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EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Selecting the Environment EdgeCAM operates within an environment which is selectable according to the type of part part being designed or manufactured. Selection of an e nvironment nvironment determ deter mines which construction planes, view port layouts and commands are available. (These terms are explained la ter in this section.) An environment provides provides you with orientations and views of the component that match match particular tool types. You can design a component in either environment environment and change ch ange environments at will. This This has no effect eff ect on the component other than to change c hange the views of the component that the system presents to you. There are two environments to cho ose from:
XY Environment
EdgeCAM Concepts
This provides view ports ports and construction planes for cons tructing tructing a part with respect to the usua l X, Y, Z Cartesian coco- ordinate system. This is the default d efault environment when entering EdgeCAM. Typically, the XY environment is used for generati g enerating ng Milling, Milling, Wire and CMM components. components.
ZX Environment This environment provides view ports and construction planes tha t simulate the orientation of a turned part in a machine tool during manufacture. In the case of a lat he for example, it is usual to work in the ZX plane where the Z axis is horiz ho rizontal. ontal. If a turned component is drawn in the XY plane, you c an flip the component into the ZX plane using the Transform, Transpose (Edit menu) command. menu) command. You can switch between environments environments when designing a part by b y selecting one of the XY Environment or ZX Environment commands Environment commands from the Options menu. Options menu. These environments environments are mutually exclusive exclusive and the active command is shown with a ‘tick’ againt it. You can also select an XY or ZX Environment ZX Environment from within the Preferences Preferences (Options menu) command. menu) command.
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Regenerating (toolpaths)
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Toolpaths may need to be regenerated to bring them up to date with changes to instructions, such as a change to a tool diameter. If a regeneration is necessary, this should take place before gene rating CNC code, code, for the code to b e correct. Regeneration can be done manually, or you can opt for a utomatic utomatic regeneration. Automatic Regeneration Auto-Regenerate is enabled by default and is recommended as it reduces the risk of producing producing incorrect CNC code. Only opt for manual regeneration if automatic regeneration produces too much of a delay (disable Auto-Regenerate - see below).
EdgeCAM Concepts
Instructions are always regen regenera erated ted when you edit the instruction. instruction. If Auto-Regenerate is enabled, then all the subsequent instructions in the sequence are also upd ated. (This is because some instructions are dependant on others, a Rest-Rough cycle is dependent on a R oughing cycle, for example.) (You can also opt for automatic regeneration on reloading the open solid model, by checking Options menu Preferences Preferences Solids Solids tab Regenerate Current Current Sequence.) Manual Regeneration For manual regeneration, in the Sequence window right-click right-click on t he sequence name, then in the shortcut menu that opens click the checked Auto-Regenerate option. This unchecks and dis ables it. Note that AutoRegenerate is now disabled for all sequences, but only for the duration of the EdgeCAM session; it is enabled on re-starting. With Auto-Regenerate disabled you need to regenerate manually. There is a Regenerate option in the shortcut menu for an individual instruction, and for the sequence (regenerates all the instructions in the sequence at once). Note that you can also avoid the au tomatic tomatic regeneration after an edit ed it by using Instructions menu Edit and checking c hecking Disable Automatic Regeneration in Regeneration in the Editing Instructions dialog (after this dialog you then move on to editing the instruction). See also Using Batch Mode for Operations
EdgeCAM User Guide
Co-ordinate Types in EdgeCAM EdgeCAM can accept co-ordinate data using a variety of co-ordinate types: Cartesian Polar
Angular You can select the type of co-ordinates to be used in the Co-ordinate Input dialog box which is activated by the
EdgeCAM Concepts
button (see Specifying Explicit Co-ordinates).
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About Cartesian Co-ordinates This is the usual system of rectangular X, Y, Z axes and co-ordinates. The point where the three axes meet is called the Origin and has co-ordinates X=0, Y=0, Z=0. The example shows a point a t co-ordinates X=x, Y=y, Z=z:
EdgeCAM Concepts
By convention, if the X, Y axes lie in the plane of the screen, the Z axis points up out of the screen.
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About Polar Co-ordinates
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The Polar Co-ordinate system defines a position on a plane us ing: A radius centred at an origin. An angle from the X axis. The diagram shows a point positioned by radius ‘r’ and angle ‘ ’.
EdgeCAM Concepts
See Also Specifying Explicit Co-ordinates Specifying Polar Co-ordinates
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Angular Co-ordinates Angular co-ordinates are defined by specifying:
The distance along a chosen rotary axis The distance along one other axis An absolute angle of rotation around the rotary axis. The rotary axes A, B, C correspond to X, Y and Z respectively, with the positive direction of rotation being clockwise:
EdgeCAM Concepts
The example below shows a point positioned by distance ‘a’ along the A axis, distance ‘b’ along the B axis and an angle ‘ ’ with respect to the A axis:
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Entity Types
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In EdgeCAM terms, a part is the sum of all the entities which produce that part. EdgeCAM provides several entity types that you can use when designing and manufacturing components: Point Entities Line Entities Circle and Arc Entities Curve Entities Surface Entities
EdgeCAM Concepts
Continuous Entities Group Entities Detailing Entities Toolpath Entities
EdgeCAM User Guide
Point Entities
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A point is the simplest geometric entity. A point is defined in 3D space. Whichever co-ordinate system is used to set up the p oint, it is always stored as three real numbers in Cartesian co-ordinates. Methods of point definition include: Absolute co-ordinate position Arc centre Screen position
EdgeCAM Concepts
Existing point Middle point of an existing entity known as a mid- point End point of an existing entity Intersection of any two entities A distance modification from any of the above point definitions
See Also Creating Points
EdgeCAM User Guide
Line Entities
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A line has two end points and can be constructed by any of these methods: Between two point definitions Between a point and an arc tangency point Between two arc tangency points Through a point and parallel to another line Through a point and perpendicular to another line
EdgeCAM Concepts
See Also Creating Lines
EdgeCAM User Guide
Circle and Arc Entities
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A circle is a non-linear geometric entity, every point of which is equally distant from a fixed central po int. An arc is a segment of a circle. Arc construction is similar to circle construction, except that the end points of the arc also must be defined. Methods of circle definition include: A point definition as the centre and specifying a radius A point definition as the centre and a point on the circle
EdgeCAM Concepts
Three points which the circle pass es through A circle tangent to three lines
Tangency to two entities and specifying the radius
EdgeCAM User Guide
Curve Entities
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A curve is a non-linear entity, described by an exact mathematical definition. Curves include Splines, BSplines, Bezier curves and Conic sections.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Surface Entities
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A surface is defined in EdgeCAM using a two-axis parametric co-ordinate system, and can be created from control points, entities or other sur faces. Also see About Surfaces in EdgeCAM.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Continuous Entities
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These are a set of colinear line or arc entities grouped to gether (for example, from a profile) for ease of manipulation. SeeConverting to a Continuous Entity for a full explanation.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Group Entities
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These are a set of EdgeCAM entities (for example, lines and arcs) that have been collected into a gr oup for ease of manipulation. SeeCreating Group Entitiesfor a full explanation.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Detailing Entities
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These are entities created using EdgeCAM Detailing commands. As they are purely for dimensioning a nd annotating purposes, they do not form part of the 3D pa rt model and exist only on the 'Drawing Plane'.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Toolpath Entities
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A toolpath is created from within one of the EdgeCAM machining modules, and represents the track of a nominated part of a machine tool. Each toolpath may be made up of many toolpath entities, which may be either line or arc segments.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entity Dependency
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It is important to understand that one entity can be dependent on another. Certain operations cause entities to be ‘flagged’ as having dependants (other entities dependent on them for their existence). Entities with one or more dependants cannot be de leted or modified in a way that would invalidate the dependent entity. Entity dependency occurs with surfaces, continuous e ntities and groups. For example, a Coons Patch surface is created from four other boundary lines. These lines cannot be deleted or altered without first deleting the Coons patch. It is possible to alter th eir colour, layer, style or name, as this would not invalidate the dependent surface. EdgeCAM entities which are dependent on other entities are:
EdgeCAM Concepts Coons Patches
Fillet surfaces
Crosshatching
Tabulated cylinders
Surfaces of r evolution
Groups
Flowed surfaces
Surface curves
Continuous entities
Ruled surfaces
Offset surfaces
Trimmed surfaces.
To find out whether an entity has a dependa nt, use the Entity (Verify menu) command. Amongst other details, the system reports one o f the following: Dependency SET or Dependency CLEAR. It is possible that the depende ncy flag for some entities is not cleared when the dependants are deleted. When you reload the part, these ent ities cannot therefore be altered or deleted. To overcome this situation, insert the part into EdgeCAM using the File menu co mmand Insert Part. Only entities that still have dependants will have the dependency flag set.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entity Attributes
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Each entity can have a colour, style, name and layer attribute. These attributes are reported if you verify the entity using the Entity (Verify menu) command. See Also Colour Style Name Layers Curve and Surface Attributes
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entity Colour
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UseColours in the Standard toolbar to set the colour for new entities (lines, arcs a nd so on).
Colours can be used to highlight different en tity types, parts of the drawing or functional differences. You can change the colour of existing entities; you can use for example: Edit menu > Entity Data to another).
Match (copies the colour, style and so on from one entity
Edit menu > Entity Data then select).
Individual (opens the properties dialog for the entity you
EdgeCAM Concepts
By opening the properties dialog directly from the entity.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entity Style
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UseStyle in the Standard toolbar to set the style for new entities (lines, arcs and so on).
You can change the style of existing entities; you can use for example:
EdgeCAM Concepts
Edit menu > Entity Data
Match (copies the colour, style and so on from one entity to another).
Edit menu > Entity Data
Individual (opens the properties dialog for the entity you then select).
By opening the properties dialog directly from the entity. Note that if a very fine display tolerance is used, the font fo r entities such as arcs and curves may not appear to be correct. Use the Preferences (Options menu) command to increase the Display Tolerance.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Name
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When you create an entity you can give it a name up to eight characters long. This name is saved for future reference (for example, when selecting entities for a mac hining cycle). However, if the entity is copied, only the original entity retains the name.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entity Layers
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Use the Layer control in the Standard toolbar to set the layer for new entities (lines, arcs and so on). Layers can be thought of as transparent films on which is drawn their geometry. What you see is the geometry of all the visible layers stacked one on top of another. Layers can be used for separating different types of entities from each other for dis play purposes. For example, toolpaths would normally be on diffe rent layers from the geometry of a part mode l. You may want to develop your own system of layers for different entity types.
EdgeCAM Concepts
When you are working on a part, you can restrict the combination of displayed layers to prevent the screen from becoming cluttered with superfluous information. See La yer Control. You control layers using the Layers window; you can the display of layers on and off for example. As layers are selected, they are added to a historical list containing the last five layers used. To select from this drop-down historical list of layers, click on the do wn arrow beside the layer number. You can change the layer of e xisting entities; you can use for example: Edit menu > Entity Data
Match (copies the layer, colour and so on from one entity to another).
Edit menu > Entity Data
Individual (opens the properties dialog for the entity you then select).
By opening the properties dialog directly from the entity.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Curve and Surface Properties These entities are based on mathematically correct descriptions, but you can c ontrol the accuracy of their screen appearance. For example, a complex surface may take some time to d raw, so you may want to temporarily degrade the appearance of the surface in exchange for a fa ster redraw time. For more information, see About Curves and About Surfaces.
EdgeCAM Concepts
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Selecting and Deleting Entities To select all valid entities If you want to select all entities, simply hold down the Ctrl k ey and press the 'A' k ey. This will select all valid, visible entities in the current view.
To delete entities
This functionality is only available in Des ign mode.
EdgeCAM Concepts
Instead of using the Delete Entity command, you can de lete all visible entities in the current view by simply pre-selecting them and then pressing the Delete key. If no entities have been selected when you press the Delete key, the Delete Entity command will be enabled and you will be prompted to “Digitise entities to delete”.
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Verifying Entities
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Use the Entity (Verify menu) command to report detailed information on the selected entity:
EdgeCAM Concepts
For further information about the feedback window in EdgeCAM, see Feedback Window.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Use of the Mouse Wheel
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If you have an “Intellimouse” you can use the central wheel to zoom in or out of the active view or to pan the view. To zoom in and out In the active view move the wheel forward to zoom in and backward to zoom out, at the centre of the screen. To zoom relative to the current cursor position, pick a point on the model and move the wheel while holding down the Ctrl key. The cursor position will be moved to the centre of the screen and zooming will occur at that point.
EdgeCAM Concepts
To zoom extents Double-click the mouse wheel to display the comple te model within the active view. (To disable this functionality, create a new PCI Variable !checkMDoubleClick=0 and restart EdgeCAM in GLview ). To pan Holding the wheel down allows you to pan the view by dragging the graphics across the screen.
See Also Left and Right Mouse Buttons
EdgeCAM User Guide
Use of the Mouse Buttons
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Use of the right - hand mouse button Pressing the right-hand button completes a command, or the current stage of a command. Holding down the right-hand button presents a window options and recent command repeat menu. Use of the left- hand mouse button Use of the left-hand button when rotate, spin or pan are selected from the toolbar, actions those commands.
EdgeCAM Concepts
For the use of the left-hand mouse button in connections with toolbars, see Moving Toolbar
At all other times pressing the LEFT button will make a screen digitise for ENTITY , FREE position or GRID position as appropriate.
See Also The Mouse Wheel
EdgeCAM User Guide
General Principles of Digitising
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'Digitising' is simply clicking in the Graphics area to p rovide spatial input or to select g eometry. When drawing a line for example you d igitise to provide the start and end points for the line. Depending on what you are doing, a 'Free' or an 'Entity' digitise may be req uired. Sometimes you can choose between them. An Entity digitise requires you to click on an entity. A Free digitise does not require you to click on an entity; you can click on a blank area. If a grid is displayed then you can choose t o digitise intersection points on that grid.
EdgeCAM Concepts
Making Free and Entity digitises
To switch digitise modes, click in the Status Bar: Clicked
Clicked
Or
As an alternative way to switch modes, hold down the right-hand mouse button and in the shortcut menu select Free or Entity. Use Intellisnap to automatically switch between Free and E ntity digitise, depending on the proximity of suitable entities. Hold down the Ctrl key to force an Entity digitise. Hold down the Shift key to force a Free digitise. Intellisnap Selection The shape of the cursor indicates the type of digitise being made:
No active command – Entity preselect only, window selection may be used Free digitise Entity digitise only – Window selection may no t always be a vailable Optional Free or Entity digitise. For example when drawing a line the cursor has the Free shape when over a blank area, whilst over an entity it has the Entity shape to show that the start or end point will snap to the existing entity.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Intellisnap
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This feature is only available in GLview The ‘Intellisnap’ feature provides an intuitive mechanism for entity selection, free and grid dig itising. As t he cursor moves over the graphics area when the Intellisnap option is activated, entities will be highlighted in the flyover colour as they come into picking range and revert back to their original colour as the cursor leaves them. This can be defined by using the Colour (Options menu) command. Intellisnap can be enabled/disabled at any time via the shortcut menu (hold down the right -hand mouse button over the EdgeCAM graphics area).
EdgeCAM Concepts
When using Intellisnap, the active mode will automatically change. (The default digitise mode needs to be set to Free Digitise). If you wish to draw a line from the end of a n existing line, move your cursor onto the entity (1).
The line will display the digitise points (start, end and mid point), and as you move onto the digitise points the cursor will automatically change to entity digitise (2,3) and the tooltip will display relevant information. If the cursor pauses on an entity a tooltip box appears with identification of that item. Pressing the “v” key at this stage enlarges the tooltip to give further information on that entity. The highlit entity is the one that would be selected if the left mouse button were pressed. Press "v" again to return to the standard t ooltip.
Note: If you find the speed of e ntity selection has slowed down disabling the Entity Tooltip function on the Selection tab of the Preferences dialog (Options menu) may help. Only entities valid for the current purpose will be s electable. Where more than one entity is selectable in a given position the symbol will be appended to the cursor indicating that you may step through the appropriate entities by pressing the TAB key until you are presented with the chosen one (see example) . Pressing the left-hand mouse button then selects that item. Sometimes you may wish to free digitise near a snap point. To do this, you must disable Intellisnap (see above). For many purposes, both for geometry creation and in conne ction with machining cycles the required entity is a point. Entities such as ends of lines, arcs etc. co ntain points which can be selected whenever a point entity is required. See Also Selecting Multiple Entities Controlling the Entity Selection Options Pre-selection
EdgeCAM User Guide
Taking Co-ordinates from a Grid Location
EdgeCAM Concepts
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Selecting Multiple Entities In many cases multiple entity selection is p ossible. Under these circumstances it is possible to select and deselect entities until the desired combination is achieved and then to finalise with a completion signalled by the right mouse button or Enter. Changing Selection Mode In normal operation the entity selection is in Toggle Mode i.e. t he first digitise will select the en tity, while the second digitise will deselect the entity. However, you can override the To ggle Mode by using the Change Selection Mode
EdgeCAM Concepts
button on the Input toolbar.
When selected, a menu is displayed offering three options: The cursor will display a + or - to indicate the currently active selection mode. Window Selection When large numbers of entities need to be selected, a window may be used. Simply hold the left-hand mouse button down and drag the mouse across the screen. Moving from left to right, the window will select all entities th at are wholly within the window. A right to left window will select all entities that are wholly within or cross the window. Chaining You may wish to select a group of entities that form a continuous profile. The process of selecting contiguous entities is called ‘chaining’. SeeSelecting Contiguous Entities by Chaining
FREE digitised positions can be deselected only by use of backspace b efore completion is signalled by the right mouse button.
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Controlling the Entity Selection Options The parameters in the Intellisnap section of the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog are used to control which points can be selected. Selecting the endpoints of entities As the cursor is placed on or near the ends of lines, arcs, or over a point, a square in the ‘flyover’ colour will appear. If the left-hand mouse button is selected when the square is displayed, an entity digitise will be made at that point. This selection mode is optional and can be c ontrolled by checking the appropriate box on the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. The default setting for this option is ON. If the left-hand mouse button is selected when the square is not displayed but the en tity is highlit, a free digitise will be made.
EdgeCAM Concepts
Selecting the midpoints of entities As the cursor is placed on or near the midpoint of a line, a cross in the ‘flyover’ colour will appear. If the lefthand mouse button is selected when the cross is displayed an entity digitise will be made at that mid- point (not available for continuii or spline curves). This selection mode is optional and can be controlled by checking the appropriate box on the Selection tab o f the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. The default setting for this option is ON. Selecting the centre of an arc As the cursor is placed on or near the centre of an arc, a circle in the ‘flyover’ colour will appear. If the lefthand mouse button is selected when the circle is displayed, an entity digitise will be made at that centre point. This selection mode is optional and can be controlled by ch ecking the appropriate box on the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. The default setting for this option is ON. In the case of concentric circles at different levels, the centre of the required one can be found by rotating the view or by use of the tab and verify ('V' key) facilities within picking. Selecting an arc quadrant As the cursor is placed on or near a quadrant position (0, 90, 180, 360 degrees), a symbol is displayed in the 'flyover' colour. If the left-hand mouse button is selected when the symbol is displayed an e ntity digitise will be made at tha t position. This selection mode is optional a nd can be controlled by checking the appropriate box on the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. The default setting for this option is OFF. Selecting a vertex (This option is only available for solids) When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near a vertex on a solid, the vertex is displayed in the 'flyover' colour. If the left-hand mouse button is selected when the vertex is displayed an entity digitise will be made at that po sition. This selection mode is optional and can be controlled by checking the ap propriate box on the Select ion tab of the Preferences (Options menu)dialog. The default setting for this option is OFF. Selecting a cylinder As the cursor is placed on or near the centre of a cylinder, a circle in the ‘flyover’ colour will appear. If the left-hand mouse button is selected when the circle is displayed, an entity digitise will be made at that point. This option is used when working with solids for setting a datum by creating a CPL o n the end of a cylinder. This selection mode is optional and can be controlled by checking the appropriate box on the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog. The default setting for this option is ON.
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Pre-selection of Entities
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When a command has not been enabled, entities can be pre-selected and will be used in a subsequ ently called command. In this mode only entity digitising is enabled, and the snap points will not be displayed. Note that pre -selection will work for some commands i.e. Delete Entity, but for o thers you will be prompted to select the entities again. Double-clicking on an entity will display the Edit dialog.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Taking Co-ordinates from a Grid Location A grid can be displayed using the Grid (View menu) command. When digitising, you can snap to a grid point by moving the cursor near to the point, holding down the Shift + Ctrl keys together and pressing the left mouse button. You can only do a grid digitise when the c ursor appears like this:
or
EdgeCAM Concepts To configure the grid Select the Grid Configure (View menu) command. On selecting the command, you can specify these parameters: Display – Check this box to show the grid in the ac tive view port. You can still snap to a gr id point even if the grid is not visible.
Digitise Origin – Check to digitize a new origin point for the grid. X Space – Specify the horizontal space between grid points in part units. Y Space – Specify the vertical space between grid points in part units. Width – Specifies the total width of the displayed grid in part units.
Height – Specifies the total height o f the displayed grid in part units.
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The Co-ordinate Input Dialog Selecting the
button displays the Co- ordinate Input dialog box.
When Cartesian co-ordinates are selected and the XY e nvironment is active, the Co-ordinate Input dialog box is displayed as shown below:
EdgeCAM Concepts
Click on the More button to display these extra options:
When the ZX environment is active, the X, Y, Z boxes appear as:
Use the Co-ordinate System option buttons to select one of th e three co-ordinate systems: Cartesian co-ordinates
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Polar co-ordinates
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Angular co-ordinates Use the Axes options to select whether co-ordinates are specified with respect to CPL or World axes. The selection is registered in the Command box as a P for CPL axes or a W fo r World axes. If P is entered on its own then a default position of X0Y0Z0 will be used.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Entering Cartesian Co-ordinates To specify Cartesian co- ordinates 1. Type your required co-ordinates into the X, Y, Z boxes. Ordinate values can be mathematical expressions using the + - * / operators. Brackets can be used to establish the order of evaluation. If an ordinate value is n ot given, the previous value used in the current command is used. If no previous value has been given, 0.0 is a ssumed. If the 2D Snap option has been selected, Z ord inate values are ignored and the level of the currently selected CPL is used.
EdgeCAM Concepts
If a 2D CPL is current, Z ordinates cannot be entered.
Ordinate values are shown in the C ommand box as they are en tered. 2. Choose how each ordinate is specified from these options. Absolute – Ordinates are specified with respect to the selected axis system. Incremental – Incremental ordinates are given with respect to the previous co-ordinate position. If no previous position has been given, the in crement is taken from the origin of the selecte d axis system. When an Incremental option button is selected, the labelling of the associated X, Y or Z box appears as IX, IY, IZ respectively and IX, IY or IZ appears in t he command box. Screen Select – Ordinates are specified by normal digitising methods. When this option is used, an X, Y or Z is shown in the command box. Any mixture of these methods can be used to specify a set of co-ordinates. When the Co- ordinate Input dialog box is closed, a prompt for the required ordinate is given in the Status bar. 3. Select the OK or Continue buttons when you ha ve completed your co-ordinate specification.
Specifying Cartesian Co-ordinates in C ommand Format Experienced users can enter co-ordinates directly though the Command box. You can also display this box by pressing one of the keys that corresponds to an axis or a command (for example, X, Y, Z, A, B, C, I, W, R, P). Absolute co-ordinates are specified in the form: XnnYnnZnn where nn is an o rdinate value. Each ordinate is optional and its name and value can be omitte d. If an ordinate value is not given, the previous value used in the current command is used. If no previous value has been g iven, then 0.0 is assumed. Incremental co-ordinates are specified in the form: IXnnIYnnIZnn where nn is an incremental ordinate v alue. Each incremental ordinate is optional and its name and value can be o mitted. Incremental ordinates are given with respect to the previous co-ordinate position. If no previous position has been given, the increment is taken from the origin of the selected axis system. Specify screen selections by giving on ly X, Y or Z as required.
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The methods used f or specifying ordinate values can be mixed.
EdgeCAM Concepts
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Entering Polar Co-ordinates To specify polar co- ordinates When Polar co-ordinates are selected the Co- ordinate Input dialog box is displayed as shown below:
EdgeCAM Concepts
1. Type your required values into t he Radius and Angle boxes. Radius values are taken incrementally from the last co-ordinate position. If no previous position has been given, the origin of the s elected axis system is used. Angles are always absolute values (degrees). Values can be mathematical expressions using the + - * / operators. Brackets can be used to establish the order of evaluation. Radius and Angle values are shown in the Command box as they are entered. 2. Select the OK or Continue buttons when you ha ve completed your co-ordinate specification.
Specifying Polar Co-ordinates in C ommand Format Experienced users can enter co-ordinates directly though the Command box. You can also display this box by pressing one of the keys that corresponds to an axis or a command (for example, X, Y, Z, A, B, C, I, W, R, P). Polar co-ordinates are specified in the form: RnnAmm where nn is a radius value and mm is an angle (degrees). Radius values are taken incrementally from the last co-ordinate position. If no previous position has been given, the origin of the selected axis system is used. Angles are always absolute values (degrees).
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Entering Angular Co-ordinates To specify angular co- ordinates Angular co-ordinates are defined by specifying:
The distance along a chosen rotary axis The distance along one other axis An absolute angle of rotation around the rotary axis.
EdgeCAM Concepts
Enter co- ordinate data as follows: 1. Select the Rotary Axis.
2. Type your required distances along the A, B and C axes into t he X, Y and Z boxes respectively. This is done in the way described for Cartesian co-ordinates. 3. Enter the absolute angle (degrees) into the Angle box. 4. Select the OK or Continue buttons when you ha ve completed your co-ordinate specification.
Specifying Angular Co-ordinates in Command Format Experienced users can enter co-ordinates directly though the Command box. You can also display this box by pressing one of the keys that corresponds to an axis or a command (for example, X, Y, Z, A, B, C, I, W, R, P). Angular co-ordinates are specified by entering a distance along a rotational axis, a distance along one other axis and then an angle of rotation, for example X50Y50A90should give a point at X50 Y 0 Z50 because the point defined at X50Y50 is rotated by 90 degrees about the X (A) axis.
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2D Snap
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The 2D snap command determines how co-ordinate information is obtained for a command.
Activate the command to set all Z ordinates to the level of the current CPL, regardless of input method. De-activate the command for full 3D ope ration with: Entity digitises
EdgeCAM Concepts
Co-ordinates obtained by reference or by construction Explicit co-ordinate input. With free digitises, Z ordinates are always taken to be at the level of the current CPL. Note: If either the CPL(Edit menu) or Create CPL(Geometry menu) command have been used to set the current CPL to 2D, this command is not available.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Selecting Contiguous Entities by Chaining In GLview, a double digitise on an entity will automatically chain in 2D. To enable 3D chaining hold the CTRL key down while digitising. To enable 3D chaining by default, check the 3D Chain by Default option on the Selection tab of the Preferences (Options menu) command. The process of selecting contiguous entities is called ‘chaining’. If you need to select a series of contiguo us entities, use these commands: Chain All
EdgeCAM Concepts
Chain Toggle Branch Toggle Deselect 2D Snap
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Normal Chaining Select the first entity in the chain. The direction of the chain is from the end at which the entity is selected towards the entity at its other end Each entity in the chain is highlighted as it is f ound. Chaining continues until: The start entity is encountered as would happen for a closed pocket No new entity can be found as would happen for an ope n profile
EdgeCAM Concepts
An entity is found which is not coplanar with all previous entities and 3D chaining has not been selected The path of the chain could branch into one or more alternative paths. This happens when one o r more entities share a common end po int with the entity which is currently at the end of the chain. The path along which chaining continues can be controlled by using the Branch button described below. If branching is n ot selected, EdgeCAM makes its own decision ab out which path to follow.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Limited Chaining TheLimited Chaining
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button starts a chain at a selected entity and terminates it at another entity:
1. Select the entity at the start of the chain (d1). 2. Select the entity at the end of the chain (d2).
EdgeCAM Concepts
The direction of chaining and the resolution of branches is a s described for normal chaining.
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Branch the Chain
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Choosing the Chain button provides control over which path the chain is to follow when it could branch along one or more alternative paths. A prompt is given in the Status bar requesting selection of the entity along which chaining is to continue. If this button is not selected branching occurs as des cribed under Normal chaining.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Deselect Entities from a Chain Choosing the Deselect Entities button allows entities to be deselected from a chain. All the methods normally used for entity selection are available for t his purpose. Note that this option is not available in G Lview.
EdgeCAM Concepts
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Specifying Co-ordinates by Reference The
command is used for specifying a co-ordinate location as an offset from a reference location.
1. Digitise the reference location (d1). Any of the toolbar buttons which are for spe cifying locations can be used. 2. Type into the Co- ordinate Input dialog box the required offsets from the reference point.
EdgeCAM Concepts
The2D button must NOT have been selected if a Z offset is to take effect. Otherwise, the Z level of the current CPL is used. Example In the following example, the circle has been inserted at the dimensions shown by: Selecting the corner of the part as a reference point (d1) Inserting the following values in th e Co-ordinate Input dialog: X=-25 and Y=10.
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Selecting Two Entities The Dig2 command
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is used for selecting two entities with one digitise.
Holding down the Ctrl key while selecting the left ha nd mouse button (d1) selects the nearest two entities that are in range. The entity nearest to the digitised position is taken to be the first of the two entities selected. This is particularly useful with commands for: Entity trimming Filleting or chamfering
EdgeCAM Concepts
Creating a continuous entity. Once this button has been selected it stays in effect until either it is deselected or the command is finished.
Example The example shows entities being selected for the construction of a blend radius. Note that the digitise has been placed nearer to the right hand line s o that it is taken as the first entity: this presents the entities to the command in the correct order.
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Controlling Entity Selection By clicking Entity Types in the Input toolbar you can restrict the effect of commands to the entities. For example when trimming you can restrict the types of entities that are selectable to lines and arcs. You use this dialog:
EdgeCAM Concepts
To select or deselect an entity type, click on its check box. Entities which are valid for the command have their check boxes automatically set but the y can be altered. Entities which are inappropriate to the current command are greyed out. All – Click this button to check all check bo xes. None – Click this button to clear all the check boxes.
EdgeCAM User Guide
Construction Methods
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Holding down the right-hand mouse button while creating entities allows you to select construction methods.
EdgeCAM Concepts Construct Using Mid- Point Specify co-ordinates by selecting an entity. The co-ordinates of the mid point of th e line or arc are taken. Construct Using Arc Centre Specify co-ordinates by selecting an arc. The co-ordinates of the centre point of the arc are taken. Construct Using the X Co- ordinate of an Entity This button gives the co-ordinates of a location on an entity at a given X value: 1. Select the entity on which the intersection is to occur. 2. Digitise the location through which the imaginary vertical line is to pass.
Construct Using the Y C- ordinate of an Entity This gives the co-ordinates of a location on an entity at a given Y value: 1. Select the entity on which the intersection is to occur. 2. Digitise the location through which the imaginary horizontal line is to pass.
Construct Using the Intersection of Two Entities Select the two intersecting entities. Each entity can be a line or an arc. When the entities intersect more than once, the co-ordinates of the intersection which is nearest to the digitise on the first entity are used. Construct Using the Distance from the E nd of an Entity 1. Enter the distance value in the dialog box. For an a rc entity, the value is taken to be an angle (in degrees) from the digitised end of the entity. (Enter a positive value if the distance is to measured along the entity and enter a negative value if measuring the distance past the end of the entity). 2. Select the entity. 3. Digitise at the end f rom which the distance is to be mea sured.
Construct Using the Mid- point between Two Entities 1. Digitise the first entity (d1). 2. Digitise the second entity (d2).
EdgeCAM User Guide
In the example below, a point has been constructed at the mid point between the entity digitises on the ends of the lines.
EdgeCAM Concepts
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Selecting Entities by Parameters Specify the entities that you wa nt to select by referring to their p arameters. This is generally used when creating PCIs.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
About Construction Planes (CPLs) The EdgeCAM database maintains part p art models with respect to a coco- ordinate system known as the World Wo rld coco- ordinate system. The diagram below shows the orientation o f a simple part within the World coco- ordinate system.
EdgeCAM Concepts
To help you construct a model, the concept of th e construction plane (or CPL) is used. A construction plane defines a local coco- ordinate system at any orientation to the World axes. As each CPL has its own x, y, z axes, you only ha ve to deal with local coco- ordinates when creating entities. EdgeCAM translates CPL cocoordinates into World coco - ordinates for you. See Also Predefined CPLs The Drawing CPL Displaying Axis Systems Creating New CPLs Selecting CPLs Editing CPLs Verifying CPLs Deleting CPLs
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Predefined CPLs
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A set of predefined CPLs are are provided for the XY and ZX environments. Thisdiagram Thisdiagram shows the relationship relationship betwee b etween n the CPL axes for the XY environment environment and the the World W orld axes. The name of each CPL is shown. The next diagram shows the relationship of the st andard CPLs to each v iew of t he part. Note that:
The origin of ea ch standard CPL coincides with the World origin origin
EdgeCAM Concepts
The ‘top’ CPL is the only one where the CPL axes coincide exactly with the World axes.
If you need to add a f eature, such as a slot, into the bottom of the part you can select the ‘bottom’ CPL CPL and a nd work in terms of the dimensions you have without without worrying about how ho w they map back to the World axes. Command Command modifier values for coco- ordinates or angles of r otation otation are a re always always given with respect t o the current CPL. Explicit coco - ordinate data can be given with with respect to either the current c urrent CPL CPL or o r the World coco- ordinate system. See ‘Specify explicit coco- ordinates’ in the se ction ‘Entering coco- ordinate data and selecting entities’. The f ollowing ollowing diagram shows the standard CPLs for th e ZX environment using a ‘swept’ profile.
EdgeCAM User Guide
The Drawing CPL
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Classic EdgeCAM View Only The Drawing CPL is different from all the other CPLs as it is purely two dimensional. It is like a conventional conventional drawing sheet on which views are assembled to provide provide the t he views which comprise an e ngineering drawing. drawing. Its primary purpose is to contain elements of a drawing that are not part of the 3D model, such as the dimensions, text and drawing symbols. By making the Drawing CPL current, it c an also be used for making two dimensional drawings.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Displaying Axis Systems
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The display of World and CPL axes can be controlled by Drawing, Configure (View menu) command. World axes are displayed in white and CPL X, Y, Z axes are displayed in red, green and blue respe ctively.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
Creating New CPLs
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You can define your own CPLs. A CPL definition requires three main parameters: An origin This defines where the origin of your CPL lies with respect to the World origin. Although the s tandard CPLs have their origins coincident with the World origin, this need not be true for any CPLs that you define for yourself. An orientation This defines the orientation of your CPL with respect to the World axes. Although the standard CPLs are orthogonal to the World axes, this need not be true for any CPLs that you define for yourself.
EdgeCAM Concepts
A name Names allow you to swap to ano ther CPL and come back to your own CPL when required. Each CPL must have a unique name. As an example take the simple part illustrated in the diagrams for the XY environment and the following modification for which a new CPL has been created to take advantage of the dimensioning scheme:
It is obviously easier to make the modifications to the part while working in the new CPL rather than in on e of the existing CPLs. An unlimited number of CPLs can be created. When a CPL is created it becomes the current CPL and remains active until another CPL is selected or created. To create a new CPL
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Selecting CPLs
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To select a C PL (Construction Plane) 1. Select the Select CPL (Geometry menu) command. By default, the Name box contains the name of the cu rrent CPL. The list of Names contains the standard CPLs. As user defined CPLs are added to the part, the list is updated. 2. When changing from one CPL to anot her, the active Level is reset to zero. Enter a new level for the CPL, if required, by entering a value or digitising an entity from which to take the level information.
EdgeCAM Concepts
This is the new distance from the CPL’s original plane of definition at which entities are created. This can be used to change the level of the current CPL if nothing is selected from the Name list box. (The current level can also be changed from the Toolbar – or onl y the display of levels. See Selecting Visible Layers.) 2. If the ZX environment is current, set the Input Mode. The input mode determines whether X axis dimensions refer to Radial or Diametral values. If the mode is set to D iametral and the explicit coordinates X20Z20 are given, EdgeCAM takes the X value to be a dia meter. 3. Select the name of the CPL to be made current from the Name list box. 4. Click on OK.
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Editing CPLs
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A CPL which has an associated machining sequence cannot be edited. Also, only the Work Plane parameter of a standard CPL can be edited. To edit a CPL 1. Select the CPL (Edit menu) command. The dialog box for the command is displayed. 2. Select the name of the CPL to be edited from the CPL list box. If a name is not selected, make an entity digitise on the required CPL marker in response to the ‘Digitise the required CPL marker’ prompt.
EdgeCAM Concepts
3. Specify values for the parameters to be changed. All parameters are described under the section Creating a CPL.
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Verifying CPLs
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Verifying a CPL produces a report on CPL parameters. To verify a CPL 1. Select the CPL (Verifymenu)command. The dialog box for the command is displayed. 2. Select the name of the CPL to be verified from the Name list box. If a name is not selected make an entity digitise on the marker of the CPL to be de leted in response to the ‘Digitise the required CPL marker’ prompt.
EdgeCAM Concepts
The example below shows a typical CPL report obtained in the Design mode.
The offsets are measured in terms of the current CPL’s co-ordinates. When a CPL is verified within the Manufacturing module and a machining sequence is active, additional information is provided in the repo rt. The diagram below gives a typical example:
The Primary and Secondary values are the rotations made from the primary and secondary axes of the initial CPL specified. The last line of the report specifies whether the CPL is valid for the selected Code Generator.
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Deleting CPLs
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Only user-defined CPLs can be deleted. If the currently active CPL is deleted, CPL TOP will become current. A CPL with an associated machining sequence cannot be deleted.
To delete a CPL
EdgeCAM Concepts
1. Select the Delete CPL (Edit menu) command.
The dialog box for the command is displayed. 2. Select the name of the CPL to be deleted from the Name list box. 3. Click on OK to continue.
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Layer Control
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Layers can be used for separating different types of entities from each other for dis play purposes. For example, toolpaths would normally be on diffe rent layers from the geometry of a part mode l. All layer control is via the Layers Window and the Layer drop down list in the Standard toolbar.
When EdgeCAM is started, the default layer is Geometry
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The Layers Window displays the current set of available layers, listing their names and visib ility status. Please note that only layers that are visible can be drawn on.
EdgeCAM Concepts
To sort the layers in alphabetical order double click the Name label at the top of the lis t. Doubleclicking the Show label will sort the entries by visibility. Please note that a further double click will no t reverse the order, simply double c lick the other label again. Double clicking the visibility column toggles the Y es/No status. See Also Activating a Layer Creating a New Layer The Shortcut Menu in the Layers Window Notes on Using Layers Layer Control and Tabbed Views
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Activating a Layer
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There are different ways of activating a layer. You can select the layer in the drop d own list in the Standard EdgeCAM toolbar.
EdgeCAM Concepts In the Layers Window, you can either activate the layer by double clicking it or by opening the shortcut menu with a right-hand mouse click and selecting the option Make Active. The active layer is marked in red in the Layers Window.
Geometric entities are always created on the ACTIVE layer.
Note: Active layers cannot be d eleted.
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Creating a New Layer
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There are two ways of creating a new layer: Type in a new name in the Layer drop down list in the Standard EdgeCAM toolbar. Use a right-hand mouse click to open the shortcut menu and select the option New. Layers can be assigned names of up to 63 characters in length.
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
The Shortcut Menu in the Layers Window Right-click on a layer entry to call up the shortcut menu.
EdgeCAM Concepts
Make Active – Activates the selected layer. New – Creates a new layer. Layers can be assigned names of up to 63 characters in length. Delete – Deletes the selected layer(s). Please note th at layers containing entities and the active layer cannot be deleted. Hide – Makes the selected layer(s) invisible.
Show – Makes the selected layer(s) visible. Show Only – Only the selected layer(s) will be shown. Show All – Makes all layers visible. Properties – Displays the La yer Properties dialog which allows you to change the na me and visibility status of the selected layer. Select All Entities – Selects all entities on the selected layer(s). (This option is only available in GLview) Select to Hide – Select an entity on the layer you wish to hide. After selecting the option from the context menu you will be prompted to digitize entities on the layer to e xclude. Refresh – Refreshes the display in the Layers Window. Please note that you can use standard Windows controls when working with layers in the window, ie. you can use the Ctrl or Shift key to pick several layers before selecting the appropriate option from the shortcut menu.
Layer commands initiated while another layer command is being pr ocessed will be ignored.
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Notes on Using Layers
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Loading Parts into EdgeCAM Inserting Parts into EdgeCAM Exporting DXF files Creating Layers with Toolchange Verifying Entities Using PCIs which depend o n numbered layers
EdgeCAM Concepts
EdgeCAM User Guide
