ISE 484/ME 473 Lab #4
Introduction to the EMCO WinCAM Program for the CNC Lathe The EMCO WinCAM program for the CNC lathe is used to enter part geometry (i.e., create a CAD diagram), create tool paths, post-process tool paths (i.e., create a G-code program) and run G-code programs on the CNC lathe. A fully operation version of the EMCO WinCAM program is contained on the PC located next to the CNC lathe in the Sharf CIM Laboratory (room 22 SEB). The program is also available on the PCs in the ISE Dept. PLM Lab (room 657 SEB). Note that the CNC lathe can only be operated from the PC in the Sharf CIM Laboratory. However, all other functions (i.e., enter part geometry, create tool paths and post-process tool paths) can be accomplished from the PCs in the ISE Dept. PLM Lab. The WinCAM program can be opened from the WinCAM Turn shortcut located on the desktop or can be found in the Windows operating system at: START PROGRAM EMCO WinCAM Turn multilicence An overview of the WinCAM program is given below. A detailed description of this program is presented in the manual entitled EMCO WinCAM CAD/CAM Programming System - Turning. It is recommended that a new user of WinCAM read chapters A and B of this manual before using the program (dont worry they are short!). Next, the new user should use the WinCAM program to complete the example problem presented in chapters C, D and E (this example uses DIAMETER MODE, most engineering students prefer to operate using RADIUS MODE). Note that chapter E assumes the PC is connected to the CNC lathe. The WinCAM program consists of the following three modes: CAD Mode: This mode is used to enter part geometry. An example problem is presented in chapter C while detailed descriptions of the CAD commands are presented in chapter G. CAM Mode: This mode is used to create tool path diagrams, select the setup parameters for the CNC lathe (e.g., spindle speed, feedrate, tool selection, etc.) and post-process tool path diagrams. Note that post-processing occurs automatically as the tool paths are being created. An example problem is presented in chapter D while detailed descriptions of the CAM commands are presented in chapter I. NC Mode: This mode is used to run the CNC lathe. An example problem is presented in chapter E while detailed descriptions of the CAD commands are presented in chapter K.
In order to enter one of these modes, click-on its symbol located at the top-center of the window, see Figure 1. Note when first opened, the WinCAM program will be in the CAD mode. Some of the other major aspects of the main WinCAM window are also shown in Figure 1. After you finish using the WinCAM program, dont forget to make a copy of your WinCAM files on a floppy or ZIP disk. These files are located at C:WINCAMT\WORK. Note that there will be four files with the suffixes: .dft, .DW1, .dxf and .M00.
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ISE 484/ME 473 Lab #4
Command Symbols vertical symbols change horizontal symbols.
CAD Mode
CAM Mode
NC Mode
Marker Position
Expected Input
Cursor Position
Command
Radius/Diameter Switch
Figure 1. Main WinCAM Window. Some general comments concerning the WinCAM program parameters for this assignment:
Set the RADIUS/DIAMETER SWITCH to Radius mode. For selection DISPLAY from menu item SETUP, do not show tailstock. In the WinCAM manual, the TARGET CONTROL ... command from the SETUP menu (see p. 22), the DIN 66025 selection should be ISO format. The data for the raw stock for this lab is (see SETUP menu item DEFINE UNMACHINED PART/CLAMPING POINT ...): length = 100; diameter = 25; clamping point = 75.
ISE 484/ME 473 Lab #4
In order to check if there are tools in the tool holder, select the TOOL LIBRARY menu item and the window shown below will open. Tools #1, #2 and #8 should be in tool holder positions T2, T4 and T6, respectively (as shown below). If the tool holder is empty, move these tools into the specified positions of the tool holder.
Set speed to 1400 RPM and feed to 0.10 mm/rev. The maximum cut depth is 1 to 1.5 mm. The initial move in any CNC program should be to a safe location. For this assignment, such a location is (x, z) = (20, 55) Before performing a tool change, move to one of the following locations: 1) If the current tool is not a parting tool, move to (x, z) = (15, 60). 2) If the current tool is a parting tool, move to (x, z) = (0, 60). After changing the tool, the next move should be to (x, z) = (20, 10). After cutting-off the part, change back to the original tool and then move back to the initial location. In order to slow down the 3-dimensional animation of the cutting process, select "Setup" then "2D-View" from the menu in the 3D window, then set "Step Width" equal to 1.
