stock Material - Right-click this item and click Edit to display the Material Selection dialog box and quick-change the current stock material.
Stock Geometry - By default, BobCAM uses a rectangular stock just large enough to contain any generated toolpaths. Click here for instructions on how to change the stock geometry.
Post Processor - This item displays the name of the post processor that is currently loaded for milling parts. Right-click the item and click Edit to display the Set Post Processor dialog box, which allows you to quick-change the current post processor without editing the general machine setup.
Machine Setup - This item allows you to associate a coordinate system to define the machining origin. Right-click this item to access a shortcut menu with the following options.
Re/Select - This allows you to select and assign a coordinate system to the Machine Setup.
Remove - This option removes the assigned coordinate system.
Drill - This option inserts a Drill feature below the selected Machine Setup.
Mill 2 Axis - This option inserts a 2-Axis feature below the selected Machine Setup.
Mill 3 Axis - This option inserts a 3-Axis feature below the selected Machine Setup.
Delete All Features - This option removes all existing milling features within the selected Machine Setup.
Delete - This option removes a Machine Setup when there is more than one.
Insert Setup - This option add another Machine Setup after the selected Machine Setup.
Add Index - This option adds an Index System to the selected Machine Setup.
Load Feature - This option allows you to locate and add a previously saved milling feature.
Post All Yes/No - This option sets all toolpaths in the selected Machine Setup to post or not post in the NC program.
Blank/Unblank Toolpath - This option allows you to hide or show all toolpaths below the selected Machine Setup.
Property - This option opens a information-only display for the selected Machine Setup.
When you insert a milling feature or index system, it is added to Milling Stock. These items also contain a right-click shortcut menu, and they are explained next.
Milling Feature - Right-click a milling feature to access the following options.
Blank/Unblank Toolpath - This option allows you to hide or show computed toolpaths for the selected feature.
Index System - Right-click an index system to access the following options.
Remove - This option removes the assigned index plane.
Drill - This option inserts a Drill feature below the selected Index System.
Mill 2 Axis - This option inserts a 2-Axis feature below the selected Index System.
Mill 3 Axis - This option inserts a 3-Axis feature below the selected Index System.
Delete - This option removes the selected Index System.
Insert Index - This option adds another Index System below the selected Index System.
Load Feature - This option allows you to locate and add a previously saved milling feature to the selected Index System.
Post All Yes/No - Selecting this option sets all features for this Index System to post or not post in the NC program.
Blank/Unblank Toolpath - This option allows you to hide or show all computed toolpaths for the selected Index System.