FeatureCAM 2015 Reference Help
Uploaded by
superalitosFeatureCAM 2015 Reference Help
Uploaded by
superalitosFeatureCAM 2015 R3
Reference Manual
FeatureCAM
Copyright 1995-2015 Delcam Ltd. All rights reserved.
Delcam Ltd has no control over the use made of the software
described in this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any
loss or damage howsoever caused as a result of using the software.
Users are advised that all the results from the software should be
checked by a competent person, in accordance with good quality
control procedures.
The functionality and user interface in this manual is subject to
change without notice in future revisions of the software.
The software described in this manual is furnished under licence
agreement and may be used or copied solely in accordance with the
terms of such licence.
Delcam Ltd grants permission for licensed users to print copies of
this manual or portions of this manual for personal use only.
Schools, colleges and universities that are licensed to use the
software may make copies of this manual or portions of this manual
for students currently registered for classes where the software is
used.
Acknowledgements
This documentation references a number of registered trademarks
and these are the property of their respective owners. For example,
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States.
FeatureCAM Version: 2015 R3 Date: 16 April 2015 15:23
Contents
Introduction
FeatureCAM product family ................................................................................ 2
3D product differences ............................................................................... 3
Evaluating other FeatureCAM components ................................................ 3
FeatureCAM documentation ............................................................................... 4
Using the Help window ............................................................................... 5
FeatureCAM interface ......................................................................................... 7
Menu bar .................................................................................................... 8
Toolbox....................................................................................................... 9
Toolbars ................................................................................................... 15
Status bar ................................................................................................. 37
Keyboard shortcuts .................................................................................. 39
Viewing ..................................................................................................... 42
Smart dialogs ........................................................................................... 58
Managing your settings ............................................................................ 59
Enabling wizards ...................................................................................... 59
Selecting graphical objects ............................................................................... 60
Select by Color/Type......................................................................................... 64
Selecting from within dialogs ............................................................................ 64
Options menu ................................................................................................... 65
Coloring .................................................................................................... 66
Update Op List ......................................................................................... 71
Snapping modes and grids ....................................................................... 71
File Options dialog .................................................................................... 73
Parametric modeling ................................................................................ 81
Printing.............................................................................................................. 82
Print dialog ............................................................................................... 82
Print Preview ............................................................................................ 84
Print Setup dialog ..................................................................................... 84
New part ........................................................................................................... 86
Creating a new part .................................................................................. 86
New Part Document Wizard ..................................................................... 86
New Part Document dialog ....................................................................... 88
System units ............................................................................................. 89
Thumbnail pictures ................................................................................... 90
Saving your work .............................................................................................. 91
Saving a part file ....................................................................................... 91
Save Options ............................................................................................ 92
Send Part Files dialog .............................................................................. 93
FeatureCAM file types .............................................................................. 94
Part Documentation .................................................................................. 95
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Contents i
Saving your settings ................................................................................. 96
Coordinate systems ........................................................................................ 100
User Coordinate Systems (UCSs) .......................................................... 100
Setups .................................................................................................... 105
How Setups relate to UCSs .................................................................... 116
Import/Export .................................................................................................. 118
Import/Export Options ............................................................................ 118
Importing files ......................................................................................... 125
Exporting files ......................................................................................... 145
Using add-ins .................................................................................................. 148
Add-in Library ......................................................................................... 149
Using the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) ........................... 150
Probing ................................................................................................... 151
FeatureCAM to Vericut add-in ................................................................ 166
FeatureCAM to NCSIMUL add-in ........................................................... 176
FeatureCAM to CAMplete TruePath add-in ............................................ 179
Custom setup sheets add-in ................................................................... 180
Turn-curve tolerance add-in ................................................................... 182
Vortex Milling Calculator ......................................................................... 184
Technical support ........................................................................................... 187
Errors and warnings ............................................................................... 187
Installing your PAF license ..................................................................... 197
Multiple fixture documents (2.5D & 3D) .......................................................... 202
Creating a multiple fixture part................................................................ 202
Multiple Fixtures dialog ........................................................................... 203
Configuration .......................................................................................... 208
Layout..................................................................................................... 209
Individual blocks ..................................................................................... 210
Single block ............................................................................................ 210
Nested .................................................................................................... 211
Stock ...................................................................................................... 212
Completing the multiple fixture part ........................................................ 213
Editing a multiple fixture document ......................................................... 213
Saving and opening multiple fixture parts ............................................... 214
Tombstone machining (TOMB) ....................................................................... 215
Overview of tombstone machining ......................................................... 215
Creating a tombstone machined part ..................................................... 216
Specifying tombstone dimensions .......................................................... 217
Creating global fixture coordinate systems from Setups on placed parts218
Creating global fixture coordinate systems on the tombstone ................ 219
Tombstone Process Plan dialog ............................................................. 220
Adding a part to the tombstone .............................................................. 222
Machine Simulation ........................................................................................ 224
Using Machine Simulation ...................................................................... 224
Creating a Machine Design document ................................................... 228
Machine Design tutorial: Simple 3-axis mill ............................................ 262
Machine Design handbook ..................................................................... 269
Stock
ii Contents
290
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock wizard ................................................................................................... 290
Finish stock button ................................................................................. 291
Dimensions............................................................................................. 292
Material................................................................................................... 294
Multi-axis positioning .............................................................................. 296
Setup - Definition .................................................................................... 297
Setup - Part Program Zero ..................................................................... 299
Setup - Part Program Offset ................................................................... 303
Setup - Simulation Information ............................................................... 304
Setup - Right Angled Head ..................................................................... 304
Stock Properties dialog ................................................................................... 305
Dimensions tab ....................................................................................... 306
Indexing tab ............................................................................................ 312
4th-axis positioning (2.5D & 3D) ..................................................................... 316
Indexing .................................................................................................. 316
Wrapping (3D) ........................................................................................ 325
4-axis simultaneous ................................................................................ 337
5-axis positioning (5AP) .................................................................................. 338
5-axis machine types .............................................................................. 338
Alternative 5-axis position....................................................................... 343
5-axis positioning using a single coordinate system ............................... 345
5-axis positioning using fixture offsets .................................................... 347
Rotation of primary axis .......................................................................... 348
Stock models .................................................................................................. 348
Stock Model Properties dialog ................................................................ 352
Stock model example ............................................................................. 353
Geometry
355
Geometry Constructors dialog ........................................................................ 357
Point input for geometry creation .................................................................... 357
Exiting a geometry mode ................................................................................ 358
Points .............................................................................................................. 358
Lines ............................................................................................................... 359
Two points line ....................................................................................... 359
Connected lines...................................................................................... 360
Horizontal line ......................................................................................... 361
Vertical line ............................................................................................. 361
Angle line................................................................................................ 361
Offset line ............................................................................................... 362
Circles ............................................................................................................. 363
Circle from radius and center ................................................................. 364
Circle from center and edge ................................................................... 364
Circle from diameter ............................................................................... 365
Circle tangent to two entities .................................................................. 365
Circle from two points and radius ........................................................... 366
Circle through three points ..................................................................... 366
Fillets .............................................................................................................. 367
Corner fillet ............................................................................................. 368
Two point fillet ........................................................................................ 368
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Contents iii
Three point fillet ...................................................................................... 369
2D Chamfer ............................................................................................ 369
Arcs................................................................................................................. 370
Arc from three points .............................................................................. 370
Arc from two points and radius ............................................................... 371
Arc from two points and center ............................................................... 371
Arc from center, radius, begin, and end points ....................................... 372
Dimensions ..................................................................................................... 373
Dimension dialog bar .............................................................................. 374
Interrogation.................................................................................................... 374
Pick Dimension dialog ............................................................................ 375
Pick types and pick filters for interrogation ............................................. 376
Alignments for interrogation.................................................................... 377
Snapping......................................................................................................... 377
Rotating snapping grid ........................................................................... 378
Snap Discrimination Dialog .................................................................... 379
Snapping Grids dialog ............................................................................ 380
Layers ............................................................................................................. 381
Layers in the Part View........................................................................... 382
Layers dialog .......................................................................................... 383
Using math to define fields and shapes .......................................................... 385
Turning input modes ............................................................................... 386
Equations ............................................................................................... 386
Operators table....................................................................................... 387
Functions ................................................................................................ 389
Polar coordinates ................................................................................... 389
Editing a model ............................................................................................... 391
Parametric modeling .............................................................................. 391
Multiple Regions ..................................................................................... 396
Edit ......................................................................................................... 396
Infinite and finite lines ............................................................................. 398
Decimal Places dialog ............................................................................ 399
Curves
400
Curve Creation dialog ..................................................................................... 401
Chaining.......................................................................................................... 401
Closed Curve .......................................................................................... 402
Pick Curve Pieces .................................................................................. 403
Restrictions of using pick pieces (chaining) for creating curves ............. 404
Troubleshooting pick pieces (chaining) .................................................. 404
Unpick Curve Pieces .............................................................................. 406
Chaining Options dialog ......................................................................... 406
Creating curves ............................................................................................... 407
Curve Wizard.......................................................................................... 407
Curve from curve ............................................................................................ 409
Join ......................................................................................................... 409
Curve Start/Reverse ............................................................................... 411
Offset ...................................................................................................... 414
Project to UCS........................................................................................ 415
iv Contents
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Extract Font Curve ................................................................................. 416
Smooth/Reduce Curve ........................................................................... 417
Unwrap Curve ........................................................................................ 421
Merge Curves ......................................................................................... 423
Curve from surface (3D) ................................................................................. 425
Surface boundary ................................................................................... 425
Trimmed edge ........................................................................................ 427
Intersection ............................................................................................. 428
Isoline ..................................................................................................... 430
Project onto surface ............................................................................... 431
Surface edges ........................................................................................ 432
Surface Projection .................................................................................. 434
Revolved Boundary ................................................................................ 435
Curves from other methods ............................................................................ 439
Function.................................................................................................. 439
Cams ...................................................................................................... 447
Splines.................................................................................................... 450
Text ........................................................................................................ 451
Ellipse ..................................................................................................... 457
Rectangle ............................................................................................... 458
Polygon .................................................................................................. 459
Gears...................................................................................................... 460
Curve to geometry .......................................................................................... 463
Surfaces
464
Surface wizard ................................................................................................ 464
Surface design tips ......................................................................................... 465
Surface editing ................................................................................................ 466
Surface editing tips ......................................................................................... 466
From curves .................................................................................................... 467
Extrude ................................................................................................... 468
Surface of Revolution ............................................................................. 469
Swept Surface ........................................................................................ 472
Ruled Surface......................................................................................... 475
Coons ..................................................................................................... 478
Curve Mesh ............................................................................................ 480
Lofted Surface ........................................................................................ 483
Cap Surface ........................................................................................... 486
Primitive surface ............................................................................................. 489
Sphere .................................................................................................... 489
Cylinder .................................................................................................. 492
Flat Surface ............................................................................................ 493
Surface(s) from Feature ......................................................................... 494
From one surface ............................................................................................ 496
Surface Region ....................................................................................... 496
Reverse Surface ..................................................................................... 498
Surface Offset ........................................................................................ 499
Extend Surface ....................................................................................... 500
Trim Surface ........................................................................................... 502
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Contents v
Untrim surface ........................................................................................ 506
Split Surface ........................................................................................... 508
From multiple surfaces.................................................................................... 510
Fillet Surface .......................................................................................... 511
Merge Surfaces ...................................................................................... 515
Surface-Surface Trimming...................................................................... 516
Modify Surface ....................................................................................... 521
Corner Blend .......................................................................................... 526
Solids (SOLID)
531
Comparison of surface and solid modeling ..................................................... 532
Part View for solids ......................................................................................... 533
Unattached design features ............................................................................ 534
Selecting and deleting solids .......................................................................... 535
Verifying that a solid is valid ............................................................................ 535
Invalid solids ................................................................................................... 536
Fixing bad surface faces ................................................................................. 536
Transforming a solid ....................................................................................... 537
Creating a solid ............................................................................................... 537
Solid Wizard ........................................................................................... 538
Solid toolbar ........................................................................................... 539
From curves ........................................................................................... 540
From surfaces ........................................................................................ 549
Shape Modifiers ..................................................................................... 556
Manufacturing......................................................................................... 568
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
581
Types of Feature Recognition ......................................................................... 582
Feature recognition examples ................................................................ 583
IFR using the New Feature wizard .................................................................. 586
Recognizing features from surfaces ....................................................... 586
Recognizing features from surfaces using curve chaining ..................... 588
Feature recognition surface requirements .............................................. 589
Recognizing Pockets and Bosses from top or bottom surfaces .............. 589
Chamfer recognition ............................................................................... 591
Recognizing drafted features.................................................................. 593
AFR wizard ..................................................................................................... 594
AFR Options dialog ................................................................................ 595
Feature recognition - surface selection .................................................. 597
Automatic feature recognition error ........................................................ 597
Features that can be recognized .................................................................... 597
Hole recognition ..................................................................................... 598
Slot recognition....................................................................................... 601
Boss recognition ..................................................................................... 603
Pocket recognition .................................................................................. 604
Side recognition ...................................................................................... 607
Face recognition ..................................................................................... 608
Rerecognition wizard ...................................................................................... 610
vi Contents
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features
612
New Feature wizard ........................................................................................ 613
Finish button ........................................................................................... 614
New Feature wizard (MILL) .................................................................... 614
New Feature wizard (TURN) .................................................................. 655
New Feature wizard (TURNMILL) .......................................................... 689
New Feature wizard (WIRE) ................................................................... 690
Specific features ............................................................................................. 716
Toolpath feature ..................................................................................... 716
2.5D milling features (25D & 3D) ............................................................ 719
3D surface milling feature (3D LITE) ...................................................... 820
5-axis Hole feature (5AP) ....................................................................... 887
Turning features (TURN) ........................................................................ 890
Turn/milling (TURN/MILL)....................................................................... 943
User-defined feature (UDF) .................................................................... 944
Wire features (WIRE) ............................................................................. 945
Groups and Patterns ....................................................................................... 956
Creating a Group .................................................................................... 956
Group Properties dialog ......................................................................... 958
Ungrouping objects ................................................................................ 959
Creating a Pattern .................................................................................. 959
Pattern Properties dialog ........................................................................ 960
Types of pattern ..................................................................................... 961
Editing features ............................................................................................... 971
Feature Properties dialog ....................................................................... 971
Drilling feature attributes (25D)............................................................... 973
Milling feature attributes (25D) ............................................................... 990
3D milling feature attributes (3D LITE) ................................................. 1127
Turning feature attributes (TURN) ........................................................ 1433
Wire feature attributes (WIRE) ............................................................. 1548
Renaming features ............................................................................... 1570
Deleting features .................................................................................. 1571
Move features to a different Setup ....................................................... 1571
Process Plan dialog .............................................................................. 1572
Ordering features for manufacturing ..................................................... 1574
Paste Special dialog ............................................................................. 1577
Part Library ........................................................................................... 1581
Feeds and speeds ........................................................................................ 1588
Feeds and Speeds database................................................................ 1588
Feed rates for turn/mill features ............................................................ 1589
Wire EDM cut data ............................................................................... 1589
Feed, water and cutter compensation registers.................................... 1589
How feedrates are scaled ..................................................................... 1590
Changing a feed or speed value for a Milling operation ....................... 1590
Changing a feed or speed value for a Turning operation ..................... 1590
Default feed/speed values for turning ................................................... 1591
Show/Hide Material .............................................................................. 1592
Initializing FeatureCAM databases ....................................................... 1593
Macro programming options ................................................................. 1594
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Contents vii
Toolpaths
1596
Simulating toolpaths ..................................................................................... 1596
Generating toolpaths ............................................................................ 1599
Simulation types ................................................................................... 1599
Video-style controls .............................................................................. 1600
Pausing a toolpath simulation............................................................... 1601
Region of interest ................................................................................. 1601
Preview simulation button..................................................................... 1602
Part compare ........................................................................................ 1603
3D RapidCut simulation ........................................................................ 1604
Simulation Options dialog ..................................................................... 1605
Simulating 3D toolpaths........................................................................ 1617
Dual view for 3D simulation .................................................................. 1618
Simulated slug removal ........................................................................ 1619
Mixing 3D simulation and RapidCut ..................................................... 1619
Use results as starting point ................................................................. 1620
Detecting gouges ................................................................................. 1620
Fixture and clamp collision detection .................................................... 1621
Simulating multiple Setups ................................................................... 1624
Tool load............................................................................................... 1625
Results window ............................................................................................. 1627
Op List tab ............................................................................................ 1628
Details .................................................................................................. 1635
NC Code tab......................................................................................... 1637
Turrets tab (MTT) ................................................................................. 1637
Changing the fonts for the reports in the Manufacturing Feedback window
............................................................................................................. 1644
Turn operation order ............................................................................. 1644
Printing ................................................................................................. 1644
NC Code
1645
Creating NC code ......................................................................................... 1647
Saving an NC part program to disk ...................................................... 1648
Milling macros ...................................................................................... 1649
Incremental programming and local coordinate systems ..................... 1650
Turning canned cycles ......................................................................... 1650
Feed Optimization ......................................................................................... 1651
Feed optimization parameters .............................................................. 1652
Feedrate optimization example ............................................................ 1654
Target horsepower ............................................................................... 1655
Tool Mapping ................................................................................................ 1656
Tool numbering .................................................................................... 1659
Tool Block Selection dialog .................................................................. 1660
Tool Life................................................................................................ 1660
Putting two tools in the same tool slot .................................................. 1663
Using an insert drill to drill and bore in the same program.................... 1663
Getting the file to the machine ...................................................................... 1664
Configuring HyperTerminal................................................................... 1664
viii Contents
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
EZ-UTILS ............................................................................................. 1664
Cables .................................................................................................. 1665
Serial port pinouts ................................................................................ 1666
Customize Manufacturing
1666
Machining attributes ...................................................................................... 1667
Default values (inch and mm) ............................................................... 1669
Milling default machining attributes ...................................................... 1673
Turning default machining attributes [TURN]........................................ 1760
Wire default machining attributes [WIRE] ............................................. 1789
Machining configurations ...................................................................... 1813
Tooling .......................................................................................................... 1816
Overview of tooling ............................................................................... 1816
Tooling database .................................................................................. 1817
Tool Manager ....................................................................................... 1817
Tool and Material Setup ....................................................................... 1910
Spindles and tool holders ..................................................................... 1913
Feeds/Speeds and Cutting Data Tables ....................................................... 1920
Adding a new stock material................................................................. 1921
Adding a new tool grade for turning operations .................................... 1922
Feeds and Speeds database................................................................ 1922
Use Range ........................................................................................... 1923
Importing feeds/speeds or cutting data tables ...................................... 1923
Exporting feeds/speeds or cutting data tables ...................................... 1923
Creating a text file for wire material databases ..................................... 1924
Adding default tools and feed/speed tables to the database ................ 1926
Recreating tooling and feed/speed databases if they become corrupt . 1926
Cutting data by tool .............................................................................. 1927
Post Options ................................................................................................. 1930
Milling ................................................................................................... 1931
Turning or Turn/Mill .............................................................................. 1937
Wire EDM ............................................................................................. 1942
Index
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1945
Contents ix
Introduction
The Contents tab of the help system is designed to help you
discover better ways to use FeatureCAM. By browsing the topics,
you may find topics and features of the program you have not used
before, or find a new way to use a program feature.
The Introduction book provides a graphical introduction to the entire
product line.
The book, FeatureCAM interface (see page 7), describes the interface
of the system.
Getting started helps you learn how to use FeatureCAM.
What's new gives details of the latest features.
The FeatureCAM Reference Help is broken down into the
recommended Steps contained in the Steps (see page 7) panel,
namely:
Stock (see page 290)
Geometry (see page 355)
Curves (see page 400)
Surfaces (see page 464)
Solids (see page 531)
AFR (see page 581) (automatic feature recognition)
Features (see page 612) (includes feature-level attributes (see
page 971), tooling (see page 1060), and feeds/speeds (see page
1588))
Toolpaths (see page 1596)
NC Code (see page 1645)
Customize Mfg. (see page 1666) (includes document-level
machining attributes (see page 1667), tooling (see page 1816),
and feeds/speeds (see page 1920))
These steps are the same for mill, turn, turn/mill, and wire.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 1
There are separate books for multiple fixture documents (see page
202), tombstone machining (see page 215), and machine
simulation (see page 228).
The book, How do I get the file to the machine (see page 1664) covers
the basics of configuring Windows communications programs and
the cables to use to make the connection.
The Support information (see page 187) book gives quick access to the
technical support information and a discussion of the various
warnings and errors FeatureCAM may give you.
FeatureCAM product family
FeatureCAM comprises several modules, which enable you to
perform different functions. This help file documents the entire
product family, so, to differentiate between the features specific to
individual products, the titles of help topic titles are followed by
product codes in parentheses. The codes are:
(25D) requires a minimum of the 2.5D Milling product.
(3D LITE) Requires a minimum of the 3D Lite product. The
functionality is also available in the 3D MX and 3D HSM products. 3D
Lite is an entry-level 3D product, which enables you to mill only one
surface per feature, but you can create multiple features. The
strategies available in 3D Lite are Z-level rough, Parallel rough,
Parallel finish, Isoline, and 2D spiral.
(3D MX) Requires a minimum of the 3D MX product. The
functionality is also available in the 3D HSM product. 3D MX is a
mid-level 3D product that enables you mill multiple surfaces. It has
the same strategies as 3D Lite, plus Z-level finish, Radial finish,
Flowline finish, Four-axis finish, Horizontal + vertical, Between
curves, and Swarf milling.
(3D HSM) Requires a minimum of the 3D HSM product. 3D HSM is
a high speed machining product with the same strategies as 3D MX,
plus Pencil, Plunge roughing, Remachine, Steep and Shallow, and
Spiral 3D.
(REC) Requires the FeatureRECOGNITION product.
(MSIM) Requires the Machine Simulation product.
(5AP) Requires the 5-axis Positioning product.
(5AS) Requires the 5-axis Simultaneous product.
(TURN) Requires the Turning product.
(TURNMILL) Requires the Turn/Mill product.
(WIRE) Requires the Wire EDM product.
2 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
(TOMB) Requires the Tombstone product.
(SOLID) Requires the Solid Modeling product.
(MTT) Requires the Advanced Turn/Mill (MTT) (Multi-turret turning)
product.
(SND) Requires the shared Network Database product.
If no code follows the topic title, the functionality is available
in all FeatureCAM modules. However, because the help
contains many cross-topic links, you may cross module
boundaries while navigating though it.
To see which products are included in your current license, select
the Help > About FeatureCAM menu option. To evaluate products you
have not purchased, see Evaluation Options (see page 3).
3D product differences
The main differences between the three 3D products are:
3D Lite
Single surface
Z-level rough
Parallel rough
Parallel finish
Isoline
2D spiral
3D MX
3D HSM
Everything in 3D Lite,
plus:
Multiple surfaces
Feature Recognition
Z-level finish
Radial
Flowline
Four-axis
Horizontal +
vertical
Between curves
Swarf
Everything in 3D MX,
plus:
Plunge roughing
Pencil
Remachine
Steep and shallow
3D spiral
You need 3D MX or 3D HSM to use 5-axis Simultaneous.
Evaluating other FeatureCAM components
FeatureCAM contains a variety of modules. You can evaluate the
modules you have not purchased. To evaluate other modules:
1 Close all FeatureCAM documents.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 3
2 Click File > Evaluation Options from the menu. The Evaluation
Options dialog is displayed.
3 Select the Manually select product components option.
4 Select the boxes next to the product components you want to
try.
5 Click OK.
You can now access the new modules, but you cannot post code or
save a file. Your copy of FeatureCAM stays in evaluation mode until
you deselect the product components you have not licensed.
Select Activate all available product components to
automatically select the components you have licensed.
FeatureCAM documentation
There are four different sources of documentation for FeatureCAM.
4 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Getting started in FeatureCAM
You can access it by selecting Getting Started from the Help menu in
FeatureCAM. This guide contains an introduction to the FeatureCAM
interface, and introductory tutorials for the FeatureCAM products.
User Guide
This is the source of the most in-depth documentation for
FeatureCAM. This information is available in two different ways:
Online. By selecting Contents from the Help menu in FeatureCAM
the help system is displayed on the screen. Pages are linked with
hyperlinks for easy navigation of the help system.
Context-sensitive online. By clicking the Help button in any
dialog, the specific page of the online help system related to that
dialog is displayed.
XBUILD
The documentation for XBUILD, FeatureCAM's post processor, is
available by selecting Help > Contents from the menu in XBUILD.
What's New in FeatureCAM 2015 R3
Using the Help window
The Help window contains information about FeatureCAM and how
to use it:
The left panel lists the topics available in the help. It contains
three tabs, which enable you to search for information using a
variety of methods.
The right panel displays the information in the topic you select.
You can display the window using the Help menu or by pressing the
F1 key.
Contents tab
The Contents tab lists the help topics arranged by subject. Use it
when you want to understand the structure of the application, or
when you want to read around a topic and look for related
information:
To display the information for a topic, click its entry in the tree.
The Book
icon indicates the topic contains subsections; the
Page
icon indicates the topic has no subsections.
To list the sections within a book topic, click the icon or its title.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 5
Index tab
The Index tab lists names and subjects in alphabetical order. Use it
when you want to look for information, but are not sure of its name
or its location in the help:
To find an index entry, type a subject in the box at the top of the
index, or use the scrollbar to navigate up and down the list.
To display the topics associated with an entry, double-click its
entry in the list.
To locate the selected topic in the Contents tab, click Display.
Search tab
The Search tab enables you to look for words or phrases contained
in the help topics:
To search for a word, type it in the search box, and click List
Topics.
By default, the search looks for common suffixes as well as
the word itself. To search for the exact word only, deselect
the Match similar words check box.
To search for a phrase, type the text, enclosed in double
quotation marks, in the search box, and then click List Topics.
If you do not enclose the text in quotation marks, the
search lists every occurrence of each word.
To search for words or phrases using logical operators, enter the
text in the search field; click ; select the operator you want to
use; and then click List Topics.
To restrict the search to the currently listed topics, select the
Search previous results check box.
To restrict the search to the titles of the help topics, select the
Search titles only check box.
To locate the selected topic in the Contents tab, click Display.
6 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM interface
The FeatureCAM interface contains a number of traditional Windows
elements, such as toolbars, dialogs, context menus, and wizards.
Title bar
Menu bar (see page 8)
Results window
Assistance bar Step-by-step
instructions are displayed on the assistance
bar.
Toolbars (see page 15)
Feature/Geometry Edit bar
Graphics window
Status bar (see page 37)
Toolbox (see page 9)
window with Part View (see
page 9), Steps (see page 11)
panel, and Browser (see page
13).
As with other Windows programs, you can tell FeatureCAM what to
do in several ways:
Select a button on a toolbar;
Select an option from a menu;
Select an option from a context menu;
Press a keyboard shortcut (see page 35).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 7
As you master FeatureCAM, try combining several methods of
issuing commands to get your work done faster.
Right-clicking displays a context menu. The menu varies depending
on where you are in the program. The menu contains common
commands and functions that are useful in that area.
Menu bar
The menu bar is displayed at the top of the screen.
Like many other Windows-based software packages, FeatureCAM
includes a series of drop-down menus. These menus are unique to
FeatureCAM and give one or more of the functions you need to use
the program.
You can access many of these functions using the Steps panel
and toolbars.
Some of the menus contain sub-menus, for example:
In the documentation, if you are instructed to move through a
series of sub-menus, this is formatted with a chevron
between each menu item. For example: Select Construct >
Surface > Primitives > Cylinder from the menu.
8 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolbox
The Toolbox is to the left of the Graphics window in FeatureCAM and
contains three panels:
Part View (see page 9)
Steps (see page 11)
Browser (see page 13)
To toggle the display of the Toolbox, click on the tab name to
collapse or expand it.
To adjust the width of the toolbar, move the cursor over the
Toolbox border. When it changes to
, click and drag the border.
Part View
The Part View panel provides a hierarchical view of the part. Each
Setup is listed with each of the features of the Setup listed below.
From this view you can select, show, hide, or edit features. If you
click an item in the list, an arrow button is displayed. Click this to
display a menu for the item. You can also reorder features, or
temporarily include or exclude features from toolpath generation. If
you deselect any of the items in the list, by removing the check, the
feature is temporarily excluded from the toolpaths. This is a useful
way to debug your toolpaths.
Part View contains a hierarchical view of the part. To navigate the
part view:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 9
If an object has a plus
icon to the left, click it to expand the
view and show the sub-objects. Click
to collapse the view and
hide the sub-objects.
Clicking an object in the tree view selects the object in the
graphics window. This selection method helps distinguish
between overlapping objects in the graphics window. Ensure you
select the name and not the check box.
Click an object to display the arrow
button. Clicking this
button opens a context menu of actions you can perform on the
object. The actions available depend on the object type.
Right-clicking on the object in the tree view also reveals this
menu.
Features have a check box next to their name. When you
deselect the feature, it is excluded from the next toolpath
generation.
All objects, except geometry, are represented in the Part View.
You can select multiple items in the part view by using Shift+click
and Ctrl+click.
Symbol
10 Introduction
Meaning
Notes
Documen
t
Displays the name of the current
document. Use the right-click context menu
to Include All Features or Exclude All
Features in the current document.
Machinin
g
Attribute
s
Double-click the icon to display the
Machining Attributes dialog (see page 1667)
where you can specify the default
machining attributes.
Stock
If you select the stock name in the Part
View, the stock is highlighted in red in the
graphics window. Double-click the stock
name to open the Stock Properties dialog.
You can show, hide, and center the stock
from the context menu.
Setup
The features belonging to the Setup are
listed below each Setup name.
Feature
If you select a feature name in the Part
View, the feature is highlighted in red in
the graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Symbol
Meaning
Notes
Pattern
or Group
A pattern or group of features. If you select
a pattern or group name in the Part View,
the pattern or group is highlighted in red in
the graphics window.
Stock
Models
Lists any stock models (see page 348) in
the document. Select Add Stock Model from
the context menu to open the Add Stock
Model dialog.
Turrets
Lists the turrets for multi-turret Turn
documents. (MTT (see page 2)). The turret
names are taken from the solid names in
the Machine Design file.
Curves
Lists the curves in the document. If you
select a curve name in the Part View, the
curve is highlighted in red in the graphics
window.
Surface
If you select a surface name in the Part
View, the surface is highlighted in red in
the graphics window.
STL
Lists STL solid model files that have been
imported into FeatureCAM. Select an STL
name in the Part View and the STL is
highlighted in red in the graphics window.
Solids
Lists the solids in the document. If you
select a solid name in the Part View, the
solid is highlighted in red in the graphics
window.
Layers
Lists the layers (see page 381) in the
document.
Steps panel
The Steps panel contains an ordered list of steps for creating part
programs. Each step is a wizard that presents a series of dialogs for
each process. They are listed in the order in which you should use
them during the process of creating a part program.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 11
Stock Click this step to open the Stock wizard (see page
290), which steps you through entering the shape and dimensions
of the stock, the stock material, the Setup (part program zero), and
the coordinate system for modeling.
Geometry Click this step to open the Geometry Constructors
dialog (see page 357). Points, arcs, lines, and other shapes are
used to describe the overall shape of parts. Many different
geometry tools are available. You can also import geometry from
CAD systems.
Curves Click this step to open the Curve Creation dialog (see
page 401). Shapes that involve more than a single line or arc are
described as curves. For 3D Milling customers, there are also
Surfaces and Solids steps for creating 3D surface and solid models.
Surfaces (3D LITE (see page 2)) Click this step to open the
Surface Wizard (see page 464), which steps you through creating
surfaces from curves, primitive surfaces, surfaces from one surface,
and surfaces from multiple surfaces.
Solids (SOLID (see page 2)) Click this step to open the Solid
Wizard (see page 538), which enables you to create solids using
numerous techniques.
AFR (Automatic Feature Recognition) (RECOG (see page 2))
Click this step to open the Automatic Feature Recognition wizard (see
page 594), which enables you to create features automatically from
solid models.
Features Click this step to open the New Feature wizard (see
page 613). Features are common shop terms like pocket, or thread.
They are created from curves and dimensions. These objects
describe your part in 3D and are used to generate toolpaths.
Toolpaths Click this step to display the Simulation toolbar
(see page 1596). Toolpaths are generated from collections of
features. You can simulate them in FeatureCAM using toolpath
centerlines, 2D shaded, or 3D solid shaded simulations.
NC Code Click this step to open the NC Code dialog (see page
1645). Machine-specific G-codes are generated from the toolpaths.
Translators are provided for many different NC controls and include
a program for creating new translators.
12 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing Click this step to open the
Customize Manufacturing dialog (see page 1666). FeatureCAM
automates the entire part programming process, you can customize
all of the system settings including feed/speed tables, tooling
databases, or feature settings.
Browser
The Toolbox contains a Browser.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 13
To open the browser, click the Browser tab inside the Toolbox
window.
The Browser contains information on the latest features available in
FeatureCAM, including example files that you can load straight into
FeatureCAM. To load an example project from the Browser, click the
preview picture.
Click the Folder
icon to open a folder containing more files.
To resize the Browser, move the cursor over the Toolbox
border until the cursor changes to
, then click and drag the
border.
Browser buttons
The Browser contains the following buttons at the top:
Home - Click to go home to the default Browser home
page.
Website - Click to open the FeatureCAM website
(www.featurecam.com).
Release Center - Click to open the FeatureCAM Release
Center website (releasecenter.featurecam.com).
Forum - Click to open the FeatureCAM user forum
(forum.featurecam.com).
Email - Click to email Delcam about non-support-related
issues, or if you do not have the email address of your
reseller.
You may need to go back to the top of the page to see these
buttons by scrolling or using the Top button detailed below.
And the following button at the bottom:
Top - click to go to the top of the current page.
14 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Context menu
Right-click inside the browser to open a context menu that includes
the following items:
Back - the Browser returns to the previous page that you viewed.
Select All - selects all the content on the Browser's current page.
Print - prints the Browser's current page.
Refresh - reloads the page to include any changes that have been
made to the page.
Viewing other HTML files
To open an HTML file saved on your computer in the Browser:
1 Select File > Open from the menu.
This displays the Open dialog.
2 Under Files of Type at the bottom of the dialog, select either
HTML (*.html, *.htm) or All Files (*.*).
3 Browse to where the file is saved.
4 Either double-click the name of the file you want to open or
select it and click Open.
The file is displayed in the Browser.
To close a file that you have opened from your computer in this
way, right-click inside the browser and select Back from the context
menu.
Default browser content (see page 81)
Toolbars
Toolbars are usually located at the top, but you can dock them in
other locations or undock them and leave them floating anywhere
on the screen. Toolbars comprise one or more buttons, which each
has a different function. You can quickly access many of the menu
functions using the toolbars.
The following toolbars are available in FeatureCAM:
Standard (see page 16)
Advanced (see page 17)
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18)
Snap Mode (see page 20)
Display Mode (see page 21)
Geometry (see page 22)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 15
Simulation (see page 22)
Steps (see page 27)
Solid (see page 27)
More Simulation (see page 27)
Only the Standard and Advanced toolbars are shown by default. Use
the Customize Toolbars (see page 28) dialog to set which toolbars
are displayed.
Buttons are often grouped together to save space on the
toolbars. Click the arrow
buttons in a group.
buttons to access the menu of all
Standard toolbar
The New Part Document button creates a new part
file. You can control how files are created by
selecting Options > File Options from the Menu bar,
and customizing the settings on the New Files tab.
The Open button opens an existing file. You can
control how files are opened by selecting Options >
File Options from the Menu bar, and customizing
the settings on the Existing Files tab.
The Save button saves the current file. You can
control how files are saved by selecting File > Save
Options from the Menu bar.
The View menu enables you to select viewing
modes for your part. Your cursor shows the same
icon as the viewing mode you selected.
The Principal View menu enables you to select one
of seven predefined views for your part.
The Shade button toggles display of shaded
surfaces for solid modeling. You need to have the
Solid Modeling module to use this option.
The Undo button reverses the effect of the
previous command. FeatureCAM remembers a long
list of the commands that are performed, so you
can undo more than one command.
16 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Delete button erases the object that is selected
on the screen. The object is removed from the
system.
The Select menu enables you to select objects in
the graphics window (see page 60), using the
Select, Select Partial, or the Drag Select method.
When you are in select mode, the mouse pointer is
displayed as a standard arrow pointer in the
graphics window.
The Transform button opens the Transform dialog,
and enables you to move or copy the selected
entity.
The Options Dialog button opens the Options
dialog, and enables you to customize FeatureCAM.
The Context Help button switches on
context-sensitive help. When the cursor has
changed to a question mark (?), click a menu
item, button, or dialog to receive more
information.
The FeatureCAM Help button opens online help.
Advanced toolbar
The Show menu contains the object categories
that can be displayed in the graphics window.
The Hide menu contains the object categories that
can be hidden in the graphics window. Hiding
objects does not delete them; it just removes
them from display.
Click the Curve Wizard button to display the Curve
wizard, which enables you to construct curves. The
commands available in this wizard are also
available from the Curves and Surfaces (see page
18) toolbar.
Click the Surface Wizard button to display the
Surface wizard, which enables you to construct
surfaces. The commands available in this wizard
are also available from the Curves and Surfaces
(see page 18) toolbar.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 17
Click the Solid Wizard button to display the Solid
wizard, which enables you to construct solids. This
option is available if you have the Solid Modeling
module. (SOLID (see page 2))
Click the Toggle Geometry Bar button to toggle the
display of the Geometry toolbar (see page 22).
Click the Snap Modes button to display the Snap
Modes dialog, which enables you to set the
locations for point snapping.
Click the New Feature Wizard button to display the
New Feature wizard, which enables you to create
features.
Click the UCS button to display the User Coordinate
System dialog, which enables you to create a new
UCS or change an existing UCS.
Click the Setups button to display the Setups
dialog, which enables you to create or edit a part
program zero.
Curves and Surfaces toolbar
The Curves and Surfaces toolbar enables you to quickly specify
curves and surfaces. It is divided into two sections: the curve
buttons are on the left section; the surface buttons are on the right.
To use the toolbar:
1 Display the Curves and Surfaces toolbar in one of these ways:
Select View > Toolbars from the menu to display the Customize
Toolbars dialog. In the Toolbars list, select Curves and Surfaces
and click OK.
Right-click in a space in the toolbars area and select Curves
and Surfaces from the context menu.
2 Click
to list the options in a group.
3 Click the curve or surface you want to create.
The button in the toolbar displays the icon of the item you last
selected. Click the button again to create another item of the same
type.
18 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curve from Other
Methods Menu:
Curve from Curve
Menu:
Curve from Surface
Menu:
Join (see page
409)
Boundary (see
page 425)
Text (see page
451)
Curve
Start/Reverse (see
page 411)
Trimmed Edge
(see page 427)
Ellipse (see page
457)
Offset (see page
414)
Rectangle (see
page 458)
Project to UCS
(see page 415)
Functions (see
page 439)
Extract Font
Curve (see page 416)
Project onto
Surface (see page
431)
Cams (see page
447)
Smooth/Reduce
Curve (see page 417)
Surface Edges
(see page 432)
Polygon (see
page 459)
Unwrap (see
page 421)
Surface Projection
(see page 434)
Gears (see page
460)
Merge (see page
423)
Revolved Surface
Boundary (see page
435)
Spline/interpolation
(see page 450)
Surface Primitives Menu:
Sphere (see page 489)
Cylinder (see page 492)
Flat (see page 493)
Surface(s) from Feature
(see page 494)
Intersection (see
page 428)
Isoline (see page
430)
Surface from Curve Menu:
Extrude (see page 468)
Surface of Revolution (see
page 469)
Swept Surface (see page
472)
Ruled Surface (see page
475)
Coons (see page 478)
Curve Mesh (see page 480)
Lofted Surface (see page
483)
Cap Surface (see page
486)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 19
Surface from Surface Menu:
Region from Surface (see
page 496)
Reverse Surface (see
page 498)
Offset Surface (see page
499)
Extend Surface (see
page 500)
Trim Surface (see page
502)
Surface from Surfaces Menu:
Fillet (see page 511)
Merge (see page 515)
Surface-Surface Trim (see
page 516)
Modify Surface (see page
521)
Corner Blend (see page
526)
Untrim a Surface (see
page 506)
Split Surface (see page
508)
To construct surfaces, you must have the FeatureCAM 3D
module.
Snap Mode toolbar
Select Snap to Grid to enable snapping to points in
the snapping grid, which is displayed on the stock.
You can customize the snapping grid by selecting
the Options > Snapping Grid menu option.
Select Snap to Point to enable snapping to point
objects.
Select Snap to End Point to enable snapping to the
end points of finite lines and arcs, including the
corners of the stock and lines in STL objects.
Select Snap to Midpoint to enable snapping to the
middle points of finite lines and arcs.
Select Snap to Section to enable snapping at equal
intervals of a finite line. The number of intervals a
line is split into is controlled by the Sections option
in the Snapping Grids dialog.
20 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select Snap to Intersection to enable snapping to the
intersections of lines, arcs, and circles.
Select Snap to Center to enable snapping to circle
centers. This setting also controls the display of
circle and arc center points.
Select Snap to Quadrant to enable snapping to the
four points on a circle corresponding to 0, 90, 180,
and 270 degrees.
Select Snap to Object to enable snapping to points
on objects, such as surfaces or STL objects.
Select Snap to Tangent to enable snapping to objects
such that the object you create is tangent to the
snapped object.
Select Snap to Toolpath to enable snapping to points
on a centerline toolpath simulation.
Select Snap to cylinder end points to enable
snapping to the end points of a cylinder or
cone axis.
Select Snapping Discrimination Dialog to display the
Snap Discrimination dialog if the point you select
could snap to more than one location.
Display Mode toolbar
The Shade Selected button shades objects selected
on the screen. This is the only way to shade
features.
The Unshade Selected button removes shading from
the selected objects, and returns them to line
drawings.
The Unshade All button returns all objects to line
drawings.
The Hidden Line button toggles the view of solids to
hidden line mode.
The Draft Hidden Line button toggles the view of
solids to draft hidden line mode.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 21
The Show Normals button shows the normals for
selected surfaces in the model.
The Unshow Normals button hides the normals for
selected surfaces in the model.
The 2D Turned Profiles button shows turning features
as 2D profile.
Geometry toolbar
The Point button creates a point at X Y Z
coordinates.
The Line menu lets you create different types of
lines.
The Circle menu lets you create different types of
circles.
The Fillet menu lets you create different types of
fillets.
The Arc menu lets you create different types of
arcs.
The Dimension menu lets you create dimensions,
or special text labels with attached lines to
indicate your part's size.
The Edit menu lets you edit selected geometry.
The Chain menu lets you construct feature curves
from selected geometry.
Simulation toolbar
The Simulation toolbar is displayed when you click the Toolpaths
step in the Steps panel:
22 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
It is not docked by default, but you can dock it and display it as a
normal toolbar.
Click the Eject button to remove the Simulation
toolbar from the screen, and erase the simulation
from the graphics window.
The Show Centerline button selects a centerline
simulation. When you click the Play button, the
simulation is performed using the current view to
draw the toolpaths. A line drawing representing
the center of the tool tip is displayed.
To hide rapid moves in centerline simulations,
deselect the View > Simulation > Show Centerline
Rapids menu option. This enables you to see the
cutting moves more clearly in complicated toolpath
simulations.
The 2D Simulation button selects 2D simulation.
When you click the Play button, a two-dimensional
color simulation is performed showing the regions
cut by each operation. The view is changed to the
top view automatically, and anything on the screen
is temporarily erased until the simulation is
complete. You cannot change the view during the
simulation. When the simulation is complete you
can change the view, but the toolpaths are erased.
The 3D Simulation button selects 3D simulation.
When you click the Play button, a 3D shaded
simulation is performed in the current view with
the tool animated through all of its moves. You
can dynamically change the view of the simulation
at any point during or after the simulation. The
simulation does not have to be recalculated, so the
view change is instantaneous.
The 3D RapidCut button selects rapidcut
simulation. When you click the Play button, a 3D
simulation is performed without animating the
tool. Only the final results are displayed. For most
parts, the simulation takes only a few seconds to
complete. This simulation can be viewed
dynamically.
This simulation type is available if you have the
FeatureCAM3D module; it does not apply to turned
parts. (3D LITE (see page 2))
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 23
The Machine Simulation button selects machine
simulation. When you click the Play button, a full
machine simulation is performed showing you how
the machine cuts the part. Odd motions and
collisions can be detected so that the program can
be adjusted long before code is sent to the CNC
machine.
This simulation type is available if you have
licensed the Machine Simulation component.
(MSIM (see page 2))
Click the Stop button to cancel a simulation.
Click the Play button to start a simulation, or
resume a paused simulation. After you have
clicked the Play button, it becomes the Pause
button.
This button starts a simulation of the selected
feature, or resumes a paused simulation.
Click the Pause button to pause the simulation.
After you have clicked the Pause button, it
becomes the Play button.
Click the Fast Forward to End button to accelerate
the simulation, and fast forward it to the end.
Click this button to accelerate the simulation of the
selected feature, and fast forward it to the end.
Click the Single Step button to move the simulation
ahead by one tool move. The keyboard shortcut
for this button is Alt+F3.
Click this button to move the simulation of
selected feature ahead by one tool move.
Click the arrow of the Simulation Next menu to
access a sub-menu of buttons:
Play to next operation Click this button to
play the simulation and pause at the next
operation.
Play to next rapid Click this button to play
the simulation and pause at the next rapid.
Play to next tool change Click this button to
play the simulation and pause at the next tool
change.
Play to next Z level Click this button to play
the simulation and pause at the next Z level.
24 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click the Simulation Next menu arrow to specify
how the simulation is played.
Click the Clear Toolpath button to erase any
centerline toolpaths shown on the screen.
Click the Region of Interest button to limit the
portion of the part that is rendered during a 3D
solid simulation or a rapidcut simulation.
Click the Show Tool Load button to display the Tool
Load dialog during the next 3D simulation. This
dialog graphs the horsepower requirements of the
part program, and displays the current simulation
time and instantaneous horsepower.
Use the Sim Speed slider to adjust the simulation
speed. Move the bar to the right to speed up the
simulation; move the bar to the left to slow it
down.
When using 3D RapidCut, the slider affects the
simulation display. If the slider is all the way to
the right, only the final simulation result is
displayed. Move the slider further to the left to see
intermediate results.
You can increase the length (see page 25) of the Sim Speed
slider, to make it easier to control the speed.
Lengthen Sim Speed slider
You can increase the length of the simulation speed slider on the
Simulation toolbar (see page 22), to make it easier to control the
speed.
To do this:
1 Ensure the Simulation toolbar is displayed (see page 29).
2 Select View > Toolbars from the menu. The Customize Toolbars
dialog is displayed, but you don't need to do anything in the
dialog.
3 Click on the Sim Speed slider in the Simulation toolbar and it
displays a border.
4 Hover over the border at the right of the button and the mouse
pointer changes to a double arrow icon.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 25
5 Drag the right border out as far as you want.
6 Click OK to save your changes and close the Customize Toolbars
dialog.
26 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Steps toolbar
The Steps toolbar displays the Steps available in the Steps panel
(see page 11) in the Toolbox window.
Using the Steps toolbar instead of the Steps panel enables you
to use the Part View panel and still gives you quick access to
the Steps in the Steps panel.
Solid toolbar
The Solid from Curve menu lets you construct solids
from curves.
The Solid from Surfaces menu lets you construct
solids from surfaces.
The Modify Solid menu lets you edit solids.
The Manufacturing Solids menu lets you select a
manufacturing category.
More Simulation toolbar
This button toggles the display of the Simulation
toolbar (see page 22), and lets you preview the
toolpaths from start point.
This button toggles the display of the Simulation
toolbar, and lets you preview the toolpaths for
selected Z level.
This button toggles break points in the simulation at
toolpath level.
This button toggles break points in the simulation at
Z level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 27
Customize Toolbars dialog
The Customize Toolbars dialog enables you to set which toolbars to
display (see page 29), which buttons to show on a toolbar (see
page 32), whether to show other interface features (see page 34),
and which keyboard shortcuts to use (see page 35).
Use one of the following methods to display the Customize Toolbars
dialog:
Select View > Toolbars from the menu.
Right-click on an empty part of the toolbar area and select
Customize from the context menu.
The Customize Toolbars dialog has these tabs:
Toolbars (see page 29)
Commands (see page 32)
Misc. (see page 34)
Keyboard Shortcuts (see page 35)
28 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolbars tab
You can use the Toolbars tab of the Customize Toolbars dialog (see
page 28) to set which toolbars to display.
Only the Standard and Advanced toolbars are displayed by default.
To display a toolbar, select the box next to its name. To hide a
toolbar, deselect the box next to its name.
You can quickly change the toolbar display by right-clicking on
an empty part of the toolbar area and selecting/deselecting
the toolbar name in the context menu.
New Click the New button to create a new, custom, toolbar. The
New Toolbar dialog is displayed. Enter a Toolbar name and click OK.
The new toolbar shows in the Toolbars list and is automatically
displayed. Add buttons to your new toolbar using the Commands
tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 29
Reset Selected Click the Reset Selected button to revert the
selected toolbar to its default display of buttons after you have
added/removed buttons.
Delete You can delete a custom toolbar that you have added by
selecting it and clicking the Delete button.
Default Toolbars Set the toolbar display back to the default (just
the Standard and Advanced toolbars).
Toolbar name You can edit the name of a custom toolbar by
selecting it in the list and entering a new name here.
Button size Select the display size for the buttons on the toolbars
to either Small or Large.
Style Select your preferred style for the user interface from
Classic, Shaded Grey, and Glass. The default style is Shaded Grey.
When you change to a different style, FeatureCAM asks you if you
want to change the background color scheme to one that matches.
Classic:
30 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Shaded Grey:
Glass:
The Glass style is available only in Windows Vista and later.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 31
Commands tab
Use the Commands tab of the Customize Toolbars dialog (see page
28) to add buttons to toolbars.
To add a button to a toolbar:
1 Display (see page 29) the toolbar you want to update.
2 On the Commands tab, select the category that the button
belongs to in the Categories list.
The buttons belonging to the category are displayed in the
Buttons section.
3 Select a button icon in the Buttons section to see the Description
of the button.
4 Drag the button icon from the Buttons section and position it in
the toolbar. The button is added to the toolbar.
To remove a button from a toolbar:
1 Display (see page 29) the toolbar you want to update.
2 Open the Customize Toolbars dialog on either the Toolbars or
Commands tab.
3 Drag-and-drop the button you want to remove. The button is
removed from the toolbar.
To revert to the default buttons on a toolbar, select the toolbar
name on the Toolbars tab (see page 29) and click the Reset Selected
button.
32 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating toolbar buttons for macros
Some macros, such as the SelectHeight.bas and HoleRecog.bas macros
do not have buttons in FeatureCAM. To use a macro you must
create a custom toolbar button, add it to a toolbar, then assign the
macro to the button.
For example, the macro SelectHeight.bas does not have a button.
You need to create a button to use the macro.
To create a button for a macro:
1 Ensure the macro is selected in the Add-ins dialog:
a If the Customize Toolbars dialog is displayed, click Cancel to
close it.
b Select Options > Add-Ins to display the Macro Add-ins dialog.
c In the Add-In Files list in the Macro Add-ins dialog, select the
macro.
d Click OK to close the dialog.
2 Select View > Toolbars to display the Customize Toolbars dialog.
3 On the Commands tab, select Macros from the Categories list.
4 Click and drag the Custom toolbar button (the hammer symbol)
onto the toolbar where you want it to appear.
5 Assign the macro to the button (see page 34).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 33
Assigning a macro to a custom toolbar button
Use the Macro Toolbar Button dialog to assign a macro add-in to a
custom toolbar button (see page 33).
To assign a macro add-in to a custom toolbar button:
1 Load the add-in (see page 148) you want to assign to the button.
2 Right-click a custom toolbar button. The Macro Toolbar Button
dialog is displayed.
The dialog is also displayed when you click a custom toolbar
button that does not have a macro add-in assigned to it
3 In the Macro name list, select the add-in.
4 Select a button icon from the Available icons.
5 Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog. The macro is
executed when you click the custom toolbar button.
Misc. tab
You can use the Misc tab of the Customize Toolbars dialog (see page
28) to control the display of other User Interface items.
Toolbox Select this option to display the Toolbox (it is displayed
by default). Deselect it to hide the Toolbox.
34 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Buttons size This controls the display of the buttons in the Steps
Toolbox.
Assistance Bar Select this option to display the Assistance Bar (it
is displayed by default). Deselect it to hide the Assistance Bar.
Status Bar Select this option to display the Status Bar (it is
displayed by default). Deselect Status Bar to hide the Status Bar.
Keyboard Shortcuts tab
Use the Keyboard Shortcuts tab of the Customize Toolbars dialog
(see page 28) to set keyboard shortcuts for FeatureCAM commands.
To set a new shortcut key:
1 Select a category from the Categories list.
2 Select a command from the Commands list.
If the command already has a shortcut, it is listed under Current
keys.
3 To assign a new key, select the Press new shortcut key field and
press the keys that you want to use as the shortcut.
Press the keys on the keyboard, for example, press and
hold down the Alt key and press the N key; do not type ALT
+ N.
A warning displays if the shortcut you entered is already
assigned to a command.
4 Click the Assign button to save the new shortcut.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 35
If you click Assign after receiving a warning that the
shortcut is already assigned to a command, the shortcut is
removed from the existing command and assigned to the
new command.
Remove Click this button to remove the shortcut assigned to the
selected command.
Reset All Click this button to reset all shortcuts to the FeatureCAM
defaults.
Document Click this button to open a *.txt file, containing a list of
the current shortcuts, in your text editor. You can print or save this
file.
Customizing toolbars
To customize an existing toolbar:
1 Select View > Toolbars from the menu.
2 In the Customize Toolbars dialog (Toolbars tab), select the check
box next to the toolbar that you want to modify.
3 Click the Commands tab.
a Select the command category.
b Drag the button from the Buttons frame to a location on your
toolbar.
1 Repeat Step 3 until you have added all necessary commands.
2 Click OK.
36 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you make a mistake, and want to revert to default settings,
open the Customize Toolbars dialog again, select the toolbar,
and click the Reset Selected button.
To create your own toolbar:
1 Select View > Toolbars from the menu.
2 In the Customize Toolbars dialog, click the New button on the
Toolbars tab.
3 In the New Toolbar dialog, enter the name for your toolbar, and
click OK.
A new empty toolbar is created.
4 Follow Steps 3 - 5 in the procedure above to add commands to
your toolbar.
Status bar
The Status bar shows your current program status.
You may find it useful while drawing or simulating the part. The
status bar uses a text display for:
Cursor coordinates during geometry creation
The name of the object you are snapping to, for example Point
'pt1'
The coordinate plane of the current view (XY, XZ, or YZ)
Your drawing units (Inch or Millimeter)
Name of the current layer. Click the name to change to a
different layer, or open the Layers dialog.
Name of the current UCS. Click the name to select a different
UCS.
Name of the current setup. Click the name to select a different
setup.
Name of the current CNC. Click the name to open the Post
Options (see page 1930) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 37
Name of the current tool crib. Click the name to select a different
tool crib.
Number of cores being used. Click to open the Core Usage (see
page 38) dialog and change the number of cores used.
Simulation information (tools, feeds/speeds, elapsed time)
The Status bar is not a toolbar and you cannot dock it. It forms the
bottom part of the FeatureCAM window and displays information
about the computer, the state of the program, or information about
what you are doing. You can turn its display on or off by selecting
View > Toolbars and selecting/deselecting Status Bar on the Misc.
tab.
Core usage (3D)
FeatureCAM can use multiple core or multiple processor PCs. This
multi-threading feature is available for the following 3D toolpath
strategies:
Parallel roughing and finishing
Z-level roughing and finishing, and interleave
3D spiral
Our tests have found typical improvements for two cores of between
10% and 50% for toolpath creation time, with an average of about
23%.
The number of cores that you are currently using is displayed at the
end of the Status bar:
Click this area to open the Core Usage dialog:
FeatureCAM uses the maximum number of cores by default, but you
can limit the number of cores, if you want to use other cores for
operations outside FeatureCAM.
38 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Keyboard shortcuts
You can use the keyboard to navigate around the menus. To do
this, press and hold the Alt key, and then press the letters on your
keyboard that correspond to the letters underlined on the Menu bar
and in the menu options. For example, to rotate your part, press
and hold the Alt key, press the V key for the View menu, then press
the V key again for Viewing Modes, then press the R key for Rotate.
Typically, use the Ctrl-key shortcuts for standard Windows
commands (Ctrl+N to create a new file; Ctrl+S to save a file), and
the Alt-key shortcuts to execute FeatureCAM-specific commands
(Alt+R to refresh the view).
Key sequence
Action
Alt+click-and-drag on any
toolbar button
Move button around in toolbar.
Alt+1 (2,3,4)
User View 1 (2,3,4)
Alt+
Step simulation forward one step.
Alt+
Step simulation backward one step.
Alt+Enter
Properties
Alt+F1
Centerline simulation.
Alt+F2
Play/pause simulation.
Alt+F3
Single-step simulation.
Alt+L
Last view.
Alt+R
Refresh
Alt+Shift+V
Save view.
Ctrl+click a column of any
list box that does sorting
Activates the second level of sorting.
Ctrl+click a viewing mode
button
Stay in that viewing mode.
Ctrl+click the 3D Simulation
Run 3D simulation in hidden line mode
and do continuous looping.
button. Release key and
click the Play button.
Ctrl+click Fast Forward to
End
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stop the simulation when it encounters
the next rapid (in addition to the next
operation).
Introduction 39
Key sequence
Action
Ctrl+click the Machine
Run machine simulation in hidden line
mode and do continuous looping.
Simulation
button.
Release key and click the
Play
button.
Crtl+0
Bottom view
Ctrl+1
Isometric view
Ctrl+2
Front view
Ctrl+3
Isometric 2 view
Ctrl+4
Left view
Ctrl+5
Top view
Ctrl+6
Right view
Ctrl+7
Isometric 4 view
Ctrl+8
Back view
Ctrl+9
Isometric 3 view
Ctrl+A
Select all.
Ctrl+C
Copy
Ctrl+E
Center selected.
Ctrl+F
Find (text in a text window). The cursor
must be in a text window.
Ctrl+H
Replace (text in a text window). The
cursor must be in a text window.
Ctrl+J
Hide selected
Ctrl+K
Hide unselected
Ctrl+L
Center all.
Ctrl+N
New file
Ctrl+O
Open file
Ctrl+P
Ctrl+R
Display the New Feature wizard.
Ctrl+S
Save file
Ctrl+V
Paste
Ctrl+X
Cut
Ctrl+Y
Redo
40 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Key sequence
Action
Ctrl+Z
Undo
Ctrl+click the Pick Curve
button
Causes the warp status for that dialog
to toggle.
Ctrl+click the Pick Curve
button while a feature is
selected
Toggles between simulation of the
selection feature and the entire Setup.
Ctrl+click the Play
button
Run simulation in hidden line mode.
Hold Ctrl while toolpath is
being computed
Temporarily turns off Toolpath
Computation Minimization. Toolpaths
are recomputed for all features even if
that feature did not change.
Ctrl+Alt+click-and-drag on
any toolbar button
Duplicate and move button around in
toolbar.
Ctrl+Shift+click the 3D
Continuous loop simulation for 3D
simulation.
Simulation
button.
Release keys and click the
Play
button.
Ctrl+Shift+click the Machine
Simulation
button.
Release keys and click the
Play
Continuous loop simulation for machine
simulation.
button.
Ctrl+Shift+A
Shade selected.
Ctrl+Shift+C
Unshade all.
Ctrl+Shift+N
Unshade selected.
Ctrl+Shift+P
Toggles perspective.
Delete
Delete the selected object
Double-click a simulation
button
Activate that simulation without clicking
the play button.
Esc
Stop current simulation.
F1
Context-sensitive help.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 41
Key sequence
Action
Middle-click-and-drag in the
graphics window
Performs viewing based on the current
viewing mode.
The mouse wheel-click-and-drag also
performs this function.
Mouse scroll wheel
Zoom
Shift+click an edge when
filleting
Selects all edges of the face and adds
them to the list.
Shift+click the NC Code tab
Show ACL instead of NC code.
Shift+click while clipping
when Multiple Region is On
Removes the entire picked region
instead of to the nearest intersection.
Shift+right-click in graphics
window
Dynamic viewing using current view
mode.
Shift+click the Show button
in the SCL dialog
Displays a dialog that shows the
attributes of the model selected in SCL
dialog.
Viewing
There are several ways to control your view of objects in the
graphics window (see page 7):
Show menu (see page 42)
Hide menu (see page 44)
View menu (see page 45)
Principle View menu (see page 46)
User views (see page 47)
Entities (see page 48)
Viewing options (see page 49)
Motion controller support (see page 58)
Refreshing the view (see page 58)
Show menu
Show functions help control what is displayed. This is useful as you
place and model intricate features in a complex part.
42 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You access the show functions by selecting View > Show from the
menu or using the Show Menu button on the Advanced toolbar:
Show All Use this menu option to show everything in the part
model.
Show All Geometry Use this menu option to show all geometry
(points, lines, arcs, and circles).
Show All Dimensions Use this menu option to show all dimension
information added with the Dimension tools (see page 373).
Show All Curves Use this menu option to show all curves (see
page 400).
Show All Surfaces Use this menu option to show all surfaces
(available only in FeatureCAM 3D).
Surfaces and features from surfaces are different.
Show All Features Use this menu option to show all features.
Show All Solids Use this menu option to show all solids (see page
531).
Show All Vertical Surfaces Use this menu option to show the
vertical surfaces in the model. This is useful for identifying surfaces
that are part of 2.5D features like holes or pockets contained in a
surface or solid model.
Show Stock Use this menu option to show the stock outline.
Show Current UCS Use this menu option to show the current UCS
(see page 100) icon.
Show Current Setup Use this menu option to show only the
features and drawing elements that are in the current Setup.
Show Selected Use this menu option to show only the selected
elements.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 43
Layers (see page 381)
Change layer (see page 385)
Hide menu
Hide controls what is displayed at any given time. This is useful as
you place and model intricate features in a complex part. Besides
the display factors, you cant snap, select or build curves from
hidden entities. The hide functions are not exclusive. You can click
different buttons sequentially, hiding different entities until only the
ones you want are still in view.
You access the hide functions by selecting View > Hide from the
menu or using the Hide Menu button on the Advanced toolbar:
Hide All Use this menu option to hide all geometry, curves,
features. The stock and axis icon remain visible. A common
procedure is to Hide All, then Show only one type of entity, for
example features.
Hide All Geometry Use this menu option to hide all geometry.
Other entities remain visible.
Hide All Dimensions Use this menu option to hide all dimension
information added with the FeatureCAM Dimension tools (see page
373).
Hide All Curves Use this menu option to hide all curves (see page
400). Other entities remain visible.
Hide All Surfaces Use this menu option to hide all surfaces in the
part model. Only available in the 3D version.
Hide All Features Use this menu option to hide all features.
Hide All Points Use this menu option to hide all points.
44 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hide All Nonvertical Surfaces Use this menu option to hide all
surfaces that are not vertical relative to the current setup. This is
helpful if you want to isolate the surfaces that are part of 2.5D
features in a surface or solid model.
Hide All Solids Use this menu option to hide all of the solid
models.
Hide Stock Use this menu option to hide the stock (see page 290)
outline. All other entities remain visible.
Hide Current UCS Use this menu option to hide the current user
coordinate system.
Hide Current Setup Use this menu option to hide the axis of the
current Setup. All other entities remain visible.
Hide Selected Use this menu option to hide all selected entities.
Non selected entities are still visible.
Hide Unselected Use this menu option to hide all entities other
than the selected ones.
View menu
View changes the way you interact with the view of the part.
Selecting any of the options from the View menu puts you in view
mode. Your cursor shows the same icon as the viewing mode you
selected. Viewing is performed interactively in FeatureCAM with the
mouse.
You access the view functions by selecting View > Viewing Modes
from the menu or using the View Menu button on the Standard
toolbar:
Click and hold the mouse button, then move the mouse. Up or to
the right changes the drawing one way, zooming or rotating
clockwise for example. Down or to the left has the opposite effect.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 45
Center All Use this menu option to change to a complete view of
the part, centering it in the graphics window. The view of the part
automatically scales to fit in the window.
Center Selected Use this menu option to center the entities you
have selected in the graphics window. The view of the part is
automatically scaled to fill the window with the selected items. The
angle of view is not changed.
Center Selected Point Use this menu option to center the view
about the last location you selected in the graphics window.
Principal View menu
Principal View changes the main view to one of several commonly
used views.
You access the Principal View functions by selecting View > Principal
Views from the menu or using the Principal View Menu button on the
Standard toolbar:
Isometric Use this menu option to change the view to a three
quarter view of the part showing the top and two sides with the
current UCS near the bottom of the view area.
Isometric 2, Isometric 3, Isometric 4 Alternative isometric views
The following example shows all four isometric views:
Isometric:
Isometric 2:
46 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Isometric 3:
Isometric 4:
Top Use this menu option to change to a view of the part from
the top only. Useful for drawing geometry, but harder to see the
wireframe model of the part.
Bottom Use this menu option to change the view to the bottom of
the part. No sides of the part are visible from this perspective.
Front Use this menu option to change to a view of the part from
the front with no other surfaces visible.
Back Use this menu option to change to a view of the part from
the back with no other surfaces visible.
Left Use this menu option to change to a view of the part from
the left side with no other surfaces visible.
Right Use this menu option to change to a view of the part from
the right side with no other surfaces visible.
Selecting View > Principle Views from the menu gives you some
extra options:
Perspective If selected, the view is a perspective view. If
deselected, the view is an orthographic view.
As on UCS Use this menu option to change your view to that of
the current UCS.
As on setup If selected, the view is relative to the current Setup.
If deselected, the view is relative to the world coordinate system.
As on STOCK Use this menu option to change your view to that
relative to the Stock.
User views
The User Views (View 1, View 2, View 3, and View 4) store various
views of your model. When you select View > User Views > Save
View, the current view is saved under the next available view
number. Select one of these views to return to this view.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 47
Entities
Another useful viewing tool in the View menu is Entities. Select
Entities in the View menu to open the Entities dialog.
All geometry, curves, stock, features, and surfaces are listed. You
can sort the list by clicking one of the title buttons. This makes it
easy to select by layers, construction type or category of entity.
Select an item or multiple items with ctrl+click and then click a
button to perform one of the following actions:
Close Click this button to exit the dialog.
Show Click this button to display the selected entities in the
graphics window.
Hide Click this button to remove the selected entities from the
display in the graphics window.
Delete Click this button to remove the selected entities from the
part file.
Rename This button is available only for individual selections and
opens the Rename Object dialog where you can enter a New Name
for the entity.
Properties This button is available only for some kinds of entity
and for individual selections. The properties dialog that opens
depends on the kind of entity. For example, features open the
Feature Properties dialog.
Help Click this button to open this help page.
48 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Viewing options
As well as the Windows settings, you can control the quality of your
part display in FeatureCAM after you have installed it. You have to
balance the detail quality against the increased time it takes to
generate more detail. Set these options in the Viewing Options
dialog, accessed through Options > Viewing in the menu.
The Viewing Options dialog has three tabs:
General (see page 49)
Dynamic (see page 51)
Machine (see page 54)
General tab
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 49
These are the options on the General tab:
Curve fineness This option adjusts the length of line segments for
displaying curves. The smaller the line segments, the smoother the
curve appears.
With small Curve fineness values, more data is processed so the
graphical performance slows down. If you increase the fineness
value, graphical performance is improved but the display quality
suffers, producing jagged, more notched curve representations.
Because it is easy to modify this value, you can use different
settings at different stages of development.
Surface fineness This option adjusts the area of flat polygons
(plane segments) for displaying a surface.
FeatureCAM uses surfaces to display all features and stock models.
The smaller the area of the polygons used to display a surface, the
smoother the surface appears. There are separate surface fineness
values for the shaded and wireframe representations of the
surfaces.
With small Surface fineness values, more data is processed, so the
graphical performance slows down. If you increase the fineness
value, graphical performance is improved, but the display quality
suffers, producing more faceted, rougher surface representations.
Because it is easy to modify this value, you can use different
settings at different stages of development.
Show surface boundaries only With this option selected, surfaces
are displayed as only their outer boundaries and trimmed loops. No
additional lines are drawn in the interior of the surface. This option
makes the display of larger models much faster.
View animation This option provides smooth, animated transitions
between principal views. If you select View animation, the part
rotates smoothly between two principal views. If you deselect it, the
view changes abruptly to the new view.
Selection radius This option specifies the radius (in pixels) of the
hit area for a selection pick. If this number is set small, then you
must select very close to an object to select it. If it is set large, then
picking may be more unpredictable.
Point size Enter a Point size to specify the size of geometry point
objects in the graphics window.
Snapping Point Size Specify the size of snapping grid points in the
graphics window.
50 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimension text size This setting controls the size of the dimension
text and the dimension (see page 373) arrow heads. There are
separate settings for English (inch) and Metric (mm) parts. When
the part is scaled, the text and arrows are scaled along with the
drawing.
Dynamic tab
These are the options on the Dynamic tab:
Viewing Mode on startup Set the default viewing mode when
FeatureCAM first opens. For example, if you select Trackball, the
next time FeatureCAM starts up, the viewing mode is Trackball.
All the viewing modes are available, plus an option called Mode from
Last Session. This option keeps track of the viewing mode last set
before FeatureCAM was closed, and uses that viewing mode the
next time FeatureCAM starts up. For example, if the option is set to
Mode from Last Session, and you had set the viewing mode to Rotate
before you closed FeatureCAM, Rotate is the viewing mode that is
set in the toolbar the next time you open FeatureCAM.
Middle mouse button behavior
middle mouse button.
Set the viewing mode for the
You can set a specific viewing mode such as Trackball, Rotate, Pan,
Zoom, Pan, and Zoom, and so on, or choose the Current Viewing
Mode option that allows the middle mouse button (along with key
combinations) to perform the viewing mode that is currently set in
the toolbar.
Middle mouse button with Shift Set the viewing mode for the
middle mouse button, when the Shift key is held down.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 51
You can set a specific viewing mode such as Trackball, Rotate, Pan,
Zoom, Pan, and Zoom, and so on, or choose the Current Viewing
Mode option that allows the middle mouse button (along with key
combinations) to perform the viewing mode that is currently set in
the toolbar.
Middle mouse button with Ctrl Set the viewing mode for the middle
mouse button, when the Ctrl key is held down.
You can set a specific viewing mode such as Trackball, Rotate, Pan,
Zoom, Pan, and Zoom, and so on, or choose the Current Viewing
Mode option that allows the middle mouse button (along with key
combinations) to perform the viewing mode that is currently set in
the toolbar.
Middle mouse button with Ctrl+Shift Set the viewing mode for the
middle mouse button, when the Ctrl and Shift keys are held down.
You can set a specific viewing mode such as Trackball, Rotate, Pan,
Zoom, Pan, and Zoom, and so on, or choose the Current Viewing
Mode option that allows the middle mouse button (along with key
combinations) to perform the viewing mode that is currently set in
the toolbar.
Reverse scroll wheel zoom
This option in the Dynamic Viewing Options (see page 53) tab
reverses the association of direction of the scroll wheel with the
zoom direction.
Reset Settings
In the Dynamic Viewing Options tab, you can reset the settings to
either the FeatureCAM or PowerMILL defaults:
FeatureCAM
PowerMILL
Viewing Mode on
startup
Pan and zoom
Trackball
Middle mouse button
behavior
Current Viewing Mode
Trackball
Middle mouse button
with Shift
Pan and Zoom
Pan
Middle mouse button
with Ctrl
Rotate
PowerMILL Pan &
Zoom
Middle mouse button
with Ctrl+Shift
Zoom
Box Zoom
52 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setting up dynamic viewing options
To customize the dynamic viewing options:
1 Select Options > Viewing from the menu.
2 In the Viewing Options dialog, click the Dynamic tab.
3 Customize the viewing mode used on startup.
All standard viewing modes are available as options, plus an
option called Mode from Last Session. This option keeps track of
the viewing mode last set before FeatureCAM was closed, and
uses that viewing mode the next time FeatureCAM starts up.
4 Customize the default behavior for the middle mouse button.
You can set the behavior to be specific viewing modes such as
Trackball, Rotate, Pan, Zoom, Pan and Zoom, or choose the
Current Viewing Choice option that allows the middle mouse
button (along with key combinations) to perform the viewing
mode that is currently set in the toolbar.
If you want to reverse the association of direction of the scroll
wheel with the zoom direction, select the Reverse Scroll Wheel
Zoom option.
5 Click OK.
To revert to default FeatureCAM settings:
1 Select Options > Viewing from the menu.
2 In the Viewing Options dialog, click the Dynamic Viewing Options
tab.
3 Click the Reset Settings to FeatureCAM button.
To revert to default PowerMILL settings:
1 Select Options > Viewing from the menu.
2 In the Viewing Options dialog, click the Dynamic Viewing Options
tab.
3 Click the Reset Settings to PowerMILL button.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 53
Machine tab
Milling Select the type of milling machine from Vertical and
Horizontal, to improve viewing during machine simulation and tool
previews.
Turning Select the type of turning machine from Slant bed lathe
and Vertical turret lathe, to improve viewing during machine
simulation and tool previews.
Shading options
Use the Shading Options dialog to control how surfaces are shaded.
To display the Shading Options dialog, select the Options > Surface
Shading menu option.
54 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For shading, we recommended the following procedure:
1 By default deselect Depth Cue.
2 Adjust the Ambient material parameter to lighten or darken the
shading.
3 If you are shading a model with many flat surfaces, select Depth
Cue.
4 If Depth Cue is selected, adjust the k and linear parameters to
lighten or darken the image.
Lighting
Two lights Select this option to use light from two separate
sources for more even lighting effects.
The lighting model has two different modes. With Depth Cue turned
off, the lighting model uses light vectors (or directions). In this
mode, the shading is not affected by the position of the light, but
rather only the direction of the light. In this case you can specify
the two light vectors as Light vector 1 and Light vector 2.
Depth cue Select this option to use lighting positions for the
lighting model. Both the lighting direction and distance from the
surface to the light affect the shading of a surface. In this case you
can specify the two light vectors as Light position 1 and Light
position 2. The amount that the light is diminished is determined by
the following formula:
1/(k + linear * Distance of surface to light)
Both k and linear variables are available for you to alter. Setting k or
linear to larger values darkens the view.
Display
The shading performed by FeatureCAM translates surfaces into
triangles for shading.
Smooth shading Select this option to indicate that the shading of
the triangles should be blended. If it is deselected, the individual
triangles are visible.
Smooth line Select this option to smooth out the jagged edges of
lines. This applies to all line drawings including toolpaths.
This option can be time-consuming.
Backfaces removed Select this option to hide surfaces whose
normals point into the screen. This option improves shading speeds
for solid models. If portions of the model are visibly missing, turn
this option off.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 55
Backface lighting Select this option to duplicate the light vectors
in back of the model (for diffused lighting). This option applies when
Depth cue is deselected.
Backface highlight Select this option to duplicate the highlighting
effects for the duplicate lights. This option applies when Depth cue is
deselected.
Z-buffer Select this option to sort surfaces by their depth. We
recommend that you keep this setting selected.
Z-buffer lines Select this option to enable the lines to be sorted
along with the surfaces. This enables surfaces to occlude lines that
are positioned behind. This option is provided for viewing toolpaths
in conjunction with shaded surfaces.
Use graphics hardware Select this option to try to use your
graphics card to speed up shading. Many graphics cards are not
reliable for shading. If your shading looks bad or performs slowly,
turn off this setting.
Dither Select this option to smooth the shading across the part.
When deselected, discrete bands of shading are often evident.
Z-buffer rubberband Select this option to Z-buffer rubberband
geometry. Rubberband geometry are the forms of geometry that
are interactively updated, such as when you drag a circle radius.
Anti-alias tool window You may need to disable this option if your
graphics card or driver cannot support the anti-aliasing well.
Material
Transparent Select this option to enable the Opacity option.
Opacity Enter how opaque the surface is from 0 (transparent) to 1
(opaque).
Shininess Enter how a highlight spreads from 0 (tight) to 100
(broad).
56 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ambient Enter the amount of light present in the shading process
besides the two light settings. This is a cumulative setting with
Ambient set in the Lighting section.
Diffuse Enter how the light spreads in the area occupied by the
surface. This setting combines with the same setting in Lighting to
determine the overall diffusing effect.
Specular Enter the amount of specular light reflection from 0 (no
specular reflection) to 1 (full specular reflection).
Stock
Shade stock by default Select this option to show the stock as
shaded by default and enter a Stock Opacity between 0 (0% shaded)
and 1 (100% shaded).
This is an example part with Shade stock by default deselected:
And with Shade stock by default selected with a Stock Opacity of 0.3
(30%):
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 57
Motion controller support
FeatureCAM supports advanced motion controllers from
http://3dconnexion.com (http://3dconnexion.com). Supported
controllers are the SpaceBall, SpaceMouse and SpaceTraveler.
When you use one of these controllers you can use one hand for
your mouse and the other hand for viewing, enabling more efficient
control of FeatureCAM.
How to Use 3Dconnexion Devices with FeatureCAM
The controller from 3Dconnexion comes with a CD that contains a
device driver and simple test programs. Install the CD and use the
test programs to make sure that your controller is installed properly
and to make sure that you've got the idea of how to use the
controller. After that, run FeatureCAM and you'll be able to control
the view in FeatureCAM in exactly the same way as the test
programs.
Refreshing the view
When you zoom out, FeatureCAM simplifies the visual
representation of the geometry in the graphics window to improve
performance. For example, arcs, fillets, and circles are replaced with
straight lines.
You can refresh the view to be suitable for the current zoom factor.
Use one of the following methods to refresh the view:
Select View > Refresh from the menu.
Press the ALT + R keys.
Smart dialogs
To provide you with more space in the graphics window,
FeatureCAM automatically minimizes some dialogs by default. For
example, the Select Stock Curve dialog minimizes into a small title
bar when you click the Pick Curve
58 Introduction
button.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
When the dialog is minimized, the cursor shape changes to
. This
indicates you need to select an object in the graphics window. When
you select the object, the dialog is restored. If you want to restore
the dialog without making a selection, click the
button in the
small title bar.
To disable auto-minimization, deselect Options > Warp Dialogs
in the menu.
Managing your settings
You can customize the toolbars, view options, colors, and so on, but
your changes last only for the duration of the current session,
unless you instruct FeatureCAM to save them.
You can choose to save your changes automatically. To do this,
select Options > Save on Exit from the menu.
If you don't want to save your changes every time you exit the
program, deselect the Save on Exit option. Now you can choose
Options > Save Settings Now to save the modified configuration.
FeatureCAM uses two .ini files to store your settings:
ezfm_ui.ini contains toolbars, dialog locations, graphics settings,
colors, and other user settings.
ezfm_mfg.ini contains manufacturing defaults and .cfg settings.
The ezfm_mfg.ini file contains default values for both inch and metric
attributes. For example, there is an entry for zrapid in inches and
also an entry for zrapid_mm in mm. In general, the name for the
metric attributes is the same as the inch name, with a suffix of
_mm.
If you want to replace the current settings with the previously saved
settings, select Options > Reload Settings from the menu.
You can make a backup copy of the .ini files before you save any
changes; this way you can revert to the default settings if
something goes wrong. Alternatively, you can delete the .ini files;
when you restart FeatureCAM, these files are recreated
automatically with the default settings.
Enabling wizards
You can switch some FeatureCAM wizards on and off.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 59
New Part Document wizard
To turn the New Part Document wizard off, restart FeatureCAM, and
deselect Show this dialog on program start.
To turn the New Part Document wizard back on, restart FeatureCAM,
select File > Part Wizard from the menu, and select Show this dialog
on program start.
Stock wizard
To turn the Stock wizard on/off:
1 Select File > New from the menu.
2 In the New Part Document dialog, for the Initial stock dialog
option, select:
Wizard Select this option to show the Stock wizard next. This is
a default option.
Properties Select this option to show the stock Properties
dialog next. This dialog presents the pages of the Stock wizard in
a more concise form.
None Select this option and FeatureCAM does not ask you to
set up the stock. You must select the Stock
Steps panel.
step from the
3 Click OK.
Selecting graphical objects
Many commands require you to select objects in the graphics
window.
There are two selection modes, which you can access from the
Standard toolbar:
Select
Select Partial
Drag Select
Select
To select an object you can:
Click the left mouse button on an object. This selects that object
(by turning it red) and deselects any other object.
Hold down the SHIFT key and click the left mouse button on an
object. This adds that object to the selected set of objects. This
method allows you to select more than one object.
60 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click and drag a box around the objects you want to select. This
method is called box select. As you drag the mouse, a green box
is displayed in the graphics window.
All objects that are completely encompassed in the box are
selected. If you hold down the SHIFT key while selecting, the
objects are added to the selected set of objects.
Select Partial
This method enables you to box select multiple objects without fully
enclosing them.
In the example below, all three features are selected:
Drag Select
This method enables you to box-select multiple adjacent entities by
dragging the mouse pointer across them.
This method enables you to select multiple objects by clicking and
dragging the cursor across them without fully enclosing them.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 61
This example part contains different colored faces and geometry:
Other selection methods do not work well for this part.
For example, if you use the Select by Color/Type (see page 64)
dialog, you can select either the green lines or the gray lines, but
not both at the same time:
If you use the Select button for a box selection of lines in a front
view, you cannot select the lines without selecting some of the
surfaces too:
62 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Using the new Drag Select option, you can drag the mouse pointer
over the lines to the left of the stock to select them all:
Drag Select can save time when selecting adjacent surfaces. With
the standard Select mode, to select adjacent surfaces, you must use
a box-select or Ctrl+click each surface. With Drag Select, just move
the mouse pointer over adjacent surfaces. You can hold down the
Ctrl key with Drag Select to add non-adjacent surfaces to the
selection, or after you have released the mouse button, for example
to change the view of the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 63
Select by Color/Type
Select Edit > Select by Color/Type from the menu to open the Select
by Color/Type dialog:
Use one or more of the options to control which entities are
selected:
Color To select entities of a particular color, select the color in the
menu.
Entity Type To select all entities of a particular type, select the
type in the menu.
Hole Depth To select all holes of a particular depth, first select a
type of hole in the Entity Type menu, then enter the Hole Depth
Value, and a Tolerance for how close to the Value the depth must be.
Hole Diameter To select all holes of a particular depth, first select
a type of hole in the Entity Type menu, then enter the Hole Diameter
Value and a Tolerance for how close to the Value the diameter must
be.
Select an entity in your part before opening the dialog to
pre-populate the fields.
Selecting from within dialogs
Many commands require you to select curves, surfaces, or solids
using a dialog containing an interface similar to this one with
buttons and a list field:
64 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click this button to add the entity or entities selected in the
graphics window to the list.
Click this button to remove the entity selected in the list.
Click this button to pick curve or geometry from the graphics
window.
Click this button to pick surface from the graphics window.
Click this button to pick solid from the graphics window.
To add an entity to the list, either:
Select an entity in the graphics window and click the Add
button.
Click the Pick button and then select the entity in the graphics
window.
If you select the entity before opening the selection dialog,
the entity is already listed.
To remove an entity from the list, select it by clicking its name and
click the Remove
button.
Click Next or OK to continue.
Options menu
The Options menu gives you access to all the option settings of
FeatureCAM.
Viewing (see page 49)
Surface shading (see page 54)
Simulation (see page 1605)
Coloring (see page 66)
Chaining (see page 406)
Snapping Modes (see page 377)
Snapping Grids (see page 380)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 65
Update Op List (see page 71)
File Options (see page 73)
Coloring
You can change the default color used for many types of object (see
page 68).
Select Options > Coloring from the menu then select one of the
following:
Change Selected (see page 66)
Default Colors (see page 67)
Color Overrides (see page 70)
Change Selected
You can use the Selected Object Color Overrides dialog to change the
color of selected object(s).
To display the Selected Object Color Overrides dialog:
1 In the graphics window, select any objects you want to change
the color of.
2 Select Options > Coloring > Change Selected from the menu:
3 If you want to select a different object, click Pick object
select an object in the graphics window.
and
4 Click More Colors to display the Colors dialog.
5 Select a color from the Basic colors palette or click Define Custom
Colors to pick a different color.
66 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Any Custom colors that you define are saved in the settings
file (see page 96) and are available next time you use
FeatureCAM.
6 Click OK to close the Colors dialog.
7 Click Apply to apply the color to the selected object.
8 If you want to reset the selected object to the default (see page
68) color, select Remove override and click Apply.
9 Click Done to close the dialog.
Default Colors
You can use the Default Colors dialog to change the default colors
used in FeatureCAM.
To display the Default Colors dialog, select Options > Coloring >
Default Colors from the menu.
To change the default colors using the Default Colors dialog:
1 Select an object type from the list, for example, Feature.
2 Click More Colors to display the Colors dialog.
3 Select a color from the Basic colors palette or click Define Custom
Colors to pick a different color.
Any Custom colors that you define are saved in the settings
file (see page 96) and are available next time you use
FeatureCAM.
4 Click OK to close the Colors dialog.
5 Click Apply to apply the color to the selected object.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 67
This color is used for any new objects of this type that you create
in FeatureCAM.
6 If you want to change the color for the objects that already exist
in FeatureCAM, select Apply my choice to all existing Features,
then click Apply.
7 If you want to reset the selected object's color to its default
value (see page 68), click Reset, then click Apply.
8 If you want to reset all colors to their default values (see page
68), click Reset All, then click Yes.
9 Click Done to close the dialog.
Default color list
The following table displays the list of default colors in FeatureCAM.
To change the default colors use the Default Colors dialog (see page
67).
Object
Default color
Description
Feature
Purple
This is the default color for a FeatureCAM fea
such as a Hole, Face, or Side feature.
Geometry
Charc
oal
gray
This is the default color for a 2D object such a
circle, line, or arc.
Curve
Royal
blue
This is the default color for a 2D or 3D curve.
Surface
Dark
green
This is the default color for a 3D surface.
Solid
Light
blue
This is the default color for a 3D solid. All face
the solid use this color.
Dimension
Dark
green
This is the default color for dimension objects
such as linear, radial, and annotation dimens
objects.
Stock
Mid
blue
This is the default color for the stock that the
part is cut from.
Selection
Red
This is the default color for an object that is
selected in the Graphics window.
Highlight
Bright
green
This is the default color used to emphasize
objects that are currently active in a dialog, a
the snapping cursor.
68 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lower
Backgroun
d
White
This is the default color of the lower portion o
the graphics window. If it is a different color t
the Upper Background color, the two are blen
in a horizontal gradient.
Upper
Backgroun
d
Gray
This is the default color of the upper portion o
the graphics window. If it is a different color t
the Lower Background color, the two are blen
in a horizontal gradient.
Constructio
n
Bright
green
This is the default color used for rubber-band
objects during geometry construction.
Preview
Royal
blue
This is the default color for temporary objects
that are displayed when you click a Preview
button.
Hyperlink
Mid
blue
This is the default color for text labels in warp
dialogs (that is dialogs that allow the use of
interrogation (see page 374) to obtain the
value).
Main
Spindle
Operations
Yellow
/green
This is the default color for operations on the
main spindle.
Sub
Spindle
Operations
Lilac
This is the default color for operations on the
spindle.
Rapid
Green
This is the default color for a rapid toolpath
move.
Toolpath
Black
This is the default color for a feed toolpath m
Index
Red
This is the default color for a toolpath move t
represents the rotation of an indexer.
Partline
Program
Cyan
This is the default color for a toolpath that ha
partline programming (see page 1683, see pa
1735) activated.
Ramps and
Leads
Royal
blue
This is the default color for ramps and leads.
Tool
Dark
gray
This is the default color for a tool.
Tool Holder
Dark
blue
This is the default color for a tool holder.
Tool Shank
Light
gray
This is the default color for a tool shank.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 69
Tool
Spindle
Dark
gray
This is the default color for a tool spindle.
Lathe
Insert
Yellow
This is the default color for a lathe tool insert
Color Overrides
You can use the New Object Color Override dialog to override the
default color (see page 68) of new objects.
To display the New Object Color Override dialog, select Options >
Coloring > Color Overrides from the menu.
To override the default color of all new objects of a given type:
1 Select an object type from the list.
2 Click More Colors to display the Colors dialog.
3 Select a color from the Basic colors palette or click Define Custom
Colors to pick a different color.
Any Custom colors that you define are saved in the settings
file (see page 96) and are available next time you use
FeatureCAM.
4 Click OK to close the Colors dialog.
5 Click Apply to apply the color to the selected object.
6 If you want to reset the selected object to the default (see page
68) color, select Remove override and click Apply.
7 Click Done to close the dialog.
70 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Update Op List
By default, the Operation List is updated automatically each time
you modify a part. For large parts with many operations, updating
the Operation List can take a long time.
You can use the Update Operation List dialog to stop the Operation
List from updating automatically every time you change the part.
To display the Update Operation List dialog, select Options > Update
Op List from the menu.
In the Update Operation List dialog, select one of the following
options:
Never update Select this option to turn off updating.
Always update Select this option to update the list
automatically each time you change the part.
Ask before update Select this option to confirm before
updating.
Click Update Now to update the Operation List.
Snapping modes and grids
When you create geometry, you can enter point coordinates directly
from the Feature/Geometry Edit bar.
This method is exact but not always convenient or feasible. You can
also pick points directly on the screen with the mouse, although this
method may be less precise.
To increase the drawing precision, FeatureCAM uses the snap and
grid functionality. Grid is a set of evenly spaced dots that serve as a
visual distance reference. Snap is a set of evenly spaced invisible
hot spots that restrict the points that you can pick with your mouse,
and therefore helps you position lines, points or shapes more
precise. To control how the cursor snaps, use the Snap Mode (see
page 20) toolbar. Snapping to grid is the most common mode, and
enables you to snap to a point on a coordinate system that is laid
out on the stock. The grid plane rotates with the viewing plane: in a
front or back view, the grid is in the X plane; in a right or left view,
the grid is in the Y plane; and in the top or bottom view, the grid is
in the Z plane. The procedure below allows you to adjust the grid
size.
To adjust the grid:
1 Select Options > Snapping Grids from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 71
2 In the Snapping Grids dialog, enter the grid coordinates.
Setting grid spacing too fine can slow the display down.
3 In the Section field enter the number of segments to divide the
open geometry into when snapping to sections.
4 To have the grid redrawn during view shifts, select the Grid
resizes to match block in standard views option.
5 Choose the Grid Display option:
Always show displays the grid, even if you have turned off
snapping to grid.
Always unshow hides the grid even if you have turned on
snapping to grid.
Automatic displays the grid only when you are snapping to grid.
6 Click OK.
72 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
File Options dialog
Select Options > File Options from the menu to display the File
Options dialog:
The File Options dialog contains these tabs:
New Files (see page 74)
Existing Files (see page 75)
Database (see page 77)
Browser (see page 81)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 73
New Files tab
You can use the New Files tab of the File Options dialog (see page
73) to specify the default options for new part documents.
Select the default Setup type, Unit of Measure, and Initial stock dialog.
Optionally deselect Always ask when a new document is created.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Apply Click the Apply button to save your changes and keep the
dialog open.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
74 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Existing Files tab
You can use the Existing Files tab of the File Options dialog (see
page 73) to specify the Tools and Feed/Speed options for existing
files and change the default File Location.
When a part is opened in FeatureCAM:
1 The name of the tool crib that was originally used to create the
file is saved in the .fm file. If there is a tool crib with the same
name in the current installation of FeatureCAM, that tool crib is
made current. If it does not exist, the last opened crib is used.
2 All tools that were explicitly overridden in the part file are copied
to the current crib. These tools are temporary and are available
only when the current part is open.
3 A new crib is created that contains only tools used for that part.
This crib contains tools that were overridden and all tools that
were automatically selected. The crib is called
<filename>_tools_from_last_save. This crib is temporary and is
available only when this part is opened.
4 If Use the tool crib saved with the part document is selected, then
this new crib is the active crib.
If you select Use the tool crib saved with the part document the
part is cut with exactly the same tools. We do not recommend
this if you are going to make modifications to your part
because this small tool crib probably does not have enough
tools to cut additional features.
Feed and speed tables are handled similarly.
1 When a file is saved, the feed/speed tables for the part's material
are saved with the file.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 75
2 If Use the F/S tables saved with the part document is selected, then
this new table is used as your feed/speed database.
3 If Use the F/S tables from FeatureCAM's F/S database is selected,
then the existing databases are used.
The File Location is the default directory for opening, saving, and
importing files. If you specifically set the File Location to a particular
folder, then FeatureCAM starts in that folder whenever you start up
FeatureCAM in the future and FeatureCAM ignores the Start In folder
that is listed in the shortcut to FeatureCAM. The starting folder is
used when you first open, import, or save a part. But if you
navigate to a new folder during your session, then the new folder is
used for subsequent opens, imports, and saves. FeatureCAM uses
the idea of a current working folder, which means that if sometime
during your session you navigate to some other folder to open a
file, then any future opens or saves in that session use the new
folder. But the File Location folder is always used as the starting
folder for the next time you run FeatureCAM.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Apply Click the Apply button to save your changes and keep the
dialog open.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
76 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Database tab
You can use the Database tab of the File Options dialog (see page
73) to change the location of the database where tool cribs and
feed/speed information is stored. FeatureCAM supports the sharing
of the tool and feed/speed database on a network so that multiple
computers can use the same tool cribs and feed/speed information.
Specify the location of the database:
Local Select this option to use the database on your PC.
MSAccess (see page 78) Select this option to use an MS Access
shared network database. Click Browse and browse to the location
of the shared network database.
SQL (see page 79) Select this option to use an SQL Server
network database. Select the Server Name and the Database Name.
To use SQL authentication, select SQL Server in the Authentication
Mode list and enter your SQL Username and SQL Password. If you
use SQL authentication, the Database Name list only displays
databases to which you have access.
Enter a network path Enter a valid network path in order to create
a Workgroup configuration (see page 1813).
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 77
Apply Click the Apply button to save your changes and keep the
dialog open.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
MS Access shared network database (SND)
The shared network database is provided as an empty MDB format
database, created by Microsoft Access and accessed using the
Microsoft Jet database driver.
The database must be set up properly before it can be used:
1 Establish a location on your network for the database and copy a
blank database from the FeatureCAM DVD to that location.
2 Fill the database with default tooling and feed/speed information.
Do this by running INITDB on any computer that has access to
the database and point INITDB to the database.
3 Set the location of the database for each user using the Browse
button during installation (see page 1910), or after installation
on the Database tab (see page 77) of the File Options dialog.
To set up a network database on a 64-bit machine:
1 Download the 32-bit Microsoft Access Database driver from
internet. The 32-bit driver needs to be used on both 32 and
64-bit machines.
2 If a 64-bit driver is already installed on the machine (for
example, if you have 64-bit MS Office installed), you must
uninstall it.
Uninstalling the 64-bit driver and installing the 32-bit
driver, could break 64-bit MS Access.
3 Install the 32-bit driver you downloaded in step 1.
4 Open the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
5 Find and run the file odbcad32.exe. The ODBC Data Source
Administrator dialog is displayed.
6 Click Add on the User DSN tab. The Create New Data Source dialog
is displayed.
7 Scroll down, select Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *.accdb) and
click Finish. The ODBC Text Setup dialog is displayed.
8 For the Data Source Name option, enter MS Access Database and
click OK. The database is displayed in the list of User Data
Sources on the User DSN tab.
9 Restart FeatureCAM.
78 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Network database configuration is user-based. If there are
multiple users on the machine, each user must go through the
process above and configure it.
SQL shared network database (SND)
You can use SQL Server for your network database. This gives
better performance and reliability for your network database.
Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express is a free edition of SQL Server
that you may use to host your Delcam tools and materials database
used by FeatureCAM. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and
in these languages:
Chinese
Japanese
(simplified)
Korean
Chinese
Portuguese
(traditional)
(Brazil)
English
Russian
French
Spanish
German
Italian
When using Microsoft SQL Express to host your FeatureCAM tools
and materials you need a server computer to host the SQL Server
software and the tools/materials database. This server computer
should be a different computer from the client workstations where
users are running FeatureCAM.
The database server can host tools and materials databases
from different versions of FeatureCAM, or different parts of
your organization.
Installation
1 Pick a computer at your facility that you want to host the
FeatureCAM tools and materials database. We'll call this the
database server. The database server must meet these criteria:
It must be running Microsoft Windows.
It must be connected to your network.
It must be able to run Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014.
You can see system requirements at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx)
2 Find out the hostname of the database server.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 79
3 Download either the Express (Database Only) or Express with
Tools from
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=422
99
(http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=422
99). If your database server is a 32-bit Windows, then you'll need
to download the 32-bit version of SQL Server Express. If 64-bit,
then download the 64-bit version instead.
The bitness of your download must match the bitness of the
database server computer, and has nothing to do with the
bitness of your client workstations. You may download the
language of your choice.
4 Install Microsoft SQL Server Express on your database server.
5 From any client workstation using FeatureCAM 2015 R3, find
INITDB in the Start menu and run it.
6 In the Tool and Material Setup dialog, select On a SQL Server and
enter the hostname of the database server computer as the
Server Name.
7 After entering the Server Name, you can select an existing
database on the database server in the Database Name menu, or
create a new one.
8 The first time you run INITDB you can do one of the following:
Initialize a new database with all the default tools.
Import tools from another database elsewhere on your
network
Upgrade an existing database to the latest version of
FeatureCAM and load it with all of the default tooling.
Subsequent client installations default to this choice.
80 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Browser tab
You can use the Browser tab of the File Options dialog (see page 73)
to change the default Browser home page.
To change the default Browser home page:
Enter the path to the HTML page you want as the default home
page, or click Browse to browse to where it is saved.
Alternatively you can enter the full URL of any website, for
example http://www.delcam.com.
Default Click this button to reset the location to C:\Program
Files\FeatureCAM\Browser\DefaultFeatureCAMHTMLPage.html.
Use Blank Click this button to use a blank page for the default
Browser home page.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Apply Click the Apply button to save your changes and keep the
dialog open.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
You may need to restart FeatureCAM for the new Browser
home page to take effect.
Parametric modeling
You can use equations in numeric fields in FeatureCAM dialogs. In
parametric mode, the equation is displayed. With parametric
modeling off, the result of the equation is displayed.
To enable parametric modeling, select Parametric Modeling in the
Options menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 81
Printing
There are several places to access printing options in FeatureCAM:
Print (see page 82) dialog This is the main print dialog. Set the
quality, number of copies and other settings and start printing. You
can also access the Printing Options (see page 83) dialog from here,
where you set what to print.
Print Preview (see page 84) See a preview of the pages that will
be printed.
Print Setup (see page 84) dialog Set the printer, paper and
orientation.
Print dialog
Select File > Print from the menu to display the Print dialog:
Printer This displays the current printer. To set or change the
printer, click the Setup button to open the Print Setup (see page 84)
dialog.
Print Quality Set the print resolution. Select from 600 dpi or 300
dpi.
Print to File Select this option to open the Print to File dialog when
you click the OK button. In the Print to File dialog, you can save the
print settings as a .prn file to print later.
Copies Enter the number of copies you want to print, or use the
arrow buttons.
Collate Copies If you are printing more than one copy, select
Collate Copies to print all the pages of the first copy before moving
on to the next copy. Deselect Collate Copies to print page 1 for all
copies, then page 2, and so on.
Setup Click this button to display the Print Setup (see page 84)
dialog.
Options Click this button to display the Printing Options (see page
83) dialog.
OK Click OK to print.
82 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Printing Options dialog
To display the Printing Options dialog, select File > Print from the
menu, then click Options in the Print (see page 82) dialog.
Print Range Select the elements you want to print. Select All to
print everything, or select Selection to choose which elements to
print, from:
Graphics Window
Comments (see page 95)
Operations List
Tool List of All Setups
Tool List of Each Setup
NC Program
Use white background Select this option to print the graphics
window with a white background regardless of the background color
that is set. Deselect this option to print the background color as you
see it.
Print Tool Path Select this option to print the tool path.
Print to Scale Select this option to print the graphics window to
scale.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 83
Print Preview
Select File > Print Preview to display a preview of the pages to be
printed.
The preview has several buttons at the top:
Print Click the Print button to open the Print (see page 82) dialog
to print the previewed pages.
Next Page Click this button to view the next page to be printed.
Prev Page Click this button to view the previous page to be
printed.
Two Page Click this button to view two pages at the same time.
One Page If you are viewing two pages, click this button to return
to viewing one page at a time.
Zoom In Click this button to zoom into the preview.
Zoom Out If you are zoomed into the preview, click this button to
zoom out of the preview.
Close Click Close to exit the print preview.
Print Setup dialog
To open the Print Setup dialog, select File > Print Setup from the
menu.
Printer
Name Select the name of the printer you want to use.
Status This displays the status of the selected printer.
84 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Type This displays the type of the selected printer.
Where This displays the location of the selected printer.
Comment This displays any comments associated with the
selected printer.
Paper
Size Select the paper size.
Source Select the paper source.
Orientation
Select the paper orientation from Portrait or Landscape.
You can see how the Paper Size and Orientation settings affect
the print output by doing a Print Preview (see page 84).
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Network Click the Network button to browse to a printer on the
network.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 85
New part
When you open FeatureCAM, the New Part Document Wizard (see
page 86) is displayed, which enables you to specify the type of part
file and the shape of the stock. While running FeatureCAM you can
have more than one part file open simultaneously.
Creating a new part
Use one of the following methods to display the New Part Document
(see page 88) dialog:
Select File > New from the menu.
Click New Part Document
16).
Press the Ctrl + N keys.
in the Standard toolbar (see page
When you have created a part, you can define the Stock (see page
290).
New Part Document Wizard
The New Part Document Wizard is displayed when you open
FeatureCAM, or when you close all open documents.
You can use the New Part Document Wizard to create a new file or
open an existing file.
To create a new file:
1 Select New file and click Next.
2 On the next page, select the kind of part that you want to make
from:
86 Introduction
Turn/Mill
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Vertical Mill/Turn
Milling Setup
Wire EDM Setup
Multiple Fixture
Tombstone Fixture
Simulation Machine Design
The options available depend on which module(s) you have
purchased.
3 Select the Unit of Measure.
4 Click Finish.
The Stock Wizard (see page 290) is displayed.
To open an existing file:
1 Select Open an existing file and click Next.
2 Browse to the folder containing the file you want to open.
3 Select the file you want to open and click Open.
If you do not want to see this wizard again, deselect Show this
dialog on program start.
If you want to show the wizard again, select File > Part Wizard from
the menu.
You can create a new file without using the Wizard (see page 86).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 87
New Part Document dialog
You use the New Part Document dialog to begin a new part if you are
not using the wizard (see page 86).
Use one of the following methods to display the New Part Document
(see page 88) dialog:
Select File > New from the menu.
Click New Part Document
Press the Ctrl + N keys.
in the Standard toolbar.
To create a new part document:
1 Select the Type of your part from:
88 Introduction
Turning Setup (TURN (see page 2)) for 2-axis turned parts.
This is only the type of the first setup of your part. Your part
can contain multiple setups and these setups can mix different
manufacturing techniques.
Turn/Mill (TURNMILL (see page 2)) for turning that supports
live tooling.
Vertical Mill/Turn (TURNMILL (see page 2), MTT (see page 2),
and 5AP (see page 2)) for a vertical mill/turn machine. This
creates two Setups automatically, Setup1 is a turning Setup
and Setup2 is a milling Setup.
Milling Setup (25D (see page 2)) for 2.5D or 3D milled parts.
Select this type for 5-axis positioning as well. This is only the
type of your first setup.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Wire EDM Setup (WIRE (see page 2)) for a 2-axis or 4-axis
wire EDM part.
Multiple Fixture (see page 202) for laying out multiple parts on
the table. You can mix different milled parts for multiple part
manufacturing.
Tombstone Fixture (TOMB (see page 2)) for a Tombstone
Machining (see page 215) part.
Simulation Machine Design (MSIM (see page 2)) for a Machine
Design document. Use this document to create a machine tool
model for simulation.
These options are limited by the FeatureCAM modules you
have purchased.
2 Select the Unit of Measure you will use to model your part from:
Inch
Millimeter
See System units (see page 89) for more information.
3 Select how you would like to set up your stock. Select from:
Wizard Select this option to open the Stock wizard (see
page 290) next. This option is best for novice users.
Properties Select this option to open the Stock Properties
(see page 305) dialog next. This dialog presents the pages of
the stock wizard in a concise form.
None Select this option if you want to set up the stock later
using the Stock Properties (see page 305) dialog.
4 Click OK.
System units
You choose dimension units when you create a new part file. You
can choose from either Inch or Millimeter. If you wish to change the
dimension units for new parts later, select Options > File Options. If
you always produce parts in the same units, you can turn off the
automatic display associated with a new file by deselecting Always
ask when a new document is created.
Inch units set FeatureCAM to size the part, its features, and the
tools in inches and fractions (decimal display) of inches. All
measurements are in inches.
Millimeter units set FeatureCAM to size the part, its features, and
the tools in millimeters. There is no option for setting larger metric
units as the default.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 89
Thumbnail pictures
When you select a part in the Open dialog, a preview image is
displayed.
The image that is displayed depends on the options in the Save
Options (see page 92) dialog. The image updates each time you
save the part unless you specify a permanent image (see page 96)
to store in the file.
90 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Saving your work
You cannot save a FeatureCAM file unless you have a dongle.
Saving your part file to disk and saving part documentation and part
program are separate operations.
Saving a part file (see page 91)
Save options (see page 92)
Saving an NC part program (see page 1648)
Part documentation (see page 95)
Export (see page 145)
Saving a part file
You cant save a FeatureCAM file unless you have a dongle. To save
a FeatureCAM part file for the first time:
1 Select File > Save As from the menu to display the Save As
dialog.
2 Navigate to where you want to save the file.
3 Enter a File name.
4 From the Save as type list, select FM Documents (*.fm) to
automatically give the filename a suffix of .fm, or select All Files
(*.*) to enter a suffix manually. You add any file extension to the
end of the name, but the file is saved in FeatureCAM format.
5 Click Save to save the file.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 91
Save Options
Select File > Save Options from the menu to display the Save Options
dialog.
Create backup copy Select this option to save a number of
previous versions of your part as you work. Enter the Number of
copies to keep and set the Backup location. When you save a file, the
previous version(s) are saved to disk using the name, but prefixed
with Backup of. The latest version of the file is always saved using
the name of your FeatureCAM part.
Compress file Select this option to reduce the size of the
FeatureCAM files on disk.
Compressed files cannot be read into earlier versions of
FeatureCAM.
Save preview picture in file Select this option to store an image of
the part in the file. This image is displayed in the Open (see page
90) dialog.
Always save as 32-bit Select this option to ensure maximum
compatibility between Windows Operating Systems. A file saved as
64-bit can be opened only with a 64-bit version of FeatureCAM. This
option is available only in 64-bit FeatureCAM.
Save computed toolpath For certain parts, generating toolpaths
can be time-consuming and you may want to save them for the
next time you open a part. The setting of Save computed toolpath
controls the default behavior for saving toolpaths. Select from
Always save, Never save, or Ask me to be prompted each time you
save a part. The toolpath is saved as an .fmp file.
92 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is different than saving the NC text file that the NC
machine reads. Instead you are saving the FeatureCAM
internal toolpath representation.
If you upgrade to a newer version of FeatureCAM, the
toolpath is disregarded and recomputed.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Send Part Files dialog
To display the Send Part Files dialog, select File > Send from the
menu.
Select the files you want to send from:
Part document The current .fm file.
Milling post The current Milling .cnc file.
Turning post The current Turning .cnc file.
Wire EDM post The current Wire EDM .cnc file.
User interface settings The .ini file containing your user interface
preferences.
Machine design files (.md) the current .md file.
Crash and performance logs Select this option to create a separate
.zip file of your system's crash and performance logs.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 93
Select how you want to send the files:
As individual files The individual files are attached to a new email.
As a zip file The files are zipped and the .zip file is attached to a
new email.
Save to desktop The files are zipped and the .zip file is saved to
your desktop.
Size confirmation
If you are sending .zip files, a Size Confirmation warning dialog is
displayed:
The average email server limits attachments to 10 MB.
The total size of the attachement(s) is: N (where N is the size of your
attachment(s))
Would you like to continue sending?
Click Send to attach the files to an email.
Click Don't Send to keep the files on your desktop.
Click Cancel to discard the files.
FeatureCAM file types
You can save several different types of files for your part.
.op is the Manufacturing Operation Sheet and is the same
information shown on the Details tab when you select Operation
List.
.tl is the Manufacturing Tool Detail Sheet and is the same
information shown on the Details tab when you select Tool List.
.txt is a text file containing the NC code for the particular part
file.
.tdb is a FeatureCAM tooling database that contains just the tools
you used to create the part.
.fdb is a FeatureCAM material database that contains the feed
and speed tables used for the part.
.cdb is a FeatureCAM machine configuration database that
contains the settings for default attributes.
The filename of all files is the same as the part name. If you have a
part called part, the files created are: part.op, part.tl, part.txt, part.tdb,
part.fdb. When saving the NC code you are given the opportunity to
change the NC file name. If you enter a different NC file name, the
default file extension is .txt.
94 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If a part has multiple setups, the Setup ID number is appended to
the part name. For example, if you have a part called plate with
three Setups, three different sets of files are created called plate,
plate2, and plate3. So a .op, .tl, .txt, .tdb, .fdb, and .cdb file are created
for each Setup for a total of eighteen files.
Part Documentation
The Part Documentation dialog enables you to add comments to the
printed documentation and set a permanent preview picture for the
part.
To display the Part Documentation dialog, select File > Part
Documentation from the menu.
The Part Documentation dialog contains two tabs:
Documentation (see page 95)
Preview Picture (see page 96)
Documentation tab
On the Documentation tab of the Part Documentation (see page 95)
dialog, optionally enter a Title, Author, Company, Part/Drawing No.,
Revision, Note 1, Note 2, and Comments. To print these values along
with the documentation, select Comments in the Printing Options
(see page 83) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 95
If you use the custom setup sheet add-in (see page 180),
these values are copied to the Setup Sheet Options dialog.
Preview Picture tab
On the Preview Picture tab of the Part Documentation (see page 95)
dialog, you can set a permanent preview image for the part. This
image is displayed in the preview pane in the File > Open dialog
when you select a file.
This image is normally updated each time you save the part. If you
want to store a permanent image with the part:
1 Create the view of the part you want to store.
2 Click Update preview picture
The current view in the graphics window is displayed as the
Current preview picture, for example:
3 Click OK to save the preview picture or Cancel to close the dialog
without saving the preview picture.
Saving your settings
FeatureCAM uses two .ini files to store your settings:
ezfm_ui.ini contains toolbars, dialog locations, graphics settings,
colors, and other user settings.
96 Introduction
ezfm_mfg.ini contains manufacturing defaults and .cfg settings.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The ezfm_mfg.ini file contains default values for both inch and metric
attributes. For example, there is an entry for zrapid in inches and
also an entry for zrapid_mm in mm. In general, the name for the
metric attributes is the same as the inch name, with a suffix of
_mm.
Three items from the Options menu affect the communication with
the ezfm_ui.ini and ezfm_mfg.ini files:
Options > Save Settings Now writes the current settings to the
files.
Options > Reload Settings reads the settings contained in the
files into the program.
Options > Save on Exit saves the current settings when you exit
the program. If this option is not selected, the settings for your
current session are not saved to the files when you exit.
In old versions of FeatureCAM all program options were
stored in one file, the ezfm.ini file, located in the same folder
that Windows is installed in. That file included the settings
you chose for toolbars, the Viewing, Simulation, Default
Attributes, and Post Options dialogs. When you run version 15
or later for the first time, it reads the existing ezfm.ini file and
splits the contents into the two new .ini files. All changes are
written to the new .ini files, the old .ini file does not change.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 97
Command line options
The command line options enable you to start FeatureCAM in a
specified mode; to run a script or add-in; or to pre-load information
from file. FeatureCAM supports the following parameters:
-b:
Loads a VB add-in from the specified path.
-c
Runs the script at specified path.
-dbug
Sends the debug output to the console.
-Debug
ToFile
Sends the debug output to file ezfm_debug.txt
-? or
-help
Lists the command line options available for FeatureCAM.
-i
Loads the settings from the specified v14 ini file.
-l
Specifies the network license for FeatureCAM.
-m
Loads the manufacturing settings from the specified ezfm_mfg.ini f
example:
ezfm -uc:\ProgramData\FeatureCAM\ezfm_mfg.ini
-noflex
Skips the flex/rms license checks.
-RegSer
ver
Registers the FeatureCAM library
-u
Loads the user-interface settings from the specified ezfm_ui.ini file
example:
ezfm -uc:\ProgramData\FeatureCAM\ezfm_custom_ui.ini
-viewal
Sends debug graphics to this ezfm instance
To open FeatureCAM using a command line option:
1 Open the Command Line window.
98 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Type the name of the FeatureCAM executable followed by the
parameter. For example:
You must enter the full path of the executable and any
specified files used when they are not located in the
currently selected directory. Commands are not
case-sensitive.
3 Press the Enter key to execute the command.
The path to the .ini file for versions of FeatureCAM older than
15 is -Ic:\path\ezfm.ini. This is still available but is used only
during initialization if the ezfm_ui.ini and ezfm_mfg.ini files are
not found. If the new .ini files are found, the -I option is
ignored.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 99
Coordinate systems
A User Coordinate System (see page 100) (UCS) is an origin, X
direction, Y direction, and Z direction used for modeling and is
displayed like this:
Setups (see page 105) can be anywhere in three-dimensional
space. They can even exist in the same location as other Setups.
When you create a Setup, you need to keep in mind what it means
for the part. The Setup is the part origin (0, 0, 0) on the machine
and in the NC code. You have to place the Setup where that origin
also works with the manufacturing of features in the Setup.
A Setup is displayed like this:
The origin and coordinate system for each NC part program is
determined by the Setup and its associated UCS. When you Save NC
(see page 1648) code, the part program and manufacturing
documentation is generated and saved for all Setups of your part.
User Coordinate Systems (UCSs)
A User Coordinate System (UCS) is an origin, X direction, Y
direction, and Z direction used for modeling. Two-dimensional
geometry is usually created in the XY plane of the current UCS. You
can use many different UCSs while modeling your part. When you
create a manufacturing Setup, you select a single UCS to determine
the part program zero and set the direction for the X, Y, and Z axes.
You can create UCSs in many different locations. You can create a
UCS by explicitly transforming an existing UCS or by using the
Alignment wizard (see page 103) to create UCSs at convenient
locations on your part. The name of the current UCS is displayed in
the Status bar (see page 37). To change to a different UCS, click the
current UCS name in the status bar and select the new UCS from
the context menu.
100 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
UCS dialog
The UCS dialog enables you to create and edit User Coordinate
Systems.
Use one of the following methods to display the UCS dialog:
Select Construct > UCS from the menu.
Click UCS
in the Advanced toolbar (see page 17).
Current UCS displays the name of the current coordinate system.
The Parameters in world coordinate system section displays the UCS
coordinates in the World Coordinate System. Selecting a different
UCS from the Current UCS list changes the current User Coordinate
System (see page 102).
Click New to display the New UCS dialog, which enables you to
create a new UCS (see page 101).
You can use the Translate, Rotate, Align, Rename, and Reset buttons
to edit the current UCS (see page 102).
To delete the current UCS, select the UCS name in the Current UCS
list and click Delete.
See User coordinate systems (see page 100) for more information
on UCSs and How do setups relate to UCSs? (see page 116).
Creating a User Coordinate System
To create a User Coordinate System:
1 Click UCS
in the Advanced toolbar to display the UCS dialog.
2 Click New in the UCS dialog to display the New UCS dialog.
3 In the New UCS dialog, enter a Name for the new UCS.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 101
4 If you want to create a copy of an existing UCS:
a Select Create from UCS.
b Select a UCS from the list.
c Click OK to close the New UCS dialog.
d Modify your new UCS using the UCS dialog (see page 102).
5 If you want to use the alignment wizard:
a Select Create and go to alignment wizard.
b Click OK to display the Align UCS dialog.
c Use the alignment wizard (see page 103) to position your new
UCS.
Changing User Coordinate Systems
To change the current UCS using the Status bar:
1 Click the current UCS name in the Status bar (see page 37).
2 Select a UCS from the context menu.
To change the current UCS using the UCS dialog:
1 Click UCS
in the Advanced toolbar to display the UCS dialog.
2 Select a UCS from the Current UCS list.
Editing a User Coordinate System
To edit a User Coordinate System:
1 Click UCS
in the Advanced toolbar to display the UCS dialog.
2 Select a UCS from the Current UCS list.
3 Use the following buttons to edit the UCS:
Translate Click this button to open the Translate dialog,
where you can enter coordinates for the new UCS or click Pick
location
102 Introduction
to select the point in the graphics window.
Rotate Click this button to open the Rotate dialog. Enter the
rotation angle in degrees (positive or negative) about the X,
Y, and/or Z axes.
Align Click this button to open the Align wizard (see page
103).
Rename Click this button to open the New UCS Name dialog,
where you can enter a new Name for the UCS.
Reset Click this button to make the UCS equivalent to the
World Coordinate System.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Click Close to close the dialog.
Align (UCS) wizard
The Align Wizard enables you to place a UCS using a number of
methods. Select a method and click Next. The next page then
prompts you for the information listed below.
Method
Next Page Prompts To
Stock
Select a face, then select a
corner of that face. You can
graphically pick either the
face or corner.
Feature
Select the feature from a list
of features in the part, or
select it graphically. The
UCS is placed at
predetermined locations on
the feature.
Three points
Specify the locations of an
origin, a point anywhere on
the new X axis, and any
point in the new XY plane.
Two lines
Select two intersecting lines
in the model to specify the
new X and Y axes.
Circle
Select a circle. The UCS is
positioned at the center of
the circle.
Curve
Select a curve. The UCS is
positioned at the start point
or end point of the curve.
The Z axis is aligned with
the curve normal.
UCS
Select another UCS. The
new UCS is now a copy of
the UCS you selected. You
can then edit it with other
functions in the UCS dialog.
Surface
Select the surface and a
point on the surface. UCS is
positioned at the point on
the surface with the Z axis
aligned with the surface
normal.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 103
Revolved
Surface (see
page 104)
Align to revolved surface
This method is typically used to align the UCS to the axis of a
turned part. This alignment method works only for surfaces of
revolution. For many imported models, flat disks are not
represented as surfaces of revolution. For the model below you
should select the cylindrical surfaces instead of the disk in order to
position the UCS at the end of the part.
To complete the Align to Revolved Surface dialog:
1 Click Pick surface
2 Select the surface of revolution in the graphics window.
3 If you want to use the other end of the surface, select Flip
direction.
4 Click Finish.
If the selected surface is not a surface of revolution, the error
message Cant construct UCS from the selected surface is
displayed. Repeat steps 1 to 4 and select a different surface.
Using multiple UCS and Setups
When you create features, they are added to the active Setup and
UCS. You can create profile curves in any convenient UCS. For 2.5D
features, create each curve in the XY plane (or parallel to the XY
plane) of the UCS. You can then use a curve to create a feature in
any Setup whose XY plane is parallel to the plane of the curve.
Click Setups
in the Advanced toolbar to display the Setups (see
page 105) dialog, where you can change the current UCS.
104 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click UCS
in the Advanced toolbar to display the UCS (see page
101) dialog, where you can change the current UCS.
View Toolpaths for a Setup
Setups
You can use Setups to work in different orientations on the same
part. You can have multiple Setups in a model.
When you create a feature, it is added to the active Setup. To
change the active Setup, select a Setup in the Part View panel, or
use the Setups dialog (see page 105).
If you have two parts that share most of the same design,
you can create the common features in one Setup, and the
unique features in two other Setups. Depending which Setups
you include in the plan and manufacture, you can create two
parts using only one FeatureCAM document.
Setups dialog
You can use the Setups dialog to change the active Setup, create
new Setups and edit existing Setups.
Use one of the following methods to display the Setups dialog:
Select Manufacturing > Setups from the menu.
Click the Setups
Double-click a Setup name in the Part View.
Right-click a Setup name in the Part View and select Properties
from the context menu.
button on the Advanced toolbar.
Click New to display the Setup wizard (see page 297), which you
can use to create a new Setup.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 105
To edit an existing setup, select the Setup from the Current Setup
list, then click Edit to display the Setup wizard (see page 106).
To change the active Setup, select a Setup from the Current Setup
list and click Close.
You can also change the active Setup in the Status bar (see
page 37). Click the existing setup name and select a different
setup from the context menu.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Setup wizard
The Setup wizard enables you to create or edit a Setup.
It contains these pages.
The pages that are displayed depend on the options that you
select.
Definition (see page 106)
Part Program Zero (see page 109)
Pick Initial Setup Z Direction (see page 112)
Pick Initial Setup X Orientation (see page 112)
Pick Setup XYZ Location (see page 112)
Part Program Offset (see page 113)
Simulation information (see page 113)
Right Angled Head (see page 114)
Setup - Definition
106 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setup Name Enter a name for the Setup. This name is used only
as a label for the Setup.
Fixture ID Verify the Fixture ID for the Setup. The default value
should be correct because it is taken from the current *.cnc post
processor template file. If the default value is not correct, enter the
correct value.
Part Name Optionally enter a different Part Name for the part. This
defaults to the file name, but you may need to override this for
Fanuc controls to give the part a numeric part name.
Multi-axis Setups have these attributes:
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
Introduction 107
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Click Next to open the Setup - Part Program Zero (see page 109)
page, or click Finish.
108 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setup - Part Program Zero
You can use the Part Program Zero page of the wizard to select a
method of specifying part program zero. This is the origin of the
coordinate system for the NC program.
To complete this page, select one of the options and click Next.
Align to Stock Face (see page 110) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup with the center or corner of one of the
Stock faces, or to explicitly pick a location.
Align to Index axis (see page 111) Select this option to align
the Setup with the index axis. (This option is available only for a
turn/mill or 4th-axis indexed (see page 296) part.)
Align with existing UCS (see page 111) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup with a previously created user coordinate
system (UCS).
Align to part geometry (see page 112) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup relative to the part geometry.
Use current location Select this option if you want to leave the
Setup at its current location.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 109
Align to Stock Face
Align to Stock Face enables you to align the part program zero to a
face on the Stock.
To complete this page:
1 In the Stock Face section, select the face that you want to use.
2 In the XYZ Location section, either click the Pick location button
and select the location on the model or click the pointing finger
button that corresponds to either the Center of the stock or
one of the corners:
UL upper left corner
UR upper right corner
LL lower left corner
LR lower right corner
3 Click Next to open the Setup - Part Program Offset (see page 113)
page, or click Finish.
110 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Align to Index axis
To complete this page:
1 If you want to translate the origin off the axis, enter the Radius
from rotation axis.
2 If you want to rotate the coordinate system around the Stock
axis (see page 317), enter an Angular location.
3 Enter an X Offset if you want to translate the coordinate system
along the X axis.
4 Click Finish.
Align with existing UCS
This page enables you to align the part program zero with an
existing user coordinate system.
To complete this page:
1 Select the name of the UCS from the list or click the Pick UCS
button and select it from the graphics window.
2 Click Next to go to the Part Program Offset (see page 113) page
or click Finish.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 111
Align to part geometry
Click one of the buttons to specify the Setup's Z direction using the
method listed.
Click Next and the Pick Initial Setup X Direction page is displayed.
Click one of the buttons to specify the Setup's X direction using one
of the methods listed.
Click Next and the Pick Setup XYZ Location page is displayed:
If you are using the center of a revolved surface, you can click
Opposite End to create the Setup at the other end of the cylinder.
Click Finish.
112 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setup - Part Program Offset
This page enables you to translate the location of the Setup. One
reason to translate the Setup is to model the extra stock on top of
the part that is removed during a facing operation. You may also
want to translate it to a location that you cannot easily snap to.
To complete this page:
1 If you want to translate the stock, enter the amount to offset the
stock as the X Offset, Y Offset, and/or Z Offset.
2 Click the Preview button if you want to review the new location of
the Setup.
3 Click Next to open the Setup - Simulation information (see page
113) page, or click Finish.
Setup - Simulation information
Use this page of the wizard to specify an offset for loading the part
onto the machine and select the machine design file that is used for
Machine Simulation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 113
The X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset parameters represent offsets for
loading the part onto the machine. For simulating single milling or
turning setups these offsets are applied to the setup after the part
is aligned with the top-most location (see page 241). For indexed
parts or turn/mill parts, the offset is relative to the stock axis.
Click Next to open the Setup - Right Angled Head (see page 114)
page, or click Finish.
Setup - Right Angled Head
1 Select the option on this page if you want to allow the creation of
features that can be cut only with a right-angled tool holder.
2 Click Finish.
Fixture ID
Fixture ID has two related contexts:
One specifies the fixture offset used to model the part within
FeatureCAM, especially in multiple fixture situations.
The other specifies the fixture offset used to produce the part in
NC code.
For NC code, FeatureCAM passes the Fixture ID to XBUILD, which
uses the reserved word <FIXTURE> to pass the fixture offset
information to the machine. While your part may have been
displayed and modeled at one location, the fixture offset may
override that location in actual production depending on your
machine tool system.
You must set the Fixture ID to correspond to your machine tool. If
your machine uses G54 or G55, set the Fixture ID to 54 or 55. If your
machine uses H1, set the Fixture ID to 1.
The other fixture offset type reserved words, Datum Shift and
Datum Set, are not supported. Datum Shift and Set are
commonly seen as G92, or G97 codes.
Part Name
The Part Name defaults to be the same as the FeatureCAM part file
name. This name is used in three places:
The part name in the NC file comment.
If the part has macros, the names of the macros are derived
from the program name. A two-digit number is appended to the
program name to form the macro name. For example, if the part
is named plate the first macro would be named plate01.
114 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The name of the NC text file and documentation files (setup
sheet and tooling list).
You can change the Part Name in the Setups (see page 105) dialog.
Even though the name is changed in the Setups dialog, this name is
the same for all Setups. A number is appended to subsequent
Setups. Changing the Part Name changes the name of the NC file,
tooling list and operations sheet that is generated. See Saving an
NC part program to disk (see page 1648) for more information on
output files.
Fanuc control users: you need to use a numeric value for the
NC program name. This gives you a numeric NC file name and
appropriately named macros.
Setting up a part for multi-spindle turning
Setups
You need at least two Setups (see page 105) for multi-spindle
turning, one Setup for the main spindle and a second Setup for the
sub-spindle. The Z axes of the two Setups must point in opposite
directions.
If your NC controller requires that both coordinate systems
point in the same direction, this adjustment is made in the
post processor.
The origin of the two setups can be positioned at any convenient
point on the part.
FeatureCAM automatically creates setups with non-descriptive
names like Setup1 or Setup2. You may want to rename your
setups with more descriptive names like Main Spindle.
The first Setup is automatically assigned to the main spindle. To
perform the first operations on the sub-spindle, either:
In the Part View panel, click and drag the sub-spindle Setup
above the main spindle Setup.
Select Manufacturing > Process Plan from the menu to display the
Process Plan (see page 1572) dialog, and use the arrow buttons
to change the order of the Setups in the Process Plan list.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 115
Associating features with Setups
Features are associated with the current Setup. For multiple turret
cutting, the Setup associated with the feature dictates which spindle
holds the part while the feature is being cut. The Part View displays
a list of the Setups in the model, with the Features on each Setup
listed below the Setup name.
Moving the part
The part must be moved between the two spindles using a collection
sub-spindle features (see page 930) and perhaps bar feed features
(see page 915).
Machine Simulation
Machine simulation shows each Setup cut twice if there is a
sub-spindle move.
Setting up a part for multi-turret turning
The following issues must be considered for multi-turret turning:
Multi-turret machining can be performed with as few as one
setup.
The post processor that is loaded while you are creating your
part must support multiple turrets.
For pinch or follow turning, your post processor must have
opposing turrets.
For appropriate machine simulation the post processor must
have the same turret and spindle description as the machine
design file.
With the exception of automatically synchronized features (see
page 1642), features are automatically associated with the first
turret. To move an operation to another turret, you must use the
Turrets (see page 1637) tab.
How Setups relate to UCSs
A User Coordinate System (UCS) is an origin and three vectors (X,
Y, and Z) that determine a position and orientation in
three-dimensional space. You can use an unlimited number of these
to model your part.
116 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
One particular UCS is associated with a Setup. A Setup is an
orientation and part program zero for a physical setup on the
machine tool. The orientation and program zero are determined by
the associated UCS and the Setup contains additional information
like the fixture ID and the name of the NC program that are
generated.
If Setups are created directly by aligning with the stock, special
UCSs are created with the string UCS appended to the Setup name.
For example a UCS called UCS_setup2 is automatically created for
Setup2. These UCSs are used to store the location/orientation
information for the Setup. They cannot be deleted if their Setup
exists.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 117
Import/Export
You can import (see page 125) and export (see page 145) various
file types into and from FeatureCAM.
The settings for import and export are in the Import/Export Options
(see page 118) dialog. To open this dialog select File > Import/Export
Options from the menu.
Import/Export Options
The Import/Export Options dialog contains settings for importing and
exporting.
To display the Import/Export Options dialog select File > Import/Export
Options from the menu.
The dialog has three tabs:
General (see page 118)
Solid Import (see page 120)
Digitized Data (see page 121)
General tab
The General tab controls how FeatureCAM imports or exports files. It
contains the following options:
Always replace object on import Select this option to overwrite
objects of the same name when you import. Deselected prompts for
every replacement. You cant have two objects with the same name.
118 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Smooth EZ-MILL curves Select this option to improve EZ-MILL
curves on import because FeatureCAM has a higher resolution curve
format.
Keep IGES import log file Select this option to keep a log of the
import process for later review or troubleshooting.
IGES log file name Enter the path and filename for saving a record
of the import process.
Import IGES entity of type:
Logically dependent can exist by itself but is also referenced by
another entity (case of groups or grouping situation).
Physically dependent generally, you should deselect this option to
indicate you do not want physically dependent entities to be
imported. But if you are having trouble with your IGES file and it is
not importing properly, try selecting this option and re-importing.
Entities in an IGES file are marked to be either physically dependent
or not. Those that are marked to be physically dependent are
entities that are used in the construction of other entities. For
example, a trimming loop is physically dependent upon the trimmed
surface that uses it. The trimming loop is not important all by itself,
but is instead a building block of something else. The trimmed
surface is in turn marked physically dependent to indicate that it is
a building block of a parent entity, a solid. By selecting Physically
dependent, you cause FeatureCAM to show everything in the IGES
file - not just the top-level entities that are usually shown, but also
all of the lower-level building blocks. This is generally not what you
want. Generally you want only the top-level entity, for example the
solid.
Both physically and logically dependent meets both logically and
physically dependent criteria (is referenced by at least two other
entities the parent for the logical link cannot be the parent for the
physical as well).
Center stock automatically Select this option to automatically size
and position the stock so that it covers the imported data.
Number of decimal places in IGES export determines how finely
data is exported to the IGES format.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 119
Solid Import tab
The Solid Import tab contains the following options:
Heal Catia solids Select this option to try to repair the faces or
surfaces contained in the CATIA .mod file. This option can be
time-consuming because it attempts to:
retrim the surfaces/faces against each other.
force edges of surfaces to actually lie on the surface.
simplify surfaces like converting a general surface into a cylinder.
Import hidden Catia V5 solids Select this option to import all parts
contained in the CATIA file even if those parts are hidden.
Import file as solids Select this option to import files as solid
models. If this option is deselected, the models are imported as
surface models. We recommend that you import models as solids. If
this option is selected and the solid fails to import properly, you are
asked if you would like to attempt to heal the solid to try and fix the
import problem.
Import work planes When selected, planar surfaces in solids are
imported. When deselected, planar surfaces in solids are ignored.
Stitch IGES surfaces into solids/sheets Select this option to try to
create one or more solids or sheets from an IGES file. If an IGES file
contains more than one solid or sheet, this is the most efficient way
to create the multiple objects from the file.
120 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Digitized Data tab
Digitized data is imported into FeatureCAM through DXF Polyline
entities. The Digitized data import/export options affect how this
data is imported. These settings affect only the import of the data.
If you want to change one of these options, you must remove the
old data and import the .dxf file again.
The Digitized Data tab contains the following options:
DWG/DXF Non-Smooth Polyline Import Method:
As Curve Select this option to import a non-smooth polyline as
a curve
As Connected Lines Select this option to import the
non-smooth polyline as a series of line segments.
DWG/DXF Smooth Polyline Import Method:
If the polyline has smooth vertices, it is imported as a curve. There
are two options:
Interpolation the curve passes through the data. If the data is
very dense, interpolation sometimes causes the curve to wiggle
in between the points. The spline interpolation (see page 450)
technique is used to create the curve.
Approximation the curve comes very close to the data points
and is unlikely to wiggle for densely-spaced data.
DWG/DXF Polygonal Mesh Import Method:
If the polyline is a polygonal mesh, it is imported as a surface.
There are two options:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 121
Interpolation the surface passes through all of the data points.
If the data is very dense, some wiggles may appear in the
surface. A cubic hermite technique is used to create the surface.
Approximation the surface comes close to the data points. The
points are used as control points to the surface and the surface is
unlikely to wiggle for densely-spaced data.
Example of digitized data format for a 3D point
Text
0
SECTION
2
ENTITIES
0
POINT
10
0.0000
20
0.0000
30
0.0000
0
ENDSEC
0
EOF
preceded by <--- is included only as a comment.
<--- X
<--- y
<--- Z
Example of digitized data format for a two-point curve
Text preceded by <--- is included only as a comment.
0
SECTION
2
ENTITIES
0
POLYLINE
0
VERTEX
10
0.0000
20
0.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
10
1.0000
20
122 Introduction
<--- x0
<--- y0
<--- z0
<--- x1
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1.0000
30
0.0000
0
SEQEND
0
ENDSEC
0
EOF
<--- y1
<--- z1
Example of digitized data format for a spline curve
At least four points are needed for a spline.
Text
0
SECTION
2
ENTITIES
0
POLYLINE
0
VERTEX
70
8
10
0.0000
20
0.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
70
8
10
0.0000
20
1.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
70
8
10
1.0000
20
1.0000
30
0.0000
preceded by <--- is included only as a comment.
<--- x0
<--- y0
<--- z0
<--- x1
<--- y1
<--- z1
<--- x2
<--- y2
<--- z2
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 123
0
VERTEX
70
8
10
1.0000
20
2.0000
30
0.0000
0
SEQEND
0
ENDSEC
0
EOF
<--- x3
<--- y3
<--- z3
Example of digitized data format for a surface defined by four
corner points
Text preceded by <--- is included only as a comment.
0
SECTION
2
ENTITIES
0
POLYLINE
70
16
71
2 <--- Number
72
2 <--- Number
0
VERTEX
70
64
10
0.0000 <--- x
20
0.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
70
64
10
1.0000 <--- x
20
124 Introduction
of rows
of columns
of row 0, column 0
of row 0, column 1
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
0.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
70
64
10
0.0000
20
1.0000
30
0.0000
0
VERTEX
70
64
10
1.0000
20
1.0000
30
0.0000
0
SEQEND
0
ENDSEC
0
EOF
<--- x of row 1, column 0
<--- x of row 1, column 1
Importing files
Use the File > Import menu option to load a CAD model from file.
To import a CAD model from a file:
1 Open a new or existing part file. You must have a part open to
import geometry.
2 If you want to set or change the import options, select File >
Import/Export Options.
3 Select File > Import from the menu. The Import dialog is
displayed.
4 Select the file you want to import, and click Open.
A message asks if you want to review the log file: click Yes to
display the results, or click No to continue. The Import Results
wizard (see page 128) is displayed.
5 Follow the instruction in the wizard to complete the process.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 125
FeatureCAM can import these formats. If the description is followed
by (3D), you need FeatureCAM 3D or the Solid Modeling module to
import it.
Type
Description
.ddx (see page
131)
Delcam PowerSHAPE (Delcam Data Exchange (see page
131))
.dwg; .dxf (see
AutoCAD files (3D for embedded solids)
page 131)
.iges (see page
133)
Industry standard neutral CAD files (3D for surface or
solids)
.geo
Bridgeport EZ-CAM 2D geometry
.xmt and .xmb (see
page 136)
Parasolid-based solid models (3D)
.sat and .sab (see
ACIS-based solid models (3D)
page 137)
.sldprt (see page
SolidWorks files (3D)
137)
.sldasm (see page
SolidWorks assembly files (3D)
138)
.mod and .model
CATIA V4 files (This module is priced separately.)
(see page 138)
.ipt and .iam (see
Autodesk Inventor files (3D)
page 139)
.prt, .prt<number>,
.asm and
.asm<number>
Native Pro/ENGINEER files, PTC Creo files (This module
priced separately.)
(see page 139)
.catpart (see page
CATIA V5 files (This module priced separately.)
139)
.par and .asm (see
Native SolidEdge files (3D) and SolidEdge assembly files
page 140)
.prt (see page
NX (formerly Unigraphics) native files (priced separately)
140)
.stp or .step (see
STEP files (priced separately)
page 140)
126 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can import models from other file formats using the File >
Import Using Exchange menu option (see page 131).
Supported import formats
This version of FeatureCAM supports at least the following import
formats when using native import (not Delcam Exchange).
You may be running a service pack of FeatureCAM that supports a
later version of a file format, but on the previous update of the help
file these are the supported formats:
File format:
First supported in
version:
SolidWorks 2015
21.8
SolidEdge ST7
21.8
DWG 2013
20.0
Parasolid v25
20.0
CATIA V5 R23
20.0
CATIA V5-6R2013
19.1
UG NX 8.5 (for only BREP and
Assembly)
20.0
UG NX 8.0
19.1
Autodesk Inventor
19.8
Pro/E Creo2
19.1
Pro/E Creo
18.8
If you have an example file that does not import properly, please
send it to your authorized support representative and they will send
it to Delcam developers for examination and bug fixing as
necessary.
Working with imported geometry
Imported geometry is often less exact than geometry you create
directly in FeatureCAM. End points may not match and you may find
that you have a lot of extraneous data on your screen. Deleting or
hiding the extraneous data greatly speeds up the display of your
part. You may also want to chain your data one piece at a time
instead of using automatic chaining.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 127
Gaps in your data make chaining your geometry into curves more
difficult. With small gaps you may have to adjust the Chaining
tolerance set in Chaining in the Options menu. This tolerance
represents the distance between endpoints that will automatically
be bridged by the chaining algorithm. By increasing this tolerance
you may be able to automatically close the gaps between endpoints
during chaining. You can change this tolerance in the Chaining
dialog. With some data you may find that you must manually insert
line segments or arcs to close the gaps in the data. After closing
these gaps, you should find that the data will chain more easily.
Import wizard
When you import a file, FeatureCAM steps you through its import
wizard. This wizard helps you:
1 Import the file into FeatureCAM.
2 Size the stock.
3 Orient the stock.
4 Position the part program zero.
5 Set up a part for indexing.
6 For some solid file formats, it helps you recognize and suppress
some part features.
To use the wizard, select File > Import from the menu and follow the
steps of the wizard.
Import Results dialog
After importing a file, the Import Results dialog is displayed.
The options available depend on the file you imported and include:
128 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use the wizard Select this option and click Next to run the Import
wizard (see page 128) to align the part to the stock, size the stock,
and for some file formats, perform some initial feature recognition.
Accept the imported data 'as is' and exit the wizard To exit without
using the wizard, select this option and click Finish.
Launch AFR after finish If you want to run automatic feature
recognition on the imported model, select this option. Automatic
feature recognition runs after the import procedure is complete.
Use the same alignment as last import If you are re-importing a
part or importing parts that are part of an assembly, select this
option. The alignment transformation is saved with each import and
you can reapply it using this option.
Undo does not reset the saved transformation.
Stock Type page
Use the Stock Type page of the import wizard to specify the shape
of the stock.
The following stock shapes are available:
Block:
Round:
N-Sided:
To complete this page:
1 Select the stock shape as Block, Round, or N-Sided.
If you selected Block Enter the Length (X dimension), Width
(Y dimension), and Thickness (Z dimension).
If you selected Round Select the Axis (see page 293) and
enter the Length and OD (outside diameter). If you are
working with tube stock, enter a positive number as the ID
(inside diameter).
If wrapping (see page 325) or indexing (see page 316),
the axis must match your index axis.
If you selected N-Sided Enter the Axis (see page 293), the
OD (outside diameter), the number of Sides, and the Length
of your stock.
You can skip this step and use the Stock Wizard (see page
290) later to define the stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 129
If you are running the offline version of FeatureCAM, you
also have the option of automatically resizing the stock.
If you want to use a Curve or a Solid to define the stock,
use the Stock Properties (see page 305) dialog.
2 Click Next, or click Finish (see page 291).
Select Round Stock Center page
Use the Select Round Stock Center page to specify the location of the
central axis of the stock.
Use one of the buttons to locate the central axis:
Pick location Select a location in the graphics window that
represents the round stock center point.
Center of revolved surface Select a revolved surface (see page
104) to use the axis about which it is revolved is as the center of
the stock.
Center of imported data's bounding box Use the geometric
center of the imported data as the center of the stock. Use this
option to quickly position the stock when importing simple or
symmetrical solids.
Pick Initial Setup XYZ Location
Use the Pick Initial Setup XYZ Location page to specify the location of
the setup.
Use the buttons to position the setup:
Click one of these buttons to align the setup with a
position on the stock.
Pick location Select a location in the graphics window.
Center of revolved surface Select a revolved surface (see
page 104) to position the setup in the center of the surface.
Enter the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the setup.
Preview Display a preview of the setup location in blue in the
graphics window.
130 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Import Using Exchange
You can import files using Delcam Exchange. There is an option on
the File menu. Select File > Import Using Exchange:
You must have Delcam Exchange installed to use this feature.
Importing Delcam PowerSHAPE files
FeatureCAM supports the import of these *.ddx entities:
lines
arcs
NURBS curves
any surface that can be converted into a 'NURBS surface' by the
DGK2DGK function.
any surface that can be converted into a 'trimmed NURBS
surface' by the DGK2DGK function.
Parasolid (X_T) information.
Importing AutoCAD files
FeatureCAM supports the import of the .dwg and .dxf entities below.
.dxf files have both ASCII and binary forms, .dwg files have only
binary form, all of these formats are supported.
FeatureCAM supports the import of the following .dwg and .dxf
entities. If the entity has (3D) listed after it, then you need
FeatureCAM 3D or the Solid Modeling module.
.dxf entity
FeatureMILL object
LINE
line from 2 points
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 131
POLYLINE
lines from 2points
POLYLINE with
smooth
vertices
curve
POLYGON
MESH
surface
LINE3D
line from 2 points
POINT
point
SPLINE (DXF
only)
curve
UCS
UCS
SEQEND
line from 2 points
LAYER
layer
VERTEX
line from 2 points
COLOR
object colors are maintained upon import
CIRCLE
circle center radius
arc center begin end
arc center begin end
curve
ARC
arc center begin end
curve, if asymmetrically scaled
INSERT DXF
BLOCK
BODY
SHEET
3DSOLID
trimmed surfaces (3D)
trimmed surfaces (3D)
trimmed surfaces (3D)
DIMENSION
dimension object
Importing dimensions
AutoCAD files can contain two different spaces, model space and
paper space. Model space is where you draw up geometry, 3D
solids, and so on. Paper space is the formatted space where
multiple views are formatted. Most AutoCAD files have only model
space. FeatureCAM can import dimensions in both model space and
paper space.
AutoCAD dimensions are imported as FeatureCAM dimensions. That
means that you can modify the color of the dimension, easily delete
the entire dimension or use the Show or Hide pull-out menus to
toggle the display of dimensions.
132 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
See Simplifying 3D AutoCAD data for 2D import (see page 133) for
more details.
Simplifying 3D AutoCAD data for 2D import
Many AutoCAD models comprise higher level objects such as
3DSOLIDs or BODYs. If you have licensed FeatureCAM 3D or the
Solid Import module, you can import these entities directly into
FeatureCAM. If not, you must simplify this data before importing.
To import the geometry that is used to create the 3DSOLIDs, select
your model and then use the EXPLODE command, or the Explode
pull-out from the Modify toolbar, to repeatedly reduce your model
into these more primitive elements.
When exploding solids you often get duplicate lines and circles. Any
edge that was shared between two different faces is duplicated. This
repeated geometry causes trouble if you try to chain the geometry
by double-clicking. To work around this, you can:
Chain manually (see page 400), by picking each piece
individually
Use AutoCAD to explode specific faces of the model (not the
entire model), and then do chaining normally with double-click or
piece-to-piece
Remove duplicate pieces in FeatureCAM and then do chaining
normally
To see if you have imported geometry:
1 Select a line or circle.
2 Look at the object's name listed in the status bar. Imported lines
have names that begin with _ln and imported circles have names
that begin with _circ.
3 Select the object again.
4 See if the same name is listed in the status bar.
5 If a duplicate name appears and selected geometry is the same,
delete the second occurrence of the geometry.
If your AutoCAD model contains layers, those layers are kept after
import.
Importing IGES files
It is helpful to set the export settings of your CAD system for proper
import.
SolidWorks settings (see page 136)
AutoCAD settings (see page 135)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 133
For other systems try and ensure that 3D surfaces are exported
as trimmed NURBS.
If you are working with Pro/Engineer from Parametric Technology
Corporation set the following IGES import options (see page 118):
Physically dependent - OFF
Logically dependent - ON
Both physically and logically dependent - ON
See Import/Export Options for more details on these parameters
FeatureCAM can read the following IGES entities. If the 3D column
is selected in the table, then you need FeatureCAM 3D or the Solid
Modeling module to read these entities.
Entity
IGES Description
FM Object Type
100
Circular Arc
Circle and arc
102
Composite Curve
Curve
104
Conic Arc
Curve
106
Copious Data
Line
108
Plane
Not supported
110
Line
Line, multiple lines
112
Parametric Spline
Curve
Curve
114
Parametric Spline
Surface
Surface
116
Point
Point
118
Ruled Surface
Surface
120
Surface of
Revolution
Surface
122
Tabulated Cylinder
Surface
126
Rational B Spline
Curve
Curve
128
Rational B Spline
Surface
Surface
141
Boundary
Curve
142
Curve on Parametric
Surface
Curve
143
Bounded Surface
Surface
144
Trimmed Surface
Surface
134 Introduction
3D
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
186
Brep
Solid with Solid
Modeling, Surfaces
without Solid Modeling
304
Line Font Definition
Not supported
408
Subfigure Instance
Geometry, curves, or
surfaces
410
View
Not supported
502
Vertex
Point
504
Edge
Curve
508
Loop
Curve
510
Face
Surface without Solid
Modeling
514
Shell
Surfaces without Solid
Modeling,
Solid with Solid
Modeling
Dimension entities from IGES files, such as labels, notes, and
arrows are also imported. All other IGES entities are ignored. Look
in the status bar and the log file for feedback about the IGES file
import. After importing a *.iges file an alert displays either The IGES
file has been imported successfully or The file example.iges is
corrupted and cannot be imported. A log file is created which details
the IGES import process. The name of this file is specified in the
Import Settings dialog which is displayed with the Import Settings
option of the File menu.
AutoCAD IGES Export settings
Use the following steps to set the IGES export settings in AutoCAD
before exporting for FeatureCAM:
1 Select IGES Out from the File menu.
2 Select Edit Options.
3 Select Geometry.
4 Set the parameters as follows:
For 3D Solid/Designer Part Mapping, select Surfaces.
For Trimmed Surface Mapping, select Trimmed Surface (144).
For AutoSurf Augmented Line Mapping, select Copious Data
6-tuples (106: 13).
Select Map Point Entities.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 135
Select Map RAY and XLINE objects to 110:1,2 (Unbounded Line
Forms).
SolidWorks IGES Export settings
Use the following steps to set the IGES export settings in
SolidWorks before exporting for FeatureCAM:
1 In the SolidWorks menu, select File > Save As.
2 In the Save As dialog, select IGES (*.igs) as the Save as type.
3 Click the Options button. The Export Options dialog opens.
4 In the Output as section, select the IGES solid/surface entities
option and select Trimmed Surface(type 144) from the list.
5 Select the IGES wireframe (3D curves) option and select B-Splines
(Entity type 126) from the list.
6 For Surface representation/System preference, select ANSYS.
7 From the remaining options, select:
Export 3D Curve features
Use high trim curve accuracy
Save all components of an assembly in one file
Flatten assembly hierarchy
8 Click OK to save your settings and close the Export Options
dialog.
9 Continue to save your file, or click Cancel to return to
SolidWorks.
Importing Parasolid files
You need FeatureCAM 3D or the Solid Modeling module to
import Parasolid files.
136 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
CAD systems that use the Parasolid kernel can create files of type
.xmt. These files contain the solid models created by systems
including SolidWorks, SolidEdge, and Unigraphics. FeatureCAM can
import ASSEMBLIES and PARTS that are made up of BODIES.
SolidWorks is a registered trade name of Solidworks Inc.
Parasolid, SolidEdge, and Unigraphics are registered trade names of
Siemens AG.
Importing ACIS files
You need FeatureCAM 3D or the Solid Modeling module to
import ACIS files.
CAD systems that use the ACIS kernel can create files of type *.sat.
These files contain the solid models created by systems including
Mechanical Desktop, CadKey and others. These solids can also be
imported in *.dwg and *.dwf files.
FeatureCAM cannot import wireframe models, only solids. The
normals of solids are reverse for ACIS models because the
ACIS convention is opposite to the FeatureCAM convention.
Importing SolidWorks files
The files have a .sldprt extension. Only the final solid model is
imported. Geometry, curves, and construction history are not
imported. This means that you only get a single solid and not the
individual design features from SolidWorks.
SolidWorks configurations are also supported. If there are multiple
configurations, the SolidWorks Configurations dialog is displayed.
Select which configuration you want to import and click OK.
If you import a .sldprt or .sldasm file into FeatureCAM, colors
are not honored. To keep colors, export an .X_T file from
SolidWorks and import that file into FeatureCAM.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 137
Solid Source File dialog
FeatureCAM remembers the location of the file from which a
SolidWorks file is imported. If the solid source .sldprt file is renamed
or moved, you can set the new name and/or location here to keep
the associativity.
1 Right-click the name of the solid in the Part View and select Solid
Source File from the context menu: The Solid Source File dialog is
displayed:
2 Click the Browse button to find the source file.
If associativity is kept, FeatureCAM displays a warning when the
source file is updated, to ask if you also want to update the .fm
file.
Importing SolidWorks assemblies
You can import the solids contained in SolidWorks assemblies (files
with an .sldasm extension) if you have the .sldasm file and all of the
referenced .sldprt files.
Each solid of the assembly is loaded into a single FeatureCAM
document.
See also Importing Solidworks files (see page 137).
Importing CATIA V4 files
You need the Catia Import module to import CATIA V4 files.
You can import CATIA version 4 (specifically versions 4.1.x or 4.2.x)
files directly into FeatureCAM. These files must have a *.mod or
*.model extension. In general, only 3D surface and solid models can
be imported, but composite curves can also be imported. A log of
the import is recorded in windows\temp\catia.txt.
CATIA Object Type
FeatureCAM Object Type
Point
Not translated
Line
Curve
Circle
Curve
138 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ellipse, Hyperbola, Parabola
Curve
Curve
Curve
Composite curve
Curve
NURBS curve
Curve
Polynomial surface, B-spline
polynomial surface
Surface
NURBS surface
Surface
Skin
Surfaces or solid depending on
option settings (see page 120).
Exact solid
Surfaces or solid depending on
option settings (see page 120).
Polyhedral solid
Surfaces or solid depending on
option settings (see page 120).
Importing Autodesk Inventor files
You can import Autodesk inventor *.ipt files directly into
FeatureCAM. Only the final 3D solid model is imported, 2D
geometry, assemblies, and sketches are not imported. You can also
import solids contained in Autodesk Inventor assembly files directly
from *.iam files.
Importing Pro/E files
You need the FeatureCAM ProE Import module to import Pro/E
files.
These files must have an extension of *.prt, *.prt.<number> (for
example foo.prt.8), *.asm, or *.asm.<number> (for example
bar.asm.23). Only solid models are imported from Pro/E. The solid
models are imported as surfaces or solids depending on the options
you set in the Import/Export Options (see page 120) dialog. Only
solids are read from a Pro/E file. Any curves or surfaces read must
be part of a solid.
FeatureCAM can read Pro/E Family Tables, which are multiple
configurations of a given part.
Importing CATIA V5 files
You need the FeatureCAM Catia V5 Import module to import
CATIA V5 files.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 139
CATIA V5 files can be imported directly. These files must have an
extension of *.catpart. A log of the import is recorded in
windows\temp\catia.txt. Only solid models are read from a CATIA V5
file. Any curves or surfaces read must be part of a solid. Colors are
kept upon import.
Not all CATIA solids can be imported into FeatureCAM as
solids. This is because the solid modeling technology used by
FeatureCAM requires that a solid be truly watertight, and
CATIA uses a different solid modeling technology that allows
for solid models that aren't truly watertight. So the bottom
line is that FeatureCAM won't be able to import every CATIA
solid as a solid, but it should be able to bring them in as
surfaces at the very least. If you import as surfaces, then you
should be able to stitch the surfaces into a solid with some
amount of retrimming/remodelling effort depending upon the
quality of the original CATIA model.
Importing SolidEdge files
FeatureCAM can import the solid models directly from a native
SolidEdge (*.par) file. The solid models are imported as Surfaces or
Solids depending on option settings (see page 120).
FeatureCAM can also import SolidEdge assembly (*.asm) files.
Importing NX (Unigraphics) files
You need the FeatureCAM UniGraphics module to import NX
(formerly Unigraphics files.
NX *.prt files can be imported directly into FeatureCAM. Only solid
models are imported.
Importing STEP files
You need the Step Import module to import STEP files
FeatureCAM can import solid models via STEP AP203 or AP214. The
solid models are imported as Surfaces or Solids depending on option
settings (see page 120).
AP203 and AP214 contain the same geometry specifications. AP214
allows support for attributes which are not present in AP203 (color,
line thickness, line type, and so on).
140 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Importing STL files
STL (Standard Tessellation Language) is a file format native to
stereolithography CAD software. You can import a standard format
STL file directly into FeatureCAM with no special license or optional
reader (STL import is part of the 2.5D Milling product). These files
must have a *.stl extension. The result is an STL 'blob' which is all
the triangles as a single pickable unit, that is, not separate solids, or
separate faces. The blob can then be machined using 3D techniques
for rapid prototyping (surface manufacturing - in the 3D product),
or can be used as a stock model (in all products).
FeatureCAM supports both binary and ASCII STL.
Importing DMT files
DMT (Delcam's Machining Triangles) is a file format generated by
Delcam (http://www.delcam.com)'s CAD software including
PowerMILL, PowerSHAPE, and CopyCAD. The file has the extension
of *.dmt and you can import it directly into FeatureCAM. The DMT
file represents 3D models as triangles, similar to an STL (see page
141) file. Any function or operation that can be applied to an STL
file can also be applied to a DMT file.
Hole recognition on imported parts
You can use the hole recognition to recognize holes in imported
parts. Hole recognition is different from Feature Recognition
because it uses additional data from the imported model, instead of
using just the solid data. This enables you to recognize
non-geometric information, such as threads for tapped holes.
Inventor hole recognition (see page 141)
SolidWorks hole recognition (see page 142)
SolidEdge hole recognition (see page 143)
Inventor hole recognition
You can use the Inventor Hole Recognition page of the Import wizard
to recognize holes in imported Autodesk Inventor parts (see page
139), as shown in this example (see page 144).
Inventor hole recognition is different from Feature Recognition
because it uses additional data from the Inventor model, instead of
using just the solid data. This enables you to recognize
non-geometric information, such as threads for tapped holes.
You must have Autodesk Inventor installed and licensed on
your computer to use Inventor hole recognition.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 141
Inventor hole recognition has this limitation:
Only holes that were created using Inventor hole features are
recognized automatically. Holes that were created as extrusions
have to be recognized using FeatureCAM's automatic feature
recognition.
To complete this page:
1 To use Inventor hole recognition, select Use Inventor to extract
information about hole types and dimensions.
2 Select Suppress recognized holes in imported model to suppress
the holes after they have been recognized. This removes the
holes from the solid model so they are not recognized again if
you use Feature Recognition.
3 If you do not want to perform hole recognition using Inventor,
select Use FeatureCAM to recognize holes later.
4 Click Finish to close the wizard.
It may take some time to start up Inventor and recognize the
holes, so please be patient.
SolidWorks hole recognition
You can use the SolidWorks Hole Recognition page of the Import
wizard to recognize holes in imported SolidWorks parts, as shown in
this example (see page 144).
SolidWorks hole recognition is different from Feature Recognition
because it uses additional data from the SolidWorks model, instead
of using just the solid data. This enables you to recognize
non-geometric information, such as threads for tapped holes.
You must have SolidWorks installed and licensed on your
computer to use SolidWorks hole recognition.
SolidWorks hole recognition has some limitations:
Only holes that were created using SolidWorks hole wizard are
recognized automatically. Holes that were created as extrusions
must be recognized using FeatureCAM's automatic feature
recognition.
FeatureCAM supports recognizing tapped, counter drill, and
counter bore holes created in SolidWorks. Boring and Reaming
are not supported because they are dependent on tolerance.
Dowel holes are recognized, and machined with a Ream
operation.
142 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM recognizes SolidWorks patterns only if those
patterns can be mapped to a FeatureCAM pattern.
To complete this page:
1 To use SolidWorks hole recognition, select Use SolidWorks to
extract information about hole types and dimensions.
2 Select Suppress recognized holes in imported model to suppress
the holes after they have been recognized. This removes the
holes from the solid model so they are not recognized again if
you use Feature Recognition.
3 If you do not want to perform hole recognition using SolidWorks,
select Use FeatureCAM to recognize holes later.
4 Click Finish to close the wizard.
It may take some time to start up SolidWorks and recognize
the holes, so please be patient.
SolidEdge hole recognition
You can use the SolidEdge Hole Recognition page of the Import
wizard to recognize holes in imported SolidEdge parts (see page
140), as shown in this example (see page 144).
SolidEdge hole recognition is different from Feature Recognition
because it uses additional data from the SolidEdge model, instead of
using just the solid data. This enables you to recognize
non-geometric information, such as threads for tapped holes.
You must have SolidEdge installed and licensed on your
computer to use SolidEdge hole recognition.
SolidEdge hole recognition has some limitations:
Only holes that were created using SolidEdge hole wizard are
recognized automatically. Holes that were created as extrusions
have to be recognized using FeatureCAM's automatic feature
recognition.
FeatureCAM recognizes SolidEdge patterns only if those patterns
can be mapped to a FeatureCAM pattern.
To complete this page:
1 To use SolidEdge hole recognition, select Use SolidEDGE to
extract information about hole types and dimensions.
2 Select Suppress recognized holes in imported model to suppress
the holes after they have been recognized. This removes the
holes from the solid model so they are not recognized again if
you use Feature Recognition.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 143
3 If you do not want to perform hole recognition using SolidEdge,
select Use FeatureCAM to recognize holes later.
4 Click Finish to close the wizard.
It may take some time to start up SolidEdge and recognize
the holes, so please be patient.
Recognizing and suppressing holes on imported parts example
This is an imported solid part:
The image below shows the solid part with the holes recognized and
suppressed. The holes in the solid are filled in, but the recognized
Hole features can be seen as circles:
144 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Part view shows the eight holes that were created:
Exporting files
You can export the following file formats from FeatureCAM:
DXF and DWG (see page 145)
IGES (see page 146)
STL (see page 146)
Exporting .dxf and .dwg files
The .dxf and .dwg files exported are version 11 files. .dxf files are
exported in the ASCII form, the binary form is not exported.
FeatureCAM object
DXF entity
Point
POINT
Circle
CIRCLE
Arc
ARC (Note that all arcs
are modified so that the
normal points in the +Z
direction)
Line
LINE
Layer
LAYER
UCS
UCS
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 145
Exporting .iges files
The different FeatureCAM categories of geometry, curves, features
and so on are exported to .iges as shown in the following table.
FeatureCAM exports .iges v4 files for easy compatibility with other
systems.
FeatureCAM Entity
IGES Entity
2.5D Feature
144 = Trimmed
surface(s) or
142 = Curve(s) on
parametric surface
Surface
128 = NURBS surface
Curve
126 = NURBS curve
3D feature
144's and 142's
Point
116 = Point
Line
110 = Line
Arc/Circle
100 = Circular arc
Layer
Dimensions, & other attributes
not exported
Save STL dialog
This option is available after you run a 3D simulation. It enables you
to create an .stl file of the final simulation. An .stl file is a triangle file
used by layered manufacturing machines. The accuracy of the
model is controlled by the 3D simulation options.
To display the Save STL dialog:
1 Play a 3D simulation (see page 1599).
146 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Select View > Simulation > Save simulation results from the menu.
To use the Save STL dialog to save an .stl file:
1 Click Save to current directory to write to the same folder as your
part is being saved in or click Save to other directory and specify
the folder.
2 Enter an STL File Name.
3 Select Save STL using short filename to limit your filename to 8
characters.
4 Select Create subfolder if you want to create a subfolder with the
same name as your part.
5 Select Overwrite existing file to automatically overwrite any file
with the same name.
6 Click OK.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 147
Using add-ins
Add-ins are external scripts and applications that extend the
functionality of FeatureCAM and enable you to perform custom
tasks. Use the Macro Add-ins dialog to specify which add-in you
want to make available for this installation of FeatureCAM.
To work with add-ins:
1 Select the Options > Add-Ins menu option. The Macro Add-ins
dialog is displayed.
2 Select the check box of the add-in you want to use. If the add-in
is not listed in the dialog, click Library to load it from the add-in
library (see page 149), or click
to load it from file. One or
more buttons may be added to the Macro toolbar.
Use the Customize Toolbars dialog (see page 33) to create
or change an add-in's toolbar button.
3 Deselect the check boxes of the add-ins you do not want to use.
To remove the selected add-in from the list, click
4 If you want to view or edit an add-in, click
(see page 150) is displayed.
148 Introduction
. The IDE Editor
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog.
To run an add-in, click its button on the Macro toolbar.
Alternatively, select the View > Run Basic Macro menu option, select
the add-in in the Run Macro dialog, and then click Run.
Add-in Library
The Add-in Library dialog lists all the macros and programming
examples that are available with your installation of FeatureCAM.
Use it to view information about an add-in and to specify which
add-ins are available in the Macro Add-ins dialog (see page 148).
To use the Add-in Library:
1 In the Macro Add-ins dialog, click the Library button. The Add-In
Library dialog is displayed.
The left column lists all available macros, categorized by type;
macros already available in the Macro Add-ins dialog are marked
by a check
icon.
2 Choose one or more actions:
To show programming examples in the list, select the Include
programming examples check box.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 149
To search the list, type a string in the Search box. For
example, to restrict the list to only those macros that include
NCCode in their name, type NCCode.
To display the Description of a macro, select its entry in the
list.
To add a macro to the Macro Add-ins dialog, select its entry in
the list and click Load. The entry is marked by a plus
icon.
To remove a macro from the Macro Add-ins dialog, select its
entry in the list and click Unload. The entry is marked by a
cross
icon.
3 Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog. Loaded
macros are listed in the Macro Add-ins dialog; the unloaded
macros are removed.
Using the Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
FeatureCAM includes an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
that you can use to edit BASIC programs. Use this dialog to view,
edit, and write subroutines, functions, macros, and add-ins.
To view and edit the code of an existing add-in:
1 Deselect the check box of the macro in the Macro Add-ins (see
page 148) dialog.
You cannot edit a macro that is in use; [run] is displayed in
the title bar of the editor if the macro is running.
150 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Select the View > Basic IDE menu option. The IDE Editor is
displayed
3 In the IDE Editor, select File > Open. The Open dialog is
displayed.
4 Select the add-in you want to view and click Open. The add-in
opens in design mode, where you can read and edit the BASIC
code. Comments are prefixed with a ' character.
Probing
The FeatureCAM Probing Add-in enables you to integrate probing
capabilities with your machining processes. Although the details of
adding probing capabilities depend on the machines and probes
selected, the FeatureCAM Probing Add-in provides much of
infrastructure you need and establishes a solid foundation that you
can extend.
With the FeatureCAM Probing Add-in, you add probing features in
the same way that you add other features. Graphical markers show
the location, orientation, and type of each probing feature added. As
design work continues, you can edit probe feature parameters to
match design refinements. Throughout the design cycle, you can
use FeatureCAM's simulation capability to animate the probing
toolpaths along with other tooling sequences. When you are
satisfied with the design, FeatureCAM generates NC code that
includes information needed to interface with probing and machine
hardware. You can add probing features at any stage of the design
process.
Load (see page 148) the StandardProbing2.dll add-in, and click the
StandardProbing2 button in the Utilities toolbar to display the
Probing Settings dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 151
The StandardProbing.dll add-in is the old version of this add-in.
Only use this version if you need backwards compatibility with
probing features created in earlier versions of FeatureCAM
than 21.1.
Show Overtravel Select this option to show a representation of the
overtravel in the preview in the graphics window and during
simulation.
Default Tool Name By default, the add-in looks for a lollipop tool,
but you can override that here. Enter a tool name.
152 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To create a probing feature, open the New Feature wizard and select
User. Click Next to open the New Feature - User defined feature page:
The probing features are divided into five types. You can create all
of these features in milling and turn/mill documents.
Measure Boss/Bore (see page 153)
Measure Boss/Bore 3 Pt (see page 155)
Measure Corner (see page 157)
Measure Single Surface (see page 158)
Measure Web/Pocket (see page 160)
Measure Boss/Bore
The Measure Boss/Bore probe feature probes outside (Boss) or
inside (Bore) from one, two, or four directions. The location of the
feature should be at the level of the top of the Boss or Bore feature.
The Clear Height is above this location and the Measure Height is
below, so the total movement along the Probe Direction is (Clear
Height + Measure Height).
Boss 1 point:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boss 2 point:
Boss 4 point:
Introduction 153
Bore 1 point:
Bore 2 point:
Bore 4 point:
Obstructed Bore 1
point:
Obstructed Bore 2
point:
Obstructed Bore 4
point:
To edit the values on this page:
1 Select the attribute name in the Dimension column.
2 For New Value, enter, pick, or select a value.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
Feature Type Select Boss, Bore, or Obstructed Bore.
Diameter Enter or pick the diameter of the feature.
Probe Direction Select the probe direction from the New Value
menu from -X, +X, -Y, +Y, X, Y, or XY.
Standoff Distance Enter or pick the distance from the start of the
probe stroke to the nominal probe point.
Overtravel Enter or pick the distance from the nominal probe
point to the end of the probe stroke.
Clear Height Enter or pick the length of the clear stroke.
154 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Measure Height Enter or pick the distance the probe descends
below the feature location before probing.
Specify the update options to pass to XBUILD:
MCS Enter the Machine Coordinate System you want to
update.
Tool Enter the tool number for the tool you want to update.
Store Specify whether to store the results.
Print Specify whether to print the results.
Update Parameter Enter a value to be passed through to XBUILD.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
Measure Boss/Bore 3Pt
The Boss/Bore 3Pt probe feature probes outside (Boss) or inside
(Bore) from three directions specified by the operator. The location
of the feature should be at the level of the top of the Boss or Bore
feature. The Clear Height is above this location and the Measure
Height is below, so the total movement along the Probe Direction is
(Clear Height + Measure Height).
Boss 3 point:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Bore 3 point:
Obstructed Bore 3
point:
Introduction 155
To edit the values on this page:
1 Select the attribute name in the Dimension column.
2 For New Value, enter, pick, or select a value.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
Feature Type Select Boss, Bore, or Obstructed Bore.
Diameter Enter or pick the diameter of the feature.
Angle A Enter the number of degrees from the X axis to the probe
direction.
Angle B Enter the number of degrees from the X axis to the probe
direction.
Angle C Enter the number of degrees from the X axis to the probe
direction.
Standoff Distance Enter or pick the distance from the start of the
probe stroke to the nominal probe point.
Overtravel Enter or pick the distance from the nominal probe
point to the end of the probe stroke.
Clear Height Enter or pick the length of the clear stroke.
Measure Height Enter or pick the distance the probe descends
below the feature location before probing.
Specify the update options to pass to XBUILD:
MCS Enter the Machine Coordinate System you want to
update.
Tool Enter the tool number for the tool you want to update.
Store Specify whether to store the results.
156 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Print Specify whether to print the results.
Update Parameter Enter a value to be passed through to XBUILD.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
Measure Corner
The Measure Corner probe feature probes inside or outside a corner
using 2 or 4 probe points. The location of the feature should be at
the corner which is probed. The Clear Height is the distance above
the corner at which to begin the probe stroke and the Measure
Height is the distance below the surface at which the probe touches
(relative to the Probe Direction). The Standoff Distance is the
distance away from the edge on each side, at which the probe
touches.
Corner inside
2 point:
Corner inside
4 point:
Corner outside
2 point:
Corner outside
4 point:
To edit the values on this page:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 157
1 Select the attribute name in the Dimension column.
2 For New Value, enter, pick, or select a value.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
Inside Outside Select Inside to probe an inside corner or Outside
to probe an outside corner. Click Set to save.
Probe Direction Select the probe direction from -X-Y, -X+Y, +X-Y,
or +X+Y; and click Set to save.
Points per Side Select the number of points to probe for each side
of the corner, from 2 or 4.
Standoff Distance Enter or pick the distance from the start of the
probe stroke to the nominal probe point.
Overtravel Enter or pick the distance from the nominal probe
point to the end of the probe stroke.
Clear Height Enter or pick the length of the clear stroke.
Measure Height Enter or pick the distance the probe descends
below the feature location before probing.
Specify the update options to pass to XBUILD:
MCS Enter the Machine Coordinate System you want to
update.
Tool Enter the tool number for the tool you want to update.
Store Specify whether to store the results.
Print Specify whether to print the results.
Update Parameter Enter a value to be passed through to XBUILD.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
Measure Single Surface
The Single Surface probe feature probes a single point along the
direction you specify. The location of the feature should be at the
point where the probe is expected to touch the surface.
158 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Single surface
Top:
Single surface
Side:
To edit the values on this page:
1 Select the attribute name in the Dimension column.
2 For New Value, enter, pick, or select a value.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
Probe Direction Select the probe direction from -X, +X, -Y, +Y, or
-Z; and click Set to save.
Standoff Distance Enter or pick the distance from the start of the
probe stroke to the nominal probe point.
Overtravel Enter or pick the distance from the nominal probe
point to the end of the probe stroke.
Clear Height Enter or pick the length of the clear stroke.
Specify the update options to pass to XBUILD:
MCS Enter the Machine Coordinate System you want to
update.
Tool Enter the tool number for the tool you want to update.
Store Specify whether to store the results.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 159
Print Specify whether to print the results.
Update Parameter Enter a value to be passed through to XBUILD.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
1 Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
Measure Web/Pocket
The Measure Web/Pocket probe feature probes outside (Web) or
inside (Pocket) along the direction you specify. The location of the
feature should be at the level of the top of the Pocket. The Clear
Height is above this location and the Measure Height is below, so the
total movement along the Probe Direction is (Clear Height + Measure
Height).
Web:
Pocket:
Obstructed Pocket:
To edit the values on this page:
1 Select the attribute name in the Dimension column.
2 For New Value, enter, pick, or select a value.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
Feature Type Select the feature type from Web, Pocket, or
Obstructed Pocket. Click Set to save.
160 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Width Enter or pick the width of the Web of Pocket. Click
Set to save.
Probe Direction Select the probe direction from -X, +X, -Y, +Y, X,
Y, XY
Standoff Distance Enter or pick the distance from the start of the
probe stroke to the nominal probe point.
Overtravel Enter or pick the distance from the nominal probe
point to the end of the probe stroke.
Clear Height Enter or pick the length of the clear stroke.
Measure Height Enter or pick the distance the probe descends
below the feature location before probing.
Specify the update options to pass to XBUILD:
MCS Enter the Machine Coordinate System you want to
update.
Tool Enter the tool number for the tool you want to update.
Store Specify whether to store the results.
Print Specify whether to print the results.
Update Parameter Enter a value to be passed through to XBUILD.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
Test Abort/Continue
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 161
Comment The comment is output in the NC code at the start of
the test feature.
Result Register This is where the result of your probing
measurement is placed. For example, if you know that your
machine uses register 510, enter 510 for this value.
Continue Label Enter the place to jump to in the code if the
program wants to continue after this test feature. You can create a
new jump label using the Test Jump Label (see page 163) feature.
Abort Label Enter the place to jump to in the code if the program
wants to abort after this test feature. You can create a new jump
label using the Test Jump Label (see page 163) feature.
Test/Abort/Continue/Remachine
Comment The comment is output in the NC code at the start of
the test feature.
Nominal Value Enter the measurement that you are testing, for
example the diameter of a Bore feature.
Nominal Value Register This is the register that the machine uses
to store the Nominal Value
Remachine Flag Register This is the register where the machine
stores the count for the number of times the feature is remachined.
Result Register This is the register where the machine stores the
result of the probing measurement.
Continue Label This is the label to jump to, to continue
machining.
Remachine Label This is the label to jump to, to remachine the
feature.
162 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Temporary Register This is used to store any temporary logic
needed to process the decision-making feature.
Test Jump Label
Comment The comment is output in the NC code at the start of
the test feature.
Remachine Flag Register This is the register where the machine
stores the count for the number of times the feature is remachined.
Decision-making example
This example part has many features.
After milling a Face feature, the first Bore feature
is milled, then
the second Bore feature
, followed by the rest of the features. To
avoid unnecessary machining time, you can probe Bore
after it
is cut and make a decision whether to continue, remachine it, or
abort the program, depending on the results of the probe.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 163
1 Create a Test Jump Label feature to start the process.
The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads:
(Test Jump Label PROBEOPER TEST_JUMP_LABEL1)
(Start Bore)
#101=0
N11
2 You want the decision-making process to start after the Face
feature, so set the Base priority for the Test Jump Label to 2, and
drag the feature to the correct place in the Part View.
3 Create a Measure Boss/Bore feature to probe Bore1 after it has
been milled.
4 Create a Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature to control what
happens after the probing. For this example the following values
are set:
Nominal Value 27.000
Tolerance Value 0.050
Continue Label 12
Remachine Label 11 (the value that was set for the starting Test
Jump Label)
Size Error 13
5 Set the Base priority to 5 because you want this to be the 5th
feature (after the Face feature, starting Test Jump Label, Bore1
feature, and Measure Boss/Bore feature).
The NC code for this Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature
reads:
( Test Abort/Continue/Remachine PROBEOPER
TEST_ABORT_CONTINUE_REMACHINE1 )
(Remachining check conditional)
164 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
(Begin decision sequence)
#102=27
(nominal value)
#104=[#102-#510]
nominal)
(signed difference of actual from
#103=0.05 (tolerance value)
(Decision 1)
IF [ABS[#104]LT#103] GOTO 12
(within tolerance case)
(Decision 2)
IF [#104LT0]GOTO 13
(Decision 1 and 2 skipped)
[#101=#101+1]
IF [#101EQ1] GOTO 11 (run toolpath again)
DPRNT[Error: Second Required Remachining]
GOTO 99999
(Decision 2 result)
N13
DPRNT[Error: Too Big]
GOTO 99999
(Decision 1 result)
N12
N835 M5 M9
N840 G91 Z0
N845 M01
6 Create an Abort label at the end of the NC code:
7 Set its Base priority to a large number, such as 100.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 165
The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads:
( Test Jump Label
PROBEOPER
TEST_JUMP_LABEL3 )
(Abort)
#101=0
N99999
FeatureCAM to Vericut add-in
VERICUT is an application from CGTech-UK, which enables you to
simulate, fix problems in, and optimize CNC toolpaths for more
efficient machining. Use the FeatureCAMToVericut.bas add-in to
export milling, turning and turn/mill documents as VERICUT
projects.
To export a document as a vericut project:
1 License the Vericut verification product component, and ensure it
is activated in the Evaluation Options dialog.
2 Open the .fm file you want to export.
3 Load the FeatureCAMToVericut.bas add-in (see page 148).
4 In the Post Options (see page 1930) dialog, select the post
processor you want to use.
5 Run a simulation to generate the NC code, and ensure the part
has no errors.
6 Create a UCS in the part to use as the VERICUT machine Attach
component.
If you want to export multiple setups, you must create an
Attach UCS for each setup. If you do not want to export a
setup from the part, deselect the setup's check box in the Part
View.
For 5-Axis parts, all the setups are combined, so you need to
create only one Attach UCS.
7 If the part must be moved between setups during simulation,
create a rotational UCS to describe the movement.
8 Click the FeatureCAMToVericut
button in the Utilities toolbar.
The FeatureCAM to VERICUT dialog is displayed.
9 Specify the export settings in the FeatureCAM to VERICUT dialog
(see page 168).
10 Click Export and Open in Vericut to export the document and open
it in VERICUT.
The following files and folders are created:
166 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
.vcproject file VERICUT project file containing all of the
exported data that can be opened in VERICUT.
.mcd files G code.
.tls files tool library.
.stl files all solid models and stock are exported as .stl files.
Names of the .stl files either reflect name of the solid in
FeatureCAM or name of the model (i.e., stock.stl).
Clamps folder contains .stl files representing fixture/clam
models.
Holders folder contains .stl files representing tool holders.
.fcvini file FeatureCAM to VERICUT project settings file
containing data entered into the form during project export.
.log file Export log. Exporting problems are logged in this
file.
If you report a problem with the FeatureCAM to VERICUT
add-in, include the .log file, FeatureCAM .fm file and .cnc files,
VERICUT template, control and machine files.
If you do not have VERICUT installed, select File > Export in the
FeatureCAM to VERICUT dialog to export the document without
opening it in VERICUT.
You can now use VERICUT to simulate the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 167
FeatureCAM to VERICUT dialog
Use the FeatureCAM To VERICUT dialog to specify the options for
exporting milling or turn/mill documents as Vericut projects:
Select output directory Enter the path of the folder in which you
want to save the project, or click Browse to select it.
Exported project will be based upon this VERICUT template Click
Browse and select a .VcProject file to use as the Vericut template.
The information is loaded from the template into the add-in, such as
the Attach components and the machine subsystems. You must
select a Vericut template before defining the export settings.
Select UCS to use for Cut Stock Transition If the part must be
moved between setups during simulation, select a UCS from the list
to describe the movement.
Combine setups Select this option to combine multiple setups into
one. You must select this option for 5-Axis parts.
Settings for setup Select the setup for which you want to edit the
settings. Edit the settings for each setup you want to export.
168 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Exported setup properties will be based upon this VERICUT template
To specify a separate Vericut template for each setup, click Browse
and select a template file to use for the selected setup. You can use
this if you are using a different machine for each setup. This does
not affect the global project settings.
Export NC Program Select this option to generate and export the
NC program with the document. If this is deselected, VERICUT uses
the NC program specified in the template, or you can specify the NC
program manually in VERICUT.
Export Tools Select this option to export information for all the
tools used in the document. If this is deselected, VERICUT uses the
tools specified in the template, or you can specify them manually in
VERICUT. Click Tool Options to display the Tool Export Options dialog
(see page 170), which you can use to specify the options for
identifying tools in VERICUT.
Establish UCS Click UCSs to display the UCSs dialog (see page
171), which you can use to specify attach UCSs and Attach
components.
Export initial stock and target part (design) solids Select Stock and
Design to display the Stock and Design Export Settings dialog (see
page 171), which you can use to specify options for exporting the
stock and part solids.
Export solids as clamps (fixtures) Click Fixtures to display the
Fixture Export Options dialog (see page 173), which you can use to
specify the clamps and fixtures to export.
Establish work offsets Click Work Offsets to display the Add Work
Offset dialog (see page 174), which you can use to specify VERICUT
work G code offsets.
Machine turret information Click this button to display the Machine
Turret Info dialog (see page 175), which you can use to specify the
turret options. This is only available for multi-turret parts.
Menu bar
The menu bar is displayed at the top of the FeatureCAM to VERICUT
dialog. It contains the following options:
File menu:
Export Exports the document and generates the .vcproject
file, without opening VERICUT. You can use this option if you
do not have VERICUT installed on your machine.
Export and Open in VERICUT Exports the document and
generates the .vcproject file, opens VERICUT and loads the
exported project.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 169
Exit Closes the FeatureCAM to VERICUT dialog.
Options menu:
VERICUT Displays the VERICUT Options dialog, which you
can use to select the location of the VERICUT batch file.
Tool Displays the Tool Export Options dialog (see page
170), which you can use to specify the options for identifying
tools in VERICUT.
Save settings Saves the dialog settings in the .fm file. This
enables you to close the dialog, edit the part and open the
dialog again without losing the settings you entered.
Help menu:
Help Displays the Help file.
Tool Export Options dialog
Use the Tool Export Options dialog to specify the options for
identifying tools in VERICUT.
To use the Tool Export Options dialog:
1 Select an option to specify how you want VERICUT to recognize
the tools. This option must match the settings of your cnc file's
Tool change format. Select from:
Tool numbers (positions in the crib) Use the tool's position in
the tool crib to identify the tools in VERICUT.
Tool numbers and names Use the tool number and tool
name to identify the tools in VERICUT.
Tool IDs Use the Tool ID specified in the Tool Mapping dialog
(see page 1656) to identify the tools in VERICUT.
Prefix tool ids with turret identifier (for multi-turret parts) Select
this option to include the turret identifier before the tool id for
multi-turret parts. This option is not available for Milling parts.
2 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
170 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
UCSs dialog
Use the UCSs dialog to specify an attach point and Attach
component.
The dialog displays different options for Milling and Turning or
Turn/Mill parts.
Milling parts:
Turning and Turn/Mill parts:
To use the UCSs dialog:
1 In the Select UCS to use as an attach point list, select the
coordinate system to represent the position and orientation of
the stock, design, fixture and clamp models on the machine in
VERICUT.
2 In the Select component to attach UCSs to list, select a component
to represent the Attach component of the machine in VERICUT.
3 For turning and Turn/Mill documents, select an attach UCS and
Attach component for the sub spindle.
4 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
Stock and Design Export Settings
Use the Stock and Design Export Settings dialog, which you can use
to specify the options for exporting the stock and part solids.
The dialog displays different options for Milling and Turning or
Turn/Mill parts.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 171
Milling parts:
Turning and Turn/Milling:
To use the Stock and Design Export Settings dialog:
1 To export the stock as an .stl file and use it as a stock model in
VERICUT:
a Select Export Stock solid (.stl file).
b In the Attach component list, select a component to represent
the stock Attach component in VERICUT.
c For Turn/Mill parts, select Attach components for the Main
spindle and Sub spindle.
2 To export a part solid as an .stl file and use it as a Design solid in
VERICUT:
a Select Export Design/Part solid (.stl file).
b In the Solid name list, select the solid you want to export.
c In the Attach component, select a component to represent the
design Attach component in VERICUT.
d For Turn/Mill parts, select Attach components for the Main
spindle and Sub spindle.
3 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
172 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Fixture Export Options dialog
Use the Fixture Export Options dialog to specify the clamps and
fixtures to export.
The dialog displays different options for Milling and Turning or
Turn/Mill parts.
Milling parts:
Turning and Turn/Mill parts:
To use the Fixture Export Options dialog:
1 In the Solid list, find the solids you want to export.
2 In the Export list, select Yes next to the solids you want to
export, and select No next to the solids you do not want to
export.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 173
To select multiple solids quickly, select the solids you want to
export in FeatureCAM, then click Select solids selected in the
product to change the Export value for all selected solids to Yes.
Solids which are marked as clamps in FeatureCAM have Yes
selected in the Export list automatically.
3 In the Attach to list, select the component you want to use as the
fixture Attach component in VERICUT.
To apply an Attach component to multiple solids, select an Attach
component in the Attach solids selected in the list to list and click
Apply.
4 For turning parts, in the Spindle list select Main or Sub to specify
the spindle.
To specify the spindle for multiple solids, select a spindle in the
Solids selected in the list are entities of list and click Apply.
5 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
Add Work Offset dialog
Use the Add Work Offset dialog to specify VERICUT work G code
offsets, which determines where the G code touch-off points are.
The currently defined work offsets are displayed in the Work offsets
section.
To use the Add Work Offset dialog:
1 In the Offset Name list, select an option to determine the type of
offset table to determine the Table name. Select from:
174 Introduction
Work Offsets Store the work coordinate system offset
(fixture offset) values.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Program Zero Specify the programmed zero location of a G
code NC program file, accounting for tool length
compensation.
2 If Work offsets is selected, enter the corresponding fixture offset
in the Register field (such as 54 for G54, or 55 for G55)
3 In the Subsystem field, enter the machine subsystem ID defined
in the VERICUT machine file.
4 In the 'From' Component list, select the VERICUT machine
component that represents the From point for determining the
program zero offset.
5 In the 'To' CSYS Origin list, select the FeatureCAM UCS that
represents the NC program origin. This is usually the name of the
setup.
6 To:
create a new offset using the values you entered, click Add
new offset.
overwrite the selected offset with the values you entered,
click Modify selected offset.
delete the selected offset, click Delete selected offset.
7 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
Machine Turret Info dialog
Use the Machine Turret Info dialog to specify the turret options. This
dialog is only available for multi-turret parts.
To specify the turret options:
1 For each item in the Turret/Spindle list:
a In the Type list, select the turret type.
b In the Subsystem list, select the machine subsystem ID
defined in the VERICUT machine file.
2 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 175
FeatureCAM to NCSIMUL add-in
NCSIMUL machine is an application from Spring Technologies, which
enables you to simulate, fix, and optimize CNC tool paths. Use the
FeatureCAMToNCSIMUL.dll add-in to export milling or turning
documents to NCSIMUL projects.
To export a document to an NCSIMUL project:
1 Install NCSIMUL on your computer and the NCSIMUL tool for
reading FeatureCAM files.
2 Install the FeatureCAMToNCSIMUL.dll add-in. (see page 148)
3 In the milling or turn/mill document, run the simulation and
generate the NC code. Fix any errors.
4 Click the FeatureCAM to NCSIMUL button on the Macros toolbar.
The FeatureCAM to NCSIMUL dialog is displayed.
5 Use the FeatureCAM to NCSIMUL dialog to set the options for
exporting your project.
The options displayed in the dialog depend on the type of part
you are working with:
176 Introduction
Non-indexed part:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4-axis indexed part:
5-axis indexed part:
Select output directory By default, the NCSIMUL file is saved
in the document folder. To save the file in a different folder,
enter the location and name of the folder, or select Browse to
select it.
NCSIMUL machine file Enter the path to the NCSIMUL
machine file, or click Browse to select it.
Select solids to be exported as clamps Select any solids you
want to export.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 177
Post uses to identify tool Select Tool number or Tool ID to
specify how tools are identified in the post file.
Machine Zero offset from setup UCS Enter the distance
between the Setup UCS and the machine table 0.
Select Setup For non-indexed parts, select the Setup you
want to export from the menu.
Select whether post uses For 5-axis indexed parts with the
NC Code Reference Point set to each Setup's own fixture,
select an option to specify whether the post supports
Individual fixture offset or DATUM shift and rotation.
6 Click Export to export the file. FeatureCAM simulates the part and
exports the program files. When the export is finished, a
message lists the files and their locations.
NCSIMUL always creates a separate project for each Setup in the
document. If the Generate single program option is enabled, the
add-in disables the option, creates the program files, and then
returns the option to its original state.
178 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM to CAMplete TruePath add-in
CAMplete TruePath is an application that you can use to analyze,
modify, optimize, simulate and post 5-Axis toolpaths.
To export a document to use with CAMplete TruePath:
1 License the CAMplete verification product component, and ensure
it is selected in the Evaluation Options dialog.
2 In the Post Options dialog, select the CAMplete_TruePath.cnc post
in the /Posts/Mill/5-Axis folder.
3 Load the FeatureCAMToCAMplete.dll add-in (see page 148).
4 In the Utilities toolbar, click FeatureCAMToCAMplete
The FeatureCAM to CAMplete dialog is displayed.
5 Click Browse and select where you want to save the exported
files.
6 In the solids list, select solids you want to export as clamps.
7 Click Export Part solid to export a solid to use as the part in
CAMplete.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 179
To export a solid in the document as an .stl file, select Select
solid to export as part, and select a solid from the list.
To use an .stl file, select Select existing .stl file and click
Browse and select it in the Select part .stl file document.
8 Select whether you want the post to use the Tool number or Tool
ID to identify tools.
9 Under Offset from the setup UCS to pallet, enter the offset
distances in the X, Y and Z directions.
10 Click Preview to display a point in the graphics window which
shows the offset from the setup UCS.
11 Click Export to export the document and close the dialog. The
files are created in the selected output directory.
Custom setup sheets add-in
You can create custom setup sheets for milling, turning, and
turn/mill parts using the SetupSheet.dll add-in.
The add-in extracts information from the Part Documentation (see
page 95) dialog and enables you to take images for each Setup.
You can use setup sheets to give information to the machine
operator about the manufacturing, tooling, and toolpaths of a part.
To load and run the add-in:
1 Select Options > Add-Ins from the menu.
The Macro Add-ins dialog is displayed.
2 Click the Browse
button and browse to the SetupSheet.dll file.
If you installed FeatureCAM in the default location, the file is at
C:\Program Files\Delcam\FeatureCAM\Addins\SetupSheet\SetupSheet.dll.
3 In the Macro Add-ins dialog, in the Add-In Files list, ensure that
the check box to the left of the SetupSheet.dll file address is
selected.
4 Click OK.
The Utilities toolbar is displayed, containing the SetupSheet
button.
5 Click the SetupSheet button to run the add-in.
180 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Setup Sheet Options dialog is displayed:
The Title, Author, Note 1, Note 2, Company, Part/Drawing No.,
Revision, and Comments values are copied from the
Documentation (see page 95) tab of the Part Documentation dialog
and you can edit them there.
You can use this dialog to capture an image for each Setup in the
current document, as well as an image to represent the whole
document.
To capture an image for a Setup, select the Setup name in the
Setups list and click the Capture Setup Image button to capture the
current contents of the graphics window.
First run a simulation only for the Setup you want to capture
by deselecting other Setups in the Part View; then adjust the
view to show a good orientation of the Setup, and open the
Setup Sheet Options dialog to capture the image in the
graphics window.
You must use a template to create the setup sheets. Click the
Browse Template button to find and set the template you want to
use. There is a template, SetupSheetTemplate.html, in the
Addins\SetupSheet folder.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 181
To create the setup sheets, click the Create Setup Sheets button. The
part is simulated to generate toolpaths and the setup sheet is
displayed in your web browser. You can save the HTML file from
your browser.
To open the setup sheet in the FeatureCAM Browser, select File >
Open from the menu and browse to the setup sheet HTML file.
Turn-curve tolerance add-in
The TurnCurveTolerance.bas add-in enables you to tolerance turned
or internal bore features according to ISO 282-2 standards or
custom tolerances specified in design documents. Use it to quickly
resize features without redrawing the curve.
To adjust a curve:
1 Install the TurnCurveTolerance.bas add-in. (see page 148)
2 Select the turning or internal bore feature in the Part View.
3 In the Macros toolbar, click the add-in's button. The Fillet and
Chamfer Limit dialog is displayed.
4 Enter the size of the largest fillet or chamfer of the feature:
182 Introduction
Diagonals and arcs shorter than or equal to this value are
treated as chamfers and fillets. When neighboring segments
are adjusted, the add-in translates them without changing
their size or orientation.
Diagonals and arcs longer than this value are treated as
stationary parts of the curve. They affect the tolerance limits
of adjacent segments and are not translated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click OK. The Tolerance of Turned Segments dialog is displayed,
and the vertical and horizontal segments are labeled in the
Graphic View.
6 Adjust the labels:
To change the label size, enter a new value in the Set text size
box, and click Set.
To label only the currently selected segment, deselect the
Segment labels on check box.
7 In the Segments list, select the segment you want to adjust. The
segment and its label are displayed in red.
8 Specify the adjustment for the segment:
To calculate the adjustment from specified tolerances, select
the Upper tolerance - Lower tolerance option and enter the
tolerance values.
To calculate the adjustment from standard tolerances, select
the Upper tolerance - Lower tolerance option, and select the
tolerance in the ISO 286-2 list.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 183
To specify the adjustment, select Net tolerance, and enter the
distance by which you want to move the segment.
9 Click Apply Tolerance. The adjustment for the segment is
displayed below the button.
10 Repeat steps 7 through 9 for each segment you want to adjust.
11 Click OK to apply your changes and close the dialog.
FeatureCAM creates a new curve and feature, and displays the
results in the Graphic window. For example:
Vortex Milling Calculator
You can use the Vortex Milling Calculator to optimize a vortex
toolpath to reduce the machining time while maintaining the cutting
load on the tool.
You can find the maximum chip thickness based on tooling catalog
input values, or calculate the feedrate and stepover required to
maintain a specified maximum chip thickness.
To use the Vortex Milling Calculator:
1 Install the VortexMillingCalculator.bas add-in. (see page 148)
2 Select a feature for which you want to optimize a vortex
toolpath.
3 In the Utilities toolbar, click VortexMillingCalculator.
184 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Vortex Milling Calculator dialog is displayed.
The tool information and the toolpath values are extracted from
the document and displayed in the dialog.
4 In the MATERIAL list, select the stock material you are
machining.
5 To calculate the maximum chip thickness, specify the INPUT
VARIABLES and click Calculate.
Feedrate and Feed/Tooth This is the Feed value on the F/S
tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
Speed and Surface Speed This is the Speed value on the F/S
tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
Stepover This is the Distance between cuts value on the
Stepovers tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
Stepdown This is the Z increment value on the Milling tab of
the Feature Properties dialog.
A message is displayed that tells you the maximum chip
thickness will be recalculated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 185
6 To apply an upper limit when calculating the maximum chip
thickness, enter a Maximum Chip Thickness, click Set Max, and
select Do not exceed. The calculated Maximum Chip Thickness will
not exceed this value.
7 To calculate the values required to maintain a maximum chip
thickness, specify a Maximum Chip Thickness and click Calculate.
A message is displayed that tells you the new maximum chip
thickness. Select whether you want to update the feedrate or
stepover to maintain the new maximum chip thickness.
8 Click Apply to update the feature with the new values and update
the toolpath time.
9 Click OK to close the dialog.
186 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Technical support
Technical support is available through:
Your FeatureCAM reseller
FeatureCAM website
Delcam USA. Send mail to [email protected] or call
1-888-393-6455 for pricing information.
Errors and warnings
Because only one stage is displayed at a time, an error may occur in
another stage in the document, but does not appear in the
operation sheet currently displayed.
FeatureCAM does not switch stages to take you to the first
error.
A single problem often results in multiple errors. When multiple
errors occur, you should fix the tooling errors and regenerate the
toolpaths. In many cases, the other errors are resolved.
Warnings are also shown in the operation sheet, but do not prevent
FeatureCAM from continuing to generate toolpaths. FeatureCAM
does not draw attention to the warnings it gives because the tool
path generation was successful.
Manufacturing errors occur when FeatureCAM is unable to complete
the toolpath generation for a part. When an error occurs, you
cannot run any simulation, post to NC code, or save NC code. Errors
are displayed between lines of asterisks (*) in the Operation Details
sheet listed after the operation in which the error occurred. Errors
are displayed in the Op List tab with a red exclamation point icon
in the left margin and warnings are marked with exclamation point
on a yellow triangle
icon.
If an error is detected during toolpath generation, the Code
generation failed dialog is displayed.
If you click Yes in this dialog, the first error in the operations list is
highlighted. If you click No, the errors still appear in the operations
list, but you must explicitly ask to step through the errors by
clicking Next Error.
If an error occurs during toolpath generation, three error buttons
display in a separate toolbar in the left-hand corner of the window
to enable you to read and fix the errors. The buttons perform the
following functions:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 187
Selects the next error in the operations list.
Selects the previous error in the operations list.
Provides options for fixing the error that is selected.
If you click Hint while an error is selected in the Manufacturing
Operations Sheet, a series of dialogs appears to help you fix the
error.
Troubleshooting 3D toolpaths
Troubleshooting Z level roughing (see page 846)
Troubleshooting isoline milling (see page 858)
Troubleshooting projection milling methods (see page 833)
Troubleshooting Z level finishing (see page 857)
Warning codes
Code
Cause
Suggested Action
DCT02W
Bottoming tap required for
this feature.
1 Accept
2 Modify feature
TPAFITW
Arc fitting is incompatible
with:
3D cutter comp
5-axis non-ball-end tool
Normal to surface lead-in
Z level finish scallop
stepover
Steep and shallow
finishing
Use linear output options.
TPL01W
Start point attribute not set
for canned cycle for rough or
finish pass.
Set Start point attribute.
TPL02W
Improperly defined stock
curve. Stock curve is a point
or is undefined somehow.
Define stock curve.
TPL03W
Profile lies outside stock
boundary. No feature curve
defined or feature curve
does not overlap with stock
curve.
Define feature curve.
188 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
TPL04W
Ignoring improperly
specified start point.
Change start point.
TPL05W
Ignoring improperly
specified end point.
Change end point.
TPL06W
Ignoring Tool Nose Radius
Compensation. Cutter comp
is enabled for the feature
but disabled in Post Options
(see page 1930).
Select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page
1930).
TPL07W
Undercut detected. Unable
to completely rough feature
with this tool.
TPL08W
Undercut detected. Unable
to completely finish feature
with this tool. Operation did
not completely cut the
feature, some material
remains.
TPP01W
Cant extend ends of
toolpath. The lead in/out
distances cannot be applied
to an open toolpath,
because it would result in a
gouge. No lead- in/out
moves are applied to the
toolpath.
1 Use smaller endmill.
2 Change lead distances or
angles (see page 1064).
3 Set a plunge point (see
page 1076).
Note this can result in a
posting error if you are
using cutter compensation.
TPP02W
Cant find ramp-in arc. The
ramp-in arc cannot be
applied to a closed toolpath,
because it would result in a
gouge. No ramp-in moves
are applied to the toolpath.
1 Use smaller endmill. See
How to change tools.
2 Change stepovers (see
page 1064).
3 Set a plunge point (see
page 1076).
Note this can result in a
posting error if you are
using cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 189
TPP03W
Cant find ramp-out arc. The
ramp-out arc cannot be
applied to a closed toolpath,
because it would result in a
gouge. No ramp-out moves
are applied to the toolpath.
1 Use smaller endmill. See
How to change tools.
2 Change stepovers (see
page 1064).
3 Set a plunge point (see
page 1076).
Note this can result in a
posting error if you are
using cutter compensation.
TSD02W
Could not find a spiral tool,
substituting with a gun
style.
Do one of:
Accept
Copy tool from another
crib.
Create a tool.
Override with a different
tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSD12W
Could not find a plug tool,
substituting a bottoming tap
Do one of:
Accept
Copy tool from another
crib.
Create a tool.
Override with a different
tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSH11W
Tool must be ground before
use, slotting operation.
Grind tool.
TSI02W
This tool must be adjusted
by operator for correct
diameter--. boring operation
Adjust diameter prior to
running part.
TSJ11W
Tool must be ground before
use, zigzag operation
Grind tool.
190 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
TSK03W
Tool cant cut round.
Do one of:
Override with a different
tool.
Copy tool from another
crib.
Create a tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK11W
Tool must be ground before
use, profile milling
operation.
Grind tool.
TSK12W
Chamfer tool cannot cut
chamfer.
Do one of:
Override with a different
tool.
Copy tool from another
crib.
Create a tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK22W
Counter sink tool cannot cut
chamfer
Do one of:
Override with a different
tool.
Copy tool from another
crib.
Create a tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK42W
Facemill cannot cut
Chamfer. The angle of the
chamfered Face Mill tool is
not suitable for cutting the
Chamfer feature.
Select a Face Mill tool with
a suitable chamfer angle.
Error codes
If an error code is suffixed SE, it is a soft error. A soft error
does not prevent you from running a simulation and
generating NC code, but it does prevent you saving the NC
code (the File > Save NC menu option is unavailable). You
should not use NC code containing soft errors.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 191
Code
Cause
Suggested Action
DCT01
Feature was unable to be
decomposed.
Fix tool selection error.
FS001
Feed/speed table not found
for the given operation.
Do one of:
Add a new feed/speed
table.
Override the feeds and
speeds.
Select a different tool.
FS002
Feed/Speed table not found
for the given operation. This
error indicates that a BRIGHT
tool material table could have
been used but was unable to
find it.
Do one of:
Add a new feed/speed
table.
Override the feeds and
speeds.
Select a different tool.
FST01
Feeds and speeds were not
computed because a tool was
not available.
Fix tool selection error.
TPD03
Successive moves on the
same line
Check feature curve.
TPD04
Feature curve cannot end
inside stock boundary
Look at boundaries or feature
curve.
TPD12
Geometric error while
computing turning offsets.
Check to see if the curve has
any unnecessarily small
segments.
TPD14
Tool insert is too large to cut
curve cleanly.
Change selected tool
TPD18
No cutting area determined
Check feature or stock curve.
TPD19
The Feature's curve Start point
or End point is in the stock
material.
Move the Start point or End
point.
TPD21
Unable to determine area to
be machined.
Check feature curve or stock
curve.
TPD22
Unable to cut in the specified
direction.
Cut in a different direction.
TPD52
Illegal value for cut depth.
Check depth feature
parameter.
TPD54
First infeed is too small
Check threading parameters.
192 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
TPD56
Second infeed is too small
Check threading parameters.
TPD58
Memory overflow
Contact distributor.
TPD60
Depth is smaller than infeed
Check threading parameters.
TPD61
Check retract/engage angles
and depth
Change parameters
TPD64
Tool undefined
Change tool.
TPD65
Illegal value of engage or
withdraw angle
Change parameters.
TPD66
Illegal tool shape
Adjust tool.
TPD67
Tool wider than slot
Change tool.
TPD68
Slot deeper than max tool
depth
Change tool or slot
parameters.
TPD69
Unable to verify, check path
Check feature curve.
TPD70
Check tool diameter value
Check tooling parameters.
TPD71
Check zstep value
Check feature parameters.
TPDMK
01
Library error
Check that the tool being used
is not too big, or that the
curvature of the edge is not
smaller than the tool being
used.
TPSRF
01
Bad surface(s)
Try to fix the bad surfaces by
right-clicking on them and
selecting Fix Face from the
context menu; or remove
them from the Surface
feature.
TSA01
Tool not found for standard
drilling operation
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 193
TSA02
Tool not found for drilling
operation before ream.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSB01
Tool not found for spotdrilling
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSC01
Tool not found for reaming
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSD01
Tool not found for tapping
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSE01
Countersink tool not found for
chamfer operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override (see page 1060)
with another tool.
Select a different crib (see
page 1817).
Modify feature.
194 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
TSF01
Tool not found for countersink
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override (see page 1060)
with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSG01
Tool not found for
counterbore operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override (see page 1060)
with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSH01
Tool not found for slotting
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSH02
Selected tool not valid for
slotting operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSI01
Tool not found and unable to
create a custom tool for
boring operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 195
TSJ01
Tool not found for zigzag
operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK01
Endmill tool not found for
profile milling operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK02
Selected tool not valid for
profile chamfering operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK03
Tool not found for profile
rounding operation.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
TSK42
Unchamfered Face Mill tool
selected for chamfer
operation.
Select a chamfered Face Mill
tool or a Chamfer Mill tool.
TSM01
Tool not found for profile
milling operation during
decomposition of the feature.
Do one of:
Copy a tool from drilling
operation another crib.
Create a tool.
Override with another tool.
Select a different crib.
Modify feature.
196 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Installing your PAF license
To install you PAF license:
1 Install FeatureCAM and any Solid Plugins you are using.
2 Ensure your dongle is plugged into one of the PC's USB ports.
3 If the PC that you have installed FeatureCAM on has internet
access, see Installing your PAF license with internet access (see
page 197).
If the PC that you have installed FeatureCAM on does not have
internet access, see Installing your PAF license without internet
access (see page 198).
For any problems, see PAF Troubleshooting (see page 199).
Installing your PAF license with internet access
1 Open FeatureCAM.
2 If the New Part Document Wizard is displayed, click Cancel to close
it.
3 Select the Help > Download License (PAF file) Updates menu
option.
The PAF file is downloaded. This process usually takes 10-20
seconds using a high-speed connection.
When finished downloading, a message is displayed telling you
the updated PAF file has been successfully updated.
If FeatureCAM is still in Evaluation Mode, see PAF
Troubleshooting (see page 199).
Installing your PAF license using the PAFWizard
1 Open FeatureCAM.
2 If the New Part Document Wizard is displayed, click Cancel to close
it.
3 Select the File > Evaluation Options menu option.
The Evaluation Options dialog is displayed.
4 In the Evaluation Options dialog, click Diagnostics.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 197
The Dongle Diagnostics dialog is displayed:
5 In the Dongle Diagnostics dialog, click Run PAFWizard.
The PAFWizard is displayed.
6 In the PAFWizard, select the Tools > Check for PAF updates menu
option.
The PAF file is downloaded. This process usually takes 10-20
seconds using a high-speed connection.
When finished downloading, a message is displayed telling you
the updated PAF file has been successfully installed.
7 Close the PAFWizard and restart FeatureCAM.
You can now use FeatureCAM in full access mode.
If FeatureCAM is still in Evaluation Mode, see PAF
Troubleshooting (see page 199).
Installing your PAF license without internet access
Your company should have received an email from Delcam
containing your Product Authorization File (PAF).
We ship the software before sending the PAF file to you. It is
very possible that you will receive the upgrade package
before you receive the email containing the PAF file.
198 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you do not have that email, please wait 72 hours before
installing the software or contacting support.
The email containing the PAF file could be sent to your
supervisor, IT department, or purchasing department
depending on the email address we have on file for your
company.
If you need us to resend the PAF, or if you need us to send it
to a different email address, please contact your support
representative with your name, email address, company
name, and the dongle number that you need the PAF for.
1 Save the PAF file included in your email to the desktop on your
PC.
2 Open FeatureCAM.
3 If the New Part Document Wizard is displayed, click Cancel to close
it.
4 Select the File > Evaluation Options menu option.
The Evaluation Options dialog is displayed.
5 In the Evaluation Options dialog, click Diagnostics.
The Dongle Diagnostics dialog is displayed:
6 In the Dongle Diagnostics dialog, click PAF Directory.
7 If you have any existing *.paf, *.flx, or *.lic files in this
directory, please delete them or rename them to dcam.old.
8 Drag the PAF file from the desktop into this directory.
9 Restart FeatureCAM.
If FeatureCAM is still in Evaluation Mode, see PAF
Troubleshooting (see page 199).
PAF Troubleshooting
Are you evaluating items that you do not have a license for?
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 199
a Inside FeatureCAM, select File > Evaluation Options from the
menu.
You must close all files and windows in FeatureCAM
before you can access Evaluation Options.
b Deselect any items that you don't have a license for and click
Apply.
Did you edit the PAF file in any way?
If you open the PAF file in any program other than Notepad or
WordPad, the file can become corrupt. If this happens, delete the
file and re-save the original file that you received by email.
Is the PAF file being recognized?
The file extension must be *.paf, although the name of the file
may be different. It is possible that an email program or
something else has created or hidden an extension of *.txt. You
can check this by looking at the Type of file. To do this, right-click
on the PAF file and select Properties. The file Properties dialog
displays. The Type of file should be Delcam PAF licence file or PAF
file.
Is the dongle attached to the computer?
In order for FeatureCAM to function, the dongle must be
attached to the computer.
Do you have the latest Sentinel drivers installed?
a In FeatureCAM, select File > Evaluation Options from the menu.
The Evaluation Options dialog is displayed.
b Click Diagnostics.
The Dongle Diagnostics dialog is displayed.
c Check the value for Dongle. If it reads None, you must update
the Sentinel drivers.
d Click Open Sentinel Driver directory.
The directory opens and contains the program file Sentinel
Protection Installer 7.4.0.exe.
e Run this program.
f
200 Introduction
Restart your computer.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Do you have more than one PAF file on your computer?
Most Delcam software reads any file with a *.paf extension, so if
you want to keep an old *.paf file, rename the extension to
something other than *.paf (such as dcam.old).
If you have followed the above instructions, and you still receive an
error stating "FeatureCAM: ", make a note of the error along with
the message and contact your FeatureCAM support representative.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 201
Multiple fixture documents (2.5D & 3D)
If you want to cut different parts on your machine at the same time,
use the Multiple Fixture document type. With multiple fixture parts,
you can mix different setups from FeatureCAM parts. FeatureCAM
can then create a single program for cutting all the parts and it can
minimize tool changes across all parts.
Example of a multiple fixture part:
Creating a multiple fixture part
In FeatureCAM, a multiple fixture part can include Setups, UCSs,
and part files.
To create a multiple fixture part:
1 Open any .fm files which contain Setups you want to add to the
multiple fixture document.
2 Select File > New from the menu to display the New Part
Document dialog.
3 Select Multiple Fixture from the Type list.
4 Select the Unit of Measure from either Inch or Millimeter.
5 Click OK to create a document.
The Multiple Fixtures dialog (see page 203) is displayed.
202 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can use the Multiple Fixtures dialog to add and orientate
parts and Setups.
Multiple Fixtures dialog
You can use the Multiple Fixtures dialog to add and orientate parts
and Setups in the multiple-fixture document.
To display the Multiple Fixtures dialog:
The Multiple Fixtures dialog is displayed when you create a
multiple fixture document.
Click Parts
in the Steps panel, or double-click a space in the
graphics window.
The Multiple Fixtures dialog contains the following options:
Setups A list of all Setups in the multiple-fixture document.
Click Up and Down to move the selected Setup up or down in the
Setups list.
Click Include or Exclude to include or exclude the selected Setup
from the Process Plan. Excluded Setups have a * in the Excl.
column of the Setups list.
Tool Dominant When creating the toolpaths, FeatureCAM uses a
tool everywhere possible before moving on to the next tool.
Part Dominant When creating the toolpaths, FeatureCAM
machines every part completely (within the limits of the setup)
before moving on to the next part.
OK Closes the dialog and accepts the changes.
Cancel Closes the dialog and cancels any changes, including
changes made in linked dialogs.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 203
Parts List Displays the Part Files dialog (see page 205), which you
can use to open part files so you can add Setups from them to the
multiple fixture document
Fixtures Displays the Fixture Offset Locations dialog (see page
206).
Add Displays the Setup dialog (see page 204), which you can use
to add Setups to the multiple fixture part file.
The Add button is unavailable unless you have other part files
open, or you have opened part files in the Parts List dialog.
Delete Deletes the selected Setup from the multiple fixture
document.
Edit Displays the Setup Properties dialog for the selected Setup.
Machine Sim Displays the dialog where you can specify the
machine design file and clamp locations.
Add
You can use the Add function to add Setups from open .fm files to
the multiple fixture part. To open part files, use the Part files dialog.
(see page 205)
To add Setups to a multiple fixture document:
1 Click Add in the Multiple Fixtures dialog (see page 203) to display
the Setup dialog.
The Add button is unavailable unless you have other part
files open, or you have opened part files in the Parts List
dialog.
A list of setups in open .fm files is displayed.
2 Select a setup in the Part/Setup list.
204 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Optionally enter a Part Name.
4 Click Next to display the Fixtures dialog:
5 Select how you want to locate the new setups, select from:
Add the new setups to a predefined fixture.
Select a fixture from the list.
This option is unavailable unless you have already
created a fixture using the Fixture Offset Locations
dialog.
Create a new fixture for each setup.
The default value for Start fixture IDs at is the number above
the previously used fixture ID. You can enter a new value or
use the default.
6 Click Next to display the Configuration dialog (see page 208).
Parts List
Click Parts List in the Multiple Fixtures dialog (see page 203) to
display the Part Files dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 205
You can use the Part Files dialog to open part files, so that you can
add setups from them to the multiple fixture document:
FM Part Files A list of part files from which you can add (see page
204) Setups. Open part files are displayed automatically.
OK Closes the dialog and accepts the changes.
Cancel Closes the dialog and cancels any changes.
Browse Displays the FM Part File dialog. Select an .fm file and click
Open to open the part file. You can add (see page 204) Setups from
any open part files to the multiple fixture document.
Reload Updates the selected part file in the multiple fixture
document if the source file has changed.
Delete Removes the selected part file from the FM Part Files list.
This option is unavailable for part files currently being used by the
multiple-fixture document.
Fixture Offset Locations dialog
You can use the Fixture Offset Locations dialog to create, edit, and
delete fixtures in a multiple fixture document.
To display the Fixture Offset Locations dialog:
206 Introduction
Click Fixtures in the Multiple Fixtures dialog (see page 203).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click Fixture ID
in the Steps panel.
Fixture ID A list of fixtures in the multiple fixture document.
Add Displays the Fixture wizard for creating a new fixture.
Delete Deletes the selected fixture.
Edit Displays the Fixture wizard for editing the selected fixture.
OK Closes the dialog and accepts the changes.
Cancel Closes the dialog and cancels any changes.
Fixture wizard
You can use the Fixture wizard to create a new fixture, or edit an
existing fixture.
To use the Fixture wizard:
to create a new fixture, click Add in the Fixture Offset Locations
dialog (see page 206).
to edit an existing fixture, select a fixture in the Fixture Offset
Locations dialog (see page 206) and click Edit.
The first page of the Fixture wizard is the Fixture ID page:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 207
Optionally enter a Fixture ID to overwrite the default. The default
value is numbered sequentially from the previously used value.
Click Next to display the Fixture Zero Location page:
Enter the X, Y and Z coordinates of the fixture zero location in the
X, Y and Z fields.
Click Preview to display a preview of the fixture in the graphics
window. A
symbol Fixture ID next to it shows the location of the
fixture in the graphics window.
Click Finish to accept the changes and close the wizard.
The Fixture Offset Locations dialog (see page 206) is displayed.
Configuration
You can use the Configuration dialog to specify the number of copies
and locations of Setups.
To complete the Configuration dialog:
1 Enter the coordinates of the origin of the first Setup in the X, Y,
and Z fields.
208 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 If you want to repeat the Setup in the multiple fixture document,
enter the number of repeats and the spacing between Setups.
Repeated Setups are organized in a rectangular array.
X spacing and Y spacing are the spacings between part origins.
Depending on your post, these spacing numbers might not have
any effect on the part as produced at the machine. That is
controlled by the Fixture ID and how the Fixture ID is used to
locate other parts relative to each other.
You can enter negative values.
Repeated Setups' Fixture IDs are numbered sequentially from the
previously used number.
3 Click Next.
If you entered values in the X repeats or Y repeats fields, the
Layout (see page 209) tab is displayed, where you can specify
the layout of the repeated Setups.
If there is only one Setup, the Preview (see page 213) dialog is
displayed.
Layout
You can use the Layout dialog to specify the layout of repeated
Setups:
Select a stock configuration, from:
Individual Blocks (see page 210) Simpler to design, but less
efficient.
Single Block (see page 210) Minimizes waste, but more
difficult to layout and fixture.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 209
Individual blocks
1 Select Individual Blocks in the Layout (see page 209) dialog:
2 Click Next to display the Preview dialog. (see page 213) A
preview of the Setups is displayed in green in the graphics
window.
Single block
To create a single block layout:
1 Select Single Block in the Layout (see page 209) dialog to display
the Single block options:
2 Select Retract if you want the tool to retract to the home position
after each operation.
3 Optionally select Nested to display the nesting options. (see page
211)
4 Click Next to display the Stock (see page 212) dialog.
210 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Nested
You can set the following nesting options in the Layout dialog (see
page 209):
Nested FeatureCAM rotates and flips the part geometry to find
the most efficient layout, to reduce the waste material when cutting
some parts.
X shift and Y shift The distances between the origins of nested
objects in the X and Y axes.
These options only applies to the inverted row or column; the
spacing between objects on the same row or column is
dependent on the X spacing and Y spacing values in the
Configuration dialog (see page 208).
These options are only available if Nested is selected.
You can enter negative values.
Click Next to display the Preview dialog (see page 213).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 211
Stock
You can use the Stock dialog to specify the size and location of the
stock:
1 Enter the coordinates of the stock origin in the X, Y and Z fields.
The default block size is calculated as the minimum block size
that will contain all the parts in the document with the spacings
specified in the Configuration dialog.
2 If you want to use a stock with a specific size, enter the
dimensions in the Length, Width, and Height fields.
3 Click Auto to calculate the minimum block size that will contain
all the parts.
4 Click Next to display the Preview dialog (see page 213). A
preview of the layout is displayed in green in the graphics
window.
212 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Completing the multiple fixture part
The Preview page is displayed, and a preview of the Setup(s) is
displayed in green in the graphics window.
If you want to change any settings, click Back until you reach the
page you want to change.
Click Cancel to close the wizard and cancel any changes.
Click Finish to accept the changes and close the Preview dialog.
The Multiple Fixtures dialog is displayed.
You can repeat the Add (see page 204) process to place more
Setups or parts in the whole layout as needed to complete the task.
You can add a mixture of single and individual block layouts.
To save the changes, click OK in the Multiple Fixtures dialog.
If you click Cancel, or you close the dialog without clicking
OK, any changes you made in previous dialogs are lost.
You can edit (see page 213) a Setup or part after you have added it
to the multiple fixture document.
Editing a multiple fixture document
You can use the Setup Properties dialog to edit a multiple fixture
document after you have created it.
To display the Setup Properties dialog:
Right-click a Setup or part in the graphics window and select
Properties from the context menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 213
Select a Setup in the Multiple Fixtures dialog (see page 203) and
click Edit.
The tabs contain the options from the Setup, Fixtures (see page
204), Configuration (see page 208), Layout (see page 209), and
Stock (see page 212) dialogs.
The Layout and Stock tabs are not available for non-repeated parts,
and you cannot create repeats of a part after it has been added to
the multiple fixture document.
You can modify the spacing, shift spacing, nesting, and so on in the
Properties dialog. You can also change the Setup name and fixture
ID directly in the Name tab.
Saving and opening multiple fixture parts
Multiple fixture documents are saved as MF Documents with the file
extension .mf.
To open a multiple fixture document:
1 Select File > Open from the menu to display the Open dialog.
2 Select FM Documents (*.fm) from the Files of type list.
3 Select a file.
4 Click Open.
214 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tombstone machining (TOMB)
If your milling machine is equipped with a tombstone, FeatureCAM
makes it easy to take advantage of this high production feature.
Tombstone parts are saved in files with the .tsf extension. When
opening tombstone documents change the Files of type to be TSF
Documents (*.tsf) to view the tombstone documents saved on your
disk.
You must license the Tombstone machining option to use
tombstone machining.
Overview of tombstone machining
The tombstone fixture document enables you to arrange
FeatureCAM milling parts on a tombstone for production
manufacturing.
Your first step is to describe your tombstone (see page 217).
Tombstones for vertical and horizontal milling machines are
supported. Specify the number of faces and the dimensions of a
face. These dimensions are remembered for future parts.
Next use the tombstone wizard to open FeatureCAM parts and
position them on the tombstone (see page 222). You can cut
multiple copies of a single part or mix different parts on the
tombstone. You can order the operations automatically to minimize
tool changes across all setups or to cut each setup completely
before rotating.
Example of four parts on a two face horizontal tombstone
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 215
Example of twelve parts on a six face horizontal tombstone
Example of four parts on a four face vertical tombstone.
Creating a tombstone machined part
To create a tombstone machined part:
1 Select File > New from the menu or click the New
the Standard toolbar.
button from
The New Part Document dialog opens.
2 Select Tombstone Fixture as the type.
3 Select the system units you will use for the multiple part
document. This is the unit you will use to specify the size of the
tombstone and to position the parts on the faces of the
tombstone. It specifies the system of units for all parts that you
will place on the tombstone.
4 Click OK.
5 If it is the first time you have created a part for tombstone
machining, your next step is to specify the dimensions of the
tombstone (see page 217).
6 If it is not your first tombstone machined part, your next step is
to add parts to the tombstone (see page 222).
216 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Specifying tombstone dimensions
It is important to accurately reflect the dimensions of the tombstone
because these dimensions are used to simulate toolpaths and to
calculate the required retract distances.
To specify the dimensions of the tombstone:
1 If the Tombstone Dimensions dialog is not already open, click the
Tombstone
step in the Steps Toolbox to open it.
2 Select the Axis of rotation for the tombstone. For horizontal
machining centers, this is normally the Y axis. For vertical
machining centers, this is normally the X axis.
3 Enter the Number of faces of the tombstone.
4 Enter the dimensions as indicated on the diagram on the dialog:
a Enter the axis Length. This is the dimension of the tombstone
parallel with the tombstone axis.
b Enter the Width of Face. This is the dimension that is
perpendicular to the Axis Length.
For a tombstone with four faces, enter Width of Face1
and Width of Face2.
c Enter the Tombstone Thickness. For a tombstone with an even
number of faces, this is the distance between parallel faces.
For a tombstone with an odd number of faces it is the
perpendicular distance from a face to the joint of faces on the
opposite side of the tombstone.
5 Click OK when finished.
Handling multiple tombstones
If you have more than one tombstone in your shop, you can
simply enter the dimensions of the tombstone with each part,
but there is an easier way. The dimensions of the tombstone
are stored in the tombstone part file (.tsf file extension). If you
create a blank tombstone file for each tombstone in your
shop, you can use these files as a starting point for each
tombstone part. Make sure to save your part under a different
name so that you do not overwrite your initial blank
tombstone file.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 217
Creating global fixture coordinate systems from Setups
on placed parts
If you want to use a Setup of a part that you have placed on the
tombstone to locate other part Setups, use the following procedure:
1 Open the Fixture Offset Locations dialog in one of these ways:
Click the Fixture ID
step in the Steps Toolbox.
Click the Fixtures button in the Tombstone Process Plan dialog.
2 Click the Add button. The Fixture Location wizard is displayed.
3 Select Create the fixture zero at the origin of a setup and click Next.
The Select Fixture Setup page is displayed.
4 Select the Setup whose origin you want to use and click Next.
The Fixture ID page opens.
5 Enter the Fixture ID to use for the first face. You probably don't
need to change the default value because it was set when you
placed the first part.
6 If you want to set the origin of each face at the same point,
select Use the same fixture ID on each orientation.
7 If you want to use a different origin for each face, select
Increment the fixture ID for each orientation.
8 Click the Finish button.
218 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The fixture offsets you create are displayed, in the Graphics
window, on each face of the tombstone with the
symbol.
The Fixture Offset Locations dialog lists the fixture IDs you
created.
9 Click OK to accept them.
The faces that they apply to are shown underneath the fixture
IDs.
10 Click OK to accept the settings and close the Tombstone Process
Plan dialog.
Creating global fixture coordinate systems on the
tombstone
The first step to placing parts on the tombstone is to locate a point
on the tombstone to position the primary setups of the parts. These
coordinate systems are created relative to the tombstone and are
called global fixture coordinate systems.
1 Open the Fixture Offset Locations dialog in one of these ways:
Click the Fixture ID
step in the Steps Toolbox.
Click the Fixtures... button in the Tombstone Process Plan
dialog.
2 Click the Add button. The Fixture Location wizard opens.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 219
3 Select Create the fixture zero relative to one of the faces of the
tombstone and click Next.
The Fixture ID page opens.
4 Enter the Fixture ID to use for the first face.
5 If you want to set the origin of each face at the same point,
select Use the same fixture ID on each orientation.
6 If you want to use a different origin for each face, select
Increment the fixture ID for each orientation.
7 Click the Next button.
8 The Fixture Zero Location page opens. Enter the offsets from the
left/right edge, top edge and tombstone face.
These values are for simulation purposes only. When you
set up the machine you can locate the origin anywhere on
the face that you want.
9 Click the Finish button.
The fixture offsets you create are displayed on each face of the
tombstone with the
symbol.
The Fixture Offset Locations dialog lists the fixture IDs you
created.
10 Click OK to accept them.
The faces that they apply to are shown underneath the fixture
IDs.
11 Click OK to accept the settings and close the Tombstone Process
Plan dialog.
Tombstone Process Plan dialog
Open the Tombstone Process Plan dialog in one of these ways:
Click the Parts
Click the Properties button at the bottom of the Graphics window.
220 Introduction
step in the Steps toolbox.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select Manufacturing > Process Plan from the menu.
Fixtures Click this button to open the Fixture Offset Locations
dialog.
Add Part Places a part (see page 222) on one face of the
tombstone.
Add To All Places a part (see page 222) on all faces of the
tombstone.
Delete Removes a face from the tombstone, or a part from a face
of the tombstone. Select the entity name in the list and click Delete.
Edit Lets you modify the location of a part on a face, or a setup
name or fixture ID. Select the entity in the list and click Edit. If you
selected a part, the Edit Part Location dialog is displayed. If you
selected a setup, the Edit Setup Information dialog is displayed.
Reload Reloads the selected part file into the tombstone
document. If the part file has changed since you created the
tombstone part, you must reload the part.
Machine Sim Opens a dialog where you enter the location of the
bottom of the bottom-most clamp, and the location of the machine
design file, for simulation purposes.
Tool Dominant If you want the ordering of operations to minimize
tool changes across all setups, select Tool Dominant.
You must also select Minimize tool changes in the Automatic
Ordering Options (see page 1633) dialog for Tool Dominant
to work correctly.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 221
Setup Dominant If you want the ordering of operations to
complete each setup before moving on to another setup, select
Setup Dominant. The milling ordering attributes determine the order
in which operations are performed within a setup.
OK Accept changes and close the dialog
Apply Accept changes and keep the dialog open.
Help Opens this Help topic.
Adding a part to the tombstone
To add a part to the tombstone:
1 Open the Tombstone Process Plan (see page 220) dialog.
2 Click the Add Part button to place a part on one face of the
tombstone, or Add To All to place a part on all faces of the
tombstone.
The Select Part dialog opens and all open part files are listed.
3 Do one of the following:
Select a part file from the list
Click Browse, browse to the location of the file, click Open and
select the part file in the list.
4 Click Next.
The Primary Setup dialog opens.
5 Select the name of the setup to orient the part on the
tombstone. The Z-axis of the primary setup is oriented
perpendicular to the face of the tombstone.
6 Click Next.
The Active Setups page opens.
7 Select each setup that will be active on the tombstone and click
Next.
The Select Fixtures page opens.
8 Select the Fixture ID to be used for each setup and click Next.
The Part Location page opens.
9 Enter details of the origin of the primary setup located on the
tombstone.
These values are for simulation purposes only.
10 Click Next.
The Preview page opens.
222 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
11 Preview the placement of the part on the tombstone, in the
Graphics window.
12 Click Finish to accept it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 223
Machine Simulation
FeatureCAM's Machine Simulation enables you to see the whole
machine in a view that is similar to FeatureCAM's 3D simulation.
Machine Simulation is intended to complement the standard
simulation types of Centerline, 2D, 3D, and 3D RapidCut. With these
other types of simulation you can see only the stock and the current
cutting tool. This is enough for simple machines, but more complex
machines such as multi-axis turning and 5-axis milling need
simulation of the entire machine in order to help you understand
how the machine cuts your part. You can detect odd motions and
collisions so that you can adjust the program before code is sent to
the CNC machine. You can expect to save a lot of time by proofing
your NC code on the PC before sending it to the machine.
A few simple example machines are provided with FeatureCAM. But
the ability to design a machine from scratch is also included in
FeatureCAM as a document type called a Machine Design (MD)
document. The file extension is .md. The process of designing a
machine consists of creating solids and establishing movement
relationships between them. Because machine design relies on
solids, you must either create them in FeatureCAM or import them
from another CAD system. You must license the Solid Modeling or a
solid import component. After the solids are present in an MD file,
you establish relationships between them. This capability is part of
the MD document type and is independent of solid modeling or solid
import.
Machine Simulation applies to every machine type except wire. The
full range of milling machines is supported, such as 2.5-axis, 3-axis,
4-axis indexers and rotary tables, and 5-axis machines of all types.
Turning is also fully supported: simple 2-axis turning, Y-axis,
C-axis, turn/mill with rotary (live) tooling, sub-spindle, and
multi-axis multi-turret turning. You can also create auxiliary
machine functions like parts catchers, tool changers, bar feeders,
and so on, possibly using some coding in BASIC using FeatureCAM's
API.
Using Machine Simulation
To use Machine Simulation you must:
1 Choose a machine.
2 Choose a corresponding post processor.
3 Open a part file that uses the kind of machining done on the
chosen machine.
224 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Choosing a machine
In order to use Machine Simulation you first need to specify a
machine for each Setup. Every Setup can have its own machine
(.md file), or you can specify a machine in the first Setup to apply to
all Setups. You can change which machine is used by the Setup by
editing the Setup properties (see page 225).
Choosing a post processor
It is important to have an appropriate post processor (.cnc file)
loaded. So make sure that you've got an .md file that has the same
configuration as the post processor that you have selected.
Using Machine Simulation
After you've established a machine for the Setup, you can select
View > Simulation > Machine Solid from the menu. Or click the
Machine simulation
the Play
button in the Simulation toolbar. Then click
button to start the simulation.
Examples
You should try running the examples that are provided with
FeatureCAM. In the Examples\Machine Design folder there are several
folders each containing three files:
a machine design file (.md)
a post processor file (.cnc)
a sample part file (.fm)
To see full machine simulation:
1 Load the .fm file.
2 Load the post processor.
3 Select Machine simulation
Then click the Play
button in the Simulation toolbar.
button.
In these examples you do not need to set the machine design
file for each Setup because the part file specifies using one in
the post processor file, which in turn references the machine
design file in the same folder.
Specifying the machine simulation file
The Machine Simulation file is associated with the Setup. For files
where you simulate multiple setups such as indexed or turn/mill
parts, you should associate the machine file with the first setup of a
part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 225
To specify a machine simulation file:
1 Open the Setups dialog in one of these ways:
Select Manufacturing > Setups from the menu.
Double-click the Setup name in the Part View.
Select Properties from the Setup's context menu in the Part
View.
Double-click the Setup in the graphics window.
2 Click the Edit button.
3 Click the Next button until the Setups > Simulation Information
dialog is displayed.
4 Enter the X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset parameters. These
represent offsets for loading the part onto the machine. For
simulating single milling or turning setups these offsets are
applied to the setup after the part is aligned with the top-most
location (see page 241). For indexed parts or turn/mill parts, the
offset is relative to the stock axis.
5 The Simulation machine design file section has these options:
Always use this one Select this option if you want to identify
a specific file. Browse to the location of the Machine Design
file.
The number of turrets and locations of the turrets must
match the selected post processor.
Use the one specified in the .cnc file Select this option to use
the machine specified in the post processor .cnc file.
Removing objects from the simulation
During a machine simulation you can remove an object (such as
machine doors) from the scene. To do this:
226 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Click the Select
button.
2 Click on an object.
This removes the object from the simulation temporarily; it
does not delete it. To show all solids, select View > Show All
when the simulation is still shown.
Shadows
If you are using graphics hardware for OpenGL shading you can
display shadows in your simulation. The image shows an example of
shadows displayed when using machine simulation.
The quality of the shadows is controlled by the Shadow quality slider
on the 2D/3D shaded tab of the Simulation Options (see page 1605)
dialog. If the slider is dragged all the way to the left to None, then
shadows are turned off. As you drag the slider to the right the
quality of the shadows improves. Be aware that this option can slow
down the simulation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 227
Creating a Machine Design document
In the New Part Document (see page 88) dialog there is an option for
file type Simulation Machine Design. Files of this type have a .md
extension (MD for machine design). In these types of files you
design solids that collectively represent a CNC machine and specify
how these solids interact or move according to how your machine
operates. (You must have the ability to at least import solids, that
is, you must have the solid import plugin installed which comes with
the FeatureRecognition product, the 3D milling product, and the
advanced solid modeling product).
Each solid represents a particular part of your machine, and it is
important that you model each movable part of your machine as an
independent solid. That is, do not make use of the solid wizard's
Combine Solids command to union two tables into one solid,
because you need to rotate one table independently of the other. If
you have imported a file and it contains only one solid, use the
Explode Solid (see page 577) method and then reconstruct multiple
solids from the exploded surfaces (probably constructing additional
surfaces as well).
In an MD document, there are no manufacturing-like commands.
That is, there is no stock, no Setups, no simulation, and no
manufacturing attributes, manufacturing menu, and so on. The
purpose of the document type is to design solids, and to assign
attributes to the solids that match your particular machine
movement and machine hierarchy. An example of a machine
hierarchy is that tableA is on top of tableB and so, whenever you
rotate tableB, tableA is also rotated. This is called a parent/child
relationship (see page 239).
General guidelines
Some general guidelines for machine design:
You should design the machine in its home state. Design the
machine in the file as it is when you first power-on the real
machine.
All FeatureCAM movements are programmed relative to the tool
direction. For example, if FeatureCAM wants to move the tool in
a positive X direction, and your machine tool is stationary, but
the tables move, the +X tool direction is equivalent to moving
your table in a negative X direction.
228 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you are designing a 4-axis or 5-axis machine, a single solid
can rotate only about one axis. Unlike the human wrist, for
example, machine joints are modeled as single revolute joints
(only allow rotation about one mechanical axis).
Your .md file should match your .fm and .cnc files. If, for example,
your part file (.fm) is defined as Indexing around the X axis, you
should design your machine so that the degree of rotation is
about the world X also. (Although we have plans to remove this
restriction in the future, it simplifies the design process if your
wrapping axis matches your .md file rotation axis). Also consider
your post (.cnc file); if your .md file specifies two turrets, you
must use a .cnc file that enables twin turrets or the simulation is
unpredictably wrong, and so on.
Using our approach, you should be able to model most lathes as
well as most of the traditional 4-axis and 5-axis machines.
(Traditional meaning table-on-table, rotating head(s), and so
on). Non-traditional 4-axis or 5-axis machines such as a machine
which 3 linear motors push and pull 3 different points of the table
(or tool) to effectively rotate the table through A and B, are not
supported by the framework. (It may be possible to program
these in our BASIC API).
Mixing units is supported, that is, you may model your machine
in millimeters, and use it when simulating an inch .fm document
and vice-versa.
Keep the model simple. Only the necessary details of a machine
should be modeled. Modeling every chamfer, fillet and tiny detail
is only going to slow the simulation down.
There are several attributes which are based on the name of the
solid. This means if you want to rename some or all of the solids,
you should use the rename commands before you begin using
the machine design commands.
FeatureCAM cannot distinguish a crash (sometimes called a clash
or gouge) and the case where a table slides along another table
such that the two tables share a common plane. We advise that
you avoid modeling such solids. Use solid offset or transform by
small amounts (for example, 0.005 inches) to eliminate false
gouges in the simulation.
Although you can use STL data for machine simulation,
surface-based data is better.
Solids must be closed. No open faces are allowed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 229
Machine Design concepts
Parent/child relationships
Think of a machine as a hierarchy. For example, when the slide on a
lathe moves back and forth, the turret moves with it in
lock-step. The turret is considered to be a child and the slide is
considered to be a parent. In this manner, if the G-code specifies a
certain movement, you can assign that movement to the parent and
all of the children move with it. That way you don't need to specify
how every piece of the machine moves independently.
Movement
You assign a piece of the machine to a particular movement. For
example, you could assign a slide on a lathe to Z movement. So
whenever the G-code has a Z move, the slide moves accordingly. If
the slide is a parent of a turret, the turret moves too.
Top-most table
A milling machine has a top-most table that the fixture, vise, or
stock from the FM file must mate to. A turning machine has a
similar concept with the main-spindle chuck.
UCS/LCS
FeatureCAM users are familiar with the term UCS (User Coordinate
System). UCSs are critically important in machine design. The term
LCS (Local Coordinate System) is sometimes used and is equivalent
to UCS.
Mate
A mate is a term from assembly modeling (or constraint-based
positioning). Suppose there are 2 similarly sized cubes in space,
randomly oriented and you want cube1 to be totally coincident with
cube2 so that a specific corner of each cube occupies the same
point as a specific corner of the other cube, and the edges are
parallel and, in fact, coincident. Suppose further that there is a UCS
that describes the position of the interesting corner of each cube
and the orientation of the edges of that cube. We want to mate the
UCS of cube2 to that of cube1, that is, we find a transformation
(translation and rotation) such that the origins of the UCSs are
made to be concentric, and the X, Y, and Z directions are the same.
That is, there is one transformation (and only one) which takes
cube1 (or cube2) and moves it to where you want it.
230 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lathe design overview
Lathe tool inserts cut the stock when they are parallel to the Setup's
XZ plane. You must design your lathe machine so that a lathe tool
in slot 1 can be moved into the XZ plane. FeatureCAM does not
initially rotate the turret.
The following image shows a turret that is modeled incorrectly. The
turret solid can't be moved such that the tool in slot #1 can cut in
the XZ plane of the chuck without rotating the turret. In this
situation, you should rotate the turret solid so that the tool is in the
XZ plane of the chuck.
Turret
Chuck
Tool slot #1
FeatureCAM assumes that the tools point toward the center of the
chuck. If that is not the case with the machine you are modeling,
FeatureCAM needs the flexibility to move the turret so that the tool
points toward the center of the chuck. In the example shown below,
the tools are parallel to the XZ plane, but they do not line up with
the chuck's center. In this case you should tell FeatureCAM that part
of your machine moves in Y, when in reality, your machine cannot
move in the Y axis. FeatureCAM needs to move the turrets in Y so
that the tools can be translated into the chuck's XZ plane.
The machine simulation does not affect the NC code. No
actual Y moves are included in the NC code.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 231
Chuck
It is not necessary or desirable to include the tool holders in the .md
file. However, the tool blocks are part of the lathe machine.
About UCSs for machine design
The key to a Machine Design file that properly simulates the target
machine lies in the correct placement of the various UCSs. These
UCSs are used to control both mating and movement. Mating
controls how various components are positioned and oriented with
respect to each other.
Some of the important mate interactions are:
Stock and machine table/chuck (see page 241)
Tool and milling spindle (see page 245)
Tool holders and turning turret (see page 249)
Tool and tool holder on turning turret (see page 249)
Some UCSs affect the direction of linear or rotational movement of
machine components. Linear movements in the machine simulation
take place in the coordinate system for the top-most table. That is,
if you've used Specify Movement (see page 233) to indicate that a
turret slide can move in X, it is the X direction of the top-most table
UCS that indicates the direction of translational freedom.
Rotational motion, however, is determined by a UCS specifically
associated with the particular solid that is rotating. This is done in
the Local Coordinate System (see page 249) dialog.
232 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Configuring the machine
Think of Machine Design files as consisting of two parts:
A model of the physical machine to be simulated, which is a set
of geometric solids.
The definition of the kinematics that describe how the
components move with respect to each other in the machine.
You can find basic information about preparing your solid model in
the General guidelines (see page 228) topic, and additional
suggestions in the Preparing the solid model (see page 270) topic of
the Machine Design handbook (see page 269).
You define the kinematics within the FeatureCAM Machine Simulation
component. The following topics give information about the
concepts you need to understand, as well as how to use the dialogs
and menus provided for machine design.
You can delete a machine design (movement, parent/child
relationships, tool location, and so on) by selecting Machine
Design > Start over from the menu. This does not delete solid
names, solid colors, and UCSs.
Specify Movement dialog
If a part on a machine moves independently, you must specify the
way it moves in the Specify Movement dialog.
To open the Specify Movement dialog, select Machine Design >
Specify Movement from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 233
If the solid moves only through the association with its parent
solid, you do not need to specify any additional movements
for that solid.
There are two major categories of movement: Tool quill and Table.
There are translational and rotational options for each category. The
movements specified under Tool quill move in the same direction as
the tool. If the tool moves in the +X direction, the solid also moves
in the +X direction. Solids in the Table category move in the
opposite direction. To affect a +X tool movement, a table solid must
move in the -X direction.
After you determine whether the solid is a Tool quill or a Table solid,
indicate how the solid moves by selecting the appropriate options.
For Tool quill solids, select Moves +delta X, Moves +delta Y, or Moves
+delta Z for translational movements. Select rotates +A, rotates +B,
or rotates +C for rotational movements. For Table solids the
translational options are Moves -delta X, Moves -delta Y, or Moves
-delta Z and the rotational movements are rotates -A, rotates -B, or
rotates -C.
One special case of movement that must be specified for lathes
which support a sub-spindle is the Moves as Turn spindle option.
Select this option for the solid that supports the sub-spindle and
performs the independent Z movement.
To use this dialog:
1 Select or pick the solid.
2 Select the appropriate type of movements.
3 Click the Apply button.
4 Use the Specify Limits tab (see page 235) to set the limits of
movement.
234 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Specify Limits tab
You can use the Specify Limits tab of the Specify Movement dialog to
set the limits of movement for solids in a Machine Design document.
To specify the limits of movement for a solid in the Machine Design
document:
1 Select the Machine Design > Specify Movement menu option.
The Specify Movement dialog is displayed.
2 Use the Specify Movement tab to select the solid and specify how
it can move.
3 Use the Specify Limits tab to specify the linear and rotational
limits of movement.
There are several example MD files that have limits of
movement set. These are located in
\FeatureCAM\Examples\Machine Design\Axis Limits.
To display a warning if the machine exceeds its limits of movement
during a machine simulation, select Pause on limits on the 2D/3D
Shaded of the Simulation Options dialog.
A message dialog is displayed when the machine moves outside the
specified limits if Pause on Limits is selected.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 235
The Outside of Limits message dialog displays this information:
The name of the solid that has exceeded its limits.
The axis in which the solid has exceeded its limits..
The specified limit.
The solid's current position.
You can select these options in the Outside of Limits message
dialog:
Don't pause for this solid again Select this option to run
machine simulations without pausing when this solid exceeds its
limits.
Don't pause on limits again Select this option to run machine
simulations without pausing when any solids exceed their limits.
Part Handling Movement dialog
Use the Part Handling Movement dialog to program steady rests and
tailstocks.
To display the Part Handling Movement dialog, ensure the Machine
Design > Enable Turn/Mill UI menu option is selected, and select
Machine Design > Specify Part Handling Movement.
solid Select the solid for which you want to specify movement.
236 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Jaw
Use this section to mark a solid as a jaw.
A jaw can be a jaw of a chuck (on a lathe spindle) or a jaw of a
steady rest. The jaw on a chuck translates to open and close, the
outer jaws of a steady rest rotate.
For a translating jaw, select Moves in LCS X or Moves in LCS Y to
specify in which axis of the jaw's Local Coordinate System the jaws
translate.
A translating jaw with Moves in LCS X selected opens in a positive X
and closes in a negative X of its Local Coordinate System. Marking a
solid as a translating jaw of the chuck in the .md file means that
you do not have to write BASIC code in the .md file to close it. If
you mark it as a translating jaw, you should not move it around
with the BASIC callback hooks. If you want to move it around in a
custom method, leave it unmarked.
A rotating jaw with rotating in +C selected closes by rotating in a
positive direction around the Z-axis of its LCS, and opens by
rotating in the opposite direction. A rotating jaw with rotating in -C
selected closes by rotating in a negative direction around the Z of
its LCS.
Steady Rest
Use this section to mark a solid as a steady rest.
Select Moves in LCS Z for the parent steady rest solid (the solid that
connects the steady rest to the machine) to make it slide along a
track in Z in response to a Part Support On or Off feature. The jaws
of a steady rest should be children of the steady rest solid.
Select Moves in LCS X or Moves in LCS Y if you have an off-center
steady rest that needs to move in X or Y to be in line with the part.
Steady rests are simulated with pressure sensitive jaws that close in
small increments until they touch another solid or themselves.
Ensure you design your steady rest jaws and housing so they do not
touch when the jaws are moving.
Model the steady rest in the open position. A Part Support On
feature causes the jaws to open, position and then close (the first
open move does nothing), positions the LCS of the steady rest to
the appropriate grab distance, and then closes the steady rest until
the jaws touch the stock.The next Part Support On feature is used
to reposition the steady rest, which opens the jaws to the position
they were modeled in, positions the steady rest, and closes the
jaws. For example, if the first Part Support On feature causes the
jaws to close by 37 degrees, the next Part Support On feature
causes them to open by 37 degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 237
Subspindle
Select Moves as Turn Subspindle to specify this solid as the
subspindle.
Tailstock
Select Moves as Turn Tailstock for the parent solid to specify it as a
tailstock. A tailstock solid and its children move in Z in response to
a Part Support On or Off feature, from its LCS origin to the grab
distance in the Setup coordinate system.
There are two types of tailstock, dead-center and live-center. In a
live-center tailstock the tailstock piece rotates as it supports the
stock. In a dead-center tailstock the tailstock piece does not rotate.
A live-center tailstock piece is made from softer material so it can
be remachined, a dead-center tailstock piece is made from harder
material. A tailstock piece typically has a 60 degree nose.
Live-center tools are not necessarily held by a turret, some
tailstocks have a spindle that can rotate the tool (the tailstock
piece).
Some tailstocks have a hydraulic pressure-sensing cylinder that also
moves in Z. The tailstock in process is then a two-step process, you
position the large tailstock housing to some position out in front of
the stock, and then the hydraulic cylinder/cone comes out (in Z)
until it hits the stock.
For a dead-center tail stock, you can have the LCS of the tailstock
be at the tip of the cone, and move the tip of the tailstock to Z=0
by using a Part Support On feature with a grab distance of 0.
Alternatively, you can move the large tailstock housing out in front
of the stock by using a Part Support On feature with a negative grab
distance. Then, you can implement a BASIC callback hook to move
in the hydraulic pressure sensing cylinder in the callback hook:
MachineSim_PartHandle. The MachineSim_PartHandle callback hook
is called whenever a steady rest or a tailstock is opened or closed,
and is called twice for positioning moves: once before the move,
and once after the move. To implement the move in the hydraulic
pressure sensing cylinder, you would implement
MachineSim_PartHandle and test if Action is
eSimAction_TS_PostPosition (that stands for tailstock, post (after)
positioning). You can move the hydraulic pressure sensing cylinder
in small Z increments until it collides with the stock if the tailstock is
moving in, or move the cylinder back if the tailstock is moving out.
238 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Parent/Child Relationships dialog
The first step in creating a simulation machine is to specify the
relationships between the different solids. In the image below, Table
C is located on top of Table A. If Table A moves, then Table C should
move with it. This is specified by indicating that Table A is the
parent of Table C.
Table A
Table C
You specify this type of relationship in the Parent/Child Relationships
dialog.
To open the Parent/Child Relationships dialog, select Machine Design
> Parent/Child Relationships from the menu.
To use this dialog:
1 Select the parent solid.
2 Select the child solid.
3 Click the Apply button.
As you work up or down through the machine hierarchy, you
can save time by moving the previously selected solid from
the parent to the child selection or the child to the parent
selection using the arrow buttons.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 239
All solids must be associated with the machine. The machine solid in
the Part View is not an actual solid, but it represents the top level of
the machine. All solids must be connected to machine to be included
in the simulation. The parent/child relationships are displayed in the
Part View under the machine object. Here is an example of the
hierarchy for a simple table-on-table machine.
240 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Top-most Table dialog
The top-most table solid is the solid that the stock and clamps are
attached to. That is, the stock and clamps in the machine simulation
move around with the solid that is specified in this dialog as if they
were children of the solid.
For a lathe, this is the main spindle or chuck. For mills, it is the top
table solid. Use the Top-most Table dialog to set this up.
To open the Top-most Table dialog, select Machine Design > Top-most
Table from the menu.
To use this dialog:
1 Select or pick the solid.
2 Select either:
Existing UCS Select or pick the UCS on the top of the solid
where you want the part mounted.
Note that if your part has its coordinate system located
on its top, you can offset the solid in the Simulation
Information page of the Setup wizard.
Create UCS and go to alignment wizard
3 Click the Apply button.
UCS for top-most table
The Top-most Table UCS is the most crucial UCS to get right,
particularly for a turning machine. Both the position and the
orientation of the top-most table UCS are important because they
establish a correspondence to the Setup position and orientation
used in the FeatureCAM part. You can think about this in any of
several equivalent ways:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 241
The top-most table UCS is mated to the Setup's origin (minus
the offsets in the Setup - Simulation Information (see page 225)
dialog).
The origins of the Setup UCS (minus the offsets in the Setup Simulation Information (see page 225) dialog) are made to be
coincident with the top-table UCS; and the X, Y, and Z directions
are aligned.
FeatureCAM's simulation aligns (transforms) the whole machine
so that the top table UCS is aligned with the setup (minus the
offsets in the Setup - Simulation Information (see page 225)
dialog). That is, the machine is transformed such that the +X of
the top table UCS is aligned to the Setup's +X, +Z to +Z, and
the machine is translated such that the Setup's origin (minus the
offsets in the Setup - Simulation Information dialog) is the same
point as the top-table UCS origin.
Below is a sample of the UCS and solid used for a milling machine:
The UCS for milling should have:
the XY positioned in the center of the table
the Z positioned on the top of the table
X pointing to the right
Z pointing up
For 4-axis indexed parts, the combination of the .fm's Setup's clamp
location and the top-most table location should translate the stock
such that the index axis of the part is aligned with the table's
rotation axis. If this is not true, the simulation cannot rotate the
machine about the index axis.
242 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Below is a sample of the UCS and solid used for a turning or
turn/mill machine:
The UCS for turning should have:
the XY positioned in the center of the chuck
the Z positioned on the face of the jaws
X pointing up (or towards the tool on a slant-bed lathe)
Z pointing to the right (from the main to the sub-spindle or
tailstock)
Sub-spindle dialog
Ensure that the Machine Design > Enable Millturn UI menu
option is selected to access the lathe design options.
If you are modeling a lathe with a sub-spindle, you must identify
the solid representing the sub-spindle. Specify the solid in the
Sub-spindle dialog:
To open the Sub-spindle dialog, select Machine Design > Sub-spindle
from the menu.
To use this dialog:
1 Select or pick the sub-spindle solid.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 243
2 Click the Apply button.
This dialog lets you designate which solid represents the
sub-spindle. In a sense, this is akin to the Top-most Table dialog,
that is, FeatureCAM has to know which solid holds the part when
cutting on the sub-spindle.
If the stock is parted with a cutoff operation, the right-most
stock becomes a child of the sub-spindle solid.
The Local Coordinate System (see page 249) of the sub-spindle is
important in terms of simulating sub-spindle positioning
features. Typically the sub-spindle is positioned with respect to a
machine coordinate system and not the part program (or Setup)
zero. Set the Local Coordinate System's Z direction to match the
machining sub-spindle commands. That is, if the machine's
sub-spindle moves to the left in response to a negative W (or
sometimes B), set the Z direction of the LCS pointing to the right
(like the main spindle or turning main setup). Sometimes the
positive W axis points to the left, that is, the machine moves to the
left in response to a positive W (assuming W=0 is the home
position). You can set the home W and max W in the .cnc file (Edit
the .cnc file, and go to CNC-Info > Spindles).
Here, the sub-spindle's LCSs (UCS shown) Z direction points to the
right; this would be correct for a machine where a move the
sub-spindle in to grab the part is a negative W and the move the
sub-spindle home is a W of zero.
244 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Add Tool Location dialog
You must specify at least one tool location for the machine. Do this
using the Add Tool Location dialog:
To open the dialog, select Machine Design > Add Tool Location from
the menu.
Adding a Milling machine tool location
For most milling machines, the tool location is a single point at the
center of the base of the spindle as shown below. The +Z axis
points away from the part. The choice of the X and Y directions of
the UCS are relatively arbitrary.
To add a Milling machine tool location:
1 Select a solid from the list, or click Pick Solid
the graphics window.
and select it in
2 Select Existing UCS and then pick the UCS from the graphics
window, or select Create UCS/use alignment wizard and then use
the wizard to create the UCS.
3 Click Apply.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 245
A wireframe preview of the tool is displayed in the graphics
window.
4 Click OK to close the dialog.
Adding a Lathe tool location
For lathes, tool locations represent locations to mount tool blocks.
If a turret solid has a Local Coordinate System (see page 249), you
can create multiple parts in a linear pattern, or rotated around the
LCS origin and the Z axis.
Select Machine Design > Enable Turn/Mill UI from the menu to add
Turning machine tool locations.
To add a Lathe tool location:
On the Add Tool Location tab:
1 Select a solid from the list, or click Pick Solid
the graphics window.
and select it in
2 Select the Type from the list:
Head Add a single head tool.
Turret Add multiple tools rotated about the LCS (see page
249) of the selected solid.
Gang Add tools in a linear pattern.
Depending on the Type selected, different options are available
on the For turning turrets tab.
3 Select Existing UCS and then pick the UCS from the graphics
window, or select Create UCS/use alignment wizard and then use
the wizard to create the UCS. Ensure the -Z axis of the UCS
points away from the part you are cutting.
4 Select Replace existing or Add to existing to specify whether to
replace the existing tools.
If you add tool locations individually to a solid with Add to
existing selected, they are added to sequential slot numbers. If
you add groups of Gang or Turret tools, the existing slots are
overwritten.
5 Specify the mounting direction of the tool.
Specify whether the tool is mounted on the face of the turret for
cutting on the main spindle, the face for cutting on the
sub-spindle, or on the OD which can cut in either direction. The
image shows the tool mounting directions:
246 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Face-mount
ed, main
spindle
Face-mount
ed,
sub-spindle
OD-mounte
d, either
spindle
These options are unavailable if Head is selected in the Type list.
On the For turning turrets tab:
1 If Head is selected in the Type list, optionally select Turret rotates
when changing tools.
If Turret is selected in the Type list, enter the # of tools. The tools
are spaced equally around the solid's LCS (see page 249).
If Gang is selected in the Type list, enter the # of tools and Tool
Spacing, and select the Direction. The tools are added in a linear
pattern in the selected direction.
2 Select a turret in the Which turret section.
Specify whether to use a main turret or sub turret, and whether
the turret is above or below the stock.
Ensure this setting matches the information in the .cnc file.
3 Enter a Simulation C angle offset value.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 247
4 Click Apply to display a preview of the tool locations in the
graphics window.
5 Click OK to close the dialog.
Tool direction
The tool location orientation is the same for milling and turning,
where +Z points into the quill or turret. The following image shows
both a machine tool spindle and lathe turret for illustration purposes
only:
248 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Local Coordinate System dialog
For any machine part that rotates during the simulation, a center of
rotation, its local coordinate system must be specified using the
Local Coordinate System dialog:
To open this dialog, select Machine Design > Local Coordinate System
from the menu.
Rotating parts include turrets and rotating tables. Parts that rotate
about the A axis rotate about its local X axis. B-axis rotations are
performed about the local Y axis and C-axis rotations rotate around
the local Z axis.
Turrets rotate about their local Z axis.
If a solid rotates only if the parent rotates, you do not have to
define a local coordinate system.
To use this dialog:
1 Select or pick the Solid.
2 Select Existing UCS and pick/select the UCS or select Create UCS
and go to alignment wizard to create a new UCS.
3 Click the Apply button.
Tool Block dialog
Ensure that the Machine Design > Enable Millturn UI menu
option is selected to access the lathe design options.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 249
When you have determined which tool blocks (see page 252) are
needed for your machine simulation, you must declare those solids
to be tool blocks, and specify their positions relative to the turret
and the tool. You do this in the Tool Block dialog:
To display the Tool Block dialog, select the Machine Design > Tool
Block for Turret menu option.
To create a tool block:
1 Select a solid to use as the tool block. You can use a block solid
positioned out in space, or in place such that it plugs into tool
slot #1.
2 Under This UCS will match up with the tool location on the turret,
select a UCS to mate with the tool mounting location on the
turret (shown in the image below).
If the tool block solid is already in place, you can use the same
UCS as the tool location slot #1 on the turret.
Tool location
Mounting location to turret
3 Select which turrets the tool block can address.
4 Select which tool locations on the turret the tool block can attach
to.
250 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Select the Tool Locations tab.
6 Click Add to add a new tool location. The new Tool Information
dialog is displayed.
7 Select a UCS to define the tool location (see page 255) on the
tool block, or click New UCS Wizard and create one.
8 Select which of the spindles the tool addresses.
9 In the Holds which tool type area, select the tool types that can
be used at this tool location. For OD Lathe tools, select the
Handedness of the tool.
10 Click OK to add the tool location.
11 To remove a tool location, select it and click Remove.
12 To edit a tool location, select it and click Edit, or double-click it.
13 Use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to change the order of
the tool locations in the dialog.
14 Click OK to close the dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 251
Types of tool blocks for turrets
For a turn/mill machine, the holder is held by tool blocks. The tool
blocks are most likely supplied by your machine tool vendor. As
such, they are stored in the machine design file.
Each tool block must be represented by a separate solid model.
Tool blocks should not be associated with the machine through a
parent/child relationship.
The solids must be identified only as a tool block and the
appropriate block is displayed along with the selected tools
during machine simulation.
You can model the tool blocks in any location.
There are three basic types of tool block:
those that hold OD turning tools
OD turning (RH)
This tool block holds right-handed turning tools and is
mounted on the face of the turret.
OD turning (LH)
This tool block holds left-handed turning tools and is mounted
on the face of the turret.
- Turret
- Tool block
- Lathe tool
those that hold X-rotary tools
252 Introduction
X tool, OD mount
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This tool block holds milling tools parallel to the X axis and is
mounted on OD of the turret.
- Turret
- X tool block (OD mount)
- X tool
X tool, face mount
This tool block holds milling tools parallel to the X axis and is
mounted on the face of the turret.
- Turret
- X tool not mounted on OD block
- X tool
those that hold ID turning tools (boring bars), drills, and other
Z-axis aligned milling tools
Z tool
This tool block holds boring bars and drills parallel to the Z
axis and can be mounted on the OD or the face of the turret.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 253
- Turret
- ID or Z tool block
- Z tool and holder
You may want to differentiate between an OD turning tool block for
left-handed tool versus a right-handed tool. If you use any
left-handed turning tools, add a left-handed tool block.
There is another option for X-rotary and Z-axis tools: you can
mount them on the OD of the turret or on the face of the turret. If,
when adding a tool location on the turret, you specified the tool
position was on the face of the turret, you should use the
face-mounted option here in this dialog as well. (The converse is
also true, if the OD mounted tool was used as a tool location,
specify that the tool block is also OD mounted).
If you cannot mount a tool to the OD of your turret, you do not
need to define an OD-mounted tool block. You must, however, have
at least one solid tool block defined for every tool type that you
intend to simulate. Currently, you cannot use the same solid for
different types of tool blocks.
If you do not define an OD-turning tool block, FeatureCAM attempts
to use an OD mounted X-tool block for any OD turning tools. In this
manner, you can generally define a machine with only two tool
blocks, one for OD turning and X-tools, and another for ID boring
bars and other Z-tools.
You need only define tool blocks for the main turret. Tool blocks
with appropriate transformations are used for the sub-turret
automatically.
254 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Positioning turning tool holders in a tool block
The tool location UCS for a turning tool block should be located at
the back of the holder at the bottom of the tool block as shown:
The tool holder is positioned with the back of the tool along the Z
axis of the tool location UCS and extends below the tool block by
the distance specified as Exposed length on the Holder tab (see page
1875) of the Turning tool properties dialog. Additionally, the tool tip
is located the distance specified as Tip to back (F) on the Holder tab
in the local X direction of the tool location UCS (the turning stock Z
direction).
Exposed length
Tip to back (F)
Machine jogging
You can use machine jogging to simulate the movement of solids in
a Machine Design document without having to use an FM file. This
enables you to test the movement and ensure the limits (see page
235) are set correctly.
To use machine jogging to test machine movements:
1 Save any changes to your MD document.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 255
Any unsaved changes to the document are not displayed in the
jogging simulation.
2 Select the Machine Design > Jog Machine menu option.
The Jog Machine dialog is displayed.
Each row displays an axis in which solids in the document can
move.
3 Select a solid in the list next to an axis name.
The list is unavailable if there is only one solid that can move in
that axis.
4 For the selected solid, move the slider between the minimum
limit and the maximum limit.
The solid's current position is shown in the middle field, and the
solid's movement is simulated in the graphics window.
You can set the limits and home positions of the solids
using the Specify Movement dialog.
5 To hide solids in the jogging simulation, click Select in the
Standard toolbar, then click solids in the graphics window.
6 To return all solids to their default positions, click Reset All.
7 When finished, close the dialog. The jogging simulation is
cleared, and all solids are returned to their default positions.
256 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
G53 Z0 Before Indexing
The Machine Design menu has a G53 Z0 Before Indexing option,
mainly for 5-axis machines. Select this option to enable it (a check
mark displays to the left of the menu item when it is enabled). This
option simulates the movement of the tool to Z=0 in the machine's
coordinate system before performing the indexing rotations. The
effect of putting such a line in the segment start is that the tool
retracts to a safe position before the tables and/or head index to a
new set of angles.
This command does not affect the G code. It performs only
the simulation of this move.
G28 (move turret home) Before Tool Change
Ensure that the Machine Design > Enable Millturn UI menu
option is selected to access the lathe design options.
The Machine Design menu has a G28 (move turret home) Before Tool
Change option. Select this option to enable it (a check mark displays
to the left of the menu item when it is enabled). This option outputs
a G28 to move the tool to turret home before changing the tool.
This command does not affect the G code. It performs only
the simulation of this move.
Delete Tool Locations/Blocks dialog
Select Machine Design > Delete Tool Location/Block from the menu to
open the Delete Tool Locations/Blocks dialog.
This dialog removes any tool locations and tool block attributes
associated with a solid.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 257
To complete this dialog:
1 Select or pick the solid whose tool locations you want to delete.
2 Click the Apply button.
You can use this dialog to remove tool locations that are
specified with either the Add Tool Location dialog or the Tool
Block for Turret dialog.
Display Properties
Use the Display Properties dialog to control the display of the solid
components of the machine during full machine simulation:
To open this dialog, select Machine Design > Display Properties from
the menu.
To use this dialog:
1 Select or pick the solid.
2 Enter the Fineness value. (Low numbers look better, but may
slow down the simulation. High numbers run faster, but the solid
may appear faceted.)
3 Optionally select the Transparent option.
4 Click the Apply button.
258 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Replace Solid dialog
Use the Replace Solid dialog to replace solid1 with solid2, and keep
the machine design attributes from solid1, such as parent/child
relationships, movement, and so on.
Lock or Unlock File
You can protect your Machine Design files from the extraction of
solids, so that you can share them for simulation without anyone
being able to extract the solids.
FeatureCAM comes with some locked Machine Design files. You can
use these for simulation, but you cannot extract solids from them.
When you open a locked file, a dialog is displayed explaining the
restriction.
You can lock your files, but you cannot unlock them. You should not
lock an original file, instead create a copy of it and lock the copy.
To lock a file:
1 Use the File > Save As menu option to save a copy of your file.
2 Select the File > Lock/Unlock menu option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 259
The Lock or Unlock File dialog is displayed.
3 Select Lock.
If you lock a file, you cannot unlock it.
4 Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.
Mini-turrets
You can simulate mini-turrets, which are tools with multiple inserts
where the tool rotates around the b-axis to access each insert. The
tools are simulated simultaneously, which enables you to check for
gouges with the tools that are not currently in use.
To simulate a mini-turret:
1 In the Machine Design file, create a solid and UCS to represent
the mini-turret, with the X axis of the UCS pointing towards the
main spindle.
2 Create a UCS for each tool location. The difference between the
X axis of the tool location UCS and the turret UCS determines the
angle that the mini-turret is rotated to use the tool.
3 In the Tool Block dialog:
a Select the turret solid under This solid is a tool block for solids.
260 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
b Select the turret UCS under This UCS will match up with the tool
location on the turret.
c Use the Tool Locations tab to add each tool location UCS as a
separate sub slot in the tool block.
d Click OK to close the dialog.
4 Save the Machine Design file.
5 In the FM document, use the Tool Mapping dialog to specify
which tool block and sub slot to use for each feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 261
Machine Design tutorial: Simple 3-axis mill
This tutorial guides you through the design of a simple 3-axis
milling machine. We start the tutorial by opening an .md file that
already contains all of the solids that represent the machine. This
tutorial gives you instructions that help you establish the
relationships between the different solids. You are guided in
establishing movement, parent/child, and top-most table
relationships.
Specifying movements
First, open 3axFerarriMachine Notcomplete.md from
Examples\Machine Design\Mill\3-Axis.
Let's specify how the machine moves. The first piece is the quill.
The quill is represented as a single solid in the part file. You can see
the quill displayed in the Part View and in the graphics window
(shown in red here):
1 Select Machine Design > Specify Movement from the menu.
262 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Specify Movement dialog is displayed:
2 For the solid, select quill and in the Tool quill section, select
Moves +delta Y.
3 Click the Apply button to save the setting for this solid.
4 For the next solid, select z_slide and in the Tool quill section,
select Moves +delta Z.
5 Click the Apply button to save the setting for this solid.
6 For the next solid, select x_slide and in the Table section, select
Moves -delta X.
7 Click the Apply button to save the setting for this solid.
8 Click the OK button to close the dialog.
Defining parent/child relationships
Next, we must define some parent-child relationships between
various solids. The image below shows the first set of parent-child
relationships that we must establish. The machine is the parent of
column_base, which in turn is the parent of z_slide, which in turn is
the parent of quill. If column_base moves, then z_slide needs to
move with it, and if z_slide moves, then quill needs to go along as
well.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 263
quill
z_slide
column_base
1 Select Machine Design > Parent/Child Relationships from the menu.
The Parent/Child Relationships dialog is displayed.
2 For parent/solid1, select machine and for child/solid2, select
column_base. This sets machine as the parent of column_base.
3 Click the Apply button to save the relationship.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to set the following:
column_base as the parent of z_slide
z_slide as the parent of quill
machine as the parent of base
base as the parent of x_slide
x_slide as the parent of top_table
x_slide as the parent of tool_storage
Use the left arrow button to quickly move the previous child
solid to the parent column as you work down the list.
264 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Your machine hierarchy should look like this:
5 Click the OK button to close the dialog.
Defining the stock attachment point
Next, we must define the top-most table so that FeatureCAM knows
where to put the stock whenever this machine is used in simulation.
1 Select Construct > UCS from the menu.
The UCS dialog is displayed.
2 Click the New button.
The New UCS dialog is displayed.
3 In the New UCS dialog:
a For the Name, enter UCS2.
b Select the Create from UCS option.
c Select the STOCK UCS.
d Click the OK button to close the New UCS dialog.
4 In the UCS dialog, ensure UCS2 is selected as the Current UCS
and click the Translate button.
The Translate dialog is displayed.
5 In the Translate along axis section, enter 100 for the Z axis. This
places it on the top of toptable as shown below.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 265
6 Click the OK button to save the settings and close the dialog.
7 Click the Close button to close the UCS dialog.
8 Select Machine Design > Top-most Table from the menu.
The Top-most Table dialog is displayed.
9 In the Top-most Table dialog:
a Select top_table as the solid.
b Select the Existing UCS option.
c Select UCS2 from the Existing UCS menu.
d Click the OK button to save the settings and close the dialog.
Defining the spindle attachment point
Next, we must define a place where the spindle mates to the quill.
1 Select Construct > UCS from the menu.
The UCS dialog is displayed.
2 Click the New button.
The New UCS dialog is displayed.
3 In the New UCS dialog:
a For the Name, enter UCS3.
b Select the Create and go to alignment wizard option.
c Click the OK button.
The Align UCS wizard opens.
4 Select Revolved Surface and click the Next button.
266 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 For the surface, select or pick face_31 of the quill solid (shown
below).
6 Click the Finish button to save and close the wizard.
7 Click the Close button to close the UCS dialog.
This new UCS is a mating point for the spindle.
8 Select Machine Design > Add Tool Location from the menu.
The Add Tool Location dialog is displayed.
9 In the Add Tool Location dialog:
a Select the Add Tool Location tab.
b For the solid, select quill.
c Select the Existing UCS option.
d Select UCS3 from the Existing UCS menu.
e Click the OK button to save the settings and close the dialog.
Saving your new machine
Save your machine in a new file.
1 Select File > Save As from the menu.
2 Save the file with a new name so that you don't overwrite the
example file and can run the tutorial again in future.
Using your new machine
To use your new machine:
1 Open an .fm file.
2 Select Manufacturing > Setups from the menu.
The Setups dialog is displayed.
3 Select the Setup that you want to simulate and click the Edit
button.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 267
For files where you simulate multiple Setups such as
indexed or turn/mill parts, you should associate the
machine file with the first Setup of a part.
4 Click the Next button until you reach the Setup - Simulation
Information page.
5 Change the offset as needed. Usually, if the part-program zero is
on the top of the part, then the offset is a negative Z.
6 Select Always use this one and browse to the location of your new
Machine Design file.
Click the Finish button to save the settings and close the wizard.
7 Select Machine Simulation mode in the Simulation toolbar and
press Play.
268 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Machine Design handbook
This handbook is a practical guide for creating a Machine Design
document (for use with Machine Simulation) from a solid model of a
machine tool. The handbook does not try to duplicate the
information elsewhere in FeatureCAM Reference Help, but rather
gives you a framework for using that information more effectively,
along with various practical suggestions to make the task more
manageable.
We have assumed that you already know how to use FeatureCAM's
machine simulation (see page 224).
Before using this handbook, it is important that you are familiar
with at least the introductory topics of FeatureCAM Reference Help.:
Creating a Machine Design document (see page 228)
General guidelines (see page 228)
Machine Design concepts (see page 230)
Lathe design overview (see page 231) (if you are creating a
turning machine)
Getting started with Machine Design
To start creating a new MD file, select File > New to open the New
Part Document dialog.
1 Select Simulation Machine Design in the Type list.
2 Select Millimeter as the Unit of Measure.
3 Select None for Initial stock dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 269
4 Click the OK button.
You can develop the MD in inches, but most are done in
metric, as that is the bulk of the dimensions that would be
read from a print for any machine.
When your document is open, select File > Import from the menu to
import the CAD model of the machine you want to make into an MD
file.
Preparing the solid model
The solid model that you use to create your machine design file may
be well-suited to the simulation task, or it may have characteristics
that make it difficult to work with in simulation. Many solid models
are provided by machine tool builders, and probably were not
specifically created for simulation purposes. Before trying to set up
the relationships needed for simulation, it is a good idea to spend
the time to prepare your solid model for the task. The next few
topics provide some guidelines.
It may be tempting to skip these steps because some of them
do not seem relevant to the simulation of the machine.
However, we strongly recommend you carry out as many of
these tasks as early as possible. The reason is that the rest of
the machine design definition can be easily lost or destroyed
when renaming or replacing solids in the machine design file.
So you could end up having to re-do all the work anyway.
270 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Machine Design file size
Large files can slow down simulation, so it is useful to ensure
machine design files are less than around 2 MB.
The machine design files provided for simulation are often more
complex than is necessary for correct and informative simulation.
You can use the following methods to reduce the size of machine
design files:
Remove solids that are not needed, such as small details like
bolts, or hidden components that do not affect simulation.
Remodel components with less detail. Keep enough of the
supporting structure to ensure that the components are
connected and do not float in space.
You do not usually want to simulate the outer housing and doors
when simulating, but you may not want to delete them. Exclude
these components from the machine hierarchy, and they will not
be included in the simulation.
Selecting solids
When creating an MD file, you regularly need to select solid
components to modify them, set relationships and attributes. Select
solids in these ways:
Select solids by name (see page 271) in the Part View, in the
Solids or Machine areas.
Select solids from the graphics window:
Hold the spacebar key and select a face to select the whole
solid.
Right-click a face and select Select Solid from the context
menu.
Select solids in the graphics window before opening the
Machine Design dialog, and they will be automatically selected
in the dialog when you open it.
Naming solids
When you open a Machine Design file in FeatureCAM, the solids may
not have descriptive names. You do not need to rename all solids,
but it is useful to rename the moving machine components to their
standard descriptive names (for example main_spindle) or by their
intended motion (for example x_slide). This makes the rest of the
creation process simpler, and makes it easier for others to modify
the document later.
To rename a solid:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 271
1 Right-click its name in the Part View.
2 Select Rename from the context menu.
The Rename Object dialog is displayed.
3 Enter the New Name for the solid.
4 Click OK to save your changes.
Changing solid colours
You can change the colors of solids to match your machine tool.
To change the color of a solid:
1 Select the solid you want to change.
2 Select Options > Coloring > Change Selected from the menu.
The Selected Object Color Overrides dialog is displayed.
3 In the Selected Object Color Overrides dialog, click the More Colors
button, and choose a new color from the palette.
4 Click Apply.
5 Click Done to close the dialog.
272 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating clearances
During machine simulation, FeatureCAM checks for collisions
between solids. This is one of the main purposes of the simulation,
but there are sometimes false errors that are not due to any error in
the toolpaths or machine setup. These false errors often occur
during development of the MD file when appropriate clearances
have not been created between the moving parts of the machine.
There must be a small clearance between some of the moving parts
so they do not collide in typical intended motion. If the mating faces
are flat, there is little likelihood of a collision being signaled.
However, when the faces are not flat, a collision is more likely
because curved solids are approximated by (smaller) flat polygons
during the simulation. The fineness of this approximation plays a
role, and in some cases collisions can be erroneously signaled when
the simulation is run at low resolution, where a higher resolution
would not raise any error. It may be safer to provide relatively
larger clearances for curved mating faces.
The image shows some examples of clearances. They are not much
larger than 2mm each.
You cannot check for moving collisions until you have completed
enough of the machine design to run tests with full machine
simulation. However, when the solids for your machine are detailed,
it may save some effort to perform an initial check of the solids that
have close interactions. In some cases, the solids may intersect
each other in the home position of the machine; these always
produce false collision reports.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 273
As well as checking them visually, you can check whether two solids
intersect in the home position like this:
1 Open the Combine Solids dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Combine Solids, and click Next.
On the Solid toolbar (see page 539), click the Combine Solids
button in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Combine
solids.
2 In the Operation menu, select Intersection.
3 Select the two solids you want to check as solid1 and solid2.
4 Click the Preview button.
a If you see the error Unable to construct object with these inputs,
the solids do not have any overlapping volume.
b If not, the overlapping area is displayed in a dark blue
preview in the graphics window, and you can adjust the view
to determine what the problem is.
5 Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving any
changes.
If you find that there is an overlapping volume, you can correct it in
several ways (depending on the amount of the overlap and the
function of the components in conflict):
274 Introduction
Scale one component down by a small amount. For example, if
you have a cylindrical piece with a Z axis that is just slightly too
big, you could scale it non-uniformly in XY without changing any
critical motion of the machine.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Translate one component away from the collision area by a small
amount, in a way that does not affect the simulation.
Shrink or expand one of the solids to avoid the collision using
Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset.
Cut off the conflicting portion of the solid if it is not critical to the
simulation. Cut with Parting Surface can be useful for this if you
carefully construct a temporary surface to 'slice off' a small
portion of the solid.
Remodel the solid in a simpler way (possibly in a separate CAD
system) to avoid the collision without compromising the fidelity
of the simulation.
Defining the Machine Kinematics
When you have prepared the model, you are ready to establish the
relationships and properties that define how your machine moves.
The following topics provide a general framework and suggestions
for working through this process.
Setting up the machine hierarchy
The first step in creating the MD file is to set up the machine
hierarchy, which is done using the Parent/Child Relationships (see
page 239) dialog. You must add all components that you want to
show during machine simulation as children of machine in the Part
View. The main purpose of this is to create a hierarchy of
movement, but static components (such as body, base, or even
logos) are also included. There may be solids that you choose to
leave in the document even though they are not displayed during
simulation (for example the doors, which should always be hidden
during simulation, or a parts-catcher mechanism for which you plan
to add the simulation at a later time).
Here are examples of two different machines with their parent/child
relationships structures set up.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 275
Turn/mill example:
5-axis milling example:
In the turn/mill example, the jaws are children of the chucks, which
are children of the heads. In the mill example, head sits on the
z_slide, which sits on the x_slide.
Additional notes
It is not possible to have a child solid linked to several parent
solids. Therefore, if you require this, you must make a copy of
the child solid.
If you ever need to remove these relationships to be rebuilt or
replaced, it is best practice to remove the lowest objects in the
hierarchy first. In the 5-axis milling example above, if you
wanted to remove the objects x_slide, z_slide, and head, you
would remove head first, then z_slide, then x_slide.
The machine tree is easier to navigate if you make non-moving
solids children of the main (non-moving) body. Because they do
not move, this has no functional effect, but makes it easier to
navigate and adjust the solids that move.
Managing UCSs for machine design
The UCSs (User Coordinate Systems) that you create and associate
with the components of your solid model are crucial to correct
simulation. Be sure to pay close attention to the information about
position and orientation of the UCSs. If you are having trouble,
review the introduction and overview (see page 232) topic. The UCS
checklist provides a summary of all the UCSs and their positions,
and also contains links to full documentation on each type of UCS.
Here are a few general tips for creating UCSs:
276 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Although you can create a UCS from within almost all of the
machine design dialogs (via the Create UCS and go to alignment
wizard option). It is usually better to do this as a separate step
before opening the dialog.
Be sure to give each UCS that you create with a name that
describes what it is used for. As you work with the machine
design, it's much easier to remember that, for example,
Tool_UCS defines the tool location, rather than UCS3.
Usually only one UCS is visible while you work on the MD file.
One way to see them all and to work out which is which is to
open the Local Coordinate System (see page 249) dialog. When
open, this dialog displays all the UCSs currently defined for the
machine. The UCS selected in the Existing UCS menu is
highlighted in red in the graphics window, so you can select them
one at a time to highlight a specific UCS and compare it to
others.
Ensure you click Cancel to close this dialog if you didn't
really want to assign a UCS to a particular solid.
Defining component motion
The second stage of building your MD file is to set which solids work
in which axes, using the Specify Movement (see page 233) dialog.
You can define both rotary and linear axis movements for all types
of machines, from simple 3-axis milling machines to full turn/mill
machines.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 277
In the following example, the z_slide solid is selected.
Given that this solid moves in the Z axis, the option Moves +delta Z
is selected in the Tool quill section.
If this were a Z motion on the table instead, we would select the
Moves -delta Z option in the Table section.
Although this component also moves in the X axis, that is not
selected because the solid behind it controls that movement that
relates to this solid when we set our parent/child relationships.
278 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If a particular machine component has compound motion
(meaning it moves around a non-orthogonal axis), you cannot
set this in the machine simulation module, but you can use a
BASIC script (see page 286) associated with the MD file.
Movement for slant-bed turning machines
Many lathes and turn/mill machines have a slant-bed design that
requires compound linear motion for the turret. When you first
create the machine design, it may be easiest to ignore the slant-bed
to start with and just specify the X and Y motion in the machine
coordinate system. You can disable collision warnings when testing
the simulation to check more basic functions, such as whether the
stock and tool interact properly. Then, go back and set up the
correct motion for the slant-bed.
Setting the top-most table
The top-most table is a UCS and solid combination that tells
FeatureCAM where to place the stock on the machine when trying to
simulate the program. This equates to the Setup position on the
machine when running the program. Both the position and the
orientation of the UCS for the top-most table are very important.
Full information is available in the Top-most table (see page 241)
topic, and it is worth your while to read this section carefully. If you
are having trouble with this step, it might also be helpful to read
About UCSs for machine design (see page 232).
The following clarifications for machines with turning may be
helpful:
The solid to be used for the top-most table should be the chuck
rather than the jaws on a turn/mill style machine, even though
the UCS is located on the jaws.
On a machine with two spindles, this location should be on the
main spindle. (The sub-spindle specification is described
elsewhere.)
Setting up the sub-spindle
See the Sub-spindle (see page 243) topic for full information about
setting up the sub-spindle and also the quick reference table (see
page 276).
If you are having trouble, check the following:
Sub-spindle (see page 243) dialog:
Is the correct solid selected? (It should be the sub-spindle
chuck)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 279
Specify Movement (see page 233) dialog:
Have you selected Moves as Turn spindle for the main
sub-spindle solid? Do not select any other movement options
for this solid.
Have you set the chuck to rotate (as table) about C?
Parent/Child Relationships (see page 239) dialog:
Is the chuck a child of the main sub-spindle solid?
Are the jaws children of the chuck?
Local Coordinate System (see page 249) dialog:
Is the UCS specified for the sub-spindle chuck correct for the
rotational motion of the chuck?
Is the UCS specified for the main sub-spindle correct for the
sub-spindle to move in Z?
The distance between the two spindles is specified within the
CNC file.
Tailstock or steady-rest
You can control tailstocks and steady rests using the Part Handling
Movement dialog (see page 236).
Alternatively, you can use UDF macros to simulate them as a
sub-spindle. If you are using these, you must specify that the
tailstock or steady-rest is the sub-spindle in the MD file. You may
need to provide a BASIC script to control the movement.
Adding tool locations
Milling machines generally have a single tool location, which is quite
easy to set up. Lathes and turn/mill machines may have multiple
turrets and need several tool blocks for mounting tools of different
types. Setting up the tool locations properly may be the most
difficult part of creating a working machine design file for a lathe or
turn/mill machine.
Before you define the tool locations for a lathe or turn/mill machine,
make sure you read these topics:
Add Tool Location dialog (see page 245)
Overview of tool blocks for turrets (see page 252)
Tool Block dialog (see page 249)
Here is a summary of the various tool block types:
Type
Required?
If unspecified, uses
X tool
Yes
Not applicable
280 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Generic Z tool
Yes
Not applicable
OD turning (RH)
No
X tool
Z drilling/milling (only)
No
Generic Z tool
Z boring (only)
No
Generic Z tool
OD turning (LH)
No
X tool
Here are some tips for working with tool locations and tool blocks:
When you specify a tool location for a turning machine, make
sure you also complete the details on the For turning turrets tab.
If the # of tools option is not available, you have not set an
appropriate UCS for the turret. Go to the Local Coordinate System
dialog and set the UCS before setting the tool location. See the
lathe overview section of Add tool location (see page 245) for
details about the location and orientation of this UCS.
Make sure that the CNC file you are using specifies a turret for
each of the locations you specify in the For turning turrets tab (for
example, Main Lower and Sub Lower are not interchangeable).
When first defining tool locations and turrets, it can be difficult to
work out why things do not work, and to determine what you have
(or have not) defined. Here are some tips that may help you:
For Milling machines, you can only associate one tool location
with a solid. You can select your solids one-by-one and examine
the dialog settings (in either the Add Tool Location or Tool Block
for Turrets dialog). However, the dialogs do not clearly indicate if
no tool location is defined for a particular solid. If the Existing
UCS option in the Local Coordinate System dialog shows STOCK,
it is probably not defined.
If you are unsure about the state of a location, delete it and
define it again. You can use Delete Tool Location (see page 257)
to remove tool locations created with either the Add Tool Location
or Tool Block for Turrets dialogs.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 281
UCS checklist
This table summarizes the UCSs that you need to create an MD file:
UCS
Machine
type
Dialog
Notes
Stock
Any
Not applicable
Cannot be changed
Top-most
table
Mill
Top-Most Table
(see page 241)
The XY location is at the
center of the table, Z is on
the top of the table.
Orientation should be so
that X points to the right
and Z points up.
Top-most
table
Turn,
turn/mill
Top-Most Table
(see page 241)
The XY location is at the
center of the chuck, Z is
on the face of the jaws.
Orientation should be so
that X is up, Z points to
the right.
Sub-spindle
Turn,
turn/mill
Sub-spindle (see
page 243)
Z points in the direction of
the machine sub-spindle
motion, its location is at
the center of the jaws of
the sub-spindle
Tool
Mill
Add Tool
Location (see
page 245)
Z points away from the
part, X and Y do not
matter.
Tool
Turn,
turn/mill
Add Tool
Location (see
page 245)
Multiple locations possible,
around turret and with
various mounting
directions, Z points into
the turret.
Rotational
Axes
Any
Local Coordinate
System (see
page 249)
For any solid that rotates,
make sure that it is
assigned a UCS that
points the rotational axis
in the proper direction,
and at the right location.
Toolblock-t
o-turret
Turn,
turn/mill
Tool Block for
Turret (see page
249)
Mates to the Tool UCS
(see previous row). Z
points away from the part.
X aligns with X on the
Tool UCS.
282 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool-to-tool
block
Turn,
turn/mill
Tool Block for
Turret (see page
249)
Tool mates to this
location. Z points away
from the part. For turning
tools, see the Positioning
turning tool holders in a
tool block (see page 255)
topic for details about
where to locate this UCS.
Jaws
Turn,
turn/mill
BASIC script
(see page 286)
You can simulate the main
or sub-spindle jaws using
a BASIC script. A UCS
must define the direction
of movement for each jaw
that is moved by the
script.
Viewing
Any
Not applicable
The view of the machine
that you want when it first
loads (looks along Z).
Strategy for a milling machine
Machine design files for milling (even 5-axis) are relatively simple to
set up. The following is a suggested order for the required steps.
1 Prepare solid model (see page 270).
2 Define parent/child relationships (see page 275).
3 Specify movement for linear axes only (see page 277).
4 Set top-most table (see page 279).
5 Set tool location (see page 280).
6 Specify movement for rotational axes (see page 277).
Unfortunately you must complete steps 1 to 5 before you can try to
simulate even the most basic toolpath motion. If you have
rotational axes, omit them at the beginning and use only 3-axis
linear motion until you have confirmed that the tool, stock, and
table are interacting the way you intend.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 283
Strategy for a turn/mill machine
Ensure that the Machine Design > Enable Millturn UI menu
option is selected to access the lathe design options.
Unlike milling machines, setting up a machine design file for even a
simple lathe without live tooling can be quite difficult. Some of the
complicating factors are:
Many lathes have slant-beds, which makes even linear motion
complicated (BASIC script).
Tool blocks must be defined to work with turrets, which requires
several UCS mates per type of tool block.
Many machines have sub-spindles that require additional
specification and clearances.
The following is a suggested order for the required steps. The
strategy is to ignore as many of the complicated
1 Prepare solid model (see page 270).
2 Define parent/child relationships (see page 275).
3 Specify movement (see page 277).
Ignore slant-bed, pretend it is straight XYZ and ignore
collisions.
Ignore sub-spindle, and do not try any transfers or cutting on
the sub-spindle initially.
Fake a Y motion if necessary. If the machine does not have a
Y motion, the components (chuck/turret/sub-spindle) must
align exactly. Sometimes this is hard to achieve so it may be
simpler to add a Y motion to the turret assembly to correct for
this. This does not affect the simulation in any significant way.
4 Set top-most table (see page 279).
Ignore sub-spindle (the top-most table applies only to the
main spindle).
5 Set tool location (see page 280).
Tool blocks - do not define any, just put one temporary tool
location on the bottom of the turret like a milling machine,
and ignore how the tools look with respect to the turret.
Ignore the lower turret if there is one.
6 Add slant bed (see page 286).
284 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 Add toolblocks (see page 249). This is easier if you have a
working example of a machine with similar toolblock types.
Study the locations and orientations in the working model
carefully. Add one toolblock at a time.
8 Add sub-spindle (see page 243).
9 Add lower turret (Tool location (see page 245) and Tool block
(see page 249))
You may find it useful to save key versions of a turn/mill
machine design file as you progress. If you change something
that breaks a motion that was working in a prior version, you
can revert back to that version.
MD and post interactions
In general, a Machine Design file is not necessarily tied to a
particular post. For example, if you have a lathe without an optional
sub-spindle, the main spindle simulation of the machine works fine
with a post that doesn't support a sub-spindle. There are a few
interactions that you need to be aware of. Only the first two apply
to milling machines; all apply to lathes and turn/mill machines.
Matching .md file (found under Sim-Info > Set .md in the XBUILD
menu) We recommend that you set this to machine.md
(without a full path), so that the simulation looks for the MD file
in the same directory as the CNC file. This means that you can
move the post/MD file combination anywhere and it still works
without changes.
Dogleg rapid moves (found under CNC Info > General in the
XBUILD menu) This option affects only simulation, not the NC
code produced by XBUILD.
B-axis support (found under CNC Info > General in the XBUILD
menu) You must select this option for a B-axis lathe, or for a
hybrid milling machine that has a table that spins rapidly for
turning (for example, SuperMILLER or Variaxis).
Turret configuration (found under CNC-Info > Turrets in the
XBUILD menu) The number and placements must match the
machine design file. For example, a main-spindle-side lower
turret is much different to a sub-spindle-side lower turret.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 285
Spindle distances (found under CNC-Info > Spindles in the XBUILD
menu) The distance between spindles is vital for sub-spindle
transfers. These are the options Machine Z coordinate at
sub-spindle home and Machine Z coordinate at sub-spindle max
(left). In particular, the sign of the movement should match the
local coordinate system of the sub-spindle solid in the machine
design file. For instance, if the Z coordinate at sub-spindle left is
-63 inches, the sub-spindle solid should have a local coordinate
system where the Z point 'to the right' so that it interprets 'move
minus Z' as 'move left'.
BASIC scripts for MD files
As in other areas of FeatureCAM, you can extend the functionality
that is provided for machine design files by accessing the
FeatureCAM Application Programming Interface (API). This
programming environment enables you to customize and enhance
the machine design capabilities using the BASIC programming
language.
Some functionality that has been added using the API in various
situations includes:
Linear motion for slant-bed lathes
Opening and closing jaws on main and sub-spindle chucks of a
lathe
Moving a lower turret out of the way for a sub-spindle transfer
Part-catcher simulation
Tailstock or steady-rest simulation
Typically, it is fairly simple to program one of these scripts. Often
you can copy a similar block of code from another machine and edit
it slightly to get it to work on a new machine. In fact, we
recommend that you use copy-and-edit for any standard functions.
The BASIC script that is associated with a machine design file is
completely managed by FeatureCAM. That is, you do not have a
separate file that you can see in the file browser. You can access it
only from within FeatureCAM in the following way:
1 Load your machine design file into FeatureCAM.
2 Press the Alt+F11 keys on your keyboard.
A new window is displayed, containing the BASIC script
associated with the current MD file.
286 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Important notes
Although there is a Save button in the window displaying your
BASIC script, the only way to save the script is to save the MD
file from the FeatureCAM window. The script is saved
automatically each time you save the MD file.
FeatureCAM does not handle two MD scripts loaded at the same
time very well. If you are working with an MD file that has a
script, it is best to not open any other MD files in the same
session. If you do, you are very likely to lose your script
completely or to save the wrong script with the MD file.
As a small example of a BASIC script for an MD file, code for
opening the main spindle jaws is shown below. Annotations
following the code describe some key aspects that you must
consider.
Public Sub MachineSim_spindle( Doc As
FeatureCAM.MFGDocument, _
ByVal data As Double, _
ByVal Action As
FeatureCAM.tagFMMachineSimSpindleActionType,
ByVal spindle As Long)
Dim Vw As MFGWindow
Dim Err As Long
Dim i As Integer
Dim dOpen As Double
Dim dCls As Double
Set
Err
i =
If(
Vw = Doc.ActiveWindow
= 0
0
Doc.Metric ) Then
dOpen = 4
dCls = -1
Else
dOpen = .25
dCls = -.125
End If
Vw.SimIgnoreClashes(0)
If( Action = eSimAction_Open And spindle = 0
Vw.SimIgnoreClashes(1)
While Err = 0 And i<3
Vw.SimCutMove( "main_jaw_1", dOpen, 0,
Vw.SimCutMove( "main_jaw_2", dOpen, 0,
Vw.SimCutMove( "main_jaw_3", dOpen, 0,
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
) Then
0 )
0 )
0 )
Introduction 287
Vw.SimPerformCut Err
If( Err = 0 ) Then
Vw.SimUpdateGraphics
End If
i = i + 1
Wend
End If
End Sub
The MachineSim_spindle routine shown is the hook provided for
getting control over spindle actions.
Although you define your machine in metric or imperial units,
those who use your file may run FeatureCAM documents in either
type of units. So the MD file must calculate or convert all units for
either system.
The eSimAction_Open enum indicates that the action generated
is 'Open'. Other types include eSimAction_Close and
eSimAction_Position. See the API guide for a full list.
The main sub-spindle is identified as 0, the sub-spindle as 1. So
this block catches events that signal the opening of the main spindle
only.
Turns off gouge-checking, which you must handle manually in
the script.
Movement is usually done in a loop to break the motion into
small increments. In this case the jaws are opened in three steps.
Typically, we can use much larger increments for things that are
unlikely to collide. When closing jaws, however, you might use 50
steps in order to be able to stop exactly when the jaws touch the
stock.
This is the basic command to move a solid with linear motion. (A
similar command, SimCutRotate, is used for rotational motion). All
child solids declared in the MD file follow appropriately. The name of
the solid is the first argument and must match the name of a solid
in the MD file. The motion is with respect to the LCS defined for the
solid, or the table coordinate system if no LCS is specified.
Perform all the movements that have been specified, and
perform gouge-checking at the same time. Note that the
movements are performed simultaneously, not sequentially.
288 Introduction
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Check whether there was an error. Sometimes it can be useful to
disable the error checking for debugging, but you should put the
condition back when the model is working.
Update the graphics display only if there was no error.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Introduction 289
Stock
The Stock is the material block from which you machine the part.
Use these methods to define the stock:
Stock wizard (see page 290)
Stock Properties dialog (see page 305)
You can use stock models (see page 348) to eliminate air cutting by
limiting the toolpath boundaries where a previous feature has
already machined.
Stock wizard
The Dimensions (see page 292) page of the Stock wizard is
displayed automatically when you create a new part file:
To display the Stock wizard, click the Stock
panel.
290 Stock
step in the Steps
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Stock
(see page
multi-axis
(see page
wizard helps you specify the shape (see page 292), size
292), and material (see page 294) of the Stock, control
positioning (see page 296), and create an initial Setup
297).
Finish stock button
The Finish button closes the Stock wizard and creates the stock you
defined. Click the down arrow to specify how the button works.
Finish
Select the Finish option to accept the default settings in the
remaining pages of the wizard, create the Stock, and exit the
wizard. You can edit the Stock attributes later in the Stock
Properties (see page 305) dialog.
Finish and Edit Properties
Select the Finish and Edit Properties option to open the Stock
Properties (see page 305) dialog, which contains the properties you
specified in the wizard, and other, advanced attributes.
To display the Stock Properties (see page 305) dialog when creating
Stock:
1 Click the down arrow in the Finish
displayed:
button. The menu is
2 Select Finish and Edit Properties. The Stock Properties (see page
305) dialog is displayed.
The Finish button remembers your last preference and the
icon changes to
mode.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
or
to indicate the current
Stock 291
Dimensions
The first page of the Stock wizard (see page 290) is the Dimensions
page. Use this page to set up the shape and size of your stock.
The following stock shapes are available:
Block:
Round:
N-Sided:
To complete this page:
1 Select the stock shape as Block, Round, or N-Sided.
If you selected Block Enter the Length (X dimension), Width
(Y dimension), and Thickness (Z dimension).
If you selected Round Select the Axis (see page 293) and
enter the Length and OD (outside diameter). If you are
working with tube stock, enter a positive number as the ID
(inside diameter).
If wrapping (see page 325) or indexing (see page 316),
the axis must match your index axis.
If you selected N-Sided Enter the Axis (see page 293), the
OD (outside diameter), the number of Sides, and the Length
of your stock.
You can skip this step and use the Stock Wizard (see page
290) later to define the stock.
If you are running the offline version of FeatureCAM, you
also have the option of automatically resizing the stock.
292 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you want to use a Curve or a Solid to define the stock,
use the Stock Properties (see page 305) dialog.
2 Click Next to display the Stock - Material (see page 294) page of
the Stock wizard, or click Finish (see page 291).
Axis
For Round and N-Sided stock, the axis that corresponds to the
length of the stock is specified as the Axis.
Z axis:
Y axis:
X axis:
Select Axis: Z for
all turning,
turn/mill parts or
milling parts
where you want
the XY plane to
correspond to the
face of the part.
Select Axis: Y for
all 4th axis
wrapping parts
where the Y axis
is the wrapping
axis.
Select Axis: X for
all 4th axis
wrapping parts
where the X axis
is the wrapping
axis.
See also 4th-axis wrapping (see page 325)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 293
Material
The second page of the Stock wizard (see page 290) is the Material
page:
This dialog is where you choose the material type for the stock.
Advanced users can also add new materials or view feed/speed
tables.
Material Select a material from the list to view or edit its settings.
You can use the Show/Hide Material (see page 1592) dialog to
specify which materials are displayed in the Material list.
Unit Horsepower or Specific Cutting Force (see page 295) A default
value is displayed for the selected material, or you can enter a new
value for the material.
Hardness (see page 295) A default Hardness is displayed for the
selected material. If you know the specific hardness of the material,
enter the numeric value in the Hardness field and then select the
Hardness Units that the hardness is measured in.
For some materials, the hardness is used in determining feeds
and speeds. If you underestimate this value, the
automatically generated feeds and speeds could be overly
aggressive.
Hardness Units The scale the hardness setting is based on. The
supported scales are Brinell, Rockwell B, Rockwell C, and Tensile
Strength (ksi). Brinell is the default hardness scale.
New Material button Displays the New Material Name dialog. Enter
the name of the new material and click OK. If the material does not
have an entry in the database, a warning is displayed. If you want
to create a new material click Yes to add feed and speed
information for the material. The Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data
Tables dialog is displayed.
294 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
F/S Tables Click this button to open the Feeds/Speeds and Cutting
Data Tables (see page 1920) dialog.
Click Next to open the Multi-axis positioning (see page 296) page, or
click Finish (see page 291).
Unit Horsepower or Specific Cutting Force
The power needed to perform a cut is based on the rate the
material is being removed and a power constant that is dependent
on the material. This constant is known as the Unit Horsepower or
Specific Cutting Force. In FeatureCAM, this number is used to
generate horsepower estimates for operations. These estimates are
displayed in the Op Details report. If you enter an inaccurate value
for the Unit Horsepower, no error is generated. The only
consequence is that incorrect horsepower estimates are displayed.
For materials that are pre-defined in FeatureCAM, an approximate
value is supplied that is independent of a material's hardness. For
many materials, the Unit Horsepower is dependent on the hardness
of the material, so you may have to adjust this constant to get
more accurate horsepower estimates. A list of specific Unit
Horsepower values can be found in a machinist's handbook. For
defining new material tables, the Unit Horsepower constant must be
supplied by the user.
Hardness
When you select a material name, the Hardness value displayed is
low end of the defined hardness range for that material (if the
material uses a range). Adjust the hardness to reflect the actual
hardness of your material in the field. The feeds and speeds
calculated for your part are influenced by the hardness of your
material, but only if the material is defined using a hardness range
(see page 1923).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 295
Multi-axis positioning
You can use the Multi-axis positioning page of the Stock wizard (see
page 290) to specify if you are creating your part with 4th-axis
indexing or 5th-axis positioning.
To complete this page:
1 If you are not using 4th-milling or 5th-axis milling, select No, and
click Next.
The Setup - Definition (see page 297) page is displayed.
2 If you are using multi-axis positioning:
If you are using 4th-axis positioning, or 4th-axis wrapping
select 4th-Axis Positioning, then select the axis you index
around. See Indexing (see page 316) or 4th-axis wrapping
(see page 325) for more information.
If you are using 5th-axis positioning, select 5th-Axis
Positioning. See 5-axis positioning (see page 338) for more
information.
3 Click Next.
The Multi-axis options (see page 296) page is displayed.
Multi-axis options
On the Multi-axis options page of the Stock wizard, you can specify
options for 4th-axis wrapping and indexing and 5th-axis positioning.
This page is only displayed if you selected 4th Axis Positioning
or 5th Axis Positioning in the Multi-axis positioning (see page
296) page.
To complete this page for 4th-axis milling:
1 Select the dominance from:
296 Stock
Tool Dominant If you want the order of operations to be tool
dominant across all Setups, select this option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You must also select Minimize tool changes in the
Automatic ordering options dialog (see page 1633) for
Tool Dominant to work correctly.
Setup Dominant If you want the order of operations to
complete each Setup before moving on to another Setup,
select this option. The milling ordering attributes determine
the order in which operations are performed within a Setup.
Select Generate Single Program if you want to create a single
5-axis indexed program.
2 Click Next.
The Setup - Definition (see page 297) page is displayed.
To complete this page for 5th-axis milling:
1 If you want to use fixture offsets, follow steps 2-6 here (see
page 347).
2 If you want to use a single coordinate system, follow steps 2-6
here (see page 345).
See Overview of 5-axis positioning (see page 338) for more
information.
Setup - Definition
Use the Setup - Definition page of the Stock wizard (see page 290) to
name the Setup and specify the fixture ID.
Setup Name Enter a name for the Setup. This name is used only
as a label for the Setup.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 297
Fixture ID Verify the Fixture ID for the Setup. The default value
should be correct because it is taken from the current *.cnc post
processor template file. If the default value is not correct, enter the
correct value.
Part Name Optionally enter a different Part Name for the part. This
defaults to the file name, but you may need to override this for
Fanuc controls to give the part a numeric part name.
Multi-axis Setups have these attributes:
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
298 Stock
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Click Next to open the Setup - Part Program Zero (see page 299)
page, or click Finish (see page 291).
Setup - Part Program Zero
You can use the Part Program Zero page of the wizard to select a
method of specifying part program zero. This is the origin of the
coordinate system for the NC program.
To complete this page, select one of the options and click Next.
Align to Stock Face (see page 300) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup with the center or corner of one of the
Stock faces, or to explicitly pick a location.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 299
Align to Index axis (see page 301) Select this option to align
the Setup with the index axis. (This option is available only for a
turn/mill or 4th-axis indexed (see page 296) part.)
Align with existing UCS (see page 302) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup with a previously created user coordinate
system (UCS).
Align to part geometry (see page 302) Select this option if you
want to align the Setup relative to the part geometry.
Use current location Select this option if you want to leave the
Setup at its current location. Click Next to open the Setup Simulation information (see page 304) page, or click Finish (see
page 291).
See Overview of setups (see page 105) for more information on
part program zero.
Align to Stock Face
Align to Stock Face enables you to align the part program zero to a
face on the Stock.
To complete this page:
1 In the Stock Face section, select the face that you want to use.
2 In the XYZ Location section, either click the Pick location button
and select the location on the model or click the pointing finger
button that corresponds to either the Center of the stock or
one of the corners:
300 Stock
UL upper left corner
UR upper right corner
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
LL lower left corner
LR lower right corner
3 Click Next to open the Setup - Part Program Offset (see page 303)
page, or click Finish (see page 291).
Align to Index axis
The Part Program Zero page (see page 299) of the Stock wizard (see
page 290) for Align to Index axis enables you to specify the origin of
the stock for a turn/mill or 4th-axis indexed part.
To complete this page:
1 If you want to translate the origin off the axis, enter the Radius
from rotation axis.
2 If you want to rotate the coordinate system around the Stock
axis (see page 317), enter an Angular location.
3 Enter an X Offset if you want to translate the coordinate system
along the X axis.
4 Click Finish (see page 291).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 301
Align with existing UCS
This page enables you to align the part program zero with an
existing user coordinate system.
To complete this page:
1 Select the name of the UCS from the list or click the Pick UCS
button and select it from the graphics window.
2 Click Next to go to the Part Program Offset (see page 303) page
or click Finish.
Align to part geometry
If you select Align to part geometry on the Part Program Zero page
(see page 299) of the Stock wizard (see page 290), the Pick Initial
Setup Z Direction page is displayed:
Click one of the buttons to specify the Setup's Z direction using the
method listed.
302 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click Next and the Pick Initial Setup X Direction page is displayed.
Click one of the buttons to specify the Setup's X direction using one
of the methods listed.
Click Next and the Pick Setup XYZ Location page is displayed:
If you are using the center of a revolved surface, you can click
Opposite End to create the Setup at the other end of the cylinder.
Click Finish (see page 291).
Setup - Part Program Offset
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 303
This page enables you to translate the location of the Setup. One
reason to translate the Setup is to model the extra stock on top of
the part that is removed during a facing operation. You may also
want to translate it to a location that you cannot easily snap to.
To complete this page:
1 If you want to translate the stock, enter the amount to offset the
stock as the X Offset, Y Offset, and/or Z Offset.
2 Click the Preview button if you want to review the new location of
the Setup.
3 Click Next to open the Setup - Simulation information (see page
304) page, or click Finish (see page 291).
Setup - Simulation Information
Use this page of the wizard to specify an offset for loading the part
onto the machine and select the machine design file that is used for
Machine Simulation.
The X Offset, Y Offset, and Z Offset parameters represent offsets for
loading the part onto the machine. For simulating single milling or
turning setups these offsets are applied to the setup after the part
is aligned with the top-most location (see page 241). For indexed
parts or turn/mill parts, the offset is relative to the stock axis.
Click Next to open the Setup - Right Angled Head (see page 304)
page, or click Finish (see page 291).
Setup - Right Angled Head
1 Select the option on this page if you want to allow the creation of
features that can be cut only with a right-angled tool holder.
2 Click Finish (see page 291).
304 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock Properties dialog
You can use either the Stock wizard (see page 290) or the Stock
Properties dialog to set up the stock. The Stock Properties dialog
contains all the same options as the Stock wizard.
Use one of the following methods to display the Stock Properties
dialog:
Right-click the stock in the Part View panel and select Properties
from the context menu.
Double-click the stock in the Part View panel.
Right-click the stock in the graphics window and select Properties
from the context menu.
Double-click the stock in the graphics window.
By default, the stock is displayed in blue in the graphics
window.
The Stock Properties dialog contains two tabs:
Dimensions (see page 306)
Indexing (see page 312)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 305
Dimensions tab
You can use the Dimensions tab of the Stock Properties dialog (see
page 305) to specify the size, shape, material and location of the
stock.
To complete the Dimensions tab:
1 Select the stock shape from the following:
Block Enter the Length (X dimension), Width (Y dimension),
and Thickness (Z dimension).
Round Select the Axis and enter the Length and OD
(outside diameter). If you are working with tube stock, enter
a positive number as the ID (inside diameter).
If wrapping (see page 325) or indexing (see page 316),
the axis must match your index axis.
N-sided Enter the Axis, the OD (outside diameter), the
number of Sides and the Length of your stock.
User-defined (see page 307) Click Stock Solid to display the
Select Stock Solid dialog.
2 Optionally click Stock Curve (see page 307) to display the Select
Stock Curve dialog, where you can select a curve in the model to
describe a custom profile stock of the part.
306 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 If you created or imported geometry, the Resize button is
displayed. Optionally click Resize to resize the stock
automatically. The Stock Dimensions (see page 309) wizard is
displayed.
4 Optionally click Material to display the Material dialog. This
contains the same options as the Material page (see page 294) of
the Stock wizard.
5 If you want to move the stock, enter the X, Y, and Z coordinates
of the new location or click Pick Location
the graphics window.
and select a point in
6 If the part is a Wire EDM part, the Condition button is displayed.
Click Condition to display the Condition dialog (see page 311),
which you can use to specify the material, wire properties, and
machine type.
User-defined stock
In FeatureCAM you can select a solid to define the stock boundary.
To define a solid as a stock boundary:
1 Double-click the stock in the graphics window or Part View to
display the Stock Properties dialog.
2 On the Dimensions tab (see page 306) of the Stock Properties
dialog, select User defined.
3 Click Stock Solid to display the Select Stock Solid dialog.
A list of solids in the model is displayed. To display all solids in
the model in this list select Show all.
4 Select the name of a solid from the list, or click Pick Solid
and select a solid in the graphics window.
5 Click OK to close the Select Stock Solid dialog.
6 Click OK to close the Stock Properties dialog.
If you use the solid with Individual rough levels (see page 1015),
you can automatically clip toolpaths to the stock boundary.
Stock curve
You can use the Select Stock Curve dialog to specify a curve to
define the shape of the stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 307
To display the Select Stock Curve dialog, click Stock Curve on the
Dimensions tab (see page 306) of the Stock Properties (see page
305) dialog:
Compute the Stock Boundary from the block stock This is the
default option and uses the block stock.
Use a Curve as the Stock Boundary Select this option to use a
curve as the Stock Boundary and select a curve (see page 64) to
use as the stock boundary. You can use this method to define the
shape of irregular shaped stock, so the toolpaths do not air cut in
regions without stock.
Show all curves Select this option to display all available curves in
the list.
More about Stock curves
Stock curves must be closed and lie in the world XY plane. You may
use a full circle, but only a single curve or circle can be selected.
Also, the curve must not self-intersect, although FeatureCAMdoes
not detect this condition.
A stock curve is the default stock boundary for features on the top
and bottom of the stock. For simplicity and flexibility, the stock
curve should meet the positive X and Y axes. This location lets you
easily calculate the width and length of the stock curve extent and
position the origin at the corner of those rectangular extents.
To work from the sides of the stock, the Width and Length of the
block stock must be set manually. They are measured from the
world origin. If the stock curve's extents do not align with the world
origin, the length and width settings will not match the stock curve's
location and dimensions.
Because of the nature of stock defined by a curve, aligning a UCS to
custom stock ignores the stock curve and works with the
rectangular extents.
308 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock Dimensions wizard
You can use the Stock Dimensions wizard to resize the stock to fit
objects in the model.
To display the Stock Dimensions dialog, clicking Resize on the
Dimensions tab (see page 306) of the Stock Properties (see page
305) dialog.
The first page of the wizard has columns which display the size of
the Imported Data (or created geometry), the Stock Dimensions, and
the Offset of the imported data. The first column always shows you
the dimensions of the data that is currently displayed in the
graphics window. The other two columns differ depending on the
type of stock.
Block stock
If you select Enter specific stock dimension, enter the Length, Width
and Thickness of the stock in the Stock Dimensions column. You can
also offset the part relative to the stock by entering the X offset, Y
offset, and Z offset in the Offset imported data column. Optionally
click the Center button, to move the part to the center of the stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 309
If you select Compute stock size from the size of the part, the stock is
automatically sized to fit the part.
You can enter Extra stock size for any dimension.
Click Next to open the next page of the wizard and select one of the
following options:
Move geometry Select this option to move the geometry in
relation to the stock.
Move stock Select this option to move the stock in relation to the
geometry.
Round and N-sided stock
For these two stock shapes, your only choice is to Enter specific
stock dimensions. In the Stock Dimensions column, enter the stock
dimensions and in the Offset column enter offsets for translating the
part relative to the stock.
For all stock shapes, this page addresses only the size of the
stock. It does not affect the part programming origin.
310 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Condition dialog (WIRE)
Use the Condition dialog to specify the machine configuration for the
stock. The combination of parameters determines the feed, water
and cutter compensation values selected from the cut-data
database.
To specify the machine condition:
1 In the Stock Properties dialog, select the Dimensions tab, and
click Condition. The Condition dialog is displayed.
2 Select a list option for each parameter supported by your
machine:
Material specifies the stock material. Alternatively, click
create a new material.
to
Wire specifies the wire type. Alternatively click
new wire.
Wire diameter specifies the wire diameter. Alternatively, click
to create a new wire diameter.
Machine specifies the machine type. Alternatively, click
create a new machine.
Nozzle position specifies a nozzle position. Alternatively, click
to specify a new position.
Fluid specifies the dielectric fluid. Alternatively, click
specify the fluid.
to create a
to
to
If you are not setting the Feed, water and cutter
compensation registers (see page 1589) from a cut-data
database, you need only specify the Wire diameter. The
value is used to determine the width of the cut in the 3D
simulation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 311
3 If you want to check the machine settings for this condition or
want to specify the machine settings for a new combination of
parameters, click Cutting Data. The Feeds/Speeds and Cutting Data
Tables dialog (see page 1920) is displayed.
4 Click OK or Next to save your changes.
Indexing tab
You can use the Indexing tab of the Stock Properties dialog (see
page 305) to control multi-axis indexing:
No multi-axis positioning Select this option to perform no
indexing.
4th-axis positioning Select this option to perform 4-axis indexing
(see page 316).
Index axis UCS Select the UCS whose index axis you want to
use for 4th-axis indexing.
5th-axis positioning (5AP (see page 2)) Select this option to
perform 5-axis positioning (see page 338).
Click Fixture Location to display the 5 Axis Fixture Location dialog
(see page 313), which you can use to specify a reference point
for the NC code.
For turn/mill parts, you must select 4th Axis Positioning.
312 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For turn/mill or turn parts select Generate Single Program with
program stop between each setup (see page 313) if you are using a
sub-spindle to change between each Setup.
For milling and Wire EDM parts select Generate Single Program with
program stop between each setup (see page 313) if you need to stop
the machine to turn the part around and machine on both sides.
Generate Single Program with program stop between each
setup
Generate Single Program with program stop between each setup is an
option on the Indexing tab (see page 312) of the Stock Properties
dialog.
This option combines the toolpaths of all Setups into a single Setup.
This means that when simulating the toolpaths, the toolpaths from
all Setups are displayed and a single NC program is created. This
option must be set if you are using a Sub-spindle (see page 930). If
this option is deselected a separate NC file is created for each
Setup.
If Generate Single Program with program stop between each setup is
selected, FeatureCAM inserts a stop operation between each Setup.
This enables the part to be flipped and machined on both sides
within a single NC program. For a turn or turn/mill document, the
stop operation is created if the Setups are on the same spindle and
oriented opposite to each other. For a milling document, the Setups
can be in any orientation.
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog
You can use the 5 Axis Fixture Location dialog to specify a reference
point for the NC code.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 313
To display the 5 Axis Fixture Location dialog, select 5th-axis
positioning on the Indexing tab (see page 312) of the Stock
Properties dialog (see page 305), then click Fixture Location.
NC Code Reference Point Select what to use for the reference
point from:
Pivot Point for table/table machines or Machine Zero for others
Each setup's own fixture (each setup's origin)
Touch-off Point
Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point Select a setup from
the list to use as the touch-off point.
Also use the setup as your part's initial orientation on the machine tool
Select this option to use the selected setup as the initial
orientation of the part on the machine tool. Deselect this option to
use the STOCK axis as the part's initial orientation.
Offset of Touch-point from Machine Zero Enter the distance, in each
direction, of the 5- Axis Touch-off Point from the center of the
A-axis face. This distance is different for each part.
In this example, the X and Y offsets are negative and the Z offset
is positive.
Center of A-axis face
314 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Touch-off Setup origin
First Axis Rotational Offset Enter the angle (measured
counter-clockwise) between the spindle axis and the A axis when
the B angle is set to 0.
For example, if the A-axis faces the spindle when B is set to 0,
then enter 0. If it faces the door when B is set to 0, as in the
example below, then enter -90. This offset is set the same for all
parts machined on a specific machine.
A-axis
Spindle axis
B-axis rotation
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 315
4th-axis positioning (2.5D & 3D)
You must have a CNC control that supports a 4th axis, and a rotary
table or native 4th axis that can be controlled by the CNC machine.
There are several ways to use the 4th axis:
Indexing (see page 316) The 4th-axis is used as an indexer, to
rotate the part between machining operations so that the machining
takes place on different planes of the part.
Wrapping (see page 325) The rotary table is used as a
continuously moving axis. Rotation occurs during the machining
operation and the tool movement is limited to either the X- or
Y-axis and the Z-axis. The part itself is rotated to take the place of
the axis not used. This feature is capable of wrapping any feature
while the part is rotated.
4-axis simultaneous (see page 337) Another method of using the
rotary table's rotational axis is to use all four degrees of freedom at
once with FeatureCAM's 4-axis simultaneous product. This enables
you to directly machine surfaces without the need for unwrapping
and may result in the machine moving in X, Y, Z, and A (for
instance) all at once.
Indexing
Indexing uses the 4th axis to rotate the part between machining
operations so that the machining takes place on different planes of
the part. In FeatureCAM each face of the part can be assigned to a
separate Setup (see page 320) or features can be placed radially
(see page 322) around the center of rotation by using only one
Setup.
Parts whose features can be accessed by rotating around a single
axis are candidates for 4th-axis wrapping (see page 325).
316 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You must have a CNC control that supports a 4th axis, and a
rotary table or native 4th axis that can be controlled by the
CNC machine in order to use indexing.
The Stock Axis
The Stock Axis corresponds to machine zero and the axis of rotation
for an indexer. It is not normally displayed, but you can display it by
selecting View > Show > Show Stock Axis from the menu. It is
displayed as two vectors. One shows the axis of rotation and the
other indicates the orientation of a 0 rotation.
4th-axis index around Z example
You can index around the Z axis for 2.5D machining, using, for
example, a rotary table lying flat on a vertical milling machine. This
means that you can mill large parts that exceed the travel of the
machine in one direction, by milling them in stages.
This example shows a part being machined with no multi-axis
positioning. When drilling holes near the edges of the part, the
machine moves a lot in the X and Y directions:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 317
And risks a collision at point
By selecting 4th Axis Positioning and Index around the STOCK Z Axis,
you can cut the holes by rotating around the Z axis:
Creating an indexed part
To create an indexed part
1 Display the Stock Axis. This is used for reference.
2 Click the Stock
step.
3 Click Next twice.
4 Select the 4th Axis Positioning option.
5 Decide what world coordinate axis to rotate about. The X-axis is
recommended because most post processors support only X-axis
indexing. (For the rest of this description we have assumed that
you have selected the X axis.) For the X-axis, click Index around
the X-axis. For the Y-axis, click Index around the Y-axis.
6 Position the stock (see page 320) appropriately.
7 Set the Tool Change Location (see page 324).
8 If you want to create Setups on each face:
318 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
a Create the Setups for indexing (see page 320).
b Switch to each Setup and create your features (see page
613).
9 If you want to use a single Setup, create each feature and follow
this procedure (see page 322) to orient each feature.
10 Generate the toolpaths.
11 Click Post Process in the Manufacturing menu and select a post
from the 4-Axis directory.
12 Click the NC tab in the Results window.
4th-axis rotation
In this example, the part is indexed around the X axis.
The X axes of each Setup are parallel to the X-axis of the
Stock axis.
4th axis
Stock axis
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 319
Using multiple Setups
Normally each Setup generates a separate program. If the Setups
of your part are a simple rotation around your machine's fourth axis
as shown below you can use indexing to combine all the Setups into
a single program that rotates each Setup into position using the 4th
axis.
Indexing can be performed around the X or Y axis of the stock axis.
The post processor you use must have the same indexing axis as
your part. For each Setup the corresponding axis must be parallel to
the indexing axis. For example, if you are indexing around the world
coordinate X axis, the X axes of each Setup must be parallel to the
stock axis.
When using indexing, the part documentation is combined for all
Setups. This means that you have just one operations list, one tool
list, and one NC part program for all Setups.
When positioning features (see page 617), use the XYZ or polar
types of positioning.
You can combine milling and turning Setups using the Vertical
mill/turn (see page 320) document type.
Vertical mill/turn (TURNMILL, MTT, 5AP)
The minimum components (see page 2) you need for vertical
mill/turn are Turn/Mill, Advanced Turn/Mill, and 5 Axis
Positioning. In addition, the 3D MX, 5AS, and MSIM
components are recommended for a complete solution for
your vertical mill/turn machine's capabilities.
320 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM supports vertical mill/turn machines such as Okuma
Vertical MILL/TURN VTM120YB, Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400, Mori
Seiki NMV5000 DBC, Mazak Integrex e-800V II (side spindle),
Matsuura Cublex 25, and DMG FD Series.
Use the Vertical Mill/Turn document type:
When you open a new Vertical Mill/Turn document, two Setups are
created by default:
Setup1 is a turning Setup and Setup2 is a milling Setup.
The Vertical Mill/Turn option in Stock Properties is automatically
selected for a Vertical Mill/Turn document, and the Fixture Location
button is available for the milling part of the document:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 321
Load and run the VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas add-in to access these
two buttons:
The PostMillTurnSetups
single NC code file.
button combines the two Setups into a
The SimTurnMillingSetups
button combines the two Setups into
one simulation for 3D or machine simulation.
Using a single Setup
Positioning features
When creating 4th-axis indexing or turn/mill parts, there is an
option on the Location (see page 617) page of the Feature wizard
(see page 613) for positioning called Radial about the X axis (or
Radial about the Y axis if indexing around the Y axis). Use this
method of positioning 4th-axis features, unless you want to create
Setups on each face you want to machine. Use the angle and radius
dimensions to orient the feature on the proper face.
In the case of indexing around the X axis, the X coordinate moves
the feature along the X axis and the Y coordinate translates the
feature in the perpendicular direction.
In the case of indexing around the Y axis, the Y coordinate moves
the feature along the Y axis and the X coordinate translated the
feature in the perpendicular direction.
322 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Positioning the stock
Often, the initial part Setup is positioned at the same point as the
Stock Axis (see page 317).
You can position the Setup axis at whatever point is convenient for
locating part zero, but you must move the stock so that the Stock
Axis is positioned at the center of rotation of your indexer. You do
this in the Stock Properties dialog:
1 Open the Stock Properties dialog by selecting the stock in the Part
Tree and then selecting Properties from the context menu.
The Stock Properties dialog is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 323
2 On the Dimensions tab, adjust the X, Y, and Z coordinates to
move the stock. In the example below, it is assumed that the
center of the stock is aligned with the axis of the indexer. The
stock is shifted by a negative amount in Y equal to half the stock
width and a positive amount in Z equal to half the stock
thickness.
3 Click the Apply button to see the results.
4 Click OK when the stock has been moved correctly.
Tool Change Location
You must set the Tool Change Location (see page 1930) correctly for
the simulation of 4th-axis indexing parts to be accurate.
This does not affect the NC code, only the graphics.
The distance from the Stock Axis origin to the Tool Change Location
must be long enough so that the tool clears the part as it rotates.
The images below (with the Tool Change Location marked by an
arrow) show the circle that would be formed by sweeping a tool
change location around the stock axis. Notice that this circle clears
the entire part.
324 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
How the clearance plane is calculated
In 4th-axis positioning and 5th-axis positioning, the tool must
retract to a safe distance so that it does not collide with the part
while it is indexing. To achieve this, FeatureCAM calculates the
maximum stock radius
and adds to that the Z-index clearance
to determine the appropriate retract distance.
Restrictions of indexing
You must use a post from the 4-Axis directory. Normal posts do
not support indexing.
The post CNC files have the indexing axis hard-coded. Most are
setup to rotate about the X axis. The axis of rotation in your
program must match the rotation axis of the post.
If you are using multiple Setups and are rotating about the world
X axis the X axes of the Setups must be parallel to the world X
axis.
If you are using multiple Setups and are rotating about the world
Y axis the Y axes of the Setups must be parallel to the world Y
axis.
Wrapping (3D)
4th-axis wrapping enables you to wrap a 2.5D feature around either
the X or Y axis. You must have a machine with 4th-axis capabilities
to use this feature.
4th-axis wrapping uses the rotary table as a continuously moving
axis. Rotation occurs during the machining operation and the tool
movement is limited to either the X or Y axis and the Z axis.
Wrapping is limited to cylindrical stock. A side effect of wrapping is
that all arc moves must be converted to linear moves for posting.
This conversion is controlled by the Wrap tolerance (see page 1722)
attribute.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 325
You can wrap any milling feature using 4th-axis wrapping or
turn/milling. This example shows a simple Groove feature that is
wrapped around the X axis.
The features are not displayed as wrapped, but when you
generate toolpaths for a wrapped Setup, the toolpaths are
wrapped.
Basic requirements
These are the basic requirements for 4th-axis wrapping:
326 Stock
Use Round shaped stock with an Axis of X or Y. Set this on the
Dimensions (see page 292) page of the Stock wizard or the
Dimensions tab of the Stock Properties (see page 305) dialog.
Select the 4th axis positioning option either on the Multi-axis
positioning (see page 296) page of the Stock wizard or the
Indexing (see page 312) tab of the Stock Properties dialog.
Indexing and wrapping occur about the Stock Axis. To help you
understand this, you can display the Stock Axis by selecting View
> Show > Show STOCK axis from the menu. The Stock Axis
displays in blue.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
All of your features need to be designed up off the Stock Axis, for
example, at the OD of your round stock. You can get them there
by translating the feature up in Z, or by making a Setup that is
up off the stock axis.
Select the Wrap feature around X-axis option of any feature you
want to wrap.
Use a 4-axis indexing post from .../Posts/Mill/4-Axis.
Creating a part using 4th-axis wrapping
To create a part using 4th-axis wrapping:
1 Select the View > Show > Show Stock Axis menu option.
2 Click the Stock
wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the Stock
a On the Dimensions (see page 292) page of the Stock wizard,
select a Round stock shape, and select an Axis to use as a
wrapping axis.
b On the Multi-axis positioning (see page 296) page of the Stock
wizard, select 4th-axis positioning, and select the axis around
which you want to index.
Most 4th-axis post processors provided with FeatureCAM
index around the X axis.
c Click Finish to close the wizard.
3 When creating a feature that you would like to wrap:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 327
a Position it using the Radial about axis option on the Location
(see page 617) page of the New Feature wizard or the Location
tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
b Select Wrap feature around axis on the Dimensions (see page
992) tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
4 Select Manufacturing > Post Process from the menu. The Post
Options (see page 1930) dialog is displayed.
5 Click the Browse button to specify your post processor.
6 Select a post from the 4-Axis folder. Ensure that you select a
post processor that matches the index axis you selected in the
Stock wizard.
7 Click OK.
8 Run a centerline simulation (see page 1596). Notice that the
toolpaths are wrapped around a cylinder. Centerline and 3D
simulation allow you to preview the wrapped toolpaths.
9 If the wrapped feature is too chunky, you may need to lower the
Wrap tolerance attribute on the Misc. (see page 1722) tab of
Machining attributes.
10 Click the NC Code (see page 1637) tab in the Results window.
Creating a 4th-axis wrapped feature from a 3D model
To create a 4th-axis wrapped feature from a 3D model:
1 Pick a single feature that you want to machine on the part.
328 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Check it is a wrapped feature. If the feature has all straight
sides, it can be cut with a normal 2.5D feature.
1 Consider the restrictions of 4th-axis wrapping (see page 335) to
make sure it is appropriate for cutting the feature.
2 Do the sides go through the center axis of wrapping? If you
really need to cut these sides accurately, you must use Cut sides
perpendicular to index axis (see page 333).
3 Use surface edges (see page 432) to extract a curve from the
solid model.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 329
4 Unwrap (see page 421) the curve. Make sure you use the option
to project to the UCS. The curve may look strange to you, but it
does work.
1 Make the feature opting to wrap around the index axis.
This option is not available in the Feature wizard. If you use
the wizard, you must create a normal feature and edit it to
change it into a wrapped feature.
2 Generate the toolpaths. If you have any problems consider the
restrictions of 4th-axis wrapping (see page 335).
330 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cylindrical cams
You must have 4th-axis wrapping (see page 325) to cut
cylindrical cams.
Cylindrical (or barrel) cams are specified as you would a normal
cam. See Cams (see page 447) for more information on
reciprocating cams. For simple cams, the rise and fall are radial
distance. On cylindrical cams the rise and fall displacements are
along the wrapping axis.
For example, if you create a barrel cam that is wrapped around the
X axis with these parameters:
the following curve is created:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 331
Notice that the displacement is in the X direction. If you create a
groove feature using the barrel cam curve, you get the toolpath
shown below.
Creating a cylindrical Cam
Follow the steps for How to create a NC program using 4th-axis
wrapping (see page 327). For Step 3, Create your part features,
follow these steps:
1 Open the Cam Properties dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Cams, and click Next.
On the Curve toolbar (see page 18), click the Cams
in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Smooth/Reduce Curve.
button
2 On the General tab, select Cylindrical Cam.
3 Specify the Base Radius as the radius of your cylindrical stock.
4 Specify either Wrap X-axis or Wrap Y-axis. Make sure that this
setting matches the wrapping axis you specified in your setup.
5 On the Segments tab, enter the segment parameters.
6 Click OK or Finish.
7 Use this curve to create a groove.
You now have a feature that you can use for 4th-axis wrapping.
332 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cut sides perpendicular to index axis
When milling features are wrapped (see page 325) around the index
axis, one coordinate axis is converted from linear moves into
rotational moves. For wrapping around the X axis, the Y axis moves
are converted into C axis rotations. For simple wrapping the NC
code is relatively simple, but the walls of the resulting feature are
not perpendicular to the index axis. The following image shows the
front view of a wrapped pocket. The toolpath is calculated relative
to the top curve causing the pocket to be overcut at the bottom.
The overcut regions are shown in red. The blue lines show the
extension of the cut walls and indicate that the walls are no longer
perpendicular to the index axis.
To make the walls perpendicular to the index axis, as shown below,
use the Cut sides perpendicular to Index axis attribute.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 333
If you require perpendicular sides, you must have a lathe or mill
with X-axis, C-axis, and Y-axis motion. To program your feature to
have perpendicular sides you must select Wrap feature around X-axis
and also select Cut sides perpendicular to index axis. Features cut
with this option have sides that are perpendicular to the index axis.
There are a number of restrictions (see page 334) for this type of
feature.
Restrictions for cut sides perpendicular
334 Stock
Simple slots and grooves are not supported.
The first move of the toolpath should be perpendicular to the axis
of rotation. Otherwise you end up with a really big offset move at
the beginning of the ramp-in which can actually result in the tool
traveling backwards with respect to the direction of the toolpath.
This is because on the initial plunge move, we do not know the
offset direction, so the Y offset is 0. The first move of the ramp is
at close to 90 and needs almost a full tool radius offset. If you
are doing a linear ramp at the start of a roughing operation, you
end up with a full tool radius offset change on each ramp move.
The feature you are cutting should have no sharp corners.
Open profile sides should use the insert arc check box in the
Stepovers tab (see page 1064).
Roughing operations create sharp corners on the inner stepovers
if you use too large a tool. The default tool is always too large.
There is a limit on depth of cut with a given tool. It is related to
the no sharp corners rule. If you are cutting a rectangular
pocket, when the tool moves along one side, the Y offset is 0.
The corner radius must be large enough that the tool does not
gouge the next side wall when it finishes the current cut. The
limit is:
R = Radius (feature location to index axis)
CR = Corner Radius of profile
TR = Tool Radius
Diff = CR - TR
A = atan(CR/R)
Max Depth = Diff/tan(A)
Max Depth = Diff*(R/CR)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Restrictions of 4th-axis wrapping
You must use a post from the 4-Axis directory. Normal posts do
not support 4th-axis wrapping.
The post CNC files have the indexing axis hard-coded. Most are
set up to rotate about the X axis. The axis of rotation in your
program must match the rotation axis of the post.
If you are rotating around the stock X axis, the X axes of the
setups must be parallel to the world X axis.
If you are rotating around the stock Y axis the Y axes of the
setups must be parallel to the world Y axis.
4th-axis wrapping is not simultaneous motion of four axes. Only
three axes are active. In the case of X-axis wrapping, you get X
and Z translational motion and a rotation around Y.
2D simulation does not work for 4th-axis wrapping.
If you are using Cut Sides perpendicular to index axis (see page
333) the following restrictions also apply:
It does not apply to simple slots and grooves.
The curve of the feature cannot have any sharp corners.
If you are wrapping an open profile side, select the Arc Lead
option on the Stepovers (see page 1064) tab.
If you preview the toolpaths and are getting wild moves at the
feature edges, select a smaller tool. Often the automatically
selected tool is too large. Most problems using Cut sides
perpendicular to index axis are related to using a tool that is too
large. Make sure the tool is small enough before making the
changes discussed below.
If the finishing pass for the walls of the feature does not
immediately follow the roughing pass, you may need to adjust
the plunge point for the finishing pass to ensure that it plunges
near the center of the feature. You want to avoid plunging near
the outside walls where the Y displacement is the greatest. If the
initial move of the finish pass gouge, adjust the plunge point for
the finish pass.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 335
If your finish pass is starting in the center of the feature where
there is no Y displacement, then no adjustment is necessary.
- Center of feature with no Y displacement
If the plunge move is out on the edges where the Y displacement is
greater, then set a plunge point (see page 1076) so that the tool
plunges more toward the center of the feature.
- Edges with max Y displacement
336 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4-axis simultaneous
A 4-axis simultaneous surface milling feature requires your machine
to have four degrees of freedom. For FeatureCAM, the four degrees
of freedom are restricted to moving in X, Y, and Z, and a rotation
about the stock indexing axis (A, B, or C in the case of turn/mill).
You may define 4-axis features in a turn/mill document with a tool
that 'cuts from the OD'. You may also use 4-axis features in a
4-axis indexed milling environment in a milling document (see the
Indexing tab of the Stock properties).
In an appropriate document type, with an appropriate post (.cnc
file), some surface milling operations have a 4-axis (see page 1215)
tab. The 4-axis tab enables you to control or specify the tool
orientation. The default value is Vertical, which is used for standard
3-axis milling. However, it can also be a continuously changing
orientation for 4-axis simultaneous machining. With 4-axis
simultaneous, FeatureCAM tries to machine the feature's surfaces
while tilting the tool axis in the way you specify.
FeatureCAM's 4-axis product is identical to its 5-axis (see page 338)
product (there are no new terms, dialogs, or concepts to
understand) with one important exception: during toolpath
calculations, all tool axes are projected onto the appropriate plane.
For instance, if the current document is an index-around-X type,
then at a particular toolpath point, the tool axis is projected onto
the STOCK YZ plane. This results in the toolpath point at (XYZ), and
a tool axis of (0JK) so that (0JK) can be converted to an 'A' angle in
the posting process.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 337
5-axis positioning (5AP)
5-axis positioning enables you to mill 2.5D or 3D toolpaths at 5-axis
orientations.
You must license the 5-axis positioning option to use 5-axis
positioning.
5-axis positioning provides a convenient method of manufacturing
parts that require milling on multiple faces by minimizing setups.
The image below shows an example of a part that requires milling
from four different orientations. With 5th-axis positioning, the whole
part can be milled with a single program.
FeatureCAM provides two types of 5-axis positioning NC programs.
The first method requires the operator to set only a single
coordinate system (see page 345). The entire program is then
generated with regard to this coordinate system. The advantage of
this method is that it minimizes the setup time. The disadvantage is
that the resulting NC programs are harder to read because the
coordinates for milling each face are rotated.
The second method uses standard fixture offsets (see page 347) to
determine the coordinate system for each face. The advantage of
this method is that the code for each face is easier to read. The
disadvantage is that the operator must touch-off each face.
5-axis machine types
The following 5-axis machine types are supported by FeatureCAM.
338 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Table on table machines
Horizontal with stacked tables These horizontal milling machines
rotate about the Y-axis, then around the X-axis. They are also called
B over A machines.
Vertical with stacked tables These machines are vertical mills that
rotate about X-axis then around the Y-axis. These machines are
also known as A over B machines.
Machines with tilting heads
FeatureCAM supports tilting-head machines that have the following
two capabilities:
3D coordinate transforms The control must allow programming of
2.5D features in the X and Y planes. This means that the depths of
features are always in the Z or -Z directions.
Tool length offset The touch-off point (or zero point) of the tool
must move with the rotated tool.
The machine architectures supported are as follows:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 339
C rotary table and B tilting head These machines rotate about Z
and then the head rotates around the Y-axis.
C rotary table and A tilting head These machines rotate about Z
and the head rotates around X.
340 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
C swiveling and A tilting head These machines rotate around Z
with a table and then the head tilts around the X axis. They are also
known as gimbal heads.
B and A tilting head Rotates about Y using a table and then X in
the head.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 341
A and B tilting head Rotates about X using a table and then Y in
the head.
B and 45 Degree angled A tilting head Rotate about Y, then
rotate about X with a head that is angled by 45 degrees. This head
is also known as a huron head.
342 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A and 45 degree angled B tilting head Rotate about X, then about
Y with a head that is angled by 45 degrees. Also known as a huron
head.
See machine dimensions for specific machine parameters.
Alternative 5-axis position
For some 5-axis machines, you can rotate the orientation of the
machine axis by 180 degrees to address a particular
face. FeatureCAM has a default orientation for each machine
architecture.
To use the alternative orientation, specify the 5-axis position
attribute at these levels:
Operation level (see page 1240)
Setup level (see page 297)
Machine level (see page 1683)
As an example in the machine below, the default is to keep A in the
0 to 180 range and then find the suitable B.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 343
With alternate enabled, we keep A in the 0 to -180 range and then
find the suitable B.
The default and alternative orientations for each 5-axis machine
type are shown below.
Horizontal with stacked tables (rotate about Y then X)
Default is to keep B 0 to 180, then find A. Alternative is to keep B 0
to -180, then find A.
Vertical with stacked tables (rotate about X then Y)
Default is to keep A 0 to 180, then find B. Alternative is to keep A 0
to -180, then find B.
C rotary table and B tilting head
Default is to keep B 0 to 180, then find C. Alternative is to keep B 0
to -180, then find C.
C rotary table and A tilting head
Default is to keep A 0 to 180, then find C. Alternative is to keep A 0
to -180, then find C.
C swiveling and A tilting head
Default is to keep A 0 to 180, then find C. Alternative is to keep A 0
to -180, then find C.
B and A tilting head
Default is to keep B 90 to -90 if Setups Z is positive and 90 to 270
if Setup's Z is negative, then find A. Alternative is to keep B 90 to
270 if Setup's Z is positive and 90 to -90 if Setup's Z is negative,
then find A.
A and B tilting head
Default is to keep A 90 to -90 if Setup's Z is positive and 90 to 270
if Setup's Z is negative, then find B. Alternative is to keep A 90 to
270 if Setup's Z is positive and 90 to -90 if Setup's Z is negative,
then find B.
344 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5-axis positioning using a single coordinate system
This method minimizes setup time by requiring only a single
touch-off point and is performed with the following steps:
1 Create a part with multiple Setups, then:
on the Multi-axis Positioning (see page 296) page of the Stock
wizard, select 5th Axis Positioning and click Next; or
on the Indexing (see page 312) tab of the Stock Properties
dialog, select 5th Axis Positioning, and click Fixture Location.
2 Select a Setup from the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off
Point list. The Z-axis of this setup must be parallel with the
A-axis.
3 In the Offset of Touch-off Point from Machine Zero section, enter
the distance, in each coordinate system direction, of the 5- Axis
Touch-off Point from the center of the A-axis face. This distance
is different for each part.
In this example, the X and Y offsets are negative and the Z offset
is positive.
Center of A-axis face
Touch-off Setup origin
4 For the First Axis Rotational Offset, enter the angle (measured
counter-clockwise) between the spindle axis and the A axis when
the B angle is set to 0.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 345
For example, if the A-axis faces the spindle when B is set to 0,
then enter 0. If it faces the door when B is set to 0, as in the
example below, then enter -90. This offset is set the same for all
parts machined on a specific machine.
A-axis
Spindle axis
B-axis rotation
5 Select the dominance from:
Tool Dominant If you want the order of operations to be tool
dominant across all Setups, select this option.
You must also select Minimize tool changes in the
Automatic ordering options dialog (see page 1633) for
Tool Dominant to work correctly.
Setup Dominant If you want the order of operations to
complete each Setup before moving on to another Setup,
select this option. The milling ordering attributes determine
the order in which operations are performed within a Setup.
Select Generate Single Program if you want to create a single
5-axis indexed program.
6 Click Finish in the stock wizard or OK in the Stock Properties
dialog.
7 Generate toolpaths. Ensure Minimize tool changes (see page
1633) is selected in the Automatic Ordering Operations dialog if
you are using Tool-dominant toolpaths.
The simulation works for both centerline and 3D simulation. In
centerline simulation an arc is displayed for a 5-axis
reorientation. In 3D simulation the part position and orientation
stays fixed and the tool moves. The tool does not move smoothly
between Setups, it reappears in the new Setup.
8 Select a 5-axis post processor and create NC code.
346 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
9 The NC code is generated with respect to the B-axis coordinate
system. Only a single touch-off is required to locate the part.
10 The Rotary Center Offset values are contained in the post
processor files. See five axis post processing variables for more
information.
5-axis positioning using fixture offsets
To do 5-axis positioning using fixture offsets:
1 Create a part with multiple Setups, then:
on the Multi-axis Positioning (see page 296) page of the Stock
wizard, select 5th Axis Positioning and click Next; or
on the Indexing (see page 312) tab of the Stock Properties
dialog, select 5th Axis Positioning.
2 Click Use Fixture Offset. The 5-Axis Touch-off Setup and 5-Axis
Touch-off Setup Offset do not apply to this method.
3 For the B-Axis Rotational Offset, enter the angle (measured
counter-clockwise) between the spindle and the A-axis when the
B angle is set to 0. For example, the A-axis faces the spindle
when B is set to 0, then enter 0. If it faces the door when B is set
to 0, as shown in this figure, then enter -90. This offset will be
set the same for all parts machines on a specific machine.
4 Select the dominance from:
Tool Dominant If you want the order of operations to be tool
dominant across all Setups, select this option.
You must also select Minimize tool changes in the
Automatic ordering options dialog (see page 1633) for
Tool Dominant to work correctly.
Setup Dominant If you want the order of operations to
complete each Setup before moving on to another Setup,
select this option. The milling ordering attributes determine
the order in which operations are performed within a Setup.
Select Generate Single Program if you want to create a single
5-axis indexed program.
5 Click Finish in the stock wizard.
6 Generate toolpaths. Remember to select Minimize tool changes, if
you want Tool-dominant toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 347
The simulation works for both centerline and 3D simulation. In
centerline simulation an arc is displayed for a 5-axis
reorientation. In 3D simulation the part position and orientation
stays fixed and the tool moves. The tool does not move smoothly
between setups, it simply reappears in the new setup.
7 Select a post processor that supports fixture offsets and create
NC code.
8 The NC code is generated with respect to the coordinate system
of each Setup. If you want to see the NC code for each Setup
specified in machining coordinates (Y up and X to the right), then
each Setup should be positioned so that the Setup coordinate
system is aligned with the machine coordinates when that face is
pointing toward the tool. The operator must touch-off each Setup
individually.
Rotation of primary axis
The rotation of the primary axis (the B axis on an A over B
machine) operates by default in the 0 - 90 and 90 - 180 quadrants.
If you want to operate in 0 - -90 and -90 - -180 quadrants then use
the following steps.
1 Hold down the CTRL key and click the right mouse button on the
status bar at the bottom of the FeatureCAM screen.
2 Check the Use -90 -180 for first axis rotation.
Stock models
Stock models eliminate air cutting, save programming time, and
save machining time by using more efficient toolpaths.
348 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can create stock models in FeatureCAM from:
Stock
Solid
STL file
Some operation results:
These 2.5D features' rough or finish operations: pocket,
rectangular pocket, boss, side, chamfer, slot, step bore.
A Z-level rough or parallel rough 3D operation
These operations can use a stock model:
3D surface milling operations:
Z-level
rough
Parallel
rough
Parallel
finish
Z-level
finish
Isoline
finish
2D spiral
3D spiral
Radial
Flowline
Between 2
curves
Horizontal +
vertical
Corner
remachining
Pencil
Swarf
Steep and
shallow
2D rough or finish operations
for these features:
Boss
Side
To create a stock model:
1 Right-click on Stock Models in the Part View (see page 9) and
select Add Stock Model from the context menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 349
The Add Stock Model dialog is displayed.
2 Enter a Name for the new stock model.
3 Optionally edit the default Step Size and Tolerance to control the
resolution of the stock model.
4 Select whether to create the stock model from:
Stock This is the existing stock.
Solid Select a solid in the menu.
STL Select an .STL file in the menu.
Operation results Select from the available 2.5D operations,
a 3D Z-level rough, or a 3D parallel rough operation in the
menu.
5 Click OK to create the new stock model.
The stock model is displayed below Stock Models in the Part View,
for example:
350 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To use a 2.5D stock model:
The stock model you created is available for you to use for
subsequent Boss or Side features in the Select Stock Curve dialog,
for example:
Open the Select Stock Curve dialog by clicking the Stock Curve
button on the Dimensions (see page 992) tab of the Feature
Properties dialog.
To use a 3D stock model:
The stock model you created is available for you to use for
subsequent Z-level or parallel rough operations on the Stock (see
page 1203) tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog, for example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 351
Stock Model Properties dialog
You can open the Stock Model Properties dialog in one of these
ways:
Double-click the name of the stock model in the Part View.
Right-click the name of the stock model in the Part View and
select Properties from the context menu.
Name This displays the name that you gave the stock model
when you created it.
Step Size Enter the step between slices.
Tolerance Enter the tolerance of a slice when a new stock model
is created. The stock model is stored as a set of closed slices of the
solid stock in X and Y.
Stock model operations This displays a list of the stock model
operations.
Available operations A list of operations that you can add to the
stock model.
Click
to add the operation selected in the Available operations
list to the Stock model operations list.
Click
to remove the selected operation from the Stock model
options list. The operation is added to the Available operations list.
352 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock model example
This example part uses a stock model to avoid air cutting:
The Z-level roughing toolpath of the initial Surface feature looks like
this:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock 353
You can use these results to create a Stock Model.
If you create a second Surface feature with a Z-level rough using a
tool half the size as for the first feature, the toolpath results look
like this.
There is a lot of air cutting. You can use the stock model that you
created from the first Z-level rough operation to avoid air cutting.
354 Stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To do this, on the Stock tab for the second feature, select Stock
Model and select the stock model name and the operation you want
to use from the Operations list:
Using the stock model, the Z-level rough toolpath for the second
feature has minimal air cutting:
Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 355
Use one of the following methods to create geometry:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors dialog.
Click the Toggle Geometry Bar
button on the Advanced
toolbar to display the Geometry toolbar.
Select Construct from the menu to display the list of geometry
creation tools.
When you are using any of the geometry tools, step-by-step
instructions are displayed on the Assistance bar (see page 7), which
explain how to use the active tool.
Using the above methods, you can create points (see page 358),
lines (see page 359), circles (see page 363), fillets (see page 367),
arcs (see page 370), and dimensions (see page 373), and you can
edit existing geometry (see page 396).
Snapping (see page 377) enables you to snap the cursor to
significant locations on existing geometry, and is necessary for
creating smooth or continuous geometry. When you create
geometry, it is aligned to the plane of the snapping grid (see page
378).
356 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry Constructors dialog
The Geometry Constructors dialog contains a selection of tools for
creating and editing geometry:
To display the Geometry Constructors dialog, click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar.
You can use these geometry tools:
Point (see page 358)
Line (see page 359)
Circle (see page 363)
Fillet (see page 367)
Arc (see page 370)
Dimension (see page 373)
Edit/Clip (see page 396)
If you want to create multiple geometry objects without opening the
Geometry Constructors dialog again, select Create more than 1.
Point input for geometry creation
When a point is needed, a message is displayed on the Assistance
bar, such as Pick first point. The coordinates for that point are
shown in yellow on the dialog bar.
Use one of the following methods to specify the location of a point:
Enter the point coordinates into the yellow fields on the
Feature/Geometry Edit bar, then click Create. This method is used
for entering the exact location relative to the UCS, such as when
reading from a drawing.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 357
Pick the point with the mouse in the graphics window. Use the
appropriate snap mode (see page 377) to pick precise locations
such as intersections or tangent points. This method is typically
used when the point you want is relative to another piece of
geometry.
Exiting a geometry mode
When you enter a geometry creation mode, it remains enabled until
you exit the mode. This enables you to create multiple geometry
objects quickly without having to use the wizard or toolbars
repeatedly.
Use one of these methods to exit geometry mode:
In the Standard toolbar, click Select
Press the Esc key on your keyboard.
Click a different step, toolbar or menu button.
If you are using the Geometry Constructors dialog, deselect
Create more than 1 before selecting a tool to automatically exit
geometry mode after using the tool.
Points
You can use these methods to create a point:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click the Point
button.
In the Geometry toolbar, click Point
Select the Construct > Point menu option.
When a point is needed, a message is displayed on the Assistance
bar, such as Pick first point. The coordinates for that point are
shown in yellow on the dialog bar.
Use one of the following methods to specify the location of a point:
358 Geometry
Enter the point coordinates into the yellow fields on the
Feature/Geometry Edit bar, then click Create. This method is used
for entering the exact location relative to the UCS, such as when
reading from a drawing.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pick the point with the mouse in the graphics window. Use the
appropriate snap mode (see page 377) to pick precise locations
such as intersections or tangent points. This method is typically
used when the point you want is relative to another piece of
geometry.
You do not usually need to create point objects, instead you can use
snapping (see page 377) to locate points when creating geometry.
Lines
You can use these methods to create a line:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click one of
the line creation buttons.
In the Geometry toolbar, click one of the buttons in the Line
Menu.
Select the one of the Construct > Line menu options.
You can draw the following types of lines:
Two points (see page 359)
Connected lines (see page 360)
Horizontal line (see page 361)
Vertical line (see page 361)
Angle line (see page 361)
Offset line (see page 362)
Two points line
Line from two points creates a finite (see page 398) line from two
endpoints. To create the line:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Line
from 2 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click Line from two Pts
Menu.
Select the Construct > Line > 2 Pts menu option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
in the Line
Geometry 359
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the first point.
3 If you want to explicitly locate the second point, Pick or (see
page 357) enter the location of the second point.
4 If you want to enter an angle and length (from which the second
point is derived):
Enter the angle in degrees in the A field. The angle is specified
counter-clockwise from the direction of the X axis.
Enter the length in the L field.
5 Press the Enter key or click the Create button.
6 When you have finished creating lines, exit line mode (see page
358).
Connected lines
Connected lines creates a series of finite (see page 398) lines from a
series of points. The end point of one line becomes the start point of
the next. To create the line:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click
Connected lines
In the Geometry toolbar, click Connected Lines
Menu.
in the Line
Select the Construct > Line > Connected menu option.
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the first point.
3 If you want to explicitly locate the next point, Pick or enter (see
page 357) the location of the second point.
4 If you want to enter an angle and length (from which the next
point is derived):
Enter the angle in degrees in the A field. The angle is specified
counter-clockwise from the direction of the X axis.
Enter the length in the L field.
5 Press the Enter key or click the Create button.
6 Repeat steps 2 to 5 to create more lines.
7 When you have finished creating connected lines, exit line mode
(see page 358).
360 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Horizontal line
Horizontal line creates an infinite (see page 398) horizontal line
through a point. To create the line:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Line
.
horizontal
In the Geometry toolbar, click Line Horizontal
Menu.
in the Line
Select the Construct > Line > Horizontal menu option.
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the point.
3 When you have finished creating horizontal lines, exit line mode
(see page 358).
Vertical line
Vertical line creates an infinite (see page 398) vertical line through a
point. To create the line:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Line
vertical
In the Geometry toolbar, click Line vertical
Menu.
in the Line
Select the Construct > Line > Vertical menu option.
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the coordinates of the point.
3 When you have finished creating vertical lines, exit line mode
(see page 358).
Angle line
Line at angle through point creates an infinite (see page 398) line
through a point you select and at the angle you specify in degrees.
To create the line:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 361
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog,then click Line at
Angle thru Pt
In the Geometry toolbar, click Pt, Angle
in the Line Menu.
Select the Construct > Line > Pt, Angle from Horz/Vert/Line menu
option.
2 Enter the angle in degrees in the A field. The angle is specified
counter-clockwise.
To specify the angle relative to a vertical line passing through
the point, select the From Vert. option.
To measure the angle relative to a horizontal line passing
through the point, select the From Horiz. option.
To measure the angle relative to an existing line, select the
From line option.
3 Pick or enter (see page 357) the coordinates of the point.
4 If you selected From line, you are prompted to select the line.
5 Click Create.
6 Repeat the process from step 2 to create more lines.
7 When you have finished creating lines, exit line mode (see page
358).
Offset line
Offset creates a new line, arc or circle by offsetting it from an
existing line or arc.
Use one of these methods to enter offset mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Line
Offset
In the Geometry toolbar, click Line Offset
in the Line Menu.
Select the Construct > Line > Offset menu option.
To offset an object by a specific distance:
1 Enter the distance in the Offset field.
2 Select an existing line, arc or circle in the graphics window.
362 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can also select a line from the stock even though there
is no line explicitly there.
3 Move the cursor to the side of the selected object. A preview of
the new object is displayed.
4 Left-click to create the offset.
To offset an object in real time:
1 Click and drag an object to the location you want the offset. A
preview of the offset is displayed in the graphics window.
You can use snapping (see page 377) to align the offset with
existing geometry.
2 Release the mouse button to create the offset.
When you have finished creating offsets, exit the mode (see page
358).
Circles
You can use these methods to create a circle:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar, then click one
of the circle creation buttons in the Geometry Constructors (see
page 357) dialog.
Click one of the circle creation buttons in the Circle Menu in the
Geometry toolbar.
Select Construct > Circle from the menu and select one of the
options.
You can draw these types of circles:
Circle from radius and center (see page 364)
Circle from center and edge (see page 364)
Circle from diameter (see page 365)
Circle tangent to two entities (see page 365)
Circle from two points and radius (see page 366)
Circle through three points (see page 366)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 363
Circle from radius and center
Circle from radius and center creates a circle from a center point and
a radius value.
To create the circle:
1 Use one of these methods to enter line-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
from Rad, Center
In the Geometry toolbar, click Circle from Rad, Center
the Circle Menu.
in
Select the Construct > Circle > Center, Radius menu option.
2 Enter the radius at the R prompt in the dialog bar. If you are
going to type the coordinate of the center point, press the Tab
key.
3 Pick or type (see page 357) the point at the center of the circle.
4 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
To specify the radius of the circle dynamically:
1 Click the mouse at the center point of the circle.
2 Drag the mouse to specify the radius of the circle.
Circle from center and edge
Circle from center, edge defines a circle by its center point and a
point on the circle's edge. The distance from the center point to the
edge point is used as the radius of the circle. To create this type of
circle:
1 Use one of these methods to enter circle-creation mode.
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
from center, edge
In the Geometry toolbar,click Circle from center, edge
the Circle Menu.
Select the Construct > Circle > Center, Edge menu option.
in
2 Pick or type (see page 357) the Center point.
3 Optionally select Concentric to create more than one, concentric,
circle.
364 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Pick or type (see page 357) the Edge point. If you drag the
mouse when locating the edge point, the circle interactively
changes as you drag.
5 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
Circle from diameter
Circle from diameter defines a circle from two points. The distance
between the two points specifies the circle's diameter. The midpoint
between the two points becomes the circle center. To create this
circle:
1 Use one of these methods to enter circle-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
.
from diameter
In the Geometry toolbar, click Diameter
in the Circle Menu.
Select the Construct > Circle > Diameter menu option.
2 Pick or type (see page 357) the first point.
3 Pick or type (see page 357) the second point. If you drag the
mouse when locating the second point, the circle changes
interactively as you drag.
4 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
Circle tangent to two entities
Circle tangent two defines a circle by snapping tangent to two
existing objects. The location that you select the two objects
determines the position of the new circle. Create this type of circle
using these steps:
1 Use one of these methods to enter circle-creation mode.
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
Tangent Two
In the Geometry toolbar, click Circle tangent two
Circle Menu.
Select the Construct > Circle > Tangent Two menu option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
in the
Geometry 365
2 Enter the circle's radius in the dialog bar at the bottom of the
screen.
3 Click the first object.
4 Click the second object.
5 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
See also circles (see page 363)
Circle from two points and radius
Circle, two points, radius defines a circle of a specific radius and two
individually defined point locations on the circle's circumference.
The center of the circle is always placed to the left of the direction
in which you define the two points through which the circle must
pass.
If you want to create a circle that is tangent to two objects,
use Circle tangent to two entities (see page 365).
1 Use one of these methods to enter circle-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
Rad, 2 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click 2 Pts, Radius
Menu.
in the Circle
Select the Construct > Circle > 2 Pts, Radius menu option.
2 Set the radius in the dialog bar.
3 Pick or type (see page 357) the first point.
4 Pick or type (see page 357) the second point.
5 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
See also circles (see page 363)
Circle through three points
Circle from three points defines a circle with three points on the
circles circumference. A circle tangent to three existing circles or
arcs can be created by selecting the existing elements with the
tangent snap active. Use the following steps to create a circle
through three points.
1 Use one of these methods to enter circle-creation mode:
366 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Circle
from 3 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click 3 Pts
in the Circle Menu.
Select the Construct > Circle > 3 Pts menu option.
2 Pick or type (see page 357) each point.
3 When you have finished creating circles, exit circle mode (see
page 358).
See also circles (see page 363)
Fillets
2D Fillets create a rounded corner between other existing geometry
and trim the existing geometry against the endpoints of the fillet.
The figure on the left shows the original lines. The figure on the
right shows these lines after the fillet has been inserted. Note that
the lines are trimmed against the fillet.
You can use these methods to create a fillet:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click a fillet
button.
In the Geometry toolbar, click a button in the Fillet Menu.
Select a Construct > Fillet menu option.
You can create these types of fillets:
Corner fillet (see page 368)
Two point fillet (see page 368)
Three point fillet (see page 369)
Chamfer (see page 369)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 367
Corner fillet
Corner fillet creates a fillet (see page 367) in a corner originally
defined by an intersection of lines or arcs.
1 Use one of these methods to enter fillet-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click
Corner Fillet
In the Geometry toolbar, click Corner Fillet
Menu.
in the Fillet
Select the Construct > Fillet > Corner Fillet menu option.
2 Enter the radius in the R field.
3 Move the cursor over a corner or an intersection between two
lines, arcs or circles. A preview of the fillet is displayed in the
graphics window.
4 When the preview displays the fillet you want to create, left-click
to create the fillet. Creating a fillet automatically trims the
existing lines or arcs to the new fillet.
5 When you have finished creating fillets, exit fillet-creation mode
(see page 358).
Two point fillet
Two point fillet creates a fillet (see page 367) in a corner originally
defined by an intersection of lines or arcs. The corner fillet (see
page 368) is usually easier to create, but the two point fillet may be
easier to control if you are creating a fillet in a crowded area.
1 Use one of these methods to enter fillet-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click 2 Pt
Fillet
In the Geometry toolbar, click 2 Pt Fillet
in the Fillet Menu.
Select the Construct > Fillet > 3 Pt Fillet menu option.
2 Enter the radius of the fillet in the R field.
3 Select an object.
4 Move the cursor over an object which intersects the first object.
A preview of the fillet is displayed in the graphics window.
368 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Left-click the second object to create the fillet. Creating a fillet
automatically trims the existing lines or arcs to the new fillet.
6 When you have finished creating fillets, exit fillet mode (see page
358).
Three point fillet
Three points defines a fillet (see page 367) by selecting three points,
similar to the three point circle (see page 366). To create this fillet:
1 Use one of these methods to enter fillet-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click 3 Pt
Fillet
In the Geometry toolbar, click 3 Pt Fillet
in the Fillet Menu.
Select the Construct > Fillet > 3 Pt Fillet menu option.
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of three points. The
three points are the start, middle, and end points of the fillet.
The points can be selected in clockwise or counter-clockwise
order around the arc.
3 If the last point is entered in the dialog bar, click Create to create
the fillet.
4 When you have finished creating fillets, exit fillet mode (see page
358).
2D Chamfer
To create a chamfer that trims surrounding geometry:
1 Use one of these methods to enter chamfer-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click
Chamfer
In the Geometry toolbar, click Chamfer
in the Fillet Menu.
Select the Construct > Fillet > Chamfer menu option.
2 Enter a Width and Height in the Geometry Edit bar.
3 Move the cursor over a corner or an intersection between two
lines, arcs or circles. A preview of the chamfer is displayed in the
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 369
4 When the preview displays the chamfer you want to create,
left-click to create the chamfer. Creating a chamfer automatically
trims the existing lines or arcs to the new chamfer.
5 When you have finished creating chamfers, exit chamfer mode
(see page 358).
Arcs
Arcs create rounded curving segments defined as parts of circles.
You can use these methods to create an arc:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click an arc
button.
In the Geometry toolbar, click a button in the Arc Menu.
Select a Construct > Arc menu option.
If you want to create arcs at corners or intersections, see Fillets
(see page 366).
You can create these types of arcs:
Arc from three points (see page 370)
Arc from two points and radius (see page 371)
Arc from two points and center (see page 371)
Arc from center, radius, begin, and end points (see page 372)
Arc from three points
Arc from three points constructs an arc (see page 370) through a
start point, edge point, and a finish point.
To create an arc from three points:
1 Use one of these methods to enter arc-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Arc
from 3 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click 3 Pts
in the Arc Menu.
Select the Construct > Arc > 3 Pts menu option.
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of each point.
3 Click Create to make the arc.
370 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 When you have finished creating arcs, exit arc mode (see page
358).
If you want to create an arc that is tangent to three objects,
ensure the Snap to tangent snap mode is enabled.
Arc from two points and radius
Arc from two points, radius constructs an arc (see page 370) through
two points with a specific radius.
1 Use one of these methods to enter arc-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Arc
from Radius, 2 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click 2 Pts, Radius
Menu.
in the Arc
Select the Construct > Arc > 2 Pts, Radius menu option.
2 Enter the radius of the arc in the R field.
3 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the beginning point.
A display of the arc is displayed in the graphics window.
4 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the end point.
5 When you have finished creating arcs, exit arc mode (see page
358).
If you want to create an arc that is tangent to two objects,
ensure the Snap to tangent snap mode is enabled.
Arc from two points and center
Arc from two points, center constructs an arc (see page 370) through
two points with a specific center point.
1 Use one of these methods to enter arc-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Arc
from Center, 2 Pts
In the Geometry toolbar, click Center, Beg, End
Menu.
Select the Construct > Arc > Center, Beg, End menu option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
in the Arc
Geometry 371
2 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the center point.
3 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the beginning point.
A preview of the arc is displayed in the graphics window.
4 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the end point.
5 If you enter the last point in the dialog bar, click Create to make
the arc.
6 When you have finished creating arcs, exit arc mode (see page
358).
Arc from center, radius, begin, and end points
This selection constructs an arc (see page 370) with a specific
center and radius with the starting and ending points determined by
angles.
1 Use one of these methods to enter arc-creation mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Arc,
Rad, Cen, Beg, End
In the Geometry toolbar, click Center, Rad, Beg, End
Arc Menu.
in the
Select the Construct > Arc > Center, Rad, Beg, End menu option.
2 lick the button from the Geometry toolbar or the Geometry
Constructors dialog. (This dialog is displayed by clicking the
Geometry step in the Steps Toolbox.)
3 Enter the radius in the R field.
4 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of the center point.
5 Enter the Begin Angle in degrees. This angle is measured
counter-clockwise from horizontal.
6 Enter the End Angle in degrees.
If the Relative option is deselected, the angle is absolute
measured counter-clockwise from horizontal. If the Relative
option is selected, the angle is measured relative to the Begin
Angle.
7 Click Create to create the arc.
8 When you have finished creating arcs, exit arc mode (see page
358).
372 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimensions
You can create dimensions in the graphics area which display
various text labels or numerical dimensions on the model.
Dimensions do not affect the behavior of the model, and cannot be
used to create features or surfaces and so on.
You can use these methods to create a dimension:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click a
dimension button.
In the Geometry toolbar, click a button in the Dimension Menu.
Select a Construct > Dimension menu option.
You can create these types of dimensions:
Horizontal Distance dimension information only in the
horizontal axis of the model.
Vertical Distance dimension information only in the vertical axis
of the model.
Linear Distance dimension information based on the direct
distance between two points, regardless of angle.
Radius dimension information for the radius of the selected
object.
Diameter dimension information for the diameter of the
selected object.
Angle dimension information for the angle between two
selected lines.
You can create these types of text labels:
Text Label a floating text label, which is not pinned to an
object.
Annotation a text label which is pinned to an object, with an
arrow pointing to a specific location on the object. If you move
the object, the annotation moves also.
Curvature samples the surface and computes the curvature in two
directions to describe how the surface behaves at a point. Unlike the
other dimensioning tools, Curvature is a real-time rubber-banding
effect where you traverse the surface to find the point with the
smallest curvature radius. From this information you can determine
the smallest tool you need to manufacture the surface.
To use Curvature:
1 Select Construct > Dimension > Curvature from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 373
2 Select a surface in the graphics window.
3 Move the cursor over a point on the surface, particularly in the
tight constrained areas or joints. The properties of the point are
displayed in the dialog bar.
4 Note the smallest value of the Radius of curvature. This is the
smallest tool end radius you need to accurately machine the
surface.
5 Set up rough and finish passes for the surface feature based on
this knowledge, and ensure the tool is available for production.
When using some dimension tools, you can enter information in the
Dimension dialog bar (see page 374).
Dimension dialog bar
When using some dimension tools, you can enter information in the
Dimension dialog bar.
You can enter the following information:
Prefix Text displayed before the numeric dimension in the
graphics window. Leave a space at the end of the prefix if
required.
Decimal Places The number of decimal places used when
displaying the numeric dimension. The option 0.123 is selected by
default.
Suffix Text displayed after the dimension in the graphics
window. Leave a space at the beginning of the suffix if required.
Tolerance + and - The distance the dimension can deviate from
the absolute listed dimension. The deviation allowances are
displayed next to the dimension.
DX DY The distance from the previously selected point to the
dimension text.
Interrogation
Any numeric value in a dialog which has a blue label can be
extracted from objects in the graphics window.
To use interrogation to extract a value from an object:
1 Click a blue label to hide the dialog.
374 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Pick a point in the graphics window, use snapping modes (see
page 377) to select the point you want.
3 If another point is required, repeat step 2.
When you have picked enough points for FeatureCAM to calculate
the value for the field, the dialog is displayed, with the new value
in the field.
Some values require one point to calculate, some require two:
Value type
Number
of points
required
How FeatureCAM uses the
point(s)
Length or
Width
Calculates the difference
between either the X or Y
coordinates of the points,
depending on the type of
dimension. If the dimension is
shown vertically in the dialog,
the Y coordinates are used.
Horizontal dimensions use the X
coordinates.
Angle
A line is created between the two
points and the angle between
that line and the Z axis is
calculated.
Depth
The difference between the Z
coordinates of the points is
calculated.
X Y or Z
The X, Y or Z coordinate is
extracted from the point.
Radius or
Diameter
The radius or diameter of a circle
can be extracted.
Alternatively, hold the Shift key and click a blue label to display the
Pick Dimension (see page 375) dialog. When you click OK in the Pick
dimension dialog, the value is automatically inserted into your
dialog.
Pick Dimension dialog
The Pick Dimension dialog enables you to extract numbers from
objects in the Graphics window using snapping modes (see page
377) and pick filters (see page 376). You can then copy these
values and use them in other dialogs.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 375
Use one of the following methods to display the Pick Dimension
dialog:
1 Click the Interrogation
Geometry toolbar.
button in the Dimension Menu in the
2 Select Construct > Dimension > Interrogation from the menu.
3 If a dialog is displayed containing a field which has a blue label,
hold the Shift key and click the blue label.
To use the Pick Dimension dialog:
1 Select a Pick type (see page 376), Pick filter (see page 376), and
Alignment (see page 377).
2 Click Pick point
graphics window.
and select any required points or items in the
The measured dimension is displayed in the Pick value field.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
Pick types and pick filters for interrogation
Location This extracts the X, Y or Z coordinate of a point. The
coordinate extracted depends on the selected Pick filter setting. The
coordinate system is based on the Alignment setting.
Distance This extracts the distance between two points. The Pick
filter setting controls whether the distance is measured in the X, Y,
Z directions, in the XY plane (2D filter) or in 3D. The coordinate
system is based on the Alignment setting.
Same as This extracts either the radius or diameter of a circle or
an arc, or the depth of a feature. In the case of blind holes, the
overall depth of the hole is extracted, including the additional depth
to represent the drill tip.
Length This extracts the length of a curve or geometry segment.
376 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Alignments for interrogation
Grid The points are calculated in the plane of the snapping grid
(see page 378).
UCS The points are calculated relative to the current UCS.
Setup The points are calculated relative to the current Setup.
None The points are calculated relative to the stock coordinate
system.
Snapping
Snapping helps you position lines, points, or shapes as you
construct geometry for the part. Use it to select important points
relative to existing geometry, such as intersections or end points.
To display the Snap Modes dialog:
Select Options > Snapping Modes from the menu.
Click the Snap modes
button in the Advanced toolbar.
To display the Snap Mode toolbar (see page 20):
Select View > Toolbars from the menu to display the Customize
Toolbars dialog, select Snap Mode from the Toolbars list, then
click OK.
Right-click in a space in the toolbars area and select Snap Mode
from the context menu.
In the Snap Modes dialog, select Show snap mode toolbar.
The following buttons are displayed in the Snap Modes dialog and
the Snap Mode toolbar:
Grid points Snaps the cursor to the rotating snapping grid (see
page 378). You can specify the grid spacing in the Snapping Grids
(see page 380) dialog.
Points Snaps the cursor to points (see page 358).
End points Snaps the cursor to the ends of line segments,
arcs, and curves, and the corners of the stock.
Midpoints Snaps the cursor to the points equidistant from two
ends of an open geometry object.
Even sections Divides open geometry objects into equal-sized
segments and snaps the cursor to the ends of the segments. You
can specify the number of segments in the Section field of the
Snapping Grids dialog, the default is 5.
Toolpath Snaps the cursor to the toolpath lines.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 377
Intersections Snaps the cursor to the points where geometry
object meet.
Circle centers Snaps the cursor to the mathematical point
equidistant from all points on a circle or an arc. If this button is
selected, a cross is displayed at the centers of all arcs and circles
in the graphics window. This option enables snapping to the
center of circles displayed as Curvature (see page 373)
dimensions.
Quadrants Snaps to the points on a circle or arc that the X and
Y axes would pass through if the object was centered around the
origin.
Objects Snaps the cursor to the nearest point on a geometry
object.
Tangent to objects Snaps the cursor to the points on curved
geometry which are on a tangent to the curve and the current
mouse position.
Cylindrical center end point Snaps to the end points of a
cylinder or cone axis.
Snapping Discrimination Dialog Displays the Snapping
Discrimination (see page 379) dialog if more than one snapping
option applies.
When you move the cursor over an object in the graphics window,
the snapping mode applied to the cursor is displayed on the Status
bar. A preview of the point is displayed in green, which changes
shape depending on the snapping mode.
You can have more than one active snap mode. For example, you
can snap tangent to a circle on one end of a line, then snap to an
intersection at the other end of the line.
Rotating snapping grid
If you are snapping to the grid or locating general points without
snapping to existing geometry, the points are placed in the plane of
the snapping grid.
To show the snapping grid:
1 Select Options > Snapping Grids from the menu to display the
Snapping Grids panel.
2 In the Grid Display section of the Snapping Grids panel, select
Always show.
3 Click OK to close the panel.
378 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The snapping grid rotates with the viewing plane and enables you to
create geometry in different planes without having to create new
user coordinate systems.
In the isometric view, the grid is on the top face:
In the front view, the grid is on the front face:
Snap Discrimination Dialog
If the Snapping Discrimination Dialog option is selected in the Snap
Modes dialog, when you select a point to which more than one
snapping option applies, the Snap Discrimination Dialog is displayed.
A list is displayed showing the snapping options which apply to the
selected point.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 379
To use the Snap Discrimination Dialog:
1 Select a snapping option from the list.
2 Click OK.
Snapping Grids dialog
Select Options > Snapping Grids from the menu to display the
Snapping Grids dialog.
X Origin This sets where to start the grid points in the X direction
in relation to the current UCS.
Y Origin This sets where to start the grid points in the Y direction
in relation to the current UCS.
X Spacing This sets the distance between grid snap points in the
X direction.
Y Spacing This sets the distance between grid snap points in the
Y direction.
High values of Spacing can result in the model displaying
slowly.
X Length This sets how far the grid displays in the X direction.
Y Length This sets how far the grid displays in the Y direction.
Section This sets how many segments to divide the open
geometry into when snapping to sections.
Grid resizes to match This sets whether the size of the grid is
calculated from the Length values or the stock dimensions.
Grid Display This sets when you see the grid and when you do
not.
380 Geometry
Always show This displays the grid, even if you have turned
off snapping to grid.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Always unshow This hides the grid even if you have turned
on snapping to grid.
Automatic This displays the grid when you are snapping to
the grid, and hides the grid when you are not snapping to the
grid.
You can change the size of the snapping cursor with the Snapping
Point Size option on the General tab of the Viewing Options dialog
(see page 49).
Layers
Layers are useful for organizing the different elements in your part
document.
Layers have a long history in CAD tools. Traditionally, layers are
used to organize similar parts of a design or drawing.
In FeatureCAM, for example, you could put geometry on one
layer, named geometry, and features on another layer, named
features.
Layers are also useful for controlling the view. If your layers are
well organized, you can turn the display of different layers on and
off for even finer control than the Show (see page 42) and Hide (see
page 44) menus offer. Setups and UCS can be used in similar ways.
For example, you could put clamps on a layer, named clamps.
The Show and Hide menus enable you to show/hide all solids,
but you could show/hide clamps only by using a separate
layer.
Create and edit layers in the Part View (see page 382), or using the
Layers (see page 383) dialog.
When you create a new element, it is created on all the layers that
are active. Set which layers are active in the Layers (see page 383)
dialog.
You can move an element from one layer to another by selecting it
and dragging it to the new layer in the Part View or by using the
Change Layer (see page 385) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 381
Layers in the Part View
You can see a list of the document's Layers in the Part View:
You can quickly show or hide layers using the check boxes.
System layer You cannot edit a System layer, but you can
show or hide it.
User layer Add your own layers to organize your work. To add
a new layer, right-click on the Layers item and select New Layer
from the context menu.
Current layer New items are added to the current layer.
Double-click on a user layer to make it the current layer. You
cannot hide the current layer.
Layers context menus
Right-click on the Layers item in the Part View to display a context
menu:
New Layer Select this option to create a new user layer.
Show All Layers Select this option to show the contents of all
layers in the Graphics area.
Hide All Layers Select this option to hide the contents of all layers
in the Graphics area.
382 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Layers Select this option to open the Layers dialog.
Right-click on a layer name in the Part View to display a different
context menu:
Show Layer Select this option to show the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Hide Layer Select this option to hide the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Set as Current Layer Select this option to set the layer as the
current layer. New items are added to the current layer.
Rename Select this option to rename the layer.
Delete Select this option to delete the layer.
Select Contents Select this option to select the contents of the
layer. This is useful, for example, if you want to move them to
another layer.
The Set as Current Layer, Rename, and Delete options are
unavailable for system layers.
Layers dialog
Use the Layers dialog to create and edit the layers (see page 381)
in your part document.
Use one of the following methods to display the Layers dialog:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 383
Click the Layers
button in the Show Menu of the Advanced
(see page 17) toolbar.
Select View > Layers from the menu.
Click the current layer name on the Status bar (see page 37) and
select Layer Dialog from the context menu.
Right-click Layers in the Part View and select Layers from the
context menu.
Current Layer This displays the name of the current layer. You can
select a different layer from the list to make it the current layer.
Active layers All layers in the document are listed in the lower
part of the dialog. Selected layers, which have
next to their
names, are active and displayed in the graphics window. Any new
elements that you create are created on all active layers. To create
new elements on one or some layers only, deselect the layers you
do not want to contain the new element to make them inactive.
For example, you could create a new layer called Geometry and
make the other layers inactive, so that when you create new
geometry it is drawn only on the geometry layer. If you have other
existing geometry or points you need to use to construct your
geometry, leave the other layers active.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
New Click the New button to create a new layer.
Delete Click the Delete button to delete the selected (highlighted
in blue) layer(s).
Rename Click the Rename button to change the name of the
selected (highlighted in blue) layer.
Preview Click the Preview button to preview the selected
(highlighted in blue) layer(s).
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Name Layer dialog
384 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Name Layer dialog is displayed when you click the New or
Rename buttons in the Layers (see page 383) dialog.
Enter the name for the new layer or the new name for an existing
layer. You can use upper case and lower case letter, number, and
symbols.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Change Layer dialog
To open the Change Layer dialog, first select one or more entities in
the Graphics window, then do one of the following:
Right-click on the selected entity and select Change Layer from
the context menu.
Click the Change Layer
button in the Show Menu of the
Advanced (see page 17) toolbar.
Select Edit > Change Layer from the menu.
Select the new layer from those listed.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Help Click the Help button to open this Help topic.
Using math to define fields and shapes
In FeatureCAM, you can use a variety of mathematical tools to enter
information into numeric fields, for example:
Turning input modes (see page 386)
Equations (see page 386)
Variables and constants (see page 386)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 385
Operators (see page 387)
Mathematical (including trigonometric) functions (see page 389)
Polar (see page 389) and Cartesian coordinates
Degrees and radians
Turning input modes
Turning input modes determine how you enter coordinates when
creating a Turning model.
To change the turning input mode, select Options > Turning Input
Modes from the menu and select one of the following options:
3D (XYZ) Enter coordinates as X Y Z values.
Radius (RZ) Enter coordinates as a radius and Z coordinate.
Diameter (DZ) Enter coordinates as a diameter and Z
coordinate.
Equations
You can use equations in numeric fields in FeatureCAM dialogs. In
parametric mode (see page 391), the equation is always displayed.
With parametric modeling off, the result of the equation is
displayed.
Equations are input similar to the DOS command line format. The
operators are listed in the Operators table (see page 387). In a
complex equation, multiplication and division operations are
performed first, then addition and subtraction. Parentheses are also
supported and can change the order of operation.
You can specify real numbers in several ways, for example:
1.
.1
1.234
1.e2
.1e3
.1e-4
1.2e+6
Numeric arguments can be constants. The results of operators can
be assigned to variables just like any other function:
x=1
y = 2 * (x + 2)
z = y * 47.5
386 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can then use the variable in other numeric fields alone, or with
other operations.
Operators table
Operator
Description
Operator
Description
addition,
adds two
numbers
acosd
(num)
Computes the
arccosine (in
degrees) of a
number.
subtraction,
subtracts
two numbers
atand
(num)
Computes the
arctangent
(in degrees)
of a number.
Result range
is -90 to 90.
multiplicatio
n, multiplies
two numbers
atan2d
(y,x)
Computes the
arctangent
(in degrees)
of y/x. Result
range is -180
to 180.
division,
divides two
numbers
ceil(num)
Returns the
nearest
integer
greater than
or equal to a
number.
sin(num)
Computes
the sine of
an angle
(given in
radians).
floor(num)
Returns the
nearest
integer less
than or equal
to a number.
cos(num)
Computes
the cosine of
an angle
(given in
radians).
fabs(num)
Returns the
absolute
value of a
number.
tan(num)
Computes
the tangent
of an angle
(given in
radians).
sqrt(num)
Returns the
square root of
a number.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 387
sind(num)
Computes
the sine of
an angle
(given in
degrees).
mm2in(milli
meters)
Converts
from
millimeters to
inches.
cosd(num)
Computes
the cosine of
an angle
(given in
degrees).
exp(num)
Returns e^x
where e =
2.71828.
tand(num)
Computes
the tangent
of an angle
(given in
degrees).
log(num)
Returns ln(x)
where ln is
the natural
logarithm.
asin(num)
Computes
the arcsine
(in radians)
of a number.
log10(num)
Returns the
base-10
logarithm of a
number.
acos(num)
Computes
the arccosine
(in radians)
of a number.
pow(base,
power)
Returns a
base number
raised to a
power.
atan(num)
Computes
the
arctangent
(in radians)
of a number.
Result range
is -pi/2 to
pi/2.
degtorad(nu
m)
Returns an
angle in
radians as
converted
from degrees.
atan2(y,x)
Computes
the
arctangent
(in radians)
of y/x.
Result range
is -pi to pi.
radtodeg(nu
m)
Returns an
angle in
degrees as
converted
from radians.
asind(num
)
Computes
the arcsine
(in degrees)
of a number.
pi
The
mathematical
value of pi to
ten decimal
places.
388 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Functions
You can open the Functions dialog in one of these ways:
Select Construct > Curve > Other Methods > Functions from the
menu.
Open the Curve Wizard (see page 407) and select Other methods
as the method and Function as the constructor.
With functions, you create user-defined mathematical relationships
to generate a graphical figure. Functions can be of several types:
y=F(x) (see page 440)
x=F(y) (see page 440)
r=F(a) (see page 441)
x=F(t), y=G(t) (see page 443)
r=F(a), Z=G(a) (see page 444)
x=F(t), y=G(t), z=H(t) (see page 445)
The variables a, r, t, x, and y are local to the functions dialog. Any
previous values that you have set for these variables are ignored.
However, you are free to use any other previously defined variables.
In addition to variables, you may use any predefined functions or
constants discussed under Equations (see page 386).
Trigonometric functions are often used in constructing these
functions. Be careful to use sind(), cosd(), and so on when using
degrees and sin(), cos(), and so on when using radians.
Polar coordinates
You can input polar coordinates in any field that accepts point
locations.
The coordinate input takes the form:
polarXd(r, ,Xc) which is calculated as r(cos
) + Xc.
polarYd(r, ,Yc) which is calculated as r(sin
) + Yc.
Where:
polar specifies polar coordinates.
polarx, is an X coordinate.
polary is a Y coordinate.
d specifies the angle in degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 389
polarxd is a polar coordinate for X with the angle of rotation
specified in degrees.
polarx is a polar coordinate for X with the angle of rotation
specified in radians.
For example, polarXd(1,45,2.5) polarYd(1,45,3.0) and
polarX(1, /4,2.5) polarY(1, /4,3.0) describe the same point. the first
in degrees, the second in radians.
the rotation is specified from, or parallel to, the x axis of
the current Setup.
r is the length of the offset.
is the rotation angle, which can be negative.
Xc, Yc an optional center point.
If you dont specify a center point, the current origin for the
Setup is used.
390 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Editing a model
There are several ways to edit a model after you have created it.
You can use the following methods to quickly make changes to the
model:
Select Edit > Undo from the menu to return FeatureCAM to the
state before your previous change. Undo has multiple levels
limited only by system resources.
Select Edit > Redo from the menu to restore any changes you
have undone.
To modify a geometry object:
1 Select an object in the graphics window or in the Part View
panel.
2 The object's properties are displayed in the Geometry Edit bar.
3 Enter any values you want to change in the Geometry Edit bar.
4 Click Modify to update the object with the new values.
Parametric modeling
When Parametric modeling is enabled, FeatureCAM remembers the
connections between objects you create in the graphics window, so
that updating one object automatically updates the linked object.
For example, if a line was created tangent to two circles, this
relationship is stored. If you change the location or radius of one of
the circles, the line is updated to reflect that change.
By default, parametric modeling is off, to turn on parametric
modeling, select Options > Parametric Modeling from the menu.
In the image below, a pocket was created from a curve, which was
created from a series of circles connected by tangent lines:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 391
By editing the diameter of one of the circles, the end points of the
lines change, the curve changes and the pocket changes as shown
below:
The Transform dialog enables you to move, rotate, scale, reflect or
copy objects:
To display the Transform dialog, select the object(s) you want to
transform, then:
Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
Select Edit > Transform from the menu.
Right-click on a selected object in the graphics window or the
Part View panel and select Transform from the context menu.
You can transform geometry, curves, features, surfaces, or solids.
Features cannot be transformed using the Scale or To UCS
methods.
To use the Transform dialog:
1 Select the transform method:
392 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Translate (see page 393) Move selected objects to a new
location. You can move an absolute distance as specified in
XYZ vectors, or you can move from point to point.
Rotate (see page 394) Rotate selected objects by a
specified angle about a point and axis.
Scale (see page 394) Scale the selected objects about a
point, either uniformly, or along individual axes. This option is
unavailable for features.
Reflect (see page 395) Mirror the selected objects about a
line. The line can be an existing axis, or any other line.
To UCS lets you transform objects from the current UCS into
second UCS. Select either Same Z or Oppose Z to control the
orientation of the Z axis of your object. This option is not
available for features.
2 Select Move if you want to move the object to the new position.
3 Select Copy if you want to the keep the original object and create
a copy of it in the new position.
4 If you selected Copy, the Copies field is displayed. Enter the
number of copies of the object you want to create.
If you selected Copy and parametric modeling (see page 391) is
on, the Keep link to object option is displayed. Select this option
to link the new object to the original, so that changes to one
object affect the other object.
To translate features, see Paste special (see page 1577).
Translating an object
To display the Transform dialog, select the object(s) you want to
transform, then:
Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
Select Edit > Transform from the menu.
Right-click on a selected object in the graphics window or the
Part View panel and select Transform from the context menu.
To translate an object:
1 Select Translate in the Transform dialog.
2 Select Move or Copy.
3 If you choose Copy, optionally select Keep link to object, and
enter the number of Copies.
XYZ Distance - enter the distance you want to move the entity in
the X, Y, and Z directions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 393
Distance from 2 points - enter the coordinates of a point on the
entity in the From fields or click in the From area and pick a point
with the mouse. Enter the coordinates you want the selected
point of the entity to appear in the To fields or click in the To area
and pick that point with the mouse.
4 Click OK.
Rotating an object
To display the Transform dialog, select the object(s) you want to
transform, then:
Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
Select Edit > Transform from the menu.
Right-click on a selected object in the graphics window or the Part
View panel and select Transform from the context menu.
To rotate an object
1 Select Rotate in the Transform dialog.
2 Select Move or Copy. If you choose Copy, optionally select Keep
link to object, and enter the number of Copies.
3 Select Center point and X-axis to rotate around X.
4 Select Center point and Y-axis to rotate around Y.
5 Select Center point and Z-axis to rotate around Z.
6 To change the center point for either of these options, click the
Pick location
coordinates.
button and select the center point, or enter the
7 If you would rather rotate about a line you have created, click
Line and then click the Pick line
line in the graphics window.
button and then select the
8 Click OK.
Scaling an object
To display the Transform dialog, select the object(s) you want to
transform, then:
Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
Select Edit > Transform from the menu.
Right-click on a selected object in the graphics window or the Part
View panel and select Transform from the context menu.
1 Select Scale in the Transform dialog.
394 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 If you want to scale the object the same amount in all directions,
select Uniform and enter the Scale XYZ factor. (For example, a
scale factor of 0.5 generates geometry at one half the size of the
original for the first copy).
3 If you want to scale the object differently in each direction,
deselect the Uniform check box and then enter separate X, Y and
Z factors.
4 Scaling is performed relative to a point. Enter the coordinates of
this point or click the Pick location
button and select the point
in the graphics window. Using a scale factor of 0.5, the distance
between the point and the element would be decreased by half
for the new element. When using multiple objects, you may want
to select the centre point of the group of objects to maintain
proportional spacing in the final drawing.
5 Select Move or Copy.
6 If you choose Copy, optionally select Keep link to object, and
enter the number of Copies.
Reflecting an object
To display the Transform dialog, select the object(s) you want to
transform, then:
Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
Select Edit > Transform from the menu.
Right-click on a selected object in the graphics window or the Part
View panel and select Transform from the context menu.
1 Select Reflect in the Transform dialog.
2 Select Move or Copy. If you choose Copy, optionally select Keep
link to object, and enter the number of Copies.
3 Now you must specify the plane through which the objects are
transformed. This plane can be specified by either selecting a
plane (XZ, YZ or XY) and specifying the height of the plane (X, Y
or Z respectively), or by picking a line and selecting one of the
axis options (Line and X-axis, Line and Y-axis or Line and
Z-axis).
4 Click Finish.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 395
Multiple Regions
The Multiple Regions option affects how the Trim, Extend, and Clip
functions work. When Multiple Regions is off, a clipped geometry is
considered as multiple separate lines. When Multiple Regions is on,
the clipped geometry is considered to be one line, even though it
displays in multiple segments. Selecting either segment selects the
entire line, or both segments. Trim and Extend can extend separate
segments, or extend visible portions of lines depending on the
setting of Multiple Regions.
To enable Multiple Regions, select Options > Multiple Regions from
the menu.
Edit
You can use the Edit menu to modify existing geometry.
You can use these methods to edit geometry:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps toolbar to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click an edit
button.
In the Geometry toolbar, click a button in the Edit Menu.
Select a Construct > Edit Geometry menu option.
You can use the following edit tools:
Clip (see page 397)
Trim/extend (see page 397)
Infinite (see page 398)
You can change how the edit tools behave by enabling or disabling
parametric modeling (see page 391) and multiple regions (see page
396).
396 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Clip
Clip removes a region of a line, arc, circle, or curve. A region is
defined as a portion of an object between two intersection points. A
region of a circle is highlighted between two lines in the figure
below.
If you want to connect geometry into a curve using chaining,
you do not need to completely trim the geometry.
To clip geometry:
1 Use one of these methods to enter clipping mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click Clip
.
In the Geometry toolbar, click Clip
in the Edit Menu.
Select the Construct > Edit Geometry > Clip menu option.
2 Move the mouse over the object you want to clip. Note that as
you move your mouse, the regions of geometric objects are
highlighted. Click the mouse to remove a region.
3 When you have finished clipping, exit clipping mode (see page
358).
Restrictions
You can trim curves against lines and arcs, but you cannot trim
lines or arcs against curves.
You cannot trim curves against other curves.
You cannot clip infinite lines and circles unless they are crossed
by a line or arc.
Interactive feedback works only for lines and arcs.
Trim or extend
Trim/extend changes the length of a line or an arc. You can use
Trim/extend to lengthen or shorten lines and arcs as follows:
1 Use one of these methods to enter trim/extend mode:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 397
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click
Trim/extend
In the Geometry toolbar, click Trim/extend
Menu.
in the Edit
Select the Construct > Edit Geometry > Trim/extend menu
option.
2 Click an endpoint of a line or an arc.
3 Click the new point. You can also drag the mouse to locate the
new endpoint location.
The new point does not have to be exactly on the line or
arc. This does not change an element's orientation
(location, angle, or radius).
4 When you have finished trimming or extending lines and arcs,
exit trim/extend mode (see page 358).
Infinite
Infinite changes arcs to full circles and finite lines (see page 398)
into infinite lines (see page 398).
1 Use one of these methods to enter infinite mode:
Click the Geometry
step in the Steps panel to display the
Geometry Constructors (see page 357) dialog, then click
Infinite
In the Geometry toolbar, click Infinite
in the Edit Menu.
Select the Construct > Edit Geometry > Infinite menu option.
2 Click the arc or finite line you want to make infinite.
3 When you have finished with all the arcs and lines you want to
make infinite, exit infinite mode (see page 358).
Infinite and finite lines
Finite lines are lines which have distinct endpoints. Geometry
methods such as line from two points (see page 359) create finite
lines using the endpoints you specify. Infinite lines do not have end
points and therefore go on forever. No matter how much you zoom
or pan, you never see the end of these lines. Infinite lines are used
to represent lines with a particular slope, such as horizontal (see
page 361) or vertical (see page 361) lines.
398 Geometry
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can change an infinite line to a finite line using Clip (see page
397) or a finite line to an infinite line using Infinite (see page 398).
Decimal Places dialog
The Decimal Places dialog specifies the number of decimal places
displayed.
To display the Decimal Places dialog, select Options > Decimal Places
from the menu.
There are two lists:
English The number of decimal places displayed in models using
English units (inches).
Metric The number of decimal places displayed in models using
metric units (mm).
Select the number of decimal places from the lists. For example if
you want four decimal places displayed, select 0.1234.
Some dialog fields may not be wide enough to display the
selected number of decimal places. If this is the case, select
the value in the field and press the left and right arrow keys
on the keyboard to scroll.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Geometry 399
Curves
Curves are paths in 2D or 3D space. You can create them in
FeatureCAM or import them from a CAD system. Curves can be
open or closed.
Curves have a start point, an end point, and a direction (see page
411).
Open curves have end points that do not meet. Some features must
be created from a closed curve.
Closed curves have start and end points in the same location, and
at least one other point (not in that location) included in the curve.
The closed curve clearly defines an area as the interior of the curve
and completely separates this area from the exterior of the curve.
Any ambiguities such as overlapping curve links or
intersecting curve links can cause failures and unpredictable
results in the machining routines in FeatureCAM.
You can create curves from geometry objects (see page 400), from
other curves, from points (see page 450), from cam dimensions
(see page 447), from Windows fonts (see page 451), or from
surfaces (see page 425). Many curve creation methods are available
from the Curve wizard (see page 407).
To display the Curve Creation dialog (see page 401), click Curves
in the Steps panel.
400 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curve Creation dialog
To display the Curve Creation dialog, click Curves
panel.
in the Steps
Closed Curve (see page 402) Chain (see page 401) pieces of
geometry into a closed boundary using a single mouse click.
Pick Curve Pieces (see page 403) Chain (see page 401) pieces
of geometry into an open boundary using a mouse click at each
end.
Curve Wizard (see page 407) Create curves using the curve
wizard (see page 407).
Surface Projection (see page 434) Chain projections of vertical
surfaces into curves using mouse clicks.
Chaining
Lines, circles, and arcs typically represent the shape of a part. To
use a sequence of lines and arcs to create a feature, you must chain
them into a curve. Chaining is the primary way of creating curves
by connecting pieces of geometry. In many cases you do not need
to trim the geometry before creating a curve; chaining works better
with smooth, tangent-continuous paths because these paths are
more conducive to manufacturing.
There are two chaining modes; Closed Curve (see page 402) and
Pick Curve Pieces (see page 403).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 401
You can use Pick Curve Pieces (see page 403) to select the
geometry segments manually, or Closed Curve (see page 402) to
automatically generate a closed path. You can also double-click
when using Pick Curve Pieces (see page 403) to automatically
generate a closed path.
In the example below, left-clicking at point
in Closed Curve
(see page 402) mode (or double-clicking at point
in Pick
Curve Pieces (see page 403) mode) creates a closed curve
around the geometry:
In the example below, left-clicking at point
, then left-clicking
at point
in Pick Curve Pieces (see page 403) mode creates an
open curve along a path that connects the geometry:
You can continue to click on geometry segments to chain them to
the curve. You can then complete the curve by clicking the Create
button, or continue chaining to create a closed loop.
Closed Curve
Closed Curve enables you to automatically generate a closed path
along a series of geometry segments and chain them into a closed
curve.
To use Closed Curve:
1 Use one of the following methods to enter Closed Curve mode:
402 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click the Curves
step in the Steps panel to display the
Curve Creation dialog, then click the Closed Curve
button.
Click the Closed Curve
button in the Chain Menu in the
Geometry (see page 22) toolbar.
Select Construct > Curve > Chaining > Closed Curve from the
menu.
2 Enter a name for the curve in the Name field, or leave it as
default to use the automatically generated name.
3 Select the Plane in which you want to create the curve.
Grid Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the snapping grid (see page 378).
UCS Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the UCS (see page 100).
Setup Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the Setup (see page 105).
Unrestricted Select this option to create a 3D curve.
4 Click on a geometry object in the graphics window to display a
preview of the curve.
5 If the curve follows the wrong path, click Clear Pieces to deselect
the created path, then repeat step 4.
6 Click Create or press the Enter key to create the curve.
Pick Curve Pieces
Pick Curve Pieces enables you to manually select a path along a
series of geometry segments and chain them into either an open or
a closed curve.
To use Pick Curve Pieces:
1 Use one of the following methods to enter Pick Curve Pieces
mode:
Click the Curves
step in the Steps panel to display the
Curve Creation dialog, then click the Pick Curve Pieces
button.
Click the Pick Curve Pieces
button in the Chain Menu in the
Geometry (see page 22) toolbar.
Select Construct > Curve > Chaining > Pick Pieces from the
menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 403
2 Enter a name for the curve in the Name field, or leave it as
default to use the automatically generated name.
3 Select the Plane in which you want to create the curve.
Grid Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the snapping grid (see page 378).
UCS Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the UCS (see page 100).
Setup Select this option to create the curve in the plane of
the Setup (see page 105).
Unrestricted Select this option to create a 3D curve.
4 Click on a series of geometry segments in the graphics window
to create a path along them. A preview of the curve is displayed
in blue in the graphics window.
5 If you select the wrong segment, or the curve follows the wrong
path, do one of the following:
Click the Undo
button in the Standard toolbar to clear the
previously selected segment.
Click the Clear Pieces button in the dialog bar to deselect all
segments.
Use Unpick Curve Pieces (see page 406) to unchain geometry
segments. Repeat step 1 to enter Pick Curve Pieces mode.
6 Click Create or press the Enter key to create the curve.
Restrictions of using pick pieces (chaining) for creating
curves
All of the geometry must be shown on the screen.
Pick Curve Pieces does not work for curve segments; you can
only connect arcs, lines, and circles. To connect curve segments
use Curve join (see page 409).
The geometry must be tangent continuous (smooth). Even if
your geometry looks smooth, it may not be. Make sure that you
have used tangent snapping when creating the geometry.
Chaining has a limit on its search path length in order to improve
performance. If you are working with data with a lot of small
pieces you may need to increase this limit.
Troubleshooting pick pieces (chaining)
I cannot form a closed loop.
404 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Your data may be too complex to use the double-click interface.
If double-clicking (or single clicking in Closed Curve mode) does
not work, click the start segment, then click the next segment
you want to add to the curve, and proceed until you have
selected the complete curve. If there is only one simple path
between points, click a couple of segments apart and
FeatureCAM finds the path that connects them.
The whole target curve must be visible on screen. Show the
additional geometry if it is not displayed.
If you are working with data with many small pieces you may
need to increase the Double-click Depth or Single Click Depth in
the Chaining Options (see page 406) dialog. To see if this is the
case, go into Select mode and then pick pieces of your geometry.
Increasing the Endpoint tolerance setting should also help.
Arcs and fillets need to be tangent or chaining may choose the
other branch. Make sure that the geometry is really tangent by
recreating the geometry that does not chain by using the Snap to
tangent snap mode. You may want to turn off the other snap
modes to ensure that you are truly snapping to the tangent.
Gaps between the endpoints of geometry objects must be less
than the Tolerance value, which you can specify in the Chaining
Options (see page 406) dialog. Look for blue squares in the
chaining data. They indicate that the curve is not connected to
another piece at that point. Zoom in on that data. Select the
pieces in the gap. If there are no pieces, you may need to
increase the Endpoint tolerance.
The loop that is selected is wrong.
If double-clicking is selecting the wrong loop, the data may have
sharp corners or the algorithm may just be making some wrong
decisions. If double-clicking does not work, you can click the
start segment, then click the next segment you want added to
the curve and proceed until you have selected the complete
curve. If there is only one simple path between points, you can
click a couple of segments apart and FeatureCAM finds the path
that connects them.
I cannot pick the pieces.
You are probably picking pieces that are already curves. You
must use Curve join (see page 409).
Chaining does not work in 3D.
When you enter Chaining mode, select the Unrestricted button in
the dialog bar. This enables chaining to pursue links that are not
planar.
Chaining is working in the wrong plane.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 405
The Grid, UCS and Setup buttons restrict the plane of chaining.
Select a plane and re-chain.
Unpick Curve Pieces
Unpick Curve Pieces allows you to deselect geometry segments
when chaining. This is useful if you select the wrong geometry
segment when chaining, or the curve you are creating follows the
wrong path.
To use Unpick Curve Pieces:
1 Click the Unpick Curve Pieces
button in the Chain Menu in the
Geometry (see page 22) toolbar.
2 Click on a selected geometry segment in the graphics window to
deselect it.
Chaining Options dialog
The Chaining Options dialog contains settings which you can use to
improve your chaining results.
Use one of the following methods to display the Chaining Options
dialog:
Select Options > Chaining from the menu.
Click the Options button in the dialog bar when using chaining.
The Chaining Options dialog contains the following settings:
406 Curves
Avoid sharp corners This option causes the chaining process to
select paths which do not contain sharp (acute) corners if
possible.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Chain only on-screen geometries This option causes the
chaining process to use only the geometry visible on screen for
calculations. If you have a part which has many pieces of
geometry, you can zoom in on the curve you want to chain to
simplify the process. If deselected, chaining can be slow on parts
with lots of geometry, because FeatureCAM considers all
geometry in the part, even if you are chaining a single closed
circle and it is the only visible geometry.
Endpoint tolerance Geometries separated by a distance less
than this value are considered to intersect. You may need to use
a higher value for imported data than for data created in
FeatureCAM.
Double-click depth The number of segments FeatureCAM
analyzes in each direction to connect your start and end points.
You may need to use a higher value for imported data than for
data created in FeatureCAM.
Single-click depth Enter the number of segments the program
analyzes in each direction to connect your start and end points
for manual chaining. You may need to use a higher value for
imported data than for data created in FeatureCAM.
Creating curves
Use one of the following methods to create curves:
Curve Wizard (see page 407) dialog.
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve and select one of the
options.
Curve Wizard
The Curve wizard contains a list of all the curve creation tools,
grouped by method of construction.
Use one of the following methods to display the Curve Wizard dialog:
Click the Curves
step in the Steps panel to display the Curve
Creation dialog, then click the Curve wizard
Click the Curve Wizard
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
button.
button in the Advanced toolbar.
Curves 407
Select Construct > Curve > Curve Wizard from the menu.
To use the Curve Wizard dialog:
1 Select a method of construction from the list at the top of the
dialog, from the following:
Curve from curve (see page 409)
Curve from surface (see page 425)
Other methods (see page 439)
A list of specific constructors for the selected method of
construction is displayed at the bottom of the dialog.
2 Select a specific constructor from the list at the bottom of the
dialog.
3 Click Next to display the selected constructor's dialog.
408 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curve from curve
You can use the Curve wizard (see page 407) to create curves from
existing curves.
You can create the following types of curve from curves:
Join (see page 409)
Curve Start/Reverse (see page 411)
Offset (see page 414)
Project to UCS (see page 415)
Extract Font Curve (see page 416)
Smooth/Reduce Curve (see page 417)
Unwrap Curve (see page 421)
Merge Curves (see page 423)
Join
Join connects a series of curves and geometry objects into a single
curve. If the end points are not in the same location, a straight line
is drawn between them to create the curve. You can specify the
order of the objects manually or allow FeatureCAM to calculate the
path along them. You can only join whole curves and geometry
objects, to connect segments see Chaining (see page 401).
To use Join:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 409
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Join Curves
dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Join, then click Next.
Select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from the menu.
Click the Join
button in the Curve From Curve menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Use one of the following methods to add the curves you want to
join to the Objects list:
Select a curve in the Curve list and click the Add item from list
button.
Select a curve in the graphics window or the Part View panel
and click the Add item from list
button.
Click the Pick curve or geometry
in the graphics window.
button and select a curve
3 Select Show Preview to display a preview of the new curve in the
graphics window.
4 To change the order of the objects, click the Move item up
and the Move item down
buttons.
5 To reverse the direction of an object, select it from the Object list
and click the Reverse selected curve
button.
6 To remove an object from the Objects list, select it and click the
Delete item
button.
410 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 Optionally select Connect start and end. This draws a straight line
between the open end of the first curve and the open end of the
last curve. A preview of this line is shown in the graphics
window; ensure the line does not intersect the curve.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
The Tolerance is used in two ways:
When FeatureCAM decides how to order the segments. If the
distance between two segments is lower than the tolerance
value, they are considered adjacent and are joined together;
otherwise the closest segment is joined with a straight line.
When creating the new curve from the ordered segments. If the
distance between the first point of a segment and the last point
of the previous segment is less than the tolerance value, the first
point is not added; otherwise the first point is added to the new
curve, resulting in a line segment between the two points.
When working with curves, FeatureCAM examines the last control
point as compared to the first control point of the next object. Arcs
are converted to curves and manipulated as curves. When
comparing points, FeatureCAM uses a Manhattan distance.
Curve Start/Reverse
Curves have a start point, an end point, and a direction. You can
use Curve Start/Reverse to change the direction of a curve (see page
411) or change the start point of a curve (see page 412).
Changing the direction (see page 411) of a curve has a number of
possible uses:
to change the direction of a sweep in a swept surface.
to change the direction of a curve in a surface.
to change the direction of a curve as you are joining curves
together.
Changing the start point (see page 412) of a curve is helpful for
operations such as Ruled surface (see page 475). The start points of
the two curves are used to form a correspondence between the
curves when the surface is created.
Reversing a curve
You can reverse the direction of open and closed curves:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 411
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Curve
Start/Reverse dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Curve Start/Reverse, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Curve Start/Reverse
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Curve
Start/Reverse.
1 If you want to create a new curve, select Create new curve.
Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 If you want to replace the old curve with the new, select Modify
existing curve.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
The direction of the curve is displayed in the graphics window.
4 Select Reverse.
5 Click Preview. The direction of the new curve is displayed.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Changing the start point of a curve
You can change the start point of closed curves:
412 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Curve
Start/Reverse dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Curve Start/Reverse, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Curve Start/Reverse
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Curve
Start/Reverse.
1 If you want to create a new curve, select Create new curve.
Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 If you want to modify the existing curve, select Modify existing
curve.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
The direction of the curve is displayed in the graphics window.
The start point is at the tip of the direction arrow.
4 Select Set start point.
5 Enter the location of the new start point in the Start point fields,
or click the Pick new start point
graphics window.
button and select it in the
6 Click Preview. The direction arrow moves to the new start point
location.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 413
Offset
Offset curve offsets a curve in a specified direction by a specified
distance.
Offset is a mathematical function based on the curve. It is not
necessarily a linear transformation. If you just want to move
a curve, use the Transform (see page 392) dialog.
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Offset Curve
dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Offset, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Offset
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Offset.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Enter the Offset distance.
4 Select Left or Right to offset the curve in the direction you want.
The new curve is displayed in blue in the graphics window.
414 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Offsetting a curve sometimes results in overlapping regions, for
example:
To remove such regions, select Eliminate self-intersections and
enter a Tolerance. The overlapping regions are trimmed away:
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Offsetting a curve can have somewhat surprising results
depending on the nature of the curve, for example, arc
sections of the curve might reverse themselves. Until you are
familiar with the effects of Offset, you should save your work
before performing the offset to be sure you can return to a
good set of data for your part model.
Project to UCS
Project to UCS displays a curve's 'shadow' in a different coordinate
system. Projecting to UCS creates a new curve in the selected UCS,
but does not affect the original.
This method assumes that you are projecting a curve from one UCS
to the one you are currently in.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 415
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Project to UCS
dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Project to UCS, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
Project to UCS
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Project to UCS.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Select the UCS from the list.
4 Select the plane you want to project the curve to from YZ Plane,
XZ Plane, or XY Plane.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Extract Font Curve
When you create text in FeatureCAM, it is created as a single curve.
You can use Extract Font Curve to extract characters or segments
from the curve so you can edit them.
To extract a font curve, the model must contain engraving
text.
To extract a font curve:
416 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Extract Font
Curves dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Extract Font Curves, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Extract Font Curves
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Extract Font Curves.
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 Select a text curve from the Font list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
The font used to create the text determines some things about
the behavior of the Font Segment option. If the character
encloses open space such as the letter 'P', you can select either
the inner or outer curve segment. If the Machine Tool Sans Serif
font is used, many of the characters are drawn in separate
segments so you can only select individual segments of that font
with this function.
4 To extract a single segment or character, click the Font Segment
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 To extract all characters in the selected text curve as separate
curves, click the Select All button.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Smooth/Reduce Curve
To reduce curve data:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 417
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Smooth/Reduce
Curve dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Smooth/Reduce Curve, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Smooth/Reduce Curve
menu.
button in the Curve from Curve
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Smooth/Reduce Curve.
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 If you want to create a new curve, select Create new curve.
5 If you want to replace the old curve with a new one, select
Modify existing curve.
6 Select the curve reduction method (see page 420) by either:
Selecting Smooth spline approximation, or
Selecting Arc/line approximation and selecting Chain arcs/lines
7 Enter a Tolerance. This number indicates how closely the new
curve approximates the original curve.
8 Click the Preview button.
9 The Data reduction % is displayed in the dialog, which shows you
how much less data the new curves occupies versus the original
curve.
418 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
10 If the Tolerance value results in a curve which has more data
than the original, a warning dialog is displayed. To reduce the
amount of data in the new curve, increase the tolerance.
Creating a smoother curve requires more data. This frequently
occurs with piecewise linear input curves where the tolerance is
smaller than the linear pieces that comprise the curves. This
operation performs a combination of both smoothing and data
reduction.
11 If you want to see this curve extruded as a sample use of the
new curve, select Show preview surface button and click Preview
again. A surface is displayed. This surface can be shaded to
check the quality of the curve.
12 Repeat steps 6 - 10 until you are happy with the resulting curve.
13 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Approximating curves with lines and arcs
How to approximate curves with lines and arcs:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Smooth/Reduce
Curve dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Smooth/Reduce Curve, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Smooth/Reduce Curve
menu.
button in the Curve from Curve
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Smooth/Reduce Curve.
2 Select a curve from the Curve list or in the graphics window.
3 Select Arc/line approximation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 419
4 Deselect Chain arcs/lines.
5 Enter a Tolerance. This number indicates how closely the arcs
and lines come to the original data. If you created the curve
initially, try and use a tolerance that is larger than you used to
create the curve.
6 Click the Preview button.
7 The data reduction % value is displayed which shows you how
much less data the arcs and lines require than the original curve.
8 If the Tolerance value results in a curve which has more data
than the original, a warning dialog is displayed. To reduce the
amount of data in the new curve, increase the tolerance, but this
is not essential if you want to use this tolerance value.
9 Select the Show preview surface then click Preview to display a
preview of a surface extruded from the new curve. You can
shade this surface to verify the quality of the curve.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Reducing curve data
Curves that are created by approximations are often represented by
a linear curve with hundreds or thousands of points. This data is
accurate, but often very inefficient to work with. The Smooth/Reduce
Curve command (available from the Curve wizard (see page 407) or
the Construct menu) provides two methods for reducing these linear
curves:
Smooth spline approximation This method approximates the
curve with a smooth cubic spline curve. This method works best
for three dimensional curves which are made up of many small
linear segments.
Arc/line approximation This method approximates the curve
with arcs and lines. It works best for planar curves that originally
came from arcs and lines or piecewise linear curves from import,
trim loop extraction or surface/surface intersection that are
approximating arcs and lines. Arc/line works best when the
arc/line tolerance is bigger than the original sampling tolerance.
If you select Chain arcs/lines, the curve is approximated with
lines and arcs and then chained into a curve.
See How to reduce curve data (see page 417) or How to
approximate curves with lines and arcs (see page 419) for more
information on uses of the Smooth/reduce curve dialog.
420 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Unwrap Curve
If you are working with a curve that has been wrapped around an
axis and you want to unwrap the curve into a planar curve, use
Curve unwrap. Wrapped features in FeatureCAM require a planar
curve, so this function is helpful if you want to generate toolpaths
from data that is already wrapped (see page 422).
To construct a curve using Unwrap:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Unwrap Curve
dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from curve,
then Unwrap Curve, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Unwrap Curve
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve >
Unwrap Curve.
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Select the Axis that the curve is wrapped around. This setting
defaults to the wrapping axis specified in the Stock wizard (see
page 290).
5 The Tolerance controls the accuracy of the unwrapped curve. All
unwrapped curves are piece-wise linear, so the smaller the
tolerance, the more points your curve has.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 421
6 The Radial offset should normally be set to 0 because the curve is
unwrapped in place. If you have extracted the curve at the
bottom of the feature, then you need to set the Radial offset to
the depth of the feature to offset the curve to the top.
7 Select Project to UCS plane if you are creating a 2D feature, or
deselect it if you want a 3D curve.
8 Select Reduce/Smooth if you want to reduce the number of points
in your curve.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Unwrap Curve example
The following part is a solid model that has a pocket wrapped
around the X axis.
The top curve is obtained by extracting the top trimming loop from
the pocket.
422 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This curve is then unwrapped into a flat curve that can be used to
create a wrapped Pocket feature in FeatureCAM.
Merge Curves
You can use Merge Curves to chain large geometry datasets, without
the need for lots of mouse clicks.
To create curves using Merge Curves:
1 Select the geometry and/or curves that you want to merge.
2 Use one of the following methods to display the Merge Curve
dialog:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Merge Curves, then
Unwrap Curve, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Merge Curves
button in the Curve from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Merge.
3 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name. This is the name of the first curve created. If more
than one curve is created, the additional curves have a suffix of
_1, _2, and so on.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 423
4 Enter a Tolerance for the maximum variation of the new curve
from the original curve.
5 Click the Preview button to display a preview of the new curves in
the graphics window.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Merge Curves example
This example part has geometry made up of many separate lines
and circles:
With Circle centers enabled in the Snap Modes (see page 71) dialog,
you can see that there are many circles in the design:
Creating the curves using normal curve chaining (see page 400)
would be very difficult and time-consuming. By using Curve Merge,
you can select all the geometry, then create all the curves at the
same time in one step:
424 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curve from surface (3D)
You can use the Curve wizard (see page 407) to create curves from
existing surfaces.
Surfaces are usually 3D objects in FeatureCAM 3D. There are
several kinds of curves derived from surfaces. Curves from this set
of categories are often used as building blocks for new surfaces or
trimming surfaces.
You can create the following types of curves from surfaces:
Surface Boundary (see page 425)
Trimmed Edges (see page 427)
Surface Intersection (see page 428)
Surface Isoline (see page 430)
Projected onto Surface (see page 431)
Surface Edges (see page 432)
Surface Projection (see page 434)
Revolved Boundary (see page 435)
Surface boundary
Surfaces are defined in a rectangular array of rows and columns,
even though the surface itself may not look like that. Because of
this definition, you can extract individual curves in the surface,
especially those on the boundaries.
Boundary curves are particularly useful as a step in building and
modifying surfaces. For example, you probably want to extract
boundary curves to build a cap surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 425
Surface boundary extracts the curve from a surface's boundary:
1 Open the Surface Boundary dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Surface Boundary, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Boundary
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Boundary.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the surface you want to use from the Surface menu, or
use the Pick Surface
window.
button to select it in the Graphics
3 Use the Pick Curve
button to pick a boundary in the graphics
window, or select from:
First Row
Last Row
First Column
Last Column
The selected boundary is highlighted in red in the graphics
window.
4 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
426 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Trimmed edge
Surfaces are defined in a rectangular array of rows and columns,
even though the surface itself may not look like that. Because of
this definition, you can extract individual curves in the surface, in
this case those on the first or last column or row.
Edge curves are particularly useful as a step in building and
modifying surfaces. For example, you probably want to extract edge
curves to build a cap surface.
1 Open the Trimmed Edge dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Trimmed Edges, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Trimmed Edge
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Trimmed Edge.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the surface you want to use from the Surface menu, or
use the Pick Surface
window.
3 Click the Pick Curve
window.
button to select it in the Graphics
button and pick an edge in the graphics
4 Optionally select Join adjacent loops to connect the curve to other
trim loops that are present in the source surface. You may need
to use Undo so you can select/deselect this option to get the
required curve.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 427
Intersection
Calculating the curve of intersection between two surfaces is useful
for surface trimming (see page 502) or to use as a curve for a 3D
groove feature (see page 773).
The intersection of two surfaces that meet is generally a 3D curve.
As long as the surfaces are not tangent (like a surface and its fillet)
or do not have a complete region of overlap you should be able to
calculate their intersection curve using FeatureCAM. Intersection
curves are often used for surface trimming (see page 502).
428 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Open the Surface Intersection dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Surface Intersection, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Intersection
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Intersection.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the first surface in the Surface 1 menu or use the Pick
Surface
button to select it in the graphics window.
3 Add each intersecting surface in one of these ways:
Select the intersecting surface in the Intersecting Surfaces
menu and click the Add
button to add it to the Surface list
Click the Pick Surface
the graphics window.
button and select each surface in
To remove a surface from the Surface list, select it and click the
Delete item
button.
4 Click the Preview button to see the intersection curve highlighted
in the graphics window.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
See also Surface-surface trimming (see page 516).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 429
Isoline
Surfaces are defined using a rectangular array of points arranged in
rows and columns; these points are not displayed. For any location
on the surface, curves exist that travel from one surface boundary
to another. These curves are called isolines. In this image, the 3
blue curves are row isolines and the 5 orange curves are column
isolines.
To create an isoline curve:
1 Open the Surface Isoline dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Surface Isoline, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Isoline
430 Curves
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Isoline.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the surface you want to use from the Surface menu, or
use the Pick Surface
window.
button to select it in the Graphics
3 Select Row or Column. The selected part of the surface is
highlighted in the graphics window.
4 Select Multiple to create more than one isoline curve or Pt. to
create one isoline curve that passes through a specific point.
5 If you selected Multiple, enter the Count number of isolines you
want. Optionally select Include boundary to additionally create
curves from the boundary isolines.
6 If you selected Pt, enter the coordinates of the point that you
want the isoline to pass through, or use the Pick point
to select the point in the graphics window.
button
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Project onto surface
Often, you want the outline of one surface as traced against another
surface. This function generates that curve for you. This function is
often used as an intermediate step in constructing or modifying yet
another surface.
1 Open the Project Onto Surface dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Project onto Surface, and click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 431
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Project onto Surface
menu.
button in the Curve from surface
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Project onto Surface.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the surface you want to use from the Surface menu, or
use the Pick Surface
window.
button to select it in the Graphics
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Select the correct direction relative to the current UCS.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Surface edges
Surface edges is useful for extracting trimming loops from 3D
surface data, and projecting that curve onto the XY plane of the
current UCS. You can use these curves to create 2.5D features.
IGES files often contain complete solid models of a part. Features
such as pockets and holes are subtracted from part surfaces
resulting in a collection of trimmed surfaces. In this model, the
seven pockets have been subtracted from the surrounding surfaces.
Rather than manufacturing all of these surfaces using 3D surface
manufacturing techniques, you should use 2.5D Pocket features for
each pocket.
Surface edges enables you to extract trimming curves from a
collection of surfaces, join them into a curve and then project the
curve onto the XY plane of your current UCS. You can then use this
curve to create features.
432 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To extract curves from 3D data:
1 Open the Surface Edges dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Surface Edges, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Surface Edges
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Surface Edges.
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select the edge you want to use from the Edges menu, or use
the Pick curve on surface
button to select it in the graphics
window. The edge is added to the table.
Applies to solids only (not a random collection of surfaces).
Ctrl+click two edges to select all edges that make up the
shortest path between them.
Double-click an edge to select all tangential edges.
3 The location of the pick is used to select a surface and extract a
trimming edge. Click the Use next edge of surface
button if
you picked the correct surface, but the wrong edge.
4 Continue selecting edges in order until you have selected all
edges.
Use the Move item up
and Move item down
reorder the edges if necessary.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
buttons to
Curves 433
5 If the edges are in the correct order, but the endpoints are
matched up incorrectly, select the surface name in the table and
click the Reverse
button.
6 Select Connect start and end if you want the curve to be closed
automatically.
7 Select from the Project to UCS menu to have the curve
automatically projected to the 2D XY plane of the UCS.
8 If a hollow blue square is displayed at the intersection of two
edges, then the edges have not quite matched up. You can
correct this by either selecting the missing edge that will connect
the endpoints, or if it is just an issue of floating point error,
increase the Tolerance parameter.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Surface Projection
Surface projection enables you to extract curves from vertical
surfaces. You can use these curves to create 2.5D features from
surface or solid models.
This method is a wizard that creates geometry by projecting
straight-walled surfaces, for example:
The method performs these steps:
1 Identify straight vertical surfaces from the selected set or from
all surfaces (depending on the option selected).
2 Project these surfaces on to the current UCS.
3 Convert the curves into lines and arcs.
To create a curve using surface projection:
1 Open the Surface Projection wizard in one of these ways:
434 Curves
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Surface Projection, and click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Surface Projection
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Surface Projection.
The Surface Projection wizard opens on the first page.
2 If you are not extracting curves from drafted features, set both
the Wall angle and Elevation to 0 and click Next.
3 If you want to extract curves from drafted surfaces, enter a Wall
angle, or click the blue Wall angle label and click two points on
the same vertical isoline in the graphics window.
4 For the Elevation enter the Z coordinate of the top of the feature
or click the Elevation label and click the top of a wall of the
drafted surface in the graphics window.
5 Click Next.
6 Select from:
All surfaces to extract curves from all surfaces.
Only selected to extract curves from only the surfaces you
have selected.
7 If you are working with a solid model, you have the option to
Remove hidden lines on solids. It is generally a good idea to select
this option. It prevents the creation of curves from blind features
that are on the bottom of the part.
8 Click Next.
9 After you click the Finish button in this dialog, you must chain
(see page 401) the geometry into curves. Select what to do with
the geometry after chaining:
Remove after chaining if you want the geometry you created
to be removed when you have finished chaining.
Keep all geometry if you want to permanently keep the
geometry after chaining.
10 Click the Finish button.
Revolved Boundary
Revolved surface boundary is used to create curves from revolved
surfaces.
To create curves from revolved surfaces:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 435
1 Open the Revolved Surface Boundary dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Curve from surface,
then Revolved Boundary, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Revolved Boundary
button in the Curve from surface menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > From Surface >
Revolved Surface Boundary.
2 Select a method from:
Polygonal method. This method uses the simulation engine to
triangulate the file and create a profile curve. It is the
recommended method for solid and STL models.
This method is available only for solid and STL models
Surface method
Solid method
This method is available only for solid models.
3 If you selected Surface method, select:
All surfaces if you want to generate geometry from all of
the surfaces and faces of your part.
Only selected if you want to restrict the geometry creation
to surfaces/faces that are currently selected.
4 If you selected Polygonal method, click the Tolerances button to
enter tolerances.
5 Optionally select Convert to geometry to convert the curve into its
geometry components.
436 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 Click the Preview button to see a preview of the curve in the
graphics window.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Revolved surface boundary examples
Polygonal method
This is the recommended method for solid and STL models; it uses
the simulation engine to triangulate the file and create a profile
curve. This example part is an imported .stl file.
With surface shading turned off, you can see the triangles that
make up the .stl file:
To create the turned profile, select Construct > Curve > From Surface
> Revolved Surface Boundary from the menu.
1 In the Revolved Surface Boundary dialog, select Polygonal method.
2 Optionally click the Tolerances button to change the default
Triangle tolerance and Arcline approx. tolerance values.
3 Click the Preview button to see the boundary highlighted in dark
blue in the graphics window:
FeatureCAM finds the correct profile height of the revolved
square ends of the balustrade.
4 Click OK to create the curve.
You can use this curve to create a Turn feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 437
Solid method
Turned parts that are imported as solids are typically modeled using
a series of surfaces of revolution. In order to accelerate the creation
of turned features from these solid models, FeatureCAM provides a
method of intelligently extracting geometry from these revolved
solids. This functionality can be invoked from the process of
importing a solid model into a turn or turn/mill document or by
using the Revolved surface boundary curve creation tool. The images
below, from left to right, show the initial solid model, the geometry
created using the Surface method, and the geometry created using
the Solid method. The solid method can only be used for solid
models. You can see from the images below that the solid method
provides better trimming of the geometry versus the surface
method.
438 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves from other methods
You can use the Curve wizard (see page 407) to create curves from
other methods.
These are the other methods of creating curves:
Function (see page 439)
Cams (see page 447)
Splines (see page 450)
Text (see page 451)
Ellipse (see page 457)
Rectangle (see page 458)
Polygon (see page 459)
Gears (see page 460)
Function
You can use functions to create curves from mathematical
relationships that you define.
To create a curve using a function:
1 Open the Functions dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Functions, and click Next.
On the Curve (see page 18) toolbar, click the Functions
button in the Curve Menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other methods >
Functions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 439
2 Select the type of Function you want from the menu, from:
y=F(x) (see page 440)
x=F(y) (see page 440)
r=F(a) (see page 441)
x=F(t), y=G(t) (see page 443)
r=F(a), Z=G(a) (see page 444)
x=F(t), y=G(t), z=H(t) (see page 445)
The variables a, r, t, x, and y are local to the Functions dialog.
Any previous values that you have set for these variables are
ignored. However, you can use any other previously defined
variables. As well as variables, you can use any predefined
functions or constants discussed under Equations (see page
386).
Trigonometric functions are often used in constructing these
functions. Be careful to use sind(), cosd(), and so on when
using degrees and sin(), cos(), and so on when using radians.
y = F(x) and x = F(y)
In the Function list, select the kind of function you want to build.
Use y = F(x) to specify y as a function of x, and x = F(y) to specify x
as a function of Y.
F This is the field where you build your function. You can use the
operations described in the Equations (see page 386) section.
Start This sets the starting point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
End This sets the ending point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
Increment This sets the value added to or subtracted from the
previous point evaluated for the function to determine the next
value to be run through the function.
440 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Preview This generates the curve and displays it for your review
but does not apply the generated function to the drawing as
geometry. Depending on your start and end points and the
increment, it may take a while to evaluate and build the preview
image.
Y=F(x) example:
r = F(a)
The function r = F(a) is useful for describing polar functions where
the radius is calculated as a function of the end angle or argument
variable.
In the Function list, select r = F(a).
F,G, and H These are the fields where you build your function.
You use the operations described in the Equations (see page 386)
section.
Degree Select this option to evaluate the function in degrees.
Radian Select this option to evaluate the function in radians.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 441
Start This sets the starting point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
End This sets the ending point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
Increment This sets the value added to or subtracted from the
previous point evaluated for the function to determine the next
value to be run through the function.
Preview This generates the curve and displays it for your review
but does not apply the generated function to the drawing as
geometry. Depending on your start and end points and the
increment, it may take a while to evaluate and build the preview
image.
r = f(a) example
442 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
x = F(t), y = G(t)
In the Function list, select x=F(t), y=G(t) which models parametric
functions.
F,G, and H These are the fields where you build your function.
You use the operations described in the Equations (see page 386)
section.
Start This sets the starting point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
End This sets the ending point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
Increment This sets the value added to or subtracted from the
previous point evaluated for the function to determine the next
value to be run through the function.
Preview This generates the curve and displays it for your review
but does not apply the generated function to the drawing as
geometry. Depending on your start and end points and the
increment, it may take a while to evaluate and build the preview
image.
x = F(t), y = G(t) example
For an example, consider an ellipse. You can use either radian- or
degree-based math, but be sure you use a range for x appropriate
to your math system. Using a radian system, but specifying the
range from 0-360 (degrees) does not work.
A simple description of an ellipse in degrees is:
x = <width> * sind(t) + <offset>; y = <height> * cosd(t) +
<offset>
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 443
If you do not specify an offset, the ellipse is centred on the current
UCS. The diagram below shows an ellipse defined and previewed in
FeatureCAM.
You can also create an ellipse directly using the Ellipse curve
(see page 457) tool.
r = F(a), z = G(a)
Use the function r = F(a), z = G(a) for polar functions with a Z
coordinate that is specified as a function of the angle.
In the Function list, select r = F(a), Z = G(a).
F,G, and H These are the fields where you build your function.
You use the operations described in the Equations (see page 386)
section.
Degree Select this option to evaluate the function in degrees.
Radian Select this option to evaluate the function in radians.
444 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Start This sets the starting point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
End This sets the ending point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
Increment This sets the value added to or subtracted from the
previous point evaluated for the function to determine the next
value to be run through the function.
Preview This generates the curve and displays it for your review
but does not apply the generated function to the drawing as
geometry. Depending on your start and end points and the
increment, it may take a while to evaluate and build the preview
image.
r = F(a), Z = G(a) example
You can use the r = F(a), Z = G(a) function to model a helix, for
example:
x = F(t), y = G(t), z = H(t)
Use this function when x, y, and z are parametric functions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 445
In the Function list, select x = F(t), y = G(t), z = H(t).
F,G, and H These are the fields where you build your function.
You use the operations described in the Equations (see page 386)
section.
Start This sets the starting point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
End This sets the ending point for the range over which your
function is evaluated.
Increment This sets the value added to or subtracted from the
previous point evaluated for the function to determine the next
value to be run through the function.
Preview This generates the curve and displays it for your review
but does not apply the generated function to the drawing as
geometry. Depending on your start and end points and the
increment, it may take a while to evaluate and build the preview
image.
x = F(t), y = G(t), z = H(t) example
446 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cams
Use cams to create the geometric profile of various reciprocating
cams. The shape of the cam is the actual profile of the cam, not the
pitch curve (center line of the follower).
If you have 4th axis support (see page 325) you can also create
Cylindrical or Barrel cams (see page 331).
Open the Cam Properties dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods, then
Cams, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the Cams
button in the Curve Menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other methods > Cams.
The Cam Properties dialog has three tabs: General (see page 447),
Roller (see page 448), and Segment (see page 449).
General tab
The General tab contains options that define the basic dimensions
on which the specific cam attributes are based.
1 Enter the Center coordinates for the cam. Center sets the X and Y
coordinates for the center of the cam body.
2 Enter the Base Radius, the radius of the circle that defines the
body of the cam. This dimension is the minimum distance
between the cam's center and the follower.
3 Enter the Start Angle. Start angle defaults to parallel to the X axis.
Enter an angle in degrees to move the start angle. The direction
of rotation for the start angle is controlled by the Clockwise
Construction option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 447
4 Cams have a counter-clockwise construction by default. Select
Clockwise Construction to construct the cam from sequential
segments arranged in a clockwise rotation. Note that the Start
Angle is also affected by this setting.
5 If you have 4th-axis support, you can also create cylindrical
cams (see page 331) or barrel cams. Design your cam as usual,
and select Cylindrical Cam.
Roller tab
The Roller tab has options that describe the how the cam is followed
(by a roller).
1 Select the Type (see page 449) of follower motion and its
associated acceleration diagram, commonly described as:
Harmonic (SH) (also known as Simple Harmonic)
Parabolic (PB)
Cycloidal (CY)
Modified Sine (MS)
Modified Trapezoid (MT)
Polynomial 3-4 (4P) (also known as 4th Power Polynomial)
Polynomial 3-4-5 (5P) (also known as 5th Power Polynomial)
Polynomial 4-5-6-7 (7P) (also known as 7th Power Polynomial)
2 Select the Follower Type for the kind of follower the cam is used
with. It can be either Flat or Roller.
3 If you selected Roller, enter:
448 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Offset This sets the distance between the center line of
translation for the follower and the cam's center which
controls the pressure angle on the follower. This is not the
cutter offset.
Radius This sets the radius of the roller that follows the
cam's shape. If you select a roller-type follower, then you
must enter a radius. A zero roller radius simulates a
knife-edge follower, or constructs the pitch curve of the cam.
See also Cam performance at high speeds (see page 449).
Cam performance at high speeds
Cam type
Performance at high speeds
3-4 Polynomial, 3-4-5
Polynomial, 4-5-6-7
Polynomial, Modified
Trapezoid, Cycloidal
Excellent
Modified Sine
Good to excellent
Harmonic, Parabolic
Good
Segments tab
The Settings tab defines the cam segments and their specific
parameters. The segment arcs are listed in counter-clockwise
sequence.
Create new entries by clicking New
button. The Edit Cam
Segment (see page 450) dialog is displayed.
To edit an entry, double-click the entry or select the entry and
click the Edit
button. The Edit Cam Segment (see page 450)
dialog is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 449
To delete a segment, select it in the table and click the Delete
button.
To change the segment order, select a segment and click the
Move Item Up
or Move Item Down
button.
Edit cam segment
Select the segment Type:
Dwell indicates an arc of rotation that neither rises nor falls but
whose diameter from the center is determined from the ending
displacement of the directly preceding segment. Duration sets
how many degrees of rotation the dwell lasts.
Rise indicates that this segment rises to a greater diameter than
the preceding segment. If this segment is the first segment, rise
is calculated from the base circle defined in the General (see
page 447) tab. Duration sets how many degrees across which the
rise occurs. Displacement sets how far the rise deviates from the
previous segment or the base circle if the segment is the first
segment defined for the cam.
Fall indicates that this segment decreases from some
displacement to a lower displacement, but never less than the
base circle defined in the General (see page 447) tab. So a fall
should not be the first segment defined. Use Cams to create the
geometric profile of various reciprocating cams. It is the actual
profile of the cam, not the pitch curve (center line of the
follower).
Splines
Splines automatically draws a curve, similar to a Bezier curve,
through a series of points.
To use Splines:
1 Enter Splines mode in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Splines, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Spline/Interpolation
450 Curves
button in the Curve Menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other methods >
Spline/Interpolation.
2 Click the Options button in the dialog bar to switch between the
four spline modes which determine whether the curve is an open
or a closed interpolation and an open or closed spline. The active
spline mode is displayed next to the Options button.
3 Pick or enter (see page 357) the location of a series of points.
A preview of the curve is displayed in the graphics window.
4 Click the Create button to create the curve.
The table below shows the effect of the different spline modes:
Open
interpolation:
Open
approximation:
Closed
interpolation:
Closed
approximation:
Text
You can type in text in any TrueType font you have installed for
Windows, and use the text as curves to engrave your part with
customized text.
Engraving in FeatureCAM has two steps:
1 Create the text as a curve.
2 Use the curve to create a Groove (see page 773) feature.
Text can be created as:
Linear (see page 452)
Linear text can be horizontal:
at an angle:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 451
or vertical:
Circular (see page 454)
Curve (see page 455)
text is along a curve:
The fonts used are standard Windows outline fonts and a custom
single line font included with FeatureCAM called Machine Tool Sans
Serif. Single line fonts use single strokes for the letters. Outline
fonts represent the boundaries of the letters. This image shows the
difference between the two types of font.
Regardless of the font used, a Groove feature traces each line of the
font, not the region between the outlines. If you are looking for
simple engraving, we recommend the single line font.
After you create the text, use the resulting curve to create a simple
groove to engrave the text into your part. Bosses and pockets are
possibilities too, but any feature based on text may require
specialized small tools for their manufacturing processes unless you
use the Machine Tool Sans Serif font.
The settings for scaling, spacing and fonts are saved for the next
time you create a text string.
OLF engraving fonts from our partner oneline.com are supported.
Linear
To create text along a line:
452 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Open the Engraving Text dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Text, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Text
button in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other Methods >
Text.
1 Enter the text you want to create in the Text field.
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 For the Path type, select Linear.
4 Enter the Location as X, Y, and Z coordinates or click the Pick
point
button to pick it in the graphics window. This point is
used with the Justification setting to position the text.
5 To invert the text, select Reverse.
6 To rotate the text counter-clockwise around the Location point,
enter an Angle between 0 and 360 degrees.
7 To create the text vertically, select Vertical text.
8 Select the Justification as Left, Center, or Right. These positions
use the point you enter as the left end, center, or right end of
the text.
9 Enter the Alignment. The alignment is a translation factor for X
and Y for the entire text string. Use these fields to tweak the
location of the string.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 453
10 Enter the Scaling amount to control scaling of the text. A value of
between 0 and 1 shrinks the text. Values greater than 1 expand
the text. You can have different values in the fields to stretch
text for special effects. A negative value reflects the text, useful
for making molds. If you set the font to be 72 points, this
number reflects the size in inches of the font in the given
direction.
11 Enter the Spacing. The spacing is the size of the gap between the
letters. It is uniform across the entire text string.
12 Click Font to change the font settings. The Font dialog is
displayed, which you can use to change the text font to a
Windows font on you system.
For simple engraving, you can use the Machine Tool Sans
Serif with a Size of 72 points, and control the size of the text
with the Scaling options in the Engraving Text dialog.
13 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Circular
To create text along a circle:
1 Open the Engraving Text dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Text, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Text
button in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other Methods >
Text.
1 Enter the text you want to create in the Text field.
454 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 For the Path type, select Circular.
4 Enter the location of the Center of the circle as X, Y, and Z
coordinates or click the Pick point
button and pick it with the
mouse. This point is used along with the Justification setting to
position the text.
5 Enter the Radius of the circle.
6 To rotate the text counter-clockwise around the Center point,
enter an Angle between 0 and 360.
7 To create text on the bottom quadrants of the circle, enter the
appropriate angle and click Reverse.
8 Select the Justification as Left, Center, or Right. These positions
use the point you enter as the left end, center, or right end of
the text.
9 Enter the Alignment. The alignment is a translation factor for X
and Y for the entire text string. Use these fields to tweak the
location of the string.
10 Enter the Scaling amount to control scaling of the text. A value of
between 0 and 1 shrinks the text. Values greater than 1 expand
the text. You can have different values in the fields to stretch
text for special effects. A negative value reflects the text, useful
for making molds. If you set the font to be 72 points, this
number reflects the size in inches of the font in the given
direction.
11 Enter the Spacing. The spacing is the size of the gap between the
letters. It is uniform across the entire text string.
12 Click Font to change the font settings. The Font dialog is
displayed, which you can use to change the text font to a
Windows font on you system.
For simple engraving, you can use the Machine Tool Sans
Serif with a Size of 72 points, and control the size of the text
with the Scaling options in the Engraving Text dialog.
13 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Curve
To create text along a curve:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 455
1 Open the Engraving Text dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Text, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Text
button in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other Methods >
Text.
1 Enter the text you want to create in the Text field.
2 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
3 For the Path type, select Curve.
4 Select the curve from the Curve menu or use the Pick curve
button to select the curve graphically.
5 If you want to reflect the text to the other end of the curve, click
Reverse.
Changing the justification moves the text to the other end
of the curve without flipping the text.
6 Select the Justification as Left, Center, or Right. These positions
use the point you enter as the left end, center, or right end of
the text.
7 Enter the Alignment. The alignment is a translation factor for X
and Y for the entire text string. Use these fields to tweak the
location of the string.
456 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
8 Enter the Scaling amount to control scaling of the text. A value of
between 0 and 1 shrinks the text. Values greater than 1 expand
the text. You can have different values in the fields to stretch
text for special effects. A negative value reflects the text, useful
for making molds. If you set the font to be 72 points, this
number reflects the size in inches of the font in the given
direction.
9 Enter the Spacing. The spacing is the size of the gap between the
letters. It is uniform across the entire text string.
10 Click Font to change the font settings. The Font dialog is
displayed, which you can use to change the text font to a
Windows font on you system.
For simple engraving, you can use the Machine Tool Sans
Serif with a Size of 72 points, and control the size of the text
with the Scaling options in the Engraving Text dialog.
11 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Ellipse
The Ellipse curve tool creates an elliptically-shaped curve in the
plane of the current UCS or a plane parallel to the UCS plane.
1 Open the Ellipse dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Ellipse, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Ellipse
button in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other Methods >
Ellipse.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 457
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Enter the coordinates of the Axis endpoint 1,or click the Pick point
button to pick it in the graphics window.
3 Enter the coordinates of the Axis endpoint 2, or click the Pick
point
button to pick it in the graphics window.
4 Enter the Height of the ellipse above the axis. The total height of
the ellipse is 2*Height.
5 Optionally enter an Elevation amount, if you want the curve to be
on a plane parallel to the current UCS plane.
6 Optionally select Create as arcs and lines, to convert the curve
into arcs and lines.
7 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Rectangle
The Rectangle tool creates a rectangular shaped curve in the plane
or parallel to the plane of the current UCS.
1 Open the Rectangle dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Rectangle, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Rectangle
458 Curves
button in the Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Curve > Other Methods >
Rectangle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Optionally enter a curve name in the Name field, or leave the
default name.
2 Select from:
Use corner, width, and height Select this option to create the
rectangle based on a corner point.
Use center, width, and height Select this option to create the
rectangle based on a center point.
3 Depending on the method option selected, enter the coordinates
or click the Pick Point
button and select a point in the
graphics window to set the location of the Corner point or Center
point.
4 Optionally enter a Corner Radius to give the rectangle round
corners.
5 Optionally enter an Angle in degrees to rotate the rectangle
counter-clockwise from the X axis.
6 Optionally enter an Elevation amount, if you want the curve to be
on a plane parallel to the current UCS plane.
7 Optionally select Create as arcs and lines, to convert the curve
into arcs and lines.
8 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Polygon
The Polygon tool creates a curve in the shape of a regular polygon
in the plane or parallel to the plane of the current UCS.
To create a polygonal curve:
1 Open the Polygon dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
select Polygon, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Polygon
button in the Curve menu.
Select Construct > Curve > Other Methods > Polygon.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 459
The Polygon dialog is displayed.
2 Enter a Curve name.
3 Enter the Number of sides in the polygon. For example, to create
a regular hexagon, type 6.
4 Enter the x and y coordinates of the Center point, or click
select the location in the graphics window.
and
5 To fillet the corners, enter a Corner Radius.
6 To rotate the rectangle counter-clockwise from the X axis, enter
an Angle in degrees.
7 By default the curve is created on the UCS plane. If you want to
position the curve on a plane parallel to the UCS plane, enter an
Elevation.
8 Size the polygon using one of these methods:
In the Side length box, enter the length of the sides.
In the Center to side box, enter the perpendicular distance
between the curve center and the sides.
In the Center to corner box, enter the distance between the
curve center and the corners.
9 To convert the curve into arcs and lines, select the Create as
curves and lines check box.
10 Click Preview to display the polygon in the graphics window.
11 Click OK or Finish to close the dialog.
Gears
Use the Gears dialog to create AGMA involute spur gears, one of the
most common types of gear designs.
460 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To create a gear curve:
1 Open the Gears dialog in one of these ways:
In the Curve Wizard (see page 407), select Other methods,
then Gears, and click Next.
On the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Gears
button in the Curve menu.
Select the Construct > Curve > Other Methods > Gears menu
option.
The Gears dialog displays the Curve tab.
2 Enter a Name for the curve.
3 Enter a Firmness value to determine the number of control points
in the tooth profile. The smaller the value; the greater the
number of control points used to sample the curve.
4 Enter the gear specification:
Number of teeth Enter the number of teeth on the gear.
Pressure angle Enter the acute angle, in degrees, between
the tangent to the two base circles and a normal to the line
connecting the gear centers.
Tip radius Enter the radius of the tooth corner (see Diagram
2).
Addendum Enter the radial distance from the pitch circle to
the outermost point of the tooth (see Diagram 2).
Alternatively, select Outer diameter and enter the outside
diameter of the gear.
Dedendum Enter the radial distance from the depth of the
tooth trough to the pitch circle (see Diagram 2). Alternatively,
select Root diameter and enter the root diameter of the gear.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 461
Pitch diameter Enter the diameter of the pitch circle (see
Diagrams 1 and 2). Alternatively, select Module and enter the
pitch diameter divided by the number of teeth, or select
Diametric pitch and enter the number of teeth divided by the
pitch diameter.
Root fillet radius Enter the radius of the fillet at the bottom
of each tooth (see Diagram 2).
Center point Enter the coordinates for the centre of the gear
curve, or click
and pick the curve in the Graphics window.
5 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
6 Select the Analysis tab to view the calculated dimensions of the
gear, the calculated pin gauge diameter and the outside
measurement over pins diameter.
The Analysis tab is not displayed when you create a gear
using the Curve Wizard.
7 Select whether you want to create an External Gear or an Internal
Gear.
8 If you want to change the calculated diameter of the pin gauge,
enter a new value in the Actual pin diameter box, and click
Recompute.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Diagram 1:
462 Curves
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pressure angle
Base diameter
Pitch diameter
Diagram 2:
Addendum
Dedendum
Tip radius
Outside circle
Pitch circle
Root fillet radius
Root circle
Base circle
Curve to geometry
You can create geometry from curves. You can use geometry in
ways you cannot use curves, such as for Chaining (see page 401).
To create geometry from a curve:
1 Select a curve in the graphics window.
2 Select Construct > Curve > To Geometry from the menu.
The geometry is created in the graphics window behind the
selected curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves 463
Surfaces
In FeatureCAM, a surface is defined by a rectangular set of points
and a description of how the surface behaves at each point on the
surface which determines the smoothness of the surface. The set of
points determines the shape, or geometry, of the surface.
The rectangular nature of the control point mesh means that a
surface has four boundary curves. In some cases, surfaces are
constructed where one or two (opposite) boundary curves are
degenerate or form a single point such as the poles of a sphere. In
other cases where surfaces wrap around, such as a cylinder, two
opposite boundaries can be the same curve and are called seams.
With seams and degeneracies, a surface may appear to have only
three, or two, or even no boundaries (a sphere), but the four
boundaries are always defined. With these four boundaries, you can
break a surface into rows and columns so surfaces have a table-like
structure.
You can use the Surface wizard (see page 464) or the Curves and
Surfaces toolbar (see page 18) to create surfaces.
Surface wizard
You can use the Surface wizard to create surfaces.
Use one of the following methods to display the Surface Wizard:
Click Surfaces
Click Surface Wizard
464 Surfaces
in the Steps panel.
in the Advanced toolbar.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select Construct > Surface > Surface Wizard from the menu.
To use the Surface wizard:
1 At the top of the wizard, select a surface construction method
from the following:
From curves (see page 467)
Primitive surface (see page 489)
From one surface (see page 496)
From multiple surfaces (see page 510)
A list of constructors for the selected construction method is
displayed at the bottom of the wizard.
2 Select a specific constructor from the bottom part of the wizard.
3 Click Next to display the selected constructor's dialog.
Surface design tips
Here are some concepts and techniques that have proved helpful in
designing 3D surfaces.
Design first, edit last. Put all the surfaces in place first, then trim
and fillet the surfaces together to create the final shape and
boundaries.
Use quality source curves. Quality curves have as much detail as
possible designed into the curves before the curves are used to
make surfaces. Curves are much simpler to design and edit. With
Parametric modeling active, changes to your source curves
propagate automatically into the surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 465
Build as much detail into a single surface as possible. It's easier
to split and reduce surfaces than to merge and combine them.
Similarly, machining with isoline operations uses one surface at a
time and filleting and trimming work with two surfaces at a time
so the more detail the better.
Learn which surface methods are approximate and which are
exact. Approximate methods are not better or worse than exact
methods, but have more degrees of freedom in filling in the
space between input curves or surfaces. Other surface methods
are conditional. They are exact to what they do, but when used
with approximate surfaces, the resulting surface is still
approximate.
Approximate: surface intersection, trim, untrim, fillet, lofting,
merge, modify, offset. (Another key is any operation that
includes a tolerance setting. That is a flag that the source
material is being approximated.)
Exact: extrude, surface of revolution, sweep, ruled, sphere,
cylinder, flat, from a feature.
Conditional: split, region, reverse, coons, cap. Coons is a
mathematical definition of how four boundary curves describe
a surface. Learn which dialogs give you the option to
modify-in-place or create a new object.
Learn when and how to use the option to Modify-in-place or
Create a new object. Both methods have their uses. Modifying an
object in place breaks the parametric link for which constructor
was used for the original object and prohibit parametric modeling
from updating an object in the future. This limits you to further
modification operations only. Creating new objects can result in
excessive clutter on the screen.
Do not use self-intersecting curves or surfaces. Curves and
surfaces with that characteristic are not viable for predictable
editing, construction or machining.
Surface editing
There are a number of ways to edit surfaces. FeatureCAM supports
filleting (see page 511), merging (see page 515), intersecting (see
page 516), and direct modification (see page 521) of the surface.
You can also derive a surface from a 2.5D feature.
Surface editing tips
Here are some hints for editing surfaces:
466 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Do not include portions of the boundary when constructing
curves for trimming. Trimming curves may cross or end on
boundaries.
Do not use surface/surface intersection to get a boundary of a
surface. Use surface boundary extraction.
Intersecting tangent surfaces produces inaccurate or broken
intersection curves, such as a fillet surface and the surface it's
tangent to. Instead, extract curves and trim with a curve instead.
Do not intersect coincident surfaces (surfaces that overlap).
Extract curves and trim with a curve instead.
Avoid cutting through the pole of a surface with a degeneracy
such as the tip of a sphere or surface of revolution.
Avoid cutting along a seam of a surface (across is fine). A seam
exists, for example, at the left/right boundary of a cylinder. You
can detect seams with the curve extraction dialog, and then
canceling out after you know where the seam is. Cutting a seam
can usually be avoided by rotating the object.
Surfaces can be trimmed multiple times.
Curves for surface/curve trimming can extend off the surface
and/or cut the surface multiple times.
From curves
You can use the Surface wizard (see page 464) to create surfaces
from curves.
You can create the following types of surface from curves:
Extrude (see page 468)
Surface of Revolution (see page 469)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 467
Swept Surface (see page 472)
Ruled Surface (see page 475)
Coons (see page 478)
Curve Mesh (see page 480)
Lofted Surface (see page 483)
Cap Surface (see page 486)
Extrude
Extrude creates a surface from a curve by extending that line
sideways a specified distance. Sideways can be a linear distance in
any direction. This is important as the extrude does not have to be
only in the direction of an X, Y, or Z axis. Extruding along an axis is
an easy way to build such a surface which you could then move or
transform into the final position if you prefer. Extrudes are a
shortcut to create a ruled surface between a curve and a
transformation of the curve.
An extruded surface requires a source curve as input. If you
have no curves or geometry in the drawing, you cannot create
an extruded surface.
Extruded surfaces are exact (see page 465).
To create an extruded surface:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Extruded Surface
dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Extrude.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Extrude.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Extrude
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Specify the dimensions of the extrude using one of the following
methods:
468 Surfaces
Enter the dimensions of a vector along which to extrude the
surface in the Vector X, Y and Z fields.
Enter the beginning and end locations of the extrude.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Example
The handle on this hairdryer is an extruded surface:
The curve for the handle was drawn with the arcs and lines tools.
The geometry was chained into a single curve which was then
transformed down in Z to the depth where the handle exists. This
transform operation puts a bounding curve in location for the top
surface of the handle as well.
Then the handle curve was extruded along a vector -0.75 inches in
Z.
Surface of Revolution
A surface of revolution is created by rotating a curve about a
specified axis. The revolution is any amount from -360 to 360 .
These are similar to a swept surface, and can be used to create
other primitive shapes not provided such as a torus or a cone.
These surfaces are exact.
While you can use a 3D curve as the curve to spin around an axis,
there is a higher chance of creating a self-intersecting surface.
Where possible, it's best to use a 2D curve for input to this surface.
To create a surface of revolution, you need a curve and either
the X or Y axis for rotation, or a custom line for the axis.
To create a Surface of Revolution:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 469
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Surface of
Revolution dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Surface of Revolution.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Surface of
Revolution.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Surface of revolution
Menu.
button in the Surface from Curve
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click
the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Enter the Start angle in degrees.
5 Enter the End angle in degrees.
6 In the Construction method section, select which axis the curve is
rotated about. Select from Custom line, X-Axis, Y-Axis or Z-Axis.
7 If Custom line is selected, select the curve you want to use from
the Axis list, or click the Pick Curve
graphics window.
button and select it in the
8 Click Apply.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
10 Click Finish, or OK to create the surface.
Revolved surfaces may have no cap on the ends depending on
the source curve. Depending on the milling technique you
select, such as Z-level roughing, you may need a cap surface
(see page 486).
More about revolved surfaces (see page 470).
Surface design hints (see page 465)
More about revolved surfaces
Surface of revolution is created by spinning a 2 dimensional curve
about an axis that you specify. The revolution is any amount from
0 up to 360 degrees. These are similar to a swept surface, but
can be used to create other primitive shapes not provided such as a
torus or a cone.
470 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
These surfaces are exact (see page 465).
Revolved surfaces may have no cap on the ends depending on the
source curve. Depending on the milling technique you select, such
as Z-level roughing, you may need a cap surface.
An example of a revolved surface (see page 471).
Revolved example
The motor housing on the blow-dryer model is a surface of
revolution. The source curve for the housing was created from a top
view and then rotated 90 around the X axis to orient the curve for
the revolve construction. A line was drawn from the center of the
housing down in Z to act as the axis for the revolution. Later, this
model uses a cap surface to complete the housing as an example of
the cap surface.
Set the surface for a full 360 of revolution. Select the axis and the
curve to pass around the axis and the result is shown in the second
image. You could also have created this same surface as a sweep
around the circle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 471
If the source curve had extended all the way to the rotation axis,
the housing could be completed in one step. A drawback to this
method is that the central boundary would be degenerate (a point)
and may not provide good machining results.
Swept Surface
A swept surface creates a surface by replicating the shape of the
curve at multiple positions along a path. The path is not necessarily
a straight line. A sweep moves one curve along another and is
useful for making many shapes. By creating complex curves for
both the axis and the cross-section, complex fillets and blends can
be directly achieved in a single surface.
Swept surfaces are exact (see page 465) unless the path or axis
curve is a spline curve, not a curve built from lines, and arcs and
chained together. Along a spline curve axis, the shape may deform.
There are two kinds of sweeps: a regular sweep and a translational
sweep. Translational sweeps maintain the same relationship
between the curve and axis normals at all points throughout the
sweep. Otherwise, the sweep curve stays in its drawn position at all
points on the axis.
The swept curve needs to be hooked to the axis curve at the start
point of the curve. This figure shows an example of a cross-section
curve that is properly defined. A UCS was created at the start point
of the axis curve. The cross section curve was then defined relative
to this UCS. Note that the setup axes were not changed. The UCS is
used as a design coordinate system only.
472 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The simplest way to create a curve at this location is to create a
UCS at the start point of the axis curve and create your cross
section curve in that UCS. See How to create a User Coordinate
System (see page 101).
The model must contain two curves before you can create a
swept surface.
To create a Swept Surface:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Swept Surface
dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Swept Surface.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Swept Surface.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Swept Surface
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select the curve that defines the axis the sweep will follow from
the Axis list, or click the Pick Curve
graphics window.
button and select it in the
4 Select Translational sweep if you want to maintain the same
relationship between the curve and axis normals at all points
throughout the sweep
5 Select the curve that defines the cross-section of the sweep from
the Cross section list, or click the Pick Curve
select it in the graphics window.
button and
6 Select Sweep from other end to reverse the direction of the
sweep.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
If the previewed surface is not what you want, select or
deselect the Translational sweep setting and click Preview.
Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about swept surfaces
Surface design hints (see page 465)
An example of a swept surface (see page 474)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 473
More about swept surfaces
Sweep (Constant Width) creates a surface by projecting a two
dimensional curve along a path. The path is not necessarily a
straight line. A sweep moves one curve along another and is useful
for making many shapes. By creating complex curves for both the
axis and the cross-section, complex fillets and blends can be directly
achieved in a single surface.
You need to be sure and line up your cross section and your path
curve. One way to do this is to create a UCS aligned with the start
of the path curve and draw or transform your cross section curve
into place.
Swept surfaces are exact (see page 465).
Sweep example
The speaker housing uses a swept surface to define the top, back,
and bottom sides in one surface. The source curves are a large
diameter circle segment (1000 inches) and a center line through the
three sides (at maximum diameter of the segment). The
Translational sweep switch was turned off for this surface to keep
the bow in the same orientation relative to the axis throughout the
sweep. The slightly bowed bottom is flattened later as a Modify
surface operation.
474 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ruled Surface
A Ruled surface creates a linear surface between two curves. The
curves can be open or closed, planar or non-planar. For closed
curves, the starting points of the curves should line up or the
surface may twist in odd ways.
The model must contain at least two curves before you can
create a ruled surface pull-out.
To create a ruled surface:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Ruled Surface
dialog:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 475
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Ruled Surface.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Ruled Surface.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Ruled Surface
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a curve on a bounding edge of the surface from the Curve
list, or click the Pick Curve
graphics window.
button and select it in the
4 Repeat step 3 to select more curves. You need to select at least
two curves to define a surface.
5 Use the Move item up
, Move item down
, Reverse selected
curve
, and Delete item
buttons to set the sequence and
direction of the curves in the ruled surface.
6 Optionally select Reparameterize curves.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about ruled surfaces (see page 476)
An example of a ruled surface (see page 477)
Surface design hints (see page 465)
More about ruled surfaces
Ruled surface defines a surface by plotting rules between two
different curves. The curves can be open or closed, planar or
non-planar. For closed curves, the starting points of the curves
must line up or the surface may twist in odd ways. See Twists in
surfaces or solids with closed cross sections (see page 478) for
more information. Ruled surfaces are useful for filling a region and
blending between two curves and can be used with more than two
curves to create a single surface where each section is the same as
if each pair of curves were used to create a ruled surface.
476 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Chained curves behave differently in a ruled surface than spline
curves. If your surface does not look quite right in the Preview,
select the Reparameterize curves check box and try the Preview
again. Reparameterize curves analyzes the curves and may adjust
the control points of the curves to yield a better surface result.
Reparameterize affects both chained and spline curves, but the
effect is stronger on chained curves.
Ruled surfaces are exact (see page 465).
Ruled example
The blow-dryer uses a ruled surface as a parting surface in the
model. The two curves (lines in this case) are drawn along opposite
sides of the stock and are then translated down in Z to the
appropriate depth.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 477
Then they are selected as the two curves for the ruled surface which
passes under the other surfaces of the model to the extent of the
part so there is a complete surface for use in the mold.
Twists in surfaces or solids with closed cross sections
When creating ruled surfaces of lofted surfaces or solids with closed
cross sections, ensure that the start points of the curves are in the
correct positions. This example shows a ruled surface created from
cross sections with misaligned start points (marked with arrows):
After using Curve start/reverse (see page 411) to change the start
point of the square center curve, the twist is removed, as shown:
Coons
Coons defines a surface between four bounding curves. Coons
surfaces are useful for filling in the area bounded by curves. For
planar curves, Cap surface (see page 486) is probably a better
option, although the curves must be joined into a loop first. For a
grid of curves, Coons surfaces do not produce smooth results
because each surface is not influenced by its neighbors. Joining
curves into cross-sections and using Lofted (see page 483) surfaces
produces better results in that situation.
When using the three curve Coons option, the ordering of the
curves makes a difference in the appearance of the surface. Try
different sequences until the result is correct.
478 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Chained curves behave differently in a Coons surface than spline
curves. If your surface does not look correct in the Preview, select
Reparameterize curves and try the Preview again. Reparameterize
curves analyzes the curves and may adjust the control points of the
curves to yield a better surface result. This option affects both
chained and spline curves, but the effect is stronger on chained
curves.
Coons surfaces are not as common in practice as they are in
mathematical discussion. Coons surfaces are approximate (see page
465).
Creating a Coons surface
In general, you use four curves and the curves must each be open,
but together form a closed loop. To use three curves, select 3 curves
and the fourth curve field is disabled. If the corners do not match,
you receive an error message, "unable to construct surface with
these inputs."
To create a Coons surface.
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Coons dialog:
In the Surface (see page 464) wizard, select From curves and
Coons, click Next.
Click the Coons
button in the Surface from Curve Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar.
Select Construct > Surface > From Curves > Coons.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Optionally select 3 curves if you want to create a three-curve
Coons surface.
4 Select a curve from the Curve 1 list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Select a curve from the Curve 2 list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window. This curve must
create a corner with Curve 1.
6 Select a curve from the Curve 3 list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window. This curve must
create a corner with Curve 2, and if 3 curves is selected, this
curve must create a corner with Curve 1.
7 If 3 curves is deselected, select a curve from the Curve 4 list, or
click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics
window. This curve must create a corner with Curve 1 and Curve
3.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 479
8 Optionally select Reparameterize curves.
9 Click the Preview button to display a preview of the surface in the
graphics window.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Coons example
You might use a Coons surface to create a trough shape that necks
down as shown below. This is easy to draw as two bounding curves
on the stock surface, and two arcing end curves. You have less
control over the behavior of the surface between curves than if you
had used a lofted surface to create a similar shape.
Curve Mesh
Surface from curve mesh creates a surface from a grid of curves.
Overview (see page 481)
How to create a surface from a curve mesh (see page 482)
Restrictions of surface from curve mesh (see page 482)
See also Coons (see page 478).
480 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Overview of surface from curve mesh
The curve mesh constructor makes a smooth surface from a mesh
of row curves and column curves. For example, if you have the
curves shown below:
the curve mesh constructor creates the surface shown here:
The mesh of curves may only partially intersect. This allows the
surface to be built up incrementally. The figure below shows an
example of such a surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 481
The surface is made up of Coons patches. If the input curves are
smooth, the surface is smooth (equal tangent plane planes along
the curves). The input curves must intersect at crossing points, but
explicit curve points are not necessary at the crossings. The curves
are reversed automatically. Triangular patches are supported when
a pair of row or column curves meet at their ends.
Creating a surface from a curve mesh
To create a Curve Mesh:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Curve Mesh
dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Curve Mesh.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Curve Mesh.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Curve Mesh
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a curve from the Row curve list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Select a curve from the Column curve list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Repeat steps 2 and 3 to select more curves. You need to select
at least two row curves and column curves.
6 Use the Move item up
, Move item down
, and Delete item
buttons to set the sequence of the curves in the mesh.
7 Enter a Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the
approximation to the curves.
8 Select Zero twists to minimize surface curvature.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Restrictions of surface from curve mesh
The input curves must intersect at crossing points, but explicit curve
points are not necessary at the crossings.
482 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lofted Surface
Lofting has its heritage from shipbuilders as they laid out ship hulls.
They passed imaginary lines between multiple sequential
cross-sections. A lofted surface creates a smooth surface from
cross-sectional curve data. The curves can be non-planar as well.
To create a Lofted Surface:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Lofted Surface
dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Lofted Surface.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Lofted Surface.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the
Lofted Surface
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a curve from the Curve list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Repeat step 3 to select more curves. You need to select at least
two curves to create a lofted surface.
5 Use the Move item up
, Move item down
, Reverse selected
curve
, and Delete item
buttons to set the sequence and
direction of the curves in the ruled surface.
6 Select Interpolated or Spline. Click Preview to see the difference.
7 Optionally select Uneven spacing. Click Preview to see the
difference.
8 Optionally select Reparameterize curves.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about lofted surfaces (see page 484).
An example of a lofted surface (see page 485).
Surface design hints (see page 465)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 483
More about lofted surfaces
Lofting defines surfaces that project between multiple curves. A
lofted surface is used to create a smooth surface from
cross-sectional curve data. The curves can be open or closed, but
for closed curves the start points need to line up for good results.
The curves can be non-planar as well.
Lofted surfaces are commonly used when there are many uniformly
spaced cross-section curves available. A lofted surface has to fill in
a lot of data between the cross-sections and so is an approximate
surface. The data calculated to pass through the surface can be
tweaked with the Uneven spacing switch for a better fit when the
data points are not uniformly spaced.
The curves can be open or closed, but for closed curves the start
points for each curve need to line up with the other curve start
points for good results. See Twists in surfaces or solids with closed
cross sections (see page 478) for more information.
Lofted surfaces are commonly used when there are many
cross-section curves available. A lofted surface has to fill in a lot of
data between the cross-sections so it is an approximate surface.
The data calculated to pass through the surface can be tweaked
with the Uneven spacing switch for a better fit when the input curves
are not uniformly spaced.
Spline approximates the surface with input curves as control
points/curves. They are smooth between points. Interpolate uses the
input curves as explicit curves for the surface to pass through and
the surface may wave, or bend between points. Setting the Uneven
spacing switch might improve the fit if the input curves are not
uniformly spaced. A lofted surface may be either exact (see page
465) or approximate (see page 465) depending on your settings.
The Select degree spinner allows you to vary the tightness by
changing the degree of the polynomial used to calculate the
resulting surface. A degree of one passes straight lines between
curves (like a ruled surface). Higher degree curves allow a looser
result between input curves. The highest degree possible is three or
one less than the total number of curves, whichever is greater. If
you are going to export the part file to another CAD package, some
other software does not support degree values higher than three.
Chained or joined curves behave differently in a lofted surface than
spline curves. If your surface does not look quite right in the
Preview, set the Reparameterize curves check box and try the
Preview again. Reparameterize curves analyzes the curves and may
adjust the control points of the curves to yield a better surface
result. Reparameterize affects both chained and spline curves, but
the effect is stronger on chained curves.
484 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lofting should not be used when a sweep, or other more
exact constructor could be used.
Lofted example
The soap dish model uses a lofted surface. Its source curves are
worth understanding. Using a UCS on the side of the stock as shown
in the diagram, simple geometry was drawn at depth (relative to
the Setup) in Z. The geometry was then transformed in X to set the
beginning, middle, and end curves of the top surface of the soap
dish electrode. These curves were then used to build the lofted
surface. The geometry may have to be reversed, to get the right
surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 485
Cap Surface
A cap surface takes a closed planar curve and makes a trimmed
surface. It's a shortcut to build a flat surface trimmed with a
custom-fit edge and for solid models. It is useful for making a
planar trimmed surface to fill the area inside a curve.
486 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You probably need to extract the source curve from an
existing surface (see page 425) or surfaces.
To create a Cap Surface:
1 Use one of the following methods to display the Cap Surface
dialog:
Click the Surfaces
icon in the Steps toolbox. In the
Surface Wizard, select From curves and Cap Surface.
In the Advanced toolbar, click the Surface Wizard
button.
In the Surface Wizard, select From curves and Cap Surface.
In the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar, click the Cap
Surface
button in the Surface from Curve Menu.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a closed curve from the Curve list, or click the Pick Curve
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Use the Move item up
, Move item down
, and Delete item
buttons to set the sequence of the curves in the mesh.
5 Enter a Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the
approximation to the curves.
6 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about cap surfaces (see page 487)
An example of a cap surface (see page 488)
Surface design hints (see page 465)
More about cap surfaces
Cap surfaces can be used to make a cylinder into a closed solid, for
example. Extract the boundary curve at each end of cylinder and
make a cap surface out of each one. You can also create closed
solids from extrudes, sweeps, and revolutions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 487
Supporting multiple curves in the cap surface allows you to nest
your curves inside other curves. Depending on the direction of the
curve, you can then include cutouts and surfaces within cutouts all
in one operation. In the example below, the gray portion of the
bullseye pattern contains surfaces, while the reversed clear rings
have no surfaces of surfaces. Use Preview with this feature to get the
curves directions right before you close the dialog.
A cap surface may be either exact or approximate depending on
your settings (see page 465).
Cap surface creates a surface to cover an 'open end' of another
surface or surfaces. The surface(s) to be capped should form a
closed surface by itself, or when considered as a group. While you
can cap open surfaces, a straight line is drawn between the open
points of the surface, and can generate inappropriate surfaces in
cases where the endpoints cause the closing line to cross the
surface boundary.
Cap example
The blow-dryer has a cap surface on the handle, but the handle is
an open curve. So you have to close the curve and create a new
curve from the handle curve and the geometry you used to close
the curve. Snapping a line between the endpoints creates the
needed geometry. Chain it all into a curve and build the Cap
surface.
488 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Primitive surface
You can use the Surface wizard (see page 464) to create primitive
surfaces.
You can create the following types of primitive surfaces:
Sphere (see page 489)
Cylinder (see page 492)
Flat (see page 493)
Surface(s) from Feature (see page 494)
Sphere
Sphere constructs a spherical surface with a specified radius around
a center point, or by using an existing circle as the 'equator' of the
sphere you want to construct. Spheres are exact (see page 465)
surfaces, but contain seams and degenerate curves at their poles.
To use Sphere:
The model must contain an existing surface.
1 Click the Sphere
button in the Surface Primitives Menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Sphere
dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a Construction method.
4 If Center and radius is selected:
a Enter the coordinates of the center point in the Center point
fields, or click the Pick location
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
button and select it in the
Surfaces 489
b Enter the Radius of the circle.
5 If Circle is selected.
Select a circle from the Circle list or click the Pick circle
button and select it in the graphics window.
6 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
An example of a sphere surface (see page 491)
Surface design hints (see page 465)
490 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Sphere example
This blow-dryer example uses a spherical motor housing. So if the
design called for 2.25 inch diameter sphere instead, you could
create such a surface by drawing the 2.25 inch diameter circle at
depth in the block. Now use that circle to construct a sphere, which
you could trim with the ruled parting surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 491
Cylinder
Cylinder creates a tube specified as a radius around a center line.
You can specify the dimensions of the cylinder either with a start
and point and a radius, or with a point, a direction, length and
radius. It has no caps on the ends so you may need to use a Cap
(see page 486) surface to complete your design. Cylinders are exact
(see page 465) surfaces and contain a seam where two edge
boundaries meet. Be careful not to trim across the seam. Editing
along the seam is fine.
To use Sphere:
The model must contain an existing surface.
1 Click the Cylinder
button in the Surface Primitives Menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Cylinder
dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select either Two points or Direction, length to specify the
construction method.
4 If Two points is selected:
a Enter the coordinates of the start point in the Center fields, or
click the Pick location
window.
button and select it in the graphics
b Enter the coordinates of the end point in the End point fields,
or click the Pick location
graphics window.
button and select it in the
5 If Direction, length is selected.
a Enter the coordinates of the start point in the Center fields, or
click the Pick location
window.
button and select it in the graphics
b Enter the X, Y and Z dimensions of a direction vector in the
Direction fields.
c Enter the length of the cylinder in the Length field.
6 Enter the Radius of the cylinder.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
An example of a cylinder surface (see page 493)
Surface design hints (see page 465)
492 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cylinder example
You can model the vent tube of the blow-dryer example as a
cylinder. Pick end and center points with the mouse and Pick
buttons, or enter explicit coordinates. Set the points 2 inches in Z in
the stock to create the cylinder at the right depth. Now set the
radius to 1 inch. The cylinder can be trimmed to the rest of the
model with the ruled surface.
Flat Surface
Flat Surface creates a flat rectangular surface between two corner
points. The sides of the rectangle are aligned with the UCS axes.
To create a Flat Surface:
1 Click the Flat
button in the Surface Primitives Menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Flat
Surface dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Enter the coordinates of the top-right corner point in the X, Y
and Z field, or click the Pick location
the graphics window.
button and select it in
4 Enter the coordinates of the bottom-left corner point in the X, Y
and Z field, or click the Pick location
the graphics window.
button and select it in
5 Enter the Z elevation in the Elevation (Z) field, or click the Pick
location
button and select it in the graphics window. The
elevation is uniform across the surface.
6 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about flat surfaces (see page 494)
An example of a flat surface (see page 494)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 493
Surface design hints (see page 465)
More about flat surfaces
Flat creates a rectangular surface between two diagonally opposite
corners. This surface is a shortcut to create a ruled surface without
having to build bounding curves if the surface is rectangular. Flat
surfaces are exact (see page 465).
Flat example
The blow-dryer's parting surface can also be built with a flat
surface. Simply create a flat surface at depth with corner points that
align with two opposing block stock corners.
Surface(s) from Feature
You can create a 3D surface from any 2.5D feature.
The model must contain an existing 2.5D feature.
To create a surface from a feature:
1 Click the from Feature
button in the Surface Primitives Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the
Surface(s) from Feature dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a feature from the Feature list or click the Pick feature
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
494 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
More about turning features into surfaces (see page 495)
An example of a surface from a feature (see page 495)
More about turning features into surfaces
You can use these surfaces in your part modeling or even to
manufacture them using the 3D techniques, or to modify with the
Surface editing tools so you can join your 2.5D features to your 3D
features.
Features can be a shortcut to create swept and cap surfaces with
the familiar dimension driven feature interface. The draft angle, or
radiused features produce a swept surface for the side walls
(including chamfer and bottom/top radius) and a cap surface for the
bottom in one operation.
Feature to surface example
The soap dish model can be built with a Boss feature for the side. In
that method, you need to trim the fillet against the boss, but you
have to create a surface to trim against. Select Surfaces from
feature, name the new surface. Select the Boss feature as the
source feature. FeatureCAM calculates the corresponding surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 495
From one surface
You can use the Surface wizard (see page 464) to create surfaces
from an existing surface.
You can create the following types of surface from one surface:
Region from Surface (see page 496)
Reverse Surface (see page 498)
Offset Surface (see page 499)
Extend Surface (see page 500)
Trim Surface (see page 502)
Untrim Surface (Fill Hole) (see page 506)
Split Surface (see page 508)
Surface Region
Surface Region derives a second surface from an original surface.
The model must contain an existing surface.
To use Surface Region:
1 Click the Region
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the
Surface Region dialog.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
496 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Enter the coordinates of two points in the Isoline selection
section, or click the Pick point on surface button and select them
in the graphics window. The new surface is bound between the
selected points.
6 Select Row or Column to orientate the selection region.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about surface regions. (see page 497)
An example of a surface region. (see page 497)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
More about surface regions
Surface region derives a second surface from part of an original
surface. A subregion of a surface is sometimes necessary for an
auxiliary surface to use for surface/surface intersection, filleting,
milling, and so on.
When you extract a region, you are getting a band of either
columns or rows and this is an exact operation within the limits of
the source surface.
Surface region is an exact process, however, if the source material
is approximate, the resulting region can be no more precise than
the source material.
Region example
For the top surface of the soap model, you could extract a row or
column slice between any two points you choose. The picture below
shows a potential region of rows from the Top surface of the model.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 497
Reverse Surface
Surface Reverse is an exact (see page 465) operation.
The model must contain an existing surface.
To use Surface Reverse:
1 Click the Reverse
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the
Surface Reverse dialog
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to modify the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
4 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Select whether you want to:
498 Surfaces
Reverse normals.
Transpose row/column.
Reverse trim loops.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Sheets (see page 531) can also be reversed using Surface
reverse. You must select them from the Surface list and not in
the graphics window.
More about surface reverse (see page 499)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
More about surface reverse
Because of the rectangular definition of surfaces, you have three
options in the surface reverse process.
You can keep the same surface, but reverse the direction of the
calculated normals, thereby turning the surface inside out. This is
perhaps the most common function as it affects isoline milling
(see page 858).
You can reverse the layout of the surface by swapping all the row
and column layout with each other.
You can also reverse the trim loops of the surface. This process
takes a trimmed surface and changes the trim operation so that
what was trimmed away before is now the retained surface and
the discarded surface is the surface you selected for the surface
reverse operation.
Surface Offset
Surface Offset offsets a surface along its surface normals. You may
need to reverse the surface normals to get the offset you want.
Surface offset is an approximate (see page 465) operation.
The model must contain an existing surface.
To use Surface Offset:
1 Click the Offset
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the
Surface Offset dialog.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
4 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Enter the offset distance in the Offset field.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 499
6 Enter a Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the offset.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about surface offset (see page 500)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
More about surface offset
An offset surface is a constant distance away from the original. The
offset produces an approximation of this, which is why there is a
tolerance. The original surface must be smooth (no sharp corners)
or the offset result is not correct.
Use offsets to thicken an object or to account for shrinkage in
mold-making.
Use offsets to intersect two (offset) surfaces to get the center curve
of an implied fillet. This curve could be used for a groove milling
operation to cleanly mill a fillet without actually making the fillet
surface.
If an offset can be produced by an exact operation, for example,
offsetting a curve and using revolution or a sweep, then use the
exact operation.
Extend Surface
Extend Surface adds a linear extension to the selected surface
similar to extruding the boundary curve of the surface however far
you set. The direction of the extend is the tangent direction at the
boundary. The surface is defined with rows and columns as you
select which boundary to extend.
Extend surface removes all trim.
To use Extend Surface:
The model must contain an existing surface.
1 Click the Extend
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the
Extend Surface dialog.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
500 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 To pick the side to extend, select an option or click the Pick curve
on surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
6 Enter the extend distance in the Distance field.
7 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about extending surfaces (see page 501)
An example of an extended surface (see page 501)
More about extending surfaces
Surface extends create extra surface to fill gaps or to be trimmed
away cleanly by a nearby surface. For example, open fillets often
have to be extended slightly before they cleanly trim the surfaces
they fillet (and so they can be cleanly trimmed by another surface).
Extend is an exact operation.
Extend example
Consider the fillet in the soap dish model. If the top surface were
undersized for some reason, or the fillet radius did not reach to the
top surface, an extend operation could resolve the problem. In this
case, select the Extend surface option from the Curves and Surfaces
(see page 18) toolbar.
Unless you are sure of your process, it's safer to create a new
surface instead of modify an existing surface. Select the Create new
surface option and name it. Working through column and row
options and previewing the results, the intended surface is achieved
using First Column and an extension of 0.1 inch.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 501
Trim Surface
Trimming cuts away a portion of a surface. The portion that is
removed is determined by a trimming curve that lies on the surface.
Trimming is useful for creating solid models or for simply removing
an unwanted portion of a surface.
Overview (see page 503)
How to trim a surface with a curve (see page 504)
Trimming restrictions (see page 505)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
Comparison with Surface/surface trimming (see page 520)
See also Surface/surface intersection (see page 428),
Surface/surface trimming (see page 516), and Fillets (see page
511).
502 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Overview of trimmed surface
A trimmed surface is a surface that has a portion removed by an
embedded curve. The curve divides the surface into two pieces. For
example a square surface with a circular trimming loop forms either
a square with a hole in it or a disk depending on which portion of
the surface you want to keep.
This orange surface is the top portion of a soap bottle mold. It must
be trimmed by the red curve to reflect the correct shape.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 503
This blue surface shows the result of trimming the orange surface
with the red curve.
See trimming restrictions (see page 505) for the rules for trimming
surfaces.
Trimming a surface with a curve
To trim a surface, The model must contain a surface and a
curve that bounds the area to be trimmed in the part model.
The curve must cut across the surface boundary at two points
for an open trim, or be contained completely within the
surface.
To use Trim Surface:
1 Click the Trim
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Trim
Surface with Curve dialog.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
4 Select a surface from the Surface list and click the Add item from
list
button, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in
the graphics window. Picking the surface in the graphics window
tells FeatureCAM which side to keep.
5 Select a curve from the Trimming Curve list and click the Add item
from list
button, or click the Pick curve
it in the graphics window.
504 Surfaces
button and select
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 Enter a Curve Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the
approximation to the curve.
7 Enter a Surface Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the
approximation to the surface.
8 If you want to change which side of the surface is kept, select a
surface from the Surface list and click
to toggle whether trim
is decided by pick location.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Trimming restrictions
Trimming curves have two main restrictions:
1 The curve must lie on the surface. Convenient ways of getting a
curve on a surface are:
If the surface is a flat surface, model the curve in the plane of
the curve.
Project a curve onto the surface (see page 431).
Intersect two surfaces to get a curve (see page 428).
2 The curve must divide the surface in two distinct regions. If not,
you will get the error Cant trim, curve does not end on a boundary.
Think of the surface as a piece of paper and the trimming curve
as a path for a pair of scissors. After the cutting operation, you
should be left with two pieces of paper. The trimming curve must
do one of the following:
Form a loop in the interior of the surface
Cut across two surface boundaries
Cut across the same boundary twice
Trimming examples:
Valid:
Valid:
Valid:
Invalid:
Additional trimming restrictions (see page 506)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 505
Additional trimming restrictions
Do not include portions of the boundary when constructing
curves for trimming. Trimming curves may cross or end on
boundaries.
Avoid cutting through the degenerate boundary a surface such as
the pole of a sphere or surface of revolution.
Avoid cutting along a seam of a surface (across is fine). A seam
exists, for example, at the left/right boundary of a cylinder. You
can detect seams with the Curve Extraction dialog, and then
canceling out after you know where the seam is. Avoid cutting a
seam rotating the object because many objects with seams are
symmetrical.
Untrim surface
Untrim removes one or all trimming loops from a trimmed surface
and consequently adds area back to a surface.
Overview (see page 506)
How to untrim a surface (see page 507)
See also Overview of trimmed surface (see page 503) and Surface
editing hints (see page 466).
Overview of untrimming surfaces
A trimmed surface is a surface with an embedded curve that
removes a portion of the surface. See Overview of trimmed surfaces
(see page 503) for more information.
When you untrim a surface you are removing the trimming curve
from the surface and therefore adding the material back to the
surface. The trimmed surface in the first image becomes the surface
in the second image after you remove its circular trimming loop.
506 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you import a part model, it is often useful to untrim portions of
the part that you would like to machine with 2.5D features. For
example, in this simple part, surfaces are used to represent the
geometry of the hole.
Because it is preferable to drill the hole using FeatureCAM's Hole
feature (see page 720), we can untrim the surface by removing the
entire trimming loop and mill it as if the hole did not exist and then
later add in a Hole feature for drilling the hole.
For some parts, a feature such as a Hole may result in trimming
edges in multiple surfaces. In this example, a hole trims away two
surfaces:
Removing the entire outer trimming loop is undesirable because the
notches at the top of the surfaces would also be removed. Instead,
only the semi-circular edges from both surfaces need to be removed
as shown here:
Untrimming surfaces and filling holes
Untrim Surface untrims a previously trimmed surface region to
restore the entire surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 507
The model must contain a trimmed (see page 502) surface.
To use Surface Region:
1 Click the Untrim
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Untrim
a Trimmed Surface dialog.
All trimming loops are displayed.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
4 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 To remove all trimming loops, select Untrim all.
6 To remove a single loop:
a Select Untrim selected loop.
b Click the Pick curve on surface
in the graphics window.
button and select the loop
7 To remove a single edge:
a Select Untrim edge(s).
b Click the Pick edges to untrim
in the graphics window.
button and select the edge
c A button labeled Untrim a Trimmed is displayed.
d Select the trim curve(s) in the graphics window.
e Double-click the button labeled Untrim a Trimmed to display
the Untrim a Trimmed Surface dialog.
8 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Split Surface
Split Surface breaks an existing surface into two new surfaces along
a row or column division.
The model must contain an existing surface.
To use Split Surface:
508 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Click the Split
button in the Surface from Surface Menu in the
Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Split
Surface dialog.
2 Optionally enter names in the Surface name 1 and Surface name 2
fields.
3 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Enter the coordinates of two points in the Isoline selection
section, or click the Pick point on surface button and select them
in the graphics window. The new surface is bound between the
selected points.
5 Select Row or Column to specify in which direction to split the
surface.
6 Enter the coordinated of a point, or click Pick point on surface
and select it in the graphics window.
7 A preview of the split is displayed in the graphics window.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about splitting surfaces (see page 509)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
More about splitting surfaces
A subregion of a surface is sometimes necessary for an auxiliary
surface to use for surface/surface intersection, filleting, milling, and
so on. Split is an exact (see page 465) operation within the limits of
the original surface.
Splitting the top surface of the soap dish model creates two
surfaces. The pictures show a split along a column of the surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 509
From multiple surfaces
You can use the Surface wizard (see page 464) to create surfaces
from multiple existing surfaces.
You can create the following types of surface from multiple
surfaces:
510 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Fillet Surfaces (see page 511)
Merge Surfaces (see page 515)
Surface-Surface Trimming (see page 516)
Modify Surface (see page 521)
Corner Blend (see page 526)
Fillet Surface
Fillet Surface creates a smooth curved transition surface between
two adjacent surfaces.
Overview (see page 511)
How to create a fillet surface (see page 513)
Restrictions (see page 514)
See also surface-surface intersection (see page 428) and Trimming
a surface with a curve (see page 502).
Overview of fillets
A fillet is a surface that creates a smooth tangent-continuous blend
between two surfaces. This figure shows a fillet surface that blends
two flat surfaces.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 511
This figure shows the same fillet with the surfaces automatically
trimmed against the two fillet boundaries.
Just like the case of an arc between two lines, there is more than
one possible fillet between two surfaces. This figure shows the same
two flat surfaces with a fillet on another corner.
A constant radius or rolling ball fillet is created by setting the Begin
radius and End radius to the same value. A variable radius fillet is
created by entering different values for the two radii.
Filleting multi-step process:
1 Intersect the two surfaces (see page 428). If you explicitly
specify the intersection curve this step is skipped. The most
common reason for explicitly entering the intersection curve is to
calculate the curve separately and then extend it so that the fillet
extends beyond the surface boundaries.
2 Construct fillet surface.
3 Optionally trim one surface against the top of the fillet. The top
boundary curve of the fillet must be a valid trimming curve for
the top surface.
512 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Optionally trim the other surface against the bottom of the fillet.
The bottom boundary curve must be a valid trimming curve for
the bottom surface.
It is possible to create a valid fillet surface that does not allow you
to trim the surfaces against the fillet. In this example, the fillet is in
the middle of both surfaces and as a result the boundaries of the
fillet are not valid trimming curves. See Trimming restrictions (see
page 505) for the rules of valid trimming curves.
Creating a Fillet Surface
The model must contain two surfaces that intersect to create
a fillet.
To create a Fillet Surface:
1 Click the Fillet
button in the Surface from Surfaces Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Fillet
Surfaces dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a surface from the Surface 1 list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Select a surface from the Surface 2 list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 If you want to trim the surfaces with the fillet:
a Select Trim to fillet.
b Enter a Trim tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the
trimming. For most parts (less than 1 foot cubed), it is
recommended that you enter a value between 0.001 and 0.0001
inches (0.0254 and 0.00254 mm).
c Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
6 Optionally select a curve from the Intersection list or click the
Pick curve
button and select it in the graphics window. The
fillet is limited along the selected curve.
7 Select Construct arcs only to create only the arcs that comprise
the fillet. You can use these arc curves to create other surfaces
later.
8 Select a corner from the list. This determines which corner the
fillet is created in. The corner numbers in the list refer to the
drawing.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 513
9 Enter a Tolerance. This determines how accurately the fillet
follows the original surface. For high quality fillets for parts that
are approximately 1 foot cubed, the recommended settings are
between 0.001 and 0.0001 inches (or 0.0254 and 0.00254 mm).
10 Specify an Arc step:
If Variable is selected, the spacing of the fillet cross sections
are calculated automatically based on the Tolerance. More
cross sections are placed in curved regions of the fillet as in
this figure:
If Variable is deselected, enter an Arc Step. The spacing is
constant between cross sections as in this image:
11 Enter a Begin radius and an End radius. For a closed fillet, these
values must be equal.
12 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
13 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
Fillet restrictions
The fillet constructor works with two surfaces only.
The surfaces must intersect.
If trimming, the top and bottom boundary curves of the fillet
must form a valid trimmed surface in the respective surfaces.
See Trimming restrictions (see page 505) for the rules of valid
trimming curves.
514 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Fillet creation does not consider trimmed portions of a surface so
if you fillet a trimmed surface, the fillet extends for the complete
length of the original surface. You can either trim the fillet away
after it has been created or use an intersection curve to limit
where the fillet runs.
The input surfaces must be smooth with no sharp corners.
The fillet radius should be less than the smallest radius of the
intersection curve. If it is larger, the fillet may overlap itself.
See Surface design hints (see page 465) for additional
recommendations.
Merge Surfaces
Merge Surfaces combines surfaces together to create a new surface.
The model must contain at least two surfaces.
To Merge Surfaces:
1 Click the Merge
button in the Surface from Surfaces Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Merge
Surfaces dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Select a surface from the Surface 1 list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
4 Select a surface from the Surface 2 list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
5 Select a side for surface 1 from the Pick side to merge list, or click
the Pick curve on surface
window.
button and select it in the graphics
6 Select a side for surface 2 from the Pick side to merge list, or click
the Pick curve on surface
window.
button and select it in the graphics
7 Optionally select Flip surface 1.
8 Select Extract or Blend. Extract maintains the original surface in
the final merge, Blend loses some of the original surfaces that
are merged.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about merging surfaces (see page 516)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 515
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
More about merging surfaces
You can merge with a blend so that the two surfaces transition into
each other more gradually. Or you can make an exact merge so
that the new surface keeps all of the original surface data of the two
source surfaces.
Surfaces for a merge ideally have the same number of rows or
columns so the two surfaces meet. The Exact option is best when
the two surfaces share a common boundary curve. When they don't
meet, exact inserts a ruled surface between the boundaries being
merged.
If you had two neighboring flat surfaces, you could combine them
with merge into one flat surface.
The Blend option is best when the surfaces don't meet. A fillet-like
blend is created to fill the gap. Merging automatically untrims
trimmed surfaces. Merged surfaces may be trimmed again as
needed.
The Exact option is best when the two surfaces share a common
boundary curve. When they don't meet, exact inserts a ruled
surface between the boundaries being merged.
The Blend option is best when the surfaces don't meet. A fillet-like
blend is created to fill the gap. Merging doesn't work for trimmed
surfaces. Surfaces can be untrimmed, merged and then retrimmed.
Surface-Surface Trimming
Surface-Surface Trimming calculates the intersection of one surface
against one or more surfaces and trims the surfaces with this curve.
Overview (see page 517)
How to trim surfaces against each other (see page 518)
Restrictions (see page 519)
Comparison with Trim a surface with a curve (see page 520)
See also Trim a surface with a curve (see page 502) and
Surface-surface intersection (see page 428).
516 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Overview of surface/surface trimming
Surface/surface trimming has two types of surfaces, trimming
surfaces and trimmed surfaces. The trimming surface is the surface
that does the cutting. Think of it as a pair of scissors or a knife. The
trimmed surfaces are the surfaces that are cut. Think of them as
the paper. You can have only one trimming surface, but you may
have more than one trimmed surfaces.
The first step of surface/surface trimming is calculating the
intersection of the trimming surfaces and the trimmed surface(s).
This step happens behind the scenes and is only visible if you are
previewing your calculation before actually performing it. This curve
is then used to trim away a portion of the trimmed surfaces. If
these surfaces are the original surfaces,
the blue curve in this figure is the intersection curve between the
two surfaces.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 517
These surfaces are the result of using the vertical surface as the
trimming surface to cut the horizontal surface. If you select the Trim
this surface also check box, the trimming surface is also trimmed
using the intersection curve as in this image:
Trimming surfaces against other surfaces
Surface-Surface Trimming trims a surface against another surface.
The model must contain two intersecting surfaces.
To use Surface-Surface Trimming:
1 Click the Surface-Surface Trim
button in the Surface from
Surfaces Menu in the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to
display the Surface-Surface Trimming dialog.
2 Select Create new surface(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing surface(s) to trim the selected surface.
3 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field. This field is
available only if Create new surface(s) is selected.
4 Select a surface from the Trimming Surface list and click the Add
item from list
button, or click the Pick surface
button and
select it in the graphics window. Picking the surface in the
graphics window tells FeatureCAM which side to keep.
5 Optionally select Trim this surface also, then select a side from
the Side kept list.
6 Select a surface from the Trimmed Surface list and click the Add
item from list
button, or click the Pick surface
button and
select it in the graphics window. Picking the surface in the
graphics window tells FeatureCAM which side to keep.
7 Repeat step 6 to select more surfaces to trim.
8 If you want to change which side of the surface is kept, select a
surface from the Surface list and click
to toggle whether trim
is decided by pick location.
518 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The options for Side kept are:
Picked side - keeps the portion of the trimmed surfaces where
you picked with the mouse.
Normal - keeps the side of the trimmed surfaces that are on
the opposite side as the normal of the trimming surface.
Reverse - keeps the side of the trimmed surfaces that are on
the same side as the normal of the trimming surface.
9 Enter a Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the trim.
10 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
11 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
Surface/surface trimming restrictions
The intersection curve is calculated using the surface/surface
intersection technique. If you receive the message No
surface/surface intersection, then FeatureMILL cannot determine
the intersection curve for your surfaces. For additional details see
these restrictions (see page 466).
If you receive the message Can't trim, trim curve does not end on a
boundary, then an intersection curve has been calculated, but it
is not a valid trimming curve for your surfaces. This figure shows
an example.
See Trimming restrictions (see page 505) for all the restrictions
for trimmed surfaces.
If you have multiple trimmed surfaces, the intersection curve
must form a valid trimmed surface for each of the trimmed
surfaces.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 519
If you have selected the Trim this surface also check box, then
the intersection curve must form a valid trimmed surface with
respect to the trimming surface.
Comparison of Surface/surface trimming and Trim a
surface with a curve
Surface/surface trimming is more accurate and is the preferred
method of trimming surfaces against each other.
Surface/surface trimming should be used if the intersection curve of
the two surfaces is a valid trimming curve for the surface to be
trimmed.
Surface/surface trimming performs surface/surface intersection as its
initial step. The resulting curve is then used to trim the surfaces.
This curve must be a valid trimming curve for the surfaces to be
trimmed. See trimming restrictions (see page 505) for more
information. If the intersection curve does not cut all the way across
the surfaces to be trimmed, you may have to calculate the
intersection curve separately and then join it with other curves to
form a valid trimming curve for the surface.
Trim a surface with a curve should be used:
If you only have a curve with which to trim a surface.
If the surfaces are tangent at their intersection such as a fillet
and its blending surfaces. In this case, extract the boundary
curve of the fillet surface and use it to trim the other surface.
520 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Where one surface needs to be trimmed by multiple other
surfaces before a complete loop is formed. You may need to
extract trimmed edges or calculate surface/surface intersection
curves and join them to create the trim loop. In this example,
the orange revolved surface cannot be trimmed by either the
blue or red surface alone.
Instead:
1 Create a curve at the intersection of the blue surface and the
orange surface.
2 Create a curve at the intersection of the red surface and the
orange surface.
3 Join the two curves.
4 Trim the orange surface with the joined curve.
Modify Surface
Modify Surface works with the surface by manipulating links and
surface curves.
The model must contain a surface.
To use Modify Surface:
1 Click the Modify
button in the Surface from Surfaces Menu in
the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display the Modify
Surfaces dialog.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 521
3 Select Show surface to display a preview of the surface in the
graphics window.
4 Select an operation type from the Operation list. You can select:
Move point (see page 522)
Change link to line (see page 523)
Change link to arc (see page 523)
Add surface curve (see page 524)
Delete surface curve (see page 524)
5 Follow the instructions in the dialog. Depending on which
operation type is selected, enter or pick a point, link or curve. If
Add surface curve is selected, Select Row or Column.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
More about modifying surfaces (see page 525)
An example of a modified surface (see page 525)
Surface editing hints (see page 466)
Move Point
Move Point enables you to change any intersection point on the
surface to any other point.
To use Move Point:
1 In the Modify Surface (see page 521) dialog, select Move Point.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Click the Pick point on surface
graphics window.
button and select a point in the
The coordinates of the point are displayed.
4 Enter new coordinates for the point.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
The surface is redefined to maintain the overall smoothness of the
surface so the shape is still tangent continuous.
This edit breaks the link between the surface and the method
originally used to construct it. You cannot open the surface's
Properties dialog and modify it based on the parameters that
originally defined it as those parameters no longer apply directly to
this surface.
522 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Change link to line
Change link to line converts any selected segment into a straight line
between its end points.
To use Change link to line:
1 In the Modify Surface (see page 521) dialog, select Change link to
line.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Click the Pick curve on surface
the graphics window.
button and select a curve in
4 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
The selected segment is converted into a straight line, and the
surface shape is recalculated.
This edit breaks the link between the surface and the method
originally used to construct it. You cannot open the surface's
Properties dialog and modify it based on the parameters that
originally defined it as those parameters no longer apply directly to
this surface.
Change link to arc
Change link to arc converts a selected segment to an arc that has
the same shape. This does not change the shape of the surface but
you can use it to control surface behavior between defining curves,
for example.
To use Change link to arc:
1 In the Modify Surface (see page 521) dialog, select Change link to
arc.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Click the Pick curve on surface
the graphics window.
button and select a curve in
4 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
The selected segment is converted into an arc, and the surface
shape is recalculated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 523
This edit breaks the link between the surface and the method
originally used to construct it. You cannot open the surface's
Properties dialog and modify it based on the parameters that
originally defined it as those parameters no longer apply directly to
this surface.
Add surface curve
Add surface curve adds another surface curve to a surface. You can
then use the curve to modify the shape of the surface.
To use Add surface curve:
1 In the Modify Surface (see page 521) dialog, select Add surface
curve.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Click the Pick point on surface
graphics window.
button and select a point in the
The coordinates of the point are displayed.
4 Select Row or Column to determine the orientation of the new
curve.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
This edit breaks the link between the surface and the method
originally used to construct it. You cannot open the surface's
Properties dialog and modify it based on the parameters that
originally defined it as those parameters no longer apply directly to
this surface.
Delete surface curve
Delete surface curve removes a surface curve from the surface. This
can change the shape of the surface. You cannot delete a boundary
curve.
To use Delete surface curve:
1 In the Modify Surface (see page 521) dialog, select Delete surface
curve.
2 Select a surface from the Surface list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
3 Click the Pick curve on surface
the graphics window.
button and select a curve in
4 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
524 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This edit breaks the link between the surface and the method
originally used to construct it. You cannot open the surface's
Properties dialog and modify it based on the parameters that
originally defined it as those parameters no longer apply directly to
this surface.
More about modifying surfaces
Modify works with the surface by manipulating links and surface
curves. The links of a surface characterize the shape of the surface.
The collection of links in one direction across the surface is known
as a surface curve. When you select the surface to modify, a
number of blue lines appear with intersection points. These are the
links and surface curves. A link is any segment between two
intersection points.
Isolines are displayed on the screen, but they are not the surface
curves that are edited. To see the isolines while editing, select the
Show surface option. With Modify you can change specific points in
the surface to fine tune your surfaces to match your needs.
Changing the surface with Modify breaks the parametric link of the
surface to the original construction data.
Modify example
The speaker case, for example, has a slightly bowed bottom. With
Modify, you can flatten that part of the model. Orient the model so
you can see the bottom. The view of the model is shown on the left.
On the right is an unshaded zoom of the model in the same
orientation so you can see the result of the Modify operation. Using
Modify, set Change link to line to make a straight line between the
points and select the front edge of the bottom. Click Apply. Notice
how the bottom surface flattened out in comparison to the source
curve which is also visible. This surface can no longer be edited
from the Sweep operation used to create it because the Modify
operation breaks the relationship to the original data. Another
Modify operation is needed to flatten the back edge of the surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 525
Corner Blend
Blend surfaces are surfaces that create smooth transitions between
two, three or four surfaces.
Overview of blend surfaces (see page 527)
Using Corner Blend (see page 528)
Restrictions on blend surfaces (see page 529)
See also Fillet (see page 511), Surface/surface trimming (see page
516), Curve from surface intersection (see page 428), Curve from
surface isoline (see page 430), and Curve projected onto a surface
(see page 431).
526 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Overview of blend surfaces
A fillet (see page 511) is a type of blend surface, but it requires that
the two surfaces actually intersect. They also have the restriction
that they can only blend two surfaces. A blend surface is a more
general blend of two, three or four surfaces. This surface
constructor requires that you be familiar with creating curves on a
surface and tangency, but it creates complex blends if these
concepts are mastered by the user.
Two-surface blends
This figure shows a two-surface blend example. For this blend you
must supply the curve on each surface to create this surface.
Three-surface blends
This figure shows a three-surface blend example. This blend is used
to create what is known as a 'suitcase fillet'. This means that you
want to create the intersection of three fillets like the corner of a
suitcase. If you create the fillets with FeatureMILL3D, the curves
can usually be automatically detected.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 527
Four-surface blends
This figure shows a four-surface blend example. It is another
suitcase fillet. In this case one surface is not a fillet.
The curve for this surface must be specified. Four-surface blends
can also be used to join four distinct surfaces as in this figure.
Using Corner Blend
Corner Blend creates a blend surface between two surfaces.
To use Corner Blend:
1 Click the Corner Blend
button in the Surface from Surfaces
Menu in the Curves and Surfaces (see page 18) toolbar to display
the Corner Blend dialog.
2 Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3 Enter the number of surfaces you want to blend in the Surfaces
field. This must be a number between 1 and 4.
4 Select a surface from the Fillet 1 list, or click the Pick Surface
button and select it in the graphics window.
528 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Select a curve from the Curve On Fillet 1 list, or click the Pick
curve or geometry
button and select it in the graphics
window. Select **Automatic to use an automatically selected
curve. See Restrictions on blend surfaces (see page 529) for
further information.
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 for Fillet 2, Fillet 3 and Aux Srf.
7 Enter a Tolerance. This determines the accuracy of the corner
blend.
8 If you want the fillets to be trimmed against the blended surface:
a select Trim Fillets.
b Enter a tolerance in the Trim Tol field.
c Select Create new srf(s) to create a new surface or Modify
existing srf(s) to modify the existing surfaces.
9 Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics
window.
If the edges of the fillet are too coarse set the Tolerance to a
smaller value.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Restrictions on blend surfaces
For three or four surfaces, if you choose **Automatic as the curve to
indicate that the system should automatically calculate the curve
then the following restrictions apply:
The fillet surfaces must extend to where they intersect with the
other fillet surfaces. This figure shows an example of surfaces
that do not intersect.
If the surfaces are not a FeatureCAM-created fillet (either not a
fillet at all, or an imported surface), the automatic corner
boundary calculation may fail. In these cases it is better to
specify the curve-on-surface for that particular surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surfaces 529
FeatureCAM attempts to find a closed loop across the three or
four surfaces by intersecting the rail curve boundaries of each
fillet with the other fillet's rail curves. This figure shows rail
curves.
Therefore, if any of the curves on surfaces are specified, they
must intersect with these rail curves of the fillet surfaces where a
curve on a surface is not supplied.
If a fourth surface is supplied, it is usually not a fillet surface. For
these surfaces you must supply a curve on the fourth surface.
The curve supplied must be on the fourth surface and should be
tangent to the rail curves or the neighboring fillets.
If the automatic calculation fails, try a bigger tolerance,
supplying more curves on the surfaces or extending the fillet
surfaces so that they intersect. Sometimes it is helpful to
recreate the fillet surfaces with a tighter tolerance or a variable
arc step.
General restrictions
With only two surfaces, you must indicate curves on each surface
to connect.
For three sided cases, if there is a natural pole as in this image,
it is best to put the fillet surface that is furthest from the pole as
the first surface.
- natural pole
- use furthest fillet surface as the
first surface
530 Surfaces
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID)
The FeatureCAM support of solids lets you work with imported CAD
designs (see page 125) from solid modeling systems and create 3D
solid models (see page 537) using FeatureCAMs solid modeling
tools. Solids are a convenient representation for 3D parts because
they group collections of surfaces into 3D volumes. By working with
a solid instead of all of the individual surfaces, you are provided
with a more convenient representation and more powerful modeling
tools.
A solid is a collection of surfaces (called faces) that define a 3D
volume. The edges that join faces are shared between the faces. A
solid cannot have any holes. If you filled it with water and tumbled
it around, it would not leak. For example, a box is a solid, but a box
with a missing face is not. FeatureCAM names these objects with a
prefix of solid, for example solid123.
A face is an individual surface contained in a solid. FeatureCAM
names these objects with a prefix of face, for example face472.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 531
An edge is a curve that connects two faces. FeatureCAM names
these curves with a prefix of edge, for example edge857. These
curves are not normally displayed, but they are displayed by dialogs
that need an edge.
A sheet is a group of surfaces that are created using the solid
modeling tools, but that do not create a solid. Sheets have
restrictions on how they can be used because they do not enclose a
3D volume. FeatureCAM names them with a prefix of sheet, for
example sheet902. When you create a sheet, a dialog is displayed
indicating that a non-solid result was created from the design
operation.
A surface is a single 3D surface that is created with the tools of the
FeatureCAM Surface wizard or imported from a CAD system (usually
through IGES file transfer). These surfaces do not share edges with
neighboring surfaces even though the boundaries may overlap. The
edges are individually defined in each surface. Certain collections of
surfaces may be converted into sheets or solids using the design
features available in the From surfaces (see page 549) category of the
Solid Wizard (see page 538).
Comparison of surface and solid
modeling
The advantages of surface modeling are:
532 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For representing curved shapes, surface modeling tools are more
powerful. Operators like Ruled Surface (see page 475), Curve
Mesh (see page 480), Cap Surface (see page 486), and Modify
Surface (see page 521) are available only for surface modeling.
Lofted Surface (see page 483) is more powerful than the solid
Fillet Edges (see page 556) design feature.
With surfaces you are not forced to always work with 3D
volumes. You can build your model face by face with surfacing
tools without having to worry about 3D volumes.
The advantages of solid modeling are:
Many surfaces are grouped together in a single solid, so solids
can be a more efficient way to model.
Modeling operations that need to know the connections between
surfaces are more powerful in solids. Filleting is stronger in solids
because you need only pick shared edges.
Useful modeling tools like Combine Solids (see page 561), Shell
(see page 563), and Silhouette Curves (see page 569) are
available only for solids.
Part View for solids
All solids are listed under the Solids section of the Part View. Below
each solid is a sequence of design features that were used to create
the solid. The first design feature listed for a solid is the base
feature. Base design features define the initial shape of the solid.
Base design feature names have the suffix base. Subsequent design
features listed under the solid, further modify the shape of the solid.
The prefix of a design feature name indicates the type of design
operation that was used to create it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 533
In the example below, solid11 is made up of three separate design
features. The first feature is named stkbase1. As the first feature of
the solid, it is the base feature. The prefix, stk, indicates that the
stock was used to create the feature. The second design feature is
named extcut1. The name indicates that an extrude design
operation was used to cut out the pocket shape. The final design
feature is named fillet1 and was created using a fillet design
operation.
The list of design features is available only for solids that are
created in FeatureCAM. If you import a solid, only the
resulting solid model is imported. You can access the faces of
the solid, but you have no history of how the model was
constructed.
Unattached design features
If a solid design feature becomes disconnected from the solid, a
question mark is displayed over its icon in the part view as shown
below.
These disconnected design features are called unattached features.
They can occur if you place a feature outside of the boundaries of a
solid, or an edit to the solid makes a feature become unattached.
For example, if you fillet an extrude feature and then delete the
extrude feature, the fillet feature becomes unattached.
Unattached features do not cause any harm, but they are no longer
contributing to the shape of the solid. If you select the solid, the
faces of the unattached features are not selected.
534 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Selecting and deleting solids
You can select solids in one of these ways:
Hold down the Space bar and directly pick the solid in the
graphics window. To select multiple solids in the graphics
window, hold down the CTRL key and Space bar and then select
each solid.
Click the name of the solid or one of its design features in the
Part View
Right-click on a face of the solid and select Select Solid from the
context menu.
Clicking in the graphics window selects only a face of the
solid.
Solids can be deleted only by selecting them and either pressing the
DELETE key or selecting Delete from the Edit menu.
Verifying that a solid is valid
Occasionally, a solid model can be imported that looks good, but is
not a valid solid. That can cause problems performing further solid
modeling operations or recognizing features from the solid. To
check that the solid is valid:
1 Click the AFR (Automatic Feature Recognition)
Steps toolbox.
step in the
2 Click the Verify button.
A dialog displays indicating whether the solid is valid.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
If you want to see a visual representation of where any problems
with a solid are:
1 Select Construct > Solid > Verify Solid from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 535
The Verify Solid dialog is displayed.
2 Select the solid that you want to verify from the list.
3 Select the Color bad faces option.
4 Click Verify.
Any self-intersecting faces are shown in the color that is set for
Verify: self intersecting in the Default Colors (see page 66) dialog.
Any other bad faces are shown in the color that is set for Verify
solid bad face in the Default Colors (see page 66) dialog.
Invalid solids
If you try to import and invalid solid, an error is displayed and you
can choose to import the solid as surfaces. You can then try to
create a solid from these surfaces using the Stitch (see page 549)
constructor.
Imported surfaces are named according to which solid they belong
to. For example, the surfaces imported from a solid named solid1
are named solid1_1, solid1_2, solid1_3, and so on in the Part Tree;
and the surfaces from a solid named solid2 are named solid2_1,
solid2_2, solid2_3, and so on. This makes it easier to see which
surfaces belong to which solid and to select all the surfaces from
just one solid.
Fixing bad surface faces
If you see error TPSRF01: Bad surface(s): face_name. Remove from
feature when trying to create a Surface feature, you have some bad
faces in the surface.
You can try to 'fix' these faces in this way:
1 Select the faces that are a problem.
536 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Right-click on one of the faces and select Fix Face from the
context menu.
If this does not solve the problem, remove the bad surfaces from
the Surface feature.
Transforming a solid
To transform a solid:
1 Select the solid (see page 535).
2 Click the Transform
button in the Standard toolbar.
The Transform (see page 392) dialog is displayed.
3 If you selected to move the solid, a solid operation is created in
the Part View.
4 If you select to copy the solid, a new solid is displayed in the Part
View.
Creating a solid
Solid modeling commands are available from the Solid Wizard (see
page 538), the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, and the Construct >
Solid menu.
The specific solid constructors are divided into four different
methods:
From Curves (see page 540):
Extrude Solid Design Feature (see page 541)
Revolved Solid Design Feature (see page 542)
Swept Solid Design Feature (see page 545)
Lofted Solid Design Feature (see page 547)
From Surfaces/Primitives (see page 549):
Stitch (see page 549)
From 2.5D Feature (see page 552)
Stock (or Cube) (see page 551)
Extrude a Surface (see page 553)
Revolve a Surface (see page 555)
Shape Modifiers (see page 556):
Fillet Edges (see page 556)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 537
Cut with Parting Surface (see page 559)
Combine Solids (see page 561)
Shell (see page 563)
Manufacturing (see page 568):
Silhouette Curves (see page 569)
Select Core/Cavity (see page 571)
Split Face (see page 574)
Delete Face (see page 575)
Explode (see page 577)
Parting Surface (see page 577)
Draft a Face (see page 579)
Solid Wizard
The Solid Wizard guides you through the steps needed to create a
solid.
To use the Solid Wizard:
1 Open the Solid Wizard in one of these ways:
Click the Solids
button in the Steps panel.
Click the Solid wizard
Select Construct > Solid > Solid Wizard from the menu.
button on the Advanced toolbar.
2 If you have not created a base solid a page is displayed that
helps you create it. Select:
538 Solids (SOLID)
Use the stock as the base solid to create the base solid from
the stock or make another cube shape.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Define a custom shape to continue with the solid wizard opens.
3 Select a method of solid construction.
4 Select a specific solid constructor.
5 Click Next to open the dialog for the solid constructor you
selected.
6 When you have specified the settings for the solid, click Finish
(see page 539) to create it. FeatureCAM uses the defaults for
any remaining settings.
Finish solid button
Click the Finish button to create the solid you selected. If you click
the button before completing all the options in the wizard,
FeatureCAM uses the defaults for the remaining settings.
To specify how the button works, click the down arrow and choose
an option. Select:
Finish to create the solid and close the wizard.
Finish and Edit Properties to close the wizard and open the
properties dialog for the solid you created.
Finish and Create More to create the solid and return to the start
of the wizard. You can then create a new solid.
FeatureCAM remembers your selection and, when you next use the
wizard, the icon displayed on the button indicates its current state.
For example:
indicates the button is currently in Finish
and Edit Properties mode.
Solid toolbar
The Solid toolbar lets you quickly access the dialog for the type of
solid you want to create.
To use the Solid toolbar:
1 Display the Solid toolbar in one of these ways:
Select View > Toolbars from the menu, select Solid on the
Toolbars tab and click OK.
Right-click in a space in the toolbars area and select Solid
from the context menu.
2 Click a solid constructor button on the toolbar.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 539
The constructors are grouped into four methods. Click the
arrow
group.
buttons to access the menu of all buttons in a
From curves
The following From Curves solid constructors are available:
Extrude (see page 541)
Revolved Solid (see page 542)
Swept (see page 545)
Lofted (see page 547)
All of the solid design features created from curves have the
following options:
As new base solid This creates an independent base solid that is
not subordinate to any other solid.
As add This create the design feature and appends it to the solid.
As cut This creates the design feature and subtracts it from the
solid.
In this example a circle is extruded down into a block
If the extrude feature
type is an add then the
cylinder is trimmed
against the surfaces of
the box and the
portions of the cylinder
outside of the box is
added to the solid.
If the extrude feature
type is a cut then the
cylinder is trimmed
against the surfaces of
the box and the
portions of the cylinder
inside of the box are
subtracted from the
solid.
For As add or As cut, if there is more than one base solid, you must
pick or select the base solid.
540 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Extrude
Extrude creates a solid design feature by pushing a curve in a
straight line. Below are examples of an add extrude with a circle as
the curve and a cut extrude with a rectangle as the curve.
To create a solid extrude design feature:
1 Open the Extruded Solid dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From Curves, then
Extrude, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Extrude
button in the Solid from curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Curves >
Extrude.
1 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
2 Select the type (see page 540) As New Base Solid, As Add, or As
Cut.
3 Select the curve name in the Curve list or click the Pick Curve
button and select the curve in the graphics window.
The curve must be planar.
4 Specify the parameters of the extrude. You can do this in one of
two ways:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 541
Enter the specific Vector of the extrude.
Enter the points to extrude From and To.
5 If you want to draft the walls of the surface, enter a Draft Angle.
6 Click the Preview button to see a line drawing of the feature.
7 If you displayed this dialog from the Solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip side to Cut and click Apply again to
verify.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
You can also use open curves for solid extrudes.
You can use open curves for solid base extrudes or solid cut
extrudes. You cannot use them for solid add extrudes. For base
extrude solids, a sheet is created without any end caps.
For cut extrude solids, you must ensure that the cut will divide
the solid into two distinct pieces like in this figure.
When working with open curves, an additional option called Flip
Side to Cut is displayed. After previewing your result, you can
select this option if you want to keep the solid on the other side
of the extrude.
Revolve
Revolved Solid creates a solid design feature by revolving a curve
around a line.
This example shows a base solid created with a curve on the axis
revolved 360 . You can tell that the curve was on the axis because
there is no hole in the middle.
542 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example is an extrude cut design feature rotated 180 :
This example shows a base solid created with a curve off the axis
(note the hole in the middle) and revolved 270 :
To create a solid of revolution design feature:
1 Open the Revolved Solid dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From Curves, then
Solid of Revolution.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Revolve
button in the Solid from curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Curves >
Revolve.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select the curve name in the Curve list or click the Pick Curve
button and select the curve in the graphics window.
The curve must be planar.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 543
4 Pick the Construction method. This is where you set what is
revolved around, or the pole. You can pick a Custom line, X-Axis,
Y-Axis, or Z-Axis.
5 If you selected Custom line, select the name of the line in the
Axis list or click the Pick Line
graphics window.
button and select the line in the
6 Enter the Start angle in degrees.
7 Enter the End angle in degrees.
8 Select the type (see page 540) As New Base Solid, As Add, or As
Cut.
9 Click the Preview button to see a line drawing of the feature.
10 If you displayed this dialog from the Solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip Side to Cut and click Apply again to
verify.
11 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Using open curves for solids of revolution
If the curve is open, a dialog is displayed with the following options:
Close curve using lines to axis This creates a straight line from
the curve endpoints to the axis.
544 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Close curve by joining endpoints This creates a straight line
between the endpoints of the curve.
Continue with curve as-is No change is made to the curve and a
sheet is created.
Sweep
A Swept solid takes a curve and runs it along another curve. The
example below shows a circle swept along a curved path to create a
groove shape.
To create a swept solid design feature:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 545
1 Open the Swept Solid dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From Curves, then
Swept, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Sweep
button in the Solid from Curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Curves >
Sweep.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select the curve name in the Axis list or click the Pick Curve
button and select the curve in the graphics window.
The curve must be planar.
4 Select the curve name in the Cross section list or click the Pick
Curve
button and select the curve in the graphics window.
5 Select the type (see page 540) As New Base Solid, As Add, or As
Cut.
6 Click the Preview button to check out your shape.
7 If the sweep does not follow the Axis curve, click Sweep from the
other end and click Preview again. If you still receive an error see
below.
8 If you displayed this dialog from the Solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip Side to Cut and click Apply again to
verify.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
546 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Troubleshooting swept solids
If you use a cross section that is too large, it can result in surfaces
that self-intersect. If sweeping from both ends of the curve does not
work, cancel the swept solid and try creating a swept surface. If the
result shows overlapping surface regions like shown below, then the
cross section is too large.
Loft
The Lofted design feature takes a series of curves and fits a surface
to them.
To create a solid lofted design feature:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 547
1 Open the Lofting dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From Curves, then
Lofted, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Loft
in the Solid from curve menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Curves > Loft.
button
1 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
2 Select the type (see page 540) As New Base Solid, As Add, or As
Cut.
3 Select the curve name in the Curve list and click the Add
button, or click the Pick Curve
the graphics window.
button and select the curves in
4 If you want to connect the first and last curves, select the Closed
option.
The Closed option connects the first and last curves; you cannot
repeat curves in a loft. In this example, the curves in the first
image are lofted. In the second image, the loft is not closed. The
loft on the third image shows a closed loft.
5 Click the Preview button to confirm that the surface is correct.
548 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 If you are working with open curves and surface twists, click the
name of the curve in the curve list and click the Reverse Selected
Curve
button and click Preview again.
7 If you are working with closed curves and surface twists, you
may need to change the start point of some of the curves.
8 If you displayed this dialog from the Solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip Side to Cut and click Apply again to
verify.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
If you cannot achieve the required shape, you may be able
use a lofted surface (see page 483) to create the shape.
From surfaces
The following From Surfaces solid constructors are available:
Stitch (see page 549)
From 2.5D Feature (see page 552)
From Stock (Cube) (see page 551)
Extrude a Surface (see page 553)
Revolve a Surface (see page 555)
Stitch
Stitching converts well-trimmed surface models with shared edges
and shared boundaries into solid models. When the surfaces have
been stitched together into a solid, you can perform any solid
modeling operation on the solid.
The surfaces must not overlap or have gaps between them.
The surfaces in this example will not stitch because they overlap.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 549
The surfaces in this example will stitch because the overlap has
been trimmed away.
Types of models that are good candidates for stitching are:
IGES files containing trimmed surfaces from solid modeling
packages
Surfaces that you model and trim using FeatureCAM surfacing
tools
To stitch surfaces into solids:
1 Open the Stitching dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From
Surfaces/Primitives, then Stitch, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Stitch
button in the Solid from surface(s) menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Surfaces >
Stitch.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Optionally select Log all errors and enter a file name and location.
550 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 If the surfaces form a sheet instead of a solid, select the
Non-solid Results OK option. If you do not select this box, you are
given an error if the surfaces do not form a complete solid. See
Overview of solids (see page 531) for further information.
5 Select the surface in the Surface list and click the Add
button,
or click the Pick Surface
button and pick the surfaces in the
graphics window. Each surface you pick will be entered in the
surface list.
If you have already selected the surfaces before opening
the dialog, they are listed in the Surface list.
6 Optionally, click the Preview button to confirm that the surface is
correct.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
8 If the surfaces form a solid, a new solid is listed in the Part View.
If the surfaces do not form a solid or a sheet, an error message
is displayed.
Troubleshooting
Ensure that no duplicate surfaces are displayed.
Ensure that the surfaces do not overlap. In this case, you must
trim the surfaces before stitching.
Stock
To create a solid from your stock or a cube:
1 Open the Solid Cube dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From
Surfaces/Primitives, then From Stock (Cube), and click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 551
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Stock
button in the Solid from surface(s) menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Surfaces >
Stock.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select whether you want to use your Stock or a Cube.
4 If you selected Stock, click OK or Finish.
If you selected Cube, enter the coordinates of each corner or
click the Pick Point button and pick the point in the graphics
window.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
From 2.5D feature
When a 2.5D feature is created, a 3D surface representation is
created for display. Although you can generate toolpaths and create
a 3D shaded simulation of the part, you must convert the features
into solid modeling operations to subtract them from a solid. In the
example below, a Boss feature and three holes were converted to a
solid.
All solids created from 2.5D features are subtractive, even
Boss features.
To create a solid modeling operation for a 2.5D feature:
552 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Open the Solid from Feature dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From
Surfaces/Primitives, then From 2.5D Feature, and click Next.
On the Solid toolbar (see page 539), click the From Feature
button in the Solid from surface(s) menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Surfaces >
From Feature.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select the feature name in the Feature list or click the Pick
Feature
button and pick the feature in the graphics window.
You can convert all 2.5D features except Side features. Patterns
of features are also supported.
4 If you have more than one base solid created, select or pick the
Solid to Cut.
5 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
All features are subtracted from the solid, even bosses.
Extrude a Surface
Extrude creates a solid design feature by pushing a surface in a
straight line. This operation is identical to Extrude solid design
feature (see page 541) except it works with surfaces not curves as
the input. Below are examples of a surface and its extrusion.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 553
To create a solid extrude design feature:
1 Open the Extruded Solid dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From
Surfaces/Primitives, then Extrude a Surface, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Extrude a
surface
button in the Solid from surface(s) menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Surfaces >
Extrude a surface.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select the type (see page 540) As New Base Solid, As Add, or As
Cut.
4 Select the surface name in the Surface list or click the Pick
Surface
button and select the surface in the graphics window.
You cannot use a face of a solid.
5 Specify the parameters of the extrude. You can do this in one of
two ways:
Enter the specific vector of the extrude.
Enter the point to extrude from and then enter the point
where the extrude ends.
554 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 If you want to draft the walls of the surface, enter a Draft Angle.
7 Click the Preview button to see a line drawing of the feature.
8 If you displayed this dialog from the solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip side to cut and click Apply again to
verify.
9 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Revolve a Surface
Solid of revolution creates a solid design feature by revolving a
surface around a line.
To create a solid of revolution:
1 Open the Revolved Solid dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select From
Surfaces/Primitives, then Revolve a Surface, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Revolve a
Surface
button in the Solid from surface(s) menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > From Surfaces >
Revolve a surface.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 555
3 Select the surface name in the Surface list or click the Pick
surface
button and select the surface in the graphics window.
You cannot use a face of a solid.
4 Pick the Construction method. This is where you set what is
revolved around, or the pole. You can pick a Custom line, or the
X-, Y-, or Z-axis.
5 Select the type as New base solid, Add, or Cut. See Type of
design feature for further information.
6 Set the Start angle in degrees.
7 Set the End angle in degrees.
8 If you select Custom line, select the name of the line in the Axis
menu or click the Pick line
graphics window.
button and select the line in the
9 Click the Preview button to see a line drawing of the feature.
10 If you displayed this dialog from the Solid toolbar, you can click
Apply to preview the feature as a solid. If the cut is on the wrong
side of the curve, click Flip side to cut and click Apply again to
verify.
11 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Shape Modifiers
The following Shape Modifiers solid constructors are available:
Fillet Edges (see page 556)
Cut with Parting Surface (see page 559)
Combine Solids (see page 561)
Shell (see page 563)
Offset (see page 565)
Offset Faces (see page 566)
Chamfer (see page 568)
Fillet
Because solids share edges among faces, solid filleting is simpler
and more powerful than surface filleting. You simply select edges of
the solid and enter fillet radii. The surfaces are then blended across
the edge and the faces are automatically trimmed. You can create
constant radius fillets as shown on the left or variable radius fillets
as shown on the right.
556 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To create a fillet-edged solid:
1 Select the solid (see page 535) in the Part View.
2 Open the Edge Fillet dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Fillet Edges, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Fillet
in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Fillet.
button
When the dialog is displayed, the edges of the solid are
highlighted in blue in the graphics window.
3 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
4 Select the fillet type from Constant or Variable.
If you selected Constant, enter the Radius.
If you selected Variable, enter the Begin radius and the End
radius.
5 If you want to fillet all the edges of a face, select it in the Face
list, or click the Pick surface
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
button and pick the face in the
Solids (SOLID) 557
6 If you want to set the radius for an edge, select it in the Edge
list, or click the Pick curve
graphics window.
button and pick the edge in the
Ctrl+click two edges to select all edges that make up the
shortest path between them.
Double-click an edge to select all tangential edges.
7 Click the Add button to accept the face or edge and its
radius/radii.
The name of the edges and their fillet radii show in the
Edge/Radius box and the edge is shown as a red arrow in the
graphics window. For variable fillets, both the Begin radius and
the End radius show in the Radius column and are
comma-separated.
8 Add any other edges you want to fillet. If you want to use a
different radius on the next edge, enter a different Radius.
9 Click Preview if you want to preview the fillet before committing
to the changes.
10 If you need to change the radius on an edge, select the edge in
the Edge/Radius box, enter a new Radius, or Begin radius and End
radius, and click the Set radius on selected
button.
11 If you want to change the radius of all the edges, enter the new
radius and click the Set radius on all
button.
12 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Controlling the shape of fillet joints
The joints where fillets intersect can either be mitered or blended.
To create a mitered fillet, fillet the adjacent edges in different fillets.
The fillets are intersected and trimmed against each other.
558 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To create a blended fillet, fillet the adjacent edges in a single fillet.
The blend is calculated automatically based on the radii or the
fillets.
Cut with Surface
When you have a solid, you can cut it with a surface or a collection
of surfaces with common edges. This is useful for separating the
solid into two mold halves.
In the example below, the solid is a revolved glass that was
subtracted from a box.
This solid is then cut with a flat surface resulting in half of the solid
being cut away.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 559
You can also cut a solid with a collection of surfaces that have
common edges. The surfaces are stitched together and the solid is
then cut with the resulting surfaces.
To cut a solid with a parting surface:
1 Open the Cut with a parting surface dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Cut with Parting Surface, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Cut with surface
button in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Cut with
surface.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select the name of the solid in the Cut this solid list or click the
Pick solid
560 Solids (SOLID)
button and pick the solid in the graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Select the name of the surface in the Surface list and click the
Add
button or click the Pick surface
surface in the graphics window.
button and pick the
5 If you have additional surfaces to cut with, repeat the previous
step.
The surfaces must have common edge curves that allow
them to be stitched together.
6 If you want to create a solid for both sides, select Keep both
sides.
7 Click the Preview button to preview the cut. The result is shown
in thick blue lines. If you want to cut on the other side of the
surface(s), click the surface name and click the Reverse selected
surface
button.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Combine Solids
Normally you work only on a single solid model. You start with a
base and create additional design features that alter the shape of
the solid. Sometimes it is convenient to work on two different solids
separately and then combine them into a solid, for example
combining an imported solid and a mold base.
This is an example of a solid mold base:
This is the cavity solid:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 561
This is the result of combining the mold base and the cavity.
Combine solids allows you to combine solids in three different ways.
A Difference B is A minus the portion of B that is inside of A.
A Union B is A plus the portion of B that is outside of A.
A Intersection B is the volume that is common to both A and B.
Examples
Initial solids
Square Difference
Cube
Cube Union
Cylinder
or
Cylinder Union
Cube
Cube Intersection
cylinder
or
Cylinder
Intersection Cube
Cube Difference
Square
To combine solids:
562 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Open the Combine Solids dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Combine Solids, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Combine Solids
button in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Combine
solids.
2 Enter a New solid name.
3 Select an Operation:
Difference Subtract a solid from another solid. Solid2 is
subtracted from Solid1.
Union Add multiple solids together.
Intersection Create a solid at the intersection of multiple
solids.
4 Add the solids you want to combine:
To add a solid by name, select it in the Solid list and click Add
item from list
.
To add solids graphically, click Pick solid
and select the
solids (see page 535) in the graphics window.
5 Click Preview to preview the results.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Shell
Shell creates a thin-walled solid from another solid. In this example,
all the walls of the box are offset to create a rectangular void in the
center of the solid.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 563
If you are using a hidden line view or shaded view, results of the
shell design feature are not visible, but if you cut the solid, you can
see the void.
You can optionally select faces of the solid not to offset. The faces
that are not offset create openings into the void.
To create a shell:
1 Open the Shell dialog in one of these ways:
564 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Shell, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Shell
in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Shelling.
button
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Offset distance. A negative distance offsets the faces
into the solid. A positive distance offsets the surfaces out of the
solid.
For solids with tight regions or fillets, you cannot offset the
faces more than the smallest fillet radius or the smallest
gap between faces.
4 Select the name of a solid from the Offset this solid list or click
the Pick solid
button and select the solid (see page 535) in
the graphics window.
5 If you want to exclude any faces, select the name of the face in
the Faces to not offset list and click the Add
button or click
the Pick surface
window.
button and pick the faces in the graphics
6 Click Preview to preview the results.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
If the Offset distance is too large, the offset surfaces intersect
and cause an error. Your only choice in this situation is to use
a smaller Offset distance.
Offset
To offset a solid:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 565
1 Open the Offset dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Offset, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Offset
in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset.
button
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Offset distance. A negative distance offsets the faces
into the solid. A positive distance offsets the surfaces out of the
solid.
4 Select the name of a solid from the Offset this solid list or click
the Pick solid
button and select the solid (see page 535) in
the graphics window.
5 Click Preview to preview the results.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Offset Faces
To offset a face or faces of a solid:
566 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Open the Offset Faces dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Shape Modifiers,
then Offset Faces, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Offset Faces
button in the Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset
Faces.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Offset distance. A negative distance offsets the faces
into the solid. A positive distance offsets the surfaces out of the
solid.
4 Select the name of the face you want to offset from the menu
and click the Add item
button or click the Pick surfaces
button and select the surface in the graphics window.
5 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 567
Chamfer
1 Open the Edge Chamfer dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard, select Shape Modifiers, then Chamfer, and
click Next.
On the Solid toolbar, click the Chamfer
Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Chamfer.
button in the
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 If you want to chamfer all the edges of a face, select it in the
Face list, or click the Pick surface
the graphics window.
button and pick the face in
4 If you want to chamfer a single edge, select it in the Edge list, or
click the Pick curve
window.
button and pick the edge in the graphics
5 Click the Add button to accept the face or edge.
The name of the edges and their fillet radii are displayed in the
Edge/Radius box and the edge is shown as a red arrow in the
graphics window.
Manufacturing
These Manufacturing solid constructors are available:
Silhouette Curves (see page 569)
Select Core/Cavity (see page 571)
Split Face (see page 574)
Delete Face (see page 575)
568 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Explode (see page 577)
Parting Surface (see page 577)
Draft a Face (see page 579)
Silhouette Lines
Silhouette curves represent the widest part of a solid and serve as
useful parting curves for molds. You can also use these curves to
split the faces of a solid.
Silhouette curve
One of the tasks in creating a mold for a solid model is determining
the parting lines and splitting the part into at least two parts.
Silhouette curves represent the widest extent of a part when viewed
from the +Z direction. These curves often are helpful for
determining parting lines.
The first image shows a solid model. Initially, the side of the part is
a single surface. As a first step in creating two mold halves, we
would like to split the side face at its widest part. The second image
shows the silhouette curve for the solid.
Silhouette curve
In the Silhouette Curves dialog, you can also use the calculated
silhouette curves to split the faces of the solid. The figures below
show that the side face is now split into two separate pieces along
the silhouette curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 569
See Select core/cavity (see page 571) for more information on
splitting solids into two halves.
This curve can then be used to create parting surfaces (see page
577).
To create a silhouette curve:
1 Open the Silhouette Curves dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Silhouette Curves, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Silhouette
Curves
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing >
Silhouette Lines.
2 Optionally enter a Curve name, or leave the default name.
3 Select the name of a solid from the Solid list or click the Pick
solid
button and select the solid (see page 535) in the
graphics window.
4 If you want to extract hidden silhouettes, select Include hidden
silhouettes.
With this option deselected, only silhouettes that are visible from
the top are extracted. With it selected, all silhouettes are
extracted. The first image shows a tube without the hidden
silhouettes. The second image shows both hidden and visible
silhouettes.
570 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 The silhouette curves are determined from the +Z direction of
the UCS. Select the UCS from the UCS list.
6 If you want to split the faces of the solid at silhouette curves,
select Split Faces at Silhouettes.
7 Silhouette curves can often be made up of many small pieces. To
reduce the number of these pieces (see page 420), check
Smooth/Reduce. The number after the Smooth/Reduce label is the
tolerance for data smoothing. The smaller the number, the
tighter the curve approximates the original silhouette. This
option can smooth out sharp corners in your curve, so use it with
caution.
8 If you want to join (see page 409) the resulting curves that
touch into a single piece, select Join Resulting Curves.
9 The Tolerance affects how tightly the silhouette curve
approximates the actual silhouette. Reduce this number if the
silhouette misses regions of your part.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Core/Cavity
Select core/cavity uses surface orientation to extract surfaces for
the core or cavity portion of a mold.
It segregates the surfaces of a solid into one of three different
types.
Original example
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 571
Top
All surfaces (or portions of surfaces if the Automatic Split option is
enabled) that are visible from the top.
Bottom
All surfaces (or portions of surfaces if the Automatic Split option is
enabled) that are visible from the top.
Other
All surfaces that do not fall into either the top or bottom category.
These surfaces are usually referred to as the core.
We recommend using the Automatic split option. This option splits
the faces of the solid at either the silhouette of the solid, or along a
parting surface that you provide as the Part Srf. With the Part Srf
option set to **Automatic, the silhouette curve is automatically
calculated and used to split the faces before the classification into
the top, bottom or other category.
572 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you specify a parting surface for the Automatic splitting, this
surface must pass all the way through the solid.
To select a core/cavity:
1 Open the Select Core/Cavity dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Select Core/Cavity, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Core/Cav
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing >
Core/Cavity.
2 Choose whether to you want to Select the Bottom, Top, or Other
surfaces.
3 Select the name of a solid from the Solid list or click the Pick
solid
button and select the solid (see page 535) in the
graphics window.
4 The silhouette curves are determined from the +Z direction of
the UCS. Select the appropriate UCS from the UCS list.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 573
5 If there are surfaces you want to exclude, click the Pick surface
button, select the surfaces in the graphics window and click
the Add
button.
6 If you want to include the vertical surfaces, select Include vertical
surfaces.
7 Optionally select Make solid from result.
8 If you want to split the surfaces at the silhouette curve, check
Automatic split and leave the Part srf field set to **Automatic.
9 If you want to split the surfaces at a parting line check Automatic
split and set the Parting surface field to the name of the parting
surface.
10 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
The appropriate surfaces are now selected so that you can easily
create 3D surface milling features.
Split Face
Split face takes a curve or list of curves, projects them onto the
selected face and splits the face into multiple faces using the
projected curves as the boundaries.
To create a split face design feature:
1 Open the Split Face dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Split Face, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Split Face
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
574 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing > Split
Face.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Select a face name in the Face list or click the Pick surface
button and select the face in the graphics window.
4 Select the curve name in the Curve list and click the Add
button, or click the Pick Curve
the graphics window.
button and select the curves in
5 Repeat the previous step if you want to use more than one curve
to split the face.
6 Click the Preview button to confirm that the surface is correct.
7 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Delete Face
If you have a solid that you designed in FeatureCAM, you can easily
delete a design feature (see page 535). If you delete an extrude
feature, that cuts a slot in a part, the slot is removed and the
material is filled back in that region. If you have a solid model that
you imported or stitched, it is difficult to remove a design feature
because you do not have the design features that were used to
create the part, so you must use delete faces to remove the feature
and heal the model back together.
This example was an imported surface model that was stitched into
a solid.
The first image is the original solid and the second image shows the
same model with the faces that represent the three holes deleted.
Most of the regions that you want to remove are the equivalent of
2.5D features in your solid. This includes extruded holes, pockets,
or bosses. It is important that you select all surfaces that represent
the feature in the solid. For example for a blind hole, the walls and
bottom must be removed. If you only select the walls to be
removed, the bottom would be left floating in space and cannot be
healed back into the model.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 575
To delete faces from your solid:
1 Open the Delete Face dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Delete Face, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Delete Face
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing >
Delete Face.
2 If you want to create a new solid with the faces removed, select
Create new solid. Enter a Solid name for the new solid, or leave
the default name.
3 If you want to modify an existing solid, select Modify existing
solid.
4 Select the faces in one of these ways:
Selecting the surface name and clicking the Add
button.
Picking the surfaces in the graphics window and clicking the
Add
button.
Clicking the Pick surface
in the graphics window.
button and picking the surfaces
5 If you want the gaps left by the deleted surfaces to be filled in,
select Heal remaining faces.
6 Click the Preview button.
7 If you get an error message, it is probably because you left out
some of the surfaces that need to be removed. Add the other
surfaces and try Preview again.
576 Solids (SOLID)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Explode Solid
This constructor copies the faces of a solid into surfaces.
To explode a solid:
1 Open the Explode into surfaces dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Explode, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Explode
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing >
Explode.
2 Optionally enter a Surface name, or leave the default name.
3 Select the name of a solid from the Solid list or click the Pick
solid
button and select the solid (see page 535) in the
graphics window.
4 If you only want to copy the selected faces, select the Selected
faces only option.
5 Click Preview to preview the results.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Parting Surface
This function creates a parting surface from a curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 577
The parting surface constructor does not part the model. Use Cut
solid with parting surface or Select core/cavity for that functionality.
The curve can be a 2D or 3D curve. The curve can be obtained in
many ways including Silhouette Curves (see page 569), Surface
Edges (see page 432), and Curve projected onto a surface (see
page 431). The Z axis of the UCS indicates the parting direction of
the mold. For 3D curves the curve is divided at any corners.
To create a parting surface:
1 Open the Parting surface dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Parting Surface, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Parting Surface
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing >
Parting Surface.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Land Width. This is the width of your parting surface.
4 Select the UCS you would like to use in the UCS list. The Z axis
of this UCS is used as the parting direction.
5 Select the Parting Curve from the list and click the Add
or use the Pick curve
graphics window.
578 Solids (SOLID)
button
button to select the curve in the
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 If your curve is 3D, it is broken up, and subdivided at sharp
corners, into a number of curves. Each of these names is listed
under your curve name.
7 Click the Preview button to see your surface.
If a section of your curve seems to be oriented incorrectly
follow the steps below.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
To change the direction of a segment of a parting surface.
1 Select the curves in the Curve list to highlight the segment.
The direction is displayed in the Extrude direction field.
2 To change the direction, enter a new vector in the form (X,Y,Z).
You must enter the parentheses and the commas. For example
(1,0,0) is the X direction.
3 Click the Set button.
4 Click the Preview button to see the results.
Draft a Face
Many of the solid design features allow you to include a draft angle,
but they require that all faces be drafted the same amount. Draft a
face allows you to set a draft angle on one or more faces
individually.
To draft a face properly, the Fixed reference surface determines how
the face is rotated. When a face is drafted, the surface must be
rotated around a particular axis. This axis is determined by the
intersection of the face and the fixed reference surface. By default a
face is rotated around its intersection with the XY plane of the
current UCS. This means that for a face that intersects the XY
plane, a positive angle keeps the top of the face fixed and rotates
the bottom of the face in. The same result is calculated if a surface
connected to the top edge of the face is selected as the fixed
reference face.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solids (SOLID) 579
If the surface connected to the bottom edge of the face is selected
as the fixed reference, the bottom of the face stays fixed and the
top edge of the face is moved out.
To draft a face:
1 Open the Draft existing face dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard (see page 538), select Manufacturing, then
Draft a Face, and click Next.
On the Solid (see page 539) toolbar, click the Draft Face
button in the Manufacturing Solids menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Manufacturing > Draft
Face.
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Draft Angle in degrees.
4 Select the faces to draft in one of these ways:
Select the surface name in the Faces to draft list and click the
Add
button.
Pick the surfaces in the graphics window and click the Add
button.
Click the Pick surface
graphics window.
580 Solids (SOLID)
button and pick the surfaces in the
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 To keep the top of the face fixed, select the surface connected to
the top of the face in the Fixed Reference list or click the Pick
surface
button and pick it in the graphics window.
6 To keep the bottom of the face fixed, select the surface
connected to the bottom of the face in the Fixed Reference list by
clicking the Pick surface
window.
button and pick it in the graphics
7 Click the Preview button to review the results.
8 Click OK (or Finish if you are using the wizard).
Feature Recognition
(REC/3D MX)
You can use Feature Recognition to extract manufacturing features
and their operation from existing solid or surface models and
automatically create toolpaths. You do not need to create geometry
or curves to use Feature Recognition, you can make use of the
information contained in the CAD model.
Feature Recognition requires the FeatureRECOGNITION option
for FeatureMILL 25D. It is included in FeatureMILL 3D MX and
3D HSM.
There are two types of Feature Recognition in FeatureCAM:
Use Automatic Feature Recognition (see page 594) (AFR) to
recognize all features in a part at the same time.
Use Interactive Feature Recognition (see page 586) (IFR) to
recognize a specific feature type.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 581
This is a solid model
imported into FeatureCAM.
It contains only surface
information.
This shows the part after
using Automatic Feature
Recognition. The Face, Hole,
Pocket and Side features
have been automatically
created.
Types of Feature Recognition
These types of Feature Recognition are available in FeatureCAM.
Automatic Feature Recognition (see page 594) wizard The
Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) wizard tries to create all
features for milling a part. It creates features by dividing the
model into horizontal slices. All features of the model are
recognized at the same time. It creates plain, counter drilled,
counter bored and counter sunk holes and all milling features are
created as Side features. It often creates a set of features that
completely cut your solid, but it may create more features that
you might create if you modeled the features.
Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR) (see page 586) via the New
Feature wizard The IFR option of the New Feature wizard is
applicable to Hole, Pocket, Boss, Side, and Face features. It is
more limited to how much of the part can be automatically
recognized and you must recognize each type of feature with
separate runs of the wizard.
582 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Automatic recognition of turned features This option is
available only through the Import (see page 128) wizard.
Example
The following example shows the milling features that are extracted
using AFR and IFR method. The image below shows the three side
features created by the Automatic Feature Recognition wizard. The
model has the advantage that the two slots are cut by the top
feature. It has the disadvantage that top pocket is not represented
by a single pocket.
The image below shows the same example after using IFR. Each
pocket is represented by a separate pocket, but the two slots are
ignored.
Feature recognition examples
The following examples show features that have been recognized using
feature recognition.
Pockets
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 583
Holes
Sides
Slots
584 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 585
IFR using the New Feature wizard
You can use these methods of Interactive Feature Recognition:
1 Recognition from surfaces (see page 586) Select surfaces that
represent the shape and depth of a feature. For holes and slots
this is the only applicable method.
2 Recognition using curve chaining (see page 588) For milled
features that require curves (bosses, pockets and sides) the
shape of the features can be determined by chaining the curves
in the plane of the current UCS. Use this technique for features
that are made up of too many surfaces to conveniently pick.
To use IFR (Interactive Feature Recognition):
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
2 Select Hole, Boss, Pocket, Side, Chamfer, or Face.
3 Select Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
4 Follow the steps in the wizard.
Recognizing features from surfaces
1 Import your solid model or IGES file.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select your feature type. You can recognize Holes, Slots,
Pockets, Bosses, Sides, and Faces.
5 Select Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
6 If you are extracting a single Hole or a Hole pattern, click Extract
a single hole or pattern of holes and click Next.
7 If you want to recognize all Holes in your part, see How to
recognize all Holes in a Setup (see page 599).
8 If you are creating a Pocket, Boss or Side, you are presented
with a choice of methods. Click Select surfaces and click Next.
9 Select the surfaces and click Next. For more information see
Feature recognition - surface selection.
This page enables you to select the surfaces to represent a feature.
The list contains the names of selected surfaces.
To complete this page
586 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Select a surface (see page 60) in the graphics window. Any
surfaces that were selected before displaying the wizard are
listed.
2 Click
to add the surfaces to the selected list. The surfaces
change to the highlight color (green by default).
3 If you prefer to pick surfaces one at a time, click the Pick surface
button and select a surface in the graphics window. Repeat
this step for each surface you want to pick.
4 To remove a surface from the list, select the surface in the
graphics window or click the name in the list and click
.
Hold the Shift key to select multiple surfaces.
5 Optionally select Hide surfaces when finished to hide the selected
surfaces after creating the feature. This is useful if you want to
clear the screen to for selecting additional surfaces.
To show any hidden surfaces, select Show All or Show All
Surfaces from the Show Menu in the Advanced toolbar.
6 Click Next.
For advanced users only: at this point you may click the Preview
button to see a preview of the feature. If it looks acceptable you
may click Finish.
7 If you are making a feature other than a Hole, the top and
bottom page is displayed. The top and bottom surfaces are
extracted from the surfaces so you probably do not have to
adjust the top and bottom values. Just click Next. For more
information see Feature recognition - top & bottom.
8 Confirm the extracted dimensions of the feature. Optionally edit
the features dimensions and click Next.
9 The Strategies page is displayed. Specify the attributes to modify
the machining process, then click Next. See the Strategy tab for
information on the specific attributes.
10 The Operations page is displayed. This page displays the
operations used to manufacture the feature along with the
names of the selected tools and calculated feed and speed
values. If these values are acceptable, click Finish. If you want to
change the tooling or feeds and speeds click Next and follow the
instructions on the screen.
Some additional things to keep in mind are:
It is often easiest to select the surfaces from the top view after
clicking Hide all nonvertical surfaces from the Hide menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 587
Pockets require a closed curve. After you select your surfaces,
view them from the top. The selected surfaces should form a
loop as shown in this example. If you dont see a loop as in this
example, you must select additional surfaces to fully define the
Pocket.
For Pockets there is no automatic island detection. Do not include
island surfaces in your selection. Instead create your Pocket
without the island and then add the island separately by editing
the feature.
Chamfers and draft angles are not recognized, but you can add
these parameters to the feature in the Dimensions page of the
New Feature (see page 613) wizard.
If you select surfaces that define more than one cavity, a single
Pocket feature is created that contains multiple pocket cavities.
The collection of features is then milled one z-level at a time.
Recognizing features from surfaces using curve
chaining
1 Import your solid model or .iges file.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select your feature type. Only Pocket, Boss, and Side features
can be recognized using curve chaining.
5 Click Extract feature from solid model and click Next.
6 Click Chain curves and click Next.
7 The geometry for the features is projected onto the plane of the
UCS.
8 The top and bottom page is displayed. Enter the top and bottom
values or click the Pick buttons and graphically pick the locations.
Click Next. For more information see Feature recognition - top &
bottom.
9 Confirm the extracted dimensions of the feature. Modify the
feature's dimensions if required and click Next.
10 The Strategies page is displayed. select the attributes you want
to use and click Next.
588 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
11 The Operations page is displayed. This page displays the
operations used to manufacture the feature along with the
names of the selected tools and calculated feed and speed
values. If these values are acceptable, click Finish. If you want to
change the tooling or feeds and speeds click Next and follow the
instructions on the screen.
Feature recognition surface requirements
The following requirements apply for the recognition of surfaces for
milling features:
Only straight-walled surfaces are recognized. If a single surface
also contains the bottom radius or a chamfer it is not recognized.
Tapered surfaces are not recognized.
The current Setup must be oriented so that the vertical walls of
feature surfaces are parallel to the Z-axis.
You can include surfaces other than straight walls and they are
used to calculate the depth of the feature. These surfaces are not
used in determining the feature shape.
Recognizing Pockets and Bosses from top or bottom
surfaces
1 Import your solid model or IGES file.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select a Boss or Pocket feature type. Click Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
5 Click Use horizontal surface and click Next.
6 For a boss, select the flat top surface of the boss.
1 For a pocket, select the flat bottom surface. For more
information see Feature recognition - surface selection. Click
Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 589
This page enables you to select the surfaces to represent a feature.
The list contains the names of selected surfaces.
To complete this page
1 Select a surface (see page 60) in the graphics window. Any
surfaces that were selected before displaying the wizard are
listed.
2 Click
to add the surfaces to the selected list. The surfaces
change to the highlight color (green by default).
3 If you prefer to pick surfaces one at a time, click the Pick surface
button and select a surface in the graphics window. Repeat
this step for each surface you want to pick.
4 To remove a surface from the list, select the surface in the
graphics window or click the name in the list and click
.
Hold the Shift key to select multiple surfaces.
5 Optionally select Hide surfaces when finished to hide the selected
surfaces after creating the feature. This is useful if you want to
clear the screen to for selecting additional surfaces.
To show any hidden surfaces, select Show All or Show All
Surfaces from the Show Menu in the Advanced toolbar.
6 Click Next.
1 The top and bottom page is displayed. Enter the top and bottom
values or click the Pick buttons and graphically pick the
locations. Click Next. For more information see Feature
recognition - top & bottom.
2 Specify the feature's dimensions and click Next.
3 The Strategies page is displayed. Specify the options to
determine how the feature is machined, and click Next.
4 The Operations page is displayed, which shows a list of
operations in the feature, the tool used to machine each
operation, and the calculated feed and speed values. To accept
these values, click Finish to create the feature and close the
wizard. To change the tooling or feeds and speeds, click Next and
complete the rest of the wizard.
590 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Chamfer recognition
In FeatureCAM, you can create chamfering/deburring operations,
even when the model does not contain these chamfers or deburr
regions.
For example, the following model contains various bosses, pockets,
and sides, and has lots of sharp edges:
There are no chamfers on the model itself or on the features:
To create automatic chamfers:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 591
1 Select Chamfer in the New Feature wizard and select Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION:
2 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feature Recognition Options
page:
592 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Here you can enter the width of the chamfers and other options.
The chamfers are highlighted on the model, for example:
3 To accept the highlighted chamfers, click Select All, then Finish.
The chamfers are created and are shown in the Part View.
FeatureCAM deburrs the edges using 3D chamfers without gouging
neighboring edges, for example:
Recognizing drafted features
1 Import your solid model or .iges file.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select your feature type. Only Pocket, Boss, and Side features
can be recognized using curve chaining.
5 Click Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
6 Click Chain curves. Wall angle and elevation values are shown.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 593
7 If you know the angle, enter it. If not, click the Draft Angle label.
The dialog warps out of the way. Click two points on the same
vertical isoline as shown below. The dialog returns.
8 For the Elevation enter the Z coordinate of the top of the feature
or click the Elevation label and click the top of a wall of the
drafted surface. Click Next.
9 The geometry for the features is projected onto the plane of the
UCS. Chain the appropriate geometry.
10 The top and bottom page is displayed. Enter the top and bottom
values or click the Pick buttons and graphically pick the
locations. Click Next. For more information see Feature
recognition - top & bottom.
11 Confirm the extracted dimensions of the feature. Modify the
feature's dimensions if required and click Next.
12 The Strategies page is displayed. Select the attributes you want
to use, then click Next.
13 The Operations page is displayed. This page displays the
operations used to manufacture the feature along with the
names of the selected tools and calculated feed and speed
values. If these values are acceptable, click Finish. If you want to
change the tooling or feeds and speeds click Next and follow the
instructions on the screen.
AFR wizard
Use Automatic Feature Recognition to automatically create features
from a solid model.
To use the Automatic Feature Recognition wizard:
594 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Click the AFR
step in the Steps toolbox to display the
Automatic Feature Recognition wizard:
2 Select the solid you want to recognize from the list, or click the
Pick solid
button and pick it in the graphics window.
3 Optionally click the Verify button to ensure that the solid is valid.
4 Click Options to display the AFR Options dialog (see page 595).
5 To complete the wizard and create all features, click Finish.
To select which features you want to create on each setup:
a Click Next to display the setups page of the wizard.
b Select the setups for which you want to create features.
c Click Next to display the first setup page of the wizard.
The setup name is displayed at the top of the wizard, and
available features are displayed in blue in the graphics
window.
d In the list, select the features you want to create on this
setup. Selected features are highlighted in orange in the
graphics window.
e If you selected multiple setups in step b, click Next and use
the wizard to select features for each setup.
f
When finished, click Finish to complete the wizard and create
the features.
AFR Options dialog
Use the AFR Options dialog to specify how features are recognized
and created during feature recognition.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 595
To display the AFR Options dialog, select the Options > Feature
Recognition menu option.
Create face feature Select this option to create a Face feature to
automatically level the top of the part.
Create hole pattern Select this option if you want to group Holes
into Patterns.
Bottom radius suppression Select this option to ignore the radius
at the bottom of a Pocket.
Maximum Hole diameter This is the threshold between Holes and
Pockets. For cylinders larger than the value entered, a Side feature
is created instead of a Hole feature.
Create 3D feature Select this option to create a 3D feature.
Add rough operation Select this option to add a rough operation.
Single feature, single operation Select this option to create all
found features as one feature with one operation.
Single feature, multiple operation Select this option to create all
found features as one feature with multiple operations.
Multiple feature Select this option to create multiple features. This
uses more memory.
Display error messages if recognition fails Select this option to
receive an error message if recognition fails.
596 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use edge-based FR If feature recognition is not working correctly
for your solid, select this option to use the body outline of a solid for
feature recognition, instead of using the faces. This may give you
better feature recognition results, but it is slower than the other
method.
Feature recognition - surface selection
This page enables you to select the surfaces to represent a feature.
The list contains the names of selected surfaces.
To complete this page
1 Select a surface (see page 60) in the graphics window. Any
surfaces that were selected before displaying the wizard are
listed.
2 Click
to add the surfaces to the selected list. The surfaces
change to the highlight color (green by default).
3 If you prefer to pick surfaces one at a time, click the Pick surface
button and select a surface in the graphics window. Repeat
this step for each surface you want to pick.
4 To remove a surface from the list, select the surface in the
graphics window or click the name in the list and click
.
Hold the Shift key to select multiple surfaces.
5 Optionally select Hide surfaces when finished to hide the selected
surfaces after creating the feature. This is useful if you want to
clear the screen to for selecting additional surfaces.
To show any hidden surfaces, select Show All or Show All
Surfaces from the Show Menu in the Advanced toolbar.
6 Click Next.
Automatic feature recognition error
The type of automatic feature recognition performed by the AFR
wizard provides a solution for many types of models, but it is not
the best method for every model. If the AFR wizard fails for your
model, try other automatic feature recognition methods (see page
582) or try Interactive Feature Recognition in the New Feature wizard.
Features that can be recognized
FeatureCAM can recognize the following feature types:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 597
Holes (see page 598)
Slots (see page 601)
Bosses (see page 603)
Pockets (see page 604)
Sides (see page 607)
Faces (see page 608)
This set of features should cover the features contained in most
parts. If you need to extract other features from a solid or surface
model, you should use the Curve from surface (see page 425) tools
and then create your features from this geometry.
Hole recognition
FeatureCAM can recognize four types of hole:
Hole type
Surfaces recognized from
Plain
Cylindrical surfaces with an optional 45
chamfer surface.
Counterbo
re
Two cylinders (larger diameter on top)
with an optional 45 chamfer on the top.
Countersin
k
A cylinder with a cone on top that is not
45 .
Counterdril
l
A cylinder on top of a cone, on top of
another cylindrical surface. A 45 chamfer
is optional on top.
Example hole surfaces are shown below.
Plain hole
Counterbore hole
Countersink hole
Counterdrill hole
The cylinders can be comprised of one or more surfaces.
Holes are recognized automatically using either the Automatic
Feature Recognition (see page 594) wizard or IFR option in the New
Feature (see page 586) wizard. You should get the same results
using either method. Using the AFR wizard recognizes Hole features
along with other features, but using the IFR option recognizes only
holes. You can recognize Hole features from surface or solid models.
598 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Follow the steps listed here (see page 586) to use the IFR option.
See Hole features (see page 720) for complete details on all hole
types; How to recognize features from surfaces (see page 586) for a
description of the overall process; and Feature recognition surface
requirements (see page 589) for information on how surfaces are
used in feature recognition.
FeatureCAM uses the Spline Tolerance (see page 1722) machining
attribute to determine whether a surface is a hole.
Recognizing all holes in a Setup
1 Import your solid model or *.iges file.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select the Hole feature type.
5 Select Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
6 Select Recognize and construct multiple holes and click Next.
7 See New Feature - Hole recognition options (see page 600) for
information on completing this process.
New Feature - Hole recognition method
The Hole Recognition Method page provides the choice of recognizing
one or all holes for the current Setup. To complete this page:
1 If you want to recognize a single hole or single hole pattern, click
Extract a single hole or pattern of holes and click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 599
2 If you want to recognize all holes for the Setup, click Recognize
and construct multiple holes and click Next. The Hole recognition
options (see page 600) dialog comes up
3 If you want to force all holes to be at the same height,
regardless of their actual position, enter an elevation.
4 If you would like to ignore big holes, check Exclude holes with
diameter greater than and enter a diameter. To ignore small holes
enter a diameter in the smaller than box.
New Feature - Hole Recognition Options
This page lets you control the feature recognition process and select
which of the recognized holes to keep. To complete this page:
1 Optionally select Include partial holes.
If you want to recognize only holes with 360 degree
cross-sections, deselect Include partial holes. This option
typically recognizes all the holes in your model.
Partial hole features are recognized from pieces of cylinders.
This includes holes that have been partially cut away or
corners pockets. See example. If you would like to have holes
recognized from these surfaces, select Include partial holes.
2 Next determine if you would like to ignore blind holes that are on
the opposite of the part. Select Exclude hidden holes to turn on
this option.
600 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option is available only if your part model is a solid
model.
3 You can also create patterns and/or groups.
If holes with identical dimensions are recognized and you
want to create patterns for these holes, select Merge holes of
the same parameters into a pattern. By creating a pattern, you
can later edit the whole pattern in a single dialog.
If you would like to create a group of all of the holes select
Add all new holes into a group if there is more than one.
4 All of the recognized holes are highlighted in thick lines. You
must select which of these holes you would like to keep.
If you want to keep all of the recognized holes, click Select all
and click Finish.
If you want only some of the recognized holes, select the
holes in the graphics window and click Finish.
Slot recognition
FeatureCAM can recognize only straight slots. They are recognized
from straight, parallel side surfaces. You must select surfaces on
both sides of the slot. In the example below, the shaded surfaces
are the selected surfaces. The extent of the slot is defined by these
surfaces. Note that the flat bottom surface is ignored.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 601
For interrupted slots, select surfaces on each end. In the image
below, the slot is interrupted, but can be created by selecting the
wall surfaces at either end.
If the feature you are trying to recognize is a straight cut that
extends off the side of the part, as in the yellow region of the part
shown below, use a Side feature (see page 607). You cannot
recognize such a feature as a slot because it does not have
opposing side walls.
You cannot recognize chamfers, draft angles, and bottom radii, but
you can add these parameters to the slot in the Dimensions page of
the New Feature (see page 613) wizard. See:
Slot (see page 744) feature for more general information on slots.
How to recognize features from surfaces (see page 586) for a
description of the overall process.
Feature recognition surface requirements (see page 589) for
further information on how surfaces are used in feature
recognition.
602 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boss recognition
Bosses are features that must be closed. This means that the
cross-section of the feature must form a loop.
Bosses can be created by recognizing features directly from
surfaces (see page 586) by using curve chaining from the solid
model (see page 588) or automatically (see page 604).
If you are recognizing the feature directly from surface data keep in
mind:
It is often easiest to select the surfaces from the top view after
clicking Hide All Nonvertical Surfaces from the Hide menu.
Bosses require a closed curve. After you select your surfaces,
view them from the top. The selected surfaces should form a
loop, for example.
If you do not see a loop as in the following example, you must
select additional surfaces to fully define the pocket.
You cannot recognize chamfers, draft angles, and bottom radii,
but you can add these parameters to the feature in the
Dimensions page of the New Feature (see page 613) wizard.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 603
If the part has multiple bosses at the same height, you should
select all the surfaces of each boss and create a single Boss
feature. The collection of features is then milled at one z-level at
a time. If you accidentally create more than one boss at the
same height, the first boss cuts away the second boss.
You can recognize drafted Boss features. See How to recognize
drafted features (see page 593) for more information.
See also Boss feature (see page 761) and Feature recognition
surface requirements (see page 589)
Automatic Boss recognition on solid models
If you are working with a solid model, you can recognize a limited
set of Boss features automatically. In general, it is recommended
that you use the AFR (see page 594) wizard for parts with Boss
features. For a set of faces to be recognized as a Boss
automatically, the following conditions must be met:
The Boss must have a flat top.
The Boss must have walls all the way around it.
If the part has multiple bosses at the same Z height, they must
be included in a single Boss feature. (If they are not, each boss
cuts away the other). The surface of each individual boss must
be the same for them to be included as a single feature.
Bottom radii are recognized. Chamfers are not recognized, but you
can add them in the Feature Properties dialog. Drafted bosses
cannot be recognized automatically. You must use Chain feature
curves option (see page 593) to recognize drafted features.
Pocket recognition
Pockets are features that must be closed. This means that the
cross-section of the feature must form a loop.
You can recognize Pockets using one of these methods:
Pockets with bottoms and walls all around can be automatically
recognized (see page 605) from solid models. This is the only
method that can recognize islands and bottom radii.
Recognition from selected bottom surfaces (see page 589).
Recognition from selected side surfaces (see page 586).
By extracting feature geometry and chaining curves (see page
588). This is the only method that can be used to recognize
drafted pockets (see page 593).
604 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
See also Pocket feature (see page 784) and Feature recognition
surface requirements (see page 589).
Automatic Pocket recognition on solid models
If you are working with a solid model, you can recognize blind
Pockets automatically. For a cavity to be recognized as a Pocket
automatically, the following conditions must be met:
The Pocket must have a flat floor. A cavity that passes all the
way through the stock cannot be recognized. Through cavities
can be recognized only as Side features.
The Pocket must have walls all the way around it.
For cavities that meet these conditions the automatic recognition
finds:
The Pocket boundary and the island boundaries. Note that the
islands must be distinct from the boundary, but they can be of
different heights. The island of this example solid is recognized
automatically:
This island is not recognized automatically.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 605
The Pocket depth is determined by the tallest pocket wall. If you
want to force all the features you are recognizing to start at the
same Z coordinate, then select Force same Z height and then
enter an elevation. If the Pockets you are trying to recognize,
share a wall with a Boss, you should control the depth in this
way. This image shows the pocket that is automatically
recognized.
This image shows the Pocket that is recognized if an elevation is
set to the bottom of the Boss.
If the Pocket has a consistent bottom radius, it is recognized
automatically.
Chamfers are not recognized, but you can add them in the Feature
Properties dialog. Drafted Pockets cannot be recognized
automatically. You must use Chain feature curves option (see page
593)to recognize drafted features.
Recognizing Pockets automatically from solids
1 Import your solid model. Pockets can only be recognized from
solids.
2 If necessary, transform the part so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 Select a Pocket feature type. Select Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
5 Click Automatic and click Next.
606 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 The Pocket features are recognized and highlighted, and the
Pocket recognition options dialog is displayed.
7 After completing this dialog, click Finish.
Side recognition
Side features can be created using the Automatic (see page 607)
method, or from side surfaces.
Use a boss (see page 603) or pocket (see page 604) for closed
features.
If you are recognizing the feature directly from the side surfaces,
keep in mind:
It is often easiest to select the surfaces from the top view after
clicking Hide All Nonvertical Surfaces from the Hide menu.
Chamfers, draft angles and bottom radii cannot be recognized,
but you can add these parameters to the feature in the
Dimensions page of the New Feature (see page 613) wizard.
See also Boss feature (see page 761) and Feature recognition
surface requirements (see page 589).
Automatic Side recognition on solid models
Some Side features can be recognized using the Automatic Feature
Recognition option of the New Feature wizard. In general, the AFR
(see page 594) wizard is better at recognizing Side features.
Three types of Side feature are recognized using this method:
Through cavities Pockets that go all the way through the part
are recognized as Side features, for example the light blue region
of the image below.
Open Side features that are on the border of the part The
yellow region of the image below is such a feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 607
Outer boundaries The material from the stock boundary to the
part boundary is removed using a Side feature. If the stock
boundary and part boundary are the same, a Side feature is
recognized, but no toolpaths are generated.
Blind Pocket and Boss features formed from closed curves are
recognized as Pockets and Bosses, not Side features.
Face recognition
Milling Face features can be created from flat faces of a solid or
from flat surfaces using the Feature Recognition wizard. It works
best on solid models because the other faces of the model are
avoided when the toolpaths are created. An example of Face feature
recognition from a solid model is shown below. Face features
created from surfaces do not take other surfaces into account.
Recognizing a Face feature from a solid
To recognize a Face feature from a solid:
608 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Import a solid model or .iges file.
2 If necessary, transform the part, so that the surfaces that
represent the features are facing toward the Z axis.
3 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
4 In the From Dimensions section, select Face.
5 Select Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION.
6 Click Next to open the Surfaces page.
7 Select a flat surface then click Next.
This page enables you to select the surfaces to represent a feature.
The list contains the names of selected surfaces.
To complete this page
1 Select a surface (see page 60) in the graphics window. Any
surfaces that were selected before displaying the wizard are
listed.
2 Click
to add the surfaces to the selected list. The surfaces
change to the highlight color (green by default).
3 If you prefer to pick surfaces one at a time, click the Pick surface
button and select a surface in the graphics window. Repeat
this step for each surface you want to pick.
4 To remove a surface from the list, select the surface in the
graphics window or click the name in the list and click
.
Hold the Shift key to select multiple surfaces.
5 Optionally select Hide surfaces when finished to hide the selected
surfaces after creating the feature. This is useful if you want to
clear the screen to for selecting additional surfaces.
To show any hidden surfaces, select Show All or Show All
Surfaces from the Show Menu in the Advanced toolbar.
6 Click Next.
If you select the highest surface in the part, a simple Zigzag
toolpath is used to face the selected surface without avoiding
collisions with the rest of the part, and you cannot change the
toolpath type.
Otherwise, a standard Milling toolpath is used to face the
selected surface only, without cutting into the rest of the part.
You can change the toolpath type on the Strategy tab (see page
1015) of the Feature Property dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 609
7 Follow the instructions in the wizard, then click Finish to create
the Face feature.
Rerecognition wizard
You can use the Rerecognition wizard to compare a new solid model
with an existing set of features. This is useful if you want to import
a new solid model that is a variation on the initial model.
Select the Construct > Rerecognition Wizard menu option to display
the Rerecognition wizard.
When rerecognizing features in a new model, ensure you use
the same alignment (see page 128) as the original.
FeatureCAM recognizes features from the new solid and compares
them to the existing features. The new features are classified into
these categories:
unchanged features These features are identical to existing
features. They are ignored in the rerecognition process.
new features These features are not part of the existing
features and therefore are assumed to be new. You can create
these features in the Rerecognition wizard.
modified features These features have the same shape or size
as existing features, but parameters like depth, bottom radius or
chamfer distance have been modified. The Rerecognition wizard
asks you if want to replace the existing features with their
modified versions.
610 Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
deleted features These features exist in the current set of part
features, but were not found in the new model. You are offered
by the Rerecognition wizard the option of deleting these features.
There are many possible reasons that this feature is in your
existing set of features but was not automatically recognized, so
you should be careful about deleting these features. If the
feature has clearly been deleted, you can comfortably remove it.
If the feature was created through interactive methods, you
probably want to keep this feature. If you are uncertain, you
should preview each feature and decide on an individual basis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feature Recognition (REC/3D MX) 611
Features
Create features, such as holes, pockets, slots, and step bores, and
FeatureCAM generates the toolpaths to machine them, so you do
not need to specify individual manufacturing operations.
Pocket feature
Step Bore feature
Slot feature
Hole feature
To create features, use the New Feature wizard (see page 613).
To edit and customize features, use the Feature Properties dialog
(see page 971).
Use Feature Recognition to recognize features automatically from a
solid model.
612 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature wizard
Use the New Feature wizard to create features.
Click the Features
Feature wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the New
Alternatively press the Ctrl+R keys.
The pages available in the wizard vary depending on the document
type:
Mill (see page 614)
Turn (see page 655)
Turn/mill (see page 689)
Wire (see page 690)
On most pages of the wizard, you can click Finish (see page 614) to
close the wizard and accept the default settings in any remaining
pages. You can edit the feature attributes later in the Feature
Properties (see page 971) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 613
Finish button
You can close the wizard in several ways depending what you want
to do next.
Click the arrow on the Finish button, and then click one of these
options:
Finish Create the feature and close the wizard, using the
default values in the remaining pages of the wizard.
Finish and Edit Properties Create the feature and display the
Feature Properties dialog. You can use the Feature Properties
dialog to edit the feature quickly, and it contains some advanced
options that are not available in the wizard.
Finish and Create More Create the feature and display the first
page of the wizard. This enables you to create multiple features
quickly.
Your selection is remembered the next time you use the wizard.
New Feature wizard (MILL)
For Milling documents, you can create the following types of
features:
614 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
From Dimensions create features by specifying numeric
dimensions.
From Curve create features by selecting curves.
From Feature create these features:
Group (see page 956) create a group of existing features.
Pattern (see page 956) duplicate an existing feature to create
a pattern.
User (see page 944) create a User Defined Feature (see
page 944) (UDF) or insert a Part Library object (see page
1581).
Toolpath (see page 716) create a toolpath directly.
From Surface create a 3D Surface Milling (see page 820)
feature.
Optionally select these options:
Make a pattern from this feature Select this option to create a
pattern from the new feature. There are extra pages in the
wizard to set up your pattern.
Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION Recognize features from a
solid model using the FeatureRECOGNITION module.
You can only recognize specific feature types (see page
597).
You can use the Automatic Feature Recognition (see page
581) wizard to recognize all features in the model
automatically.
New Feature - Dimensions page (MILL)
If you are creating a From Dimensions feature, the second page of
the wizard is the New Feature - Dimensions page. The page is
different for each of the From Dimensions feature types. See the
specific feature creation topics for how to complete this page:
Hole (see page 722)
Rectangular Pocket (see page 739)
Slot (see page 744)
Step Bore (see page 751)
Thread Milling (see page 755)
Face (see page 760)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 615
New Feature - Curves page (MILL)
If you are creating a From Curve feature, the second page of the
wizard is the New Feature - Curves page.
This page is where you specify the curve that dictates the shape of
your feature. This page is the same for all From Curve feature types.
To complete this page:
1 If you still need to chain (see page 401) your geometry into a
curve, click the Curve chaining button and chain the curve.
2 Select the curves(s) in the graphics window. Any curves that
were selected before opening the wizard are already listed.
3 Click Add
to add selected curves to the list. In the graphics
window, the added curves change to the highlight color (green
by default).
4 To remove a curve from the list, select the curve in the graphics
window or in the list and click Delete
. To select a range of
names from the list, select the top name and then hold down the
SHIFT key and select the bottom name.
5 To select the curves one at a time, click Pick curve
, then
select the geometry or curve in the graphics window. Repeat this
procedure to select each curve.
6 When you have selected the curves required to define the
feature, click Next to open the New Feature - Location page.
616 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Machining Side page (MILL, WIRE)
For some From Curve features, you must specify the machining side.
You do this on the New Feature - Machining Side page of the wizard.
To complete this page:
1 Review the default machining side for each curve in the table by
selecting it and viewing the blue arrow in the Graphics window,
for example:
2 If you are happy with the machining side, click Next to open the
New Feature - Location (see page 617) page.
3 If you want to change the machining side of a curve, select it in
the table and click the Switch machining side
button.
The arrow in the Graphics window switches and the table
updates the Machining Side from Normal to Reverse for the
selected curve.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page.
New Feature - Location page
Specify the location of the feature:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 617
XYZ The feature is aligned so that its depth is parallel with the
-Z direction of the Setup. You position it by specifying the X, Y,
and Z coordinates in the plane of the Setup.
Polar The feature is aligned so that its depth is parallel with
the -Z direction of the Setup. It is positioned by specifying a
Radius and Angle.
- Radius
- Angle
618 Features
Polar on the OD The Radius specifies the distance of the
feature from the Z axis. The Angle is the counter-clockwise
angle, in degrees, from the X axis. The Y shift distance is the
distance the feature is translated from the radius in Y. The Z
coordinate is the distance the feature is translated in the Z
direction. This option is available only for turn/mill documents.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Y shift
- Angle
- Radius
Radial about axis For 4th-axis (see page 316) parts.
This point that you are specifying corresponds to the
the diagrams.
symbol in
To complete this page:
1 Enter the location of a point in the X, Y, and Z fields, or click Pick
location
and select a point in the graphics window. Use snap
modes (see page 377) to select precise locations.
2 If you are creating a Mill feature, enter an angle in the A field,
that represents a counter-clockwise rotation around the feature
location.
3 Click Next.
New Feature - Part Surfaces page
Use the Part Surfaces page of the New Feature wizard to select
surfaces that define the shape of the feature.
Add surfaces you want to machine to the list using the buttons:
Add from selected items Select surfaces in the graphics
window and click this button to add them to the list.
Delete from selected items Select surfaces in the list and
click this button to remove them.
Pick Surface Click this button to hide the dialog, then pick
a surface in the graphics window.
Consider the following when specifying part surfaces:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 619
You cannot manufacture undercut surfaces using 3-axis
machining, so select only surfaces in the feature that can be cut
from the setup.
Some surfaces may be cut from multiple setups to manufacture
all parts of the surface. In such situations, a Stock Curve is
helpful in limiting the machining area to just those spots that
need it.
New Feature - Strategies page (MILL)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab of the Feature Properties dialog (see page 1015).
Climb mill Enable this option to have the tool on the left side of
the machined edge (in the direction of tool travel). Disable it for
conventional milling, with the tool on the right side of the machined
edge.
Individual rough levels (see page 1042) Select this option to list
each Z-level of the rough pass separately, which enables you to
specify separate attributes and tools for each Z-level.
Depth first (see page 1043) Enable this option to cut each region
of a feature completely before moving on to another region. The
toolpaths descend in Z.
620 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Minimize tool retract (see page 1044) Select this option to reduce
the amount of retracting that the tool does while milling a feature.
Instead of retracting, the tool continues feeding to its next location.
Partline prog Select this option to use the drawing dimensions of
the feature for the toolpath instead of the centerline of the tool. You
can only use this option when cutter compensation is enabled.
Partline programming is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. If Cutter compensation is not enabled for any of the operations
in a feature, selecting Partline program does not affect the NC Code.
The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
ensure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut the whole feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of the Finish
pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on the
Ramp diameter value) to your Finish pass to accommodate cutter
compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list such
as Can't find ramp in/out arc or Can't extend end of open profile then
correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter value or
changing the Pre-drill point.
Finish Cutter comp Select this option to use cutter compensation
for the finish and semi-finish operations.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 621
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Operations
Pre-drill Enable this option to add a pre-drill operation to the
feature.
The location for a pre-drill point is set automatically, but you can
override it for a Spiral type toolpath using the Plunge point(s)
operation attribute.
A Pre-drill operation is not available with a Zigzag stepover
toolpath.
Zigzag ramping is automatically disabled when you use a
Pre-drill operation with an NT style toolpath. This is not
supported for the Spiral toolpath and you must set the Max.
ramp angle (see page 1240) to 0 to disable zigzag ramping
when using a Pre-drill operation.
The Pre-drill operation for the NT style toolpaths includes
the tops of multi-height islands. This is not supported for
the original Spiral and Zigzag stepover toolpaths.
Pre-drill diameter Enter the diameter for pre-drill holes. Ensure the
diameter is large enough to allow the milling tool to enter the stock.
622 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Roughing
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Stepover Select the Stepover type for the roughing operations.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 623
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
624 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 625
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
90
No
-90
Yes
Path
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
626 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 627
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
628 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 629
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Bi-directional rough Select this option to machine the feature in
both directions.
Enable this option to mill in both directions. If disabled,
conventional roughing happens and the cutting path moves in one
direction with rapid, above-stock return movements to set up for
the next pass. Climb mill controls the cutting direction.
Rough cutter comp Select this option to use cutter compensation
for the rough operations.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
630 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Finishing
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Finish bottom Select this option to use a flat endmill to finish
the bottom of the feature.
By default, the bottom of a feature is not machined during the
Finish pass. Enable this option to finish the bottom of the feature
with a flat endmill, up to the Bottom Radius, if the feature has one.
You can enter a positive or negative value.
Stepover Select the stepover type for the finish passes.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 631
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
632 Features
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 633
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
634 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
90
No
-90
Yes
Path
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 635
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
636 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 637
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
638 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Wall pass Enable this option to finish the bottom of the feature
up to the Finish allowance on the wall, then finish the walls in a
separate pass.
NT toolpaths Select this option to use NT toolpaths for the Finish
pass.
There are several types of NT (New Technology) toolpath:
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 639
Vortex (see page 1040) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-Finish operation
to the feature.
Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page 1047) operation
to the feature.
Use finish tool Select this option to create a separate tool for the
finish operation.
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Ramp from top Select this option to ramp the tool to the cutting
depth from the top of the feature.
Disable this option to avoid ramping to depth on the Finish and
Semi-finish pass of a 2.5D feature. This saves machining time.
This example shows the Finish operation for a Side feature.
Ramp from top on:
Ramp from top off:
You must deselect the NT toolpaths option to access this
option.
Helical side finish Enable this option to use a continuous spiral for
the Finish pass. Enter a Pitch to control the tightness of the spiral.
640 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option enables a small depth of cut and a continuous toolpath.
It also avoids marks on the feature, which stepping down in Z
depths may cause.
You must deselect the NT toolpaths option to access this
option.
Wind Fan Click this button to open the Wind Fan Finish Options
(see page 1718) dialog.
Face features
Connect stepovers with arc Select this option to use an arc to
connect stepovers to prevent sharp direction changes.
When cutting Face features, you can optionally select Connect
stepovers with arc.
This example shows a Face feature with Connect stepovers with arc
selected:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 641
Compare this to the example with Connect stepovers with arc
deselected (the default setting):
Thread mill features
Feed Dir Select from Negative Z or Positive Z. The direction
depends on the handedness of the tool, the thread, and whether it
is an OD or ID thread.
Simple Groove features (Engraving)
Reverse cut Select this option to reverse the direction that the
feature is cut. Engraving features are cut in a single pass.
New Feature - Strategies page (Drilling)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
642 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 976) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Combine with similar holes into canned cycle (see page 978) By
default, a tool retracts to the Z rapid plane between operations.
Enable this option and then select whether to Retract to the Z rapid
plane or the lower Plunge clearance plane after drilling each hole.
This option also creates more efficient NC code by entering the
canned cycle mode only once.
Machining Type Select from:
Drill only All Hole features are drilled in the traditional way
using a drill that is the same size as the hole diameter.
Drill/Mill This option allows Hole features to be drilled or milled,
to minimize the number of tools needed.
When using Drill/Mill, FeatureCAM adds a rough operation to
the tree view and you can access the Stepovers (see page
1064) and Milling (see page 1240) tabs.
Click Drill/Mill Options to display the Drill/Mill Options dialog
(see page 982), where you can edit drill/mill parameters.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Drilling (see page 1674, see
page 976) tab.
Spot Drill Enable this option to add a spot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
This operation has some wide-ranging effects, however, especially
when used with the Attempt chamfer w/ spot and tool optimization.
Of those three settings, tool optimization has the highest priority
and its decisions override settings with a lower priority.
For example, a spot drill operation could be performed with either a
spot drill or a center drill. Spot drills with a tip angle of 90 can also
perform a chamfering operation. You specify a specific tool to cut
the hole's chamfer and also turn on Attempt Chamfer /w Spot and
tool optimization. If there is an appropriate spot drill in the tool crib,
FeatureCAM optimizes things and use this tool in spite of your lower
priority override. Even though you selected a specific tool, your
other settings conflicted with and superseded your choice.
This is the advantage of the optimization and simulation functions in
FeatureCAM. As you work through the optimization settings, and
see where you can optimize automatically and where you cannot,
you can find ways to group your parts for faster production, but still
use specific tools for specific effects when needed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 643
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Drilling (see page 1674, see page 976) tab.
Attempt chamfer w/ spot Enable this option to try to cut the
chamfer during spot drilling. If no available tool can spot and
chamfer without gouging the hole, a separate chamfer operation is
created.
Pilot Drill Enable this option to add a pilot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
Pilot drill diameter(s) This enables and sets a list of drill sizes used
to drill pilot holes. Enter a list of drill diameters to use for pilot
drilling, with a comma between each.
For example, enter 0.5, 1, 1.5 in inches, to pilot drill with the half inch
drill for final hole sizes up to an inch. A hole bigger than 1.5 inches
is pilot drilled with all three of the specified drills before being drilled
to size.
Drill Enable this option to add a drilling operation to the
manufacture of the hole. This operation is usually undersized in
preparation for later reaming or boring.
Drill large counterdrill first For Counter Drill holes, select this
option to do the counterdrill operation before the drill operation.
Ream Enable this option to add a Ream operation to the Hole
feature. This option drills a Hole undersized and then reams it to
size. The diameter of the drill is between 93% and 97% of the final
Hole diameter.
Ream before chamfer Enable this option to do the Ream operation
before the Chamfer operation. This avoids pushing any kind of burr
or edge back up onto the chamfer if the chamfer is a sealing
surface.
Tap type This option is available for Tapped Hole features. Select
the type of tap from:
Cutting The tool cuts the threads into the material.
Rolled The tool presses or forms the threads into the material.
Helicoil The size of the Drill and Tap operations are larger to fit
the helicoil insert.
Bore Enable this option to add a Bore operation to the Hole
feature. Boring places a hole very accurately.
The options on this tab are the same as the options on New Feature Strategies page for a Hole feature in the New Feature wizard.
644 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Strategies page (Thread Milling)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the Thread Milling feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1037) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Cutter comp Select this option to enable cutter compensation.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 645
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Partline prog Select this option to create the toolpath from the
drawing dimensions of the feature instead of the center line of the
tool.
Partline programming is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. If Cutter compensation is not enabled for any of the operations
in a feature, selecting Partline program does not affect the NC Code.
The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
ensure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut the whole feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of the Finish
pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on the
Ramp diameter value) to your Finish pass to accommodate cutter
compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list such
as Can't find ramp in/out arc or Can't extend end of open profile then
correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter value or
changing the Pre-drill point.
Feed direction Select the direction in which you want to machine
the feature. Depending on the direction the tool is rotating, this
determines whether climb milling or conventional milling is used.
Negative Z Start with the tool at the top of the feature (at the
highest Z location) and machine downwards.
Positive Z Start with the tool at the bottom of the feature (at
the lowest Z location) and machine upwards.
646 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Rough pass Select this option to include a Rough operation in the
feature.
Finish pass Select this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool Deselect this option to use the same tool for the
Rough and Finish passes.
Spring passes Enter the number of spring passes to include in the
finish pass. A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading pass.
New Feature - Operations page (MILL, TURN)
This page contains a summary of the operations that are created to
manufacture the feature, the names of the tools that have been
automatically selected, and the feed and speed values that were
calculated automatically. Each row of the table represents an
operation.
To complete this page:
1 If you are familiar with the tooling names and satisfied with the
selected tooling and feeds and speeds, click Finish (see page
614).
2 If you want to take a closer look at the tooling or feeds and
speeds, click Next to display the New Feature - Default Tool (see
page 647) page.
New Feature - Default Tool page (MILL)
This page displays details on the automatically selected tool. The
image shows a preview of the tool. If your display is set to more
than 256 colors this diagram is shaded. Otherwise, it is shown as a
line drawing. To the right of the image, you can see the Tool
Parameters.
To complete this page:
1 If you want to use the tool displayed in the dialog, select Use the
default tool, then click Next to display the Feed/Speed (see page
650) page.
2 If you want to select a different tool, select Search for another tool
or make a new one and click Next to display the New Feature - Tool
Search (see page 648) page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 647
New Feature - Tool search (MILL)
You can use the New Feature - Tool Search page of the New Feature
wizard to specify the tool to machine a feature.
To display this page, select Search for another tool or make a new one
on the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647) page and click Next.
The table lists the default recommended tool (marked with a D) and
other tools in the current tool crib that fit the tool selection criteria.
If you do not want to use the recommended tool, select the check
box next to the tool name you want in the table. The tools that are
listed in the table are controlled by the filter settings.
The tools displayed in the table are chosen from the database based
on the criteria listed above the table. If you would like to choose
from different tools, change the filter criteria. The criteria are:
Tool Group The tooling in the tooling database is separated
into different groups. Select a group from the list or select
Anything to show tooling from all groups.
Diameter Enter a specific diameter or select Anything to see
tools of all diameters.
End radius Enter a specific end radius or select Anything to see
tools of all radii.
Regardless of the filtering criteria, the automatically selected tool
stays in the list.
Select a tool in the table to see the preview image in the upper
right-hand corner of the dialog. You can pan and zoom this display
by left-clicking and dragging the mouse cursor in the tool graphic
window. Right-click in the tool graphic window and select Center all
to center the entire tool and holder.
648 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can sort the tools listed in the table by any column by clicking
the title of the column.
You can adjust the column widths by clicking and dragging
the borders of the column titles. FeatureCAM remembers your
width preferences.
Undo tool override Click this button to revert the selected tool
back to the default recommended tool (marked with a D).
New tool Click this button to create a brand new tool and add
it to the current crib. The tool that is selected in the table is used to
fill in the initial values for the tool.
Tool manager Click this button to open the Tool Manager (see
page 1817) dialog.
Properties Click this button to open the Tool Properties (see
page 1821, see page 1867) dialog for the selected tool.
Recent tools Select this option to filter the list and show only
recently used tools.
To override the automatically selected tool to one of your choice:
1 Select the Tool Group.
2 Select or enter the tool Diameter.
3 Select or enter the tool's End-Radius.
4 Optionally select the Recent tools option to filter your tool search
further.
5 Scroll through the table.
6 To preview a tool:
Select a tool in the table to view it in the small graphics
window. You can pan and zoom this view.
Select a tool in the table and click the Properties
button or
double-click a tool in the table to open its Tool Properties (see
page 1821) dialog. You can edit the tool's properties if you
want to.
7 To change the tool, select the check box next to the Name of the
tool you want to use in the table.
8 If you canot find the tool you want, click the New tool
and create a new tool (see page 1821).
button
To revert back to the automatically selected tool, click the Undo tool
override
button. The override tool is deselected in the table and
FeatureCAM uses the default tool marked D.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 649
New Feature - Feed/Speed page (MILL)
This page shows you the automatically calculated feed and speed
values. It also displays the Coolant type.
To complete this page:
1 If you are satisfied with the feed and speed settings, click Next.
2 If you want to change the values, enter new values.
If you enter new values, the override option is selected
automatically. To return to the automatically calculated feeds
and speeds, deselect override.
You can change the Speed units from RPM to SFM by
selecting the Use SFM option, and you can change the Feed
units from IPM to IPR by selecting the Use IPR option.
3 Click Next.
New Feature - Summary
This is the final page of the New Feature wizard. A table is displayed
showing a list of the operations for the feature. The name of the
tool and the feed and speed values are listed for each operation.
To complete this page:
1 If you are satisfied with the tooling and feed and speed values,
click Finish (see page 614) and the feature is created.
2 If you want to make changes, click the Back button until you
come to the wizard page you want to alter.
650 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Feature Extraction page (IFR) (MILL)
Use the Feature Extraction page of the New Feature wizard to select
the method you want to use to recognize features from a solid
model.
Select a method of recognizing features:
Select side surfaces Select the surfaces that represent the
sides of the feature, such as the walls of a pocket.
Use horizontal surface Select a horizontal surface that
represents the shape of the feature, such as the bottom of a
pocket or the top of a boss.
Automatic recognition Automatically recognize features.
To create all recognition features at the same height, select
Force same Z height and enter an Elevation to specify the height
at which you want to create the features.
Chain feature curves Pick curves from a solid to define the
shape of the feature.
Enter a Wall Angle to angle the walls of the feature.
Enter an Elevation to create the feature at a different height to
the curves you select.
Use horizontal section Create features from a Z-slice through a
solid.
Enter the Elevation at which you want to create the features.
The image on the right of the dialog displays an example of the
selected recognition method.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 651
New Feature - Surfaces page (IFR)
Use the Part Surfaces page of the New Feature wizard to select
surfaces that define the shape of the feature.
Add surfaces you want to machine to the list using the buttons:
Add from selected items Select surfaces in the graphics
window and click this button to add them to the list.
Delete from selected items Select surfaces in the list and
click this button to remove them.
Pick Surface Click this button to hide the dialog and select
a surface in the graphics window.
Hide surfaces when finish Select this option to hide surfaces used
to create the feature when you finish the wizard.
Preview Display a preview of the feature in blue in the graphics
window.
New Feature - Location page (IFR)
Use the Location page of the New Feature wizard to specify the
vertical location of a recognized feature.
Enter the Top and Bottom Z heights of the feature, or use the Pick Z
location
button to pick the locations in the graphics window.
Click Preview to display a preview of the feature in blue in the
graphics window.
652 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Feature Recognition Options page (IFR)
Use the Feature Recognition Options page of the New Feature wizard
to specify the options for automatically recognizing features from
solids.
To use the Feature Recognition Options page:
1 Specify the options for automatically recognizing features. The
options are different depending on the feature type.
Boss, Pocket and Side features
The dialog contains these options for Boss, Pocket and Side
features:
Exclude features smaller than Features whose maximum
dimension is smaller than the distance you specify are not
created. For example, you can use this to ignore blind holes
that you would rather drill.
Merge features of the same height into a single feature Select
this option to create one feature with multiple boundary
curves, or deselect it to create separate features.
Add all new features into a group if there is more than one
Select this option to create a group (see page 956) of
features, or deselect it to create individual features.
Chamfer features
The dialog contains these options for Chamfer features:
Add all new features into a group Select this option to create
a group (see page 956) of features, or deselect it to create
individual features.
Create chamfers (deburr) with width Enter the width of the
chamfers you want to create.
Exclude chamfer if curve is a single, closed circle Select this
option if the model contains small holes that you do not want
to chamfer. Enter the minimum size of hole on which you
want to create a chamfer.
Largest tool diameter Surfaces within this distance of the
Chamfer feature are selected as check surfaces to ensure they
are not gouged when machining the Chamfer. Use this option
to prevent including unnecessary check surfaces in the feature
that would not be affected, it does not affect tool selection.
Recognized features are shown in blue in the graphics window.
2 Select the features you want to create in the graphics window, or
use the Select All and Unselect All buttons if there are multiple
features.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 653
Selected features are shown in orange in the graphics window.
3 Click Finish to create the selected features and close the wizard.
New Feature - Chaining (IFR)
Use the Chaining page of the New Feature wizard to pick curves from
solid models to define the shape of a feature.
To create curves:
1 Use the chaining edit bar to select the chaining (see page 401)
type.
2 Click on curves, geometry segments or solids in the graphics
window to create curves.
3 Optionally click Switch to Top View to change the view to make it
easier to create curves.
4 Click Create in the chaining edit bar to create the curve.
5 Repeat the previous steps to create multiple curves.
6 When finished, click Next.
New Feature - Horizontal Section (IFR)
Use the Horizontal Section page of the New Feature wizard to specify
a Z-slice through a solid. You can create curves within the Z-slice
and use them to create features.
Part solid Select the solid from which you want to recognize
features.
654 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Slice location Specify the height at which you want to take a Z
slice.
To use a Z slice at the edge of a solid, such as on the surface,
you must enable the Use edge-based FR option in the AFR
Options dialog (see page 594).
Preview Display a preview of the curves in blue in the graphics
window.
New Feature wizard (TURN)
The first page of the New Feature wizard for turning contains a list of
possible features, divided into sections:
From Dimensions lists features that are created from numeric
dimensions. Select a feature type and click Next to open the New
Feature - Dimensions (see page 656) page.
From Curve lists features that are created from curves and possibly
some additional dimensions. Select a feature type and click Next to
open the New Feature - Curve (see page 656) page.
The third section contains these other features:
Part Handling (see page 935)
User (see page 944)
Toolpath (see page 716)
Sub-spindle (see page 933)
Misc (see page 941)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 655
New Feature - Dimensions page (TURN)
If you are creating a From Dimensions turn feature, the second page
of the wizard is the New Feature - Dimensions page. The page is
different for each of the From Dimensions feature types. See the
specific feature topics for how to complete this page:
Hole (see page 891)
Groove (see page 896)
Thread (see page 904)
Face (see page 910)
Cutoff (see page 913)
Bar Feed (see page 916)/Bar Pull (see page 917)
New Feature - Curve (TURN)
If you are creating a From Curve feature, the second page of the
wizard is the New Feature - Curves page.
This page is where you specify the curve that dictates the shape of
your feature. This page is the same for all From Curve turn feature
types.
To complete this page:
1 If you still need to chain (see page 401) your geometry into a
curve, click the Curve chaining button and chain the curve.
2 Select the curve you want to base your feature on in the Curve
list, or click the Pick curve
Graphics window.
button to pick the curve in the
The curve is highlighted in red in the Graphics window.
656 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
New Feature - Location (TURN)
The default shape and location of the feature are determined by the
feature's curve and the curve's position.
1 If you want to create the feature in the same location as the
curve, click Next.
2 If you want to change the top of the feature, enter a value for
Offset from curve Z location. This can be a positive or negative
number.
3 Click Next.
New Feature - Strategies page (TURN)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1449) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 657
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
658 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Turn/bore (see page 1764) tab.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Cycle Select from:
Turn This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding parallel to the part's center line along the Z axis while
stepping down in the X axis. If you select Negative, the tool
moves from right to left. If you select Positive, the tool moves
from left to right. If the Total stock (see page 1525) attribute is
set, then the part is roughed using curves that are offset from
the feature's profile.
Turn cycle rough operation with Positive feed direction:
Turn cycle rough operation with Negative feed direction:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 659
Face This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding from the outside of the part to the center while
stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the negative
direction.
Back face This cycle roughs within the defined material
boundaries by feeding from the outside of the part to the center
while stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the
positive direction.
Toolpath Select from:
Turning Normal roughing passes are enabled. Each roughing pass
is cut in the same direction. For finishing, the tool traces the
contour of the feature from right to left and is withdrawn from the
part.
Roughing
If the Toolpath attribute is set to Turning, the normal roughing
passes are enabled. Each roughing pass is cut in the same direction.
660 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feed straight down into the part. The distance is based on the
depth of cut.
Cut down the right-hand wall.
Feed straight across.
Feed up the left-hand wall.
Withdraw from the wall, retract all the way across the feature.
Finishing
If the Toolpath attribute is set to Turning, the toolpath is generated
as shown below.
The tool traces the contour of the feature from right-to left.
The tool is withdrawn from the part based on withdraw angle
and withdraw length.
Offset Roughing toolpaths are created using offsets of the Turn
feature's curve. These offsets are clipped against the stock.
For the offset toolpath type, the roughing toolpaths are created
using offsets of the Turn feature's curve. These offsets are clipped
against the stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 661
Cut-Grip Roughing with Iscar cut grip tools is bi-directional. The
cut grip finishing style is performed using a unique strategy that is
enabled by having a grooving tool that cuts in both directions.
Roughing
Roughing with Iscar cut grip tools is bi-directional. The steps of the
cuts are as follows.
Feed straight down into the part. The distance is based on the depth
of cut.
Feed straight over in Z.
Withdraw away from the wall and rapid back slightly in Z.
Feed straight down again based on the depth of cut.
Feed straight in the -Z direction.
Finishing
The cut grip style of finishing is performed using a unique strategy
that is enabled by having a grooving tool that cuts in both
directions.
Cut down the left hand wall up to the bottom radius.
Rapid up and over and plunge a relief groove.
Cut down the right-hand wall, through the bottom radius into the
relief groove.
Cut along the bottom of the groove. This move is offset by a
deflection amount.
Cut up the left-hand bottom radius. This move is offset by a
deflection amount.
662 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If the Turn feature has multiple groove cavities, each cavity is cut in
this way and the cavities are ordered from left to right:
Round Insert Round tool roughing toolpaths are designed to ease
the tool more gently into a groove shape.
Round tool roughing toolpaths are designed to ease the tool more
gently into a groove shape. Instead of plunging straight into the
material, part entry is controlled by the Engage angle (see page
1496) turning attribute.
A round tool is required and you must manually select the tool
for this toolpath type.
Engage angle
Round insert tool finish toolpaths are the same as Turning
finish toolpaths.
Turnmilling Uses a rotating endmill tool with rotating stock.
Control the turning spindle speed on the Turn F/S tab. Control the
milling spindle speed on the Mill Speed tab.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page
1047) operation to the feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 663
Conventional The feed moves in the +X direction, followed by
the -Z direction, and so on, until it reaches the end of the stair
step.
No drag Using the Conventional finish type can reduce the tool
life and also result in chips being dragged along the face of the
part. Select the No drag finish, to cut the vertical faces first, in
the -X direction, then the horizontal -Z areas.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Cutting method
Choose an entry in the drop-down list to specify a cutting method
for the operation for each pass. Select:
664 Features
Single turret to cut the feature using one turret.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pinch turning to cut the feature using turrets positioned above
and below the axis of rotation. The tools cut simultaneously: the
first tool leaves a spiral of material and the second tool cuts the
spiral of material left by the first tool.
Follow turning to cut the feature using turrets positioned above
and below the axis of rotation. Each turret uses a standard depth
of cut: the top tool leads the bottom tool.
TNR Comp
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 665
New Feature - Strategies page (Bore)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1458) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
666 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Turn/bore (see page 1764) tab.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Cycle Select from:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 667
Turn This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding parallel to the part's center line along the Z axis while
stepping down in the X axis. If you select Negative, the tool
moves from right to left. If you select Positive, the tool moves
from left to right. If the Total stock (see page 1525) attribute is
set, then the part is roughed using curves that are offset from
the feature's profile.
Turn cycle rough operation with Positive feed direction:
Turn cycle rough operation with Negative feed direction:
668 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Face This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding from the outside of the part to the center while
stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the negative
direction.
Back face This cycle roughs within the defined material
boundaries by feeding from the outside of the part to the center
while stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the
positive direction.
Toolpath Select from:
Turning
Offset
Turnmilling
Cut-Grip
Round Insert
Pre-drill Select this option to have a pre-drill operation for a Bore
feature. Enter the Dia (diameter), Depth, and Z position of your
pre-drilled hole.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 669
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page
1047) operation to the feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Conventional The feed moves in the +X direction, followed by
the -Z direction, and so on, until it reaches the end of the stair
step.
No drag Using the Conventional finish type can reduce the tool
life and also result in chips being dragged along the face of the
part. Select the No drag finish, to cut the vertical faces first, in
the -X direction, then the horizontal -Z areas.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
670 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool nose radius compensation
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 671
New Feature - Strategies page (Groove)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1464) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Plunge center first This attribute is available for Groove features.
Plunge center first For groove features, if this option is selected,
the straight portion of the groove is roughed first and then the
angled portions are roughed separately. If Plunge center first is set,
the red region of this image is roughed first and then the yellow
regions are roughed.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Grooving (see page 1776) tab.
Output dwell on rough Select this option to have a Dwell amount
on the rough operation of a Groove feature.
672 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
New Feature - Strategies page (Thread)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1465) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Turn to diameter
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 673
Optionally create a rough and/or finish pass to turn the part down
to the diameter of the thread. The creation of these operations is
controlled by the Turn to diameter: Rough and Finish options on the
Strategy page. See How a turn feature is manufactured (see page
919) for more details.
Chamfer Enable the Chamfer option to add a chamfer to your
Thread feature.
The chamfer slopes into the thread for OD threads (turn) and away
from the thread for ID threads (bore).
You must select either Rough or Finish to access the
Chamfer option.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
Relief Groove
Optionally generate a roughing (see page 900) pass for the relief
groove. The Width controls the Z-axis dimension, the Depth controls
the X-axis dimension and the Side Wall Angle controls the angle of
the wall closest to the thread.
Thread Enable this option to have a thread operation on the
feature.
Feed This is the direction of the feed moves, select from:
Towards chuck the threading is performed in the direction
toward the chuck.
Away from chuck the threading is performed in the direction
away from the chuck.
Passes This is the number of steps to the bottom of the thread.
Select either Fixed or Calculated.
Fixed refers to a fixed rate of material removal. As the tool
cuts further into the part, the area of contact of the tool
increases. FeatureCAM reduces the infeed on each pass so that
the tool loading remains constant. Enter the number of passes in
Count.
Calculated the number of steps is calculated automatically by
FeatureCAM.
Step1 is used to specify the incremental step for the first pass
across the thread.
Step2 specifies the second pass and is used by the system to
determine subsequent passes on the thread, reducing in
depth until the Min Infeed value is reached.
674 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spring passes A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading
pass. Enter the number of Spring passes that you want.
New Feature - Strategies page (Face)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1467) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 675
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool
676 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Tool nose radius compensation
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 677
New Feature - Strategies page (Cutoff)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1470) of the Feature Properties dialog.
Part catcher If enabled, the part catcher code is output after the
Cutoff operation. The code for activating the parts catcher must be
listed in your .cnc file.
Plunge rough edge break If there is a chamfer or radius on a
Cutoff feature and Plunge rough edge break is enabled:
1 The Cutoff groove is plunged down to the depth of the
chamfer/radius
2 The chamfer/radius is plunge-roughed.
New Feature - Strategies page (Part Handling)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the machining strategy for the feature.
678 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Slug transfer
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Already Supported Enable this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 679
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Reverse slug transfer
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Leave Supported Enable this option if you want to keep the part
supported.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
680 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Bar pull
Already Supported Enable this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Leave Supported Enable this option if you want to keep the part
supported.
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 681
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Part support on
Support type Select the type of support from:
Subspindle
Tailstock
Steadyrest
682 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Jaws Only For steady rests, select this option to operate the jaws
without moving the steady rest.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 683
Part support off
Support type Select the type of support from:
Subspindle
Tailstock
Steadyrest
Jaws Only For steady rests, select this option to operate the jaws
without moving the steady rest.
Open dwell Optionally enter a dwell time after opening the
spindle.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab (see page 1472) of the Feature Properties dialog.
684 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Strategies page (Air blast)
Use the New Feature - Strategies page of the New Feature wizard to
specify the strategy for the Air Blast feature.
After you have created the feature, you can edit these options in
the Strategy tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
New Feature - Default Tool page (TURN)
This page displays details on the automatically selected tool. The
image shows a preview of the tool. If your display is set to more
than 256 colors this diagram is shaded. Otherwise, it is shown as a
line drawing. To the right of the image, you can see the Tool
Parameters.
To complete this page:
1 If you are satisfied with this tool, select I want to use the default
tool and click Next to open the Feed/Speed (see page 688) page.
2 If you want to change tooling, select I want to search for another
tool or make a new one and click Next to open the New Feature Tool Search (see page 686) page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 685
New Feature - Tool Search page (TURN)
You see the New Feature - Tool Search page of the wizard only if you
select I want to search for another tool or make a new one on the New
Feature - Default Tool page.
The table lists the default recommended tool (marked with a D) and
other tools in the current tool crib that fit the tool selection criteria.
Other tools can be selected from the table by selecting the
check-box next to the tool name. The tools that are listed in the
table are controlled by the filter settings.
The tools displayed in the table are chosen from the database based
on the criteria listed above the table. To choose from different tools,
change the filter criteria. The criteria are:
Orientation Select an orientation from among the icons. Select
Anything to see tools of all orientations.
Insert shape Select an insert shape from among the icons.
Select Anything to see tools with all insert shapes.
Presentation angle Enter a number for the presentation. Select
Anything to see tools with all presentation angles.
Regardless of the filtering criteria, the automatically selected tool
stays in the list.
Select a tool in the table to see the preview image in the upper
right-hand corner of the dialog. You can pan and zoom this display
by left-clicking and dragging the mouse cursor in the tool graphic
window. Right-click in the tool graphic window and select Center all
to center the entire tool and holder.
You can sort the tools listed in the table by any column by clicking
the title of the column.
686 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can adjust the column widths by clicking and dragging
the borders of the column titles. FeatureCAM remembers your
width preferences.
Undo tool override Click this button to revert the selected tool
back to the default recommended tool (marked with a D).
New tool Click this button to create a brand new tool and add
it to the current crib. The tool that is selected in the table is used to
fill in the initial values for the tool.
Tool manager Click this button to open the Tool Manager (see
page 1817) dialog.
Properties Click this button to open the Tool Properties (see
page 1821, see page 1867) dialog for the selected tool.
Recent tools Select this option to filter the list and show only
recently used tools.
Turnmilling tool orientation button available when you select
Turnmilling as the turn Toolpath type on the Strategy (see page
1448) tab. Click this button to open the B-Axis Tool Orientation (see
page 1483) dialog.
To override the automatically selected tool to one of your choice:
1 Select the Orientation.
2 Select or enter the tool Insert Shape.
3 Select or enter the tool's Presentation Angle.
4 Optionally select the Recent tools option to filter your tool search
further.
5 Scroll through the table.
6 To preview a tool:
Select a tool in the table to view it in the small graphics
window. You can pan and zoom this view.
Select a tool in the table and click the Properties
button or
double-click a tool in the table to open its Tool Properties
dialog. You can edit the tool's properties if you want to.
7 To change the tool, select the check box next to the Name of the
tool you want to use in the table.
8 If you cannot find the tool you want, click the New tool
button and create a new tool (see page 1821).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 687
To revert back to the automatically selected tool, click the Undo tool
override
button. The override tool is deselected in the table and
FeatureCAM uses the default tool marked D.
New Feature - Feed/Speed page (TURN)
This page allows you to review and change the automatically
calculated feeds and speeds.
To complete this page:
1 If you are satisfied with the feed and speed values, click Next.
2 If you want to change the speed:
Select Constant Surface Speed and enter the Surface Speed.
Optionally specify the CSS Maximum RPM. This is the
maximum revolutions per minute that the machine can
generate.
Optionally specify the CSS Approach RPM. This is the initial
speed for the operation while still off the part.
3 If you want to enter the speed as a single revolution per minute
value:
Deselect Constant Surface Speed and enter the Spindle Speed.
4 If your machine has explicit spindle speed ranges, you may want
to set the RPM Range.
Some turning centers have gear boxes that set the maximum
spindle speed of the machine. The RPM Range list sets the gear box
to a specific maximum range. If you set RPM Range to a value of
1-4, then the range is set explicitly. If RPM Range is set to Auto then
FeatureCAM sets the range for you based on the following rules:
1 If the feature is a turned Hole or another turned feature without
Constant Surface Speed set, then the range is determined based
on the Spindle Speed.
2 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set,
then the range is determined based on the Max RPM.
3 If you want to change the feed:
If you want to specify the speed as feed per revolution, select
IPR and enter the Feed Rate.
If you want to specify the speed as feed per minute, deselect
IPR and enter the Feed Rate.
4 Click Next.
688 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Tool Usage (TURN)
This page enables you to change how the tool is used.
Tool This displays the name of the tool used for the operation.
Coolant Select the type of coolant to use for the operation. The
default coolant is Flood. You can select a different coolant from the
list and the override option is selected automatically. To revert back
to the default coolant, deselect override.
You can change the default Coolant type on the Misc. (see
page 1722) tab of Machining Attributes.
Select the type of coolant to use. The default choices are:
None no coolant
Flood a continuous stream of coolant
Mist coolant mixed with air
Coolant 3 - Coolant 10 you can define these other coolant
options in the post processor.
You can enter up to ten types of coolant in the Coolant dialog in
XBUILD (select CNC-Info > Coolant to open it). After you have saved
them in XBUILD, they are available to choose in this list in
FeatureCAM.
Turret Select the tool's turret.
Turret direction Select the direction that the turret turns. If set to
Auto, the machine determines the most efficient direction.
New Feature wizard (TURNMILL)
FeatureCAM TURN/MILL (see page 943) classifies features as either
Turn/Mill features or pure Turning features. Turn/mill features (see
page 943) assume powered tools and turning features assume that
the tool does not spin.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 689
For example, you can make a hole along the Z-axis with both
feature types, but the milled one uses rotary tools, and the turned
hole uses a drill that does not spin.
To use the New Feature wizard for Turn/Mill documents:
1 Select the feature type:
Turn/Mill use the Milling New Feature wizard (see page 614).
Turning use the Turning New Feature wizard (see page 655).
2 Click Next.
New Feature wizard (WIRE)
The first page of the New Feature wizard for wire EDM contains a list
of possible features, divided into categories:
2 Axis
4 Axis
From Feature
690 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
There are two additional options:
Make a pattern from this feature Select this option to create a
pattern from the new feature at the same time. The wizard uses
extra pages to set up your pattern.
Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION (see page 955) - Select this option
if you are creating features from a solid model using the
FeatureRECOGNITION module.
There is also an Automatic Feature Recognition (see page 581)
wizard that tries to recognize all features of the model
automatically.
To complete this page of the wizard:
1 Select the feature type that you want to create.
2 Optionally select Make a pattern from this feature and Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION.
Click Next to continue with the rest of the wizard. If you are creating
a 2 Axis feature, the next page of the wizard is the New Feature Curves (see page 691) page. If you are creating a 4 Axis feature,
the next page of the wizard is the New Feature - Upper Curve (see
page 692).
New Feature - Curves page (WIRE)
If you are creating a 2 Axis feature, the second page of the wizard is
the New Feature - Curves page. This page is where you specify the
curve that dictates the shape of your feature. This page is the same
for all From Curve feature types.
To complete this page:
1 If you still need to chain (see page 401) your geometry into a
curve, click the Curve chaining button and chain the curve.
2 Select the curves(s) in the graphics window. Any curves that
were selected before opening the wizard are already listed.
3 Click Add
to add selected curves to the list. In the graphics
window, the added curves change to the highlight color (green
by default).
4 To remove a curve from the list, select the curve in the graphics
window or in the list and click Delete
. To select a range of
names from the list, select the top name and then hold down the
SHIFT key and select the bottom name.
5 To select the curves one at a time, click Pick curve
, then
select the geometry or curve in the graphics window. Repeat this
procedure to select each curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 691
6 When you have selected the curves required to define the
feature, click Next to open the New Feature - Location page.
New Feature - Machining Direction page (WIRE)
For rapid features, you must set the machining direction. You do
this on the New Feature - Machining Direction of the wizard.
To complete this page:
1 Review the default machining direction for each curve in the
table by selecting it and viewing the blue arrow in the Graphics
window.
2 If you are happy with the machining direction, click Next to open
the New Feature - Location (see page 694) page.
3 If you want to change the machining direction of a curve, select
it in the table and click the Switch machining direction
button.
The arrow in the Graphics window switches and the table
updates the Machining Direction from Normal to Reverse for the
selected curve.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
New Feature - Upper/Lower Curve page (WIRE)
If you are creating a 4-axis feature, you must specify both an upper
and lower curve. The second page of the wizard for 4-axis features
is the New Feature - Upper Curve page.
To complete this page:
1 If you still need to chain (see page 401) your geometry into a
curve, click the Curve chaining button and chain the curve.
692 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Select the curve that you want to define the upper boundaries of
the feature in the Upper curve list or use the Pick curve
button to pick the curve in the Graphics window.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Lower Curve.
4 Repeat steps 1 and 2, this time for the lower curve.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location page.
New Feature - Surface Boundaries (WIRE)
This page is part of the new feature wizard and it assists you in
creating 4-axis wire EDM features from ruled surfaces. It can be
performed on both surface and solid models. When you enter this
dialog, the edges of all ruled surfaces in the model are displayed in
blue.
To complete the dialog:
1 Click the Pick Curve
bar.
button. The dialog warps into just a title
2 Select the Upper curves of the feature in order.
3 Click the Pick button in the title bar of the warped dialog to
complete the picking.
4 Click the Preview button to make sure you have selected the
correct curves.
5 Click Next and complete the wizard.
6 As you select curves, the ruled surfaces are entered into a table
in the middle of the dialog. This table lists the surface name, the
number of the boundary selected and whether or not the curve
has been reversed. There are a number of additional operations
that can be performed on a selected row of the table.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 693
The delete button removes the boundary currently selected in
the tables.
This button moves the selected boundary up in the table.
This button moves the selected boundary down in the table.
This button selects an alternative boundary of the surface.
This button reverses the direction of the selected curve. Note
that FeatureCAM automatically sets the direction of the curves so
this option should not be necessary most of the time.
There are two additional options:
Use Show lower curve option to display the corresponding bottom
curve for each curve selected.
Use Hide surfaces when finish option to have the surfaces hidden
after you leave this dialog.
New Feature - Location page (WIRE)
The default shape and location of the feature are determined by the
feature's curve and the curve's position.
1 If you want to create the feature in the same location as the
curve (or the upper curve for 4-axis features), click Next.
2 If you want to change the top of the feature, enter a value for
Offset from (upper) curve Z location. This can be a positive or
negative number.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
694 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Dimensions page (WIRE)
The New Feature - Dimensions page is where you enter the Thickness
of your wire feature.
For 2-axis features:
If your curve is at the bottom of the feature, select Curve at
bottom.
Optionally set a Taper (see page 695).
Wire EDM Taper
None Select this option if there is no taper on the feature.
Constant With this option, the feature has a constant taper angle
all the way around the feature. The taper is specified by an angle,
specified in degrees, and taper type (see page 695).
Variable If you want to specify a different taper value for each
line and arc of your curve, select Variable and click the Variable
Taper button to display the variable taper table (see page 697).
Types of wire EDM tapers
All left tapers are performed to the left of the curve (at the bottom
of the feature) relative to the Primary Cut Direction, and all right
tapers are performed to the right of the curve (at the bottom of the
feature) relative to the Primary Cut Direction.
Left Sharp corners tapered into sharp corners (G29 on a
Charmilles machine) and arcs tapered into conical corners (see
page 696) (G28).
Right Sharp corners tapered into sharp corners and arcs
tapered into conical corners (see page 696).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 695
Rounded-Left Sharp corners tapered into arcs (G28) and arcs
tapered into conical corners (see page 696) (G28).
Rounded-Right Sharp corners tapered into arcs and arcs
tapered into conical corners (see page 696).
ISO-Left Arcs tapered into cylindrical corners (see page
696) (G29) and sharp corners tapered into sharp corners (G29).
ISO-Right Arcs tapered into cylindrical corners (see page 696)
and sharp corners tapered into sharp corners.
ISO/Rounded-Left Arcs tapered into cylindrical corners (see
page 696) (G29) and sharp corners tapered into arcs (G28).
ISO/Rounded-Right Arcs tapered into cylindrical corners (see
page 696) and sharp corners tapered into arcs.
Default conical corner
The normal taper has corners that are shaped like a cone. The arc
of the top curve is different from the arc of the bottom curve.
ISO cylindrical corner
An ISO taper has cylindrical corners. The arcs of the top and bottom
curves have the same radius.
696 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Variable taper table
If the feature has multiple curves, select the appropriate curve from
the Curve list. The curve is broken down into arc and line segments
and each segment is represented by a row in the table. As you click
a row of the table, the segment of the curve is highlighted in the
graphics window. To find the row of the table that corresponds to a
segment, click the Pick curve piece
button and select the
segment. The row of the table is then selected.
The columns of each table are:
Status Double-click box in the status column to display a list of
Types of wire EDM tapers (see page 695).
First Angle This is the taper angle, specified in degrees, for the
first end point of the segment.
Second Angle This is the taper angle, specified in degrees, for the
second end point of the segment.
Taper reg This is the register on the machine containing taper
information for this segment.
If you want smooth walls of your part, the angle of one
segment must match the first angle of the next segment.
New Feature - Start page (WIRE)
The New Feature - Start page is where you set the start point and
curve piece where you want the wire to start cutting the feature.
Leads are non-perpendicular by default. If you want the lead
to be perpendicular, select the Pick only perpendicular lead box
before you click the Pick location button. Click the start point
and FeatureCAM highlights the corresponding perpendicular
point when you mouse-over the curve segment. Click to
accept it.
Die and Punch Features
For 2 and 4-axis Die or Punch features, a start point is automatically
calculated. You can change the start point for a Die or Punch feature
using the following procedure:
1 If the feature has multiple curves, select the appropriate curve
from the Curve list.
2 Click the Pick location
button.
3 Click the new Start point.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 697
You must pick on the appropriate side for the feature type.
For die features, pick on the inside. For punch features, pick
on the outside. For side features pick on the machining side.
If you pick a point in the incorrect side, the approach moves
will gouge the part.
1 Select the segment of the curve to connect the start point to by
moving the mouse over the feature until the segment of the
curve you want is highlighted and then click the mouse.
2 The X and Y coordinates of the new start point are displayed in
the dialog.
If you want to force the wire to start on the curve, you cannot
simply double-click. You must move your second pick (the one that
indicates the curve segment) slightly so that you are not picking the
same point twice.
If you are creating a 4-axis feature, follow the above procedure for
both the upper and lower curves.
Side Features
For 2 and 4-axis side features, the default is to start at the first
point of the curve. To add new linear moves at the start or end of a
curve:
1 If the feature has multiple curves, select the appropriate curve
from the Curve drop down list.
2 Click the Pick point
button for either the start or end point.
A line will rubber-band from the current start of end point.
3 Click a point at the new location.
Alternatively, you can simple enter the new end point coordinates.
New Feature - Match Curves page (WIRE)
FeatureCAM tries to match up the upper and lower curves for 4-axis
features. You can edit the default match on the New Feature - Match
Curves page.
A Side feature must have at least three moves in it including
lead moves. If it does not, then no feature is displayed in the
wizard start page.
For example, if you are creating a feature from a single line,
you must change the start point and end point so that the
feature has three moves.
698 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM attempts to match up the points of the upper and lower
curves of a 4-axis feature. If the curves are not matched as you
want, then you can manually match the two curves.
Before starting to manually match your points, first make sure that
the start points of each curve are close to each other when viewed
from the top. Use the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page to do
this.
To match two curves:
1 Click the Pick curve point
button. All of the endpoints of the
two curves are displayed as green dots and existing connections
are shown as thick green lines.
2 Click an endpoint on the lower curve.
3 Click the corresponding endpoint on the upper curve. These
points are connected with a green line.
4 Repeat these steps until you have matched all the points you
want to change.
5 If you want to see how the feature looks with your new matches,
click the Next button. If you want to make further changes, click
the Back button and repeat steps 1-4.
If you want to connect a point on the bottom curve to multiple
points on the top curve, hold down the SHIFT key when you select
the bottom point and each top point.
You cannot change the start points of the curves by adjusting
the matching points. Use the New Feature - Start (see page
697) page to change the start points.
Curve Pieces Management
To break a curve piece into equal pieces:
1 Specify the number of pieces you want by entering the number
or using the arrow buttons.
2 Click the Pick curve piece
button.
3 Select the curve piece that you want to break, in the Graphics
window.
To add a single point to a 4-axis wire curve piece:
1 Click the Pick curve piece then location
button.
2 Select the curve piece in the Graphics window.
3 Slide the cursor along the piece and click the location.
4 A new point is inserted at this location.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 699
To remove curve pieces from a 4-axis wire curve:
1 Click the Merge broken pieces
button.
2 Click the first curve piece.
3 Click the last curve piece. The portion of the curve is highlighted
as you move the cursor to preview the selected region of the
curve.
4 All internal points within these pieces are removed.
You cannot remove the segment that contains the start point.
New Feature - Feature Extraction page (IFR) (WIRE)
Use the Feature Extraction page of the New Feature wizard to select
the method you want to use to recognize features from a solid
model.
Select a method of recognizing features:
For solid faces Extract features from the faces of a solid.
For all surfaces types Extract features from trimmed surfaces,
or from a mix of trimmed and untrimmed surfaces.
For untrimmed ruled surfaces Extract features from untrimmed
surfaces.
Hide horizontal surfaces Select this option to hide horizontal
surfaces in the graphics window to make other surfaces easier to
select. Enter an angle to hide surfaces that are almost horizontal.
Surfaces within the specified range are hidden when you click Next.
New Feature - Solid Faces (IFR)
Use the Solid Faces page of the New Feature wizard to select solid
faces that represent a feature.
Add faces you want to machine to the list using the buttons:
Click Pick surface
to hide the dialog and select solid faces in
the graphics window, then click Add from selected items
to
add them to the list.
Select faces in the list and click Delete from selected items
remove them.
to
Slicing heights Select Manual and specify the top and bottom
heights of the feature, or select Automatic to use the height of the
surfaces as the height of the feature.
700 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hide surfaces when finish Select this option to hide surfaces used
to create the feature when you finish the wizard.
Preview Display a preview of the feature in blue in the graphics
window.
New Feature - Upper Surface Edges
Use the Upper Surface Edges page of the New Feature wizard to
select surface edges that define the shape of the top of the feature.
Use the buttons to select surface edges you want to machine:
Hide the dialog and pick surface edges in the graphics
window.
Remove the selected item from the list.
Move the selected item up in the list.
Move the selected item down in the list.
For the item selected in the list, change the edge of the
surface.
Reverse the direction of the selected item.
Hide surfaces when finish Select this option to hide surfaces used
to create the feature when you finish the wizard.
New Feature - Lower Surface Edges
Use the Lower Surface Edges page of the New Feature wizard to
select surface edges that define the shape of the top of the feature.
Use the buttons to select surface edges you want to machine:
Hide the dialog and pick surface edges in the graphics
window.
Remove the selected item from the list.
Move the selected item up in the list.
Move the selected item down in the list.
For the item selected in the list, change the edge of the
surface.
Reverse the direction of the selected item.
Hide surfaces when finish Select this option to hide surfaces used
to create the feature when you finish the wizard.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 701
New Feature - Upper Surface Boundaries
Use the Upper Surface Boundaries page of the New Feature wizard to
select surface boundaries that define the shape of the top of the
feature.
Use the buttons to select surface edges you want to machine:
Hide the dialog and pick surface edges in the graphics
window.
Remove the selected item from the list.
Move the selected item up in the list.
Move the selected item down in the list.
For the item selected in the list, change the edge of the
surface.
Reverse the direction of the selected item.
Hide surfaces when finish Select this option to hide surfaces used
to create the feature when you finish the wizard.
New Feature - Strategies page (WIRE)
FeatureCAM has a variety of machining cycles for different
purposes. Each operation type has a whole range of parameters and
options.
Operations Select the operation that you want to use to cut the
feature.
702 Features
Retract (see page 707)
Stop (see page 708)
Pocketing (see page 708)
Zigzag (see page 710)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cutoff (see page 713)
Contour (see page 713)
You can have more than one operation by selecting the primary
operation in the Operations list and then selecting the Cutoff or
Contour options.
Primary Cut/Offset Dir
For closed curves, the Primary Cut Dir attribute controls the direction
of a cut. The options are CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
For open curves the Primary Offset Dir attribute controls the
direction of a cut. The options are Left or Right. These settings are
relative to the machining-side setting.
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Settings (see page 1790) tab.
Retract Length
The Retract Length attribute is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff
operations.
- Retract length
- Stop length
- Wire path
- Inserted end position
- Normal contour start/end po
- Contour
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 703
Use on both ends of skim passes This applies the Retract Length
to both ends of skim passes (the wire does not return to the start
point at one end). See example.
Stop Length
This parameter is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff operations.
Retract operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Stop operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Contour start/end position
Inserted stop positions
Cutoff operation (CW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Cutoff operation (CCW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
704 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Settings (see page 1790) tab.
Stop code For Stop operations you can choose from:
M00 is program stop. This stop is always performed.
M01 is optional program stop. There is a setting on the machine
tool to observe or skip these stops.
Overlap
Stop operation:
- Contour
- Wire path
- Contour start/end
position
- Inserted stop
positions
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (counter-clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 705
The run-off back to the end position of the contour is at an
angle. On some machines (for example, Agie), an angled
run-off may not be allowable.
If the overlap is too large, a triangular piece of material is
left, which may fall and halt the machine.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Settings (see page 1790) tab.
Contour overlap This is used only by the Contour operation. It is
the amount by which the Contour operation overlaps.
Total Stock applies to pocketing and zigzag operations.
This parameter sets the amount of material removed from the
contour when using the Offset Method of Offset Toolpath. When the
value is 0, only one cutting pass is made.
The calculated wire path represents the center of the wire;
the amount remaining on the curve is dependent on the
cutter compensation values.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
Stepover Enter the stepover amount between passes for
Pocketing and Zigzag operations.
Finish allowance This is the amount of material left after a
Pocketing or Zigzag pass. Even if a Cleanup Pass is used, the finish
allowance still remains.
Cleanup Pass is for zigzag operations.
706 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The contour is cut with a contour parallel finishing path to remove
any rough edges left by the stepover between passes.
- Cleanup Pass
Islands (see page 709) button for pocketing and zigzag operations.
Skim Pass Options (see page 1555) button.
Retract
The retract operation is available for both 2-axis and 4-axis
features.
The contour is not cut completely but is stopped shortly before the
contour end point. The distance of this position from the contour
end point is set in the Stop Length field. This option is generally
used when cutting multiple contours whereby the cut part should
not be separated from the workpiece, such as when the program
should run automatically overnight.
Retract length
Stop length
Wire path
Inserted end position
Normal contour start/
position
Contour
A Cutoff operation is normally used after this operation to cut the
part of the contour that is not cut by the retract operation. The
Cutoff operation machines the left over part in the opposite
direction to the machining curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 707
Stop
The stop operation is available for both 2-axis and 4-axis features.
A stop command is inserted into the wire path together with a
further stop at the end of the contour. The distance of the new stop
position from the contour end point is defined in the Stop Length
field. If you want to overcut the contour end position, you can also
define an Overlap. In centerline simulation, the locations where the
wire stops are shown as small squares.
A stop operation has two different locations where the wire stops:
Stop length
Stop length
Wire path
Overlap
Contour
Wire path
Contour start/end
position
Inserted stop
positions
Contour
Contour start/end
position
Inserted stop
positions
Pocketing
The Pocketing operation is available only for 2-axis features.
708 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Pocketing operation enables contour parallel area clearance of a
closed curve.
Stepover
General rules
The machining curve must define a closed pocket.
The start position of the cut is set automatically to a point on the
boundary. The wire then feeds to the center of the pocket and
then cuts from the inside toward the boundary.
To ensure that the wire starts in a particular position (to thread
the wire for example) you should define a start point. The
toolpath then starts at the start point and then feed to the center
of the pocket.
No attempt is made to check if the stepover value is larger or
smaller than the wire diameter.
Cutter compensation does not apply to a pocketing operation
because it outputs a wire path that is already corrected (that is, no
compensation is entered on the machine).
Islands for pocketing and zigzag
You can use Islands with Pocketing and Zigzag operations to indicate
areas where there is no stock and so avoid air cutting.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 709
When you select either Pocketing or Zigzag as the operation on the
Strategies page of the New Feature wizard (or the Strategy tab of the
feature Properties dialog), you see a button labelled Islands.
Click this button to open the Select Islands dialog where you specify
the curves that you want to act as islands:
The toolpath avoids the area within the island.
Zigzag
The Zigzag operation is available only for 2-axis features.
710 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Zigzag operation defines a zigzag area clearance cycle for a
closed curve.
Offset
Stepover
General Rules
The machining curve must define a closed pocket.
The start position of the cut is set automatically to a point on the
boundary. The wire then feeds to the beginning of the zigzag
pattern.
To ensure that the wire starts in a particular position (to thread
the wire for example) you should define a start point. The
toolpath then starts at the start point and then feeds to the
beginning of the zigzag pattern.
By the definition of the Cut Angle you can control the direction of
the wire path and also the start point of the cycle (see page
712).
The angle is defined from the X-positive axis of the current UCS.
Enter the angle in degrees.
No attempt is made to check if the stepover is larger or smaller
than the wire diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 711
Cutter compensation does not apply to a pocketing operation
because it outputs a wire path that is already corrected (that is,
no compensation is entered on the machine).
Start point for zigzag
The start position that is automatically calculated by the software
depends on the Cut Angle of the wire path.
If the Cut Angle is 0 , the start point of the cycle is at the bottom
left.
If the Cut Angle is 90 , the start point of the cycle is at the bottom
right.
If the Cut Angle is 180 , the start point of the cycle is at the top
right.
If the Cut Angle is 270 , the start point of the cycle is at the top left.
712 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The chosen angle can naturally lie between the examples shown
above. In this case the start point is set to the nearest of the
positions shown. On extremely complex contours it may be
necessary to experiment with the cut angle to find the optimum
start point.
Cutoff
The Cutoff operation is available for both 2-axis and 4-axis features.
This option is normally used after a contour has been cut with a
retract operation.
Cutoff cuts the part of the contour left by the retract option.
Machining is in the reverse direction to that of the machining curve,
from the contour end point to the stop position. The wire stops
before pulling away from the part. The stop location is shown as a
small square.
Retract length
Stop length
Wire path
Contour
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Contour
The contour operation is available for both 2-axis and 4-axis
features.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 713
This cycle is the generally applicable cycle for cutting contours.
Contour
Start point
General Rules
The curve can be open or closed. A contour operation traces the
entire length of the curve. The number of passes is determined by
Contour passes. A contour operation can be optionally added to
retract, stop, pocket, zigzag or cutoff operations by selecting the
Contour option on the Strategy tab.
If you want the contour to overlap, enter the amount of overlap you
want as the Contour Overlap.
New Feature - Operations page (WIRE)
This page lists the operations that you have chosen on the
Strategies (see page 702) page to manufacture the feature.
To complete this page:
1 If you are happy with the operations, click Finish (see page 614).
2 If you would like to take a closer look at the cutting data, click
Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data page.
714 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Feature - Cutting Data (WIRE)
The New Feature - Cutting Data page provides the feed, water and
cutter compensation registers for each pass of the operation. The
use of all these settings depends on the machine and controller
type. You can set these values automatically from the current
material database, or enter them manually.
Most modern NC machines have an integrated technology database
which the machine uses to set up the optimum cutting conditions
for the workpiece. In this way the cutting is accurate and uses the
full power of the machine. These settings for the cutting conditions
are usually stored in Registers in the controller and are activated by
particular codes in the NC program. FeatureCAM enables you to
define these codes for up to nine cuts (either backwards/forwards
cutting or with sub-programs). You can also load pre-defined
settings from a database you have prepared.
Feed This is used to select the generator setting on the wire
machine. The generator setting controls the cutting speed of the
machine by setting parameters such as strength, pulse time, and
pause time between pulses of the electrical current used to produce
the spark. These parameters vary with the workpiece material,
height, and so on.
Water This is used to select the machine register that defines the
water flow during cutting. The parameters that are controlled
include the water pressure, flow rate, and so on.
Comp. Reg. This sets the number of the Compensation Register of
the NC machine, which is used for wire radius compensation. The
value held within this register is the amount by which the wire is
corrected to the left or right of the defined wire path when the
function for wire correction on the machine is switched on (normally
G41 or G42).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 715
Comp. Val. This sets the wire radius correction value for the given
offset register on the machine. The value is normally the sum of the
wire radius + spark gap + any finishing allowance required. For
most machines, the compensation value is referenced through the
compensation register, so there is no need to set this value.
You can change the labels of these columns in the Cutting
Conditions Names dialog in XBUILD. Select CNC-Info > Cutting
Conditions Names from the XBUILD menu.
New Feature - Summary (WIRE)
This is the final page of the New Feature wizard. It shows a list of
the operations for the feature.
To complete this page:
1 If you are happy, click Finish (see page 614) and the feature is
created.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
2 If you want to make changes, click the Back button until you
come to the wizard page you want to alter.
Specific features
FeatureCAM features can be divided into the following groups:
Toolpath feature (see page 716)
2.5D milling features (see page 719)
3D milling features (see page 820)
Turning features (see page 890)
Turn/Mill features (see page 943)
User-defined features (see page 944)
Wire features (see page 945)
Toolpath feature
Use a Toolpath feature to directly create a single. You can create
the moves of a toolpath in three ways:
716 Features
Create each move individually. You would typically do this if you
have a simple, but very precise tool movement that cannot be
easily created using a FeatureCAM feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Create a curve. This lets you use the drawing tools of
FeatureCAM to control the path of the tool precisely.
Import an operation of an existing feature. This technique lets
you make changes to the toolpaths that FeatureCAM generates
automatically. You can import toolpaths from either milling or
turning features.
If the toolpath is created from a curve or a feature, it is not linked
to the original source regardless of the parametric modeling (see
page 391) setting. As a result, this is a mechanism for storing a
toolpath that will never be automatically modified by FeatureCAM.
You must simulate toolpaths to check for gouging on any
modified toolpaths.
To create a Toolpath feature:
1 Click the Features
dialog is displayed.
step in the Steps panel. The New Feature
2 In the From Feature section, select Toolpath and click Next. The
New Feature - Curve or Operation page is displayed.
If you want to use a curve, select Curve and select the name
of the curve from the list.
To edit the toolpaths of an operation, select Operation and
select the operation name from the list.
Select NC code text to enter NC code directly, such as program
stop code M00 or M01.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 717
3 Follow the steps of the wizard to pick a tool and feed and speed
rates for the toolpath.
Each Toolpath feature creates a single toolpath operation. Each
toolpath operation has a Tools, F/S, and Toolpaths (see page 1119)
tab. Use the Toolpaths tab to edit the Toolpath feature.
If you are creating the toolpath from manually entered moves
or from a curve, you must manually select tools and the feed
and speed values.
If the toolpath was imported from another FeatureCAM
operation, the tooling and machining parameters are kept.
Program stop code example
To enter program stop code directly into the NC program:
1 Click the Features
dialog is displayed.
step in the Steps panel. The New Feature
2 In the From Feature section, select Toolpath and click Next. The
New Feature - Curve or Operation page is displayed.
3 Select the NC code text option and enter M00 (or M01).
718 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Click Next. The New Feature - Toolpath feature page is displayed.
This page has the same toolpath editing buttons as the Toolpaths
(see page 1119) tab in the Toolpath Properties dialog.
5 Click Finish. The Toolpath feature is listed in the Part View and on
the Op List tab.
6 Simulate the Toolpath feature. In this example, there are no
toolpaths to see, but you must simulate the feature to produce
the NC code.
7 View the NC code on the NC Code tab.
If a Toolpath feature consists only of G-code, FeatureCAM
does not display the Tools or F/S tabs in the Toolpath
Properties dialog.
2.5D milling features (25D & 3D)
Hole (see page 720) A Hole feature is created by drilling or boring
and may have other characteristics such as a chamfer or tapped
threads. They may be manufactured using canned drilling cycles.
Boss (see page 761) Mills a boss whose shape is determined by a
curve.
Chamfer (see page 767) Mills a chamfer that follows a curve.
Most features include a chamfer option which you should use for
chamfering entire features.
Face (see page 758) Is a milling operation to cut a smooth finish
on a face of the stock and to cut the stock to exact dimensions.
Groove (see page 773) Is a groove that follows a curve. The
curve is the centerline of the groove. Also used for engraving.
Grooves support open or closed curves.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 719
Pocket (see page 784) Mills an arbitrarily shaped cavity. It may
contain a collection of island curves or bosses within the pocket. The
islands can be at different heights.
Round (see page 789) Mills a rounding operation that follows a
curve.
Side (see page 795) Is a general milling operation to cut all the
material on one side of a curve. This feature works with open or
closed curves.
Rectangular pocket (see page 739) Mills a rectangular pocket with
rounded corners. No curve is needed for this pocket.
Slot (see page 744) Is a straight slot with rounded ends. No
curve is needed for a slot.
Step bore (see page 749) Is a nested series of round pockets with
a common center. No curve is needed for a step bore.
Thread mill (see page 753) Mills a thread on an inner or outer
diameter.
You can create patterns (see page 961) of features as well as
groups (see page 956) of features which, in turn, can become
the basis feature for even more sophisticated patterns.
Hole
There are multiple Hole feature types:
Plain hole
- Chamfer (depth
of 45 chamfer)
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
Counter-bore hole
720 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Bore diameter
- Bore depth
- Chamfer (depth
of 45 chamfer)
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
Counter-sink hole
- Sink diameter
- Angle
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
Counter-drill hole
- (Counter) Drill diameter
- (Counter) Drill depth
- Chamfer (depth of 45
chamfer)
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
Tapped hole
- Thread depth
- Chamfer (depth of 45
chamfer)
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 721
Counter-drilled Tapped hole
- (Counter) Drill diameter
- (Counter) Drill depth
- Thread depth
- Chamfer (depth of 45
chamfer)
- Depth
- Through
- Diameter
Thread Milled Hole
- Minor Diameter
- Thread Height
- Thread Depth
- Thread Pitch
- Chamfer
- Depth
- Through
Back Bore Hole
- Bore Diameter
- Bore Depth
- Diameter
- Depth
The different types of holes are defined by dimensional attributes.
Not every hole has every attribute. This table (see page 734) shows
all the hole types and dimension attributes associated with them.
Creating a Hole feature
To create a Hole feature:
722 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Hole and click Next to
open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 723
3 Select the type of hole from the Type list.
724 Features
A Plain Hole is a simple Hole with an optional chamfer.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A Counter Bore Hole.
A Counter Sink Hole.
A Counter Drill Hole.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 725
726 Features
A Tapped Hole is a Hole that is under-sized drilled and then
tapped.
A CD Tapped Hole is a counter drilled hole with the bottom
part of the Hole tapped.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A Thread Milled Hole.
A Back Bore Hole.
4 Enter a Diameter value.
If you are building Hole features from circles, select the
circle before opening the wizard to pre-populate this field.
5 Enter how deep the Hole is in the Depth field.
6 Select Through to increase the hole length by 10% of the hole
diameter to account for the drill tip and prevent burring.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 727
Depending on the type of Hole you selected, you may have other
dimensions (see page 734) to fill in such as Chamfer and Drill
Depth. For Tapped Holes and Thread Milled Holes, you can select
Standard Threads and select a thread type. Each thread type sets
the Thread depth, TPI, and Diameter dimensions.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location page. Select
whether you want to enter the location as XYZ or Polar.
For XYZ, enter the X, Y, and Z coordinates or pick the location
in the Graphics window.
For Polar, enter the Radius (the distance along the X axis), the
Angle, and the Z location.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page. The options
on this page are the same as those on the Strategy (see page
976) tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
13 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
You can click Finish (see page 614) at any stage during the
wizard to accept the default settings for the remaining pages
and exit.
Hole macros
Macros can be generated in the NC code for patterns of holes. To
generate these macros, your post processor must support them,
and you must turn this function on for the post.
1 Enable Retract to plunge clearance (see page 976) for the hole
pattern.
2 Select the Manufacturing > Post Process menu option to display
the Post Options dialog.
3 Select your post processor.
4 Deselect the Disable Macros option.
728 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Change any other appropriate settings.
6 Click OK.
7 Select Manufacturing > Machining Attributes from the menu.
8 On the Operations tab, click the Automatic Options button and
select the Minimize tool changes option.
You could set Minimize tool changes in the Ordering (see page
1575) dialog instead. Using the Default Attributes setting
includes macros for any parts you create.
9 Disable Minimize rapid distance.
10 Click OK.
Macros cause FeatureCAM to analyze the NC code and generate
macros for hole operations if it finds sets of repetitive tasks. This
method may ignore sets of operations that don't have one-to-one
correspondence with the other sets in the macro. For example, if
you are drilling and reaming a pattern of six holes, and another hole
in the Setup also uses the same tool, the operation set that shares
the same tool, is not included in the macro because there are seven
operations in that set, not the six that the other sets of operations
used in the macro.
How holes are manufactured
FeatureCAM follows this process for creating holes:
1 Conducts an analysis of the hole size, type, and attributes to
determine what tool to use (see page 732).
2 Picks feeds and speeds (see page 730) based upon the material
being drilled.
3 Prepares the site (see page 730) with spot drill and pilot drill
operations.
4 Twistdrills to depth (see page 731).
5 Sizes and does counter cutting (see page 731) operations.
6 Taps, or bores/reams (see page 731) if set.
7 Holes are output as either canned cycles or computed moves.
There are many variations on this process, particularly with patterns
of holes and hole macros. You can edit the basic hole process in
these places:
To edit all Hole features in the current document, use the Drilling
(see page 1674, see page 976) tab in Machining Attributes.
To edit a single Hole feature, use the Tools, Drilling (see page
987), Strategy, and Misc. tabs in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 729
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a hole is
drilled, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the feeds
and speeds used.
Drill selection for tapped holes
The formula FeatureCAM uses is from the Machinery's Handbook Ed.
20 Pg. 1435:
drill size = outside dia * 1.299 * thread_percent * (1/threads_per_inch)
drill_size is the size of the drill that is used to rough the hole.
outside_dia is the size of the tapped hole, so for a "1/4-20", it
would be 1/4in.
thread_percent is Thread % for tap drill from the tool selection
page of default attributes. By default it is 77%.
threads_per_inch is just that. In the "1/4-20" example, it is 20.
The drill size table is based on 77% thread. Switch to 75% if you
want the same behavior as the Machinery's Handbook.
Also, it should be noted that FeatureCAM's tool selection tolerance is
0.002 inches. This tight tolerance occasionally results in the failure
to automatically select a tool. For example, for a 5/8 hole, the
formula results in a number that is very close to a standard drill size
given in the handbook's table, but not quite within 0.002. Hence
tool selection fails. In this case, you must explicitly select a tool.
Hole: Feeds and Speeds
FeatureCAM chooses feeds and speeds for all of its drilling using the
F/S database that you can customize. Feeds and speeds are
determined based upon the stock material.
Hole: Site preparation
The important aspects of roughing are as follows:
Spot drilling Aids later drill operations and is set with the Spot
drill attribute at machine-level (see page 1674, see page 976) or
feature-level (see page 976). If you have selected Attempt
chamfer w/ spot, then the chamfer operation may be combined
with this operation if the tool has the correct angle and size.
Pilot drilling Is enabled by setting the Pilot drill (see page 976)
attribute. How pilot drilling is performed is influenced by Chip
break/Deep hole and similar settings.
730 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hole: Drill to depth
This is shown as a drill operation in the tree view and is turned on
or off with the Drill attribute. The Chip Break and Deep Hole cycles
(see page 985) also affect the behavior. Actual diameter may be
undersized depending on later actions such as tapping or reaming
operations.
The actual depth of the twistdrill operation is determined as follows:
Drilled Depth = depth + (diameter / 2.0) / tan(Angle_of_drill / 2.0)
If the Through option is selected, then add 0.1*Diameter.
Hole: Size effects
Depending on the type of hole, a counterbore, counterdrill, or
countersink operation may be performed.
If a Chamfer was set, but not performed with the spotdrill operation,
it happens now. If the hole is too large to chamfer with a
countersink, it is cut by circular interpolation with a chamfer mill.
Hole: Threading, boring, and reaming
The Tap, Bore, or Ream operation occur last for a Hole feature. If
the Hole is tapped, then no Bore operations are possible.
Tap cuts threads in the Hole and is measured in TPI (threads per
inch) in inch units or Pitch (millimeters per thread) in metric units.
Ensure you set the Max tap spindle RPM attribute on the Drilling (see
page 987) tab.
For a tapping operation, the depth is determined as follows:
Tool
Diameter
Depth
Plug point
tap
Less than 3/8
inch (9.5mm)
(diameter 1.1047xPitch)/2 +
4.75xPitch
Plug point
tap
3/8 - 7/16
inches
(9.5 - 11 mm)
4.75xPitch
Plug point
tap
>=7/16 inches
(11.1mm)
4.75xPitch +
.2xDiameter
Bottom
point tap
< 7/16 inches
(11.1mm)
1.75xPitch
Bottom
point tap
>= 7/16 inches
(11.1mm)
1.75xPitch +
.2xDiameter
Bore uses a boring bar to position a Hole exactly. Bore and Ream
settings are not normally used together.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 731
Ream drills a Hole feature undersized and then reams it to size. The
diameter of the drill is between 93% and 97% of the final hole
diameter. Bore and Ream settings are not normally used together.
Summary of ways you can make Holes in FeatureCAM
There are many ways to create holes in FeatureCAM:
From dimensions (see page 722).
In patterns (see page 959).
From a list of points. If you select points before opening the
Feature Wizard (see page 613), these points are used to create a
Point list pattern (see page 966).
You can create a point list pattern of holes by selecting all circles
of the same radius (see page 971) before entering the Feature
wizard.
Extract individual Holes from a 3D solid or surface model (see
page 598) using the FeatureRECOGNITION option. By using the
FeatureRECOGNITION option you can also automatically recognize
all the holes from a 3D solid or surface model (see page 599).
Hole: Tool Selection
The first step of drilling a Hole is to determine what kind of hole it
is. Then collect a list of operations to produce that hole. After the
analysis, FeatureCAM picks tools. The table below shows the tooling
types that can be used for each operation type.
Operation
type
Automatically
selected tool
Possible
user
overrides
Notes
spotdrill
Spot or Center
Drill (see page
1847)
spotdrill,
centerdrill,
countersink
Automatic
behavior is
dependent on
the prefer
spotdrill or prefer
centerdrill
attributes.
732 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
chamfer
Countersink
(see page
1831)
spotdrill,
centerdrill,
countersink
, chamfer
If the tool
diameter is
smaller than the
hole diameter,
circular
interpolation is
performed. You
can override the
automatically
selected tool
with a tool that
does not have a
90 degree
included angle,
but the chamfer
is not a 90
degree chamfer.
The tool
diameter is
found by
multiplying the
chamfer's outer
diameter by 1.1
to ensure the
end of the
chamfer tool is
not used for
cutting.
twistdrill
Twist drill (see
page 1853)
twistdrills,
endmills
No circular
interpolation is
performed with
endmills, even if
the diameter is
smaller than the
hole's. See Step
Bore feature
(see page 749)
if you want to
mill a circular
pocket.
bore
Boring bar
(see page
1827)
boringbar
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 733
counterbor
e
Counter bore
(see page
1829)
counterbor
e, endmill
ream
Ream (see
page 1842)
ream
tap
Tap (see page
1849)
tap
Circular
interpolation is
performed if the
tool's diameter
is smaller than
the
counterbore's.
For blind holes a
fast spiral, plug
tap is preferred.
Through holes
require a gun
style plug tap.
For drilling, the most important criteria are diameter and length. If
a tool can't be found that satisfies the criteria, then you receive a
tool selection error.
The size of the tool selected may be affected by the Tool diameter
tolerance attribute on the Tool Selection tab of the Machining
Attributes dialog.
See also:
Tool Groups (see page 1823) for details on the different tooling
types
Hole attribute table
Plain
Count
er
bore
Count
er
sink
Counte
r drill
Tapped
CD
Tapped
Angle refers
to the
included
angle of the
counter sink.
This value
helps select
an
appropriate
countersink
tool.
734 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Back views
the settings
of the pattern
object that
contains the
hole.
Bore depth
refers to the
depth of the
counter bore.
Bore diameter
refers to the
diameter of
the counter
bore.
Chamfer sets
the depth of a
45 chamfer
at the top of
the hole. If
set to 0, no
chamfer is
cut.
Counter drill
diameter sets
the diameter
of the counter
drill.
Counter drill
depth sets the
depth of the
counter drill.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 735
Depth refers
to the overall
depth of the
hole. It is
measured
from the top
to the bottom
of the hole
and includes
other
parameter
values such
as the hole's
Chamfer
depth.
Diameter sets
the finished
diameter of
the hole.
Location
specifies
location by
coordinates.
Click to select
the point with
the mouse.
Metric toggles
TPI (Threads
Per Inch) and
pitch for
metric
threads.
736 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Relative
position
indicates that
the X, Y, and
Z coordinates
are relative to
the current
UCS.
Otherwise,
coordinates
are relative to
the World
Coordinate
System.
Sink diameter
refers to the
diameter of
the counter
sink of the
hole.
The Tapered
option is
available on
tapped holes.
Select it and
enter an
Angle to
specify a
threaded
tapered hole.
Thread depth
sets how
much of the
hole is
threaded.
TPI/Pitch sets
the
threads-per-i
nch or metric
pitch of the
hole's
threads.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 737
Thread
diameter
refers to the
nominal
diameter of
the tap tool
used to
thread the
hole.
Underlying
details such
as selecting
an
under-sized
drill for
creating the
initial hole
are
automatically
computed.
Through is an
option that
controls the
display of
holes. For
manufacturin
g it is only
used for
tapped holes.
XYZ
Coordinates
refer to the
XYZ
coordinate
location of
the top center
of the hole.
These values
are relative to
the World
Coordinate
System.
738 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Rectangular Pocket
Use the Rectangular Pocket feature to create a rectangular pocket.
- Length
- Width
- Corner radius
- Chamfer
- Depth
- Bottom radius
For a Pocket with a non-rectangular curve, use the more
general Pocket (see page 784) feature.
To do so, enter the pocket diameter in both the length and width
fields, and enter the Pocket radius in the corner radius field.
Creating a Rectangular Pocket feature
1 Click the Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
step in the Steps panel.
Features 739
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Rectangular Pocket and click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page. Enter the following attributes:
740 Features
Length Enter the X dimension of the feature.
Width Enter the Y dimension of the feature.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Corner radius Enter the radius for all four corners of the
Rectangular Pocket.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at
the top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use
only positive numbers.
Bottom Radius - Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature.
The radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default,
the material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making
stair-step passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and
finishing pass is made with the radiused mill. The default
value is 0, which cuts a square corner.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
8 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
9 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
If you want the wall of your feature to have a special cross section:
1 After you have created the feature, open the Feature Properties
dialog and click the Dimensions tab.
2 Click the X Section button to open the Select Side Curve dialog.
3 Select the curve that matches your cross-section shape.
4 Click OK.
See also:
Cross section (X section) for Boss, Side, or Pocket for restrictions on
the curve (see page 1008)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 741
How Rectangular Pockets are manufactured
FeatureCAM follows this general process:
1 Conducts an analysis of the dimensions to determine what tool to
use (see page 742).
2 Picks feeds and speeds (see page 743) based upon the material
being machined.
3 Generates a roughing (see page 743) pass possibly in multiple Z
steps depending on the depth of the step.
4 Generates a finishing (see page 744) pass.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Rectangular Pocket: Tool Selection
The first step is to pick a tool from the current tool crib (see the
Manufacturing menu). The most important criteria are diameter and
length. If a tool cant be found to meet the criteria, then you get an
error and NC code is not generated.
Tool diameter FeatureCAM conducts an analysis of the dimensions
that define the pocket to determine what size tool to use.
FeatureCAM prefers large tools for pockets but is influenced by the
corner radius. The largest tool that can cut the pocket without
gouging is selected.
Tool length FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long enough
to cut to the bottom of the pocket.
Operation
type
Automatically
selected tool
Possible user
overrides
Roughing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
Finishing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
742 Features
Notes
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Chamfer
chamfer mill
spotdrill,
centerdrill,
countersink,
chamfer mill
The size of the tool selected may be affected by the Tool diameter tolerance
attribute on the Tool Selection tab of the Machining Attributes dialog.
See also:
Tool % of arc radius (see page 1052)
Tool Groups (see page 1823) for details on the different tooling types.
Rectangular Pocket: Feeds and Speeds
FeatureCAM chooses feeds and speeds for all of its milling using the
Feed/Speed database (see page 1588) that you can customize.
Feeds and speeds are determined based on the stock material.
Rectangular Pocket: Roughing
The important aspects of roughing are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can be
accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and influenced
by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step FeatureCAM's cut depth is no more than 100% of
the tool radius.
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass %),
as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance (see page 1076) This controls how much
material to leave for the finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
These attributes affect roughing:
Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240)
Pre-drill point (see page 1076)
Rough pass Z increment (see page 1076)
For Boss and Pocket features, FeatureCAM provides several different
milling methods for roughing (see page 802).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 743
Rectangular Pocket: Finishing
By default, the bottom is not finished. The roughing tool removes all
of the material in Z. This is controlled by the Finish bottom (see
page 1015) attribute.
Tool selection, after roughing, the roughing tool is used to finish
the pocket. Select Use finish tool (see page 1015) to choose a
separate finishing tool (that has the same characteristics unless
you override them).
The finish pass ramps onto the material with an arc equal to a
percentage of the tool diameter, controlled by Ramp diameter (see
page 1076).
Finish passes and overlap makes the tool go around the pocket a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
To move the tool away from the finished wall, the finish pass
ramps off using an arc of the same size as the arc used to ramp
on.
Retract removes the tool from the stock area and sets up for the
next operation.
Slot
Slot features are similar to rectangular pockets but have round ends
equal in diameter to the width of the slot.
Length
Width
Chamfer
Depth
Bottom radius
Creating a Slot feature
1 Click the Features
744 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Slot and click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions
page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
This option simplifies the manufacturing strategy for the
feature. Select this option to machine the feature by making a
single pass down the center of it with a tool whose radius is
equal to the width of the feature.
Length Enter the X dimension of the feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 745
Width Enter the Y dimension of the feature.
The width of a slot does not have to match the diameter
of a standard available endmill, unless you are making a
Simple slot. If an exact match cannot be found, then a
smaller tool is selected and multiple horizontal passes
are performed.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at
the top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
Bottom radius - Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature.
The radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default,
the material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making
stair-step passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and
finishing pass is made with the radiused mill. The default
value is 0, which cuts a square corner.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use
only positive numbers.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page and set the location of the center of the left corner arc of
the feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
8 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
9 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
How Slots are manufactured
FeatureCAM follows this general process:
746 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Conducts an analysis of the dimensions to determine what tool to
use (see page 747).
2 Picks feeds and speeds (see page 748) based upon the material
being machined.
3 Generates a roughing (see page 748) pass possibly in multiple Z
steps depending on the depth of the step.
4 Generates a finishing (see page 748) pass.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Slot: Tool Selection
The first step is to pick a tool from the current tool crib (see the
Manufacturing menu). The most important criteria are diameter and
length. If a tool cant be found to satisfy the criteria, then you get
an error and NC code is not generated.
Tool diameter FeatureCAM analyzes the dimensions that define the
Slot feature to determine what size tool to use. For a Simple Slot,
the tool must match the width of the slot, which also guarantees the
correct radius at the ends of the Slot. For normal Slots, the largest
tool that can cut the slot to width and still leave the Finish
allowance is selected.
Tool length FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long enough to
cut to the bottom of the Slot.
Operation
type
Automatically
selected tool
Possible user
overrides
Roughing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
Finishing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
Chamfer
chamfer mill
spotdrill,
centerdrill,
countersink,
chamfer mill
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Notes
Features 747
The size of the tool selected may be affected by the Tool diameter tolerance
attribute on the Tool Selection tab of the Machining Attributes dialog.
See also:
Tool % of arc radius (see page 1052)
Tooling groups (see page 1823) for details on the different tooling types.
Slot: Feeds and Speeds
FeatureCAM chooses feeds and speeds for all of its milling using the
Feed/Speed database (see page 1588) that you can customize.
Feeds and speeds are determined based on the stock material.
Slot: Roughing
The important aspects of roughing are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can be
accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and influenced
by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step FeatureCAM's cut depth is no more than 100% of
the tool radius.
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass %),
as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance (see page 1076) This controls how much
material to leave for the finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
For a simple slot, Finish allowance has no effect.
These attributes affect roughing:
Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240)
Pre-drill point (see page 1076)
Rough pass Z increment (see page 1076)
Slot: Finishing
By default, the bottom is not finished. The roughing tool removes all
of the material in Z. This is controlled by Finish bottom (see page
1015).
748 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool selection, after roughing, the roughing tool is used to finish
the slot. Use finish tool (see page 1015) commands in
FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool (that has the
same characteristics unless you override them).
The finish pass ramps onto the material with an arc equal to a
percentage of the tool diameter, controlled by Ramp diameter (see
page 1076).
Not available for a Simple slot.
Finish passes and overlap makes the tool go around the slot a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Not available for a Simple slot.
Ramp off uses another arc of the same size as the ramp on to
move the tool away from the finished wall.
Not available for a Simple slot.
Retract removes the tool from the stock area and sets up for the
next operation.
See also:
Ramp diameter (see page 1076)
Step Bore
A Step Bore feature is a series of nested circular pockets. You can
specify a Step Bore, step by step, or use a number of concentric
circles as the part's curve where each circle defines a level's
diameter.
- Diameter
- Chamfer
- Depth
- Radius
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 749
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Step Bore
feature:
1 Conducts an analysis of the curve and using tool diameter and
length as the selection criteria, and from the current tool crib
selects the tool to use.
For tool diameter, the largest tool that can cut the step
without gouging is selected.
For tool length, FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long
enough to cut to the bottom of the Step Bore depth for that
level.
2 FeatureCAM chooses feeds and speeds for all of its milling using
the Feed/Speed database (see page 1588) that you can
customize. Feeds and speeds are determined based on the stock
material.
3 Generates a roughing pass possibly in multiple Z steps
depending on the depth of the step.
The important aspects of roughing are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can
be accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and
influenced by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step FeatureCAM's cut depth is no more than 100%
of the tool radius.
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass
%), as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance (see page 1076) Controls how much
material to leave for the finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
1 Generates a finishing pass. By default, the bottom is not finished.
The roughing tool removes all of the material in Z. This is
controlled by Finish bottom (see page 1015). Setting the Single
Point Bore option for a step disables the other finishing options.
The important aspects of finishing are:
750 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool selection, after roughing, the roughing tool is used to
finish the Step Bore unless it is finished as a Single Point Bore.
Use finish tool (see page 1015) commands FeatureCAM to
choose a separate finishing tool (that has the same
characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on has the finish pass ramp into the material with an
arc equal to a percentage of the tool diameter.
Disabled for a Single Point Bore finish operation.
Finish passes and overlap has the tool go around the step a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Disabled for a Single Point Bore finish operation.
Ramp off uses another arc of the same size as the ramp on to
move the tool away from the finished wall.
Disabled for a Single Point Bore finish operation.
Retract removes the tool from the stock area and sets up for
the next operation.
The Step Bore feature may also be used to produce a single
depth round pocket.
A Step Bore feature initially has two steps. Delete the second
step and enter the appropriate dimensions for your round hole
as the first step.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Step Bore feature
To create a Step Bore feature:
1 Click the Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
step in the Steps panel.
Features 751
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Step Bore and click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page.
The default Step Bore feature has two steps. Each step corresponds
to a row of the table.
To modify the top step:
1 Click the top row in the dialog. The initial values for this step are
entered into the dimensioned drawing.
2 Edit the Diameter, Radius (see page 819), and Depth for this step.
752 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Depth is measured from the top of the Step Bore
feature, not the top of the current step.
3 Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
4 Optionally select Through and Single Point Bore:
Through This sets the display of the Step Bore without a
bottom.
Selecting Through does not make the feature pass all
the way through the stock. You must set the depth
value deep enough.
Single Point Bore This sets the step to be finished with a
boring bar. This mills the step to a tight tolerance. Select the
option if you want to finish the step with this technique.
5 Click Set to update the values in the table.
6 To modify the second step, repeat this process on the second
row of the table.
To add an additional step:
1 Click the row in the table after which you want to insert.
2 Enter the parameters and click Add to insert the step parameters
into the table.
To delete a step:
1 Select the row in the table.
2 Click Delete.
When you have finished entering the Step Bore dimensions:
1 Click Next and to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page and set the location of the center of the top bore.
2 Click Next to specify more manufacturing details or click Finish to
accept FeatureCAM's automatic selections.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Dimensions that have blue labels can be extracted from
objects in the graphics window.
Thread Mill
The Thread Mill feature mills a thread on an inner diameter (ID) or
on an outer diameter (OD).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 753
ID Thread Feature
OD Thread Feature
- Pitch
- Pitch
- Minor
Diameter
- Major
Diameter
- Thread
Length
- Thread
Length
- Thread Height
- Thread Height
FeatureCAM follows this process to create a single Thread Mill
feature:
1 An appropriate tool is selected. The tool selected by default has:
the same pitch as the thread.
the internal/external classification matches the feature.
an overall length greater than the thread length.
If the thread is tapered, the tool must have the same taper.
A tool with a longer cutter length is preferred.
2 Using the Feed/Speed tables (see page 1588), calculates feeds
and speeds based on the stock material being machined.
3 The tool then ramps onto the feature according to the attributes
(see page 757).
4 The tool spirals either up or down the feature depending on the
setting of Feed Dir (see page 1015). Cutter compensation is used
on the toolpaths if cutter comp (see page 1015) is turned on.
Both of these settings are found on the Strategy page.
754 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The overlap between revolutions is controlled by the Tooth
overlap attribute.
Thread feature
Tool revolution 1
Tool revolution 2
Tooth overlap
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
1 The tool then ramps out. This move is controlled by the same
attributes as the ramp in.
Thread Milling restrictions The toolpaths are accurate for UN
or ISO metric threads. Adjustments must be made to the
thread height or diameter to adjust for the different thread
forms.
Creating a Thread Mill feature
1 Create a rounded Step Bore (see page 751) or Pocket (see page
786) feature or a round Boss (see page 764) to thread.
2 Click the Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
step in the Steps panel.
Features 755
This displays the New Feature wizard.
3 Select Thread Milling and click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page.
4 Specify the Thread dimensions:
756 Features
Type Select ID for an inner diameter thread or OD for an
outer diameter thread.
Custom Enter the thread dimensions.
Standard Thread Select a thread from the list to use its
dimensions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Thread Select a Left hand or Right hand thread.
Minor/Major Diameter Enter the Minor Diameter for an ID
feature or the Major Diameter for an OD feature.
Pitch Enter the pitch of the thread.
Thread Length Enter the length of the thread.
Thread Height Enter the height of the thread.
Tapered If your thread is tapered, select this option and
enter the taper Angle.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page to set the location of the center of the top of the feature.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Thread Milling feature-level attributes
The following feature-level attributes are relevant to thread mill
features:
Helix linear approx tol
Helical ramping
Linear approx
Linear ramp distance
Plunge point(s)
Priority
Ramp angle offset
Ramp diameter %
Retract point
Start angle
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 757
Start threads
Taper approx angle
Through
Tooth outside
Tooth overlap
Set these attributes on the Milling (see page 1076) tab of the
Thread Milling Properties dialog.
The Feed Dir attribute is also relevant. Set this on the Strategy (see
page 1015) tab of the Thread Milling Properties dialog.
Thread Milling manufacturing attributes
The following machine-level manufacturing attributes are relevant
to thread mill features:
Cutter comp
Finish allowance
Linear ramp distance
Ramp angle offset
Ramp diameter %
Starts
Start angle
Taper approx. angle
Through
Tooth outside
Tooth overlap
Set these attributes on the Thread Mill (see page 1735) tab of the
Machining Attributes dialog.
Face (mill)
FeatureCAM has a fully integrated Face feature performed with
facing tools, and uses the facing feeds and speeds provided in the
database.
758 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Thickness
Facing removes all of the stock down to the Z=0 plane.
If your stock does not extend above the Z=0 plane, or you do
not set a negative Z value for the feature, the machining
simulation does not show cut movements.
Curves for a Face feature define the regions to be faced. Curves
must be closed (beginning and end points are the same).
FeatureCAM typically follows this process to create a Face feature:
1 Selects a face mill tool from the current tool crib using the tool
diameter and cutter height as the selection criteria.
Tool diameter is usually large for face operations as there are
no tight spots or complex shapes to create.
Cutter height is usually small for facing tools. This prevents
them from being used to cut inappropriately deep features
and affects how many passes it might take to face the stock.
If a tool that meets the criteria cannot be found, an error is
displayed and NC code is not generated.
You can change the default tool on the Default Tool page
(see page 647) of the New Feature wizard (see page 614).
2 Using the Feed/Speed tables (see page 1588), calculates feeds
and speeds based on the stock material being machined.
3 Generates a facing pass, possibly in multiple Z steps depending
upon the amount of material to remove. Face features can
contain both a Rough and Finish pass.
The important aspects of a face operation are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth. This is
accomplished by a plunging move.
Vertical step The Rough pass can have vertical steps that
are controlled by the Rough pass Z increment (see page 1240)
attribute.
Horizontal stepover is controlled in both the X and Y directions
with Last pass overcut % (see page 1076) and Lateral overcut
% (see page 1076).
Finish allowance The Rough pass takes into account
the Finish allowance (see page 1240) attribute, which controls
how much material to leave for the finishing pass.
Retract removes the tool from the stock area and sets up for
the next operation.
4 Performs a finish pass for the final cut.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 759
There are some variations on this process. The process can be
controlled in the Stepover tab (see page 1693) of the Machining
Attributes dialog, and on the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc
property tabs of the Feature Properties dialog (see page 971). The
tooling database also affects the decisions.
See also:
Tool Groups (see page 1823) for details on the different tooling
types.
FeatureMILL 2D Milling algorithms (see page 802).
Creating a Face feature
To create a Face feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Face.
3 Optionally select Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION to recognize a
Face feature from a solid (see page 608) (REC).
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page.
760 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
6 Enter the Thickness of the Face feature.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
12 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Boss
The Boss feature removes all material between two curves: the
stock curve and the boss curve. Without a stock curve, the
boundary of the stock serves as the stock curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 761
- Chamfer
- Height
- Bottom radius
To create multiple bosses on a surface, use multiple curves to
create one boss feature only. This prevents the toolpaths from
overlapping with each other, and enables you to specify the
material you want to remain unmachined. None of the boss curves
should intersect or contain each other.When building multiple
bosses at the same height in the part, include all of the boss curves
in the same Boss feature.
Boss features remove material all the way to the stock boundary,
including any other features you may have placed above the boss
shoulder height. To limit the area milled away by the Boss feature,
use a stock curve (see page 307), or set the Total Stock (see page
1240) attribute.
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Boss feature:
1 Conducts an analysis of the curve and, using tool diameter and
length as the selection criteria, determines the tool to use.
For tool diameter, FeatureCAM analyzes the curve that defines
the Boss and selects the largest tool that can cut the boss
without gouging. (see Tool % of arc radius (see page 1052)).
For tool length, FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long
enough to cut to the bottom of the Boss height.
If a tool that meets the criteria cannot be found, an error is
displayed and NC code is not generated.
Endmills are automatically selected for the roughing and finishing
passes, but you can override the automatically (see page 764)
selected tool to specify a face mill.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds using the Feed/Speed database (see
page 1588) that you can customize. Feeds and speeds are
determined based upon the stock material.
3 Performs a roughing pass, possibly in multiple Z steps based on
the height of the Boss.
The important aspects of roughing are:
762 Features
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can
be accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and
influenced by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling
(see Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240) and Pre-drill point (see
page 1076)).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step The rough pass can have vertical steps with
cut depth not more than 100% of the tool radius (see Rough
depth (see page 1076) and Rough pass Z increment (see page
1076)).
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass
%), as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance The rough pass contains a Finish allowance
attribute which controls how much material to leave for the
finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
1 Performs a finishing pass. By default, the bottom is not finished.
The roughing tool removes all of the material in Z. This is
controlled by Finish bottom, which finishes the bottom of a
feature with a flat endmill up to the beginning of any bottom
radius if present.
The important aspects of finishing are:
Tool selection After the roughing pass, the roughing tool is
used to finish the boss. Use Finish Tool (see page 1015)
commands FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool
(that has same characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on The finish pass ramps into the material with an arc
equal to a percentage of the tool diameter (see Ramp diameter
(see page 1076)).
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the boss a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Ramp off Uses another arc of the same size as the ramp on
to move the tool away from the finished wall.
Retract Removes the tool from the stock area and sets up
for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 763
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
To create multi-height Boss features or islands in a Pocket feature
with different heights:
1 Create the curves for the Boss or island and translate it to its
proper location in Z.
2 Use this curve as a Boss curve or island curve for a pocket.
See also:
FeatureCAM 2.5D Milling algorithms (see page 802)
Tool override options
Operation type
Automatically
selected tool
Possible user
overrides
Roughing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
Finishing
endmill
face mill,
endmill
Chamfer
chamfer mill
spotdrill,
centerdrill,
countersink,
chamfer mill
Notes
See also:
Tool Groups (see page 1823) for details on the different tooling
types.
Creating a Boss feature
1 Click the Features
764 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Boss and click Next to open the New Feature - Curves (see
page 616) page.
3 Select the curve that represents the shape of the feature. The
curve you select controls the shape of the Boss feature.
If you have multiple features at the same height, you can
create them as one feature by selecting multiple curves.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 765
Enter the Height of the boss. This sets the overall height of the
boss.
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the
feature. The radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By
default, the material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill,
making stair-step passes when close to the radius. Then a
rough and finishing pass is made with the radiused mill. The
default value is 0, which cuts a square corner.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use
only positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at
the top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
By default, a boss uses the stock boundary as the outer extent of
the feature. To bound the extent of the boss cut:
1 After you have created the feature, open the Feature Properties
(see page 971) dialog and click the Dimensions (see page 992)
tab.
2 Click the Stock curve button. Select the name of the curve you
want to use as the outer extent of the boss.
766 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Stock Boundary is selected, it indicates that the stock
boundary is used as the outer extent. The stock boundary
is automatically used as the outside extent of the boss only
when the current UCS is parallel to one of the block faces.
If your UCS is not parallel to a stock face, boss features
need to include a stock curve with them.
3 If you want the wall of your feature to have a special cross
section, click the X Section (see page 1008) button to open a
dialog to select the curve that matches your cross-section shape.
4 Click OK.
Chamfer
The Chamfer feature creates an edge break along a curve with a
chamfering tool. To chamfer the entire upper edge of a curved
feature, use the optional Chamfer parameter on that feature. Use
the Chamfer feature to chamfer only a portion of the edge of a
feature.
- Width
- Depth
- Outside
- Inside
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Chamfer
feature:
1 Chooses a chamfermill tool (see page 1828) automatically from
the current tool crib, based on:
the width and depth of the Chamfer,
the tightest bend in the curve,
and the corner radius and inner diameter of the rounding tool.
FeatureCAM considers the tool and Inner diameter to pick a tool
that has the exact width definitions to cut the Chamfer feature.
The inner radius of the tool is important because the tool must fit
into tight corners of the curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 767
The width of the tool must be large enough to cut the depth
and width set for the chamfer.
If a tool that meets the criteria cannot be found, an error is
displayed and NC code is not generated.
You can override the automatic tool selection and select a
countersink tool (see page 1831). If you are using a countersink
tool, you may need to adjust your touch-off point to mill an
accurate chamfer.
You can change the default tool used for chamfer operations on
the Tool Selection tab (see page 1751) of the Machining Attributes
dialog.
2 Determines feeds and speeds based on the stock material being
machined. FeatureCAM chooses feeds and speeds for all of its
milling using the Feed/Speed database (see page 1588) that you
can customize.
3 Generates a roughing pass.
The important aspects of roughing are as follows:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth. This is
accomplished by a plunging move.
Horizontal step The horizontal step size is controlled by the
Distance between cuts attribute on the Stepovers tab (see page
1064). If there is only one pass, there is no horizontal step
move.
For roughing, the Distance between cuts is the horizontal distance
between roughing toolpaths. The automatically calculated distance
is based on the setting of Rough pass stepover %. For finishing, it is
fixed to be the Finish allowance (see page 1076). See Default
ramping for milled finish passes for more information on finish pass
ramping.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
768 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
For Chamfers and Rounds this attribute enables multiple rough or
finish passes. The default value for roughing is the radius of the
Round feature or the largest dimension of the Chamfer feature. The
default value for finishing is the Finish allowance (see page 1076).
By decreasing this value multiple roughing or finishing passes are
created by stepping in horizontally.
Finish allowance The Facing parameter that determines the
amount of material to leave after the roughing pass. By
default this is 0.02.
1 Generates a finishing pass. By default, the finish pass is turned
off and the entire feature is machined by the roughing pass. You
can change this on the Strategy page.
The important aspects of finishing are:
Tool selection After roughing, the roughing tool is used to
finish the Chamfer. Use Finish Tool (see page 1015)
commands FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool
(that has the same characteristics unless you override them).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 769
Horizontal step The horizontal step size is controlled by the
Distance between cuts attribute on the Stepovers tab (see page
1064). With only one pass, there is no horizontal step. The
contact point of the tool is controlled by the Through depth
attribute.
For roughing, the Distance between cuts is the horizontal distance
between roughing toolpaths. The automatically calculated distance
is based on the setting of Rough pass stepover %. For finishing, it is
fixed to be the Finish allowance (see page 1076). See Default
ramping for milled finish passes for more information on finish pass
ramping.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
For Chamfers and Rounds this attribute enables multiple rough or
finish passes. The default value for roughing is the radius of the
Round feature or the largest dimension of the Chamfer feature. The
default value for finishing is the Finish allowance (see page 1076).
By decreasing this value multiple roughing or finishing passes are
created by stepping in horizontally.
770 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the chamfer
a number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Retract This removes the tool from the stock area and sets
up for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Chamfer feature
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Click Chamfer and then click Next to open the New Feature Curves (see page 616) page and select a curve from the Curve
list.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 771
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
For a 2D Chamfer, enter the Width and Depth of the chamfer
edge break. Width and Depth settings are related to each
other as they must match the shape of a tool you have in
your tool crib in order to cut the described chamfer. For a 45
tool, Width and Depth must be equal.
For a 3D Chamfer, enter the Depth and Tip offset.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
772 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3D Chamfer tips
The 3D Chamfer feature works best with small chamfer sizes, as
an edge break simply to remove a sharp burr. The toolpath
produces only an approximation of a 3D chamfer and the width
of the chamfer varies based on the geometry of the 3D curve
and the surrounding surfaces. At larger chamfer depths the
variation in size of the chamfer is magnified.
The current toolpath uses an XY offset (from the top view) of the
3D curve. The direction of this offset is determined by the
Machining Side (see page 617) chosen for each curve. If the part
requires the chamfer tool to be on one side of the curve in one
region and the other side of the curve in another region, the full
chamfer cannot be cut with this technique. In these situations it
may be possible to split the chamfer curve into multiple curves
and use different machining sides for each curve, but this may
still prove difficult. A better solution, if possible, is to change the
Setup (5-axis position, index angle, B-axis angle and so on.) so
that the Machining Side becomes consistent for the whole curve
when viewed in the new orientation.
When using a spotdrill, the more the edge break deviates out of
the XY plane, the worse the results are. For this reason a
ball-end mill is recommended when machining a 3D edge break
that deviates significantly from the XY plane. This isnt because
of any deficiencies in our software, but due to the nature of the
tool geometry in general. When using drills or chamfered tools, it
is recommended that you use the smallest tool you can.
To get the best result, adjust your index position so that the
deviation from the XY plane is balanced along the extent of the
curve.
Selecting the part surfaces on either side of the chamfer, for best
results. This is especially true if the curve has steep or vertical
sections.
Groove
The Groove feature creates a groove of any shape.
FeatureCAM enables you to create two types of Groove feature.
They are:
Face (see page 774) grooves (Regular and Simple).
Inside/outside (see page 779) grooves (Simple only).
The centerline of a Groove is defined by a curve. Select more than
one curve if you want to create multiple grooving cuts with one
Groove feature. The curves can be open (ends do not touch) or
closed (beginning and end points are the same).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 773
Face grooves
Face groove properties:
They can be of any shape and can even intersect with itself.
Regular grooves can be cut to any width using multiple passes.
If the groove is Simple, the curve can be 3D.
Face grooves can be:
Regular Face grooves These can have a Width, Depth, Bottom
Radius, and Chamfer.
- Width
- Depth
- Bottom Radius
- Chamfer
Simple Face grooves These cannot have a Chamfer.
- Width
- Depth
- Bottom Radius
Simple face grooves are cut with one horizontal pass, with a tool,
whose diameter matches the groove's width. For one-pass
engraving, select a Simple groove; this performs a single
manufacturing pass along the curve.
774 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge points (see page 1076) and ramping parameters are
ignored for Simple grooves.
Regular Face grooves
Regular grooves are machined similarly to pockets, and include both
a roughing and a finishing pass.
For a regular groove, FeatureCAM uses the following process:
1 Determines the type of tool to use based on the groove width
and depth. Using the tool diameter and tool length as the tool
selection criteria, selects the tool from the current tool crib.
For tool diameter FeatureCAM uses the width of the groove to
determine what diameter tool to use. The tool needs to fit into
the groove, but still allow room for a finish allowance on both
walls of the groove.
For tool length FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long
enough to reach the bottom of the groove.
If a tool that meets the criteria cannot be found, an error is
displayed and NC code is not generated.
You can override the automatically (see page 764) selected
tool.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds using the Feed/Speed database (see
page 1588) that you can customize. Feeds and speeds are
determined based upon the stock material.
3 Performs a roughing pass, possibly in multiple Z steps depending
upon the depth of the groove.
The important aspects of roughing are as follows.
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can
be accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and
influenced by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling
(see Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240) and Pre-drill point (see
page 1076)).
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Zigzag is not an option if the groove has no linear
portion. Simple grooves support only plunging.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 775
Vertical step The rough pass can have vertical steps with
cut depth not more than 100% of the tool radius (see Rough
depth (see page 1076) and Rough pass Z increment (see page
1076)).
Horizontal stepover Although not typically necessary,
FeatureCAM can perform a horizontal stepover to manufacture
a groove. FeatureCAM moves a percentage of the tool
diameter laterally (controlled with Rough pass %), as it steps
across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance The rough pass contains a Finish allowance
attribute which controls how much material to leave for the
finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
1 Performs a finishing pass. By default, the bottom is not finished.
The roughing tool removes all of the material in Z. This is
controlled by Finish bottom (see page 1015).
Tool selection After the roughing pass, the roughing tool is
used to finish the boss. Use finish tool (see page 1015)
commands FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool
(that has same characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on The finish pass ramps into the material with an arc
equal to a percentage of the tool diameter (see Ramp diameter
(see page 1076)).
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the groove a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Ramp off Another arc of the same size as the ramp on
moves the tool away from the finished wall.
Retract This removes the tool from the stock area and sets
up for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
776 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Simple face grooves
Simple face grooves, also called engraving grooves, offer a
single-pass approach to milling a groove. Simple face grooves are
cut with one horizontal pass with a tool whose diameter matches
the groove's width.
Plunge points (see page 1076) and ramping (see page 1076)
parameters are ignored for Simple grooves.
For a simple groove, FeatureCAM uses the following process:
1 Determines what tool to use based only on the groove width.
This is the same as for a regular groove (see page 775), except
that the tool diameter must equal the groove width. You can
override the automatically (see page 764) selected tool.
2 Uses slotting feeds and speeds based upon the material being
machined. This is the same as for a regular groove, except that
slotting feeds and speeds are used.
3 Generates a single pass, possibly in multiple Z steps depending
on the depth of the groove. Roughing and finishing are
performed in a single pass. There is only one operation shown in
the tree view, and it is called Slot. The critical aspects are as
follows.
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth. This is
accomplished by a plunging move.
Direction of cut This can be controlled on the Strategy page.
Horizontal stepover Is not available for this feature type.
The tool diameter must be equal to the groove width.
Finish allowance Is not available for this feature type. The
tool diameter must be equal to the groove width.
3D simple face grooves are approximated with lines and
arcs, if the arcs lie in the XY, YZ or XZ planes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 777
Simple grooves have an option of using a trochoidal toolpath.
Instead of a simple slotting cut, the tool uses a series of
circles to clear away the metal, as shown below. This toolpath
has the advantage of reducing the load on the tool.
Using zigzag ramping to mill a helical path for a simple Groove
Zigzag ramping can be used with a simple Groove feature to create
a generalized helical toolpath.
To produce this toolpath:
1 Set Max ramp angle to 90 .
2 Set Max ramp distance to a very large number like 1000.
3 Set Rough pass Z increment to a value less than the depth of the
feature. In one pass around the Groove, the tool spirals down in
Z an amount equal to Rough pass Z increment.
An alternative way to create the generalized helical toolpath is to:
1 Set Max ramp distance to 1000.
2 Set Rough pass Z increment to the depth of the feature.
778 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Use the Max ramp angle to control the slope of the toolpath.
Inside/Outside grooves
Inside/Outside grooves are machined using keyseat cutters, and
include both a roughing and finishing pass.
- Depth
- Width
They can:
be of any non-intersecting shape that is open enough to allow a
cutter to enter, operate, and exit;
only cut to widths of tools you have available;
and only cut to the tool's shape by default.
If you load special tools and create multiple grooves, you can
achieve special effects.
For an ID/OD groove, FeatureCAM uses the following process:
1 Determines what tool to use based on the width and depth of the
groove, and from the current tool crib, picks a keyseat tool using
the length and diameter as the tool selection criteria.
Tool length is determined based on the depth of the groove.
The tool needs to fit all the way into the depth of the groove.
If multiple steps need to be taken to manufacture the groove,
then those steps can be made to reach the full depth.
Tool width is matched to the width of the groove within a
small tolerance. If the groove is too big, then you get a tool
selection error.
If a tool can't be found that meets the criteria, then you get an
error and NC code isn't generated.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds for milling using the customizable
Feed/Speed database (see page 1588). Feeds and speeds are
determined based on the stock material.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 779
3 Generates a roughing pass. The groove is first cut down the
center of the groove, with subsequent passes alternating on
either side of the center. Different allowances are possible on the
walls and bottom (see page 1076) of the groove.
The amount of material to leave on the walls of an ID/OD groove.
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
The important aspects of roughing are as follows:
Getting to depth There are two aspects to getting the
keyseat cutter to depth. The tool must first move down in Z,
and then it must plunge into the metal. For the down move,
the keyseat cutter simply plunges down. You must have air
underneath the cutter for this move. You may set the pre-drill
point to determine where the keyseat cutter is lowered in Z.
Then the tool plunges into the material horizontally. There are
no options to control the plunge into the material.
Vertical step No vertical steps are taken. You get a tool
selection error if the tool width is not exactly as wide as the
groove.
Horizontal stepover Rough pass stepover can override the
horizontal stepover into the groove. Otherwise FeatureCAM
automatically takes as many steps as it needs to cut to the
full depth of the groove. The default is 33% of the tool
diameter.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
780 Features
Finish allowance The Facing parameter that determines the
amount of material to leave after the roughing pass. By
default this is 0.02.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Generate a finishing pass. The finishing pass is based on the
Finish walls (see page 1047) and Wall pass attributes.
Wall pass applies only to the finishing passes of milling
features where the bottom is finished.
Finish allowance
Wall pass
Floor pass
If Wall pass is disabled, then the floor is finished all the way out to
the wall in a single pass. The wall is not finished separately.
For OD/ID grooves if this attribute is selected, then the bottom is
finished separately from the walls of the groove.
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
Tool selection After roughing, the roughing tool is used to
finish the groove. Use Finish Tool (see page 1015) commands
FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool (that has the
same characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on This makes the finish pass ramps into the material
with an arc equal to a percentage of the tool diameter (see
Ramp diameter (see page 1076)).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 781
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the groove a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Ramp off This uses another arc of the same size as the
ramp on moves the tool away from the finished wall.
Retract This removes the tool from the stock area and sets
up for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Groove feature
To create a Groove feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Click Groove, then click Next to open the New Feature - Curves
(see page 616) page.
782 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
5 Select whether your groove is a Face, or Inside/Outside groove.
Face This sets the groove to cut on the XY plane of the
current Setup.
Inside/Outside This sets the groove to run on the inside or
outside of a closed curve.
6 If you are creating a Face groove:
If your groove is a simple groove, select Simple. Simple
designates the groove to be cut with a single pass along the
curve with a tool diameter equal to the Width of the groove.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
Optionally select Through to change the modeling of the
groove if it helps you display your part better.
Through controls the graphical representation of the part. If
Through is set, the Curve Groove is modelled with a bottom.
Optionally enter a Bottom Radius (see page 819).
For a non-simple groove, optionally enter a Chamfer, which
sets the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the top edge of the
feature.
7 If you are creating an Inside/Outside groove:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 783
If the curve is at the bottom of the groove, select the Curve at
bottom option.
Depth Enter the depth of the Groove feature.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) and preview the groove in the Graphics window.
An outside groove uses the curve as the outside of the
groove. An inside groove uses the curve as the inside of the
groove. Click the Switch machining side
button to toggle
between the two types of grooves.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
13 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Pocket
The Pocket feature creates a pocket of any shape. If you want to
create a simple pocket with a rounded-rectangular cross-section,
use the Rectangular Pocket feature. A Pocket can have an arbitrary
number of islands within the outer boundary.
- Chamfer
- Depth
- Bottom radius
784 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The island curves must be contained within the boundary
curve and the island curves may not touch.
FeatureCAM follows this general process:
1 Conducts an analysis of the curve and using tool diameter and
length as the selection criteria, selects a tool from the current
tool crib.
For tool diameter, FeatureCAM analyzes the curve that defines
the pocket to determine what size tool to use. FeatureCAM
uses the largest tool that can fit in the corner and the tightest
passage of the feature. The largest tool that can cut the
pocket without gouging is selected (See Tool % of arc radius
(see page 1052)).
For tool length, FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long
enough to cut to the bottom of the pocket.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds using the Feed/Speed database (see
page 1588) that you can customize. Feeds and speeds are
determined based upon the stock material.
3 Performs a roughing pass, possibly in multiple Z steps based on
the height of the boss.
The important aspects of roughing are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this can
be accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and
influenced by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by pre-drilling
(see Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240) and Pre-drill point (see
page 1076)).
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step The rough pass can have vertical steps with
cut depth not more than 100% of the tool radius (see Rough
depth (see page 1076) and Rough pass Z increment (see page
1076)).
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass
%), as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance The rough pass contains a Finish allowance
attribute which controls how much material to leave for the
finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 785
1 Generates a finishing pass. By default, the bottom is not finished.
The roughing tool removes all of the material in Z. This is
controlled by Finish bottom (see page 1015).
The important aspects of finishing are:
Tool selection After the roughing pass, the roughing tool is
used to finish the pocket. Use Finish Tool (see page 1015)
commands FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool
(that has the same characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on The finish pass ramps into the material with an arc
equal to a percentage of the tool diameter (see Ramp diameter
(see page 1076)).
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the pocket a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Ramp off Uses another arc of the same size as the ramp on
to move the tool away from the finished wall.
Retract Removes the tool from the stock area and sets up
for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Pocket feature
To create a Pocket feature:
1 Click the Features
786 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Pocket and then click Next to open the New Feature Curves (see page 616) page. You can use one curve for the
boundary, or if you have multiple pockets that have the same
depth, you can select multiple curves. Press and hold the Ctrl key
while you select the curves with the mouse to select multiple
curves.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page. The Location page shows you the Z height of the curve.
Enter an offset value if you want to change the height of the
pocket.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 787
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use
only positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at
the top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
Bottom Radius (see page 819) Optionally set a bottom
radius for the feature. The radius corresponds to the shape of
the cutter. By default, the material is milled using a
flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step passes when close to the
radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is made with the
radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a square
corner.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
9 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
10 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
If you need to specify Islands for the pocket or a different cross
section for the walls:
Islands are regions left uncut with a pocket. Island curves must be
contained within the boundary curve and they cannot touch or
overlap. Clicking Islands opens the Select Islands dialog. There are a
number of methods of selecting curves in the select curve dialog
box. To remove all of the islands from a pocket, click Unselect All.
1 After you have created the feature, open the Feature Properties
(see page 971) dialog and click the Dimensions (see page 992)
tab.
2 On the Dimensions tab, you can:
788 Features
Set boundaries, defined by curves, that are not milled with
the rest of the pocket.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click X section (see page 1008) to enter a cross section curve
for the feature.
3 Click OK.
Round
A Round feature creates an edge break along a curve with a
rounding tool.
Inside
Outside
Radius
The shape of the Round is defined by a curve. Select more than one
curve if you want to create a Round along multiple curves with one
feature. The curves can be open (the ends do not touch) or closed
(the beginning and the end points are the same).
In general, FeatureCAM uses the following process to create a
Round feature:
1 Conducts an analysis of the curve and based on the specified
radius of the round and on the tightest bend in the curve, using
corner radius and inner diameter of the rounding tool as the tool
selection criteria, selects a tool from the current tool crib.
For corner radius, FeatureCAM picks a tool that has exactly
the same corner radius as the Round feature.
For inner radius, FeatureCAM analyzes the curve that defines
the rounds and determines the tool that fits into the tightest
corners of the curve.
When no tool meets the criteria, an error is displayed and NC
code is not generated.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds using the Feed/Speed database (see
page 1588) that you can customize. Feeds and speeds are
determined based on the stock material.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 789
3 Generates a roughing pass. The important aspects of roughing
are as follows:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth and this is
accomplished by plunging.
Vertical step There is no vertical step, but the horizontal
step size is controlled by the Distance between cuts attribute
on the Stepovers (see page 1064) tab.
For roughing, the Distance between cuts is the horizontal distance
between roughing toolpaths. The automatically calculated distance
is based on the setting of Rough pass stepover %. For finishing, it is
fixed to be the Finish allowance (see page 1076). See Default
ramping for milled finish passes for more information on finish pass
ramping.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
790 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For Chamfers and Rounds this attribute enables multiple rough or
finish passes. The default value for roughing is the radius of the
Round feature or the largest dimension of the Chamfer feature. The
default value for finishing is the Finish allowance (see page 1076).
By decreasing this value multiple roughing or finishing passes are
created by stepping in horizontally.
Finish allowance (see page 1076) The rough pass contains a
Finish allowance attribute which controls how much material to
leave for the finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
1 If activated, generates a finish pass. By default, the finish pass is
turned off and the entire feature is machined by the roughing
pass. This can be changed on the Strategy page.
The important aspects of finishing are:
Tool selection After roughing, the roughing tool is used to
finish the round. Use Finish Tool (see page 1015) commands
FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool (that has the
same characteristics unless you override them).
Vertical Step There is no vertical step, but the horizontal
step size is controlled by the Distance between cuts attribute
on the Stepovers (see page 1064) tab.
For roughing, the Distance between cuts is the horizontal distance
between roughing toolpaths. The automatically calculated distance
is based on the setting of Rough pass stepover %. For finishing, it is
fixed to be the Finish allowance (see page 1076). See Default
ramping for milled finish passes for more information on finish pass
ramping.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 791
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
For Chamfers and Rounds this attribute enables multiple rough or
finish passes. The default value for roughing is the radius of the
Round feature or the largest dimension of the Chamfer feature. The
default value for finishing is the Finish allowance (see page 1076).
By decreasing this value multiple roughing or finishing passes are
created by stepping in horizontally.
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes around the Round a
number of times set by Finish passes (see page 1076), and
overlaps the starting point by an amount controlled by Finish
overlap (see page 1076).
Retract Removes the tool from the stock area and sets up
for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
792 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Round feature
To create a Round feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Round, then click Next to open the New Feature - Curves
(see page 616) page.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page. The Location page shows you the Z height of the curve.
Enter an offset value if you want to change the height of the
round.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 793
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
1 Enter a value for the Radius of the edge break. This corresponds
to the radius of the rounding tool selected to cut the feature.
2 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
6 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
7 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
794 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Side
The Side feature provides low-level manufacturing control when you
need customized manufacturing that is not addressed by either the
Boss feature or the Pocket feature.
- Chamfer
- Depth
- Bottom radius
The Side feature is useful for:
Outside part boundaries where the Side feature has special
attributes for controlling the starting point of the cut and for
controlling the region that is cut.
Features defined by open curves have endpoints which do not
meet.
The region that is cut for a Side feature is controlled by one of the
following:
The stock boundary, which is extracted automatically for you if
you do not explicitly specify a Stock Curve.
The Stock Curve that you provide for the Side feature.
The offset distance specified by the Total Stock attribute.
If you set the Total Stock attribute to a positive number, then a
roughing pass and finish pass are performed in the region between
your Side feature and a curve offset by the Total Stock value. To
perform only a single pass around your feature, set the Total Stock
attribute to a positive value and set Finish Allowance to 0 to turn off
the finish cut.
Do not create a Side feature from a curve that extends more
than a tool radius from the stock boundary. The
manufacturing of these features is unpredictable. To correct
this problem, move your curve onto the stock boundary or to
within a tool radius of the boundary.
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Side feature:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 795
1 Conducts an analysis of the curve and using tool diameter and
length as the selection criteria, selects a tool from the current
tool crib. The most important criteria are diameter and length.
For tool diameter, FeatureCAM analyzes the curve that defines
the Side to determine what size tool to use. The smallest
corner and tightest passage determine the largest tool that
can cut the Side without gouging (See Tool % of arc radius
(see page 1052)).
For tool length FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long
enough to cut to the bottom of the side.
If no tool meets the criteria, an error is displayed and NC code is
not generated.
2 Chooses feeds and speeds for all of its milling using the
Feed/Speed database (see page 1588) that you can customize.
Feeds and speeds are determined based on the stock material.
3 Generates a roughing pass, possibly in multiple Z steps based on
the depth of the Side feature.
The important aspects of roughing are:
Getting to depth The tool needs to get to depth, and this is
accomplished by a zigzag in Z (the default setting and
influenced by Max ramp angle), by plunging, or by predrilling
(see Pre-drill diameter (see page 1240) and Pre-drill point (see
page 1076)). For open curves, Lead distance and Lead in/out
angles control the horizontal approach to the material.
The Lead-out angle applies only over the Lead-out distance, so if the
Lead-out distance is 0, the Lead-out angle has no effect. The Lead-out
angle is applied to the end of the finish pass for an open toolpath. It
also applies to the last toolpath of a roughing pass if the Finish
allowance is set to 0.
The Lead-in angle applies only over the Lead-in distance, so if the
Lead-in distance is 0, the Lead-in angle has no effect.
Lead distance in/out is the linear distance that a tool path extends
beyond the ends of an open toolpath or toolpaths that are clipped
against the stock profile. This parameter is specified as a
percentage of the tool's diameter. If Lead Distance is set to 0.0, the
toolpath starts or stops exactly at the ends of the profile.
796 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Lead-in/out angle
- Lead distance in/out
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Vertical step FeatureCAM's cut depth is no more than 100%
of the tool radius (see Rough depth (see page 1076) and
Rough pass Z increment (see page 1076)).
Horizontal stepover FeatureCAM moves over laterally a
percentage of the tool diameter (controlled with Rough pass
%) as it steps across the feature.
Spiral % is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial depth of
cut for rough milling or finishing the bottom of a milled feature
when using the offset method.
Finish allowance (see page 1076) The rough pass contains a
Finish allowance attribute which controls how much material to
leave for the finishing pass. By default this is 0.02.
1 Generates a finishing pass. By default, the bottom is not finished.
The roughing tool removes all of the material in Z. This is
controlled by Finish bottom (see page 1015).
Tool selection After the roughing pass, the roughing tool is
used to finish the side. Use finish tool (see page 1015)
commands FeatureCAM to choose a separate finishing tool
(that has the same characteristics unless you override them).
Ramp on The finish pass ramp into the material with an arc
equal to a percentage of the tool diameter (see Ramp diameter
(see page 1076)). For open curves, Lead distance and Lead
in/out angles control the horizontal approach and exit from the
material.
The Lead-out angle applies only over the Lead-out distance, so if the
Lead-out distance is 0, the Lead-out angle has no effect. The Lead-out
angle is applied to the end of the finish pass for an open toolpath. It
also applies to the last toolpath of a roughing pass if the Finish
allowance is set to 0.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 797
The Lead-in angle applies only over the Lead-in distance, so if the
Lead-in distance is 0, the Lead-in angle has no effect.
Lead distance in/out is the linear distance that a tool path extends
beyond the ends of an open toolpath or toolpaths that are clipped
against the stock profile. This parameter is specified as a
percentage of the tool's diameter. If Lead Distance is set to 0.0, the
toolpath starts or stops exactly at the ends of the profile.
- Lead-in/out angle
- Lead distance in/out
Finish passes and overlap The tool goes across or around
the side a number of times set by Finish passes (see page
1076), and overlaps the starting point by an amount
controlled by Finish overlap (see page 1076).
Ramp off Uses another arc of the same size as the Ramp on
to move the tool away from the finished wall.
Retract Removes the tool from the stock area and sets up
for the next operation.
You can edit this process in these places:
To edit all instances of this type of feature in the current
document, use the Machining Attributes dialog.
To edit a single feature, use the Tools, Milling, Strategy, and Misc.
property tabs for the feature in the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog.
The tooling database also has a large impact on how a feature is
machined, and the feed/speed database helps to determine the
feeds and speeds used.
Creating a Side feature
To create a Side feature:
1 Click the Features
798 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This displays the New Feature wizard.
2 Select Side and click Next to open the New Feature - Curves (see
page 616) page. Select a curve from the Curve list. The curve
can be a closed loop or an open curve in which the end points do
not meet.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 617)
page. The Z height of the curve is displayed. If you want to
offset the feature in Z, specify an Offset value.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 799
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Bottom Radius - Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature.
The radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default,
the material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making
stair-step passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and
finishing pass is made with the radiused mill. The default
value is 0, which cuts a square corner.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use
only positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at
the top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 620)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
By default, an outer Side feature uses the stock boundary as the
outer extent of the feature. You can limit the extent of the Side cut
using a Stock Curve (see page 307). If the UCS is not parallel to the
Stock face, you must use a Stock Curve for Side features.
You can select a Side Curve (see page 1008) to describe the shape
of the feature's cross-section.
800 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cross section (X section) for Boss, Side, or Pocket
You can define the shape of the walls of a Boss, Side, or Pocket
feature by specifying a cross-section curve. This curve is swept
along the curve of the feature to create the overall shape. The curve
must be:
in the XY plane, with the starting point of the curve at (0,0) in
the setup axis; or
For example,
use this cross-section
curve:
to create this feature:
in place on the feature curve.
For example,
use this cross-section
curve:
to create this feature:
The curve must be a function in X and Y. This means that when you draw a
vertical line parallel to the X or Y-axis through the curve at any point, it can
only intersect the curve once.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 801
2.5D roughing toolpaths overview
For Pocket, Rectangular Pocket, and Boss features, FeatureCAM
provides several different milling methods for roughing.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
802 Features
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 803
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
804 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
90
No
-90
Yes
Path
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 805
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
806 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 807
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
808 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
NT Spiral example
This example part includes a Boss feature and a Pocket feature,
outlined in red:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 809
This is a centerline simulation of the Boss feature using the
traditional Stepover type of Spiral:
This is the same feature cut using the new technology Stepover type
of NT Spiral:
This is a centerline simulation of
the left Pocket feature using the
traditional Stepover type of Spiral:
810 Features
This is the right Pocket cut using
the new technology Stepover type
of NT Spiral:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2.5D Vortex toolpaths
To create a 2.5D Vortex toolpath, select Vortex from the Stepover
list on the Strategy tab (see page 1015) of the Feature Properties
dialog:
You must have the FeatureRECOGNITION module to use
Vortex for 2.5D roughing.
The 3D HSM and 3D MX modules include
FeatureRECOGNITION, 3D LITE does not.
You can use Vortex to machine most 2.5D feature types.
You can use Vortex to machine a Side feature only if the curve is
closed. If the curve is open and you select a Stepover of Vortex, NT
Spiral is used instead.
2.5D Vortex example
This example shows how Vortex machines pockets, channels, and
narrow corners.
For more information on the general principles of Vortex machining,
see the 3D Vortex and step cutting example.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 811
Using a 2.5D model:
Create a Vortex toolpath:
812 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For pockets, the tool spirals down into the pocket before using
trochoidal paths over the full-width cuts.
On completion of the initial full-width cut, the trochoids are placed
in the corners where the maximum tool engagement angle would
otherwise be exceeded.
Differences between Traditional and NT toolpaths
Pre-drill differences
There are some differences with how the Pre-drill operation works
with the NT toolpaths compared to the traditional toolpaths.
You can use a Pre-drill operation with the NT Zigzag toolpath. It is
not available for the traditional Zigzag toolpath.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 813
With the NT toolpaths, zigzag ramping is automatically disabled
when you use a Pre-drill operation. This is not supported for the
original Spiral toolpath and you must set the Max. ramp angle to 0
to disable zigzag ramping when using a Pre-drill operation.
The Pre-drill operation for the NT toolpaths includes the tops of
multi-height islands (not supported for the original toolpaths).
The traditional Spiral toolpath supports manual plunge points for
the pre-drill locations using the Plunge point(s) attribute. The NT
toolpaths support only automatic locations.
Stepover differences
There are some differences in the attributes available for NT
toolpaths on the feature Stepover tab:
There are two Ramp type options for the NT toolpaths:
Smooth This is similar to the traditional toolpath option S-type
Direct This is similar to the traditional toolpath option Line.
You can specify separate Lead-in and Lead-out options for NT
toolpaths:
The NT toolpaths have an Approach from outside option. This option
automatically adds a very small lead-in whenever the tool is
plunging off the stock. When you select this option, the lead-in
options are disabled. Deselect it to manually specify the lead-in as a
line, arc, and/or toolpath extension.
814 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Angle attribute for NT toolpaths supports only positive
angles. The direction relative to the toolpath is determined
automatically.
Minimize tool retract differences
Using the Minimize tool retract options with the NT toolpaths gives
better results than with the traditional toolpaths.
Pocket feature
For a Pocket feature, the toolpath slot cuts following the offsets
instead of just a straight line. There are fewer plunges than with
traditional toolpaths.
Traditional toolpath example:
NT toolpath example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 815
Boss feature
For a Boss feature, the toolpath has a lot fewer retracts and plunges
at the edge of the Stock.
Traditional toolpath example:
NT toolpath example:
816 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Other differences
On the Milling (see page 1240) tab, NT toolpaths have a Stepover
rapid distance attribute, which controls when to retract and plunge
on Boss stepovers. This is an absolute distance and replaces the
Min. rapid distance % attribute used by the traditional toolpaths.
You can use the Output Options dialog to control how the points of a
toolpath are processed in the NC program. For 2.5D features, this
dialog is only available for NT toolpaths.
Draft angles
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers. Using tapered tools or ball end taper tools
improves the quality of tapers and bottom and corner radii. These
manufacturing attributes affect draft angles:
Draft flat scallop height
Rough
pass
Draft flat
Draft
radius
Flat bottom
Finish
pass
Corner
See also:
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
(see page 819)
Draft radius scallop height
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 817
Finish pass
Draft taper
Draft radius
Corner
Flat bottom
Rough pass
See also:
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
(see page 819)
Radius tool scallop height
Finish pass
Draft taper
Draft radius
Corner
Flat bottom
Rough pass
Draft angles are cut as much as possible with flat tools and floors
are finished with flat tools. Tapered operations are used only if
requested and an appropriate tapered tool exists. An error is
displayed if the operation is requested and an appropriate tool is not
found.
Bull-nosed tools are supported and used if no ball-end tools are
found. No differentiation is made between bull-nosed and ball-end
tools.
More about draft angles
Here is a short list of criteria that affect the manufacture of draft
angles:
818 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A tool of the exact size radius is not required to finish the
feature, but without the exact size, the pass generally leaves a
scallop.
The finish operation with a tapered tool only goes down to the
intersection of the straight side and the bottom radius.
The rough operations are generated unless the scallop height is
set to 0.
Scallops are never at the top edge of the feature except when
cut with flat-end tools.
Bottom radius
Bottom radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
or cross sections
Features with a bottom radius have additional steps:
- Rough pass
- Draft flat
- Finish pass
- Draft radius
- Corner
- Flat bottom
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 819
1 Rough up to bottom radius with flat end tool leaving finish
allowance on bottom.
a Rough down to bottom radius with flat end tool.
b Rough bottom radius region with radius tool to reduce stair
steps on wall.
2 Finish floor with flat end tool.
3 Finish tight corners missed by steps 1 and 2 using a radiused
tool
4 Finish corner radius and walls with radius tool.
3D surface milling feature (3D LITE)
The options available to you for 3D milling depend on which 3D
milling product you have.
The main differences between the three 3D products are:
3D Lite
Single surface
Z-level rough
Parallel rough
Parallel finish
Isoline
2D spiral
3D MX
3D HSM
Everything in 3D Lite,
plus:
Multiple surfaces
Feature Recognition
Z-level finish
Radial
Flowline
Four-axis
Horizontal +
vertical
Between curves
Swarf
Everything in 3D MX,
plus:
Plunge roughing
Pencil
Remachine
Steep and shallow
3D spiral
You need 3D MX or 3D HSM to use 5-axis Simultaneous.
To mill a 3D surface, you must create a Surface milling feature from
the surface(s). A Surface milling feature enables you to generate
toolpaths using a number of 3D toolpath techniques.
A 3D surface milling feature is made up of one or more 3D milling
operations. For example, a single feature may both rough and finish
the part surfaces. The New Feature (see page 821) wizard helps you
create a feature and its initial operation. After the initial feature is
created, you can edit the feature to further control how it is
manufactured, or add additional operations.
820 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3D Milling methods
You have a number of options for milling a 3D feature. The object is
to select a method that is efficient for your feature's shape and that
also gives an acceptable finish.
Z level rough (see page 845)
Z level finishing (see page 857)
Isoline milling (see page 858)
Pencil milling (see page 862)
Remachining (see page 874)
Recommended Machining Strategies
Roughing
Semi-finishing and finishing strategies
Finishing models with few surfaces
Finishing walls of pocket or boss shapes with a 3D floor
Creating a 3D surface milling feature
To create a 3D surface milling feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
This displays the New Feature wizard.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 821
2 Select Surface Milling, then click Next to open the New Feature Part Surfaces page. Pick or add the surface, or surfaces (3D MX
(see page 2)), that you want to machine.
3 Click Next to open the New Strategy page. Choose whether to use
a rough, semi-finish, and finish operations to completely machine
the feature or just a single operation.
You can add or remove strategies later on the Process (see
page 1135) tab of the Feature Properties (see page 971)
dialog.
4 If you select Choose rough, semi-finish, and finish operations to
completely machine this feature, the wizard takes you through
three separate pages:
New Strategy - Rough (see page 825)
New Strategy - Semi-Finish (see page 826)
New Strategy - Finish (see page 826)
5 If you select Choose a single operation, there is just one page
where you can choose a strategy (see page 827). Some
strategies have additional options on the following Strategy page.
The options on the Strategy page of the wizard are the same as
the Strategy (see page 1141) tab in the Feature Properties (see
page 971) dialog.
6 Depending on the strategy you choose, you may see the Edges,
Stock, and Slopes pages. These pages of the wizard contain the
same options as the Edges (see page 1195), Stock (see page
1203), and Slopes (see page 1213) tabs in the Feature Properties
(see page 971) dialog.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
822 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Strategy
Use the New Strategy page of the New Feature wizard to specify the
machining strategy for the 3D Surface Milling feature you are
creating.
Select an option:
Choose rough, semi-finish, and finish operations to completely
machine this feature Create a surface milling feature that
contains multiple operations. This enables you to create the
roughing, semi-rough and finish operations quickly using the
wizard.
Choose a single operation Create a feature which contains a
single operation. For example, you can create just the roughing
operation, and create the finishing operations later.
New Strategy (single operation)
Use the New Strategy page of the New Feature wizard to specify the
machining strategy for a 3D Surface Milling feature with a single
operation.
Select a machining strategy:
Finishing Strategies
Parallel (see page 831) - toolpaths that are parallel to the X or Y
axes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 823
Z level finish (see page 857) - toolpaths that are parallel to the
XY plane.
Isoline milling (see page 858) - toolpaths that follow the rows or
columns of individual surfaces.
2D spiral (see page 835) - Toolpaths that move in a spiral toward
or away from the center of the part. Stepover is constant from
the top view.
3D spiral (see page 841) - Toolpaths that move in a spiral toward
or away from the center of the part. Stepover is constant in 3D.
Radial milling (see page 845) - toolpaths that move out radially
from the center of the feature.
Flowline milling (see page 859) - toolpaths that follow the rows
or columns of a flowline surface which are then projected onto
the part.
Between 2 curves (see page 862) - toolpaths that are created
between two specified curves.
Roughing Strategies
Z level rough (see page 845) - toolpaths that are parallel to the
XY plane.
Plunge roughing (see page 865) - toolpaths which remove large
amounts of material from a component through a series of
vertical plunging movements.
Parallel (see page 831) - toolpaths that are parallel to the X or Y
axes.
Specialized Strategies
Horizontal + Vertical (see page 864) - machine steep and
shallow regions using different techniques.
Corner Remachining (see page 872) - A remachining technique
used to clean up corners that occur between non-tangential
surfaces.
Pencil milling (see page 862) - a single clean-up pass for corners.
4-Axis Rotary (see page 867) - used in turnmill to machine round
surfaces with an X tool.
Swarf (see page 880) - toolpaths are cut using the side of the
tool. The tool is in constant contact with the surface.
5-Axis Trim (see page 886) - toolpaths that are along the edges
of surfaces. There is the option to cut on the inside or outside
edge of the surface.
824 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For more details on these options, see operations overview (see
page 827).
New strategy Rough
This page helps you select the roughing stage. In this stage you
remove the majority of the material.
1 Enter the Tool Diameter. This is the diameter of the tool. The tool
is a flat end tool for Z level rough and a ball end tool for all other
operations.
2 Enter the Finish Allowance. This is the amount of material left
after a 3D roughing pass.
3 Enter the Tolerance. This sets how close the milling is to the
mathematically ideal surface. This does not guarantee that your
feature is machined to this tolerance in all locations if the tool
you select is incapable of cutting within that tolerance in
constrained areas. If your part shows a faceted appearance, set
the tolerance to a lower value.
4 Select the roughing operation type from:
Z Level Rough (see page 845) You must set Classify slices
as either 3D Pocket or 3D Boss.
You can tell FeatureCAM to rough your part as a 3D Pocket, or as a
3D Boss. If you select 3D Pocket, the tool plunges or ramps onto the
part and cuts from the inside of the part out toward the boundary of
the part. A 3D Boss typically plunges off the part and cuts from the
outside toward the center.
Even if the surfaces of your part create a boss shape (meaning it
protrudes instead of being a cavity), you can still select 3D Pocket.
The first image below shows the slices of a part being cut as a boss,
and the second as a pocket. Notice that the slides of the boss go all
the way around the part at each slice, but the pocket example has
slices that just cut a region of the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 825
Plunge (see page 865) (3D HSM (see page 2)) You must
also decide if you want a Honeycomb pattern.
None Select this option if you don't want a rough pass.
New strategy Semi-Finish
Use this page to select the semi-finish strategy. The semi-finish
stage is used to cut the part to within the finish allowance.
To complete this page:
1 Enter the Tool Diameter. This is the diameter of the tool. The tool
is a flat end tool for Z level rough and a ball end tool for all other
operations.
2 Enter the Finish Allowance. This is the amount of material left
after a 3D roughing pass.
3 Enter the Tolerance. This sets how close the milling is to the
mathematically ideal surface. This does not guarantee that your
feature is machined to this tolerance in all locations if the tool
you select is incapable of cutting within that tolerance in
constrained areas. If your part shows a faceted appearance, set
the tolerance to a lower value.
4 Select the semi-finishing operation type from among:
Parallel (see page 831) For Direction, select X parallel to cut
parallel to the X-axis or Y parallel to cut parallel to the Y-axis.
You can also optionally enter a Parallel angle.
Z Semi (see page 847) Perform a single Z level semi-finish
operation.
Z Finish (see page 857) (3D MX (see page 2))
None Select this option if you don't want a semi-finish pass.
New strategy Finish
Select the finishing strategy to finish the manufacturing of your
part.
To complete this page:
1 Select Compute tool diameter based on surface curvature for
automatic tool selection.
2 Select Set tool diameter and enter a specific diameter to override
automatic tool selection.
826 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Enter the Tolerance. This sets how close the milling is to the
mathematically ideal surface. This does not guarantee that your
feature is machined to this tolerance in all locations if the tool
you select is incapable of cutting within that tolerance in
constrained areas. If your part shows a faceted appearance, set
the tolerance to a lower value.
4 Select the finishing operation type from:
Horizontal + Vertical (see page 864) (3D MX (see page 2))
Enter Slope boundary and Slope overlap parameters.
Isoline (see page 858)
Parallel (see page 831)
Z level (see page 857) (3D MX (see page 2))
None Select this option if you don't want a finish pass.
Tool selection for 3D milling features
FeatureCAM selects a default tool for all 3D finish operations.
On the Tools tab, there is an option to use the part's curvature to
select the default tool. If you select this option, FeatureCAM
analyzes all included surfaces and finds the smallest concave radius
of curvature and a ball-end tool closest to that radius is selected.
Tool selection looks at the sides of the surfaces you are
machining. If you flip to the other side, a different tool might
be selected.
Types of 3D milling strategy
Parallel Finish (3D LITE) This is best suited
to rectangular models and works by taking a
pattern of curves, within a boundary, and
projecting points from these curves onto the
model. Parallel toolpaths are often used on
open parts, whereas 3D Spiral toolpaths work
well in the bottom of pockets. This is a robust
machining strategy that works well on many
models, except for areas that are vertical (or
near-vertical). More about Parallel (see page
831).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 827
Z level finish (3D MX) This creates a toolpath
by slicing the model at specific Z heights. This
works well on near-vertical surfaces that
require a consistent depth of cut. More about Z
level finish (see page 857).
2D Spiral (3D LITE (see page 2)) This
strategy projects a spiral pattern onto the
model, which is then machined. More about 2D
Spiral (see page 835).
3D Spiral (3D HSM (see page 2)) This
strategy is best suited to machining areas that
require a constant stepover and works well on
near-horizontal surfaces. It creates a series of
offsets starting at the outer boundary and
offsetting towards the center. More about 3D
Spiral (see page 841).
Isoline (3D LITE) This strategy uses the
isoline curves of a surface to mill the surface.
These curves can be in the row direction or
column direction. More about Isoline milling
(see page 858) and isoline curves (see page
430).
Radial (3D MX) This strategy creates a radial
pattern within a boundary and projects it onto
the model. More about Radial (see page 845).
Flowline (3D MX) This strategy drives
surface machining. Creates a pattern from the
flowline surface and projects it onto the model.
More about Flowline (see page 859).
828 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Between 2 curves (3D MX (see page 2))
This strategy limits machining to be between
two curves. You can set the direction of
toolpath to along or across.
More about Between 2 curves (see page 862).
Pencil (3D HSM) This strategy creates a
single trace corner toolpath. It is used to clean
up corners that occur between non-tangential
surfaces. They are automatically calculated
inside any existing boundary. More about
Pencil (see page 862).
Z level roughing (3D LITE) This strategy
clears an area with contours generated by
repeatedly offsetting the initial slice until no
further offset is possible. More about Z level
roughing (see page 845).
Plunge roughing (3D HSM) A specialized
cutting tool is used to remove large amounts of
material through a series of vertical plunging
movements. More about Plunge roughing (see
page 865).
Corner Remachine (3D HSM (see page 2))
This strategy creates a multiple trace corner
toolpath with Across or Along options. More
about Corner (see page 872) remachining.
Horizontal + Vertical remachining (3D MX)
This strategy combines two different toolpath
operations, one for finishing shallow portions of
the part and a Z-level for finishing the steep
regions. More about Horizontal + Vertical (see
page 864) remachining.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 829
5-axis trim (5AS (see page 2)) This strategy
enables you to pick a selection of surfaces and
profile around the outside of these surfaces.
More about 5-Axis Trim (see page 886).
Swarf (3D MX) This strategy cuts with the
side of the tool and works only on developable
surfaces because the tool needs to be in
contact with the surface for the whole cutting
depth.
For a tool to swarf cut, it has to be able to
have contact with the surface at all points
along the cutting edge of the tool. For
non-developable surfaces, FeatureCAM always
leaves material on or produce fragmented
toolpaths (rather than gouge).
Four-axis Rotary (3D MX (see page 2)) This
strategy creates a toolpath by rotating the
model around the index axis, with linear
motion provided by the non-index axis
coordinate pairs. More about Four-axis Rotary
(see page 867).
Steep and Shallow (3D HSM) This strategy
calculates a shallow boundary, and then
creates a Z-level toolpath in the steep areas of
the model and a Parallel or 3D Spiral toolpath
in the shallow areas.
Parallel milling
Projection milling techniques are a robust and easily understood
method of generating 3D toolpaths. They work by taking a pattern
of curves and projecting points from these curves onto the surfaces
of the part.
Advantages
It is robust.
It handles overlapping surfaces well.
830 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
It is good for multiple surface manufacturing.
It lets you specify planar stepover distances or scallop heights for
finishing.
Surface normals are not considered for the manufacturing
computation.
Disadvantages
It has poor handling of near-vertical surfaces.
It does not handle vertical surfaces because they are invisible
from above.
Parallel toolpaths
Parallel toolpaths are parallel to the X axis or Y axis of the current
Setup. To slant the toolpaths relative to the axis, set the Parallel
angle attribute on the Strategy (see page 1141) tab.
The value can be anywhere from -360 to 360 degrees, the default is
0.0. A positive value rotates counter-clockwise from the principle
axis, and a negative value rotates clockwise from the axis.
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
Setting the angle to 90 on an X-parallel operation causes it to
effectively become a Y-parallel operation.
Setting the angle to 180 causes the toolpaths to be cut from the
opposite side of the part. For example, an X-parallel operation
with the angle set to 0 starts at the minimum Y coordinate. With
the angle set to 180, the toolpaths start at the maximum Y
coordinate.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 831
This example uses the soapmod.fm file from the Examples folder.
With X parallel
selected, the
toolpath runs
parallel to the X
axis:
With Y parallel
selected, the
toolpath runs
parallel to the Y
axis:
You can have the toolpath at any angle. Enter a Parallel angle. The
angle is measured counter-clockwise from the X axis if X parallel is
selected or counter-clockwise from the Y axis if Y parallel is selected.
For example
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
This method mills only the area above and down to the surface(s) in
the feature. If part of the stock does not have a feature surface in
it, that area is not milled away, except perhaps incidentally to the
manufacturing of another surface feature.
832 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Restrictions of projection milling techniques
Vertical surfaces are almost invisible to projected manufacturing
methods because the vertically projected lines may not detect the
vertical surface. The top edge of such a surface is protected, but the
actual surface may not be milled. You must machine surfaces that
are exactly and completely vertical with another technique. Vertical
surfaces might be better candidates for a Side (see page 795)
feature instead of a surface.
Troubleshooting projection milling methods
1 Bad surface finish on nearly vertical walls. If you are finishing
across a nearly vertical surface, portions of a surface have larger
scallops than other parts of the surface. Possible solutions
include:
Use Scallop stepover instead of fixed planar distance
stepovers. This gives a constant scallop height over surfaces
of the model. See item 3 below.
The Scallop stepover option is available for certain finish operations.
For projection milling methods, it toggles the way that you specify
how far the tool moves over between passes. With the Scallop
stepover option disabled, you specify the Stepover. With it enabled,
you specify the Scallop height.
For Z-level finish operations, it toggles options for you to specify
tool movements down in Z. With Scallop stepover disabled, you
specify the Z-increment. With it enabled, you specify the Scallop
height.
With the Scallop stepover option enabled, spacing of the toolpaths is
calculated along the surfaces to provide a uniform surface finish.
These images show surfaces cut without using scallop stepover:
These images show the same surfaces cut with scallop stepover:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 833
Finishing the surface with isoline milling (see page 858)
Finishing the surface in another direction with a projection
technique. Finish going up the steep slope rather than across.
Use a stock curve if you want to only mill a small portion of
the surface milling feature.
Finishing the surface again with the same technique using a
much smaller stepover value.
This is the distance between toolpath center lines. This distance is
measured in the XY plane and then the toolpaths are projected onto
the surfaces of your feature. This attribute does not apply if Scallop
height is enabled.
1 The toolpaths extend beyond the Edge of the surface.
2 Bad finishing of vertical walls. Projection techniques do not finish
vertical walls. Finish vertical walls with Isoline (see page 858)
(3D LITE) or Z level finishing (see page 857) (3D MX).
834 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2D spiral toolpaths
2D Spiral toolpaths mill a feature with a pattern of offset toolpaths.
The pattern is obtained by taking the stock boundary, the feature
boundary or the curve specified on the Stock (see page 1203) tab
and offsetting this curve toward the center of the part. The pattern
can be cut either towards the feature center or away from the
feature center.
The steps between the passes are calculated in 2D. For spiral
toolpaths that use a 3D stepover use the 3D spiral technique (see
page 841). To use the stock boundary, select Use stock dimensions
on the Stock (see page 1203) tab. This results in a square shape to
the toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 835
To automatically calculate the silhouette boundary of the surfaces of
your feature, select Use part surface dimensions. This toolpath
mimics the boundary of your feature.
If you want to use a different curve as your toolpath shape, select
the Select curves for boundaries option on the Stock (see page 1203)
tab. The options for using a curve are different for spiral milling (see
page 836) and other techniques (see page 1209).
See also:
Troubleshooting projection milling methods (see page 833)
Boundaries for 2D spiral toolpaths
The shape of spiral toolpaths (see page 835) are determined by the
boundary and island curves and the classifications of 3D pocket (see
page 837), 3D boss (see page 837), 3D side (see page 838), or Wall
only (see page 838). You can specify multiple boundary curves, but
these curves must not touch. If none is specified, then the stock
boundary is used.
Boundary Curve Allowance The distance to stay away from the
boundary or island curves.
Spiral Boss feature with Boundary Curve Allowance. Notice the gap
between the Boss features and the toolpaths.
836 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For Wall only profile types, click the Other side button to offset
the other direction. For Boss features, use the stock Overcut %
(see page 1203) option to control how close you come to
approaching the stock boundary.
Total offset This is the total distance away from the boundary
curve to cut for boss or side profile types.
3D pocket
The 3D pocket projects the boundary curve onto the surface and
spirals inside of this closed curve as shown in this image.
If you specify an island curve, that region is avoided.
3D boss
The 3D boss setting cuts between the stock boundary and the
boundary curve by projecting the boundary curve onto the surface,
for example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 837
3D side
The 3D side setting projects the boundary curve onto the surface
and then cuts on one side or the other as shown in this figure.
Wall only
The Wall only setting traces along the curve, for example:
Boundary Curve Allowance
838 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spiral Boss feature with Boundary Curve Allowance. Notice the gap
between the Boss features and the toolpaths.
Creating a 3D boss from font curves
1 Create the surface or surfaces you want to use as the floor of
your feature.
2 Create your text (see page 451).
3 Use Extract font curve (see page 416) and extract the outer
boundaries of the text.
4 Use Extract font curve again and extract the islands.
5 Create a spiral out 3D boss operation (see page 821) for the
floor surfaces using the outer boundary curves as the
boundaries.
6 Set the curve allowance to the tool radius.
7 Create another spiral out 3D pocket operation for the floor
surfaces using the island surfaces as the boundaries.
8 Again, set the curve allowance for this operation to the tool
radius.
5-axis engraving
You can perform 5-axis engraving using a 2D spiral toolpath. This
enables you to use a tool axis angle normal to the surface to ensure
the engraving has a uniform cross-section and depth of cut.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 839
To create a 5 axis surface engraving feature:
1 Create a surface below the stock boundary to determine the
depth of the engraving, for example:
2 Create the curve to define the shape of the engraving feature,
for example:
You can use the Construct > Curve > From Surface > Project
onto Surface menu option to project a curve onto a surface.
3 Create a surface milling feature with a 2D spiral operation.
4 Double-click the feature in the Part View to display the Feature
Properties dialog, and select spiral2d in the Tree View.
5 In the Stock tab, under Choose the drive curve, select Select
curves for boundaries and click Curve Options.
The Boundary Curve dialog is displayed.
6 Under Boundary curve type, select Wall only.
This creates a toolpath along the curve, instead of an area
clearance toolpath inside or outside the curve.
840 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 Under Boundary curves, click Boundaries.
The Select Boundary Curves dialog is displayed.
8 Select the curve that defines the shape of engraving, and click
OK to close the Select Boundary Curves dialog.
9 Click OK to close the Boundary curves dialog.
10 On the 5-Axis tab, select Use Lead and Lean, and in the from list,
select Contact normal.
This keeps the tool axis normal to the surface.
11 Click OK to close the Feature Properties dialog.
3D spiral
This finishing technique is best suited to machining areas that need
a constant stepover and works well on near-horizontal faces.
Spiral toolpaths mill a feature in a series of offsets towards the
feature center. The initial pattern is specified by taking the stock
boundary, the feature boundary, or the curve specified on the Stock
(see page 1203) tab.
To use the stock boundary, click Use stock dimensions on the Stock
(see page 1203) tab. This results in an initial square shape to the
toolpaths. The next and subsequent toolpaths are obtained by
offsetting the initial shape in 3D (along the surfaces being cut). This
differs from 2D spiral operations (see page 835) which offset the
initial shape in 2D and then project this shape onto the surfaces.
Select Use part surface Dimensions in order to use the silhouette of
the part surfaces as the initial boundary shape as shown in the
simple figure on the left. The figure on the right shows the toolpaths
that would result if Use stock dimensions was used instead.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 841
The Continuous spiral option on the milling attributes page
eliminates the stepover between the offsets, and morphs the
pattern into a continuous spiral. With the Continuous spiral option
selected, you get the result shown below. You can see that this
minimizes the number of tool retracts and converts the original
closed contours into one long spiral.
With the Continuous spiral option deselected, you get the following
result. Notice that there is a retract between each contour.
842 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can also use boundary curves to control the shape of the spiral.
All of these options are accessed by clicking the Curve options
button on the Stock tab. By specifying a boundary curve, this shape
is used as the initial contour of the spiral.
The boundary curve is clipped against part surfaces as shown in the
figure below. If the curve is entirely outside of the stock, the
silhouette of the surfaces is used as the boundary curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 843
If the operation is specified as a boss, then boundary curves
determine regions that are avoided.
If the operation is specified as a pocket, then the boundary curves
represent the shape of each region. Any island curves are avoided.
In the example below, the operation is specified as a pocket with
three boundary curves. The lower left region also has a circular
island region.
Details of 3D spiral milling
The Z height of any boundary curve is ignored. This means that
the curve can be above, below, or even inside of the part.
The Total offset option in the Boundary curve (see page 836)
dialog is disabled for 3D spiral milling.
Curve allowance is the same as described for 2D spiral milling
(see page 836).
844 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Radial toolpaths
Radial toolpaths are created from the center of the part toward the
boundary. This image shows a radial toolpath example.
The center of the radial pattern is calculated automatically unless
you enter a value for the Center point attribute on the Milling (see
page 1309) tab.
Not all feature shapes lend themselves to this manufacturing style.
Long thin features probably are not best milled in this way. The
radial term is only a rough description of the path as not all feature
shapes lend themselves to a radial pattern.
Z-level rough
Z level roughing takes slices of the model at various heights on the
Z axis, and then generates toolpaths to machines each slice.
How to create a Z level rough operation. (see page 845)
Creating a Z level roughing operation
To create a Z level rough operation:
1 Click the Features
Feature wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the New
2 In the New Feature wizard, select Surface Milling and click Next.
3 Use the Part Surfaces page of the wizard to select the surfaces
you want to machine, then click Next.
4 In the New Strategy page, select Choose a single operation, then
click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 845
5 Under Roughing Strategies, select Z Level, then click Next.
6 Use the Strategy page to specify the machining strategy for the
surface.
If the surfaces represent a cavity, select the 3D pocket option. If
your surfaces represent a 3D boss, select the 3D boss option.
7 Complete the rest of the pages of the wizard, or click Finish to
create the feature and accept the default options.
Troubleshooting Z level roughing
FeatureCAM has different methods of Z level roughing (see page
848).
1 Mills the wrong side of the surfaces.
Toggle the Classify slices as attribute on the Strategy (see page
1141) tab.
If the Classify slices as attribute is set correctly, make sure
that the normals of the vertical surfaces are pointing out. Use
the Surface Control (see page 1238) tab to reverse the surfaces.
2 Slices are very coarse.
Decrease the Tolerance attribute on the Milling (see page 1242)
tab.
3 The slices look strange around holes or passages in the walls of
the feature.
846 Features
Use a cap surface to plug holes (or untrim (see page 506) the
surface), or use a larger diameter tool.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Notes:
For a generalized boss, FeatureCAM uses the stock boundary or
stock curve as the outer boundary of the boss.
Control Z-level roughing with the Corner radius %, Tool corner %,
and Trochoidal cut attributes on the Milling (see page 1242) tab of
the Surface Milling Properties dialog.
Z-level roughing with multiple tools
Z-level roughing can be performed with multiple tools. After a larger
tool is used to rough out the majority of the part, FeatureCAM can
automatically apply a semi-roughing pass to the uncut regions of
the part without recutting the previously roughed region. The
smaller tool roughs around the walls of the part with a smaller Zincrement than the previous tool and roughs regions where the
larger tool does not fit.
This example shows a bottle that is first roughed with a 0.75 inch
endmill and then roughed with a 0.25 endmill:
Roughing with multiple roughing tools is much more efficient than
simply roughing with a small tool. In the case of the bottle,
roughing with two tools takes 9 minutes and 34 seconds, while
roughing the entire part with only the smaller tool takes 19 minutes
and 8 seconds.
To perform Z-level roughing with multiple tools:
1 On the Strategy tab of the New Feature wizard or the Feature
Properties dialog, select the Multiple rough option.
2 Enter a list of Tool diameters. Separate the diameters with a
comma. Each diameter must be smaller than the preceding
diameter.
Each of the roughing passes is listed in feature's tree view so you
are able to further edit these operations to customize attributes
such as stepover values or Z increments.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 847
Methods of Z-level roughing
Zigzag This is more like an X parallel rough. Roughs each Z level
raster-style with an optional profile pass around each slice.
Offsets Each slice is offset repeatedly to form the toolpaths.
Vortex (see page 849) (3D HSM) An offset toolpath, which is
machined at the specified cutting feed rate almost all of the time.
The optimum tool engagement angle is never exceeded, by
replacing difficult toolpath segments with trochoids. This works well
for solid carbide tools.
848 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3D Vortex toolpaths (3D HSM)
Vortex machining is an area clearance strategy that rapidly removes
material from a 3D part while controlling tool load. Vortex is best
suited to solid carbide tools and is frequently used in combination
with step cutting.
It is an offset-style toolpath and has these main features:
The engagement angle never exceeds, by more than 15%, that
produced by a straight line cut with a given stepover. This
eliminates excessive tool load and all full-width cuts. This
enables you to increase feed rates. For other area clearance
toolpaths, the cutting values are based on the tool
manufacturer's slot cutting parameters to ensure the tool can
sustain full cutting engagement. As the tool approaches the
maximum engagement angle for optimum machining, the
toolpath changes to a trochoidal path to avoid tool overload.
The machine tool almost always runs at the specified feed rate.
With other area clearance toolpaths, the machine tool
automatically slows down as it approaches a corner and the
engagement angle increases. Vortex modifies the toolpath so the
tool engagement angle is never exceeded and the machine tool
achieves the specified feed rate. The only time the machine tool
does not run at the specified feed rate is when the model
geometry (a slot or corner) is smaller than the smallest radius
that the machine can run at full speed.
Vortex machining cuts with the side of the tool so it is designed
for solid carbide tools, but you may be able to use other tools.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 849
Because FeatureCAM controls the tool engagement, you can
increase the depth of cut, which minimizes machining time.
Vortex machining is frequently used in combination with Step
cutting to minimize terracing while maximizing the removal rate.
Vortex toolpaths are automatically checked for safety.
FeatureCAM checks for:
plunges into stock.
excess tool engagement.
excess depth of cut.
small arc movements.
To maximize the benefits of Vortex machining:
Configure the Vortex parameters to suit each machine tool.
Use Step Cutting to minimize terracing caused by the increased
depth of cut.
With optimum settings, Vortex machining greatly reduces machining
times.
Creating a 3D Vortex toolpath
To create a 3D Z-level roughing Vortex toolpath, select Vortex on
the Strategy tab (see page 1141) of the Surface Milling Properties
dialog:
You must have the 3D HSM module to use Vortex for 3D
Z-level roughing.
The following attributes are available for Vortex toolpaths in the
Feature Properties dialog:
F/S tab (see page 1063):
850 Features
Feed Enter the speed the tool cuts into the material. Vortex
toolpaths are machined at this cutting feed rate almost all of the
time.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling tab (see page 1240):
Vortex min point spacing Enter the minimum point spacing at
which the machine tool can move at the specified feed rate. If
the machine tool has too many points to process, it cannot
sustain the specified feed rate.
Vortex min radius Enter the minimum radius of the internal
trochoids. Vortex toolpaths use trochoidal moves to maintain a
constant feed rate. Higher feed rates require a larger minimum
radius. If you do not override this value, a default value is used,
which is suitable for a typical machine tool at the feed rate
specified for the operation.
Vortex Z lift distance Enter a Z distance to lift the tool during
trochoidal moves to avoid contact between the tool and the
surface.
3D Vortex example
This example shows you how to combine Vortex machining with
step cutting to rapidly remove material.
Because Vortex machining cuts with the side of the tool, it is
designed for solid carbide tools, but there may be other types of
tools suitable for Vortex. These tools work best when taking deep
cuts with a relatively small stepover.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 851
To machine effectively when taking large depths of cut, you must
ensure the tool engagement angle never exceeds the specified
value. This eliminates excessive tool load and all full-width cuts.
FeatureCAM achieves this by introducing trochoidal moves to
prevent the tool from exceeding the maximum tool engagement
value.
852 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Using a 3D model:
Creating a Vortex toolpath without step cutting.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 853
This removes vast quantities of material quickly, but leaves large
terraces of unmachined stock on the part.
You can minimize the size of these terraces using the Step cutting
options.
854 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This adds extra machining slices up the part. Looking at a detail of
the side view:
Original Vortex pass
Step cutting passes
It also machines more of the excess stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 855
Vortex approaches flats from outside stock
Vortex toolpaths can approach flat areas from outside of stock
instead of always ramping into it. This enables you to create Vortex
toolpaths that are faster to machine and are compatible with a
wider selection of tools.
The tool ramping into the
The tool approaching from
part
the outside
To approach from outside the stock, FeatureCAM:
extends a section of the flat area beyond the stock and into an
area already machined; and;
fills the extended section with cutting moves.
By extending the section to an area already machined, the
machine tool can approach the flat area in open space.
Edge of flat area
Stock
Extended section of flat area filled with cutting moves
Outside edge of extended section
Area already machined
856 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Criteria for toolpath to approach from outside stock
FeatureCAM only extends a section of the flat area if the extended
section:
has an outside edge that the machine tool can approach.
does not gouge the model.
is wide enough to be profile smoothed successfully.
can reach an area already machined within the distance of one
tool diameter.
If the extended section fails to meet the criteria, FeatureCAM does
not extend the flat area and instead uses a ramp move to approach
the toolpath.
Z-level finish
The Z-level finishing method slices the feature at various depths,
and then mills each slice.
This is a good technique for finishing steep walls or when you
require a consistent depth of cut. This technique is sometimes called
waterline milling. Just like Z-level rough (see page 845), it starts
with slicing the model and then creating toolpaths from the slices.
Here is an example of Z-level finishing:
Troubleshooting Z level finishing
1 Z level finish cuts both sides of part.
Use a boundary curve to limit cutting to the inside or select
the internal only edge boundary.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 857
Isoline milling
Isoline milling is a good technique for finishing surfaces.
An example of isoline toolpaths on a single surface:
Isoline milling uses the isoline curves (see page 430) of a surface to
mill the surface. These curves can be in the row direction or column
direction.
Advantages
Uniform finish with scallop height control. The toolpaths are
spaced based on the distance along the surface.
Nearly-vertical walls handled well. Because this is not a
projection technique, nearly vertical walls are cut correctly.
Disadvantages
Toolpaths generated on a surface-by-surface basis.
Restrictions of isoline milling
Isoline milling works on a surface-by-surface basis. This can result
in numerous retracts.
The orientation of the surfaces matters. Toolpaths are generated for
surfaces whose normals point up. Surfaces are 'auto-flipped' where
possible, but for vertical and some other cases, you must specify
the machining side. Select the surface in the list and click Switch
machining side. Isoline milling may mill on the wrong side of the
surface or if certain flags are set, it may skip the surface.
Troubleshooting isoline milling
1 The toolpaths are on the wrong side of the surface.
858 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
On the Surface control (see page 1238) tab, change the
machining side to Reverse using the Cut direction
button.
2 Toolpaths should go the other direction or start at the other end
of the surface.
On the Surface control (see page 1238) tab, the Start Curve
column has the options of First Row, Last Row, First Col, Last
Col. Select the surface in the table and click the Set isoline
row/col
button to cycle through the options. The start
point and direction of the first toolpath is marked with an
arrow in the Graphics Window.
3 Performance is slow.
If you do not need the Avoid self-gouging milling option, turn it
off.
4 Surfaces are cut in the wrong order.
On the Surface control (see page 1238) tab, use the arrow
buttons to rearrange the order of the toolpaths.
5 Toolpaths for a surface are reordered strangely.
Select the operation in the features tree view. Go to the
Milling tab. Deselect the Reorder option.
Flowline
The Flowline technique projects the isolines from one surface onto
the surfaces of the feature. The isolines are projected in the
direction of the surface normal. In the example below, the isolines
of a flat surface are projected onto the part. By using a side mill
cutter, Flowline machining can be used to machine undercut
regions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 859
Machining undercut regions
You can cut undercut regions with either an Isoline operation or a
Flowline operation.
To machine undercut regions, you must.
1 Create an Isoline or Flowline operation.
2 Select an appropriate side mill cutter. FeatureCAM does not
automatically select side mill cutters.
3 Specify a Horizontal lead-in/out plane on the Leads (see page
1424) tab. You may also have to experiment to determine an
appropriate Ramp diameter to prevent gouging.
Creating a flowline milling operation
A Flowline milling operation is created using the following steps:
1 Click the Features step.
860 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Click Surface Milling. Click Next.
3 Select the part surfaces and click Next.
4 Click Choose a single operation and click Next.
5 Click Flowline and click Finish.
6 Double-click the feature to edit it.
7 In the operation tree-view, select flowline and select the Surface
control tab.
8 Click the Pick surface
surface.
button and select the flowline guide
9 The normal of the flowline guide surface must point toward the
surfaces of the part. When you click the surface control tab, two
arrows are displayed on the flowline guide surface. In the image
below, the normal correctly points toward the part surfaces. If
the normal needs to be reversed, click the Switch machining side
button.
The arrows also indicate the starting point of the surface isolines
and their direction. In the image above, the projected toolpath
starts in the lower left and follows the rows of the surface. Use
the Set isoline row/col
button to change the starting point of
the pattern and use the Cut direction
button to change the
direction of the cuts.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 861
Between Two Curves
Between two curves calculates toolpaths that are bounded by two
curves. This finishing operation is used to control the shape of the
toolpath over multiple surfaces by restricting the machining of the
surface to be between the two specified curves. The toolpaths mill a
feature in a series of offsets starting from the first or start curve
towards the second or end curve.
The toolpaths can be generated to run
Along curves The toolpath is
similar to an offset toolpath radiating
out from the start curve to the end
curve.
in two directions:
Across curves The toolpath goes
from a point on the start curve to a
point on the second curve.
You can limit the pattern by selecting Tool center on the Strategy tab
to generate the pattern based on the center of the tool. Select
Contact point to generate the toolpath based on last point of contact
between the tool and the surface.
On the Milling tab, you can set Edge tolerance which is the trimming
tolerance used to reduce the noise of resulting toolpath near the
start and end curves. The Stepover attribute is blank by default and
the value is automatically determined based on the tool radius and
tolerance. However, if you want to override the automatically
generated stepover, you can set Stepover to a particular value. If
the automatically generated stepover is too large, you can restrict it
by specifying a Max stepover.
Pencil milling
Pencil milling is used to clean up corners or fillets of a part. Pencil
milling operations automatically detect corners less than or equal to
the specified radius (including sharp corners) and then create a
single toolpath to clean out these corners.
Applications of pencil milling include:
Finishing fillets in a part with a single toolpath.
Cleaning up sharp concave corners.
Pre-relieving corners before high-speed finishing the part with a
small tool.
Roughing fillets by using the Finish allowance.
862 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The first step is to determine the regions that contain the corners.
Depending on the number of surfaces in the model, this step may
take some time.
After the regions are detected, a single toolpath is created that
cleans out the corners regardless of the number of surfaces
contained in the region.
Creating a Pencil mill operation
1 Create a Surface milling (see page 821) feature.
2 Click the New
Strategy dialog.
button on Process page to open the New
3 Select Pencil milling and click Finish to close the New Strategy
dialog.
4 Select the Leads (see page 1424) tab on the Surface Milling
Properties dialog and set options for the moves between
toolpaths.
5 Click OK.
6 Generate toolpaths. If you receive an error, see Trouble shooting
pencil milling (see page 863).
Troubleshooting pencil milling
1 Calculating the regions takes too long.
Use a stock boundary on the Remachine tab to limit the search
for remachining regions or create a separate feature with only
the surfaces of interest.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 863
2 Some fillets/corners are not being detected.
Decrease the tolerance.
Horizontal + vertical strategy
This strategy combines two different toolpath operations, one for
finishing shallow portions of the part and one for finishing the steep
regions.
An X parallel or spiral toolpath is applied to the shallow regions, and
a Z level finishing operation cuts the steep regions.
The Slope boundary option on the Strategy (see page 1141) tab
indicates the angle that divides the two regions. Portions of the
surfaces with slopes less than this angle are machined with the
parallel toolpaths, and the steeper slopes are machined by the Z
level.
The Slope overlap option indicates how much the two regions
overlap. An overlap of 0 means that the two regions are distinct. A
value of 10 means that the two passes overlap by 10 degrees.
The parallel pass is parallel to the X axis unless you enter the
Parallel angle. Set the Parallel angle to 90 to be parallel to the Y
axis. If you are using a spiral-in or spiral-out toolpath for shallow
regions, the shape of those regions are automatically calculated
based on the slope region boundaries.
864 Features
Combo example with parallel
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Combo example with spiral
Plunge rough
Plunge roughing provides an alternative form of roughing. With this
technique, roughing is performed with a series of overlapping holes.
The advantage of using this technique is that parts can be roughed
quickly because the force of the operation is directly up the spindle.
This figure shows a sphere that is being plunge roughed with a flat
end tool.
The pattern of drilling operations is parallel to the X or Y axes just
like parallel milling (see page 831). Neighboring rows of the pattern
can be offset horizontally to better cover the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 865
Plunge roughing is performed in either a straight rectangular
pattern, as shown below:
or a honeycomb pattern in which each row is offset horizontally by
half the rough pass stepover amount:
The honeycomb pattern is usually preferable. The Honeycomb
pattern attribute controls the pattern type.
The Rough pass stepover % attribute controls how far the holes in
the same row are spaced. It is specified as a percentage of the
tool's diameter.
Restrictions of plunge roughing
1 The initial implementation of plunge roughing is limited to center
cutting tools. While you could use non-center cutting tools,
nothing is done to specifically accommodate the use of such
tools.
2 There is no control of the retract distance. Retracts are
performed in the Z-direction.
3 There is no pecking. Each plunge is performed as a straight
linear move.
4 The Uphill Only and Downhill Only settings do not apply.
866 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Four Axis Rotary overview
Creates a toolpath by rotating the job around the index axis. This
axis is often the Z-axis in a turn/mill document and often the X-axis
in a milling document. Rotary milling creates toolpaths that cut
surfaces without the need for wrapping (see page 325). In a
turn/mill document, the feature must have the Cut with X-tool option
selected in the Feature Location tab before you can create a rotary
operation. The angle of the X-tool must also be 0 .
You can control four axis rotary milling with the following settings.
Strategy options
These attributes are available on the Strategy page of the New
Feature wizard and the Strategy (see page 1177) tab in the Feature
Properties dialog.
Select a cutting style from:
Linear
Linear rotary milling causes the tool to traverse along the index axis
in straight lines, with the rotary axis only used at the end of each
pass to reposition the job.
Circular
In circular milling the job rotates with the tool at a fixed position,
effectively machining a circle. The tool then steps over the required
amount and machines the next circle.
Spiral
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 867
A continuous spiral is cut along the length of the job when spiral
milling is used. To ensure a clean finish a full circle is cut at the two
ends. Because rotation is continuous, only Climb and Conventional
milling are available (so, you must have a rotary head that can
make an unlimited number of rotations).
Y offset is a distance to avoid cutting on the center of the tool.
A Y offset of 0 cuts using the center of the tool.
868 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A Y offset of 10 cuts using the position on the tool located 10mm
from its center.
Milling options
These attributes are available on the Milling (see page 1364) tab in
the Feature Properties dialog.
Angle start/end Enter the angular positions where you want
machining to start and end. It applies only to Linear or Circular
milling. The angular limits are measured in a counter-clockwise
direction when viewed along the positive Z axis. The area machined
is between the start and end angles.
If Angle end is greater than Angle start, the tool travels
counter-clockwise.
Angle start = 0
Angle end = 120
Tool moves counter-clockwise
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 869
If Angle end is less than Angle start, the tool moves clockwise.
Angle end = 0
Angle start = 120
Tool travels clockwise
To machine an area counter-clockwise starting at 350 and ending
at 10 you need to think about the values you enter. If you enter an
Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 10 then the tool travels
clockwise and machines the opposite of what you want. So you
must enter an Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 370 to get the
result you want.
Index start/end coord To limit the cutting area along the index
axis, set Index start coord and Index end coord. For a turn/mill
document these parameters control the extend of the toolpaths
along the Z axis. For a 4-axis milling document, they are values
along the index axis.
Index start coord
870 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Index end coord
Stepover For Circular milling, enter the distance between circular
cuts. For Spiral milling, enter the distance the tool travels in a full
revolution along the index axis.
Stepover angle For Linear milling, enter the distance between the
linear cuts as an angle around the index axis.
Options for rotary milling
Angle start and Angle end Enter the start and end positions for
Linear or Circular milling: The angles are measured from the x axis
in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed along the positive Z
axis.
Angle start = 0
Angle end = 90
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 871
Index start coord and Index end coord Enter the start and end
positions for machining along the index axis. For a turn/mill
document, these parameters control the extent of the toolpaths
along the Z axis. For a 4-axis milling document, they are values
along the index axis.
Index start coord
Index end coord
Stepover For Circular milling, enter the distance between circular
cuts. For Spiral milling, enter the distance the tool travels in a full
revolution along the index axis.
Stepover angle For Linear milling, enter the distance between the
linear cuts as an angle around the index axis.
Corner Remachining
Remachining is used to automatically mill regions that were not cut
by previous operations. You provide the diameter of the previous
tool that was used to cut the part and FeatureCAM automatically
determines the uncut regions and applies a toolpath to them.
Corner remachining is used to clean up corners that occur between
non-tangential surfaces. Each corner edge is called a trace line. By
using the options on the strategy page, you may cut in various
directions relative to the trace lines.
Corner remachining is available in four different styles: Along,
Across, Combo along and across, and Multi pencil.
872 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Along
This style of remachining creates a corner toolpath which follows the
trace lines.
Across
Across remachining creates corner toolpaths that zigzag across the
trace lines.
Combo along and across
The combo corner toolpath creates a corner toolpath which
produces Across toolpaths on the steep areas of the trace line and
Along toolpaths on the shallow areas of the trace line.
Multi-pencil
Creates a corner toolpath which follows 'along' the trace lines. This
is basically a different ordering of the Along tool path.
The slope boundaries (see page 1213) tab is available, so that
a horizontal-only corner operation is possible.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 873
Detection angle only corners below the angle specified are found.
Detection angle is the largest angle between adjacent,
non-tangential surfaces that is detected as part of a pencil or
remachining operation. It is used to set the sensitivity of the region
detection. Generally, Detection angle should be set as big as possible
to detect the unmachined regions.
The tool used for the corner remachining must be smaller than the
Previous tool diameter.
Remachining overview
You can create remachining toolpaths that automatically mill regions
that were not cut by previous operations.
There are several types of remachining:
Planar remachining (see page 874).
This is Parallel (see page 831), Z finish (see page 857), or 3D
spiral (see page 841) operations with the Remachining option
enabled in the Remachining dialog (see page 1192).
You specify the diameter of the previous tool that was used to
cut the part and FeatureCAM automatically determines the uncut
regions and applies a toolpath to them.
Corner remachining (see page 872).
Corner remachining is used to clean up corners that occur
between non-tangential surfaces. You can specify the whether
the tool cuts across or along the trace lines.
Pencil milling (see page 862).
Pencil milling is a single-line toolpath used to clean up corners
and fillets. If
Planar remachining
Remachining is used to automatically mill regions that were not cut
by previous operations. Planar remachining can be performed with a
Parallel (see page 831), Z finish (see page 857), or 3D spiral
toolpath (see page 841).
You specify the diameter of the previous tool that was used to cut
the part and FeatureCAM automatically determines the uncut
regions and applies a toolpath to them.
There is also a separate type of toolpath that is strictly for
remachining called Corner remachining (see page 872).
Remachining is useful for:
874 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Remove material that could not be reached with a larger tool for
both finishing and roughing.
Pre-relieve corners roughed with a larger tool for high speed
finishing with a smaller tool.
Examples
In the example below, the trough region is automatically calculated
and the parallel toolpath is limited to this region.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 875
For parallel and Z-level remachining, the previous tool diameter is
used to calculate the uncut region and the toolpath is clipped to that
region as shown in the figures below.
876 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For 3D spiral remachining, the outer boundary of the uncut region is
automatically calculated from the previous tool diameter. A toolpath
is then created that spirals inward from the boundary. 3D spiral
remachining creates a toolpath that is similar to corner remachining
(see page 872), but in some cases, the 3D spiral has fewer retracts.
Creating a remachining operation
To create a remachining operation:
1 Create an X-parallel, Y-parallel milling operation, a Z-level finish
(see page 857), or a 3D spiral (see page 841) operation using
the Features step. Alternatively, a corner remachining (see page
872) operation may be created.
2 On the Strategy page (see page 1141), click Remachining.
The Remachining dialog is displayed.
3 Select Remachining and enter a Previous Tool Diameter. This
diameter is used to calculate the region for remachining.
4 Click OK to close the dialog.
5 Click Finish.
If the toolpaths do not look correct see Troubleshooting
remachining (see page 879) for hints.
Remachining settings
Remachining is controlled by the following Strategy tab settings:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 877
Previous tool diameter This is the diameter of the tool that was
used to previously cut the part. This parameter applies to all
remachining methods.
Overcut percent Use this option to expand the remachining region
by overstating the Previous tool diameter. It is specified as a
percentage of the Previous tool diameter. It is usually a good idea to
overcut a little to ensure complete coverage.
Minimum rest material
This parameter does not apply to corner remachining. It
applies only to parallel, Z-level and 3D spiral remachining.
This setting can be used to filter out regions that have a minimal
amount of rest material left by the previous tool. The default is 0
which means it tries to cut anywhere the previous tool had a double
contact with the part surfaces, including a fillet of the same size as
the previous tool (assuming Overcut percent is also set to 0). If
Minimum rest material is set to a positive number, the remachining
only includes tool paths that remove rest material that is greater
than this depth. Its main use is to handle the case where you have
some part fillets exactly the size of the previous tool and some that
are smaller. If you do not want to remachine the part fillets that are
exactly the size of the previous tool you can set Overcut percent to 0
and Minimum rest material to 1 or 2 times the machining tolerance to
make sure the previous tool radius sized fillets are not remachined.
The following example part has some fillets that have a 10 mm
radius and some smaller fillets. Remachining with a Previous tool
diameter of 20 mm and the default Overcut percent of 5 remachines
all the fillets:
If you set Overcut percent to 0 to avoid cutting the 10 mm fillets we
may get some unwanted tool paths, depending on the machining
tolerance and the accuracy of the part model. Here the machining
tolerance is set to 0.01 mm and we have some unwanted tool paths:
878 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Unwanted toolpaths
Generally, setting the Minimum rest material to twice the tolerance
(0.02 mm in this case) eliminates these extra tool paths.
Another use for Minimum rest material is to eliminate noise from the
remachining tool paths due to inaccuracies in the part surfaces,
non-solid models, poor tolerances, and so on.
Limitations of planar remachining
Parallel and Remachining operations use projection toolpath
techniques and have the same limitations (see page 833) as
those techniques.
Z-level finishing Remachining has the same limitations Z-level
finishing (see page 857).
Troubleshooting planar remachining
1 Remachining is not generating toolpaths.
Examine your part and make sure there are really regions
where the previous tool diameter would not fit. A fillet is
specified by its radius and a tool is specified by its diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 879
2 Calculating the regions takes too long.
Use a stock boundary on the Remachine tab to limit the search
for remachining regions or create a separate feature with only
the surfaces of interest.
3 Regions that are exactly the same diameter as the previous tool
are being ignored.
If there is a region that you would like to remachine that the
previous tool exactly fits into it is best to slightly overstate the
Previous tool diameter to ensure that the region is properly
remachined. For example if you have a pocket with a 0.25
radius corner fillet, you should set the Previous tool diameter
to 0.51 inches. The region is larger than necessary, but the
remachining boundaries are more predictable. Increasing the
overcut percentage can also help with this issue.
Swarf milling
Swarf cutting calculates toolpaths that cut with the side of the tool
and works only on developable surfaces because the tool needs to
be in contact with the surface for the whole cutting depth.
For a tool to swarf cut, it has to be able to have contact with the
surface at all points along the cutting edge of the tool. For a
non-developable surface, FeatureCAM always leaves material on or
produces fragmented toolpaths (rather than gouge). This means
that you need to look at parts carefully before trying to swarf cut
them. It may be that rotating the part (cutting from the side rather
than the top of an aerofoil blade) produces the required result.
Swarf machining makes every attempt to machine the selected
surfaces but you may have to consider running more commands
including ones with different options for swarf milling to obtain the
best machining results.
It is possible to identify approximately whether a surface is
developable and ruled by shading and also displaying its wire frame
geometry within FeatureCAM. You can then orientate the view to be
roughly down the expected tool axis vector.
880 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If the surface top edge and the surface bottom edge appear to be
parallel at all points, on both edges, and no shaded elements are
visible, then the surface is roughly developable and ruled.
Selected Surface
Use the Surface control tab to determine whether you swarf cut:
on the inside:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 881
or outside of the surface:
On the Milling (see page 1348) tab you can set:
Axial offset offsets the lowest position of the toolpath along the
tool axis.
882 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave allowance specifies the amount of stock material to leave
after the cut. In PowerMILL this attribute corresponds to Radial
offset.
Using Leave allowance
No Leave allowance
Multiple Cuts This allows multiple toolpaths with a Z-increment
setting.
Restrictions of swarf milling
In a non-indexed milling document, swarf machining is limited to a
vertical tool axis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 883
The orientation of the surfaces is quite important in swarf
machining. Toolpaths are generated on the outer side of surfaces,
that is, on the side of the positive surface normal. Stand-alone
surfaces are not 'auto-flipped' (because FeatureCAM does not know
which side you want to machine), whereas faces in a solid should
have outward pointing normals. In most cases of swarf milling
stand-alone surfaces, you must specify the machining side
manually.
Swarf machining makes every attempt to machine the part
surfaces, even though the part surfaces may not be entirely ruled or
developable. This may lead to wild toolpaths (paths that retract a
lot and are cut in unintended places). For this reason, we
recommend that you include only the ruled surfaces in the feature's
part surfaces. You may include other, non-developable surfaces as
check surfaces.
Swarf milling works best with ruled surfaces where the
parameterization of the surfaces is well-behaved.
Although this appears to be a ruled, developable surface, the
isolines are curved. This may lead to strange looking toolpaths,
because FeatureCAM tries very hard to keep the entire side of the
tool in contact with the surface, in other words, the tool axis may
vary radically.
The parameterization below produces toolpaths that are closer to
the expected results:
Troubleshooting Swarf
Swarf is a very powerful technique. Unfortunately, in a five-axis
simultaneous situation, there are, perhaps, many different correct
answers to the swarf problem. FeatureCAM attempts to pick an
intelligent answer, but sometimes picks a different answer than
what you had in mind. For instance, a single plane can be swarfed
in the U direction or the V direction.
884 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
In the image below, the feature consists of two magenta surfaces
and a red surface. The swarf correctly cuts the required edge of the
magenta surfaces, and then (mathematically, correctly) cuts an
incorrect edge of the red surface.
There are several things you can try:
Break the feature into many features (at the limit, you might
have one swarf feature per surface). In this case, you may end
up with three features.
In a turnmill document, you may sometimes get the required
answer by choosing to cut the feature with an X tool. This is the
case for a single planar surface that cuts the U direction instead
of the V direction.
Construct a ruled surface and use it as the part surface(s).
Additional surfaces can sometimes help FeatureCAM select the
correct face. In this picture, the previous hint was also used (the
green ruled surface replaced the three faces of the solid).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 885
Eliminate any fillets in the model, and use a ball-end of the
appropriate size.
Decrease or increase the Tolerance (see page 1348). Because the
surface(s) in between its edge curves may not be perfectly ruled,
swarf is very dependent on the tolerance setting.
Often, the tool is upside down of the required toolpath. Select
Reverse tool axis on the Strategy (see page 1176) tab.
In cases like the above, the floor of the swarf must not be
touched. This is very difficult to do especially with a flat-end
tool. You may include the floor as a Check surface (see page
1130), but you may not get the complete toolpath. In this
situation, you can get close by using Multiple Cuts (see page
1348) and a fairly small Z-increment. You may also use a slightly
negative Check allowance (see page 1348).
Increase the Degouge tolerance (see page 1348). The regular
tolerance controls the accuracy of the tessellation. That is,
curved surfaces are first flattened out to triangles, and it's the
triangles that are machined. The Degouge tolerance, tells
FeatureCAM that, in order to get a better, smoother toolpath, it's
okay to gouge the triangles by up to that much.
5-Axis Trim
This technique allows you to profile (or trim) around the outside of a
set of surfaces. This technique only works on surface models (not
triangle models). On the Strategy (see page 1188) page of the trim
operation, select whether to profile on the Inside edge of the
surface:
886 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
or the Outside edge of the surface:
The trim operation computes toolpaths only for unconnected
edges in the feature's surface set. For instance, if all six faces
of a cube are part surfaces in a shell milling feature, the trim
operation does not generate any toolpaths (because all edges
are connected to other edges in the feature). That is, to trim
the top face of a cube, select only the top face for the feature,
so the feature should consist of one part surface.
5-axis Hole feature (5AP)
You can create 5-axis Hole features from simple circles in space.
You do not need to use solids, Feature Recognition, or surfaces.
The following 5-axis part example was created with only geometry
and curves:
To create a 5-axis Hole feature on the drafted corner side area, you
just need a circle in the correct position, in this example parallel
with the drafted face:
This circle lies at a different vector orientation to the Z-axis Setup.
You can create a Hole feature that is normal to the selected circle.
To create a Hole feature from a circle:
1 Select the circle.
2 Click the Features step.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 887
The New Feature wizard is displayed, with Hole in the From
Dimensions section selected:
3 Click Next.
The New Feature - Dimensions page is displayed. FeatureCAM uses
the Diameter from the circle by default, for example:
4 Optionally change the Diameter, and any other options you need.
5 Click Finish.
888 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The direction of the Hole is based on how the geometry was
created, and may be created in the wrong direction, for example:
6 If the Hole is created in the wrong direction, use the Reverse
direction
button on the Location tab of the Feature Properties
dialog to reverse it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 889
Turning features (TURN)
The following features are available for turning:
From Dimensions
Hole (see page 891)
Groove (see page 893)
Thread (see page 902)
Face (see page 909)
Cutoff (see page 912)
Bar Feed/Bar Pull (see page 915)
From Curve
Turn (see page 918)
Bore (see page 927)
Groove (see page 893)
Thread (see page 902)
Other
Sub-spindle (see page 930)
Misc
User (see page 944)
Toolpath (see page 716)
890 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Part Handling (see page 935)
Turning canned cycles (see page 941)
Hole (TURN)
Turned Hole features are created and controlled in the same way as
milled hole (see page 720) features. They are manufactured in a
similar manner, with the exception that the material instead of the
tool is rotating when turning.
To create a turned Hole feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 891
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Hole and click Next to
open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you
can click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the
graphics window.
3 Select the type of Hole from the Type list.
A Plain Hole is a simple Hole with an optional chamfer.
A Counter Bore Hole.
A Counter Sink Hole.
A Counter Drill Hole.
A Tapped Hole is a Hole that is under-sized drilled and then
tapped.
A CD Tapped Hole is a counter drilled Hole with the bottom
part of the hole tapped.
4 Enter a Diameter value.
If you are building holes from circles, select the circle
before opening the wizard to pre-populate this field.
5 Enter how deep the Hole is in the Depth field.
6 Select Through to increase the hole length by 10% of the hole
diameter to account for the drill tip and prevent burring.
Depending on the type of hole you selected, you may have other
dimensions (see page 734) to fill in such as Chamfer and Drill
Depth. For tapped holes, you can click the Standard Threads
button and select a thread type. Each thread type sets the
Thread depth, TPI, and Diameter dimensions.
892 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location page.
8 Enter the location of the hole.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page. The options
on this page are the same as those on the Strategy (see page
976) tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
13 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
You can click Finish (see page 614) at any stage during the
wizard to accept the default settings for the remaining pages
and exit.
Groove (TURN)
The Groove feature is used to machine smaller slots or undercut
regions.
You can create a turned Groove feature from dimensions or from a
curve. There are four types of turned Groove feature:
OD dimensioned Groove
- Depth
- Width
- Chamfer
- Angle
- Radius
ID dimensioned Groove
- Depth
- Width
- Chamfer
- Angle
- Radius
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 893
OD Groove from curve
ID Groove from curve
When creating a turned Groove feature, FeatureCAM does the
following:
1 Determines what tool to use (see page 894).
2 Determines feed and speed values based on the material being
machined.
The recommended feed and speed values for an operation are
displayed on the Feed/speed tab. The recommended feeds and
speeds are derived from the Groove column of the turning
feed/speed tables.
3 Generates a Rough (see page 900) pass, possibly in multiple Z
steps depending upon the depth of the feature.
4 Generates a Finish (see page 901) pass.
Turned groove tool selection
The default selected tool for turning has:
1 Lathe - Groove/Cut type.
2 An Insert with a Width of at least the Groove feature's Width - Z
finish allowance.
3 The shortest depth that can cut to the bottom of the Groove
feature.
4 The correct orientation for the type of cut.
5 For ID Groove features, the length of the groove is checked
against the length of the holder to ensure that it will extend far
enough into the part.
894 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For Face Groove features cut in the positive direction, the inside
edge of the Groove feature is between the Min plunge diameter
and Max plunge diameter values.
Many Face Groove tools have curved holders. Due to the curvature
of the holders the tools have a limited set of diameters at which
they can plunge. The image below shows the curved shape of the
supporting holder.
These two diameters are the minimum and maximum diameters
between which the tool can plunge.
The tool inside edge of the groove must be between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter if the Groove is being cut in the
positive direction. The outside edge must be between these two
diameters if the Groove is being cut in the negative direction.
For Face Groove features cut in the negative direction, the
outside edge of the Groove feature is between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter values.
Many Face Groove tools have curved holders. Due to the curvature
of the holders the tools have a limited set of diameters at which
they can plunge. The image below shows the curved shape of the
supporting holder.
These two diameters are the minimum and maximum diameters
between which the tool can plunge.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 895
The tool inside edge of the groove must be between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter if the Groove is being cut in the
positive direction. The outside edge must be between these two
diameters if the Groove is being cut in the negative direction.
The Tip radius and insert grade do not affect the choice of
tool.
Creating a Groove feature (TURN)
You can create a Groove feature either From Dimensions or From
Curve.
From Dimensions
To create a Groove feature from dimensions:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
896 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Groove, then click Next to
open the New Feature - Dimensions page. Set these attributes:
Diameter Enter the diameter of the Groove feature.
Depth Enter the depth of the Groove feature.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
Angle Optionally enter the angle of the Groove feature.
Location Select ID for an inside diameter Groove or OD for
an outside diameter Groove.
Orientation Select the orientation of the Groove feature
from X axis, Face, or Backface.
3 If your curve is a simple groove, select Simple Groove as the
Type. This option simplifies the manufacturing strategy for the
feature. Select this option to machine the feature by making a
single pass down the center of it with a tool whose radius is
equal to the width of the feature.
4 If your curve is a regular groove, select From dimensions and set
these attributes:
Chamfer/Radius Optionally add a chamfer or a radius to the
top of the Groove at each side. Select Chamfer or Radius from
the menu and enter the value.
Angle Optionally enter an angle for each side wall of the
Groove.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 897
Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing
pass is made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0,
which cuts a square corner. You can have a different bottom
radius for each side of the Groove.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page for the first operation.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page for the first operation.
11 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
12 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
From Curve
To create a Groove feature from a curve:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 613) wizard.
2 In the From Curve section, select Groove, then click Next to open
the New Feature - Curve (see page 656) page.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
898 Features
Location Select ID for an inside diameter Groove or OD for
an outside diameter Groove.
Orientation Select the orientation of the Groove feature
from X axis, Face, or Backface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page for the first operation.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Cutting wide Face Groove features (TURN)
FeatureCAM roughs a Groove feature in only one direction. The
Groove can be cut in the positive X or negative X direction. Due to
the curved shape of the face groove tool holders, face grooving
tools have a limited range (between the Min plunge diameter and
Max plunge diameter) in which they can plunge.
Many Face Groove tools have curved holders. Due to the curvature
of the holders the tools have a limited set of diameters at which
they can plunge. The image below shows the curved shape of the
supporting holder.
These two diameters are the minimum and maximum diameters
between which the tool can plunge.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 899
The tool inside edge of the groove must be between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter if the Groove is being cut in the
positive direction. The outside edge must be between these two
diameters if the Groove is being cut in the negative direction.
To cut wide Face Grooves you may need to create three grooves:
1 The groove you want to machine has Diameter D and the Width
W.
2 The plunge diameter P is a value between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter of the tool.
3 Create a Groove feature with Diameter P and Width W - (D-P). On
the Strategy tab select a Rough pass only and set its Feed dir to
Negative.
4 Create a second Groove feature and set the Diameter to D and
the Width to (D-P). On the Strategy tab select a Rough pass only
and set its Feed dir to Positive.
5 Create a third Groove feature and set the Diameter set to D and
Width set to W. On the Strategy tab, select a Finish pass only.
Groove roughing (TURN)
Groove features are roughed by plunging parallel to the X-axis
retracting, stepping over in the -Z direction and then plunging
again. This figure shows the groove roughing algorithm and the
manufacturing attributes that control the process.
Stepover %
Depth of cut
Clearance
900 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Z finish allowance
Side liftoff distance
X finish allowance
If your Groove feature has angled walls, the rectangular middle
portion of the groove is roughed first and then the slanted walls are
roughed as shown in this figure.
The details of this operation are controlled by the manufacturing
attributes contained on the Turning (see page 1501) tab of the
Feature Properties (see page 971) dialog.
Groove finishing (TURN)
The Finish pass cuts a path that is offset from the Groove feature's
profile to the tool's tip center for the entire (defined) curve. The
offset value is just the tool tip radius. Groove features are finished
using a technique called shoulder stroking. This technique ensures
that the grooving tool never cuts in the upward direction. Profiling
proceeds in the -Z direction until the curve moves up in X. The tool
then rapids to the highest point and cuts back in the +Z direction.
This process repeats until the entire Groove is finished. This figure
shows an example for a symmetric Groove with angled walls:
This image shows an example of a groove with multiple valleys:
The following attributes affect turn groove finishing:
On the Turning (see page 1501) tab:
Clearance
Side liftoff dist
Start point
End point
Tool change location
Post Vars
On the Strategy (see page 1448) tab:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 901
Feed dir
Use finish tool
Thread feature (TURN)
The Thread feature allows you to put threads on either the:
ID
Thread height
Thread length
Pitch
Minor diameter
OD
Thread height
Thread length
Pitch
Major diameter
From Dimensions and From Curves
Standard thread features created using From Dimensions are cut
with tools whose shape exactly match the shape of the thread form.
Thread features created From Curves have a more general profile
and are cut in multiple passes in both X and Z.
This feature supports:
902 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
OD threads
ID threads
Tapered threads
There is no explicit designation of the type of thread. Instead, the
type of thread is inferred from the profile (see page 907) that is
provided.
If you are creating a Thread feature to cut with a form tool
that perfectly matches the shape of the thread, use a
standard thread that is created From Dimensions. The
simulation does not show the proper thread cross-section, but
the toolpaths generated are correct.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 903
How a Thread feature is manufactured
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Thread feature:
1 Determines what tool to use (see page 908).
2 Picks feeds and speeds based on the material being machined.
To view the recommended speed value for a threading operation,
click the operation in the tree view and select the Feed/speed tab.
The recommended speeds are derived from the Thread column of
the turning feed/speed tables. Feed values are determined by
the canned cycle on the machine tool.
3 Optionally creates a Rough and/or Finish pass to turn the part
down to the diameter of the thread. The creation of these
operations is controlled by the Rough and Finish options on the
Strategy page. See How a turn feature is manufactured (see page
919) for more details.
4 Optionally generates a roughing pass for the relief groove. The
existence of this operation is controlled by the Relief groove
option on the Strategy page.
5 Generates a Thread (see page 908) pass.
Creating a Thread feature
You can create a Thread feature either From Dimensions or From
Curve.
From Dimensions
To create a Thread feature from dimensions:
1 Click the Features
904 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Thread, then click Next to
open the New Feature - Dimensions page for a Thread.
3 Specify the dimensions of the Thread:
Type select ID for an inner diameter Thread or OD for an
outer diameter Thread.
Custom Enter the thread dimensions.
Standard Thread Select a thread from the list to use
standard dimensions.
Thread Select a Left hand or Right hand thread.
Minor/Major Diameter Enter the Minor Diameter for an ID
feature or the Major Diameter for an OD feature.
Pitch Enter the pitch of the thread.
Thread Length Enter the length of the thread.
Thread Height Enter the height of the thread.
Tapered If your thread is tapered, select this option and
enter the taper Angle..
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 905
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page for the first operation.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
From Curve
To create a Thread feature from a curve:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 613) wizard.
2 In the From Curve section, select Thread, then click Next to open
the first New Feature - Curve (see page 656) page.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
a For Thread, select either Left hand or Right hand. A left hand
thread is a thread that winds counter-clockwise and toward
the chuck when viewed from the end of the part toward the
chuck. A right hand thread is a thread that winds clockwise
and toward the chuck when viewed from the end of the part
toward the chuck.
b Enter the Thread Length and the Pitch (Pitch = 1/TPI). For
threads from curves (see page 907), the pitch is the distance
between replications of the curve. The pitch must be greater
than or equal to the length of the curve.
If you are creating a Thread from a curve, the Taper option
is unavailable. The taper of a thread from curves is
determined by the X angle between the start and end points
of the curve.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page.
906 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 650)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
10 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Thread curve types
The curve for a Thread feature must represent a single groove of
the thread. The images below are examples for OD thread curves.
This curve is replicated along the curve. The curve length must be
greater than or equal to the thread pitch. If the thread length is less
than the pitch, a linear segment is inserted between the grooves,
for example.
When creating a Thread feature from a curve, the distinction
between an OD and ID feature is determined from the curve. For
OD features, you should model an upward facing groove. ID curves
should be downward facing grooves. As an example, if you are
creating a rope thread, the basic shape of the groove is a sine
wave.
If you want to create this thread on the OD you should use the red
curve shown below.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 907
To create an ID thread, you should use the downward facing curve
shown in red in the following image.
The taper angle of the Thread is determined by the X angle between
the first and last points of the curve. For straight tapers, the two
points should have the same X coordinate. For tapered threads, the
angle between the endpoints will be used as the thread taper. In
the image below, the thread has a 5 degree taper.
Thread tool selection
The default selected tool for turning has:
1 Lathe - Thread tool type.
2 The insert must have a TPI range that contains the pitch of the
required thread.
3 The proper orientation for the type of cut. See turn roughing,
semi-finishing and finishing, face roughing, or backface roughing
for more information.
Currently tip radius, tool length, and insert grade are not
taken into account.
Thread operation
The number of passes is controlled by the Passes option on the
Strategy tab. You can specify either Fixed or Calculate.
If you select Fixed, you must enter the total steps Count needed
for the Thread operation. In this case, the passes are of a fixed
depth.
If you select Calculate, then the number of steps for the
threading operation is calculated by the system. Additionally, if
you select Calculate, then you must supply data for the Step 1,
Step 2 and Minimum Infeed fields. In this case, the first step is cut
at a depth of Step1. The second and successive cuts are at a
depth of Step 2. When the remaining depth is less than Minimum
Infeed, it is cut with a single pass.
908 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The other details of this operation are controlled by the
manufacturing attributes on the Threading (see page 1539) tab.
Face (TURN)
A turn Face feature is a straight cut that cleans up the front of the
part.
- Outer diameter
- Thickness
- Inner diameter
FeatureCAM follows this general process:
1 Determines what tool to use. The default selected tool for turning
has:
Lathe - Turning tool type.
The proper orientation for the type of cut. See Turn Face
feature tool orientations for more information.
Turret
Cut direction
Back
-Z
Orientation
OR
Front
-Z
OR
An 80 diamond is preferred but the default selected tool
must have an included tip angle of at least 55 . You can
override the tooling selection with a tool that has a narrower
diamond insert, but such a tool is not automatically selected.
Currently tip radius, tool length, and insert grade are not
taken into account.
1 Picks feeds and speeds based upon the material being machined.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 909
To view the recommended feed or speed value for a turned Face
operation, select the operation in the tree view and then select
the Feed/speed tab. The recommended feeds and speeds are
derived from the Face column of the turning feed/speed tables.
2 If roughing has been requested, generate a roughing pass
possibly in multiple X steps depending upon the depth of the
feature.
The roughing pass of the turn Face feature is turned off by
default. Click the Strategy tab and select Rough to turn on the
roughing pass.
If the Positive Feed Direction is selected on the Dimensions tab,
the roughing is performed in the +X direction.
If the Negative direction is selected, the roughing is performed
in the -X direction.
The algorithm is the same as the Turn feature roughing (see
page 921), except that the Withdraw Angle is fixed at 90 and
the Engage Angle defaults to 45 and must be set to less than
90 .
3 Generates a finishing pass.
If ID is selected on the Dimensions tab, the finishing is performed
in the +X direction. If OD is selected, the finishing is performed
in the -X direction. The algorithm is the same as Turn and Bore
feature finishing (see page 926).
Creating a turned Face feature
1 Click the Features
910 Features
step in the Steps panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
2 Select Face as the Feature type and click Next to open the New
Feature - Dimensions page.
Feed direction Select Positive if you want to cut in the +X
direction or select Negative if you want to cut in the -X
direction.
Outer Diameter Enter the top X value as the Outer Diameter.
Inner Diameter Enter the inner diameter.
Thickness Enter the amount of material to remove in Z.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page. Enter the Z coordinate of the left edge of the feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page. By default,
face features only generate a Finish pass. If you want a roughing
pass as well, select Rough.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 911
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
10 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Cutoff feature
The Cutoff feature cuts the part off with a plunge cut with an
optional back chamfer.
- Chamfer
- Diameter
- Width
- Inner diameter
FeatureCAM follows this general process to create a Cutoff feature:
1 Determines what tool to use (see page 914).
2 Picks feeds and speeds based upon the material being machined.
To view the recommended feed or speed value for a cutoff
operation, click the operation in the tree view and then click the
Feed/speed tab. The recommended feeds and speeds are derived
from the Cutoff column of the turning feed/speed tables.
3 Generates a cutoff (see page 914) finishing pass.
912 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating a Cutoff feature
To create a Cutoff feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
2 In the From Dimensions section, select Cutoff and click Next to
open the New Feature - Dimensions page.
Chamfer/Radius - Optionally add a chamfer or a radius to the
Cutoff feature. Select Chamfer or Radius from the menu and
enter the value.
Diameter - Enter the (outer) diameter.
Inner Diameter Enter the inner diameter.
Width -
Enter the width of the Cutoff tool.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 913
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page. Enter the Z coordinate as the left edge of the Cutoff
feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
10 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Cutoff feature tool selection
The default selected tool for turning has:
1 Lathe - groove/cutoff type.
2 An insert Width equal to the Cutoff feature Width.
3 The shortest depth that cuts to the bottom of the feature.
4 The proper orientation for the type of cut. For Back turrets, the
orientation is required. For Front turrets, the
required.
orientation is
Tip radius, and insert grade are not taken into account.
Cutoff feature finishing operation
If there is no chamfer, the cutoff is performed as a simple plunge.
If there is a chamfer:
1 The cutoff groove is plunged down to the depth of the chamfer.
2 The tool traces along the chamfer and then down the cutoff
groove.
914 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If there is a chamfer and Plunge Rough Chamfer is selected on the
Strategy page:
1 The cutoff groove is plunged down to the depth of the chamfer.
2 The chamfer is plunged roughed.
3 The tool traces along the chamfer and then down the cutoff
groove.
Bar Feed/Bar Pull
A Bar Feed feature provides support for both:
Bar Feeder
- Diameter
- Feed amount
Bar Puller
- Overlap
- Pull amount
How a Bar Feed/Bar Pull is performed:
1 For:
Bar Feed operations, the tool rapids to the point (Diameter, 0,
Z-Clearance).
Bar Pull operations, the tool rapids to a point in front of the
stock along the Z-axis and then feeds to the point (0, 0,
Z-Clearance-Overlap).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 915
2 The tool then feeds out the Pull amount or the Feed amount.
3 The feedrate is controlled by the FPM attribute.
Bar Feed features are only simulated with centerline
simulations. 2D and 3D simulations ignore these operations.
Creating a Bar Feed feature
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
2 Select Bar Feed, then click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page and select Bar Feeder from the Type menu.
916 Features
Diameter - Enter the Y coordinate for the bar feed.
Feed Amount - Enter the amount of material you want to feed
in the Z direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
7 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Creating a Bar Pull feature
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 917
2 Select Bar Feed, then click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions tab and select Bar Puller from the Type menu.
Overlap - Enter the amount of material to hold in the puller (in
the Z direction).
Pull Amount - Enter the amount of material you want to pull in
the Z direction.
3 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 647)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 650)
page.
7 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Turn feature
The Turn feature roughs, semi-finishes, and finishes an outer
diameter (OD) curve.
918 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Manufacturing hints for Turn features
We recommend that you select the Undercut check option for Turn
or Bore features. This attribute uses the geometry of the insert to
prevent gouging.
- Auto round arcs
- Undercut area
If the entire feature was not cut, it could be that the feature could
not be cut entirely with the selected tool. FeatureTURN checks the
toolpath to make sure that the tool can cut the specified path
without crashing into the part itself.
If a conflict is found, the system automatically alters the toolpath so
that a safe path is maintained. A message is displayed warning the
user that the path has been changed.
Turn features restrictions
The curve must not cross the X-axis.
For Face or Backface roughing, the curve must cross the top of
the stock or the max diameter must be set to the maximum X of
the curve.
How a turn feature is manufactured
FeatureTURN follows this general process:
1 Determines what tool to use (see page 920).
2 Picks feeds and speeds (see page 920) based upon the material
being machined.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 919
3 Generates a Rough (see page 921) pass, possibly in multiple Z
steps depending upon the depth of the feature.
4 Generates a Semi-finish (see page 925) pass.
5 Generates a Finish (see page 926) pass.
Turn feature tool selection
The default selected tool for turning has:
1 Lathe - Turning tool type.
2 The proper orientation for the type of cut. See turn roughing,
semi-finishing and finishing, face roughing or backface roughing
for more information.
3 An 80 diamond is preferred but the default selected tool must
have an included tip angle of at least 55 . You can override the
tooling selection with a tool with a narrower diamond insert, but
such a tool will not be automatically selected.
Tip radius, tool length and insert grade are not taken into
account.
Turn feature feeds and speeds
To view the recommended feed or speed value for a turning
operation, select the operation in the tree view and then select the
Feed/speed tab. The recommended feeds and speeds are derived
from the OD column of the turning feed/speed tables.
See also:
Explicitly setting a feed or speed value for a turned operation (see
page 1590)
All about feeds and speeds (see page 1588)
920 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
New Turn feature - Strategies page
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 921
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Cycle Select from:
Turn This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding parallel to the part's center line along the Z axis while
stepping down in the X axis. If you select Negative, the tool
moves from right to left. If you select Positive, the tool moves
from left to right. If the Total stock (see page 1525) attribute is
set, then the part is roughed using curves that are offset from
the feature's profile.
922 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turn cycle rough operation with Positive feed direction:
Turn cycle rough operation with Negative feed direction:
Face This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding from the outside of the part to the center while
stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the negative
direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 923
Back face This cycle roughs within the defined material
boundaries by feeding from the outside of the part to the center
while stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the
positive direction.
If you are creating your part from a casting instead of from bar
stock, use the Stock Curve to limit the extent of the roughing pass.
A stock curve controls the boundaries of the roughing pass. This
figure shows roughing without a stock curve.
This figure shows the use of a stock curve to limit the area that is
roughed.
For a turn roughing pass the curve must have a single value of X for
every value of Z. For a facing pass or back facing pass the curve
must have a single value of Z for every X. Stock curves can be used
for both turning and boring features.
The Boundaries parameter further restricts the region that is
roughed.
924 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Left boundary, Right boundary, and Max radius boundary
parameters limit the portion of the feature that is roughed. These
boundaries are displayed in blue whenever you select the rough
operation in the tree view. When the material boundaries are
defined to machine a part, the boundary must be specified so that it
completely encloses the path (for example, the path cannot start or
end in the middle of the rectangular box; it must start on, or
outside of the boundary).
Left boundary
Max. radius boundary
Min. radius boundary
Right boundary
When the path is defined, it may extend beyond the material
boundary. This is a powerful technique, because a long path can be
defined, then an area in which a specific portion is roughed only
between material boundaries can be established. In a second
segment, the path could be copied, then the boundaries to rough
another section of the path can be redefined, and so on.
Turn feature semi-finishing
The semi-finishing pass cuts a path that is offset from the part's
surface to the tool's tip center for the entire (defined) curve. The
offset value is * the X finish allowance (see page 1501) and *
the Z finish allowance (see page 1501) of the Rough pass. Profiling
proceeds in the -X direction unless you select Positive for the Feed
direction on the Strategy page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 925
Turn and Bore feature finishing
The Finish pass cuts a path that is offset from the part's surface to
the tool's tip center for the entire (defined) curve. The offset value
is just the tool tip radius. Profiling proceeds in the -Z direction
unless you select Positive for the Feed direction is selected on the
Strategy (see page 1449) tab.
Creating a Turn feature
To create a Turn feature:
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
3 In the From Curve section, select Turn, then click Next to open
the New Feature - Curve (see page 656) page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page. A turned
feature automatically creates a roughing, and finishing
operations. If you want to create fewer operations, select the
appropriate operations. The other attributes on this page are the
same as those on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab of the Feature
Properties (see page 971) dialog.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page for the first operation.
926 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
If you are working from a casting, you can include a stock curve to
limit the extent of the roughing pass. To set a stock curve:
1 After you have created the feature, open the Feature Properties
(see page 971) dialog and click the Dimensions tab.
2 Click the Stock Curve button and select the curve from the Curve
list.
3 Click OK.
Bore feature
The Bore feature roughs, semi-finishes, and finishes either an inner
diameter (ID) curve.
FeatureCAM follows this general process:
1 Determines what tool to use (see page 929).
2 Picks feeds and speeds based on the material being machined.
To view the recommended feed or speed value for a Bore
operation, click the operation in the tree view and then click the
Feed/speed tab. The recommended feeds and speeds are derived
from the ID column of the turning feed/speed tables.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 927
3 Generates a Rough (see page 921) pass, possibly in multiple Z
steps depending upon the depth of the feature. The toolpaths are
the same as a Turn feature.
4 Generates a Semi-finish (see page 925) pass. The toolpaths are
the same as a Turn feature.
5 Generates a Finish (see page 926) pass. The toolpaths are the
same as a Turn feature.
See also:
Feeds and speeds (see page 1588)
Explicitly setting a feed or speed value for a turned operation (see
page 1590)
Creating a Bore feature (TURN)
To create a Bore feature:
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
3 In the From Curve section, select Bore, then click Next to open
the New Feature - Curve (see page 656) page.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 657)
page
928 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 657)
page. A bore feature automatically creates a roughing, and a
finishing operation. If you want to create fewer operations, select
the appropriate operations. The other attributes on this page are
the same as those on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab of the
Feature Properties (see page 971) dialog.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 647)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Default Tool (see page 685)
page for the first operation.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Feed/Speed (see page 688)
page for the first operation.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Tool Usage (see page 689)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Default Tool page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 650) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
If you are working from a casting, you can include a stock curve to
limit the extent of the roughing pass. To set a stock curve:
1 After you have created the feature, open the Feature Properties
(see page 971) dialog and click the Dimensions tab.
2 Click the Stock Curve button and select the curve from the Curve
list.
3 Click OK.
Bore feature tool selection
The default selected tool for turning has:
1 Lathe - Boring tool type.
2 The proper orientation for the type of cut. If you have a Back
turret the
orientation is preferred. For Front turrets, the
orientation is preferred.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 929
3 An 80 diamond is preferred but the default selected tool must
have an included tip angle of at least a 55 . You can override the
tooling selection with a tool with a narrower diamond insert, but
such a tool is not automatically selected.
Tip radius, tool length, and insert grade are not taken into
account.
Sub-spindle feature
A Sub-spindle feature enables you to manipulate the main and sub
spindles. Often these features are used to transfer the stock from
one spindle to the other. There are two ways to transfer operations
in FeatureCAM:
You can program each operation by using Sub-spindle features.
To do this you must create the appropriate sequence of
Sub-spindle features for your part. You must also use a post that
fills in all the required sub-spindle formats properly.
You can use an add-in (macro) that emits a full block of G-code
describing the transfer from a custom format in the post.
Machine simulation is provided by the add-in. This method can
usually be programmed more quickly, but retains plenty of
flexibility for many types of transfer. It is also convenient if you
already have a standard transfer sequence in G-code that you
would like to just drop in to your NC program. We expect to
provide this method directly in FeatureCAM in the future.
In order to use the second method, you must load one of the
following add-ins:
Subspindle_Transfer_UDF_1Turret.bas, for machines with a single
turret
Subspindle_Transfer_UDF_2Turret.bas, for machines with twin turrets
These files are in the Addins folder of your FeatureCAM installation,
which also contains documentation (Subspindle_Transfer_UDF.doc) for
using the add-ins. See also User-defined features (see page 944)
for more information.
There is only one feature-type for sub-spindles, but it performs
many different tasks.
First, you specify the spindle you want to control, either the main or
sub spindle; you then select the action you want to perform:
Open the spindle Select this option to open the current spindle.
Close the spindle Select this option to close the current
spindle.
930 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Orient the spindle Select this option to rotate the current
spindle.
FeatureCAM orients the spindle during cutting. This feature
type is needed only to orient the spindle before grabbing
the part or initializing the spindle position.
Turn spindle on/off Select this option to have direct control
over rotating the spindle or turning it off. FeatureCAM
automatically controls the spindle, but this feature type may be
necessary to provide precise control of the spindle when moving
from one spindle to the other.
Position the spindle Select this option to position the current
spindle.
Synchronize the spindles Select this option to synchronize
spindle rotations for milling or turning.
Sub-spindle overview
Sub-spindles can be used to support the part from both ends of the
stock or to change which spindle is used to hold the stock. To cut
features on two different ends of your stock, you must first create
setups at each end of your part with the Z directions pointing out
from the stock, as shown below. (If your machine requires that the
Zs of each setup point in the same direction, this can be changed in
the post.)
Stock held by main spindle
Stock held by sub-spindle
Main spindle
Sub-spindle
Main spindle
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 931
Sub-spindle
The features must be included in the proper Setups. The
sub-spindle commands can be located at the end of the main Setup
or the beginning of the sub-spindle Setup. The Part View, shown
below, has the sub-spindle commands at the end of the first Setup.
If you are using the sub-spindle to support the end of the stock,
order the sub-spindle features so that they occur when you need
the extra support.
Sub-spindle feature examples
FeatureTURN provides individual control over the different
sub-spindle functions.
Switch from the main spindle to the sub-spindle is:
1 Sub-spindle position
2 Sub-spindle close
3 Main spindle open
4 Sub-spindle position
Switch from the main spindle to the sub-spindle using a Cutoff
feature to cut the stock from the bar:
1 Sub-spindle position
2 Sub-spindle close
3 Cutoff feature
4 Sub-spindle position
932 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating a Sub-spindle feature
To create a Sub-spindle feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
If you are using the Turn/mill module, first select Turning as
the Feature type and click Next.
2 Select Sub-spindle as the Feature type and click Next to open the
New Feature - Dimensions page
a Select which spindle you want to control, either the Main
spindle or the Sub spindle.
b Select the action you want to perform.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 933
c Click Next.
3 If you selected the action as:
Open the spindle, optionally select Extend the part catcher
before opening spindle and optionally enter a Dwell after
opening spindle.
Close the spindle, optionally enter a Dwell after closing spindle.
Orient the spindle, enter an angle for Set spindle angle to.
Turn the spindle on/off, select Off, CW (Clockwise), or CCW
(Counter-Clockwise). If you are turning on the spindle, you
must enter the Spindle speed.
Position the spindle, the New Feature - Location (see page 934)
page for a sub-spindle opens.
Synchronize the spindles, specify the type of synchronization
to use.
4 Click Finish (see page 614).
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
New Feature - Location page for sub-spindle
The New Feature - Location page controls the position of the
sub-spindle.
1 Determine the final location specified in the coordinates of the
main spindle user coordinate system. This can be done by any of
the following methods:
Select the Send the sub-spindle home option. The coordinates
are automatically entered in the point location shown at the
top of the dialog.
Click the Pick point
screen.
Type in the coordinates directly. The coordinates are relative
to the main spindle user coordinate system.
button and select the point on the
2 Decide how you want the sub-spindle to arrive at the final
location. Select one of the following:
934 Features
Rapid directly to final location The spindle makes a single
rapid move from its current location to the final sub-spindle
location.
Feed to intermediate location, then rapid to final location The
spindle feeds to the intermediate location and then rapids to
the final location. This is useful for gradually removing the
support of one of the spindles.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Rapid to intermediate location, then feed to final location The
spindle rapids to the intermediate location and then feeds the
rest of the way. This can be applied to approach the part.
Optionally select Use Push/Press Function.
3 If you have selected a strategy that requires an intermediate
point, specify the intermediate location by either picking the point
or entering the coordinates relative to the main spindle user
coordinate system.
4 At the bottom of the dialog, FeatureCAM automatically shows you
the Z coordinates that it is output in the NC code. If these are
not the coordinates you want, you can enter the Z values for the
Final Z value and Intermediate Z value. These values are used in
the NC code, but the values shown at the top of the dialog are
used for the toolpath simulation.
Part Handling feature
These transfer types are available:
Slug transfer
Reverse slug transfer
Bar pull
Part support on
Part support off
Post and simulation are supported.
To create a Part Handling feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel.
The New Feature wizard is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 935
2 Select Part Handling then click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page:
3 Select the type of Part Handling feature you want to create and
enter the dimensions.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature Strategies page:
5 Set the attributes for the Part Handling feature, for example:
Part catcher Select this option if you want to instigate the
part catcher.
Already Supported Select this option to indicate that the
part is already supported.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to
rotate to before it moves to collect the part.
6 Click Finish to save the Part Handling feature.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
936 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Controlling steady rests and tailstocks
You can program and simulate steady rests and tailstocks and check
for collisions.
This example part is 1.5 m long:
Looking at a machine simulation, you can see that there is a long
length of the part sticking out of the jaws:
You can use a steady rest to support the part as you machine each
feature. To use a steady rest, you create a Part Handling feature
with a type of Part support on and a Support type of Steadyrest.
In the example, the steady rest is turned on before the features at
the end of the part are created.
You can move the steady rest by creating an additional Part support
on feature.
In the example, the steady rest is moved further down the part to
support the Turn operation:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 937
An additional Part support on feature is created to move the steady
rest back to the original position, to cut the other Turn feature and
the Groove features:
You can use a tailstock in a similar way. You create a Part Handling
feature with a type of Part support on and a Support type of
Tailstock.
In the example, the tailstock is used to support the end of the part
while the steady rest is supporting the middle:
To send the steady rest or tailstock home, you create a Part
Handling feature with a type of Part support off.
To enable a steady rest:
1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling
feature and click Next.
2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance.
This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest.
5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer
turret.
6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control
button and set the correct Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may
need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View
and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of
features.
938 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To disable a steady rest:
1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling
feature and click Next.
2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance.
This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest.
5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer
turret.
6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control
button and set the correct Location and Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may
need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View
and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of
features.
To enable a tailstock:
1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling
feature and click Next.
2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance.
This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Tailstock.
5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer
turret.
6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button
and set the correct Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may
need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View
and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of
features.
To disable a tailstock:
1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling
feature and click Next.
2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance.
This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest.
3 Click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 939
4 For the Support type, select Tailstock.
5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer
turret.
6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button
and set the correct Location and Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may
need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View
and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of
features.
Opening and closing steady rest jaws
You can open and close the jaws of a steady rest without moving it.
This is useful for turning operations on long parts. For example, you
can machine up to the steady rest, open the steady rest and
machine past it, then close the steady rest and machine to the end
of the part.
Steady rest open:
Steady rest closed:
To control the jaws of a steady rest without moving it:
1 Click the Features
Feature wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the New
2 Select Part Handling and click Next.
The Dimensions page is displayed.
3 To close a steady rest, select Part Support On.
To open a steady rest, select Part Support Off.
4 Click Next.
The Strategies page is displayed.
5 In the Support type list, select Steadyrest.
6 Select Jaws only.
940 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 Click Finish to close the wizard.
8 To specify when the Part Handling feature is performed, click and
drag the feature in Part View, or change the Base Priority
attribute on the Misc tab of the Part Handling Properties dialog.
Turn Format feature
A Turn Format feature enables you to manipulate the upper and
lower turret.
To create a Turn Format feature:
1 Click the Features
wizard is displayed.
step in the Steps panel. The New Feature
2 Select Misc and click Next. The New Feature - Dimensions page is
displayed.
3 Select whether you want to control the Upper turret or the Lower
turret.
4 Select what you want to do:
Turret home sends the turret to the home position.
Index the turret Indexes the turret. Enter the Tool Index for
the tool you want to index.
Air Blast Creates an air blast. Click Next to display the New
Feature - Strategies (see page 657) page. Select a spindle and
an operation.
5 Click Finish to create the feature.
Turning canned cycles
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles on
the feature level.
Hole features
Canned cycles for drilling (spotdrill, drill, bore, ream, and tap
operations) are used only if the post has G-codes defined on the NC
Codes page for these operations. If the G-codes are not defined, the
hole operations are still computed. See Hole canned cycles in
XBUILD or Computed tapping cycles in turning for more
information.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 941
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for turn and bore features must be enabled by going
to the Properties dialog for each turn/bore feature, clicking the
Strategy tab and selecting Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse path
in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only once
for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values in the
default attributes, but remember these values only apply to features
you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles for each groove by bringing up the
feature's Property dialog, clicking on the Strategy tab, and then
clicking Use path canned cycle. You can also set this attribute on the
Groove tab of the default attributes, but remember this will only
apply to features you create after changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
942 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turn/milling (TURN/MILL)
FeatureTURNMILL allows the combination of turning and milling
features on lathes with powered rotary tools. FeatureTURNMILL
supports the normal Z and X axes of turning combined with the C
and optional Y-axis.
The yoke shown in the first image, could be manufactured with a C
axis lathe in two setups or using a C axis lathe with a subspindle
(see page 930). The second image is a piece that requires a Y-axis
due to the flat pockets on the top and bottom of the piece. (If these
pockets were wrapped, they would have a curved bottom and then
they could be manufactured without a Y-axis).
When creating features, you are given the choice of creating turning
features or turn/mill features (see page 689). Turning and turnmill
features can be mixed in a single setup. Turning features are
identical to those on a 2-axis lathe and milling features are created
the same as for a 3-axis mill, except that you are given new choices
for positioning and orienting (see page 617) the features either on
the OD or on the face of the part.
Tool selection in FeatureTURNMILL is very similar to FeatureMILL
and FeatureTURN, except that rotary tools are automatically
classified (see page 1902) as either parallel to the X-axis or Z-axis.
All forms of simulation (Centerline, 2D and 3D solid) are supported.
In 3D simulation the rotation of the part is accurately simulated.
Turn/mill parts require specially written posts. Two axis
turning posts or milling posts will not work correctly.
Features appropriate for turn/mill
Milling features can be performed in turn/mill with the following
considerations:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 943
Milled features on the Z face. FeatureCAM can make any feature
on the face of a part by using only XZC moves, for machines that
do not have a Y-axis. If you want to use Y-axis on the face of a
feature, you must select Cut feature using Y Axis coordinates on
the Dimensions tab of the Feature Properties (see page 971) dialog.
You can create drilled features on the Z face or OD without any
restrictions.
Unwrapped milled features on the OD. These features are output
in X, Y, and Z moves. If your machine does not have a Y axis,
the only features you can cut on the OD (without wrapping) is a
simple slot whose length is aligned with the Z axis. If your
machine has Y-axis capabilities, you can cut the full set of milling
features on the OD.
Wrapped features (see page 325) are supported (using a live
tool), with known limitations - the same limitations that
FeatureCAM has with wrapped 4th- axis features (see page 335).
To use wrapping, you must select the Wrap feature around Z-axis
option on the Dimensions page of the Feature Properties (see
page 971) dialog.
User-defined feature (UDF)
You can use User Defined Features (UDFs) to create features from
Macro add-ins, or to insert features from the Part Library (see page
1581).
Macro add-ins features are created using FeatureCAM's application
programming interface (API). These features are loaded into
FeatureCAM using the Macro Add-ins dialog (see page 148); this
allows FeatureCAM's standard interface to remain as streamlined as
possible.
Examples of add-in features include: helical bores with cutter
compensation, thin-walled pockets and bosses, and pulley grooves.
You can download add-ins from
http://www.featurecam.com/general/support/addins.asp
(http://www.featurecam.com/general/support/addins.asp).
Creating a User Defined Feature (UDF)
Macro Add-in features
Macro add-in User Defined Features are implemented as a Sax Basic
add-in using FeatureCAM's API. If you already have an add-in for a
UDF and it is loaded into FeatureCAM, then you can create an
instance of the feature it defines by using the following steps:
944 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 613) wizard.
2 In the From Feature section, select User and click Next to open
the New Feature - User defined feature page.
3 Select the name of the user-defined feature and click Next.
If the feature you want is not listed, you must load it first
(see page 944).
4 To set a parameter, click the parameter name, enter the new
value and click Set.
5 Continue through the wizard and click Finish when you are done.
For information on using FeatureCAM's API to create user-defined
features, select Help > FeatureCAM API Help.
Part Library features
You can insert Part Library features into the document using the
New Feature wizard:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 613) wizard.
2 In the From Feature section, select User and click Next to open
the New Feature - User defined feature page.
3 Select a feature in the list and click Next.
The Paste Special dialog is displayed.
4 Use the Paste Special dialog (see page 1577) to insert the
selected feature into the document or apply it's machining
attributes to an existing feature, then click Finish to close the
dialog.
5 The User defined feature page of the New Feature wizard is
displayed.
6 Use the wizard to insert more features from the Part Library, or
click Cancel to close the wizard.
Wire features (WIRE)
The Wire feature types offered by FeatureCAM are:
2-axis Die (see page 946)
2-axis Punch (see page 947)
2-axis Side (see page 948)
2-axis Rapid (see page 950)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 945
4-axis Die (see page 951)
4-axis Punch (see page 952)
4-axis Side (see page 953)
4-axis Rapid (see page 954)
The shape of the features is defined by the curve.
These features can create a number of wire EDM operations (see
page 702). The types of operation are controlled by the Strategy
(see page 1548) tab.
Multiple curves in a single 2-axis wire feature
All wire EDM curves must lie in the XY plane or a plane parallel to
the XY plane.
A single 2-axis Die, Punch, or Side feature can contain multiple
curves. In this case you have the option of setting separate start
points and variable taper values for each curve, but all other
settings apply to all of the curves.
If the feature has multiple operations, such as a retract followed by
a cutoff, each operation is performed on each curve before moving
on to the next operation. To change this ordering, manually reorder
the operations in the Operations List (see page 1574).
2-axis Die
The 2-axis Die feature requires one or more closed curves. It is
assumed that the region(s) outside of the curve(s) is the part that
you keep, so the wire travels on the inside of the curve(s).
The thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
A 2-axis Die feature can create a number of cutting operations.
These are specified on the Strategy (see page 1548) tab.
A 2-axis Die feature can have a taper (see page 695).
To create a 2-axis Die feature:
946 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 2 Axis section, select Die, then click Next to open the New
Feature - Curves (see page 691) page. Select the curve(s) for the
feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
2-axis Punch
The Punch feature requires one or more closed curves. The wire
travels on the outside of the curve(s).
The Thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
A 2-axis Punch feature can create a number of cutting operations.
These are specified on the Strategy (see page 1548) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 947
A 2-axis Punch feature can have a taper (see page 695).
To create a 2-axis Punch feature:
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 2 Axis section, select Punch, then click Next to open the
New Feature - Curves (see page 691) page. Select the curve(s) for
the feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
10 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
11 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
2-axis Side
The Side feature can use one or more closed or open curves. The
Punch or Die features provide more cutting options for closed
curves. You can optionally place the wire on either side of the
curves. A Side feature must have at least three arcs or lines in it
including the lead moves.
948 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
A 2-axis Side feature can create a number of cutting operations.
These are specified on the Strategy (see page 1548) tab.
A 2-axis Side feature can have a taper (see page 695).
A Side feature must have at least three moves in it including the
lead moves. If it does not, then no feature is displayed in the start
page that is displayed in the wizard. For example, if you are
creating a feature from a single line, you must change the start
point and end point so that the feature has three moves. If you add
these moves and click the Next button in the wizard, the feature
displays.
To create a 2-axis Side feature:
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 2 Axis section, select Side, then click Next to open the New
Feature - Curves (see page 691) page. Select the curve(s) for the
feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
11 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
12 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 949
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
2-axis Rapid
A Rapid feature is used to rapid along the length of a curve to the
start point of the next feature. You can use Rapid features to quickly
move around a part using curves to avoid possible collision with
fixtures.
FeatureCAM programs a Rapid in a very similar way to a Side (see
page 948) feature. The wizard pages are similar, but fewer options
are needed.
To create a 2-axis Rapid feature:
1 Create the curve that defines the shape of the feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 2 Axis section, select Rapid, then click Next to open the
New Feature - Curves (see page 691) page. Select the curve(s) for
the feature.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Direction (see page
692) page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 716)
page.
10 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
950 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4-axis Die
The 4-axis Die feature needs two closed curves, an upper curve and
a lower curve. It is assumed that the region outside of the curve is
the part that you want to keep. The wire travels on the inside of the
curves.
The Thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
To create a 4-axis Die feature:
1 Create the upper and lower curves that define the shape of the
feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 4 Axis section, select Die.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Upper Curve (see page 692)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Lower Curve (see page 692)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Match Curves (see page 698)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 951
13 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
14 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
4-axis Punch
A 4-axis Punch feature needs two closed curves, an upper curve and
a lower curve. The wire travels on the outside of the curves.
The Thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
To create a 4-axis Punch feature:
1 Create the upper and lower curves that define the shape of the
feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 4 Axis section, select Punch.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Upper Curve (see page 692)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Lower Curve (see page 692)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Match Curves (see page 698)
page
952 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
13 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
14 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
4-axis Side
The 4-axis Side feature needs and upper and lower curve and can
use closed or open curves. Punch or Die features provides more
cutting options for closed curves. You can optionally place the wire
on either side of the curve. A Side feature must have at least three
arcs or lines in it including the lead moves.
The Thickness parameter is used to access the appropriate cutting
data table (see page 1589).
The A parameter is used to rotate the feature around the Z-axis of
the current Setup.
To create a 4-axis Side feature:
1 Create the upper and lower curves that define the shape of the
feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 4 Axis section, select Side.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Upper Curve (see page 692)
page.
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Lower Curve (see page 692)
page.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 953
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Side (see page
617) page.
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Start (see page 697) page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Match Curves (see page 698)
page
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies (see page 702)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
13 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page for the first operation.
14 If you have more than one operation, clicking Next opens the
New Feature - Cutting Data page for the next operation. If you
have no more operations, clicking Next opens the New Feature Summary (see page 716) page.
15 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
4-axis Rapid
A 4-axis Rapid feature is used to rapid along the length of upper
and lower curves to the start point of the next feature. You can use
Rapid features to quickly move around a part using curves to avoid
possible collision with fixtures.
FeatureCAM programs a Rapid in a very similar way to a Side (see
page 948) feature. The wizard pages are similar, but fewer options
are needed.
To create a 4-axis Rapid feature:
1 Create the upper and lower curves that define the shape of the
feature.
2 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to open the New
Feature (see page 690) wizard.
3 In the 4 Axis section, select Rapid.
4 Click Next to open the New Feature - Upper Curve (see page 692)
page.
954 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5 Click Next to open the New Feature - Lower Curve (see page 692)
page.
6 Click Next to open the New Feature - Machining Direction (see page
692) page
7 Click Next to open the New Feature - Location (see page 694)
page.
8 Click Next to open the New Feature - Dimensions (see page 695)
page.
9 Click Next to open the New Feature - Match Curves (see page 698)
page.
10 Click Next to open the New Feature - Operations (see page 714)
page.
11 Click Next to open the New Feature - Cutting Data (see page 715)
page.
12 Click Next to open the New Feature - Summary (see page 716)
page.
13 Click Finish (see page 614) to create the feature and exit the
wizard or click Back to return to previous pages.
You can edit (see page 971) the feature later.
Wire EDM feature recognition
There are two forms of interactive feature recognition available for
wire EDM features.
For two axis, you can project the vertical surfaces from a solid
model.
In the New feature dialog:
1 Select the 2 axis feature type, check Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
2 Select the solid and click Next.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 955
3 Geometry is created from the vertical surfaces of the solid as
shown below. Chain the curves you want to use in the Feature
and complete the wizard.
4-axis features can be recognized from a collection of ruled
surfaces.
In the New feature dialog:
1 Select the 4 axis feature type, check Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION and click Next.
2 Select the boundary curve in the Surface boundaries (see page
693) dialog and then complete the wizard.
Groups and Patterns
To help you to model parts with repeated geometry elements in
their design, FeatureCAM enables you to specify groups of different
features, in addition to feature patterns.
A Group (see page 956) is a collection of objects that is treated as
one object. Members of groups do not have to be the same type of
object. When you group unlike features, you are creating your own
(user-defined) feature, which can be used as the basis for a pattern.
A Pattern (see page 959) enables you to quickly create the same
feature at multiple locations.
Creating a Group
To create a Group of unlike features:
1 Create the features you want to group.
2 Select the features you want to group in the graphics window.
Hold shift and click to select more than one object.
956 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Select Construct > Pattern and Group > Group from the menu.
The Dimensions tab of the Feature Group Properties dialog is
displayed:
4 Ensure the Group is selected in the Tree View on the left of the
dialog.
5 If you want the objects in the group to be machined in the order
they are displayed in the Objects List:
a Select Ordered.
b Select an object in the Objects list.
c Click Up or Down to move the object up or down by one place
in the list.
d Repeat steps b and c to reorder the objects.
6 To remove a feature from the Group, select it in the Objects list
and click Delete.
7 To add a feature to the Group, select it from the Model Objects
list below the Objects list, then click Add.
8 Click OK to close the dialog.
Alternatively, you can create a Group using the New Feature wizard:
1 Create any features you want to group.
2 Click the Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
step in the Steps panel.
Features 957
3 Select Group in the From Feature section.
4 Click Next and follow the instructions in the wizard.
Group Properties dialog
You can use the Feature Group Properties dialog to create groups
from multiple objects.
To display the Feature Group Properties dialog, select any features
you want to group in the graphics window, then select Construct >
Pattern and Group > Group from the menu.
The Dimensions tab contains the following options:
Objects list A list of objects in the Group.
Model Objects list (below the Objects list) A list of objects in the
model.
Ordered Select this option to machine the objects in the order
they are displayed in the Objects list.
Up Moves the selected Object in the Objects list up by one place.
Down Moves the selected Object in the Objects list down by one
place.
Add Adds the selected Object in the Model Objects list to the
group.
958 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Delete Removes the selected Object in the Objects list from the
Group.
Tree View Displays the Objects in the group. You can select an
Object in the Tree View to display options for editing the Object.
Ungrouping objects
After you have created a group, you cannot select the objects
individually.
To ungroup objects without deleting them:
1 Select a Group in the graphics window.
2 Select Construct > Pattern and Group > Ungroup from the menu.
If you select the group and press Del, you remove the group
AND delete the objects in the group.
Creating a Pattern
You can create a Pattern from a new feature or from an existing
feature:
To create a pattern from a new feature:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to display the New
Feature Wizard (see page 613).
2 Select the feature type you want to create a pattern from.
3 Select Make a pattern from this feature.
4 Click Next.
5 Follow the steps in the Wizard to create the Pattern.
To create a pattern from an existing feature using the New Feature
Wizard:
1 Click the Features
step in the Steps panel to display the New
Feature Wizard (see page 613).
2 Select Pattern in the From Feature section.
3 Click Next.
4 Follow the steps in the Wizard to create the Pattern.
To create a pattern from an existing feature using the menu:
1 Select the feature you want to create a Pattern from in the
graphics window.
2 Select Construct > Pattern and Group > Pattern from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 959
3 Use the Pattern Properties dialog (see page 960) to create a
Pattern.
Pattern Properties dialog
You can use the Pattern Properties dialog to create patterns from a
single object.
To use the Pattern Properties dialog to create a Pattern:
1 Ensure the Pattern is selected in the Tree View on the left of the
dialog.
You can select items in the Tree View to display the pattern
properties, the object properties, and the manufacturing
operation properties.
2 On the Dimensions tab, you can modify the shape of the pattern
using the Number, Spacing, Angle, and other properties.
Optionally select Local Offset to create the pattern around the
location of the original feature.
3 On the Location tab:
960 Features
Relative Position select to enter the coordinates of a point
relative to the Local Coordinate System, deselect to enter the
coordinates of a point relative to the World Coordinate
System.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
XYZ location you can move the object to a new location. If
the X Y Z coordinate position is (0,0,0), then the group's
objects all remain in the same location at which they were
independently defined.
For Polar location, Angle rotates the current group
counter-clockwise from its X-axis location by the angle
specified at the Radius specified.
4 On the Strategy tab:
If you want to use macros (also known as NC subroutines or
subprograms) to reduce the size of the code created for the
pattern, select Use macro calls for each instance in the
pattern. This setting requires you to use a post that supports
incremental programming or local coordinate systems (see
page 1650).
Ensure that macros are enabled in the Post Options (see
page 1931) dialog.
If you are using macros, you can reduce calculation time by
also selecting Reuse toolpaths from first Instance in the
pattern. In this situation, toolpaths are only calculated for the
first feature and reused for the subsequent features of the
pattern.
5 Click OK to close the dialog.
Types of pattern
You can create the following types of Pattern:
Linear (see page 961)
Radial in the setup XY plane (see page 962)
Radial around index axis (see page 962)
Radial around arbitrary axis (see page 962)
Rectangular (see page 965)
Points list pattern in the XY plane (see page 966)
Linear
A Linear Pattern arranges the specified number of objects in a line,
at the specified distance apart, starting at the specified XYZ
location.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 961
Use the treeview pane to control whether you are looking at the
pattern, the object, or the manufacturing operations for the pattern.
Simply highlight your choice with the mouse. The rest of the dialog
changes to reflect your choice.
Number of objects in the linear
pattern
Spacing between objects in
the linear pattern
Angle of the linear pattern
position
Angle Enter the angle of rotation around the Z-axis, measured
counter-clockwise from the X-axis, for the first object in the pattern.
Local offset This controls whether the initial position of the object
of the pattern is ignored. The position of the object is completely
determined by its position in the pattern. If Local offset is selected,
then the feature's position influences the created pattern.
Using an object's position in a pattern can be tricky. For
example, use local offsets to create a pattern of profiled features,
say, a radial pattern of profile pockets.
The recommended procedure is:
1 Create the profile relative to the UCS.
2 Enter the center of the pattern as XYZ coordinates.
3 Enter 0.0 as the radius.
The pockets share the relative position to their center as the
initial curve did to its UCS.
Object list This highlights the name of the object repeated in the
pattern. To change the object, click the down-arrow, then select the
object to use in the pattern.
Number This sets the number of objects in the pattern.
Spacing angle This sets the space between the objects specified in
degrees.
XYZ This sets the location of the lower left-hand object of the
pattern, or click to pick a point with the mouse.
Radial
A Radial pattern arranges the specified features spaced along the
circumference of a circle. The spacing can be set so you only
arrange features along an arc instead of the whole circle. Spacing
and angles are set with dimensions settings.
962 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use the treeview pane to control whether you are looking at the
pattern, the object, or the manufacturing operations for the pattern.
Simply highlight your choice with the mouse. The rest of the dialog
changes to reflect your choice.
Number of features in the radial pattern,
including the original feature
Diameter of the radial pattern
Spacing Angle between objects in the radial
pattern
Angle of the radial pattern position
Angle This sets the angle of rotation around the Z-axis, measured
counter-clockwise from the X-axis, for the first object in the pattern.
Local offset This controls whether the initial position of the object
of the pattern is ignored. The position of the object is completely
determined by its position in the pattern. If Local offset is selected,
then the feature's position influences the created pattern.
Using an object's position in a pattern can be tricky. For example,
use local offsets to create a pattern of profiled features, say, a
radial pattern of profile pockets. The recommended procedure is:
1 Create the profile relative to the UCS.
2 Enter the center of the pattern as XYZ coordinates.
3 Enter 0.0 as the radius.
The pockets share the relative position to their center as the initial
curve did to its UCS.
Object list This highlights the name of the object repeated in the
pattern. To change the object, click the down-arrow, then select the
object to use in the pattern.
Diameter This sets the overall diameter of the pattern.
Number This sets the number of objects in the pattern.
Spacing Angle This sets the space between the objects specified
in degrees.
XYZ This sets the location of the lower left-hand object of the
pattern, or click to pick a point with the mouse.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 963
Radial Pattern Types
Radial in the setup XY plane This option orients the features in the
XY plane of the Setup. The two hole patterns in the image below are
parallel to the Z- axis of the Setup.
Radial around the index axis This option aligns the features on the
OD of the part, pointing toward the index axis. The slot and hole
patterns in the figure below are radial.
This option is available only with 4th axis wrapping.
964 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Radial around arbitrary axis This option positions the features
around a specified origin in a specified axis. It is only available only
for 5th axis machining.
Rectangular
A Rectangular Pattern arranges the specified number of like objects
in two linear rows, with each row separating the objects at the
specified spacing, and with the rows spaced as specified in row
spacing, starting at the specified XYZ location.
Use the treeview pane to control whether you are looking at the
pattern, the object, or the manufacturing operations for the pattern.
Simply highlight your choice with the mouse. The rest of the dialog
changes to reflect your choice.
Number This is the number of
objects you want in each row of the
rectangular pattern
Row Number This is the number of
rows you want in the rectangular pattern
Spacing This is the distance between
objects in the row
Row Spacing This is the distance
between the rows
Angle of the rectangular pattern
position
Angle This sets the angle of rotation around the Z-axis, measured
counter-clockwise from the X-axis, for the first object in the pattern.
Local offset controls whether the initial position of the object of the
pattern is ignored. The position of the object is completely
determined by its position in the pattern. If Local offset is selected,
then the feature's position influences the created pattern.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 965
Using an object's position in a pattern can be tricky. For
example, use local offsets to create a pattern of profiled features,
say, a radial pattern of profile pockets. The recommended
procedure is:
1 Create the profile relative to the UCS.
2 Enter the center of the pattern as XYZ coordinates.
3 Enter 0.0 as the radius.
The pockets share the relative position to their center as the
initial curve did to its UCS.
Object list This highlights the name of the object repeated in the
pattern. To change the object, click the down-arrow, then select the
object to use in the pattern.
Number This sets the number of objects in the pattern.
Row Number This sets the number of rows of objects.
Row Spacing This sets the spacing between the rows. If you are
creating a pattern in the standard Top view with the Y axis pointing
up and the X axis pointing to the right, the Row Spacing is a
distance in the Y direction.
Spacing This sets the spacing between the columns. If you are
creating a pattern in the standard Top view with the Y axis pointing
up and the X axis pointing to the right, the Spacing is a distance in
the X direction.
XYZ This sets the location of the lower left-hand object of the
pattern, or click to pick a point with the mouse.
Points list
A Points list pattern enables you to specify the locations of individual
points.
Select Points list pattern in the setup XY plane in the New Feature Patterns (see page 961) dialog to display the Pattern - Dimensions
dialog.
Use the tree view to move between the pattern properties, the
object properties, and the manufacturing operation properties.
Select the item in the tree view whose properties you want to see.
There is a shortcut for some points patterns of holes (see page
971).
The different fields and buttons are:
Angle This sets the angle of rotation around the Z-axis, measured
counter-clockwise from the X-axis, for the first object in the pattern.
966 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Local offset This controls whether the initial position of the object
of the pattern is ignored. The position of the object is completely
determined by its position in the pattern. If Local offset is selected,
then the feature's position influences the created pattern.
Using an object's position in a pattern can be tricky. For
example, use local offsets to create a pattern of profiled features,
say, a radial pattern of profile pockets. The recommended
procedure is:
1 Create the profile relative to the UCS.
2 Enter the center of the pattern as XYZ coordinates.
3 Enter 0.0 as the radius.
The pockets share the relative position to their center as the
initial curve did to its UCS.
Object list This highlights the name of the object repeated in the
pattern. To change the object, click the down-arrow, then select the
object to use in the pattern.
Sorting This displays the Point List Sorting dialog. This dialog
allows you to sort the objects in the following ways:
Shortest path Starting with the first object in the list, a path is
created by moving to the next closest object.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 967
X ascending Objects are sorted in increasing order according
to their X coordinates.
X descending Objects are sorted in decreasing according to
their X coordinates.
Y ascending Objects are sorted in increasing order according
to their Y coordinates.
Y descending Objects are sorted in decreasing according to
their Y coordinates.
The left-hand figure shows a Shortest Path sorting. The figure on
the right shows a y descending ordering.
The transitions for these four options can be Unidirectional or
Bidirectional and you can edit the Location comparison tolerance
to control how strict the comparisons are.
In this example, Unidirectional is selected. After cutting the three
holes in the first 'column', the tool then rapids back down to the
bottom of the next 'column' to cut the next feature:
These rapid moves are a particular problem with long parts, when
the machine can be accelerating and decelerating over long
distances.
968 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Selecting Bidirectional lets the tool cut in both directions, and results
in a lot less rapiding, for example:
With this example, you can make the toolpath yet more efficient by
entering a Location comparison tolerance:
The tolerance lets FeatureCAM cut the next nearest feature, as long
as it is within the tolerance.
Point List This displays the location and angle of the selected
points. If you pre-selected holes or points, the order in which you
picked these objects is reflected in the Point List. Clicking a row of
the table displays the values in the X, Y, Z, and A options in the
dialog. You can then modify the values using the Set, Add, Delete,
Up, and Down options.
Pick Feature
button Use to determine which row of the point
list contains the location of a specific feature. Click the button and
then select a feature in the graphic window to highlight the row in
the table containing that feature.
Set Applies the values in the X, Y, Z, and A fields to the selected
row in the Point List.
To change a location in the Point List table:
1 Click the row in the table you want to change. The values are
inserted into the X, Y, Z, and A fields.
2 Change the values in the X, Y, Z, and A fields.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 969
3 Click Set.
Add Creates a new point in the Point List with the values in the X,
Y, Z, and A fields.
Delete Removes the selected row from the Point List.
Up Moves the selected row of the Point List up one row in the list.
Down This moves the selected row of the Point List table down
one row in the table.
X, Y, Z The X, Y, Z coordinates of a point.
A The local Z rotation about the object's center.
Cut feature using Y Axis coordinates (Turn/Mill) Select this option
to make use of your turn/mill machine's ability to use the Y-axis.
With Cut feature using Y Axis coordinates selected, the tool can move
along the X and Y axes, for example:
With Cut feature using Y Axis coordinates deselected (default
behavior), the part rotates in C and the tool can move only in X, for
example:
Curves (points pattern)
Curves loads point locations from a linear profile. Click Curves to
bring up the Select Curves dialog. Select the profiles that contain
points you want to use as feature locations.
970 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hold down the CTRL key to select multiple profiles.
Select Circles
Select the Edit > Select Circles menu option to display the Select
Circles dialog, which you can use to select multiple circles of a
similar size.
To select circles of similar sizes:
1 Select the Edit > Select Circles menu option.
The Select Circles dialog is displayed.
2 Enter the Radius of the circles you want to select.
To use the radius of a specific circle, click the blue label and
select it in the graphics window.
3 Enter the Tolerance from the specified radius.
4 Click OK to close the dialog and select all visible circles in the
current setup that have the specified radius.
You can now use these circles to create patterns of holes. See
Creating patterns (see page 959) or Point list pattern (see page
966) for additional information. See also Interrogating numeric
values (see page 374).
Editing features
You can edit existing features using the Feature Properties (see page
971) dialog. This dialog contains the same options as the New
Feature (see page 613) wizard, which enables you to edit the
physical properties and machining attributes of a feature.
You can also change the default settings for some attributes
at a global level using the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. If you set an attribute at feature level, it
overrides any default global attributes set in the Machining
Attributes dialog. This is recommended for advanced users
only.
Feature Properties dialog
The Feature Properties dialog enables you to edit the attributes of
existing features.
Use one of the following methods to display the Feature Properties
dialog:
Double-click the feature in the graphics window or the Part View.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 971
Right-click the feature in the Part View and select Properties from
the context menu.
Select the feature in the graphics window or the Part View and
click the Properties
button in the Feature/Geometry Edit bar.
Click Finish and Edit Properties (see page 614) in the New Feature
wizard (see page 613).
The Feature Properties dialog has a tree view on the left and tabs on
the right:
tree view
tabs
The tree view displays a list of the operations and passes for the
feature. The tabs displayed in the dialog change depending on what
level in the tree view is selected.
The feature-level attributes available in the Feature Properties dialog
depend on the type of feature:
milling (see page 990)
drilling (see page 973)
3D milling (see page 1127)
turning (see page 1433)
972 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
wire (see page 1548)
Drilling feature attributes (25D)
You can use the Hole Feature Properties dialog to edit the properties
of a drilling feature.
Use one of the following methods to display the Hole Feature
Properties dialog:
Right-click a Hole feature in the graphics window or Part View
panel and select Properties from the context menu.
Double-click a Hole feature in the graphics window or Part View
panel.
Tree view
Tabs
The drilling tree view lists the different operations for the feature:
Feature
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 973
Operation
The tabs displayed in the dialog change depending on the level in
the tree view you have selected.
Feature-level tabs
Select the feature name at the top level of the tree view to access
these tabs:
Dimensions (see page 992) This tab contains critical
dimensions for defining the feature's shape.
Location (see page 975) This tab is where you enter the
location of the feature.
Strategy (see page 976) This tab controls the types of
operations that are used to cut the hole.
Misc (see page 1052) This tab contains various parameters for
the feature.
Operation-level tabs
Select an operation in the tree view to access these tabs:
Tools (see page 1060) This tab controls tool selection.
F/S (see page 1063) This tab controls feed and speed values.
Cycle (see page 985) This tab is where you choose which drill
cycle to use for the operation.
Drilling (see page 987) This tab contains attributes for drilling.
974 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Location tab (5AP)
Use the Location tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog (see page
973) to edit the location of a 5 axis hole feature.
Relative Position This sets the XYZ coordinates relative to the UCS
(or Setup origin). If deselected, the coordinates are relative to the
World Coordinate System.
Direction Enter the dimensions of the direction vector to specify
the direction of the hole, or click Pick location
and select two
points in the graphics window to represent the direction.
Position Enter the coordinates of the top of the Hole feature, or
click Pick location
and select a point in the graphics window.
Reverse direction
If a 5-axis hole is created in the wrong
direction, click this button to reverse it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 975
Strategy tab (Drilling) (25D)
You can use the Strategy tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog
(see page 973) to edit the machining strategy of a Hole feature.
Combine with similar holes into canned cycle (see page 978) By
default, a tool retracts to the Z rapid plane between operations.
Enable this option and then select whether to Retract to the Z rapid
plane or the lower Plunge clearance plane after drilling each hole.
This option also creates more efficient NC code by entering the
canned cycle mode only once.
Machining Type Select from:
Drill only All Hole features are drilled in the traditional way
using a drill that is the same size as the hole diameter.
Drill/Mill This option allows Hole features to be drilled or milled,
to minimize the number of tools needed.
When using Drill/Mill, FeatureCAM adds a rough operation to
the tree view and you can access the Stepovers (see page
1064) and Milling (see page 1240) tabs.
Click Drill/Mill Options to display the Drill/Mill Options dialog
(see page 982), where you can edit drill/mill parameters.
976 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Drilling (see page 1674, see
page 976) tab.
Spot Drill Enable this option to add a spot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
This operation has some wide-ranging effects, however, especially
when used with the Attempt chamfer w/ spot and tool optimization.
Of those three settings, tool optimization has the highest priority
and its decisions override settings with a lower priority.
For example, a spot drill operation could be performed with either a
spot drill or a center drill. Spot drills with a tip angle of 90 can also
perform a chamfering operation. You specify a specific tool to cut
the hole's chamfer and also turn on Attempt Chamfer /w Spot and
tool optimization. If there is an appropriate spot drill in the tool crib,
FeatureCAM optimizes things and use this tool in spite of your lower
priority override. Even though you selected a specific tool, your
other settings conflicted with and superseded your choice.
This is the advantage of the optimization and simulation functions in
FeatureCAM. As you work through the optimization settings, and
see where you can optimize automatically and where you cannot,
you can find ways to group your parts for faster production, but still
use specific tools for specific effects when needed.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Drilling (see page 1674, see page 976) tab.
Attempt chamfer w/ spot Enable this option to try to cut the
chamfer during spot drilling. If no available tool can spot and
chamfer without gouging the hole, a separate chamfer operation is
created.
Pilot Drill Enable this option to add a pilot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
Pilot drill diameter(s) This enables and sets a list of drill sizes used
to drill pilot holes. Enter a list of drill diameters to use for pilot
drilling, with a comma between each.
For example, enter 0.5, 1, 1.5 in inches, to pilot drill with the half inch
drill for final hole sizes up to an inch. A hole bigger than 1.5 inches
is pilot drilled with all three of the specified drills before being drilled
to size.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 977
Drill Enable this option to add a drilling operation to the
manufacture of the hole. This operation is usually undersized in
preparation for later reaming or boring.
Drill large counterdrill first For Counter Drill holes, select this
option to do the counterdrill operation before the drill operation.
Ream Enable this option to add a Ream operation to the Hole
feature. This option drills a Hole undersized and then reams it to
size. The diameter of the drill is between 93% and 97% of the final
Hole diameter.
Ream before chamfer Enable this option to do the Ream operation
before the Chamfer operation. This avoids pushing any kind of burr
or edge back up onto the chamfer if the chamfer is a sealing
surface.
Tap type This option is available for Tapped Hole features. Select
the type of tap from:
Cutting The tool cuts the threads into the material.
Rolled The tool presses or forms the threads into the material.
Helicoil The size of the Drill and Tap operations are larger to fit
the helicoil insert.
Bore Enable this option to add a Bore operation to the Hole
feature. Boring places a hole very accurately.
The options on this tab are the same as the options on New
Feature - Strategies page for a Hole feature in the New Feature
wizard.
Combine similar holes into canned cycle
The Combine similar holes into canned cycle attribute applies to
drilling operations.
In previous versions of FeatureCAM this attribute was called
Retract to Plunge Clearance. The Retract to Plunge Clearance
attribute still applies to milling operations.
By default, FeatureCAM retracts the tool to the higher Z rapid plane
between operations. Although this is a safe assumption, it can result
in inefficient NC part programs because between each operation the
program cancels (G80) and then re-establishes (G81, G83, and so
on) the canned cycle mode. The figure below shows such an
inefficient program.
978 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S38
19M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N60G80
N65Z1.0
N70X0.5
N75Z0.1
N80G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N85G80
N90Z1.0
N95X1.0
N100Z0.1
N105G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25
F14.3
N110G80
N115Z1.0
N120G0G91G28Z0M09
N125G49G90
N130M30
Tool change location
Z rapid plane
The Combine with similar holes into canned cycle attribute serves two
functions. First it creates more efficient NC code by entering canned
cycle mode only once. It also causes the tool to retract to the lower
Plunge Clearance plane after drilling each hole.
If the Disable Macros is deselected in the Post Options dialog, the
hole locations are included in a macro as shown in the Fanuc NC
code sample below.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 979
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S38
19M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N60P1001M98
N65G80
N70G00Z1.0
N75G0G91G28Z0M09
N80G49G90
N85M30
:1001
N90G91
N95X0.5
N100X1.0
N105G90
N110M99
Tool change location
Z rapid plane
Plunge clearance
If Disable Macros is selected, the NC code is still efficient, because
canned cycle mode is entered only once. The code sample shown
below is Fanuc NC code for a hole pattern with Combine with similar
holes into canned cycle enabled, but without macros.
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S3819M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F14.3
N60X0.5
N65X1.0
N70G80
N75G00Z1.0
N80G0G91G28Z0M09
N85G49G90
N90M30
980 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
After Combine with Similar holes into canned cycles is selected on a
feature, you can specify the retract plane for the whole feature on
the Hole Feature Properties Strategy (see page 976) tab or for each
of the feature's operations individually in the Retract column of the
Op List (see page 1628) tab. If you are using a post that supports
Fanuc-style G99 "R point level return" and G98 "Initial level return",
then these codes are used by FeatureCAM. Otherwise the canned
cycle is cancelled and reinstated as necessary. To set the retract
plane for the feature, you have two options on the Strategy tab:
Retract to Z rapid
plane
The tool retracts to the higher Z Rapid Plane
(G98, "Initial level return", on a Fanuc
control) after performing the operation.
Retract to plunge
clearance
The tool retracts to the lower plunge
clearance plane (G99, "R point level return",
on a Fanuc control) after performing the
operation.
To set the retract plane for individual operations, the Retract column
of the Op List (see page 1628) tab contains one of the following
symbols:
This short green up arrow indicates that the tool retracts to
the lower plunge clearance plane (G99, "R point level return",
on a Fanuc control) after performing the operation. You can
toggle this arrow to a tall arrow by clicking the arrow with
the left mouse button and selecting Retract to Z rapid plane
from the context menu.
This tall green up arrow means that the tool retracts to the
higher Z Rapid Plane (G98, "Initial level return", on a Fanuc
control) after the operation. You can toggle this arrow to a
short arrow by clicking the arrow with the left mouse button
and selecting Retract to Plunge clearance from the context
menu.
This gray arrow indicates the tool retracts to the higher Z
Rapid Plane after the operation; you cannot change it
because it is typically shown at the end of a canned cycle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 981
The figure below shows two hole patterns. The first pattern that
contains holes 1, 2 and 3 has Combine with Similar holes into canned
cycles selected. Hole 2 has been modified to retract to the Rapid
plane.
Tool change point
Rapid plane
Retract plane
If you are using a post that supports different rapid planes inside a
canned cycle, that is a Fanuc post that supports G98/G99, then you
can create G-code that is more efficient. Fanuc supports G98 for
retracting to the higher Z rapid plane and G99 for retracting to the
lower plunge clearance plane. These G-codes are entered in the
post processor as the R plane retract (for the lower plunge
clearance plane, G99) and Z rapid retract (for the higher Z Rapid
Plane, G98). The resulting program is as follows:
N65 G83 G98 Z-1.0751 R0.1 Q0.25 F14.3
N70 X0.0
N75 X0.5
N80 X1.0 G99
N85 X1.5 G98
N90 X2.0
N95 X2.5 G99
N100 G80
Drill/Mill Options (feature level)
You can use the Drill/Mill Options dialog to edit the feature-level
drilling and milling options.
982 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To display the Drill/Mill Options dialog, select Drill/Mill on the Strategy
tab (see page 976) of the Hole Feature Properties dialog, then click
Drill/Mill Options.
Select the strategies that you want to enable. The options are:
Drill full diameter
Rough with Drill, Finish with Bore
Rough with Drill, Finish with Ream
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Bore
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Ream
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Endmill
Finish Bottom
Rough with Endmill to full diameter this option lets FeatureCAM
rough to the final hole diameter without having a finish pass.
Use hole milling canned cycle if available ( ) For machines that
support hole/bore milling, such as Heidenhain Cycle 208,
Siemens POCKET4, Fagor G88, and Haas G12/13. The hole
milling canned cycle is posted using the hole milling format in
XBUILD. If you enter a G code, for example G208, for the Hole
Milling cycle in the NC Codes dialog in XBUILD, that code
displays in the brackets after this attribute name, for example
Use hole milling canned cycle if available (G208).
If you select more than one strategy, FeatureCAM works down the
strategy list in the dialog until it finds a strategy that can complete
the hole.
Spot Drill Enable this option to add a spot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 983
This operation has some wide-ranging effects, however, especially
when used with the Attempt chamfer w/ spot and tool optimization.
Of those three settings, tool optimization has the highest priority
and its decisions override settings with a lower priority.
For example, a spot drill operation could be performed with either a
spot drill or a center drill. Spot drills with a tip angle of 90 can also
perform a chamfering operation. You specify a specific tool to cut
the hole's chamfer and also turn on Attempt Chamfer /w Spot and
tool optimization. If there is an appropriate spot drill in the tool crib,
FeatureCAM optimizes things and use this tool in spite of your lower
priority override. Even though you selected a specific tool, your
other settings conflicted with and superseded your choice.
This is the advantage of the optimization and simulation functions in
FeatureCAM. As you work through the optimization settings, and
see where you can optimize automatically and where you cannot,
you can find ways to group your parts for faster production, but still
use specific tools for specific effects when needed.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Drilling (see page 1674, see page 976) tab.
Attempt chamfer w/ spot Enable this option to try to cut the
chamfer during spot drilling. If no available tool can spot and
chamfer without gouging the hole, a separate chamfer operation is
created.
Ream before chamfer Enable this option to do the Ream operation
before the Chamfer operation. This avoids pushing any kind of burr
or edge back up onto the chamfer if the chamfer is a sealing
surface.
Cutter comp.
Use continuous spiral Select this option to use an NT Continuous
Spiral toolpath, which eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Use continuous spiral
Use continuous spiral
deselected
selected
984 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can use Helical ramping with Use continuous spiral, for example:
Traditional spiral toolpaths can produce spikes in tool load. Another
advantage of NT continuous spiral is that the tool load increases
gradually.
Cycle tab (25D)
You can use the Cycle tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog (see
page 973) to edit the Drill Cycle attributes for an Operation.
Drill (G81) This is a straight up and down motion without any
pecking.
Spot Face (G82) This is a drilling cycle with an optional dwell.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 985
Deep Hole (G83) The drill retracts all the way to the Plunge
clearance plane a number of times during the process to clear debris
from the Hole. You can override the tool's pecking options (see page
1866) for each operation, but the peck style is specified in the CNC
file.
Tap (G84) Select the tap type using the Tap Cycle option. The
choices are Floating, Rigid, Deep Hole, and Chip Break. All cycles use
the same Tap program format, but logical reserved words exist in
XBUILD to distinguish the specified tap type.
Reverse Tap (G74) This is a left-handed tapping cycle.
If you do not enter a G-code for the Reverse Tap cycle in
the NC Codes dialog in XBUILD, computed canned moves
are performed.
Chip Break (G87) In this cycle, the drill retracts a short distance
to clear chips before plunging again.
Ream This cycle affects how a ream is performed. The choices are
Ream FDF (feed-dwell-feed) (G89), Ream FF (feed-feed) (G85), and
Ream FSR (feed-stop spindle-retract) (G86).
If you select Ream FF, the cycle is posted using the Bore
(FF) format in XBUILD. Ream FDF uses the Bore (FDF)
format, and Ream FSR uses the Bore (FSR) format.
Bore cycle affects how a bore is performed. Select one of the
following from the menu:
FDF The cycle is posted using the Bore (FDF) (feed-dwell-feed)
(G89) format in XBUILD.
FF The cycle is posted using the Bore (FF) (feed-feed) (G85)
format in XBUILD.
FSR The cycle is posted using the Bore (FSR) (feed-stop
spindle-retract) (G86) format in XBUILD.
No Drag The cycle is posted using the Bore (No Drag) (G76)
format in XBUILD.
FDSJ The cycle is posted using the Bore (FDSJ) (G88) format in
XBUILD.
986 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Back Bore (G87) Use the Back Bore cycle to machine back bore
holes using a single Setup.
Drilling tab (25D)
You can use the Drilling tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog (see
page 973) to edit the drilling attributes for an Operation.
Drill operation:
Drill depth Enter the absolute depth that the tool is driven into the
stock, not including a point allowance. The Depth setting in the
dimension attributes automatically includes a point allowance so use
this attribute to override the point allowance. Alternatively use Drill
depth adjust. This applies to Drill, Ream, Countersink, and Boring
operations.
Drill depth adj. Enter a positive or negative drill depth adjustment
relative to the Hole feature's Depth dimension. Use this attribute
instead of Drill depth if you prefer.
If you enter both a Drill depth and a Drill depth adj. the
adjustment is applied to the Drill depth value not the Depth
dimension.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 987
Spotdrill operation:
Spot drill depth Enter the absolute depth that the spotdrill
operation is driven into the stock.
Spot drill depth adj. Enter the spot drill depth adjustment. You can
enter a relative positive or negative spot drill depth adjustment to
the Hole feature's Depth dimension instead of a Spot drill depth if
you prefer.
If you enter both a Spot Drill depth and a Spot Drill depth adj.
the adjustment is applied to the Spot drill depth value not the
Depth dimension.
Tap operation:
Max. tap spindle RPM Enter the maximum speed, in RPM, for the
tap operation.
988 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tap depth This is an override for setting the depth of a tap
operation.
By default, the system automatically sets a depth based on the
thread depth and the geometry of the tap that is chosen. If it is a
plug tap, five pitches are added to the requested tap depth. If it is a
bottoming tap, three pitches are added to the requested tap depth.
If you enter a Tap depth value, no additional adjustment is made for
the tap geometry, the Tap depth is passed straight to the NC code.
Tap plunge clearance Enter the height above the feature where
the tapping tool starts to feed into the feature.
Post Vars (see page 1731) button
Multi-axis drilling attributes
Multi-axis milling and drilling features have these attributes.
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 989
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Milling feature attributes (25D)
You can use the Milling Feature Properties dialog to edit the
properties of a Milling feature.
Use one of the following methods to display the Milling Feature
Properties dialog:
990 Features
Right-click a Milling feature in the graphics window or Part View
panel and select Properties from the context menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Double-click a Milling feature in the graphics window or Part View
panel.
Tree view
Tabs
The 2.5D milling tree view lists the different operations and passes
for the feature:
Feature
Operation
Pass
The tabs displayed in the dialog change depending on the level in
the tree view you have selected.
Feature-level tabs
Select the feature name at the top level of the tree view to access
these tabs:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 991
Dimensions (see page 992) This tab contains critical
dimensions for defining the feature's shape. This tab changes
based on the feature type.
Location (see page 1013) This tab is where you enter the
location of the feature.
Misc (see page 1052) This tab contains various parameters for
the feature.
Strategy (see page 1015) This tab controls the types of
operations that are created from the feature.
Operation-level tabs
Select an operation in the tree view to access the following tabs:
Tools (see page 1060) This tab controls tool selection.
F/S (see page 1063) This tab controls feed and speed values.
Stepovers (see page 1064) This tab contains attributes for
connection and lead moves.
Milling (see page 1076) This tab contains attributes for milling.
Pass-level tabs
If the milling operation has more than one pass, you set the
attributes on the following tabs at pass level. Select the pass in the
tree view.
Tools (see page 1060)
F/S (see page 1063)
Stepovers (see page 1064)
Milling (see page 1076)
Dimensions tab (25D)
You can use the Dimensions tab of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog (see page 990) to edit the physical properties of features.
The Dimensions tab is different for each Milling feature type, and
contains the attributes on the New Feature - Dimensions (see page
615) page of the New Feature (see page 613) wizard, as well as
other advanced attributes.
If a dimension field has a blue label (see page 375), you can
click it and 'pick' the dimension from objects in the graphics
window.
992 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Rectangular pocket
Length Enter the X dimension of the feature.
Width Enter the Y dimension of the feature.
Corner radius Enter the radius for all four corners of the
Rectangular Pocket.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers.
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
X Section Click this button to open the Select Side Curve dialog,
where you can select a curve to create a cross section (see page
1008) for the wall of your feature.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 993
Wrap feature around X/Y axis This option is available for 4th-axis
wrapping (see page 325).
Slot
This option simplifies the manufacturing strategy for the feature.
Select this option to machine the feature by making a single pass
down the center of it with a tool whose radius is equal to the width
of the feature.
Length Enter the X dimension of the feature.
Width Enter the Y dimension of the feature.
The width of a slot does not have to match the diameter of
a standard available endmill, unless you are making a
Simple slot. If an exact match cannot be found, then a
smaller tool is selected and multiple horizontal passes are
performed.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers.
994 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
Wrap feature around X/Y axis This option is available for 4th-axis
wrapping (see page 325).
Step Bore
The default Step Bore feature has two steps. Each step corresponds
to a row of the table.
Diameter Enter the diameter of the selected step.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 degree chamfer cut at
the top edge of the selected step. Leave this value at the default, 0,
for no chamfer.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
The Depth is measured from the top of the Step Bore
feature, not the top of the current step.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 995
Radius Optionally set the bottom radius for the selected step. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
Through This sets the display of the Step Bore without a bottom.
Selecting Through does not make the feature pass all the
way through the stock. You must set the depth value deep
enough.
Single Point Bore This sets the step to be finished with a boring
bar. This mills the step to a tight tolerance. Select the option if you
want to finish the step with this technique.
Set This saves the dimensions for the current step and updates
them in the table.
Delete This removes the step that is selected in the table from the
Step Bore feature.
Add This adds a step to the Step Bore feature.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
Wrap feature around X/Y axis This option is available for 4th-axis
wrapping (see page 325).
996 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Thread mill
Type Select ID for an inner diameter thread or OD for an outer
diameter thread.
Custom Enter the thread dimensions.
Standard Thread Select a thread from the list to use standard
dimensions.
Pitch Enter the pitch of the thread.
Thread Length Enter the length of the thread.
Thread Height Enter the height of the thread.
Minor/Major Diameter Enter the Minor Diameter for an ID feature or
the Major Diameter for an OD feature.
Tapered If your thread is tapered, select this option and enter the
taper Angle.
Thread Select a Left hand or Right hand thread.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 997
Face
Boundaries Click this button to open the Select Boundary Curves
(see page 1006) dialog, where you can select a curve to limit your
feature.
Thickness Enter the thickness of the feature.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
998 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boss
Stock Curve Click this button to open the Select Stock Curve (see
page 1010) dialog, where you set the stock boundary for the
feature.
Curves Click this button to display the Ordering (see page 1009)
dialog.
X Section Click this button to open the Select Side Curve dialog,
where you can select a curve to create a cross section (see page
1008) for the wall of your feature.
Check surfaces Click this button to open the Select Check Surfaces
(see page 1011) dialog. This button is available only for NT
toolpaths (see page 1015).
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
Height Enter the height of the feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 999
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
Chamfer
Curves Click this button to display the Ordering (see page 1009)
dialog.
Width Enter the Y dimension of the feature.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
A If the feature does not align with the X axis, enter the angle of
the feature from the X axis.
Groove
Select the type of Groove from:
Face This sets the groove to cut on the XY plane of the current
Setup.
Inside/Outside This sets the groove to run on the inside or outside
of a closed curve.
1000 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Curves Click this button to display the Ordering (see page 1009)
dialog.
Face Groove
Simple (Engrave) This option simplifies the manufacturing strategy
for the feature. Select this option to machine the feature by making
a single pass down the center of it with a tool whose radius is equal
to the width of the feature.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
Depth Enter the depth of the Groove feature.
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1001
Inside/Outside Groove
Depth Enter the depth of the Groove feature.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
1002 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boundaries Click this button to open the Select Boundary Curves
(see page 1006) dialog, where you can select a curve to limit your
feature.
X Section Click this button to open the Select Side Curve dialog,
where you can select a curve to create a cross section (see page
1008) for the wall of your feature.
Check surfaces Click this button to open the Select Check Surfaces
(see page 1011) dialog. This button is available only for NT
toolpaths (see page 1015).
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1003
Wrap feature around Z axis When using 4th-axis positioning (see
page 316), select this option to wrap the feature around the axis.
For example, this part has four Pockets:
Select Wrap feature around Z axis and a 3D simulation looks like this:
1004 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Round
Curves Click this button to display the Ordering (see page 1009)
dialog.
Side
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1005
Stock Curve Click this button to open the Select Stock Curve (see
page 1010) dialog, where you set the stock boundary for the
feature.
X Section Click this button to open the Select Side Curve dialog,
where you can select a curve to create a cross section (see page
1008) for the wall of your feature.
Check surfaces Click this button to open the Select Check Surfaces
(see page 1011) dialog. This button is available only for NT
toolpaths (see page 1015).
Draft angle Optionally set an angle for the feature wall. Use only
positive numbers.
Chamfer Optionally enter the depth of a 45 chamfer cut at the
top edge of the feature. Leave this value at the default, 0, for no
chamfer.
Depth Enter the distance cut into the material in Z.
Bottom Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The
radius corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the
material is milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step
passes when close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is
made with the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a
square corner.
Dimensions tab dialogs
You can display these dialogs from the Dimensions tab:
Select Islands dialog (see page 1007)
Select Side Curve dialog (see page 1008)
Select Check Surfaces dialog (see page 1011)
Select Part Surfaces dialog (see page 1132)
Select Boundary Curves dialog
You can use the Select Boundary Curves dialog to specify the curves
that define a feature boundary.
1006 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To display the Select Boundary Curves dialog, click Boundaries on
the Dimensions tab (see page 992) of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
To specify a boundary curve:
1 Select the curve (see page 64) you want to use as the feature
boundary.
For Pocket features you can select multiple curves. These curves
must not intersect. If you select multiple curves, then the Pocket
feature is used to cut all the selected curves with the dimensions
specified on the Dimensions tab of the Pocket Properties dialog.
2 If multiple curves are selected, you can set the order they are
cut by selecting Manual ordering and using the arrow buttons to
reposition the curves in the list.
This is not available for Face features.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
Select Islands dialog
You can use the Select Islands dialog to create islands inside pockets
which are left uncut.
To display the Select Islands dialog, click Islands on the Dimensions
(see page 992) tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog.
You can do this only for Pockets created from curves.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1007
To use the dialog:
1 Select the curve (see page 64) to use as the pocket island.
Islands are regions left uncut within a pocket. Island curves must
be contained within the boundary curve and they cannot touch or
overlap.
2 To remove all of the islands from a pocket, click Unselect All.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
Select Side Curve dialog
You can use the Select Side Curve dialog to specify a curve to define
the cross-section of a feature.
To display the Select Side Curve dialog, click the X Section button on
the Dimensions (see page 992) tab of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
You can define the shape of the walls of a Boss, Side, or Pocket
feature by specifying a cross-section curve. This curve is swept
along the curve of the feature to create the overall shape. The curve
must be:
in the XY plane, with the starting point of the curve at (0,0) in
the setup axis; or
For example,
use this cross-section
curve:
1008 Features
to create this feature:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
in place on the feature curve.
For example,
use this cross-section
curve:
to create this feature:
The curve must be a function in X and Y. This means that when you
draw a vertical line parallel to the X or Y-axis through the curve at
any point, it can only intersect the curve once.
To use the dialog:
1 Select the curve (see page 64) you want to use as the
cross-section.
2 To remove a cross-section curve, click Unselect.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
Ordering dialog
You can use the Ordering dialog to specify which curves define the
shape of a feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1009
To display the Ordering dialog, click Curves on the Dimensions (see
page 992) tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog.
If you have multiple features at the same height, you can create
them as one feature by selecting multiple curves. For features with
multiple curves, this dialog also controls the order the curves are
machined in.
Show all Select this option to show all curves in the current
document.
Ordering To change the order the curves are cut in:
1 Select Manual ordering.
2 Select the curve that you want to move in the list.
3 Use the Move item up
and Move item down
change the order of the features.
buttons to
Select Stock Curve dialog
You can use the Select Stock Curve dialog to specify a curve to
define the shape of the stock.
To display the Select Stock Curve dialog, click Stock Curve.
1010 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can use this dialog for Boss and Side features only.
Compute the Stock Boundary from the block stock This is the
default option and uses the block stock.
Use a Curve as the Stock Boundary Select this option to use a
curve as the Stock Boundary and select a curve (see page 64) to
use as the stock boundary. You can use this method to define the
shape of irregular shaped stock, so the toolpaths do not air cut in
regions without stock.
Show all curves Select this option to display all available curves in
the list.
Compute the Stock Boundary from a stock model Select this option
to use a stock model as the Stock Boundary. Boss and Side features
can use stock models.
Select Check Surfaces dialog
You can use the Select Check Surfaces dialog to specify areas you do
not want to machine.
To display the Select Check Surfaces dialog, click Check Surfaces on
the Dimensions (see page 992) tab of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
This dialog is available for 3D milling features, and 2.5D NT
roughing toolpaths for these features:
Boss
Side
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1011
Face features created with feature recognition (if the plane of the
face intersects the clamp solids)
To specify check surfaces:
1 Select the surface(s) in the list box or click Pick and select a
surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces, click Pick
again before selecting each additional surface.
Select surfaces that are more horizontal than vertical. If
you select a vertical check surface the milling may resume
on the other side of it if the surface to be milled extends
beyond the check surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
If you are using check surfaces to avoid clamps, you can do
this automatically using the Clamp avoidance (see page 1691)
dialog.
1012 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Location tab (25D)
Use the Location tab of the Feature Properties dialog to specify the
location of a feature.
Specify the location of the feature:
XYZ The feature is aligned so that its depth is parallel with the
-Z direction of the Setup. You position it by specifying the X, Y,
and Z coordinates in the plane of the Setup.
Polar The feature is aligned so that its depth is parallel with
the -Z direction of the Setup. It is positioned by specifying a
Radius and Angle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1013
- Radius
- Angle
Polar on the OD The Radius specifies the distance of the
feature from the Z axis. The Angle is the counter-clockwise
angle, in degrees, from the X axis. The Y shift distance is the
distance the feature is translated from the radius in Y. The Z
coordinate is the distance the feature is translated in the Z
direction. This option is available only for turn/mill documents.
- Y shift
- Angle
- Radius
Radial about axis For 4th-axis (see page 316) parts.
Relative Position This sets the XYZ coordinates relative to the UCS
(or Setup origin). If deselected, the coordinates are relative to the
World Coordinate System.
1014 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Milling) (25D)
Use the Strategy tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog to edit
the machining strategy of a Milling feature.
Climb mill Enable this option to have the tool on the left side of
the machined edge (in the direction of tool travel). Disable it for
conventional milling, with the tool on the right side of the machined
edge.
Individual rough levels (see page 1042) Select this option to list
each Z-level of the rough pass separately, which enables you to
specify separate attributes and tools for each Z-level.
Depth first (see page 1043) Enable this option to cut each region
of a feature completely before moving on to another region. The
toolpaths descend in Z.
Minimize tool retract (see page 1044) Select this option to reduce
the amount of retracting that the tool does while milling a feature.
Instead of retracting, the tool continues feeding to its next location.
Partline prog Select this option to use the drawing dimensions of
the feature for the toolpath instead of the centerline of the tool. You
can only use this option when cutter compensation is enabled.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1015
Partline programming is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. If Cutter compensation is not enabled for any of the operations
in a feature, selecting Partline program does not affect the NC Code.
The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
ensure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut the whole feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of the Finish
pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on the
Ramp diameter value) to your Finish pass to accommodate cutter
compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list such
as Can't find ramp in/out arc or Can't extend end of open profile then
correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter value or
changing the Pre-drill point.
Finish Cutter comp Select this option to use cutter compensation
for the finish and semi-finish operations.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
1016 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Operations
Pre-drill Enable this option to add a pre-drill operation to the
feature.
The location for a pre-drill point is set automatically, but you can
override it for a Spiral type toolpath using the Plunge point(s)
operation attribute.
A Pre-drill operation is not available with a Zigzag stepover
toolpath.
Zigzag ramping is automatically disabled when you use a
Pre-drill operation with an NT style toolpath. This is not
supported for the Spiral toolpath and you must set the Max.
ramp angle (see page 1240) to 0 to disable zigzag ramping
when using a Pre-drill operation.
The Pre-drill operation for the NT style toolpaths includes
the tops of multi-height islands. This is not supported for
the original Spiral and Zigzag stepover toolpaths.
Pre-drill diameter Enter the diameter for pre-drill holes. Ensure the
diameter is large enough to allow the milling tool to enter the stock.
Roughing
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Stepover Select the Stepover type for the roughing operations.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1017
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
1018 Features
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1019
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
1020 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
90
No
-90
Yes
Path
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1021
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
1022 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1023
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
1024 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Bi-directional rough Select this option to machine the feature in
both directions.
Enable this option to mill in both directions. If disabled,
conventional roughing happens and the cutting path moves in one
direction with rapid, above-stock return movements to set up for
the next pass. Climb mill controls the cutting direction.
Rough cutter comp Select this option to use cutter compensation
for the rough operations.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1025
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Finishing
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Finish bottom Select this option to use a flat endmill to finish
the bottom of the feature.
By default, the bottom of a feature is not machined during the
Finish pass. Enable this option to finish the bottom of the feature
with a flat endmill, up to the Bottom Radius, if the feature has one.
You can enter a positive or negative value.
Stepover Select the stepover type for the finish passes.
Traditional toolpaths
1026 Features
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1027
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
1028 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1029
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
90
No
-90
Yes
Path
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
1030 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1031
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
1032 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1033
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Wall pass Enable this option to finish the bottom of the feature
up to the Finish allowance on the wall, then finish the walls in a
separate pass.
NT toolpaths Select this option to use NT toolpaths for the Finish
pass.
There are several types of NT (New Technology) toolpath:
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
1034 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Vortex (see page 1040) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-Finish operation
to the feature.
Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page 1047) operation
to the feature.
Use finish tool Select this option to create a separate tool for the
finish operation.
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Ramp from top Select this option to ramp the tool to the cutting
depth from the top of the feature.
Disable this option to avoid ramping to depth on the Finish and
Semi-finish pass of a 2.5D feature. This saves machining time.
This example shows the Finish operation for a Side feature.
Ramp from top on:
Ramp from top off:
You must deselect the NT toolpaths option to access this
option.
Helical side finish Enable this option to use a continuous spiral for
the Finish pass. Enter a Pitch to control the tightness of the spiral.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1035
This option enables a small depth of cut and a continuous toolpath.
It also avoids marks on the feature, which stepping down in Z
depths may cause.
You must deselect the NT toolpaths option to access this
option.
Wind Fan Click this button to open the Wind Fan Finish Options
(see page 1718) dialog.
Face features
Connect stepovers with arc Select this option to use an arc to
connect stepovers to prevent sharp direction changes.
When cutting Face features, you can optionally select Connect
stepovers with arc.
This example shows a Face feature with Connect stepovers with arc
selected:
1036 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Compare this to the example with Connect stepovers with arc
deselected (the default setting):
Thread mill features
Feed Dir Select from Negative Z or Positive Z. The direction
depends on the handedness of the tool, the thread, and whether it
is an OD or ID thread.
Simple Groove features (Engraving)
Reverse cut Select this option to reverse the direction that the
feature is cut. Engraving features are cut in a single pass.
Strategy tab (Thread Milling) (25D)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1037
Cutter comp Select this option to enable cutter compensation.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
Partline prog Select this option to use the the drawing dimensions
of the feature for the toolpath instead of the center line of the tool.
Partline programming is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. If Cutter compensation is not enabled for any of the operations
in a feature, selecting Partline program does not affect the NC Code.
1038 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
ensure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut the whole feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of the Finish
pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on the
Ramp diameter value) to your Finish pass to accommodate cutter
compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list such
as Can't find ramp in/out arc or Can't extend end of open profile then
correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter value or
changing the Pre-drill point.
Feed direction Select the direction in which you want to machine
the feature. Depending on the direction the tool is rotating, this
determines whether climb milling or conventional milling is used.
Negative Z Start with the tool at the top of the feature (at the
highest Z location) and machine downwards.
Positive Z Start with the tool at the bottom of the feature (at
the lowest Z location) and machine upwards.
Wind fan Select this option to have a single point that is used as
both the start and end point of the Finish path. This is useful for
machines which require large lead moves to enable cutter
compensation.
Rough pass Select this option to include a Rough operation in the
feature.
Finish pass Select this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool Deselect this option to use the same tool for the
Rough and Finish passes.
Spring passes Enter the number of spring passes to include in the
finish pass. A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading pass.
NT toolpaths
There are several types of NT (New Technology) toolpath:
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1039
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Vortex (see page 1040) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
Vortex example
This example shows how Vortex machines pockets, channels, and
narrow corners.
For more information on the general principles of Vortex machining,
see the 3D Vortex and step cutting example.
Using a 2.5D model:
1040 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Create a Vortex toolpath:
For pockets, the tool spirals down into the pocket before using
trochoidal paths over the full-width cuts.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1041
On completion of the initial full-width cut, the trochoids are placed
in the corners where the maximum tool engagement angle would
otherwise be exceeded.
Individual rough levels
Select the Individual rough levels option to list each Z-level of the
rough pass separately, which enables you to specify separate
attributes and tools for each Z-level.
For example, the left image shows a feature with Individual rough
levels deselected. You can edit the attributes on the Milling tab to
edit all Z-levels together.
The right image shows a feature with Individual rough levels
selected. You can edit the attributes on the Milling tab individually
for each Z-level.
If Individual rough levels is selected, FeatureCAM uses the shortest
tool available in the current tool crib for each level. For example, if
you are cutting a 1 inch deep Pocket feature with 0.25 inch corner
radii with a Z increment of 0.25 inches, these tools are used:
1042 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Individual levels off
Individual levels on
Operation
Tool Name
Cutter
Length
Operation
Tool Name
Cutter
Length
Rough
Endmill037
5:high+
1.5
Rough pass
1
Endmill037
5:reg
0.56
Rough pass
1-1
Endmill037
5:reg
0.56
Rough pass
1-2
Endmill037
5:high
0.75
Rough pass
1-3
Endmill037
5:high+
1.5
Individual levels also controls clipping of Boss and Side features
against the stock model including both STL and solid stock models.
With this attribute selected, the toolpaths are clipped against the
stock boundary at each Z level, as shown in the first image. The
second image shows the air cutting that is performed with Individual
Levels deselected.
If this option is deselected then all regions of a feature are cut at
one Z level before descending to a deeper Z-level.
This attribute has no effect if the toolpaths for your feature do
not rapid between regions of the feature.
The images below show how regions of a feature are completely cut
before moving on to another region.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1043
For an NT toolpath, Depth first cuts by region, so it cuts a
Pocket feature in the same way as a traditional toolpath.
However for a Boss feature, a traditional toolpath cuts
depth-first for each toolpath before moving to the next
stepover, not by region.
If you are using Multiple roughing tools (see page 1076) or Multiple
finishing tools (see page 1076), to efficiently rough out tight
corners, Depth first is also useful. The images below show a tool
finishing tight corners in a depth first manner.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Milling (see page 1683, see page 1735) tab.
Min. retract
This example shows normal retracting.
This is the same example with Minimize tool retract enabled.
1044 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setting this attribute can result in more slot cutting. Study the
toolpaths carefully before cutting.
This feature is helpful for 2-axis mills.
If Minimize tool retract is selected, the setting for the default
attribute, Min. rapid distance, is ignored. The tool does not retract
unless to prevent gouging.
This attribute only affects how the tool retracts within a single
operation. It does not control how operations are ordered. For this
functionality, see Min. rapid distance.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
Set it on the Milling (see page 1683, see page 1735) tab.
NT toolpaths
Using the Minimize tool retract options with the NT toolpaths gives
better results than with the traditional toolpaths.
Pocket feature
For a Pocket feature, the toolpath slot cuts following the offsets
instead of just a straight line. There are fewer plunges than with
traditional toolpaths.
Traditional toolpath example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1045
NT toolpath example:
Boss feature
For a Boss feature, the toolpath has a lot fewer retracts and plunges
at the edge of the Stock.
Traditional toolpath example:
1046 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NT toolpath example:
The Semi-finish attribute of the Strategy tab toggles the existence of
a semi-finishing operation for the feature. Cutter compensation can
be applied to this operation. This operation helps to ensure a
consistent width of cut for the finish pass. If the finish pass is cut at
multiple Z depths, a semi-finish pass is also cut as each Z depth.
See Finish pass Z increment (see page 1240) for more information.
Semi-finish pass
Finish pass
Semi-finish allowance
Finish walls
If this attribute is selected, then the finish allowance is left on the
walls of the groove. Selecting this attribute also enables the Wall
pass option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1047
Wall pass applies only to the finishing passes of milling
features where the bottom is finished.
Finish allowance
Wall pass
Floor pass
If Wall pass is disabled, then the floor is finished all the way out to
the wall in a single pass. The wall is not finished separately.
For OD/ID grooves if this attribute is selected, then the bottom is
finished separately from the walls of the groove.
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
1048 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
Spring passes
A 'spring pass' is a duplicate of the final threading pass. Spring
passes indicates the number of spring passes that are to occur at
the completion of the thread.
Wall finish allowance
The amount of material to leave on the walls of an ID/OD groove.
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1049
Side control tab (25D)
You can use the Side control tab of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog (see page 990) to specify the machining side of some
features created from curves.
Select a Curve name in the table. A red arrow is displayed in the
graphics window to show the current machining side, for example:
If you want to machine the other side of the curve, click Switch
machining side
. The machining side is reversed:
1050 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Right Angle Head tab (25D)
To display the Right Angled Head tab, you must allow right-angled
tool holders (see page 304) on the Right Angled Head page of the
Setup wizard.
Use right angle head Select to use a right-angled head tool.
Feature location is on ID Select if the feature is on the inside
diameter of the part.
Holder orientation in spindle Enter the holder orientation in the
spindle in degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1051
Misc. tab (25D)
You can use the Misc tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog (see
page 990) to edit the machining options of a Milling feature.
B-axis fixture location This applies to B-axis turn/mill features.
To set the origin of the coordinate system for a B-axis turn/mill
feature, select B-axis fixture location in the attributes list and use the
Pick point
button to pick the location in the Graphics window.
When it is set, the B-axis fixture location point is used as the origin
instead of the natural anchor for the B-axis feature.
This attribute is shown only when the feature is on the OD (B
!=0).
If B == 90, then it is shown only if Use coordinate
transformation for B-axis on OD is selected in XBUILD.
This attribute is dominant if it is set and Offset fixture to
feature origin is selected in XBUILD.
Chamfer before finish Enable this option to do the Chamfer
operation before the Finish operation.
1052 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Deburr radius Enter a radius to automatically round sharp outside
corners of the feature by the specified radius. The feature shape
does not change, but the toolpaths are modified to reflect the
rounding.
To automatically round inside corners, use Min. corner radius.
Equal depth of cut Enable this option to make each Z step equal
depth.
If Equal depth of cut is selected, FeatureCAM calculates the depth of
cut like this:
1 Divides the feature depth, for example 10 mm, by the depth of
cut (see page 1106) you set to get the number of steps.
2 Divides the depth by the number of steps to get the actual depth
of cut (the depth of cut for each step is equal).
For example:
If the feature depth is 10 mm and you set a depth of cut of 3 mm,
the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4 steps. The
actual depth of cut is 10 / 4 = 2.5 mm. The steps are cut at 2.5
mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm.
If the second to last pass is within 10% of the depth of cut, it
is ignored.
For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.3 mm, the
steps are cut at 3.3 mm, 6.6 mm, and 10.0 mm.
For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.2 mm, the
steps are cut at 3.2 mm, 6.4 mm, 9.6 mm, and 10 mm.
To set an exact depth of cut, deselect Equal depth of cut.
Using the same example, with Equal depth of cut deselected:
If the feature depth is 10mm and you set a depth of cut (see page
1106) of 3mm, the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4
steps. FeatureCAM uses the actual depth of cut you set (3 mm) for
each pass, then cuts any remainder depth. The steps are cut at 3
mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.
These features support exact depth of cut:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1053
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
only)
Slot
boss
pocket
side
groove (Face groove
Rectangular pocket
Step bore
Counter bore hole
Plain hole with drill/mill
roughing
Tapped hole with drill/mill
roughing
Feed override % Enter a scaling factor for the feed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
calculated feed rates. A value of more than 100 increases the rates.
Max. spindle RPM Enter the maximum spindle speed (in RPM) that
you want to use.
Min. corner radius Enter a radius to automatically round the inside
corners of a feature by the specified radius. The feature shape does
not change, but the toolpaths are modified to reflect the rounding.
To automatically round outside corners, use Deburr radius.
Plunge clearance Enter the distance above the operation at which
the tool feeds. You can override this value for the Finish operation
on the Plunge (see page 1110) tab.
This is marked as L1 in the diagram.
For deep hole drilling, the drill retracts to this distance between
pecks. For milling features, the default is to use the same value for
roughing and finishing. As a result, the tool feeds from the top of a
feature to the floor before cutting. To make the tool feed down into
the feature, set the Plunge clearance for an operation to a negative
value, but ensure the value is above the floor of the feature.
Plunge feed override % This gives the scaling value for the feed
rate used during the initial plunge into the material for milling
operations.
Relative plunge
1054 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Relative plunge attribute affects how the Plunge clearance
attribute is used when plunging in 3D machining. Without Relative
plunge selected, the tool plunges to the Plunge clearance as an
absolute value. This can cause the tool to feed an unnecessary
amount for parts that are not flat. In the images below an uphill
only toolpath is applied to a simple surface. The dotted lines
represent rapid or plunge moves. Relative plunge is deselected in
the first example. The tool plunges to a set Z value and then feeds
a long way down to the part on each end.
In the image below, Relative plunge is selected. With this feature
enabled, Plunge clearance is used as a relative distance from the
surface and the tool plunges down close to the part.
Retract to plunge clearance Enable this option to retract to the
Plunge clearance instead of the higher Z rapid plane after cutting.
Z rapid plane:
Plunge clearance:
Spindle RPM override % Enter a scaling factor for the speed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
speed rate, and a value of greater than 100 increases it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1055
Spline tolerance If a profile is defined as a spline, it is
approximated with arcs and lines. Enter a tolerance value for the
approximation. The smaller the tolerance, the smoother the profile.
Subfixture ID This enables you to use a separate fixture offset for
each feature, and corresponds to the <SUBFIXTURE> reserved word
in XBUILD. For example, if the Fixture ID is 54 and you enter a
Subfixture ID of 1, the output is 54.1.
For patterns, enter a Subfixture ID start value and a Subfixture ID
increment value. For example, if the Fixture ID is 54 and you enter a
Subfixture ID start of 1 and a Subfixture ID increment of 1, the output
is 54.1, 54.2, 54.3, and so on.
Subfixture ID increment See Subfixture ID.
Subfixture ID start See Subfixture ID.
Tool % of arc radius This controls the size of the tool that is
automatically selected.
In earlier program versions this attribute was called Default
tool %.
Z rapid plane Enter the minimum safe distance in Z above your
part.
Before performing a rapid move away from a feature, the tool
retracts to the Z rapid plane setting for that feature. The rapid move
to the next feature changes in Z height, that is, changes Z
coordinates, if the next feature has a different Z rapid plane setting.
So that when it arrives at the next feature it is at the Z rapid plane
for that next feature.
This value is relative to the top of your stock in the current user
coordinate system. Compare with Plunge clearance.
1056 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Wall tab (25D)
You can use the Wall tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog (see
page 990) to control the roughing and finishing of milled features
with a draft angle or bottom radius.
Side Roughing
Auto This automates the roughing of features with a bottom
radius or a draft angle. FeatureCAM automatically chooses tools,
and the number of steps to manufacture the part. If you want
specific control, turn off Auto and the other fields become active.
Flat-end mill Enable this option to create a draft flat operation,
which roughs the bottom radius and possibly the walls with a
flat-end mill. Enter a number of Steps to use (in the Z direction) or
leave the Steps field blank to use the Draft flat scallop height
attribute on the Milling (see page 1076) tab to control the number
of steps.
Radius mill Enable this option to create a draft radius operation
which roughs the bottom radius and possibly the walls with a
ball-end or bull nose mill. Enter a number of Steps to use (in the Z
direction) or leave the Steps field blank to use the Draft radius
scallop height attribute on the Milling (see page 1076) tab to control
the number of steps.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1057
Tapered mill Select this option to create a draft taper operation,
which roughs the walls with a tapered endmill. Enter a number of
Steps to use (in the Z direction). This option is available only for
tapered features.
Bottom up Enable this option to rough the bottom radius or
tapered region from the bottom up, otherwise the roughing is
performed from the top down.
Side Finishing
These settings affect how FeatureCAM performs finishing of a draft
angle feature including bottom radius features.
Choose from the following options:
Automatic Enable this option to let FeatureCAM decide how to
finish the side wall and/or bottom radius of the feature.
Radius mill Enable this option to create a finish pass operation
that finishes the wall and bottom radius with a radius tool. This
could be either a finish pass bull nose or ball end tool. The Radius
tool scallop height attribute on the Milling (see page 1076) tab
controls the scallop height of the operation.
Tapered mill Enable this option to create a finish taper operation
that finishes the side wall up to the bottom radius, if any, with a
tapered mill that matches the feature's defined taper. If no tool
matches the draft angle, an error message is displayed.
Bottom up Enable this option to finish the walls starting at the
bottom of the feature, otherwise the finishing is performed from the
top down.
Manufacturing milled features with tapered walls
Features with tapered walls are manufactured similarly to those
with just a bottom radius. In addition to the bottom radius
operations there is an optional Draft taper operation shown below.
1058 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish pass
Draft taper
Draft radius
Corner
Flat bottom
Rough pass
The Draft taper operation is a roughing operation for the tapered
wall region. Typically, you would either use a draft taper operation
or a draft radius operation.
For tapered features, the Finish Pass can be performed with a
tapered or ball-end tool.
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
or cross sections
Features with a bottom radius are manufactured with some
combination of the operations shown below.
1 The Rough pass cuts starting at the top and either roughs down
to the bottom of the feature (if you are not finishing the bottom)
or leaves a finish allowance at the bottom.
2 The stair steps of the roughing operation are knocked down by
the Draft flat operation. This operation takes only a single pass at
each Z level.
3 The stair steps of the Draft flat operation can be further smoothed
by the Draft radius operation. This operation also takes only a
single pass at each Z level.
4 If the bottom of the feature is finished the Flat bottom operation
is performed next with a flat-end mill.
5 The bottom radius and the walls of the feature are finished by
the Finish pass.
6 If the feature has a tight corner on the floor that could not be
finished by the flat bottom operation, a Corner operation is
performed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1059
Rough
pass
Draft flat
Draft
radius
Flat bottom
Finish
pass
Corner
Tools tab (25D)
You can use the Tools tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog
(see page 990) to select a tool to machine a feature or create a new
tool.
The table lists the default recommended tool (marked with a D) and
other tools in the current tool crib that fit the tool selection criteria.
If you do not want to use the recommended tool, select the check
box next to the tool name you want in the table. The tools that are
listed in the table are controlled by the filter settings.
1060 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The tools displayed in the table are chosen from the database based
on the criteria listed above the table. If you would like to choose
from different tools, change the filter criteria. The criteria are:
Tool Group The tooling in the tooling database is separated
into different groups. Select a group from the list or select
Anything to show tooling from all groups.
Diameter Enter a specific diameter or select Anything to see
tools of all diameters.
End radius Enter a specific end radius or select Anything to see
tools of all radii.
Regardless of the filtering criteria, the automatically selected tool
stays in the list.
Select a tool in the table to see the preview image in the upper
right-hand corner of the dialog. You can pan and zoom this display
by left-clicking and dragging the mouse cursor in the tool graphic
window. Right-click in the tool graphic window and select Center all
to center the entire tool and holder.
You can sort the tools listed in the table by any column by clicking
the title of the column.
You can adjust the column widths by clicking and dragging
the borders of the column titles. FeatureCAM remembers your
width preferences.
Undo tool override Click this button to revert the selected tool
back to the default recommended tool (marked with a D).
New tool Click this button to create a brand new tool and add
it to the current crib. The tool that is selected in the table is used to
fill in the initial values for the tool.
Tool manager Click this button to open the Tool Manager (see
page 1817) dialog.
Properties Click this button to open the Tool Properties (see
page 1821, see page 1867) dialog for the selected tool.
Recent tools Select this option to filter the list and show only
recently used tools.
To override the automatically selected tool to one of your choice:
1 Select the Tool Group.
2 Select or enter the tool Diameter.
3 Select or enter the tool's End-Radius.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1061
4 Optionally select the Recent tools option to filter your tool search
further.
5 Scroll through the table.
6 To preview a tool:
Select a tool in the table to view it in the small graphics
window. You can pan and zoom this view.
Select a tool in the table and click the Properties
button or
double-click a tool in the table to open its Tool Properties (see
page 1821) dialog. You can edit the tool's properties if you
want to.
7 To change the tool, select the check box next to the Name of the
tool you want to use in the table.
8 If you canot find the tool you want, click the New tool
and create a new tool (see page 1821).
button
To revert back to the automatically selected tool, click the Undo tool
override
button. The override tool is deselected in the table and
FeatureCAM uses the default tool marked D.
1062 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
F/S tab (25D)
You can use the F/S tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog (see
page 1821) to view and edit feed and speed settings for the
operation selected in the tree view (see page 971).
Speed
The Speed section is for setting how fast the tool spins. The default
units are RPM (revolutions per minute). Optionally select Use SFM
(surface feet per minute) to change the units. FeatureCAM uses the
Recommended speed value by default. You can optionally enter a
different value and the override option is automatically selected. If
you want to revert back to the recommended value, deselect
override.
Feed
The Feed section is for setting how fast the tool moves through the
stock. The default units are IPM (inches per minute) or MMPM (mm
per minute). Optionally select Use IPR (inches per revolution), Use
IPT (inches per tooth), Use MMPR (mm per revolution), or Use MMPT
(mm per tooth) to change the units.
FeatureCAM uses the Recommended feed value by default. You can
optionally enter a different value and the override option is
automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect override.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1063
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set the Feed unit on the Misc. (see page
1722) tab.
Coolant
Coolant Select the type of coolant to use for the operation. The
default coolant is Flood. You can select a different coolant from the
list and the override option is selected automatically. To revert back
to the default coolant, deselect override.
You can change the default Coolant type on the Misc. (see
page 1722) tab of Machining Attributes.
Select the type of coolant to use. The default choices are:
None no coolant
Flood a continuous stream of coolant
Mist coolant mixed with air
Coolant 3 - Coolant 10 you can define these other coolant
options in the post processor.
You can enter up to ten types of coolant in the Coolant dialog in
XBUILD (select CNC-Info > Coolant to open it). After you have saved
them in XBUILD, they are available to choose in this list in
FeatureCAM.
Reset All clears any overrides you made to the feeds and speeds
and returns the settings to the default value for tool attributes listed
on that page.
Stepovers tab (25D)
You can use the Stepovers tab of the Milling Feature Properties (see
page 1821) dialog to control the toolpath transitions for 2.5D
milling. The type of transitions that occur at the beginning and
ending of a toolpath depend on whether that portion of the toolpath
is a closed or an open toolpath (see page 1076).
1064 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Traditional toolpaths:
Cut type Here you can override the feature-level Stepover type
that you set on the Strategy (see page 1015) tab for each operation.
If you are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for
each individual rough pass.
Distance between cuts
For roughing, the Distance between cuts is the horizontal distance
between roughing toolpaths. The automatically calculated distance
is based on the setting of Rough pass stepover %. For finishing, it is
fixed to be the Finish allowance (see page 1076). See Default
ramping for milled finish passes for more information on finish pass
ramping.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1065
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
For Chamfers and Rounds this attribute enables multiple rough or
finish passes. The default value for roughing is the radius of the
Round feature or the largest dimension of the Chamfer feature. The
default value for finishing is the Finish allowance (see page 1076).
By decreasing this value multiple roughing or finishing passes are
created by stepping in horizontally.
Connection moves for cuts with closed ends:
Ramp type Select the stepover style from the list.
Direct
The Direct stepover connection type creates a straight linear
transition that is perpendicular to the toolpath.
1066 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Arc
The Arc stepover connection type creates an arc transition. Set the
Diameter parameter to specify the radius of the arc as a percentage
of the tool diameter. This example has the Ramp diameter set to
55%:
This example has the Ramp diameter set to 600%:
Line
The Line stepover connection type creates a linear stepover at an
angle. The length of the line is determined by multiplying the
diameter of the tool by the Ramp diameter parameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1067
S-shape
The S-shape stepover connection type creates a stepover move that
consists of two arcs. As a result this transition makes a smooth exit
from the existing contour to the new contour. The diameter of the
arcs is determined by the Ramp diameter parameter.
Ramp diameter See Ramp type.
Lead moves for cuts with open ends:
Extension distance
Enter a distance if you want to move the tool off the part by that
distance at the end of each pass.
In this Side feature example, we used an extension distance of 1
inch:
1068 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Compare it to the same example with no extension distance added:
Arc Lead
Arc Lead changes the lead-in or lead-out move to be an arc. The
endpoint of the arc is determined by the Lead distance and either
the Lead-in angle or Lead-out angle.
- Lead in/out
angle
- Lead distance
Lead distance in/out
Lead distance in/out is the linear distance that a tool path extends
beyond the ends of an open toolpath or toolpaths that are clipped
against the stock profile. This parameter is specified as a
percentage of the tool's diameter. If Lead Distance is set to 0.0, the
toolpath starts or stops exactly at the ends of the profile.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1069
- Lead-in/out angle
- Lead distance in/out
Add 90-deg, comp. move
You can add a straight line move to the start and end of the pass so
that cutter compensation is applied during the lead into and out of
the Arc Lead moves. To do this, select 90-deg Comp on/off and enter
a Distance.
To access the 90-deg Comp on/off option, you must select Arc
Lead. To access the Distance option, you must select 90-deg
Comp on/off.
We used 90-deg Comp on/off in this Side feature example:
1070 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Compare it to the same example without 90-deg Comp on/off:
All Stepover
The All Stepover attribute adds a lead-in and lead-out to each
stepover move for an open feature.
This example shows the behavior with All Stepover deselected.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1071
And with All Stepover selected:
Lead In Select Lead In to have a lead-in move and enter a Lead-in
angle. The Lead-in angle applies only over the Lead-in distance, so if
the Lead-in distance is 0, the Lead-in angle has no effect.
Lead Out Select Lead Out to have a lead-out move and enter a
Lead-out angle. The Lead-out angle applies only over the Lead-out
distance, so if the Lead-out distance is 0, the Lead-out angle has no
effect. The Lead-out angle is applied to the end of the finish pass for
an open toolpath. It also applies to the last toolpath of a roughing
pass if the Finish allowance is set to 0.
Default ramping for milled finish passes
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
1072 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
NT (new technology) toolpaths:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1073
Cut type Here you can override the feature-level Stepover type
that you set on the Strategy (see page 1015) tab for each operation.
If you are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for
each individual rough pass.
Connection moves for cuts with closed ends There are two Ramp
type options for the NT toolpaths:
Smooth This is similar to the traditional toolpath option S-type
Direct This is similar to the traditional toolpath option Line.
Approach from outside This option automatically adds a very small
lead-in whenever the tool is plunging off the stock. When you select
this option, the Lead-in options are disabled. Deselect it to manually
specify the lead-in as a line, arc, and/or toolpath extension.
Angle This option supports only positive angles. The direction
relative to the toolpath is automatically determined.
Transitions for 2.5D milling toolpaths
The type of transitions that occur at the beginning and ending of a
toolpath depend on whether that portion of the toolpath is a loop or
an open toolpath. The transitions for open toolpaths are linear and
are controlled by Lead in angle and Lead distance. Transitions
between closed toolpaths are arcs. See Default ramping for milled
finish passes for more information on the parameters controlling
closed loop toolpaths.
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
1074 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
Lead distance in/out is the linear distance that a tool path extends
beyond the ends of an open toolpath or toolpaths that are clipped
against the stock profile. This parameter is specified as a
percentage of the tool's diameter. If Lead Distance is set to 0.0, the
toolpath starts or stops exactly at the ends of the profile.
- Lead-in/out angle
- Lead distance in/out
The Lead-in angle applies only over the Lead-in distance, so if the
Lead-in distance is 0, the Lead-in angle has no effect.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1075
Open and closed portions of toolpaths
An open toolpath plunges at one point and retracts at another point.
A closed toolpath forms a loop and begins and ends at the same
point.
Rough or finish passes can contain closed, open or both types
of toolpaths.
Closed loop toolpaths
Open toolpath
Milling tab (25D)
You can use the Milling tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog
(see page 990) to edit the Milling attributes for an Operation.
1076 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The attributes displayed on the Milling tab depend on the
feature and the operation/pass selected in the tree view.
General attributes
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s) (see page 1011). If left blank,
FeatureCAM uses the Finish allowance value.
This attribute is available for NT roughing toolpaths for
Boss, Pocket, and Side features. Also for Face features
created with feature recognition (if the plane of the face
intersects the clamp solids).
Cutter comp. Enable this option to enable Cutter compensation for
the operation.
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1077
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Milling (see page 1683, see page
1735) tab.
Min. corner radius Enter a radius to automatically round the inside
corners of a feature by the specified radius. The feature shape does
not change, but the toolpaths are modified to reflect the rounding.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
1078 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Misc. (see page 1722) tab.
NT toolpaths do not have the Min. rapid distance % attribute.
They use Stepover rapid distance instead.
Priority
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1079
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Stepover rapid distance This option controls when to retract and
plunge on Boss stepovers for NT toolpaths. Enter an absolute
distance.
Traditional toolpaths (Spiral and Zigzag) do not have the
Stepover rapid distance attribute. They use Min. rapid
distance % instead.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) Enter the ideal [horse] power
for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the specified
stock material type.
Through depth Enter a value to add extra depth to the feature for
this operation only. It applies to Slot, Step Bore, Groove, Sides, and
Chamfer features.
Total stock Enter an offset distance around a profile feature to
use instead of the stock boundary for the current operation.
Total stock changes the rough or finish operation to use a constant
offset distance from the profile of a profile feature. So instead of
cutting to the stock boundary, which may already have been cut
away, and without having to specify a stock curve, you can still
minimize redundant cutting by using Total stock.
1080 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a toolpath without the Total stock attribute set.
This is the same example with Total stock set to 0.25 inches:
This is the same example with Total stock set to 1.0 inches:
Post Vars. (see page 1731) button
Pre-drill diameter Enter the diameter for pre-drill holes. Ensure the
diameter is large enough to allow the milling tool to enter the stock.
Roughing attributes
These attributes are available to you on the Milling tab when you
select a rough pass in the tree view.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1081
Cleanup passes Used with a Stepover type (see page 1015) of
Zigzag, enter the number of cleanup passes to machine.
Curly Corner (see page 1102) dialog
Finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on a
feature after the Rough pass. You can enter a positive or negative
value.
Roughing region
Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
HSM max tool overload % When the tool approaches overload, a
trochoidal path is inserted to avoid the overload. Enter the
maximum allowable overload as a percentage of the existing
stepover. For example, if you enter an HSM Max tool overload % of
10, trochoidal moves start when an overload condition of 10% is
exceeded. This attribute instigates trochoidal machining for NT
Spiral and NT Continuous Spiral toolpaths.
HSM profile corner % Enter the value as a percentage of the tool's
diameter. This enables arc fitting of profiles to avoid sharp changes
of direction in internal toolpaths. This attribute applies to NT Spiral,
NT Continuous Spiral, NT Zigzag and Vortex toolpaths.
HSM smoothing allowance % Enter the smoothing allowance as a
percentage of the existing stepover, to replace the standard offset
with a smoother one that can achieve higher feed rates. The
percentage defines the maximum deviation from the existing
stepover. For example, if you enter an HSM smoothing allowance %
of 40, and the existing stepover is 10 mm, the maximum deviation
from the original to the smoothed offset is 4 mm.
The advantages are that rounded corners replace sharp corners and
curve continuity (not just tangency continuity) is maintained to
prevent abrupt changes in force on a machine tool caused by sharp
turns in a toolpath. This attribute applies to NT Spiral and NT
Continuous Spiral toolpaths.
1082 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Mult. rough diameter(s) (see page 1099) Enter a list of roughing
tool diameters separated by commas, to enable multiple Rough
passes.
The last diameter is also used for the Finish pass. If you
want the system to select the tool for the final roughing
pass, enter the last diameter as 0.
Rough pass Z increment This sets the depth of cut for the rough
pass. Enter a step increment for each pass that the roughing routine
performs on the part. You can set the depth of cut (see page 1106)
in several places.
Stock Model Options Click this button to open the Stock Model
Settings (see page 1108) dialog. This button is available when you
are using a stock model (see page 1010) with an NT toolpath (see
page 1015) for a rough operation.
Toolpath corner % To round sharp corners, enter a percentage of
the tool diameter. Smoothing the sharp corners of the toolpaths
gives a more constant tool velocity and reduces the tool load. Enter
a toolpath radius larger than the tool radius to minimize the
percentage of the tool that contacts the part. This enables enough
cooling to take place and avoiding sharp increases in tool load as
the tool enters the corners.
It applies to all 2.5D milling features. This image shows a feature
without Toolpath corner % set:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1083
This image shows the same feature with Toolpath corner % set:
See also High speed machining application of toolpath corner %.
You can set Toolpath corner % to any positive percentage. Setting it
to a large percentage like 200% or 300% provides a high degree of
toolpath smoothing. In this case, where the radius of the cutter is
significantly less than the radius of the corner, the percentage of
the tool that contacts the part is minimized. This allows the tool to
cool and also avoids sharp increases in tool load as it enters the
corners.
For high speed machining applications:
1 Create at least two roughing passes using Mult. rough diameters
parameter. You can set the tool diameters to be the same if you
want to use the same diameter for each pass.
2 Set the Toolpath corner % to a high value (for example 200%) for
the initial roughing pass. This pass covers the majority of the
part with smooth toolpaths. This image shows an example of
smoothing toolpaths using a high corner %.
1084 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Set Toolpath corner % to lower values for subsequent roughing
passes. These toolpaths cover only the remaining regions of the
part. This image shows the second roughing toolpaths.
4 It is best to set Tool corner % to less than 25% for the last
roughing pass to ensure that the entire part is roughed. These
toolpaths initially have more inconsistent tool loads, but you can
adjust the stepovers (see page 1064), depth of cut (see page
1076), or feed rate separately for these passes to create
acceptable tool loads. You can use the tool loads dialog (see
page 1625) during 3D simulation to verify the tool loads of your
paths before cutting.
Trochoidal cut Enable this option to use a trochoidal cut on a
Simple Groove. Select the direction of the trochoids for a trochoidal
cut, from CW (clockwise) or CCW (counter-clockwise).
Instead of a simple slotting cut, the tool uses a series of circles, for
example:
A trochoidal toolpath reduces the load on the tool.
Trochoidal stepover Enter the amount to step over between
adjacent circles in a Trochoidal cut toolpath.
Vortex min point spacing Enter the minimum point spacing at
which the machine tool can move at the specified feed rate. If the
machine tool has too many points to process, it cannot sustain the
specified feed rate.
Vortex min radius Enter the minimum radius of the internal
trochoids. Vortex toolpaths use trochoidal moves to maintain a
constant feed rate. Higher feed rates require a larger minimum
radius. If you do not override this value, a default value is used,
which is suitable for a typical machine tool at the feed rate specified
for the operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1085
Vortex Z lift distance Enter a Z distance to lift the tool during
trochoidal moves to avoid contact between the tool and the surface.
Finishing attributes
These attributes are available to you on the Milling tab when you
select a finish operation in the tree view.
Bottom leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on
the floor of the feature after the Finish pass. You can enter a
positive or negative value.
Bottom semi-finish allowance This is the amount of material to
leave on the floor of a milled feature after the semi-finish operation.
It only applies if the Semi-Finish and Finish bottom attributes are
selected on a mill feature's Strategy (see page 1015) tab. The
attribute Finish allowance controls the allowance on the walls of a
feature. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Finish allowance This is a facing parameter for the amount of
material to leave after the rough pass. You can enter a positive or
negative value.
Finish overlap This attribute applies to features defined by closed
profiles and is the distance that the tool overlaps its starting point
on the finish pass. Enter the absolute distance.
The toolpath runs counter-clockwise.
1086 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish pass Z increment By default, a milling feature is finished
with a single pass along the wall of the feature.
Enter a positive number for Finish pass Z increment to finish the
feature with a series of vertical passes. Each pass has a depth of
the value entered.
The finishing tool needs a cutter length greater than or
equal to Finish pass Z increment.
By default, a milling feature is finished with a single pass along the
wall of the feature.
Enter a positive number for Finish pass Z increment to finish the
feature with a series of vertical passes. Each pass has a depth of
the value entered.
The finishing tool needs a cutter length greater than or
equal to Finish pass Z increment.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1087
This sets the depth of cut for the finish pass. You can set
the depth of cut (see page 1106) in several places.
Finish passes Enter the number of duplicate finish passes to
make. If you want to compensate for tool deflection, set Finish
passes to more than 1.
HSM max tool overload % This attribute instigates trochoidal
machining for NT Spiral and NT Continuous Spiral toolpaths. When
the tool approaches overload, a trochoidal path is inserted to avoid
the overload.
HSM profile corner % This attribute applies to NT Spiral, NT
Continuous Spiral, and NT Zigzag toolpaths. Select to allow the arc
fitting of profiles to avoid sharp changes of direction in internal
corners.
HSM smoothing allowance % This attribute applies to NT Spiral
and NT Continuous Spiral toolpaths.
Minimum ramp distance This attribute applies to the Finish
operation. Enter the minimum horizontal distance for ramping. If
the computed horizontal ramp distance is less than this, the tool
plunges instead of ramping.
Mult. finish diameter(s)
Mult. finish diameter(s) controls the use of multiple finishing tools.
Enter a list of diameters separated by commas. If you want
FeatureCAM to select the tool to use for the last pass, set the last
Tool diameter to 0.
Enter the largest tool you want to use first, followed by gradually
smaller tools until the required finish tool. For example, you can let
the system pick the tooling initially, then set up your diameter list
to work gradually toward the last value. If the system recommends
a 0.125 inch endmill, set your Tool diameter attribute to 1.0, 0.5, 0.
By default, FeatureCAM creates one finish pass for all of the milled
features. If you use multiple finishing tools, FeatureCAM cuts all the
parts of a feature that it is capable of cutting with the larger tool,
and cuts only the remaining portions of the feature with the smaller
tool. You do not have to manually create these separate regions.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates them for you.
Default ramping for milled finish passes
The lead in moves for finish passes for closed milled features like
pockets and bosses consist of a short linear move and an arc ramp
on move. These moves are included to accommodate the cutter
compensation requirements of many controllers.
1088 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The radius of the arc, r, is controlled by the Ramp diameter % found
on the Stepover/Lead tab (see page 1064). It is specified as a
percentage of the tool diameter. The default length of the linear
move, d, is the Finish allowance of the roughing pass of the feature.
The length of d can also be altered by setting the Minimum ramp dist
milling attribute on the finish pass to an explicit distance or by
setting the Minimum ramp dist % default attribute as a percentage of
the tool diameter. A setting of 0 for Minimum ramp dist % indicates
that the default attribute is not active.
Ramp diameter This sets a percentage of the tool diameter to
generate a tool motion that approaches the stock along a curve on
the finishing pass. The tool arcs only within the distance set in the
finish pass allowance, so the ramping effect is small.
Side leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on the
walls of the feature after the Finish pass. You can enter a positive or
negative value.
Facing attributes
Last pass overcut % This attribute applies to a Face feature. Enter
the distance, as a percentage of the tool radius, that the tool moves
past the stock boundary perpendicular to the cut, in the Y direction
(unless you have changed the Zigzag angle). The default value is
20% of the tool radius.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1089
This example shows a Face feature top view centerline simulation
using the default Last pass overcut % value of 20% of the tool radius
(the distance marked with the arrows):
This is the same example with the Last pass overcut % value set to
50 % of the tool radius:
Lateral overcut % Enter the distance, as a percentage of the tool
radius, that the tool cuts past the stock boundary in the direction of
the cut, on the X axis (unless you have changed the Zigzag angle).
The default value is 100% of the tool radius.
1090 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a Face feature top view centerline simulation
using the default Lateral overcut % value of 100% of the tool radius
(the distance marked with the arrows):
This is the same example with the Lateral overcut % value set to 150
% of the tool radius:
Stepover % Enter the width of cut as a percentage of the tool
diameter. The default value is 85%.
Z Increment is the depth of each cut of the facing operation.
Zigzag angle Enter the angle in degrees (counter-clockwise from
X) that you want to use to cut the Face feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1091
An example of a Face
feature with Zigzag
angle set to the
default 0 deg:
The same example
with Zigzag angle set
to 30 deg:
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Facing (see page 1756) tab.
Thread Milling attributes
The following attributes are available on the Milling tab for thread
mill features.
Feed to depth override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting
to use when feeding to depth.
Linear ramp dist. Enter the length of the linear approach move to
a Thread feature.
1092 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To activate this attribute, you must set Ramp diameter % to
0.
Ramp diameter % This attribute controls the diameter of the arc
along which the tool ramps on and off the Thread Milling feature.
Enter a percentage of the tool diameter.
Negative angles create a ramp on a clockwise arc. If set to a value
greater than 1000, the tool moves in on a straight line tangent to
the initial cutting move. If set to 0, the tool approaches
perpendicular to the initial cutting move.
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Thread Mill (see page 1735) tab.
Ramp angle offset This angle controls the starting and ending
points of the ramp moves of a Thread Milling feature. The tool starts
ramping along the arc of radius Ramp diameter % using the Ramp
angle offset to determine the start point of the ramping move. If
positive, the arc is counter-clockwise.
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1093
Start angle Measured counter-clockwise, the Start angle
determines the starting point of the thread.
Measured counter-clockwise, the Start angle determines the starting
point of the thread.
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Thread Mill (see page 1735) tab.
Start threads Enter a value greater than 1 for multiple start
threads.
Taper approx angle For tapered threads, the toolpath is increases
in diameter as well as moving in Z. These moves are approximated
with 3D arcs. The Taper approx angle is the angle around the thread
that is approximated by a single arc. A 360 must be evenly divisible
by the Taper approx angle. For example, if set to 90, a single
revolution of the tool is broken into four arcs.
Through Select Through to increase the hole length by 10% of the
hole diameter to account for the drill tip and prevent burring. If
Through is deselected, the toolpaths are generated to ensure that
the tool does not cut past the end of the thread.
Tooth outside Enter the number of teeth that are above (if
feeding in negative Z) or below (if feeding in positive Z) the thread
mill feature for the first pass.
Tooth overlap Enter the number of threads that one revolution of
a multi-thread tool overlaps the previous revolution. An overlap of
at least one thread is recommended.
Thread feature
1094 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool revolution 1
Tool revolution 2
Tooth overlap
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Thread Mill (see page 1735) tab.
Ramp in feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting
to use when ramping into a feature.
Ramp out Feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting
to use when ramping out of a feature.
Wind fan radius Enter the radius to use for the wind fan shape.
Increasing the Wind fan radius moves the toolpath's start point
further from the feature boundary.
Wind fan angle Enter the angle to use for the wind fan shape. The
wind fan angle is a combination of the lead-in and lead-out arc
angles.
Chamfer, draft angle, and bottom radius attributes
Chamfer depth
For milled chamfers, Chamfer depth controls the depth of the tool
and therefore the contact point. The default Chamfer depth for a
chamfer is 0.1 inches or 3 mm. This means that the tool extends 0.1
inches or 3 mm below the bottom of the chamfer. A setting of 0.0
places the bottom of the tool at the bottom of the chamfer. A larger
value moves the contact point down the tool.
Through depth
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1095
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Misc (see page 1722) tab.
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
or cross sections.
Features with a bottom radius are manufactured with some
combination of the operations shown below.
1 The Rough pass cuts starting at the top and either roughs down
to the bottom of the feature (if you are not finishing the bottom)
or leaves a finish allowance at the bottom.
2 The stair steps of the roughing operation are knocked down by
the Draft flat operation. This operation takes only a single pass at
each Z level.
3 The stair steps of the Draft flat operation can be further smoothed
by the Draft radius operation. This operation also takes only a
single pass at each Z level.
4 If the bottom of the feature is finished the Flat bottom operation
is performed next with a flat-end mill.
5 The bottom radius and the walls of the feature are finished by
the Finish pass.
6 If the feature has a tight corner on the floor that could not be
finished by the flat bottom operation, a Corner operation is
performed.
Rough
pass
Draft flat
Draft
radius
Flat bottom
Finish
pass
Corner
Draft flat scallop height For a feature with a taper or bottom
radius, enter the maximum allowable height of any scallops left
after the Draft flat pass.
1096 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Rough
pass
Draft flat
Draft
radius
Flat bottom
Finish
pass
Corner
See also:
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
(see page 819)
Draft radius scallop height For a feature with a taper or bottom
radius, enter the maximum allowable height of any scallops left
after the Draft radius pass.
Finish pass
Draft taper
Draft radius
Corner
Flat bottom
Rough pass
See also:
Manufacturing steps for milled features with bottom radius regions
(see page 819)
Radius tool scallop height
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1097
Finish pass
Draft taper
Draft radius
Corner
Flat bottom
Rough pass
Multi-axis milling attributes
Multi-axis milling and drilling features have these attributes.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1098 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Mult. rough diameters
Enter a list of roughing tool diameters separated by commas, to
enable multiple Rough passes.
The last diameter is also used for the Finish pass. If you
want the system to select the tool for the final roughing
pass, enter the last diameter as 0.
The system works down the list to the finish tool. One way is to let
the system pick the tooling initially, then set up your diameter list
to work gradually toward the last value. For example, if the system
recommends a 0.125 inch endmill, enter 1.0, 0.5, 0.
By default, FeatureCAM creates one roughing and one finish pass
for all of the milled features. If you use multiple roughing tools,
FeatureCAM cuts all the parts of a feature that it is capable of
cutting with the larger tool, and cuts only the remaining portions of
the feature with the smaller tool. You do not have to manually
create these separate regions. FeatureCAM automatically calculates
them for you.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1099
For cutting Pocket or Boss features, FeatureCAM automatically
selects a single tool diameter for roughing and finishing. For a large
feature with small corner diameters, this method results in a small
tool cutting the middle of the pocket and wastes time. A better
strategy uses a larger tool for the wide areas and a smaller tool for
the tight corners.
Output Options dialog
Filter linear moves This automatically removes unnecessary points
in the toolpath while maintaining tolerance. The points are not
equispaced because unnecessary points are deleted.
Filter linear moves and convert arcs to linear This is similar to the
first option except that all arcs are replaced by straight line
segments. This option is suitable for machine tools which do not
handle arcs well.
Redistribute points after filtering linear moves. Convert arcs to linear
This option allows the insertion of new points. This ensures a
constant distance between points, only inserting extra points if they
are necessary to keep tolerance. This option may increase toolpath
creation time, but reduce time on the machine tool. This option is
suitable for machine tools that can handle large numbers of
equispaced points.
Preview Click this button to display the points of the toolpath in
the graphics window.
1100 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Approximate linear moves with arcs and lines Select this option to
create an arc line approximation for toolpaths that are contained in
the XY, YZ, and XZ plane. This allows 3D programs to be smaller
and to result in smoother surface finishes for certain types of parts.
Arc/line approximation applies to the following 3D techniques:
X-parallel and Y-parallel roughing or finishing with Parallel Angle
set to 0.
Z-level roughing and finishing.
Isoline finishing where the toolpaths line in a plane.
More about output options
A toolpath is made up of a series of point connections that lie within
a tolerance of the surface to be machined. Toolpaths with a low
Tolerance value usually have more points to follow the surface more
closely.
A toolpath's point distribution controls the number of points in the
toolpath. There are a number of options that can influence the
output, which you can change depending on how the controller
handles the points. Older controllers struggle to deal with a large
number of points as they cannot handle the large amounts of
information being fed to them from the NC code. Newer controllers
often have a much better capacity for point handling, but require
more evenly distributed points to achieve smoother machine
kinematics.
We recommend the following advice for point distribution:
The Tolerance value relates to how closely the redistributed
toolpath follows the original toolpath tolerance. For example a
toolpath, calculated with an original Tolerance of 0.01, which is
redistributed with an Output filter tolerance % of 50, has a final
toolpath tolerance of between 0.005 and 0.015 (that is, the final
toolpath tolerance = original toolpath Tolerance +/- (original
toolpath Tolerance * Output filter tolerance %)).
For newer Heidenhain (such as TNC 530) and Siemens (such as
840D) controllers, we recommend you use the Redistribute
option, with the Limit linear moves selected (that is, points are
inserted and limited to a maximum gap between points) and a
Maximum length of 0.3 mm (0.012 in). This inserts points into the
toolpath to ensure a constant distance between points with a
maximum gap of 0.3 mm. This process inserts extra points only
if they are needed to keep tolerance. This is generally for the
more simple '2.5D-type' 3D toolpaths such as Parallel, Z Level
Roughing, and so on.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1101
For newer Fanuc controllers (such as 31i) the same as above
applies only with a larger gap of, say, 0.5 mm. Though these
controllers can handle more points than the normal toolpath
output, they are generally slower than the Heidenhain and
Siemens equivalent, and as a result need a bigger separation
gap. This is generally for the more simple '2.5D-type' 3D
toolpaths such as Parallel, Z Level Roughing, and so on.
For 3D Spiral type toolpaths, we recommend that you still use
Redistribute, but that you deselect Limit linear moves. This also
goes for older machines with the previously mentioned
'2.5D-type' 3D toolpaths.
For really old machines we recommend the Filter linear moves
option, which automatically removes unnecessary points in the
toolpath while maintaining tolerance. The Filter linear moves and
convert arcs to linear option is similar to Filter linear moves except
that all arcs are replaced by straight line segments (polylines).
This option is suitable for machine tools which don't handle arcs
well.
The Approximate linear moves with arcs and lines option produces
toolpaths with arcs inserted wherever possible. This option is
suitable for machine tools which handle arcs well, but is only
available for 3-axis toolpaths (that is, none of the true 2.5D
toolpaths).
The Surface triangle tolerance % defines the size of the mesh
relative to the machining tolerance. The smaller the value, the
finer the mesh, and consequently the toolpath takes longer to
calculate, but it is more accurate.
Curly Corner dialog
You can use the Curly Corner dialog to create curly corner toolpaths.
The curly corner toolpath is applicable to 2.5D Pocket, Boss,
and Side features.
To display the Curly Corner dialog:
1 In the Milling Feature Properties dialog, select a pass in the Tree
View.
1102 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 Click Curly Corner on the Milling tab (see page 1076) to display
the Curly Corner dialog.
To enable this technique:
1 Select Enable curly corner toolpath.
2 Click OK to close the dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1103
You can achieve a uniform cutting condition by carefully controlling
the width of cut. Limiting and controlling the width of cut is
important when machining hard stock material where the
programmed peripheral stepover is small. The Curly corner toolpath
is excellent for controlling the width of cut. Going from a small
stepover to a tight corner or slot cutting produces a high percentage
increase of the width of cut, up to the reciprocal of the stepover
percent setting in FeatureCAM. For example, a 25% stepover can
produce 4 times increase in the tool load, whereas a 5% stepover
can produce up to 20 times increase in the tool load. The following
images show the varying width of cut for a corner move and the
consistent width of the cuts of the curly corner toolpath.
1104 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is called a Curly corner toolpath because of the tool's swirling
motions around corners while moving forward. With the rounded
corners and the curly corners, there are no sharp angles in the
toolpath and the width of cut is limited by the specified stepover
size. Because of the extra circular motions and the bounded tool
load, it is expected to take more time to machine the same pocket
then the previous two types of toolpaths. The Curly corner toolpath
machines the corners and slots multiple times. Each time, the tool
cuts no more than the specified width of cut. The image below
shows the shape of the toolpath for cutting a corner using the curly
corner toolpath.
Curly corner options
The Corner Radius is the radius of the circular toolpaths (or
trochoids) that are inserted. The corner radius must be greater than
or equal to the Stepover.
The Minimum Angle is the threshold for inserting the trochoids. If
the angle between two toolpath moves is less than this angle, no
circular paths are inserted between the moves.
The Stepover is the same as the Distance between cuts. It is
displayed in this dialog so that you can view it along with other
relevant parameters.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1105
Overriding the depth of cut
The Rough depth of cut is normally calculated as the tool Diameter
multiplied by the Depth % attribute set on the Stepover tab of
Machining Attributes.
The default Finish behavior is a single pass around the profile of the
feature, up to the Cutter Length of the tool. This is to avoid leaving a
mark on the side wall of the feature.
You can override both the Rough and Finish depth of cut in several
places, from lowest to highest precedence:
1106 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool level: Depth of cut attribute on the Overrides tab of the Tool
Properties dialog.
Tool level: Material-specific Depth attribute on the Feed/Speed tab
of the Tool Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1107
Feature operation level: Rough/Finish pass Z increment on the
Milling tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
The final depth of cut depends on whether Equal depth of cut is
selected on the Misc. (see page 1052) tab of the Feature Properties
dialog.
Stock Model Settings dialog
You can use the Stock Model Settings dialog to edit the settings of a
stock model.
To display the Stock Model Settings dialog, click Stock Model Options
on the Milling tab (see page 1076) of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
This dialog is available when you are using a stock model (see
page 1010) with an NT toolpath (see page 1015) for a rough
operation.
Stock model rest roughing
These attributes apply to the rough operation.
1108 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Expand area by Enter a value to expand rest areas by the
specified distance (measured along the surface). A negative value
reduces the size of rest areas.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Minimum gap length Enter the gap length, which controls
fragmentation by replacing gaps shorter than this distance with a
toolpath segment. A large value reduces fragmentation, but
increases the length of the toolpath that is not cutting material. A
small value produces shorter toolpaths, but increases the number of
toolpath lifts.
A Minimum gap length of 0:
A Minimum gap length of the default value:
Stock model engagement for finishing
These attributes apply to the finish operation. They reduce tool
wear, improve surface finish, and stop the tool engaging with the
material excessively.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1109
Machine stock only Select this option to limit the toolpaths to
areas where a minimum amount of stock is being removed from the
stock model.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Minimum length removed Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores toolpath portions that are shorter than this.
Use depth of cut Select this option to limit the depth of cut to the
value you enter.
Plunge tab (25D)
You can use the Plunge tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog
(see page 990) to edit the plunge settings for a Milling feature.
Plunge clearance Enter the distance above the operation at which
the tool feeds.
1110 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is marked as L1 in the diagram.
For deep hole drilling, the drill retracts to this distance between
pecks. For milling features, the default is to use the same value for
roughing and finishing. As a result, the tool feeds from the top of a
feature to the floor before cutting. To make the tool feed down into
the feature, set the Plunge clearance for an operation to a negative
value, but ensure the value is above the floor of the feature.
Plunge feed override Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, with a Feed
(see page 1063) attribute of 2000 MMPM and a Plunge feed override
of 50%, the plunge feed rate is 1000 MMPM.
First step To protect the tool from a hardened surface, enter the
percentage by which you want to reduce the calculated Plunge feed
override for the initial plunge. For example, with a Feed attribute of
2000 MMPM, a Plunge feed override of 50 %, and a First step of 20%,
the feed rate of the first plunge move is 200 MMPM; and the feed
rate of subsequent plunges is 1000 MMPM.
Plunge clearance
Z ramp clearance
First Z depth
First plunge move
Z ramp clearance Enter the distance above the operation at which
ramping starts. Z ramp clearance is bound by Plunge clearance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1111
This is marked as L2 in the diagram.
Max. ramp angle Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for
ramping down to depth. It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set
this value to 0 to cause a plunge cut.
Theta Maximum ramp angle
Max. ramp distance This applies to linear or helical ramping.
Max ramp distance applies to linear or helical ramping.
For linear ramping it is the distance for each linear move:
For helical ramping it is the diameter of the helix:
If this attribute is not set, then Max ramp distance is initialized to the
tool diameter. If ramping at this distance would cause a gouge, then
the distance is reduced by a percentage of the initial setting.
Several different percentages are tried by FeatureCAM.
You cannot control the percentages.
1112 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If a gouge-free ramping location cannot be found, then FeatureCAM
ramps to depth using helical moves that follow the shape of the
toolpath. In order for this to work, your machine must be able to do
helical interpolation.
If, after reducing the ramping distance, a ramping location still
cannot be found, then a direct plunge may occur. If you observe
direct plunges, then you can set Max ramp distance to be smaller
than the default. So, for example, if your tool is 6 mm in diameter,
then the default of Max ramp distance is initially 6 mm. If you
observe direct plunges at 6mm, then try setting Max ramp distance
to something smaller, say 3 mm. If a gouge-free ramping location
cannot be found at 3 mm, then the Max ramp distance is reduced
using the same percentages as before, but using an initial value of 3
mm instead of 6 mm. In this way, you have a better chance at
getting a successful ramp to depth. The unfortunate trade-off is that
by setting Max ramp distance to 3 mm, then all of your ramps to
depth use this smaller distance.
See also Max. ramp angle.
Minimum Ramp Click this button to display the Minimum Ramp
Distances (see page 1116) dialog.
Plunge points and Pre-drill points Specify a point to override the
location that the tool plunges or pre-drills into the stock.
This attribute is ignored if there is no plunge move in the operation.
For example, if there is no plunge move between a rough and finish
operation, the plunge point would be ignored for the finish
operation.
A plunge point is ignored if it would result in a gouge to the part, or
if the tool would gouge when moving to the starting point of the
toolpath. For example if you specify a plunge point that is closer to
a wall than the tool radius, the plunge point is ignored.
A warning is displayed in the Operations sheet when FeatureCAM
ignores a plunge point.
You can use a curve to specify multiple plunge points (see page
1117).
Start point(s) Specify a point to override the starting location for a
finish operation.
If this attribute is not set the start point is calculated automatically.
You can use a curve to specify multiple start points (see page
1117).
This example shows how the Start point interacts with the Plunge
point and Retract point:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1113
Plunge point If the tool retracts after the
rough pass, it will plunge at the plunge
point. If the tool feeds to the start of the
finish pass, it goes straight to the start
point.
Start point This point is the contact point
of the tool with the finish pass. The tool
ramps onto the feature at this point.
Retract point After ramping off the part,
the tool moves to the retract point before
withdrawing from the feature.
Retract point This is the point that the tool retracts to after the
operation.
Helical ramping Enable this option to use helical ramping. Disable
it to use zigzag ramping.
The exceptions to this rule are listed below. These rules apply to
2.5D milling features.
Zigzag ramping is not performed for NT Spiral, NT Zigzag, NT
Continuous Spiral toolpaths and Vortex when pre-drilling points
are used.
If Max. ramp angle is 0 the tool plunges directly into the feature.
If you request zigzag ramping (by deselecting the Helical ramping
check box), but FeatureCAM determines that there is not
adequate room for zigzagging then there are two cases:
1114 Features
if machine can do a helix is selected then zigzag ramp to depth
while following the contour of the feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
if machine can do a helix is deselected then FeatureCAM
plunges directly.
If Helical ramping is requested, but FeatureCAM determines that
there is not enough room, then FeatureCAM follows the rules for
zigzag ramping (rule 2).
Zigzag ramping
Zigzag ramping occurs when the Helical ramping option is
deselected. Zigzag ramping typically moves in linear segments. You
control the length of these segments with Max. ramp distance and
the slope of the linear moves with Max. ramp angle. If you specify a
Plunge point, zigzag ramping is still available, but the distance of the
ramping moves is calculated automatically. FeatureCAM determines
the starting point for milling the feature and the tool zigzags
between the plunge point and the automatically calculated start
point.
For simple grooves or for plunge points that are located in narrow
regions of a feature, straight, linear zigzag ramping may not be
possible since these moves would gouge the feature. Instead, the
tool will zigzag along a 3D arc or a combination 3D arcs and lines
that would follow the shape of the feature. In this case, 3D arc
moves are output in the NC code. There is currently no way to
approximate these moves with 3D line segments. The Linear approx.
parameter only applies to helical ramping.
See also Using zig-zag ramping to mill a helical path for a simple
groove (see page 778).
Helical and zigzag ramping restrictions
FeatureCAM tries to automatically determine locations for ramping
into the part using the following criteria:
1 The ramping move should not gouge.
2 For zigzag ramping, the XY distance of each linear move must be
at least one tool diameter for non-center cutting tools. Center
cutting tools only need an XY move of 20% of the tool diameter.
3 For helical ramping, the same restrictions mentioned above
apply, except that the distance applies to each 360 helical
move.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1115
If you ask for ramping and do not receive the ramping move set a
Plunge point or pre-drill the entry point.
Helical ramping is not available for zigzag milling.
Helical Options Click this button to open the Helical Ramp Options
dialog.
Minimum Ramp Distances dialog
You can use the Minimum Ramp Distances dialog to specify the
minimum Z ramp distance, below which plunging occurs.
To display the Minimum Ramp Distances dialog, click Minimum Ramp
on the Plunge tab (see page 1110) of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
Minimum Z ramp distance This is the minimum vertical ramp
distance allowed. If Minimum Z ramp distance is greater than the
calculated ramp distance or Max ramp distance, the tool plunges.
Helical Ramp Options dialog
You can use the Helical Ramp Options dialog to edit the helical
ramping options for a Milling feature.
1116 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To display the Helical Ramp Options dialog, select Helical Ramping on
the Plunge tab (see page 1110) of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog, then click Helical Options.
Select the direction for helical ramping from CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
Linear approximation Select this option to approximate arc moves
with linear moves.
Linear approximation tolerance Enter a tolerance to control the
accuracy of Linear approximation relative to the theoretical helix. The
lower the value, the more accurate the approximation.
Multiple Plunge points and Start points
You can use a curve to specify multiple Plunge points or Start points
for an operation.
To specify multiple plunge or start points:
1 Create lines with end-points on the locations you want to use as
the plunge or start points.
2 Chain the lines into a curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1117
3 In the Feature Properties dialog, in the Plunge tab, select your
curve as the Plunge points or Start Point attribute, for example:
Example
This is a single Slot feature created from multiple curves:
The pre-drill points specified by FeatureCAM are at the edges of the
slots:
1118 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To change the pre-drill location for all the slots, create a curve that
touches the center of each slot, and select this curve as the Plunge
points option in the Plunge tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
The tool now pre-drills at the center of each slot instead of at the
edge:
Toolpaths tab (25D)
You can use the Toolpaths tab of the Milling Feature Properties dialog
to edit a Toolpath feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1119
The Toolpaths tab is available for Toolpath features only.
When you select this tab, the Toolpath feature is shown in blue on
the part, for example:
Data column
This shows the coordinates of the move. The coordinates have one
of these icons on the left side.
rapid move
linear move
arc move
G-code, single line
G-code, multiple line
Feed column
This shows the feed rate. If it is listed as a rapid move, this column
displays Rapid.
1120 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Comp column
This lists the cutter compensation state for this move. It can be left,
right, off, or blank. If the entry is blank, then this move does not
change the cutter compensation status.
Coolant column
This records the coolant setting for each move. To change the
coolant setting, right-click a row and select Set coolant to bring up
the Set coolant dialog.
You can edit the feed rate and coolant for multiple segments.
Use CTRL+select or SHIFT+select to select the segments you
want to edit, right-click the selection and use the context
menu.
The toolpath is displayed as a series of points. If you select a row in
the table, the move is shown in red in the graphics area.
To locate a particular point, or series of points in the table,
drag-select the points in the graphics window and the appropriate
rows of the table are highlighted.
If you want to pick a single point, you must still drag-select a
single point. Just selecting it does not work.
Toolpath editing commands
The Edit segment button opens the Edit Toolpath Segment (see
page 1122) dialog to enable editing.
The Delete segment button opens the Delete Toolpath Segment
(see page 1123) dialog.
The Split segment button opens the Split Toolpath Segment (see
page 1123) dialog.
The Add curve button opens the Add Toolpath Curve (see page
1124) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1121
The Add segment button opens the Add Toolpath Segment (see
page 1124) dialog.
The Add NC code text button opens the Add NC Code Text (see
page 1125) dialog.
The Export toolpath as curve button opens the Extract Toolpath
Curve (see page 1126) dialog.
The Import existing toolpath button opens the Add Operation to
Toolpath (see page 1126) dialog.
The Options button opens a context menu (see page 1127).
Edit Toolpath Segment dialog
To display the Edit Toolpath Segment dialog, click Edit segment
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature
Properties dialog.
Rapid Select this option to set this segment as a rapid move.
Feed Enter the feedrate.
Dwell Enter a dwell time in seconds.
Point Enter the new coordinates of the point. Or use the Pick
point
button to pick the location graphically.
Coolant Optionally edit the default coolant type.
1122 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Delete Toolpath Segment dialog
To display the Delete Toolpath Segment dialog, click Delete segment
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature
Properties dialog.
When you delete a toolpath segment, you must select how to
connect the remaining segments from these options:
Direct move between the 2 segments
Retract to rapid plane, rapid move to next segment
Retract to specified Z value, rapid move to next segment, and enter
a Z value
Split Toolpath Segment dialog
To display the Split Toolpath Segment dialog, click Split segment
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature
Properties dialog.
This dialog splits one move into multiple moves to enable finer
editing.
You can split the move into two equal pieces, or specify the number
of equal pieces you want. You can also split the segment into two
pieces at a particular point or at a specific distance from the end
point.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1123
Add Toolpath Curve dialog
To display the Add Toolpath Curve dialog, click Add curve
on the
Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature Properties
dialog.
In this dialog, you can add a new curve to the toolpath. Select the
Curve from the list or use the Pick curve
button to select it
graphically. Select Reverse curve to change the direction of the
curve. A curve is added to a toolpath in one of three ways:
Replace all toolpath points The curve is added as a replacement
for the entire path.
Add curve points before selected toolpath point The curve is
added before the curve that you selected in the table on the
Toolpaths tab.
Add curve points after selected toolpath point The curve is added
after the curve that you selected in the table on the Toolpaths
tab.
Add Toolpath Segment dialog
To display the Add Toolpath Segment dialog, click Add segment
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature
Properties dialog.
This dialog enables you to insert a new point before the currently
selected point. For each point you want to create, enter the new
Point coordinates, specify a Feed rate or select the Rapid option,
optionally enter a Dwell in seconds, and click the Create button.
When you have finished creating points, click OK.
1124 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you are creating only one point, you must click the Create
button and the OK button.
Add NC Code Text dialog
To display the Add NC Code Text dialog, click Add NC code text
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling Feature
Properties dialog.
This dialog enables you insert single or multiple lines of NC code
before the selected point and optionally add a comment.
For example, you could enter a M00 conditional stop at a particular
point in order to check the tool.
Click the Apply button, then the OK button, and the NC code and
comment are added to the Toolpaths tab to the row above the
selected row, for example:
Single lines of NC code have the
have the
icon.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
icon and multiple lines of code
Features 1125
After simulation, you can see the code on the NC Code tab, for
example:
Extract Toolpath Curve dialog
To display the Extract Toolpath Curve dialog, click Export toolpath as
curve
on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling
Feature Properties dialog.
The Extract curve dialog allows you to create a curve from a
toolpath. If you want to create a single curve, enter the name for
the curve and click OK. If you want to create arcs and lines, click
the Convert geometry. If you want to output only a few segments of
a toolpath, select a range of moves and select the Selected
segments only option.
Add Operation to Toolpath dialog
To display the Add Operation to Toolpath dialog, click
Import
existing toolpath on the Toolpaths tab (see page 1119) of the Milling
Feature Properties dialog.
This dialog is used to import an existing operation. Select the name
of the operation from the Oper list and click OK. All of the moves of
the operation are displayed in the table.
For drilling operations, canned cycles are replaced with linear
moves.
All safety rail moves for turning operations are removed
before the operation is copied. You must draw the safety rail
moves.
1126 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Options
When you create a Toolpath feature and select the Toolpaths tab,
the full lines of the toolpath are displayed in the graphics window by
default, for example:
To turn the toolpath lines off, click Options
lines:
and deselect Display
If Display lines is deselected, toolpath points only are displayed, for
example:
3D milling feature attributes (3D LITE)
You can use the Surface Milling Properties dialog to edit the
properties of a 3D Surface Milling feature.
Use one of the following methods to display the Surface Milling
Feature Properties dialog:
Right-click a Surface Milling feature in the graphics window or
Part View panel and select Properties from the context menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1127
Double-click a Surface Milling feature in the graphics window or
Part View panel.
The 3D Surface Milling Properties dialog lists the strategies and
operations in the tree view. The tabs displayed in the dialog change
depending on which level in the tree view you select.
Feature
Strategy
Operation
Feature-level tabs
The top level of the tree view is the feature level. Select the feature
name at the top of the tree view to access these tabs:
Dimensions (see page 1130) Use this tab to specify the part and
check surfaces
1128 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Location Use this tab to reposition the feature relative to the
surface
Process (see page 1135) Use this tab to create, delete and
reorder the operations of the feature
Machining Side (see page 1137) Use this tab to control which side
of surfaces to machine
Misc (see page 1139) Use this tab for a variety of feature-level
attributes
Strategy-level tabs
The next level is the strategy level. Select a strategy in the tree
view to access the following tabs:
Strategy (see page 1141) Use this tab for rough/finish
classification, edge protection, and re-machining
Edges (see page 1195) Use this tab to choose how the tool
behaves at the limits of the part surfaces as seen from the top view.
The Edges tab is not available for Z-level roughing or Swarf
finishing operations.
Stock (see page 1203) Use this tab to choose the clipping curves
for the material to be removed
Slopes (see page 1213) Use this tab to set slope angle limits for
restricting toolpaths
The Slopes tab is not available for Z-level roughing, Plunge
roughing, Isoline finishing, Flowline finishing, Horizontal +
Vertical and Swarf strategies.
Surface Control (see page 1238) Use this tab to exclude feature
surfaces for specific operations
Operation-level tabs
The third level is the operation level. Select an operation in the tree
view to access the following tabs:
Tools (see page 1060) Use this tab to view selected tool or
change to a different one
F/S (see page 1063) Use this tab to view automatically calculated
feed or speed or change feed or speeds
Milling (see page 1240) Use this tab to set operation-level
attributes
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1129
Leads (see page 1424) Use this tab to control leads and ramps
Dimensions tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Dimensions tab of the Surface Milling Properties (see
page 1127) dialog to change which surfaces are machined.
The Dimensions tab has two buttons that open dialogs where you
select surfaces to manufacture, and surfaces to use as protected
areas where the tool must not go.
Part surfaces Click this button to open the Select Part Surfaces
(see page 1132) dialog.
Check surfaces Click this button to open the Select Check Surfaces
dialog (see page 1011).
1130 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimensions tab (3D chamfer)
You can use the Dimensions tab of the Chamfer Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to change the dimensions of a chamfer feature.
Enter the Depth of the 3D chamfer, which is a horizontal and vertical
(negative) tool offset from the contact point on the input curve (the
default is 0.020" or 0.5 mm).
Optionally enter a Tip offset, which is an additional negative vertical
tool offset. The default is 0.0.
The horizontal offset is compensated so that the horizontal
offset remains a constant (the Depth dimension).
The Part surfaces and Check surfaces buttons work in the same way
as for a 3D surface milling feature, but they are optional for 3D
chamfers.
Part surfaces
Use this dialog to pick surfaces you want to gouge-check in your 3D
part feature.
1 Select the surface(s) in the list or click the Pick surface button
and select a surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces,
click the Pick surface button again before selecting each
additional surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1131
3 Click OK and Apply to apply your surface selection to the feature
and return to the Feature Properties dialog.
Check surfaces
Check surfaces are surfaces that denote areas that are not milled
away. Use this dialog to select surfaces you want to use to limit
machining in a 3D feature.
1 Select the surface(s) in the list box or click Pick and select a
surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces, click Pick
again before selecting each additional surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
Click OK and Apply to apply your surface selection to the feature
and return to the Feature Properties dialog.
If you select any Part surfaces, they are allowed to be cut to the
depth of the chamfer (in other words, the allowance is equal to
-Depth).
If you select any Check surfaces, there is a Check allowance
attribute on the Milling tab (the default is 0).
Select Part Surfaces dialog
You can use the 3D Part Surfaces dialog to pick surfaces you want to
include in your 3D part feature.
1 Select the surface(s) in the list or click the Pick surface button
and select a surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces,
click the Pick surface button again before selecting each
additional surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
3 Click OK and Apply to apply your surface selection to the feature
and return to the Feature Properties dialog.
You need to consider the following when specifying part surfaces:
You cannot manufacture undercut surfaces using 3-axis
machining, so it is a good idea to use only surfaces in the feature
that can be cut from the setup.
Some surfaces may be cut from multiple setups to manufacture
all parts of the surface. In such situations, a Stock Curve is
helpful in limiting the machining area to just those spots that
need it.
1132 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool Axis tab
The Tool Axis tab controls the orientation of the tool relative to the
part when using the Four Axis Rotary strategy.
Use rotary Z tool Select this option to align the tool with the Z axis
of the active Setup.
Use rotary X tool Select this option to align the tool with the X axis
of the active Setup.
Specify angles You can set the angle in one of these ways:
Index Angle Enter the index angle to set the angle. If the angle is
set to 0.0 then the tool is aligned with the X axis. The Index Angle is
relative to the setup axis, just as it is with any feature alignment.
The actual angle that is output in the code is relative to the stock
axis.
B Angle (see page 1134) Enter an angle to set the B-axis angle.
Normal to surface Set the angle as normal to the surface you pick
using the Pick surface button. Optionally select Reverse direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1133
Turn/Mill B-axis rotary example
You can set the tool used on a rotary surface milling feature to be a
fixed B angle.
To use this method you need the 3D, Turn/Mill and Advanced
Turn/Mill components. You do not need the 5-axis
Simultaneous component.
This example cast part has a 3D Surface feature, shown in red:
The shaft on the front of the part makes it difficult to machine with
the default angle.
Using a 4-axis rotary strategy with the default angle, the head of
the machine collides with the chuck, at the point marked with a pink
arrow:
1134 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Using a fixed B-angle tool axis of 45 degrees, the tool tilts over and
avoids any collisions:
Process tab (3D LITE)
The Process tab lists the operations that are included for milling the
feature in the order they happen. You can remove operations by
deselecting them. This enables you to customize operations and
then turn them off to reduce screen clutter when working on
subsequent operations.
The buttons have these functions:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1135
New operation
Select a machining strategy:
Finishing Strategies
Parallel (see page 831) - toolpaths that are parallel to the X or Y
axes.
Z level finish (see page 857) - toolpaths that are parallel to the
XY plane.
Isoline milling (see page 858) - toolpaths that follow the rows or
columns of individual surfaces.
2D spiral (see page 835) - Toolpaths that move in a spiral toward
or away from the center of the part. Stepover is constant from
the top view.
3D spiral (see page 841) - Toolpaths that move in a spiral toward
or away from the center of the part. Stepover is constant in 3D.
Radial milling (see page 845) - toolpaths that move out radially
from the center of the feature.
Flowline milling (see page 859) - toolpaths that follow the rows
or columns of a flowline surface which are then projected onto
the part.
Between 2 curves (see page 862) - toolpaths that are created
between two specified curves.
Roughing Strategies
Z level rough (see page 845) - toolpaths that are parallel to the
XY plane.
Plunge roughing (see page 865) - toolpaths which remove large
amounts of material from a component through a series of
vertical plunging movements.
Parallel (see page 831) - toolpaths that are parallel to the X or Y
axes.
Specialized Strategies
Horizontal + Vertical (see page 864) - machine steep and
shallow regions using different techniques.
Corner Remachining (see page 872) - A remachining technique
used to clean up corners that occur between non-tangential
surfaces.
Pencil milling (see page 862) - a single clean-up pass for corners.
4-Axis Rotary (see page 867) - used in turnmill to machine round
surfaces with an X tool.
1136 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Swarf (see page 880) - toolpaths are cut using the side of the
tool. The tool is in constant contact with the surface.
5-Axis Trim (see page 886) - toolpaths that are along the edges
of surfaces. There is the option to cut on the inside or outside
edge of the surface.
For more details on these options, see operations overview (see
page 827).
Move item up changes the order of operations in the milling
feature by moving the selected operation up one place in the list.
Move item down changes the order of operations in the feature
by moving the selected operation down one place in the list.
Delete operation removes an operation from the feature. You can
disable an operation instead by deselecting the operation. The check
box, when set, includes that operation in the feature.
Machining Side tab (3D)
You can use the Machining Side tab of the Surface Milling Properties
dialog (see page 1127) to specify the machining side of Surface
Milling features.
This tab shows a table of each Surface in the feature and its current
Machining Side.
FeatureCAM tries to cut on the appropriate side of a surface based
on the surface normals, but sometimes you need to explicitly orient
a surface. This is mainly for the Z-level rough, Z-level finish, and
Isoline strategies.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1137
Vertical surfaces are usually the only surfaces that need to be
manually oriented. FeatureCAM tries to automatically flip surface
normals so that they are consistent. For this automatic flipping to
work on vertical surfaces, there must be some non-vertical surfaces
nearby. For parts that have only vertical surfaces, FeatureCAM does
not automatically flip any normals. That means that you must
ensure that all surface normals point either in or out by manually
flipping the normals to ensure a consistent cutting side.
For open surfaces with a floor, the normals are flipped to create a
pocket shape and the insides are milled.
For open surfaces with a top, they are treated as a boss shape and
the outsides of the surfaces are milled.
Select a surface name in the table, and an arrow is shown on the
model that indicates which side of the surface is cut.
Reset Normals Click this button to return the machining side of all
surfaces to the FeatureCAM defaults.
1138 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Switch Machining Side
button Select a surface in the table and
click this button to reverse the machining side. The Machining Side
in the table changes from Normal to Reverse. Click again to return to
Normal.
Pick surface
button If you have more than one surface in
your feature and do not know the name of the surface you want to
reverse, click this button and select the surface in the graphics
window. The name of the surface is highlighted in the table.
Misc. tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Misc tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog (see
page 1127) to edit the machining options of a Surface Milling
feature.
Enable 3D cutter comp Enable this option to use 3D cutter
compensation. For a 3D surface milling feature, 3D cutter
compensation compensates for the tool radius in the direction of the
contact point. The compensation is not simply right or left. See the
2.5D Strategy (see page 1015) tab for more information on cutter
compensation.
To use 3D cutter compensation, the .cnc file must support 3D
cutter compensation in the linear move format. For example:
{N<SEQ> }{<MOTION> }{<COMP-STAT> }{X<X-COORD>
}{Y<Y-COORD> }{Z<Z-COORD> }
<IF><COMP-3D-ON><THEN>
I<X-SRFNORM><32>J<Y-SRFNORM><32>K<Z-SRFNORM><32>
<ENDIF>
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1139
3D cutter comp applies only to finishing operations and linear
moves. Any arc lead-ins are approximated by linear moves if 3D
cutter comp is selected for the feature. The XBUILD compensation
keywords (<COMP-STAT>, <COMP-START> and so on) work for both
2D and 3D cutter compensation (only one type of compensation can
be active). Set the NC codes to turn 3D cutter compensation on and
off in the NC Codes dialog in XBUILD:
Base priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Feed override % Enter a scaling factor for the feed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
calculated feed rates. A value of more than 100 increases the rates.
Max. spindle RPM Enter the maximum spindle speed (in RPM) that
you want to use.
Spindle RPM override % Enter a scaling factor for the speed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
speed rate, and a value of greater than 100 increases it.
Spline tolerance approximates the profile with arcs and lines if a
profile is defined as a spline. The smaller the value of the
parameter, the smoother the profile.
Tool % of arc radius (see page 1052)
Z rapid plane Enter the minimum safe distance in Z above your
part.
1140 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Before performing a rapid move away from a feature, the tool
retracts to the Z rapid plane setting for that feature. The rapid move
to the next feature changes in Z height, that is, changes Z
coordinates, if the next feature has a different Z rapid plane setting.
So that when it arrives at the next feature it is at the Z rapid plane
for that next feature.
This value is relative to the top of your stock in the current user
coordinate system. Compare with Plunge clearance.
Strategy tab (3D LITE)
The attributes available on the Strategy tab of the Surface Milling
Properties (see page 1127) dialog for 3D surface milling depend on
the strategy.
3D LITE (see page 2)
Z-level rough (see page 1142)
Parallel rough/finish (see page 1150)
2D spiral finish (see page 1153)
Isoline finish (see page 1154)
3D MX (see page 2)
Z-level finish (see page 1156)
Flowline finish (see page 1167)
Between two curves (see page 1169)
Horizontal + vertical (see page 1170)
Swarf (see page 1176)
Four-axis rotary (see page 1177)
3D HSM (see page 2)
Plunge rough (see page 1179)
3D spiral finish (see page 1181)
Corner remachining (see page 1184)
Pencil (see page 1187)
5-axis trim (see page 1188)
Steep and Shallow (see page 1189)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1141
Strategy tab (Z-level rough) (3D LITE)
Specify the style of toolpath. If you select Zig-zag, this roughs the
part raster-style with an optional profile around each Z-slice
(optionally select the Profile contour option).
The value can be anywhere from -360 to 360 degrees, the default is
0.0. A positive value rotates counter-clockwise from the principle
axis, and a negative value rotates clockwise from the axis.
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
1142 Features
Setting the angle to 90 on an X-parallel operation causes it to
effectively become a Y-parallel operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Setting the angle to 180 causes the toolpaths to be cut from the
opposite side of the part. For example, an X-parallel operation
with the angle set to 0 starts at the minimum Y coordinate. With
the angle set to 180, the toolpaths start at the maximum Y
coordinate.
Continuous spiral This option enables the tool to move in a
continuous smooth spiral motion and reduces tool load.
This blow mold base example shows a single Z-level rough slice:
Using the Offset option:
Using the Continuous Spiral
option:
Vortex (3D HSM (see page 2)) An offset toolpath, which is
machined at the specified cutting feed rate almost all of the time.
The optimum tool engagement angle is never exceeded, by
replacing difficult toolpath segments with trochoids. This works well
for solid carbide tools.
Classify slices as
You can tell FeatureCAM to rough your part as a 3D Pocket, or as a
3D Boss. If you select 3D Pocket, the tool plunges or ramps onto the
part and cuts from the inside of the part out toward the boundary of
the part. A 3D Boss typically plunges off the part and cuts from the
outside toward the center.
Even if the surfaces of your part create a boss shape (meaning it
protrudes instead of being a cavity), you can still select 3D Pocket.
The first image below shows the slices of a part being cut as a boss,
and the second as a pocket. Notice that the slides of the boss go all
the way around the part at each slice, but the pocket example has
slices that just cut a region of the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1143
Offset Direction:
Automatic The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock in a continuous radial movement. This is the default option.
During cutting:
In to out The tool plunges into the stock and cuts outwards.
During cutting:
1144 Features
Cutting complete:
Cutting complete:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Out to in The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock. The tool outlines the surfaces and cuts large sections last.
During cutting:
Cutting complete:
Remachining Click this button to open the Z-Level Rough
Remachining Options (see page 1147) dialog.
Area Removal (3D HSM (see page 2))
Remove unsafe areas This removes small toolpath segments to
prevent tool damage when using non-center cutting tools. When
machining into small pockets, removing small segments stops the
central, non-cutting underside of the tool from hitting
non-machinable material. Unsafe segment removal filters out the
machining of confined areas with small movement of the cutting
tool.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1145
Remove area less than This removes segments that are smaller
than the entered percentage of the tool's diameter, unless they
surround a Boss feature.
Closed areas only Select this option to remove segments, in
enclosed areas, that are smaller than the Threshold value.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Z-level rough area removal example
This headlamp mold has a couple of cavities that work their way
down into very small pockets:
This is a cutaway view of a 3D simulation with Remove unsafe areas
deselected:
This is the previous and default behavior.
The bottoms of the pockets are barely bigger than the tool
diameter, and the tool hardly moves in these areas. The non-center
cutting region of the tool cannot cut the material at the bottom of
the pockets.
1146 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is the simulation with Remove unsafe areas selected and
Remove area less than set to 80 % of the tool diameter:
The two smaller pocket regions are removed from the toolpath. This
protects the tool and prevents damage.
Z-Level Rough Remachining Options dialog
To open this dialog, click the Remachining button on the Strategy
(see page 1142) tab.
None Select this option to have no remachining.
Multiple tool diameters
Enter a list of roughing tool diameters separated by commas, to
enable multiple Rough passes.
The last diameter is also used for the Finish pass. If you
want the system to select the tool for the final roughing
pass, enter the last diameter as 0.
The system works down the list to the finish tool. One way is to let
the system pick the tooling initially, then set up your diameter list
to work gradually toward the last value. For example, if the system
recommends a 0.125 inch endmill, enter 1.0, 0.5, 0.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1147
By default, FeatureCAM creates one roughing and one finish pass
for all of the milled features. If you use multiple roughing tools,
FeatureCAM cuts all the parts of a feature that it is capable of
cutting with the larger tool, and cuts only the remaining portions of
the feature with the smaller tool. You do not have to manually
create these separate regions. FeatureCAM automatically calculates
them for you.
For cutting Pocket or Boss features, FeatureCAM automatically
selects a single tool diameter for roughing and finishing. For a large
feature with small corner diameters, this method results in a small
tool cutting the middle of the pocket and wastes time. A better
strategy uses a larger tool for the wide areas and a smaller tool for
the tight corners.
Step cutting This option machines the terraces that would
otherwise remain during a Z-level rough toolpath with the same tool
in the same toolpath. The terraces are machined from bottom to
top. FeatureCAM increases the feed rate of the intermediate slices
as the depth of cut gets progressively smaller, which enables a
constant volume removal rate.
The first pass is a main slice.
The next pass is the lowest step-cutting slice.
The next pass is the next to lowest step cutting slice and so on
up the part (shown by
) until the previous main slice is reached.
The next main slice.
The main slices are cut from top to bottom as normal. The
intermediate slices are cut from bottom to top. This is possible
because the depth of cut is always less than the depth of cut (or
Stepdown) for the main slice. This is the most efficient way of
cutting the part as it reduces the number of passes and increases
the depth of cut of each pass.
1148 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Step up Enter the distance between intermediate cutting levels.
Stepdown of the main slice.
Stepup of the intermediate slice.
The main slice clears the majority of the material. The intermediate
slices remove the terraces remaining after the main slice.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Expand area by Enter the distance by which to expand the rest
areas, measured along the surface. Use with the Detect material
thicker than value to reduce the areas to be machined to the details
(for examples, corners), and then to offset these areas slightly to
ensure that all the detail (for example, on the corners) is machined.
Model
Thickness
True rest material (outlined in pink)
Actual rest material detected (blue hatched area)
Amount you need to expand the area by to include all the rest
material
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1149
Undetected material (black area)
Tool
Reference tool
Use the Expand area by option to increase the rest area (the blue
hatched area) and eliminate the undetected area (the black area).
Increase feed for intermediate steps Select to increase the Feed rate
of the intermediate slices. Because the stepdown of the
intermediate slices is less than that of the main slice, you can
increase the feed rate of the intermediate slices while maintaining
the tool load. Each intermediate slice can have an increasing feed
rate as the depth of cut gets progressively smaller.
Maximum feed increase % Enter the maximum allowable cutting
feed rate for the intermediate slices as a percentage of the normal
feed rate. This value must be larger than 100%. A value of 300
means the cutting feed rate of the intermediate slices can be up to
three times faster than for the main slices.
Strategy tab (Parallel rough/finish) (3D LITE)
1150 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
X parallel Select this option to cut parallel to the X axis.
Y parallel Select this option to cut parallel to the Y axis.
Parallel angle Optionally enter an angle in degrees. You can have
the toolpath at any angle. The angle is measured counter-clockwise
from the X axis if X parallel is selected or counter-clockwise from the
Y axis if Y parallel is selected.
The value can be anywhere from -360 to 360 degrees, the default is
0.0. A positive value rotates counter-clockwise from the principle
axis, and a negative value rotates clockwise from the axis.
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
Setting the angle to 90 on an X-parallel operation causes it to
effectively become a Y-parallel operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1151
Setting the angle to 180 causes the toolpaths to be cut from the
opposite side of the part. For example, an X-parallel operation
with the angle set to 0 starts at the minimum Y coordinate. With
the angle set to 180, the toolpaths start at the maximum Y
coordinate.
Add perpendicular remachining pass Select this option if you want
to add a perpendicular, remachining pass. For example, this setting
adds a Y parallel pass to an X parallel operation. To use this option
you also must specify the Steep slope angle.
Optimize parallel pass If you create a parallel toolpath and select
Add perpendicular remachining pass, with a Steep slope angle greater
than 0 , the Optimize parallel pass option trims the parallel pass so it
doesn't machine the areas that the perpendicular pass machines.
Optimize parallel pass If a parallel toolpath is created with a
perpendicular pass, with a shallow angle greater than 0 , this option
trims the parallel pass so it doesn't machine the areas that the
perpendicular pass machines.
Steep slope angle This option is used with Add perpendicular
remachining pass. The perpendicular pass is applied only to regions
that exceed this slope limit.
You must select Add perpendicular remachining pass to access
the Optimize parallel pass and Steep slope angle options.
Remachining Click this button to open the Remachining (see page
1192) dialog.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
1152 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (2D spiral finish) (3D LITE)
Spiral in Select this option to spiral from the edge in toward the
center.
Spiral out Select this option to spiral away from the center.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1153
Strategy tab (Isoline finish) (3D LITE)
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
1154 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1155
Strategy tab (Z-level finish) (3D MX)
Undercuts Select this option to enable side mill tools to machine
undercuts. When Undercuts is enabled, the Machining Side (see page
1137) tab is available.
The Undercuts option is unavailable when Interleave spiral paths is
enabled.
Interleave spiral paths (see page 1161)
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
1156 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
Bottom up Enable this option cut the Surface feature from the
bottom upwards. Disable it to cut top downwards.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1157
For example, you can use Bottom up to cut this glider mold part:
After a Z-level rough and a 2.5D finish, a Z-level finish strategy is
used, with Scallop height to control the shape of the toolpath.
This is a 3D simulation with Bottom up deselected:
This is the previous and default behavior.
The Ball End Mill tool (shown in yellow) starts at the top in the
middle cutting outwards and so is cutting with the center of the
tool:
This is the result with Bottom up selected:
1158 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The tool starts at the bottom outside of the slope and mills upwards
and inwards towards the center so that the side of the tool is used,
which has a better cutting surface.
Remachining Click this button to open the Remachining (see page
1192) dialog.
Area Removal (3D HSM)
Remove unsafe areas This removes small toolpath segments to
prevent tool damage when using non-center cutting tools. When
machining into small pockets, removing small segments stops the
central, non-cutting underside of the tool from hitting
non-machinable material. Unsafe segment removal filters out the
machining of confined areas with small movement of the cutting
tool.
Remove area less than This removes segments that are smaller
than the entered percentage of the tool's diameter, unless they
surround a Boss feature.
Closed areas only Select this option to remove segments, in
enclosed areas, that are smaller than the Threshold value.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
Z-level finish area removal example
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1159
This cavity part has a small pocket (shown in red):
After using a Z-level rough on the part, this is a cutaway front view
of a 3D simulation of a Z-level semi-finish with Remove unsafe areas
deselected:
This is the previous and default behavior.
The bottom of the pocket is barely bigger than the tool diameter,
and the tool hardly moves in this areas. The non-center cutting
region of the tool cannot cut the material at the bottom of the
pocket.
This is the simulation with Remove unsafe areas selected and
Remove area less than set to 80 % of the tool diameter:
The small pocket region is removed from the toolpath. This protects
the tool and prevents damage.
1160 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Interleave spiral paths
One disadvantage of using Z-level finish is that flat surfaces may
fall between the Z-level slices of your operation. The interleave
option of Z-level finishing inserts toolpaths in the shallow regions
between the slices. This option attempts to finish the entire part
with a minimum number of retracts. This example shows coarse
interleaved toolpaths.
Enable interleaved toolpaths by selecting the Interleave spiral paths
option on the Strategy (see page 1156) tab.
Interleaved toolpaths are controlled by the Spiral max slope
parameter. This parameter controls the slope below which the
zigzag toolpaths are inserted. A higher setting of Spiral max slope
increases the size of the zigzag or spiral region. In general, this
parameter should be set to a value less than 40, because the zigzag
toolpaths should be limited to surfaces with slight slopes.
When using the interleaved technique, Z level toolpaths are always
calculated using the specified Scallop height (see page 1288),
instead of an explicit Z increment. How accurately the toolpaths fit
the surfaces is controlled by the Tolerance (see page 1288)
parameter. To minimize retracts, you may also have to adjust the
Stepover rapid distance (see page 1288).
Arc/line approx. (see page 1288) applies for the Z-level portion of
interleaved toolpath.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1161
There are four different styles of toolpaths that can be created for
the shallow regions. If you select Closed spirals on the Strategy (see
page 1156) tab, but deselect the Spiral attribute on the Milling tab,
offset toolpaths are generated.
1162 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you select Closed spirals on the Strategy (see page 1156) tab and
select the Spiral attribute on the Milling tab, continuous spiral
toolpaths are generated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1163
If you deselect Closed spirals on the Strategy (see page 1156) tab and
select bi-directional in the Cut Direction dialog (accessed by clicking
the Direction button) on the Milling tab, zigzag toolpaths are
created.
1164 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you deselect Closed spirals on the Strategy (see page 1156) tab
and select Uni-directional in the Cut Direction dialog (accessed by
clicking the Direction button) on the Milling tab, you can create
toolpaths that cut in a single direction.
Remove shallow slices In addition to the style of cut on the
shallow regions, you can also change the toolpaths with the Remove
shallow slices option. This example shows Z finish toolpaths with
Remove shallow slices selected.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1165
Without Remove shallow slices selected, toolpaths are inserted
between each slice. This results in the shallow regions being
relatively flat.
With Remove shallow slices selected, the slices in the flatter regions
are removed. This results in the removal of some possibly
unnecessary slices, but shallow regions tend to be larger and the
shallow toolpaths tend to vary more in the Z direction.
1166 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Flowline finish) (3D MX)
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1167
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
1168 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Between two curves) (3D MX)
Pick or select the Start curve and End curve to machine between.
Along curves Select this option to create toolpaths parallel to the
curves radiating out from the start curve towards the end curve.
Across curves Select this option to create toolpaths that begin at
the start curve and move across to the end curve.
Tool center Select this option to limit the toolpath based on the
center of the tool.
Contact point Select this option to limit the toolpath based on last
point of contact between the tool and the surface.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1169
Strategy tab (Horizontal + Vertical) (3D MX)
Slope boundary This is the angle that divides the horizontal and
vertical regions. Portions of the surfaces with slopes less than this
angle are machined with the parallel toolpaths, and the steeper
slopes are machined by the Z level.
Slope overlap This indicates how much the two regions overlap, in
degrees. An overlap of 0 means that the two regions are distinct. A
value of 10 means that the two passes overlap by 10 degrees.
Horizontal
Select a Spiral or Parallel toolpath for the shallow regions of the
feature.
If you are using a Spiral toolpath for the shallow regions, the shape
of those regions is automatically calculated based on the Slope
boundary and Slope overlap attributes.
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
1170 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
In to out The default spiral motion starts at the edge of the
feature and moves inwards. Enable this option to start the spiral at
the center of the feature and move outwards.
Smoothing This removes all sharp changes in direction. It works
in a similar way to the Toolpath corner % (see page 1242) raceline
smoothing attribute, but smooths all toolpaths, not just corners.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1171
This example shows a 3D spiral finish without smoothing:
And with smoothing:
If you select to use a Parallel toolpath, the pass is parallel to the X
axis unless you enter a Parallel angle. Set the Parallel angle to 90 to
be parallel to the Y axis.
Vertical
These attributes control the steeper regions of the feature.
Bottom up Enable this option cut the Surface feature from the
bottom upwards. Disable it to cut top downwards.
For example, you can use Bottom up to cut this glider mold part:
After a Z-level rough and a 2.5D finish, a Z-level finish strategy is
used, with Scallop height to control the shape of the toolpath.
1172 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is a 3D simulation with Bottom up deselected:
This is the previous and default behavior.
The Ball End Mill tool (shown in yellow) starts at the top in the
middle cutting outwards and so is cutting with the center of the
tool:
This is the result with Bottom up selected:
The tool starts at the bottom outside of the slope and mills upwards
and inwards towards the center so that the side of the tool is used,
which has a better cutting surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1173
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
1174 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spiral example
Parallel example
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1175
Strategy tab (Swarf) (3D MX)
Reverse Tool Axis If the tool axis is upside down, select this
option to reverse it.
Follow surface laterals When selected, the swarf toolpath follows
the underlying surface rulings. When deselected, this is not
necessarily the case.
Gouge check Select this option to check the toolpath for gouges.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
1176 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Four-axis rotary) (3D MX)
Select a cutting style from:
Linear
Linear rotary milling causes the tool to traverse along the index axis
in straight lines, with the rotary axis only used at the end of each
pass to reposition the job.
Circular
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1177
In circular milling the job rotates with the tool at a fixed position,
effectively machining a circle. The tool then steps over the required
amount and machines the next circle.
Spiral
A continuous spiral is cut along the length of the job when spiral
milling is used. To ensure a clean finish a full circle is cut at the two
ends. Because rotation is continuous, only Climb and Conventional
milling are available (so, you must have a rotary head that can
make an unlimited number of rotations).
Y offset Enter a distance to avoid cutting on the center of the
tool.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
1178 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Plunge rough) (3D HSM)
X parallel Select this option to arrange the drilling operations
parallel to the X axis.
Y parallel Select this option to arrange the drilling operations
parallel to the Y axis.
Parallel angle Optionally enter an angle in degrees. You can have
the toolpath at any angle. The angle is measured counter-clockwise
from the X axis if X parallel is selected or counter-clockwise from the
Y axis if Y parallel is selected.
The value can be anywhere from -360 to 360 degrees, the default is
0.0. A positive value rotates counter-clockwise from the principle
axis, and a negative value rotates clockwise from the axis.
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1179
Setting the angle to 90 on an X-parallel operation causes it to
effectively become a Y-parallel operation.
Setting the angle to 180 causes the toolpaths to be cut from the
opposite side of the part. For example, an X-parallel operation
with the angle set to 0 starts at the minimum Y coordinate. With
the angle set to 180, the toolpaths start at the maximum Y
coordinate.
Honeycomb pattern
Plunge roughing is performed in either a straight rectangular
pattern, as shown below:
or a honeycomb pattern in which each row is offset horizontally by
half the rough pass stepover amount:
The honeycomb pattern is usually preferable. The Honeycomb
pattern attribute controls the pattern type.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
1180 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (3D spiral finish) (3D HSM)
Continuous spiral Enable this option to stop the tool lifting from
the surface when machining.
Enable Continuous spiral to have a toolpath that stays in constant
contact with a surface, reducing the chance of leaving any dwell or
witness marks on the surface caused by regular retract and
approaches to the surface.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1181
The standard Z level finishing toolpaths creates paths with a
constant Z height as shown below. The tool either retracts or feeds
along the surface between Z levels.
With Continuous spiral enabled, the toolpaths change into a
continuous spiral. The toolpaths no longer have a constant Z height.
In to out The default spiral motion starts at the edge of the
feature and moves inwards. Enable this option to start the spiral at
the center of the feature and move outwards.
Smoothing This removes all sharp changes in direction. It works
in a similar way to the Toolpath corner % (see page 1242) raceline
smoothing attribute, but smooths all toolpaths, not just corners.
1182 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a 3D spiral finish without smoothing:
And with smoothing:
Remachining Click this button to open the Remachining (see page
1192) dialog.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1183
Strategy tab (Corner remachining) (3D HSM)
Under Options, select:
Multi pencil Create toolpaths along the corner edges. This is
similar to Along, but with fewer retracts where three or more rest
areas meet. This is the same as creating a Pencil milling toolpath
with remachining (see page 1192) enabled.
Along Create toolpaths parallel to the sharp corner edges.
Across Create toolpaths across the corner edges.
Combo Along and Across Create Across toolpaths in steep
areas and Along toolpaths in shallow areas.
Remove deep cuts
Remove deep cuts removes segments of the toolpath where the
depth of cut is large, to prevent tool damage.
A deep cut is defined internally as the sum of the current and
previous tool radii plus any overlap.
1184 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Deep cuts example
The following example has 'ribs' that contain deep cuts:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1185
With Remove deep cuts deselected, the remachining toolpaths cut
the full length of the ribs including the deep cut areas, which could
damage the tool:
With Remove deep cuts selected, the remachining toolpaths cut only
the shallower parts of the ribs:
Detection angle Only corners below the angle specified are found.
Detection angle is the largest angle between adjacent,
non-tangential surfaces that is detected as part of a pencil or
remachining operation. It is used to set the sensitivity of the region
detection. Generally, Detection angle should be set as big as possible
to detect the unmachined regions.
1186 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Remachining Click this button to open the Remachining (see page
1192) dialog.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Strategy tab (Pencil) (3D HSM)
Detection angle Only corners below the angle specified are found.
Detection angle is the largest angle between adjacent,
non-tangential surfaces that is detected as part of a pencil or
remachining operation. It is used to set the sensitivity of the region
detection. Generally, Detection angle should be set as big as possible
to detect the unmachined regions.
Remachining Click this button to open the Remachining (see page
1192) dialog.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1187
Strategy tab (5-axis trim) (3D HSM)
Inside edge Select this option to create toolpaths on the inside
edge of the surface.
Outside edge Select this option to create toolpaths on the outside
edge of the surface.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
1188 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Strategy tab (Steep and shallow) (3D HSM)
Order This determines the order in which the steep and shallow
portions are machined.
Top first Select this option to machine from the top regions
downwards. If you have a boss, the shallow regions at the top of
the boss are machined before the steep regions down the sides.
Steep first Select this option to machine the steep sections
before the flat. If you have a boss, the steep regions are
machined before the shallow regions.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1189
Options
Threshold angle Enter the angle of the surface slope, measured
from the horizontal, that determines the split between constant Z
(steep) and shallow machining.
Overlap distance Enter the size of the overlap area between steep
and shallow machining. This reduces marks on the model caused by
a sudden switch between steep and shallow machining.
Steep
Spiral Select this option to create a spiral path between two
consecutive closed contours.
Shallow
Select from:
Parallel
Optionally enter a Wall Clearance and Raster Angle.
3D Spiral
1190 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Smoothing Select this option to smooth offsets of toolpath
segments over the model.
Selecting the Smoothing option converts this:
to this:
As a general rule, use raster on open-edged parts and 3D
offsets at the bottom of a pocket.
Holder collision clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. When selected,
the Holder clearance and Shank clearance attributes are displayed on
the Milling tab for the operation.
Machine maximum stock Use with Holder collision clipping to
machine the stock as close to the part without causing a holder
collision. This creates smoother toolpaths with fewer retracts, which
can improve the surface finish and reduce the machining time, but
may cause increased air cutting on some parts.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1191
Remachining dialog
You can use the Remachining dialog to create remachining (see
page 874) toolpaths that automatically mill regions that were not
cut by previous operations.
To display the Remachining dialog, click Remachining on the Strategy
tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
Remachining Select this option to enable planar remachining (see
page 874).
Previous tool diameter Enter the dimensions of the tool that was
used to cut the part previously. This parameter applies to all
remachining methods.
Overcut percent Enter a percentage by which to increase the
Previous tool diameter to expand the remachining region. This is
useful to ensure complete coverage by the remachining toolpath.
Minimum rest material Specify the minimum size of remaining
material you want to remachinine.
This parameter does not apply to corner remachining. It
applies only to parallel, Z-level and 3D spiral remachining.
1192 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This setting can be used to filter out regions that have a minimal
amount of rest material left by the previous tool. The default is 0
which means it tries to cut anywhere the previous tool had a double
contact with the part surfaces, including a fillet of the same size as
the previous tool (assuming Overcut percent is also set to 0). If
Minimum rest material is set to a positive number, the remachining
only includes tool paths that remove rest material that is greater
than this depth. Its main use is to handle the case where you have
some part fillets exactly the size of the previous tool and some that
are smaller. If you do not want to remachine the part fillets that are
exactly the size of the previous tool you can set Overcut percent to 0
and Minimum rest material to 1 or 2 times the machining tolerance to
make sure the previous tool radius sized fillets are not remachined.
The following example part has some fillets that have a 10 mm
radius and some smaller fillets. Remachining with a Previous tool
diameter of 20 mm and the default Overcut percent of 5 remachines
all the fillets:
If you set Overcut percent to 0 to avoid cutting the 10 mm fillets we
may get some unwanted tool paths, depending on the machining
tolerance and the accuracy of the part model. Here the machining
tolerance is set to 0.01 mm and we have some unwanted tool paths:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1193
- Unwanted toolpaths
Generally, setting the Minimum rest material to twice the tolerance
(0.02 mm in this case) eliminates these extra tool paths.
Another use for Minimum rest material is to eliminate noise from the
remachining tool paths due to inaccuracies in the part surfaces,
non-solid models, poor tolerances, and so on.
1194 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Edges tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Edges tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to specify how the tool behaves at the edges of the
surface.
This tab gives you options to set how the toolpaths are generated
near surface edges.
Automatic A set of rules that chooses between Don't roll and Cut
to bottom to get the best performance (see page 1201).
Cut to bottom: Roll over top edge and cut to bottom of stock/part limits
This does not set any boundary. In this case, FeatureCAM uses
only the boundary specified by the curve options in the Stock tab.
Cut top edge: Just roll over the top edge Sets a pocket-like curve
boundary to the silhouette of the part offset by a tool radius. The
tool rolls over the edges by a tool radius. In PowerMILL this is
known as a silhouette boundary. Edge boundary uses a silhouette
boundary of the part, but it uses the top (highest) Z values where
the silhouettes are at a vertical surface.
Cut top edge examples
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1195
Cut top edge, z-level operation:
Cut top edge, parallel operation:
Don't roll over the edge at all
Sets a pocket-like curve boundary to the silhouette of the part. The
tool contacts the surface boundary. In PowerMILL this is known as a
contact point boundary. This prevents any cutting of sharp corners
at the external edges of the part. If the part has a vertical surface
at the outside of the part AND has a sharp corner at the top of the
vertical surface, it prevents cutting of the vertical surface because it
is coincident with the sharp corner at the top.
Don't roll over examples
1196 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Do not roll over the edge at all, z-level operation:
Do not roll over the edge at all, parallel operation:
You can set advanced options on the part boundary by clicking the
Advanced (see page 1198) button.
If you have a vertical surface and you want to cut to the bottom,
select Cut to/from bottom of vertical walls.
Cut selected surfaces: Only cut selected part surfaces FeatureCAM
only machines the selected surfaces and does not cut any of the
neighboring or unselected surfaces. If there are no neighboring
surfaces, the tool rolls over the edges by a tool radius.
If you have a vertical surface and you want to cut to the bottom,
select Cut to bottom of vertical walls.
Save Combined Boundary (see page 1199) This preview button
shows both the part boundary (in blue) and the tool center (in red)
curves on your model and enables you to save it for future use if
you want to.
The settings on the Edges tab may affect performance (see
page 1201).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1197
Advanced part boundary options
This page gives you advanced settings for the Don't roll over the edge
at all option.
There are two types of curves used by the Don't roll option. One
type is a curve on the surfaces of the feature. This is called a part
boundary and the points are the contact points where the tool stops
at the edge of the feature. These curves do not depend on the tool.
The second type of curve is a tool center (offset) curve. A tool
center curve is a part boundary curve that has been offset by the
tool edge radius. The Show combined boundary button on the Stock
page gives a preview of all the part boundary and tool center
curves.
Part boundary tolerance This controls the accuracy of the part
boundaries. The default value is automatically computed. Smaller
values give better results but take longer to compute. To reset to
the default value, enter 0 and click OK, then click Apply on the
Edges tab.
Use separate wall tolerance The part boundaries use a tolerance to
check for vertical surfaces (walls). By default it uses the Part
boundary tolerance. Selecting this option enables you to enter a
separate tolerance value for vertical walls. You may need to use this
setting if you use the Cut to/from bottom of vertical walls option on
the Edges tab. If you preview the part boundaries and they are not
consistent at the bottom of vertical walls, select Use separate wall
tolerance and enter a larger tolerance than the boundary tolerance
above.
Offset boundary tolerance This controls the accuracy of the tool
center (offset) curves. The default value is the same as the
Tolerance value on the Milling tab, but if you override it here it
becomes a separate tolerance for the tool center curves.
Smaller values produce smoother tool center curves, but take
longer to compute.
1198 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Edge tolerance This specifies the tolerance between the part
boundaries and the surfaces. The default value of 0 means this
tolerance is set automatically based on the boundary tolerance
above. If the tool center curve is rolling over the edges of the
feature you may need to set a larger edge tolerance (relative to the
boundary tolerance).
Advanced part boundary examples
The Save Combined Boundary preview button on the Edges tab
shows both the part boundary (blue) and the tool center (red)
curves:
In the following example, the part boundary (red) is smooth, but
the tool offset (blue) is rough. Decrease the Offset boundary
tolerance for a smoother tool offset:
This shows a smoother tool offset (blue) with decreased Offset
boundary tolerance:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1199
In the following example, the part boundary (red) is not consistent
along a vertical wall. First try reducing the Boundary tolerance. If
that does not solve the problem, try using a separate (larger) Wall
tolerance.
By using a reduced Boundary tolerance, a smoother part boundary is
produced along the top of a vertical wall:
Using the Rollover option, the tool offset (red) (and toolpath) rolls
over the part boundary (blue):
1200 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Using an Edge tolerance larger than the Boundary tolerance
eliminates the rollover. Reducing the Boundary tolerance may also
eliminate the rollover without setting the Edge tolerance:
Edges performance
The options on the Edges tab can have a large impact on the
performance of 3-axis toolpaths. The edge options cause various
types of automatic boundary curves to be calculated which,
depending on the size of the model and the tool, can take significant
time to compute.
These are the edge options ordered from best to worst in order of
performance:
Cut to bottom This option computes no automatic boundary
and has no impact on performance.
Cut selected surfaces This option computes a boundary
between the selected surfaces and unselected surfaces. This is
intended for milling a small subset of the surfaces in a larger
model (in other words, a feature). When used in this way it
should not have a large impact on performance. If you do not
have any unselected surfaces, this option behaves the same as
Cut top edge.
Cut top edge This option computes an automatic silhouette
boundary of the part surfaces. Performance is impacted on large
models.
Don't roll This option computes two automatic boundaries and
can have a large impact on performance. Large models and small
tools both slow down these calculations. This option is best for
simple surface models where the milling needs to be limited to
not roll over the edges along the profile of a feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1201
Automatic
The Automatic option follows a set of rules to choose between Don't
roll and Cut to bottom. Automatic tries to avoid the computation of
Don't roll when it thinks that it is unnecessary and chooses Cut to
bottom (no boundary calculation) instead.
Automatic follows these rules:
1202 Features
Use Cut to bottom for any of these cases:
4- or 5-axis operation
Roughing operation
Flowline or Isoline operation
Corner remachining operation
Select curves for boundaries has been set on the Stock tab
A slope has been set up on the Slopes tab
Remachining option has been selected on the Strategy tab
Overcut % is not 100 on the Stock tab
Otherwise use Don't roll.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock tab (3D LITE)
Use the Stock tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog (see page
1127) to choose the clipping curves for the material to be removed.
Use part surface dimensions This creates toolpaths on the surfaces
regardless of the location of the stock. If you are using a spiral
toolpath, this option automatically calculates the silhouette curve of
the feature and uses this curve as the shape of the spiral. This
generally has the best shape for spiral toolpaths.
Use stock dimensions This restricts the toolpaths to the portions
of the surface feature that are within the stock. If you are using a
spiral toolpath, this option uses the outline of the stock as the shape
of the spiral. You can set what percentage of the tool approaches or
passes beyond the stock boundary in the Overcut % option.
Overcut % applies to three types of surface milling features:
spiral toolpaths designated as a boss on the stock page
features cut with projection milling technique that do not have an
explicit boundary curve
some Z level rough passes.
In the boss case this attribute applies only to how the toolpaths
behave around the stock boundary.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1203
For other 3D surface milling features, use the cut allowance feature
described on the Stock tab. The Overcut % option applies only if Use
stock dimensions is selected on the feature's Stock tab.
Overcut % specifies what percentage of the tool approaches or
passes beyond the stock boundary.
It can have a value between -100 and 100 with the following
meanings:
0 puts the centerline of the tool on the stock curve.
100 overcuts the region by a tool radius.
-100 stops one tool radius short of the stock curve.
For Z level rough, this attribute applies to all features except Pocket
features without stock curves. This attribute controls the outer
extend of Boss features and the amount that Pocket feature cuts
beyond its boundary. The default value is 100% which puts the
edge of the tool on the boundary. A number greater than 100
extends the toolpaths beyond the boundary. A number less than
100 essentially offsets the outer boundary and clips the toolpaths
against this closer boundary.
Use solid model This restricts toolpaths to be within the solid
model or STL model that you choose. Optionally enter an Allowance.
This applies to Z-level roughing only.
1204 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select curves for boundaries This uses curves to restrict the
toolpath boundaries or to affect the shape of a spiral toolpath. Click
the Curve Options button to open the Boundary Curve (see page
1209) dialog. Additional options are displayed for 2D spiral
toolpaths (see page 836), 3D spiral toolpaths (see page 841), and
all other techniques (see page 1209).
Stock Model Select this check box to use a stock model (see page
348) in combination with the curve you selected. Select the Stock
Model name and the Operations to use from the lists. Click the Stock
Model Options button to open the Stock Model Settings (see page
1211) dialog.
This option is available for Z-level rough, Parallel rough and
all 3-axis finishing strategies
Save Combined Boundary Click this button to display and save the
boundary for the operation. The boundary is a combination of the
edge boundary, the stock curve boundary, and the slope limit. This
may take some time to compute, but is computed and stored with
the operation, that is, computed only once.
Creating an STL file
To create an STL file:
1 Play a 3D simulation up to the end of the operation that you
want to save.
2 Select View > Simulation > Save Simulation Results from the menu.
3 The Save STL dialog (see page 146) is displayed:
4 Select to save to either the current directory or a different
directory.
5 Enter an STL File Name or accept the default.
6 Optionally select Save STL File Using Short File Name, Create
Subfolder, and Overwrite Existing Files.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1205
7 Click OK.
You can then import (see page 1206) the STL file to use as initial
stock for Z-level roughing.
Importing an STL file
To import an STL file:
1 Select File > Import from the menu.
The Import window opens.
2 At the bottom of the Import window, for Files of type, select
Supported types, STL, or All.
3 Browse to the STL file you want to import and either double-click
its name, or select it and click Open.
Follow the steps in the wizard or click Cancel to return to the
Graphics area.
The STL displays in the Part View panel under STL with the
default name stl.
Any additional STL files that you import are named stl_1,
stl_2, and so on.
You can also import an STL file by dragging it into the
Graphics area.
1206 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Multiple roughing tools STL example
The following example part needs to be initially machined, and then
sent off to be hardened:
The remaining material must be rest machined around the upstands
of the model.
We do the initial Z-level roughing operation with a 20 mm tool and
achieve the following result:
This is the stock state after hardening.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1207
We save this 3D simulation as an STL file (see page 1205), and
import (see page 1206) it back into the active file:
We then do a Multiple rough Z-level operation using a 10 mm tool
and a 6 mm tool. On the Stock tab for this operation, we select the
*.stl file that we had created and imported, to clip the toolpaths to.
This is the result:
1208 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boundary Curve dialog
To open the Boundary Curve dialog, click the Curve Options button
on the Stock tab (see page 1203).
3D pocket The toolpaths are restricted to the regions inside of the
curves specified as the boundaries.
You can also specify Island curves for 3D pockets. The toolpaths are
generated outside of the island curves, but inside the boundary
curves. The island curves must be inside of the boundaries and
must not touch the boundaries.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1209
3D boss The toolpaths are restricted to the regions outside of the
curves specified as the boundaries.
Boundary curves may extend beyond the stock or beyond the
surfaces of the feature. Regardless of the curves that are specified,
toolpaths do not extend beyond the surfaces of a feature.
Curve allowance The distance to stay away from the boundary or
island curves. This must be a positive number and is an absolute
distance.
Spiral Boss feature with Boundary Curve Allowance. Notice the gap
between the Boss features and the toolpaths.
Limiting method
Tool center Select this option to limit the toolpath based on the
center of the tool.
Contact point Select this option to limit the toolpath based on last
point of contact between the tool and the surface.
1210 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock Model Settings dialog
Stock model rest roughing
These attributes apply to the rough operation.
Expand area by Enter a value to expand rest areas by the
specified distance (measured along the surface). A negative value
reduces the size of rest areas.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Minimum gap length Enter the gap length, which controls
fragmentation by replacing gaps shorter than this distance with a
toolpath segment. A large value reduces fragmentation, but
increases the length of the toolpath that is not cutting material. A
small value produces shorter toolpaths, but increases the number of
toolpath lifts.
A Minimum gap length of 0:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1211
A Minimum gap length of the default value:
Stock model engagement for finishing
These attributes apply to the finish operation. They reduce tool
wear, improve surface finish, and stop the tool engaging with the
material excessively.
Machine stock only Select this option to limit the toolpaths to
areas where a minimum amount of stock is being removed from the
stock model.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Minimum length removed Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores toolpath portions that are shorter than this.
Use depth of cut Select this option to limit the depth of cut to the
value you enter.
1212 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Slopes tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Slopes tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to specify the slope limitations of a 3D Surface
Milling toolpath.
Many of the 3D toolpath techniques can be limited to regions of the
part by angles. These controls are located on the Slopes tab. The
options are:
None All regions of the surfaces of the model are included
regardless of slope.
Horizontal only Limits cutting to regions with a slope less than the
Maximum surface slope angle.
Maximum surface slope limits the toolpaths to portions of surfaces
with a slope less than that angle. This is a good way to limit milling
to the 'flatter' portions of your model. This attribute applies to most
finishing types of toolpaths (for example Parallel, Radial and so on).
The image below shows an example of limiting X parallel toolpaths
to the bottom of the mold by setting Maximum surface slope angle to
45 degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1213
The toolpaths do not climb up steep walls.
Vertical only Limits cutting to steep regions with slope greater
than the Minimum surface slope angle.
This limits toolpaths to surface portions that have a slope greater
than that angle. It works well to limit toolpaths to the steeper
portions of the model. The image shows an example of using this to
limit the finishing passes to the walls.
The bottom of the mold is not machined.
1214 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you are using a spiral operation that is limited by slope,
then selecting the Horizontal only option generates spiral
operations based on the outlines of the slope-based regions.
4-Axis/5-Axis tab (5AS)
You can use the 5-Axis tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to edit the Multi-Axis options of a Surface Milling
feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1215
For a turn/mill document with a B-axis enabled post (.cnc file) or a
5-axis positioned document, these surface milling operations have a
5-Axis tab:
Parallel
Flowline
Pencil
finish
5-axis trim
Corner
Z-level
Remachining
Swarf
finish
Between 2
Horizontal +
Isoline
curves
Vertical
3D spiral
The strategy type determines the options that are available.
This tab enables you to set three different things: Tool Axis, Tilt Axis
for Gouge Avoidance, and Tool Axis Limits. The first two sections of
the dialog can be confusing because they both control the tilt of the
tool axis. Think of the first section, Tool Axis, as a first level of tool
tilting, controlled in a manual way. And then you can add extra
tilting in order to avoid gouges with the tool holder by using Tilt Axis
for Gouge Avoidance.
You can use these two sections of the dialog independently,
one without the other, meaning that you can use the second
section without having specified any tilting in the first section.
The Tool Axis enables you to define the tool orientation. The default
value is Vertical, which is used for standard 3-axis machining.
However, it can also be a continuously changing orientation for
so-called 5-axis simultaneous machining.
Vertical (Z) The tool remains aligned with the Z-axis of the active
Setup and so is the same as for standard 3-axis milling.
Fixed This option enables you to set the tool axis direction as a
vector.
Use Lead and Lean The tool tilts at a fixed angle relative to the
direction of tool travel.
from Select where the lead and lean angle is measured from.
1216 Features
Contact normal Select this option to lead and lean from the
surface normal at the contact point.
Vertical Select this option to lead and lean from the Setup's
Z direction.
Travel dir Select this option to lead and lean from the
perpendicular to the direction of movement
Legacy Select this option to use the traditional lead and
lean style.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lead Angle This tilts the tool forwards or backwards along the
travel direction.
Lean Angle This tilts the tool to the left or right of the travel
direction.
For more information, see Lead/Lean (see page 1223).
Other
From point This option aligns the tip of the tool away from a
fixed point. The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The tip
of the tool moves significantly while the head of the machine tool
stays relatively still.
To point This option aligns the tip of the tool towards a point.
The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The head of the
machine tool moves significantly while the tip of the tool stays
relatively still.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1217
From line This option aligns the tip of the tool away from a
fixed line. The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The tip of
the tool moves significantly while the head of the machine tool
remains relatively still.
To line The tool tip always tries to point towards the fixed line.
The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The head of the
machine tool moves significantly whilst the tip of the tool stays
relatively still.
1218 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
From curve This option aligns the tip of the tool away from a
fixed curve. The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The tip
of the tool moves significantly while the head of the machine tool
stays relatively still.
To curve This option aligns the tip of the tool towards a curve.
The angle of the tool is constantly changing. The head of the
machine tool moves significantly while the tip of the tool stays
relatively still.
In FeatureCAM 2013, these options have been improved
and are now more accurate. The old options are still
available so that you can keep any tool axes that you are
happy with, in existing files. The old options have been
renamed From point (old-style), To point (old-style), From line
(old-style), From curve (old-style), and To curve (old-style).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1219
Automatic The swarf operation has an automatic option (instead
of the above Other option). The automatic option tilts the tool to
keep the side of the tool in contact with the surface(s) being cut.
Retract to Click the Retract to button to open the Safe Area dialog.
The Safe Area dialog affects the approaches, plunges, and retracts
of a 5-axis simultaneous operation.
Retract to sets the shape of the safe area. Select from:
Plane In this case, the safe area is defined as a plane, a distance
of Z rapid plane (1.0 inches in this example) above the top of the
stock. All plunges begin a distance of Plunge clearance away from
the top of the stock (at Z = 0.1 inches in this example).
You set the Z rapid plane and Plunge clearance attributes in the
Retract and Plunge (see page 1421) dialog.
Cylinder If you select Cylinder, the safe area of the operation is
set as an infinitely long cylinder. Enter the Radius of the cylinder,
the Origin and the Axis Direction.
1220 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Sphere If you select Sphere, the shape of the safe area is set as a
sphere. Enter a Radius and Origin for the sphere.
Tool axis smoothing This minimizes changes in velocity and
position of the tool axis. This smooths the axis movements of the
machine tool.
It works by smoothing the rotary axis motion on the A/B axis
(Elevation) and the C axis (Azimuth) of a machine tool.
The benefits of using tool axis smoothing include:
Improved surface finish due to a reduction in jerky motion and
reduction of surface dwell marks.
Reduced machining time due to a more constant rotary axis
speed.
Improved quality of all 5-axis machining strategies.
Tilt Axis For Gouge Avoidance (see page 1224) This enables you
to tilt the tool in order to avoid gouging the model with the holder,
in a user-defined way.
Smoothing distance When using Tilt Axis for Gouge Avoidance, set
this attribute to avoid sudden tool axis changes.
This example part has a vertical surface, shown in red, with two
tabs at the top:
This is the surface in more detail:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1221
Using an Isoline strategy, with Tool axis smoothing enabled and a
Tilt axis of Lean then lead with no Smoothing distance value, the tool
has sudden changes in direction. For example, it machines the area
below the first tab in a tilt position:
Then returns to a vertical position between the tabs:
Then returns to the tilt position to machine the area below the
second tab:
1222 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With a Smoothing distance value entered that is long enough to
cover the area between the two tabs, the tool stays tilted when
machining between the tabs:
Tool Axis Limits (see page 1228) This enables you to define limits
on the direction of the tool axis whilst cutting a multi-axis toolpath.
Lead and Lean
The tool is at a fixed angle relative to the direction of the toolpath.
You can specify two different angles, Lead and Lean. If you specify a
Lead angle and a Lean angle, the Lead Angle is applied first in the
direction of the move, and then the Lean Angle from this rotated
position towards a vector perpendicular to the move.
Lead Angle This defines a rotation of the tool axis in the direction
of travel. It is measured from the perpendicular to the direction of
travel; 0 is vertical. Typically this is used to avoid cutting at the
center of a ball nosed tool on flattish areas. The diagram below has
a lead of 30 .
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1223
Lean Angle This defines a rotation of the tool axis at right angles
to the direction of travel; 0 is vertical. The diagram below has a
lean of 30 degrees. Typically this is used to avoid collisions (such as
a step). Or this can be used when machining up to a step to allow
you to use a smaller tool.
Tilt Axis for Gouge Avoidance
This section is where you can set how FeatureCAM automatically
tilts the tool axis, to avoid collisions between the shank/holder of
the tool assembly and the model.
No tilting This is the default setting and means that the holder
and shank are not gouge-checked.
Lean If a collision is detected, the tool axis moves from the
original axis in the Lean direction until the collision is avoided.
Lead If a collision is detected, the tool axis moves from the
original axis in the Lead direction until the collision is avoided.
Lead then Lean If a collision is detected, the tool tilts from the
original axis in the Lead direction until the collision is avoided. If the
collision cannot be avoided by tilting the tool in the Lead direction,
the tool tilts in the Lean direction until the collision is avoided.
Lean then Lead If a collision is detected, the tool tilts from the
original axis in the Lean direction until the collision is avoided. If the
collision cannot be avoided by tilting the tool in the Lean direction,
the tool tilts in the Lead direction until the collision is avoided.
1224 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To Point If a collision is detected, the tool axis moves from the
original axis, in the direction of the Point, until the collision is
avoided, to become a Toward Point Tool Axis.
From Point If a collision is detected, the tool axis moves from the
original axis, in the direction of the Point, until the collision is
avoided, to become a From Point Tool Axis.
Towards the surface normal If a collision is detected, the tool axis
moves from the original axis and move towards the Surface normal
direction until the collision is avoided.
This simple example uses an X-parallel toolpath over a step to show
the effect of Collision Avoidance. If you create a simple parallel
toolpath over this, you get collisions of the shank as it climbs or
descends the step:
One way around this is to increase the length of the tool. Another
way is to change the toolpath strategy. The third way is to use
Collision Avoidance. In this case, the initial Tool Axis is
Vertical. Select a Tilt Axis for Gouge Avoidance of Lead.
Create a new parallel toolpath. You can see that the toolpath now
tilts on the steep portions to avoid the tool holder colliding:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1225
However, the toolpath is still 3-axis on the flat portions where the
tool holder does not collide:
In summary, the tool tries to respect the original Tool Axis Definition
for as much of the toolpath as possible. When this is not possible,
the tool axis changes in the direction specified in the Tool Tilt Axis
field until the tool assembly no longer collides.
Lead then lean example
The following example model can be machined using 5-axis
simultaneous machining:
A Tilt Axis of Lean does not create a toolpath in the corners
A Fixed direction and a Tilt Axis of From curve creates an incomplete
toolpath.
1226 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- the curve used to generate the toolpa
- an incomplete toolpath.
The only way to resolve this would be to create a curve in each
pocket and generate a separate toolpath for each pocket.
A Tilt Axis of Lead then lean achieves the required result with one
toolpath, so there is no need to create any additional geometry.
Linearization
5-axis machine tools do not guarantee (and frequently don't use) a
straight line move from one point to another in multi-axis. This
means that you cannot necessarily guess where the tool might
move to between two points. The machine tool moves all of its axes
simultaneously it doesn't just move in X and then rotate the
head. It does both together so that both movements are carried out
at the same time. This is not a big issue if the points are close
together. However, if the points are far apart, the machine tool
(which may be rotating the tool tip between two points) can cause
gouges when the part is cut on the actual machine.
Consider moving between two points. Although the move looks like
a straight line, it won't necessarily be a line on the machine tool.
Arc swept by machine tool.
FeatureCAM does attempt to linearize moves by dividing the curves
into smaller straight line moves, based on the Use linearization and
Inch/Metric Tolerance options on the FIVE-AXIS dialog in XBUILD.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1227
A very small wrapping tolerance tends to make 3D and machine
simulation rather slow. For this reason, the simulation has its own
Linearization tolerance option, which you can set to a larger number
than that of manufacturing. That is, the simulation uses the
tolerance (which you set under Options > Simulation > 2D/3D Shaded
tab) for linearization, and the posting process uses the wrapping
tolerance found on the FIVE-AXIS dialog in XBUILD.
Tool Axis Limits
The Tool Axis Limits dialog controls angular limitations of the
machine toolpath which therefore limits the angle at which a tool
can be positioned while cutting a multi-axis toolpath.
When the angular limits are met or exceeded, there are two
options:
Remove toolpaths This removes the toolpath outside the
angular limit.
Leave tool at Limit This keeps the tool axis at the machine limit
on reaching an angular limit.
Elevation angle This defines the angular limits of the machine tool
above the azimuth plane; 0 is in the azimuth plane, 90 is along the
axis perpendicular to the azimuth plane.
Azimuth Angle This defines the angular limits of the machine tool
in the azimuth plane.
Project to Plane This is the same as setting the elevation angle to
zero. Because the elevation angle is fixed, this usually produces a
4-axis toolpath. If the stock Z axis is not aligned with a rotary axis
of the machine tool, a 5-axis toolpath may be produced.
1228 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
It is not always immediately obvious how to translate the machine
tool angular limits with FeatureCAM's Azimuth and Elevation angles.
This looks at a couple of machine configurations with different
angular limits.
The configuration of the rotary axes varies widely. However, the
differences between many of these are relatively minor, and there
are really only three fundamentally different machine
configurations:
Table - Table
Both rotary axes move the table.
With table-table machine tools, typical angular limits are:
X
30
360
The machine tool Y limits are equivalent to the Azimuth Angle or the
angular limits in the XY plane. The Y limit of 360 translates to
Azimuth Angle limits of 0 to 360.
The machine tool X limits are equivalent to the angle above the XY
plane. However, they are not the same angle. This is best described
using the diagram below. The machine tool measures the angular
range relative to the Z axis and FeatureCAM measures it relative to
the XY plane. So, the angle required for the limit is the
complementary angle to the one given for the machine tool.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1229
If you select a Mode of Remove Toolpath this will machine a sphere
to the following extent:
Head - Head
Both rotary axes move the head.
With head head machine tools, typical angular limits are:
X
60
360
The machine tool Z limits are equivalent to the Azimuth angle or the
angular limits in the XY plane. The Z limit of
360 translates to
Azimuth angle limits of 0 to 360 .
1230 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The machine tool X limits are equivalent to the angle above the XY
plane. The machine tool measures the angular range relative to the
Z axis and FeatureCAM measures it relative to the XY plane. So, the
angle required for the limit is the complementary angle to the one
given for the machine tool. This is described in more detail in Table
Table. The X limit of
60 translates to Elevation angle limits of
30 to 90 .
The machine tool's X angle range =
elevation angle range = 30 to 90 .
60 , FeatureCAM's
If you select a Mode of Remove toolpath this machines:
Alternative typical Head - Head machine tool angular limits are:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1231
X -50 to +60
Z
360
This translates to Azimuth Angle limits of 0 to 360 and to Elevation
Angle limits of 30 to 90 . In this case, although the machine tool
limits appear to be different to those in the first Head - Head
example, the FeatureCAM angular limits are in fact the same. This
happens because rotating the head 180 about Z then gives you the
complete range.
Head - Table
One rotary axis moves the head; the other moves the table. This is
the case for lathes with a B-axis head.
Azimuth Angle - defines the angular limits of the machine tool in the
XY plane. 0 is along the X axis; 90 is along the Y axis. Can range
from 0 to 360.
Elevation Angle - defines the angular limits of the machine tool
above the XY plane. 0 is in the XY Plane; 90 is along the Z axis, -90
is along the -Z axis. Can range from -90 to 90.
That is, the elevation angle limits the angle in the XZ plane. Angle
0 is the X tool, 90 is the Z tool, so a minimum elevation 0 to max
elevation 90 cuts the complete right half of a sphere (flowline) given
no min_azimuth/max_azimuth. (Think of it as latitudes and
longitudes that are reachable. The longitude (circles parallel to XZ
plane for turnmill) is controlled by elevation angles).
The latitude (think of a tool axis in the XY plane for turnmill) is
controlled by azimuth angles. That is, -90 to 90 would cut the entire
top half of a sphere if given no elevation limits... (X axis is 0
azimuth angle). However, the allowable range is 0 to 360, so
setting minimum to 270 and maximum to 90 is acceptable (the limit
is set going clockwise around positive Z axis from minimum to
maximum).
1232 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The example below shows you how to transpose the angular limits
on the machine tool to the Azimuth and Elevation limits on the Limits
tab on the Tool Axis Direction dialog. These examples all use a
sphere with an Isoline or Flowline Projection toolpath. If no tool axis
limits are imposed, you will see the following toolpath:
Axis Smoothing tab (5AS)
You can use the Axis Smoothing tab of the Surface Milling Properties
dialog (see page 1127) to specify axis smoothing on Surface Milling
toolpaths.
You must select the Tool axis smoothing option on the 5-Axis
(see page 1215) tab to display the Axis Smoothing tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1233
Elevation Select how to smooth the elevation angle of the tool
axis. An elevation of 90 aligns the tool with the Z axis, and an
elevation of 0 means the tool is in the XY plane.
None Select this option to have no smoothing. The tool axis
orientation moves as and when it needs to move.
Smoothed Select this option to enable the tool axis angle to
change smoothly over the Smoothing distance. The change in angle
will not be more than the Maximum angular correction unless the
angle of the unsmoothed toolpath varies by more than the Maximum
angular correction in less than Smoothing distance. In such regions,
the angle may change by more than the Maximum angular correction
to give a smooth result.
Stepped on surface Select this option to enable the tool axis angle
to change by up to the Maximum angular correction to form steps of
constant value. To avoid sharp tool axis movements, a smooth
transition between steps is made starting at the Smoothing distance
away from the possible ends of adjacent steps. The tool always
remains in contact with the surface.
Stepped with links Similar to Stepped on surface, select this option
to enable the tool axis angle to change by up to Maximum angular
correction to form steps of constant value. In this case, the toolpath
segments are subdivided at the end of each step, and link moves
are inserted so the tool axis changes when the tool is not in contact
with the model. This means that tool axis angle of each toolpath
segment is constant.
Original toolpath, no smoothing
Smoothed toolpath
Maximum angular correction limits
Azimuth or elevation
Toolpath distance
1234 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Maximum angular correction Enter the maximum angle the
smoothed axis may deviate from the initial in the elevation
direction. The maximum angular correction angle is only exceeded if
the unsmoothed toolpath moves by more than this value in less
than the Smoothing distance. In such regions, the angle may change
by more than the Maximum angular correction to give a smooth
results.
Azimuth Select how to smooth the azimuth angle of the tool axis.
Azimuth is the angle between the X axis and the projection of the
tool in the XY plane.
None Select this option to have no smoothing. The tool axis
orientation moves as and when it needs to move.
Smoothed Select this option to enable the tool axis angle to
change smoothly over the Smoothing distance. The change in angle
will not be more than the Maximum angular correction unless the
angle of the unsmoothed toolpath varies by more than the Maximum
angular correction in less than Smoothing distance. In such regions,
the angle may change by more than the Maximum angular correction
to give a smooth result.
Stepped on surface Select this option to enable the tool axis angle
to change by up to the Maximum angular correction to form steps of
constant value. To avoid sharp tool axis movements, a smooth
transition between steps is made starting at the Smoothing distance
away from the possible ends of adjacent steps. The tool always
remains in contact with the surface.
Stepped with links Similar to Stepped on surface, select this option
to enable the tool axis angle to change by up to Maximum angular
correction to form steps of constant value. In this case, the toolpath
segments are subdivided at the end of each step, and link moves
are inserted so the tool axis changes when the tool is not in contact
with the model. This means that tool axis angle of each toolpath
segment is constant.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1235
Original toolpath, no smoothing
Smoothed toolpath
Maximum angular correction limits
Azimuth or elevation
Toolpath distance
Maximum angular correction Enter the maximum angle the
smoothed axis may deviate from the initial in the azimuth direction.
The maximum angular correction angle is only exceeded if the
unsmoothed toolpath moves by more than this value in less than
the Smoothing distance. In such regions, the angle may change by
more than the Maximum angular correction to give a smooth results.
Smoothing distance
Original toolpath, no smoothing
Smoothed toolpath
Maximum angular correction limits
Azimuth or elevation
Toolpath distance
Override smoothing UCS Select this option to use a different UCS
to the UCS used to generate the toolpath to define elevation and
azimuth for smoothing.
UCS Select the UCS to use when smoothing.
1236 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stepped on surface example
This car door part uses a trimming toolpath around the edge:
With no smoothing, the rotary table has a rocking motion and
sudden direction changes can leave witness marks.
In some areas of the model, it is impossible to avoid the rotation,
such as when the tool makes its way around the corners and the
wheel arch. However, it is areas such as on this long edge of the
door, where the machine table is rocking backwards and forwards,
that you can avoid this using the Stepped on surface options:
With Stepped on surface enabled for both Elevation and Azimuth,
with a Max. angular correction of 80, the table does not rotate while
cutting this area:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1237
Stepped with links example
This example part uses the Pencil strategy to cut the bottom fillet:
Enabling Stepped with links for both Elevation and Azimuth reduces
the tool movement.
A centerline simulation shows the links that FeatureCAM inserts
links so that it can change direction while not in contact with the
surface:
Surface control tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Surface control tab of the Surface Milling Properties
dialog (see page 1127) to specify how the toolpaths are generated
on surfaces.
The Surface list displays all surfaces in the feature. Deselect the
check box next to a surface name to exclude it from the operation.
1238 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select a surface in the list to highlight it in the graphics window, or
use the Pick surface
button and select a surface in the graphics
window to highlight it in the list.
Isoline milling
Attributes for displays the operation being edited.
Surface The surfaces are machined in the order listed. Use the
and
buttons to rearrange the surfaces in the list. Deselect
the check box next to a surface name to exclude it from the
operation.
Start Curve Isoline surfaces are made up of rows or columns of
curves. The Start Curve determines the first isoline curve used for
machining the surface. Click Set isoline row/col
to change the
starting isoline curve.
First Row the tool cuts along the row isoline curves, starting
with the first row.
Last Row the tool cuts along the row isoline curves, starting
with the last row.
First Col the tool cuts along the column isoline curves,
starting with the first column.
Last Col the tool cuts along the column isoline curves,
starting with the last column.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1239
Cut direction Determines the direction that the tool cuts along
the isoline curves. Click Cut direction
to change the direction
between increasing and decreasing.
Sequence Determines the sequence in which the tool cuts the
isoline curves. Click Sequence
to cycle through the toolpath
sequence options.
None the tool cuts the isoline curves in order.
In to out The tool starts at the middle and cuts towards the
outside in both directions.
Out to in The tool starts at the outside and cuts towards the
middle from both directions.
An axis is displayed in the graphics view which shows the location
and direction of the start of the toolpath for the selected surface:
Machining side arrow
Isoline row column corner and direction
If the wrong side of the surface is selected, click Switch Machining
Side
to reverse the machining side.
Flowline milling
If you select a Flowline guide surface (see page 859), the isolines of
another surface are projected onto all the surfaces of the feature.
Milling tab (3D LITE)
You can use the Milling tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to edit the 3D Milling attributes of the operation
selected in the Tree view to control how the part is manufactured.
The check boxes, menus, and numeric attributes on this tab vary
according to the operation type:
1240 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3D LITE
Z-level rough (see page 1242)
Parallel rough (see page 1258)
Parallel finish (see page 1266)
2D spiral finish (see page 1273)
Isoline finish (see page 1281)
3D MX
Z-level finish (see page 1288)
Flowline finish (see page 1302)
Radial finish (see page 1309)
Between 2 curves (see page 1317)
Horizontal + vertical (see page 1326)
Swarf strategy (see page 1348)
3D HSM
Plunge rough (see page 1373)
3D spiral finish (see page 1381)
Corner remachining (see page 1390)
Pencil (see page 1396)
Steep and shallow (see page 1402)
5-axis simultaneous
5-axis trim (see page 1409)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1241
Milling tab (Z-level rough) (3D LITE)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Corner radius % This setting avoids sharp changes in direction by
inserting an arc. To enable it, enter a percentage of the tool
diameter to use for the arc radius.
1242 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Slices in Z-level (both rough and finish) can be arc-fitted to avoid
sharp changes in direction. For Z roughing, only the toolpath closest
to the part is rounded. Corner radius % defines the radius that is
inserted in to the toolpaths.
The radius of internal corners is defined as a proportion of the tool
diameter. The default value is 5% for a finish pass and 0% for a
roughing pass. So if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm then the
arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner radius % can have a value between
0 and 100.
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining as
it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on a
feature after the Rough pass. You can enter a positive or negative
value.
Finish axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Rough pass. If you enter a value for
Finish axial allowance, the value for Finish allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you leave Finish axial allowance blank, the
value for Finish allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1243
Flat surface support There are three options for Flat surface
support:
Off Select this option to ignore flat areas and calculate Z levels
at a constant Z increment.
Level Select this option to insert extra levels above each flat
surface and machine whole flat Z levels. This ensures that the
Finish allowance is applied accurately.
Area Select this option to insert extra levels above each flat
surface and machine flat areas only. This ensures that the Finish
allowance is applied accurately.
Level FeatureCAM machines whole flat Z levels.
1244 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Looking at a different angle you can see that three complete levels
are machined.
Area FeatureCAM machines flat areas only (instead of the whole
level).
Looking at a different angle you can see that only the flat areas are
machined in the first level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1245
Off flat areas are ignored.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
1246 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Max. ramp distance This applies to linear or helical ramping.
Max ramp distance applies to linear or helical ramping.
For linear ramping it is the distance for each linear move:
For helical ramping it is the diameter of the helix:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1247
If this attribute is not set, then Max ramp distance is initialized to the
tool diameter. If ramping at this distance would cause a gouge, then
the distance is reduced by a percentage of the initial setting.
Several different percentages are tried by FeatureCAM.
You cannot control the percentages.
If a gouge-free ramping location cannot be found, then FeatureCAM
ramps to depth using helical moves that follow the shape of the
toolpath. In order for this to work, your machine must be able to do
helical interpolation.
If, after reducing the ramping distance, a ramping location still
cannot be found, then a direct plunge may occur. If you observe
direct plunges, then you can set Max ramp distance to be smaller
than the default. So, for example, if your tool is 6 mm in diameter,
then the default of Max ramp distance is initially 6 mm. If you
observe direct plunges at 6mm, then try setting Max ramp distance
to something smaller, say 3 mm. If a gouge-free ramping location
cannot be found at 3 mm, then the Max ramp distance is reduced
using the same percentages as before, but using an initial value of 3
mm instead of 6 mm. In this way, you have a better chance at
getting a successful ramp to depth. The unfortunate trade-off is that
by setting Max ramp distance to 3 mm, then all of your ramps to
depth use this smaller distance.
See also Max. ramp angle.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
1248 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1249
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Plunge point(s) Optionally pick plunge points to override the
points that are automatically used by FeatureCAM for a Pre-drill
operation with a Spiral type toolpath.
The Plunge point(s) attribute is only available when Plunge
to Pre-drill location is selected on the Leads tab.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reorder Enable this option to create a depth-first strategy. With
Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving to a
lower depth.
1250 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving
to a lower depth.
With Reorder on, paths are created that machine vertical regions as
shown below.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1251
Rough pass stepover % Enter the distance between plunge holes
in the same row, as a percentage of the tool diameter.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1252 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1253
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Toolpath corner % This enables raceline smoothing by replacing
sharp corners with rounded corners. Smoothing the sharp corners of
the toolpaths gives a more constant tool velocity and reduces the
tool load. Enter a toolpath radius larger than the tool radius to
minimize the percentage of the tool that contacts the part. This
enables enough cooling to take place and avoiding sharp increases
in tool load as the tool enters the corners.
Effective only during Z-level rough, a non-zero Toolpath corner %
enables raceline smoothing by replacing sharp corners with rounded
corners. Defines the maximum deviation from the sharp corner. The
maximum this can be set to is 40% of stepover. This means that if
you have a 10 mm stepover the maximum deviation from the sharp
to the rounded corner is 4mm.
Using the Toolpath corner % produces a toolpath with fewer small
arcs which makes the toolpath more suitable for high speed
machining. The original profile has the same number of points, but
the offset passes have a reduced number of points.
Total stock This controls the extent of the toolpaths.
Total stock controls the extent of the toolpaths for a feature.
Enter an offset distance for each Z slice of a feature to use instead
of the Stock boundary.
1254 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a Total stock value of a for one Z slice of a
Surface Mill feature that is classified as a 3D boss:
A A Z slice of a 3D boss feature
a Total stock value
If the Total stock value is 0, the Stock boundary is used, for
example:
A A Z slice of a 3D boss feature
You can also use Boundary curves (see page 1209) to control
the extent of a Z-level rough operation.
Trochoidal cut check box
The Trochoidal cut attribute is available for Z-level roughing.
Turning Trochoidal cut on turns on the ability to detect and avoid
tool overload. As the tool gets towards an overload situation then
FeatureCAM automatically puts in a trochoidal path to take away the
overload. This happens in corners, in narrow channels, slots and the
first cut of an offset toolpath which is, in effect, a narrow channel.
Because some tool overload may be acceptable, you can control
Trochoidal cut with the Avoid overload (% stepover) attribute. This is
the allowable overload percentage of the existing stepover. So, if
you use a stepover of 10 mm and an Avoid overload (% stepover) of
10%, trochoidal moves don't start appearing until an overload
condition of 10% (or 1 mm) is exceeded.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1255
Looking in detail at a typical toolpath:
- Channel
- First cut
- Sharp corner
- Smooth link
Looking at a corner in detail you can see the trochoidal paths more
easily:
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
1256 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Vortex min point spacing (3D HSM (see page 2)) Enter the
minimum point spacing at which the machine tool can move at the
specified feed rate. If the machine tool has too many points to
process, it cannot sustain the specified feed rate. You must select
the Vortex option on the Strategy tab (see page 1141) to access this
attribute.
Vortex min radius (3D HSM (see page 2)) Enter the minimum
radius of the internal trochoids. Vortex toolpaths use trochoidal
moves to maintain a constant feed rate. Higher feed rates require a
larger minimum radius. If you do not override this value, a default
value is used, which is suitable for a typical machine tool at the feed
rate specified for the operation. You must select the Vortex option
on the Strategy tab (see page 1141) to access this attribute.
Vortex Z lift distance (3D HSM (see page 2)) Enter a Z distance to
lift the tool during trochoidal moves to avoid contact between the
tool and the surface. You must select the Vortex option on the
Strategy tab (see page 1141) to access this attribute.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z increment Enter the distance the tool moves down in the Z axis
with each pass. This is useful if the default step down is leaving
excess material on the part. When Scallop stepover is enabled, this
attribute is not available.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1257
Milling tab (Parallel rough) (3D LITE)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
1258 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on a
feature after the Rough pass. You can enter a positive or negative
value.
Finish axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Rough pass. If you enter a value for
Finish axial allowance, the value for Finish allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you leave Finish axial allowance blank, the
value for Finish allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
Features 1259
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Max. ramp distance This applies to linear or helical ramping.
Max ramp distance applies to linear or helical ramping.
For linear ramping it is the distance for each linear move:
For helical ramping it is the diameter of the helix:
1260 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If this attribute is not set, then Max ramp distance is initialized to the
tool diameter. If ramping at this distance would cause a gouge, then
the distance is reduced by a percentage of the initial setting.
Several different percentages are tried by FeatureCAM.
You cannot control the percentages.
If a gouge-free ramping location cannot be found, then FeatureCAM
ramps to depth using helical moves that follow the shape of the
toolpath. In order for this to work, your machine must be able to do
helical interpolation.
If, after reducing the ramping distance, a ramping location still
cannot be found, then a direct plunge may occur. If you observe
direct plunges, then you can set Max ramp distance to be smaller
than the default. So, for example, if your tool is 6 mm in diameter,
then the default of Max ramp distance is initially 6 mm. If you
observe direct plunges at 6mm, then try setting Max ramp distance
to something smaller, say 3 mm. If a gouge-free ramping location
cannot be found at 3 mm, then the Max ramp distance is reduced
using the same percentages as before, but using an initial value of 3
mm instead of 6 mm. In this way, you have a better chance at
getting a successful ramp to depth. The unfortunate trade-off is that
by setting Max ramp distance to 3 mm, then all of your ramps to
depth use this smaller distance.
See also Max. ramp angle.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1261
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
1262 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Rough pass stepover % Enter the distance between plunge holes
in the same row, as a percentage of the tool diameter.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1263
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
1264 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z increment Enter the distance the tool moves down in the Z axis
with each pass. This is useful if the default step down is leaving
excess material on the part. When Scallop stepover is enabled, this
attribute is not available.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1265
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Parallel finish) (3D LITE)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
1266 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
Features 1267
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance This is the amount of material to leave after a 3D
finish pass. If unset, Leave allowance defaults to 0. You can enter a
negative number (up to - tool radius) to allow for shrinkage or
spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part surfaces by the
negative amount specified.
If unset leave allowance defaults to 0. You can enter a negative
number (up to - tool radius) to allow for shrinkage or spark gaps,
and the part is machined into the part surfaces by the negative
amount specified.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Max. angular deviation This attribute is available if you select Tool
axis smoothing on the 5-Axis (see page 1215) tab. This value is the
tolerance, in degrees, by which FeatureCAM can adjust the azimuth
and elevation angles during tool axis smoothing.
1268 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1269
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
1270 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1271
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Toolpath end For X Parallel finishing, enter the Y value for the last
toolpath. For Y Parallel finishing, enter the X value for the last
toolpath.
Toolpath start For X Parallel finishing, enter the Y value for the
first toolpath. For Y Parallel finishing, enter the X value for the first
toolpath.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
1272 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (2D spiral finish) (3D LITE)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1273
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1274 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1275
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
1276 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reorder Enable this option to create a depth-first strategy. With
Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving to a
lower depth.
With Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving
to a lower depth.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1277
With Reorder on, paths are created that machine vertical regions as
shown below.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
1278 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1279
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Toolpath corner % This enables raceline smoothing by replacing
sharp corners with rounded corners. Smoothing the sharp corners of
the toolpaths gives a more constant tool velocity and reduces the
tool load. Enter a toolpath radius larger than the tool radius to
minimize the percentage of the tool that contacts the part. This
enables enough cooling to take place and avoiding sharp increases
in tool load as the tool enters the corners.
Effective only during Z-level rough, a non-zero Toolpath corner %
enables raceline smoothing by replacing sharp corners with rounded
corners. Defines the maximum deviation from the sharp corner. The
maximum this can be set to is 40% of stepover. This means that if
you have a 10 mm stepover the maximum deviation from the sharp
to the rounded corner is 4mm.
Using the Toolpath corner % produces a toolpath with fewer small
arcs which makes the toolpath more suitable for high speed
machining. The original profile has the same number of points, but
the offset passes have a reduced number of points.
1280 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Isoline finish) (3D LITE)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1281
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
1282 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1283
Max. angular deviation This attribute is available if you select Tool
axis smoothing on the 5-Axis (see page 1215) tab. This value is the
tolerance, in degrees, by which FeatureCAM can adjust the azimuth
and elevation angles during tool axis smoothing.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
1284 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1285
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1286 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1287
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Use alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) (5AP) Select this
option to change the default orientation for a 5-axis machine.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Z-level finish) (3D MX)
1288 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Corner correction menu
Corner correction defines the type of corner correction that you
want to apply to all internal corners of a Z-level finish toolpath. The
types are available from a pull-down list and three options are
available:
None - no sharpening or arc fitting is carried out.
Arc Fitted - arcs are created and rounded in all internal corners.
The yellow toolpath shows the Arc Fitted toolpath and the green
toolpath shows the Normal toolpath.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1289
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining,
as it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Corner Radius %
This defines the radius used if you select Arc Fitted. The radius is
defined as a proportion of the tool diameter. For a Z finish pass the
default value is 5%. So, if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm
(radius 5 mm) then the arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner Radius%
can have a value between 0 and 100.
Corner radius % This setting avoids sharp changes in direction by
inserting an arc. To enable it, enter a percentage of the tool
diameter to use for the arc radius.
Slices in Z-level (both rough and finish) can be arc-fitted to avoid
sharp changes in direction. For Z roughing, only the toolpath closest
to the part is rounded. Corner radius % defines the radius that is
inserted in to the toolpaths.
The radius of internal corners is defined as a proportion of the tool
diameter. The default value is 5% for a finish pass and 0% for a
roughing pass. So if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm then the
arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner radius % can have a value between
0 and 100.
1290 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining as
it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Flat srf support This inserts a final profile pass exactly at the base
of a flat pocket.
This example shows previous behavior, with Flat srf support
disabled:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1291
With Flat Srf support enabled, FeatureCAM adds a final profile pass,
:
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
1292 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1293
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Min Z increment Enable Scallop stepover to access this attribute.
The Scallop height attribute specifies the maximum cusp height
between neighboring passes. However, if the calculated value is
smaller than the Min. Z increment, it is set to Min. Z increment.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
1294 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reorder Enable this option to create a depth-first strategy. With
Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving to a
lower depth.
With Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving
to a lower depth.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1295
With Reorder on, paths are created that machine vertical regions as
shown below.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Scallop stepover
The Scallop stepover option is available for certain finish operations.
For projection milling methods, it toggles the way that you specify
how far the tool moves over between passes. With the Scallop
stepover option disabled, you specify the Stepover. With it enabled,
you specify the Scallop height.
For Z-level finish operations, it toggles options for you to specify
tool movements down in Z. With Scallop stepover disabled, you
specify the Z-increment. With it enabled, you specify the Scallop
height.
With the Scallop stepover option enabled, spacing of the toolpaths is
calculated along the surfaces to provide a uniform surface finish.
These images show surfaces cut without using scallop stepover:
1296 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
These images show the same surfaces cut with scallop stepover:
Scallop height
Enter the absolute scallop height between passes. This distance is
measured along the surface and represents the maximum cusp
height between neighboring passes.
Stepover
Scallop height
You must select the Scallop stepover option, to access the
Scallop height attribute.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1297
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath shows the
locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
1298 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select the curves and click the Add
button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
curve
button.
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1299
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have
moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1300 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1301
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z increment Enter the distance the tool moves down in the Z axis
with each pass. This is useful if the default step down is leaving
excess material on the part. When Scallop stepover is enabled, this
attribute is not available.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Flowline finish) (3D MX)
1302 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1303
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
1304 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1305
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
1306 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1307
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
1308 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Radial finish) (3D MX)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1309
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Angle end/start is a numeric attribute for radial operations only.
If Angle end is greater than Angle start, the tool travels
counter-clockwise.
Angle start = 0
Angle end = 120
Tool moves counter-clockwise
If Angle end is less than Angle start, the tool moves clockwise.
Angle end = 0
Angle start = 120
Tool travels clockwise
To machine an area counter-clockwise starting at 350 and ending
at 10 you need to think about the values you enter. If you enter an
Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 10 then the tool travels
clockwise and machines the opposite of what you want. So you
must enter an Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 370 to get the
result you want.
1310 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Center point The center of the radial pattern is calculated
automatically unless you set a Center point. This point is projected
down onto the surface to become the center of the radial pattern.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1311
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
1312 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1313
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Radius end/start
Radius start Enter the radius where you want the toolpath to start
and set Radius end.
Radius end Enter the radius where you want the toolpath to end
and set Radius start.
These radii control the dimensions of the pattern and whether the
first pass travels inwards or outwards.
If Radius start > Radius end, the first pass moves inwards
1314 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Radius end
Radius start
First pass travels inwards
If Radius end > Radius start, the first pass moves outwards
Radius end
Radius start
First pass travels outwards
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1315
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
1316 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling tab (Between 2 curves) finish (3D MX)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1317
Edge tolerance Enter the trimming tolerance used to reduce the
noise of the toolpath near the start and end curves.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1318 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Max. stepover If the automatically generated stepover is too
large, you can restrict it by specifying a Max stepover.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1319
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
1320 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1321
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath shows the
locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
1322 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select the curves and click the Add
button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
curve
button.
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1323
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have
moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1324 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1325
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Horizontal + vertical strategy) (3D MX)
This strategy combines two different toolpath operations, one for
finishing shallow portions of the part and one for finishing the steep
regions.
An X parallel or spiral toolpath is applied to the shallow regions, and
a Z level finishing operation cuts the steep regions.
The attributes available on the Milling tab are different for each
operation:
1326 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1st (shallow) operation
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1327
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1328 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1329
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
1330 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1331
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
1332 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1333
2nd (steep) operation
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Corner correction
1334 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Corner correction defines the type of corner correction that you
want to apply to all internal corners of a Z-level finish toolpath. The
types are available from a pull-down list and three options are
available:
None - no sharpening or arc fitting is carried out.
Arc Fitted - arcs are created and rounded in all internal corners.
The yellow toolpath shows the Arc Fitted toolpath and the green
toolpath shows the Normal toolpath.
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining,
as it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Corner Radius %
This defines the radius used if you select Arc Fitted. The radius is
defined as a proportion of the tool diameter. For a Z finish pass the
default value is 5%. So, if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm
(radius 5 mm) then the arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner Radius%
can have a value between 0 and 100.
Corner radius % This setting avoids sharp changes in direction by
inserting an arc. To enable it, enter a percentage of the tool
diameter to use for the arc radius.
Slices in Z-level (both rough and finish) can be arc-fitted to avoid
sharp changes in direction. For Z roughing, only the toolpath closest
to the part is rounded. Corner radius % defines the radius that is
inserted in to the toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1335
The radius of internal corners is defined as a proportion of the tool
diameter. The default value is 5% for a finish pass and 0% for a
roughing pass. So if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm then the
arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner radius % can have a value between
0 and 100.
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining as
it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Flat srf support This inserts a final profile pass exactly at the base
of a flat pocket.
This example shows previous behavior, with Flat srf support
disabled:
1336 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With Flat Srf support enabled, FeatureCAM adds a final profile pass,
:
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1337
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
1338 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Min. Z increment
Min Z increment Enable Scallop stepover to access this attribute.
The Scallop height attribute specifies the maximum cusp height
between neighboring passes. However, if the calculated value is
smaller than the Min. Z increment, it is set to Min. Z increment.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1339
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reorder Enable this option to create a depth-first strategy. With
Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving to a
lower depth.
1340 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With Reorder off, each Z level is roughed completely before moving
to a lower depth.
With Reorder on, paths are created that machine vertical regions as
shown below.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Scallop stepover
The Scallop stepover option is available for certain finish operations.
For projection milling methods, it toggles the way that you specify
how far the tool moves over between passes. With the Scallop
stepover option disabled, you specify the Stepover. With it enabled,
you specify the Scallop height.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1341
For Z-level finish operations, it toggles options for you to specify
tool movements down in Z. With Scallop stepover disabled, you
specify the Z-increment. With it enabled, you specify the Scallop
height.
With the Scallop stepover option enabled, spacing of the toolpaths is
calculated along the surfaces to provide a uniform surface finish.
These images show surfaces cut without using scallop stepover:
These images show the same surfaces cut with scallop stepover:
Scallop height
Enter the absolute scallop height between passes. This distance is
measured along the surface and represents the maximum cusp
height between neighboring passes.
Stepover
Scallop height
You must select the Scallop stepover option, to access the
Scallop height attribute.
1342 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath shows the
locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1343
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
Select the curves and click the Add
button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
1344 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
curve
button.
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have
moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1345
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
1346 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1347
Milling tab (Swarf strategy) (3D MX)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Axial offset This attribute offsets the lowest position of the
toolpath along the tool axis. Positive numbers offset the toolpath
towards the tool holder, negative numbers away.
This is an example of a swarf with a positive offset:
1348 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Axial tolerance This helps to stabilize the tool axis and reduce tool
load.
For a relatively rare number of geometries, the tool axis can waver
slightly as it positions accurately on the surfaces to be machined.
This can be due to small but significant changes in the geometry as
the tool moves from one position to another. This tolerance can be
larger than the machining tolerance to stabilize the tool axis as it
moves across this geometrically varying region. As a consequence
excess material may be left on the surface but the load on the tool
may be reduced.
No Axial tolerance set:
Axial tolerance set to 0.5 (mm):
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Corner radius % This setting avoids sharp changes in direction by
inserting an arc. To enable it, enter a percentage of the tool
diameter to use for the arc radius.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1349
Slices in Z-level (both rough and finish) can be arc-fitted to avoid
sharp changes in direction. For Z roughing, only the toolpath closest
to the part is rounded. Corner radius % defines the radius that is
inserted in to the toolpaths.
The radius of internal corners is defined as a proportion of the tool
diameter. The default value is 5% for a finish pass and 0% for a
roughing pass. So if you have a tool of diameter 10 mm then the
arc radius is 0.5 mm. The Corner radius % can have a value between
0 and 100.
Arc fitting is of particular importance when high speed machining as
it eliminates sudden changes in tool direction.
- Normal
- Arc fitted
Degouge tolerance This is the maximum distance (in addition to
Radial offset) that is used to push the tool away from the surfaces to
avoid gouges.
It defines the upper acceptable bound for this intermediate form of
gouge avoidance. If gouges greater than this value are detected
then the tool is lifted axially to avoid the gouge.
This value can therefore be used to control the location and amount
of material left on non-swarfable surfaces. For example, if material
on a surface can mostly be machined by swarf machining, but there
is a region where 3 mm of material could be left, then you can
either:
1350 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
choose a Radial offset of 3 mm to leave 3 mm of material on the
whole of the surface; or
set a Radial offset of 0 mm and a Degouge tolerance of 3 mm. In
this case, the surface is completely machined where possible, but
some material of up to 3 mm is left on a part of the surface.
Degouge tolerance remains in effect even if Gouge check is not
selected.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Fan at ends With Swarf milling, the tool aligns itself with the
ruling direction of the surface. As the toolpath moves from one
surface to another, there can be a change in the ruling direction and
therefore the tool axis. This is called fanning. With Fan at ends
enabled, fanning happens only in the end region of a plane. Disable
Fan at ends, to allow fanning to happen anywhere across the plane.
With Fan at ends on, the tool axis changes mainly in region
. The tool axis is relatively constant in region
.
With Fan at ends off, the tool axis may change in region
and
.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1351
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
1352 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1353
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Minimum fanning Enter the distance over which the tool can
change from one ruling direction to the next.
With Swarf milling, the tool aligns itself with the ruling direction of
the surface. As the toolpath moves from one surface to another,
there can be a change in the ruling direction and therefore the tool
axis. This is called fanning.
Enter the minimum distance over which fanning can occur. The
fanning distance is measured as the smallest movement on either
surface edge (or the distance the closest part of the tool is to the
opposite part of the surface before fanning starts). The actual
fanning distance may be larger than the Minimum fanning value
specified, to prevent the toolpath from gouging.
Ruling direction of surface 1
Ruling direction of surface 2
Fanning distance
Multiple Cuts This enables multiple passes down the tool axis.
1354 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
By default, Multiple cuts is off and a single toolpath is created:
Enable Multiple cuts to have multiple passes down the tool axis and
select the Multicut strategy.
Multicut strategy To use multiple cuts, first enable the Multiple cuts
attribute, then select the type of strategy from the Multicut strategy
list.
Offset top down Select this option to offset the top cutting path,
moving downwards.
Offset bottom up Select this option to offset the bottom cutting
path, moving upwards.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1355
Merge Select this option to offset the top and bottom cutting
path, merging from one to the other.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
1356 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Radial offset Enter the distance to offset the toolpath in the
direction perpendicular to the tool axis. The default is zero.
Trim with no radial offset
Trim with 5 mm offset
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1357
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath shows the
locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
1358 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select the curves and click the Add
button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
curve
button.
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1359
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have
moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1360 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Stock overcut %
Overcut % applies to three types of surface milling features:
spiral toolpaths designated as a boss on the stock page
features cut with projection milling technique that do not have an
explicit boundary curve
some Z level rough passes.
In the boss case this attribute applies only to how the toolpaths
behave around the stock boundary.
For other 3D surface milling features, use the cut allowance feature
described on the Stock tab. The Overcut % option applies only if Use
stock dimensions is selected on the feature's Stock tab.
Overcut % specifies what percentage of the tool approaches or
passes beyond the stock boundary.
It can have a value between -100 and 100 with the following
meanings:
0 puts the centerline of the tool on the stock curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1361
100 overcuts the region by a tool radius.
-100 stops one tool radius short of the stock curve.
For Z level rough, this attribute applies to all features except Pocket
features without stock curves. This attribute controls the outer
extend of Boss features and the amount that Pocket feature cuts
beyond its boundary. The default value is 100% which puts the
edge of the tool on the boundary. A number greater than 100
extends the toolpaths beyond the boundary. A number less than
100 essentially offsets the outer boundary and clips the toolpaths
against this closer boundary.
Surface join tolerance Use this setting to enter a separate
tolerance to define what represents a gap between surfaces.
Sometimes the default tolerance is smaller than the gap between
surfaces, and two segments of toolpath are created. To ensure one
continuous toolpath across a gap, use a larger Surface join tolerance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
1362 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Up/Down smoothing % Occasionally, the swarf toolpath must
move up and down in order to avoid gouging. The smoothing
happens within the tolerance you enter here. Enter a percentage of
the tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1363
The default tolerance is 15%:
A larger smoothing tolerance reduces this 'spike' in the toolpath, but
affects more of the toolpath near the area:
Milling tab (4-axis rotary) (3D MX)
Angle end/start
1364 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Angle end is greater than Angle start, the tool travels
counter-clockwise.
Angle start = 0
Angle end = 120
Tool moves counter-clockwise
If Angle end is less than Angle start, the tool moves clockwise.
Angle end = 0
Angle start = 120
Tool travels clockwise
To machine an area counter-clockwise starting at 350 and ending
at 10 you need to think about the values you enter. If you enter an
Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 10 then the tool travels
clockwise and machines the opposite of what you want. So you
must enter an Angle start of 350 and an Angle end of 370 to get the
result you want.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1365
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1366 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance This is the amount of material to leave after a 3D
finish pass. If unset, Leave allowance defaults to 0. You can enter a
negative number (up to - tool radius) to allow for shrinkage or
spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part surfaces by the
negative amount specified.
If unset leave allowance defaults to 0. You can enter a negative
number (up to - tool radius) to allow for shrinkage or spark gaps,
and the part is machined into the part surfaces by the negative
amount specified.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1367
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
1368 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1369
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Stock overcut %
Overcut % applies to three types of surface milling features:
spiral toolpaths designated as a boss on the stock page
features cut with projection milling technique that do not have an
explicit boundary curve
some Z level rough passes.
In the boss case this attribute applies only to how the toolpaths
behave around the stock boundary.
For other 3D surface milling features, use the cut allowance feature
described on the Stock tab. The Overcut % option applies only if Use
stock dimensions is selected on the feature's Stock tab.
Overcut % specifies what percentage of the tool approaches or
passes beyond the stock boundary.
It can have a value between -100 and 100 with the following
meanings:
1370 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
0 puts the centerline of the tool on the stock curve.
100 overcuts the region by a tool radius.
-100 stops one tool radius short of the stock curve.
For Z level rough, this attribute applies to all features except Pocket
features without stock curves. This attribute controls the outer
extend of Boss features and the amount that Pocket feature cuts
beyond its boundary. The default value is 100% which puts the
edge of the tool on the boundary. A number greater than 100
extends the toolpaths beyond the boundary. A number less than
100 essentially offsets the outer boundary and clips the toolpaths
against this closer boundary.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1371
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
1372 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling tab (Plunge rough) (3D HSM)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1373
Finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on a
feature after the Rough pass. You can enter a positive or negative
value.
Finish axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Rough pass. If you enter a value for
Finish axial allowance, the value for Finish allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you leave Finish axial allowance blank, the
value for Finish allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Improved Enable this option to calculate the true highest Z value
where the tool touches the surface. If disabled, the surface is
tessellated into a series of approximating triangles and the highest
Z value where the tool touches the triangular plane is used.
Improved is more accurate, but may be slower to calculate.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
1374 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1375
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
1376 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Next row stepover % Enter the distance between rows of a plunge
roughing operation, as a percentage of the tool diameter.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1377
Rough pass stepover % Enter the distance between plunge holes
in the same row, as a percentage of the tool diameter.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1378 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1379
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Toolpath end/start
For X Parallel finishing, enter the Y value for the last toolpath. For Y
Parallel finishing, enter the X value for the last toolpath.
For X Parallel finishing, enter the Y value for the first toolpath. For Y
Parallel finishing, enter the X value for the first toolpath.
These attributes are available only for parallel finish
operations.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
1380 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling tab (3D spiral finish) (3D HSM)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1381
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
1382 Features
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1383
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
1384 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1385
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath shows the
locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
1386 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select the curves and click the Add
button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
curve
button.
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1387
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have
moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Stepover Enter the planar stepover distance between toolpath
center lines. This distance is measured in the XY plane and then the
toolpaths are projected onto the surfaces of your feature.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1388 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1389
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Corner remachine strategy) (3D HSM)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
1390 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1391
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
1392 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1393
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
1394 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Scallop height
Enter the absolute scallop height between passes. This distance is
measured along the surface and represents the maximum cusp
height between neighboring passes.
Stepover
Scallop height
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This sets how close milling is to the mathematically
ideal surface.
This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath follows the
surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance to a lower
value.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Use alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) (5AP) Select this
option to change the default orientation for a 5-axis machine.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1395
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Pencil strategy) (3D HSM)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
1396 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
Features 1397
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
1398 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1399
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
1400 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Use alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) (5AP) Select this
option to change the default orientation for a 5-axis machine.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1401
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (Steep and shallow) (3D HSM)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
1402 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
Features 1403
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
1404 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Min Z increment Enable Scallop stepover to access this attribute.
The Scallop height attribute specifies the maximum cusp height
between neighboring passes. However, if the calculated value is
smaller than the Min. Z increment, it is set to Min. Z increment.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1405
Plunge feed override % Enter the percentage of the Feed setting to
use during a plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed override % to 50,
the resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Scallop stepover
The Scallop stepover option is available for certain finish operations.
For projection milling methods, it toggles the way that you specify
how far the tool moves over between passes. With the Scallop
stepover option disabled, you specify the Stepover. With it enabled,
you specify the Scallop height.
For Z-level finish operations, it toggles options for you to specify
tool movements down in Z. With Scallop stepover disabled, you
specify the Z-increment. With it enabled, you specify the Scallop
height.
With the Scallop stepover option enabled, spacing of the toolpaths is
calculated along the surfaces to provide a uniform surface finish.
These images show surfaces cut without using scallop stepover:
1406 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
These images show the same surfaces cut with scallop stepover:
Scallop height
Enter the absolute scallop height between passes. This distance is
measured along the surface and represents the maximum cusp
height between neighboring passes.
Stepover
Scallop height
You must select the Scallop stepover option, to access the
Scallop height attribute.
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1407
Shallow stepover Enter the distance between successive
machining passes. This is for the shallow portions of the toolpath.
Steep stepover Enter the distance between successive machining
passes. This is for the steep portions of the toolpath.
If you have enabled Scallop stepover, this attribute is replaced
by Scallop height.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
1408 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Z end Enter the distance along the Z axis below which the
operation does not mill.
Use Z end on an earlier operation then follow it with an
operation using the Z start attribute so you control the
toolpaths efficiently.
Z start Enter the distance along the Z axis where the milling
operation starts. You can use this to save time if the stock material
has already been machined away in an earlier operation.
Milling tab (5-axis trim) (5AS)
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1409
Axial offset This attribute offsets the lowest position of the
toolpath along the tool axis. Positive numbers offset the toolpath
towards the tool holder, negative numbers away.
This is an example of a swarf with a positive offset:
Check allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). If left blank for a roughing pass, the
Finish allowance value is used. If left blank for a finishing pass, the
Leave allowance value is used. You can enter a positive or negative
value. Set Check surfaces on the Dimensions (see page 1130) tab.
Check axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a check surface. If you enter a value for Check axial
allowance, the value for Check allowance is applied to radial (Z)
check surfaces only. If you leave Check axial allowance blank, the
value for Check allowance is applied to axial and radial check
surfaces. You can enter a positive or negative value.
Direction Click this button to open the Cut Direction (see page
1419) dialog.
Holder Collision Clipping Clips the toolpath where the holder or
shank collides with a part surface or check surface. Select Holder
collision clipping on the feature's Strategy tab to enable it. When
enabled, these options are displayed:
Holder clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
holder. The toolpath is clipped where the tool holder moves
within this distance of a part surface or check surface. This
option is only visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Shank clearance Enter the clearance distance for the tool
shank. The toolpath is clipped where the shank moves within this
distance of a part surface or check surface. This option is only
visible when Holder Collision Clipping is enabled.
Index X coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute X coordinate to use for the index retract move.
Index Y coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Y coordinate to use for the index retract move.
1410 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Index Z coordinate (5AP (see page 2)) Optionally enter the
absolute Z coordinate to use for the index retract move.
If you do not enter a coordinate, the Z index clearance (see
page 1722) value is used for the index retract move. Z
index clearance is a clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder. This can result in a Z value for indexing
that is outside the valid range for the machine. It can also
result in less-efficient retract moves if the part is an
irregular shape.
Orientation angle Enter the initial C-axis position of the
part in the machine at the start of the operation.
For example:
With an orientation angle of
0, the groove is cut in the
machine's Y direction.
With an orientation angle of
90, the groove is cut in the
machine's X direction.
This option only applies if the machine tool starts at the singularity
(where the machine tool's Z-axis is aligned with the setup's Z-axis).
If the machine tool is not at the singularity, you can specify the
C-axis orientation using these methods:
Use the Alternative 5-axis position (see page 343) option to
specify a C-axis orientation of either 0 or 180 degrees.
Use the Use Origin of this Setup as the Touch-off Point option in the
5 Axis Fixture Location dialog. This method applies the C-axis
orientation to all setups in the part, instead of to individual
operations.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1411
Leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave after a
finish pass. You can enter a positive or negative value. You can
enter a negative number, up to minus the tool radius, to allow for
shrinkage or spark gaps, and the part is machined into the part
surfaces by the negative amount specified. If unset, Leave allowance
defaults to 0.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to
leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you do not enter a Leave axial allowance, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
1412 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
Multiple Cuts This enables multiple passes down the tool axis.
By default, Multiple cuts is off and a single toolpath is created:
Enable Multiple cuts to have multiple passes down the tool axis and
select the Multicut strategy.
New Value To change the value of an attribute in the list, first
select it, then enter the new value. Click the Set button to save the
new value.
Output Options Click this button to open the Output Options (see
page 1100) dialog.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1413
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Post Vars. Click this button to open the Post Variables dialog.
The Post Variables dialog contains nine separate variables that are
passed directly to the post processor. You can use these variables
to pass strings directly to the post processor.
Radial offset Enter the distance to offset the toolpath in the
direction perpendicular to the tool axis. The default is zero.
Trim with no radial offset
Trim with 5 mm offset
Reset All Click this button to reset all of the attributes on the tab
to their default values.
Retract/Plunge Click this button to open the Retract and Plunge
(see page 1421) dialog.
Start point(s) Override the default start point(s) of a toolpath by
entering the name of a curve that, when projected, intersects the
toolpath at the point you want. You can use a curve with multiple
segments to set multiple start points for a toolpath, and alternating
segments are used to set the start points.
This example uses a 5-axis swarf and two 5-axis trim strategies.
1414 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Viewing a centerline simulation from the top, you can see that the
default start point for the 5-axis swarf operation is at the lower right
of the part.
The default start point for the upper trim operation is at the lower
left:
And the default start point for the lower trim operation is at the
lower right:
To override the default start points, you must create a curve that
intersects the toolpaths at the locations of the new start points. In
this example, the curve is shown in blue:
On the Milling tab for each strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1415
A centerline simulation of all three operations shows that the start
points are now aligned along the curve:
Set You must click the Set button to save a New Value for the
selected attribute.
If you change the value of a numeric attribute, the attribute
name is prefixed with a * in the attribute list after you click
Set.
Stepover rapid distance This is used to determine whether to feed
or rapid between toolpaths.
Stepover rapid distance is a 3D distance. If not explicitly set, the
stepover threshold is the tool diameter plus twice the allowance. For
a rough operation, allowance in this context is the Finish allowance.
For finish operation it is Leave allowance.
Stepover rapid distance applies only to stepovers between
toolpaths. To prevent retracting over a gap in a toolpath, use
Retract gap distance.
The practical use of this attribute is to prevent stepovers from
climbing up or down a big wall. This image shows toolpaths before
increasing Stepover rapid distance.
1416 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This image shows how the tool stays on the metal with an increase
in Stepover rapid distance.
Stock overcut %
Overcut % applies to three types of surface milling features:
spiral toolpaths designated as a boss on the stock page
features cut with projection milling technique that do not have an
explicit boundary curve
some Z level rough passes.
In the boss case this attribute applies only to how the toolpaths
behave around the stock boundary.
For other 3D surface milling features, use the cut allowance feature
described on the Stock tab. The Overcut % option applies only if Use
stock dimensions is selected on the feature's Stock tab.
Overcut % specifies what percentage of the tool approaches or
passes beyond the stock boundary.
It can have a value between -100 and 100 with the following
meanings:
0 puts the centerline of the tool on the stock curve.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1417
100 overcuts the region by a tool radius.
-100 stops one tool radius short of the stock curve.
For Z level rough, this attribute applies to all features except Pocket
features without stock curves. This attribute controls the outer
extend of Boss features and the amount that Pocket feature cuts
beyond its boundary. The default value is 100% which puts the
edge of the tool on the boundary. A number greater than 100
extends the toolpaths beyond the boundary. A number less than
100 essentially offsets the outer boundary and clips the toolpaths
against this closer boundary.
Surface join tolerance
Use this setting to enter a separate tolerance to define what
represents a gap between surfaces. Sometimes the default
tolerance is smaller than the gap between surfaces, and two
segments of toolpath are created. To ensure one continuous
toolpath across a gap, use a larger Surface join tolerance.
Target horsepower (see page 1655) This is the ideal [horse]
power for the specified width/depth of cut and feed rate on the
specified stock material type.
Tolerance This attribute controls how accurately the toolpath
follows the surface. If your part appears faceted, set the tolerance
to a lower value.
1418 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Higher value tolerance:
Lower value tolerance:
The tool you select may be incapable of cutting to within the
specified tolerance in constrained areas.
Lower value tolerances may take longer to calculate.
The Tolerance value must be less than the Finish allowance
value to avoid gouging.
Unset Click this button to return the value of the selected
attribute to its default value.
If you have changed the value of a numeric attribute, its
name is prefixed by * in the list.
Cut Direction dialog (3D LITE)
Use the Cut Direction dialog to control the direction the tool cuts
when machining surface milling features. Different options are
available for different toolpath techniques.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1419
To display the Cut Direction dialog, click the Direction button in the
Milling tab of a surface milling feature.
Style Options
Unidirectional Toolpaths go in one direction. For Z-level
toolpaths, the conventional/climb mill parameters control the
direction. For other toolpaths, the decreasing/increasing controls
the direction.
Bidirectional If active, the decreasing or increasing parameters
control the initial cuts direction.
Uphill only Breaks toolpaths up into segments that increase in
Z. If this option is selected all direction parameters are dimmed
because Uphill only fully determines the cut direction.
Downhill only Breaks toolpaths up into segments that decrease
in Z. If this option is selected all direction parameters are
dimmed because Downhill only fully determines the cut direction.
Direction
Conventional Applies only to Z level with Unidirectional. The
tool rotates against the direction of the cut.
Climb mill Applies only to Z level with Unidirectional. If Climb
mill is set the tool rotates in the direction of the cut.
Decreasing Forces the cut to decrease in its principal direction.
For X-parallel operations, the tool starts at the maximum X value
and cut in the negative direction.
Increasing Forces the cut to increase in its principal direction.
For X-parallel operations, the tool starts at the minimum X value
(or Y value for Y-parallel) and cut in the positive direction.
1420 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Unidirectional is set, the Increase and Decrease options only affects
the direction of the initial cut. For spiral milling use
Decrease/Increase to toggle the clockwise/counter-clockwise nature
of the paths. For pencil milling Decreasing/Increasing options toggle
the direction of cut. For radial milling, use Decrease/Increase to
toggle the clockwise and counter-clockwise ordering of each radial
pass around the center. For parallel milling set Parallel angle to 180
to cut from the opposite end of the part.
Start corner
Choose the starting point for the parallel pass from among lower
left, lower right, upper left, lower right. These terms are relative to a
top view of the part.
Retract and Plunge dialog (3D LITE)
To display the Retract and Plunge dialog, click the Retract/Plunge
button in the Milling tab of a surface milling feature.
Z rapid plane Enter the minimum safe distance in Z above your
part.
Before performing a rapid move away from a feature, the tool
retracts to the Z rapid plane setting for that feature. The rapid move
to the next feature changes in Z height, that is, changes Z
coordinates, if the next feature has a different Z rapid plane setting.
So that when it arrives at the next feature it is at the Z rapid plane
for that next feature.
This value is relative to the top of your stock in the current user
coordinate system. Compare with Plunge clearance.
Plunge clearance
Plunge clearance is the distance above a feature at which the tool
starts to feed. In the case of deep hole drilling, the drill retracts to
this distance between pecks. Compare with Z Rapid Plane.
Relative plunge
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1421
The Relative plunge attribute affects how the Plunge clearance
attribute is used when plunging in 3D machining. Without Relative
plunge selected, the tool plunges to the Plunge clearance as an
absolute value. This can cause the tool to feed an unnecessary
amount for parts that are not flat. In the images below an uphill
only toolpath is applied to a simple surface. The dotted lines
represent rapid or plunge moves. Relative plunge is deselected in
the first example. The tool plunges to a set Z value and then feeds
a long way down to the part on each end.
In the image below, Relative plunge is selected. With this feature
enabled, Plunge clearance is used as a relative distance from the
surface and the tool plunges down close to the part.
Retract options
Retract to Z rapid plane is the default retract type. The tool retracts
to the full Z height:
1422 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Relative retract - When you retract and rapid to a new position, using
the Relative retract option, the tool only retracts as high as it needs
to go plus the Clearance amount that you enter, for example:
Relative retract is known as Skim in PowerMILL.
Retract to plunge clearance can save time on milling features by
retracting a lower Z clearance after cutting:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1423
Leads tab (3D Lite)
You can use the Leads tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog
(see page 1127) to control how the tool moves on and off the 3D
surface milling feature (lead in/out) and how the tool moves
between toolpaths (stepovers).
There are slightly different options on the Leads tab for
Z-level rough operation (see page 1430).
Stepover type controls the moves between toolpaths.
The options available to you depend on the operation type.
The Stepover type controls the type of transition move that is
inserted between toolpaths. The options are:
1424 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Direct: The tool moves straight over to the next position. The tool
can move in all 3 axes. This figure shows a direct stepover move
on a flat surface feature.
Arc: For Z-roughing only, the tool attempts to connect to the
next position with an arc. (If that is not possible, an arc and
several tangential lines are used). For Z-roughing, only Direct
and Arc apply.
Stair step: The tool moves up in Z and then over in X and Y.
This image shows a Stair step transition move on a spherical
surface.
This image shows the same surface feature using a Direct
stepover.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1425
Loop: The tool makes an arc move out of one toolpath and an
arc move into the next toolpath. These transitions are actually
programmed from linear moves and may move all three axes.
This image shows a loop move on a flat surface feature.
Ramping
If Ramp to Depth is deselected, the tool plunges to depth. If Ramp to
Depth is selected and Helical is not selected, the tool zigzags into
the material. The angle of the zigzag passes is controlled by Ramp
angle. If Helical is selected, the tool spirals into the material.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Lead Moves
Use lead in/out controls when lead in/out moves are applied.
The Use lead in/out menu controls when lead moves will be applied.
The options are:
Never: Do not use lead moves on this operation.
On all plunges/retract: Apply the leads on all plunge and retract
moves for this operation.
1426 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
On first plunge/last retract: Apply on the first plunge and last
retract move only for this operation.
On all stepovers, plunges and retracts: Apply the leads on all
stepovers, plunge and retract moves for this operation.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Surface Leadin (see page 1747) tab.
The Lead in/out plane controls how the arcs and ramps are
measured.
The arcs and ramps are measured relative to one of the following
options:
Normal to surface: Lead in/out moves are relative to the surface
normal.
Horizontal: Moves are relative to a horizontal plane. Directions of
the ramp could be right or left.
Horizontal left: This setting is most useful for uni-directional paths. It
ensures a consistent left ramping.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1427
Horizontal right: This setting is most useful for uni-directional paths.
It ensures a consistent right ramping.
Vertical: Moves are relative to a vertical plane.
Default: The default for z-level finish is Horizontal, and Vertical for all
others.
Lead moves are performed either as arcs or linear moves by
selecting one of the following categories:
Use arc ramp-in/out
If you select Use arc ramp in/out, the following parameters are used
to control the ramping on and off the part feature:
- Ramp-in angle - The angle
of the ramp in move.
- Ramp diameter - The
diameter of the ramp move.
- Ramp-out angle - The angle
of the ramp out move.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Surface Leadin (see page 1747) tab.
1428 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use linear lead-in/out
If you select Use linear lead-in/out, the following parameters control
the move off the feature:
Lead-in angle - Angle measured away from the toolpath for the
lead-in move. Note this angle can be negative.
Lead-out angle - Angle measured away from the toolpath for the
lead-out move. This angle can be negative.
Lead-in length - Length of the linear lead-in length.
Lead-out length - Length of the linear lead-out length.
- Lead-in angle
- Lead-in length
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Surface Leadin (see page 1747) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1429
Leads tab (Z-level rough) (3D Lite)
The Leads tab controls how the tool moves on and off the surface
milling feature (lead in/out) and how the tool moves between
toolpaths (stepovers).
The moves between toolpaths are controlled by the Stepover type.
The options available to you depend on the operation type.
The Stepover type controls the type of transition move that is
inserted between toolpaths. The options are:
1430 Features
Direct: The tool moves straight over to the next position. The tool
can move in all 3 axes. This figure shows a direct stepover move
on a flat surface feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Arc: For Z-roughing only, the tool attempts to connect to the
next position with an arc. (If that is not possible, an arc and
several tangential lines are used). For Z-roughing, only Direct
and Arc apply.
Stair step: The tool moves up in Z and then over in X and Y.
This image shows a Stair step transition move on a spherical
surface.
This image shows the same surface feature using a Direct
stepover.
Loop: The tool makes an arc move out of one toolpath and an
arc move into the next toolpath. These transitions are actually
programmed from linear moves and may move all three axes.
This image shows a loop move on a flat surface feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1431
Ramping
There are three choices for the Z-roughing ramp style: Plunge To
Depth, Ramp To Depth, or Plunge To A Pre-drill Location.
If Ramp To Depth is deselected, the tool plunges to depth. If Ramp
To Depth is selected and Helical is deselected, the tool zigzags into
the material. The angle of the zigzag passes is controlled by Ramp
angle. If Helical is selected, the tool spirals into the material. See
Helical ramping for more information.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Selecting Plunge To Pre-drill Location(s) creates a pre-drill
operation(s) in the feature if appropriate (there may only be one
pre-drill operation per feature). You must set the Pre-drill Diameter
which attempts to select a drill of that particular diameter. Be
advised to select a drill smaller than (or equal to) the diameter of
the tool used for the Z-roughing. (A bigger tool may gouge).
FeatureCAM automatically calculates (perhaps multiple) pre-drill
locations based upon the regions where it needs to plunge interior
to the stock boundary.
If Approach Outside Where Possible is selected, the approach moves
include a small horizontal move so the tool plunges off the stock.
1432 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turning feature attributes (TURN)
Tree view
Tabs
The turning feature tab view lists the different operations for the
feature:
Feature
Operation
The tabs displayed in the dialog change depending on the level in
the tree view you have selected.
Feature-level tabs
Select the feature name at the top level of the tree view to access
these tabs:
Dimensions (see page 1434)
Strategy (see page 1448)
Misc (see page 1480)
Operation-level tabs
Select an operation in the tree view to access the following tabs:
Tools (see page 1481)
Tool Usage (see page 1484)
Feed/Speed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1433
B-Axis (see page 1492)
Turning (see page 1501)/Boring (see page 1526)/Threading (see
page 1539)/Cutoff (see page 1544) depending on the feature
Dimensions tab (TURN)
The Dimensions tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see page
1433) dialog is different for each turning feature type. Most of the
attributes on the Dimensions tab are the same as on the New
Feature - Dimensions page of the New Feature (see page 613) wizard,
however there are some additional advanced attributes:
Groove (see page 1434)
Thread (see page 1437)
Face (see page 1438)
Cutoff (see page 1439)
Bar Feed/Bar Pull (see page 1439)
Turn (see page 1441)
Bore (see page 1442)
Part Handling (see page 1443)
Stock Curve button You can limit the extent of the roughing by
using a stock curve. Click the Stock Curve button and select or pick
a curve in the Select Stock Curve dialog. This is useful if you are
working from a casting, for example.
Dimensions tab (Groove)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Groove feature.
Select a Type, the options in the dialog are different depending what
you select:
1434 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
From dimensions Enter the dimensions of the Groove.
Location Select ID for an inside diameter Groove or OD for an
outside diameter Groove.
Orientation Select the orientation of the Groove feature from X
axis, Face, or Backface.
Diameter Enter the diameter of the Groove feature.
Depth Enter the depth of the Groove feature.
Width Enter the width of the Groove feature.
Chamfer/Radius Optionally add a chamfer or a radius to the top of
the Groove at each side. Select Chamfer or Radius from the menu
and enter the value.
Angle Optionally enter an angle for each side wall of the Groove.
Radius Optionally set a bottom radius for the feature. The radius
corresponds to the shape of the cutter. By default, the material is
milled using a flat-bottomed mill, making stair-step passes when
close to the radius. Then a rough and finishing pass is made with
the radiused mill. The default value is 0, which cuts a square corner.
You can have a different bottom radius for each side of the Groove.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1435
From curve Select a curve from which to create the Groove.
Location Select ID for an inside diameter Groove or OD for an
outside diameter Groove.
Orientation Select the orientation of the Groove feature from X
axis, Face, or Backface.
Simple groove Create a Groove with simple geometry and only
one operation.
This option simplifies the manufacturing strategy for the feature.
Select this option to machine the feature by making a single pass
down the center of it with a tool whose radius is equal to the width
of the feature.
Location Select ID for an inside diameter Groove or OD for an
outside diameter Groove.
Orientation Select the orientation of the Groove feature from X
axis, Face, or Backface.
Enter the Diameter, Depth and Width of the Groove.
1436 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimensions tab (Thread)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Thread feature.
Type Select ID for an inner diameter thread or OD for an outer
diameter thread, or select Curve to create the Thread from a curve.
Custom Enter the thread dimensions.
Standard Thread Select a thread from the list to use its
dimensions.
Thread Select a Left hand or Right hand thread.
Thread Length Enter the length of the thread.
Pitch Enter the pitch of the thread.
Thread Height Enter the height of the thread.
Minor/Major Diameter Enter the Minor Diameter for an ID feature or
the Major Diameter for an OD feature.
Tapered If your thread is tapered, select this option and enter the
taper Angle.
There are two ways that FeatureCAM can calculate Standard
Threads. Set the Thread depth calculations attribute on the
Threading (see page 1772) tab of Machining Attributes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1437
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Face feature.
Feed direction Select Positive if you want to cut in the +X
direction or select Negative if you want to cut in the -X direction.
Thickness Enter the amount of material to remove in Z.
Outer Diameter Enter the top X value as the Outer Diameter.
Inner Diameter Enter the inner diameter.
1438 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimensions tab (Cutoff)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Cutoff feature.
Chamfer/Radius - Optionally add a chamfer or a radius to the Cutoff
feature. Select Chamfer or Radius from the menu and enter the
value.
Diameter - Enter the (outer) diameter.
Inner Diameter Enter the inner diameter.
Width -
Enter the width of the Cutoff tool.
Transfer to sub spindle Select this option if you want to transfer
the part to the sub spindle. The Transfer Parameters button is
displayed.
Transfer Parameters Click this button to open the Transfer
Parameters dialog, where you can enter the Grab distance, Feed
distance, and Pull distance for the transfer.
Dimensions tab (Bar Feed/Bar Pull)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Bar Feed or Bar
Pull feature.
Type - Select Bar Feeder or Bar Puller from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1439
Bar Feeder
Diameter - Enter the Y coordinate for the bar feed.
Feed Amount - Enter the amount of material you want to feed in the
Z direction.
Bar Puller
Overlap - Enter the amount of material to hold in the puller (in the Z
direction).
Pull Amount - Enter the amount of material you want to pull in the Z
direction.
1440 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Dimensions tab (Turn)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Turn feature.
Curve button Click this button to open the Select Curve (see page
1448) dialog.
Stock Curve button You can limit the extent of the roughing by
using a stock curve. Click the Stock Curve button and select or pick
a curve in the Select Stock Curve dialog. This is useful if you are
working from a casting, for example.
Fillet Radius Enter a value to automatically deburr sharp corners.
Select Other Side to change between external and internal corners.
For example, no Fillet Radius:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1441
With a Fillet Radius value applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to internal instead of external corners,
select the Other Side option:
Dimensions tab (Bore)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Bore feature.
Curve button Click this button to open the Select Curve (see page
1448) dialog.
1442 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stock Curve button You can limit the extent of the roughing by
using a stock curve. Click the Stock Curve button and select or pick
a curve in the Select Stock Curve dialog. This is useful if you are
working from a casting, for example.
Fillet Radius Enter a value to automatically deburr sharp corners.
Select Other Side to change between internal and external corners.
For example, no Fillet Radius:
With a Fillet Radius applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to external instead of internal corners,
select the Other Side option:
Dimensions tab (Part Handling)
Use the Dimensions tab to edit the dimensions of a Part Handling
feature.
Select what you want to do from:
Slug Transfer Select this option to transfer the part from the
main spindle to the sub-spindle.
Reverse Slug Transfer Select this option to transfer the part
from the sub-spindle to the main spindle.
Bar pull Select this option to use the subspindle to grab and
pull the bar of material further out of the main spindle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1443
Part Support On Select this option to enable part support such
as a steady rest or tailstock.
Part Support Off Select this option to remove the part support.
Slug Transfer
Grab distance Enter the grab distance.
Feed distance Enter the feed distance.
1444 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Reverse Slug Transfer
Grab distance Enter the grab distance.
Feed distance Enter the feed distance.
Sub position Enter the sub-spindle position.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1445
Bar pull
Grab distance Enter the grab distance.
Feed distance Enter the feed distance.
Pull distance Enter the pull distance.
1446 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Part Support On
Grab distance Enter the grab distance in Z where you want the
support to move to.
Feed distance Enter the feed distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1447
Part Support Off
Select Curve dialog
Use the Select Curve dialog to select the curve that defines the
shape of the feature.
Select a curve in the graphics window and click
list.
to add it to the
Show all Select this option to show all available curves in the
document.
Strategy tab (TURN)
The Strategy tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see page 1433)
dialog has different options depending on the turn feature:
1448 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turn (see page 1449)
Bore (see page 1458)
Groove (see page 1464)
Thread (see page 1465)
Cutoff (see page 1470)
Strategy tab (Turn feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1449
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Turn/bore (see page 1764) tab.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Cycle Select from:
1450 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turn This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding parallel to the part's center line along the Z axis while
stepping down in the X axis. If you select Negative, the tool
moves from right to left. If you select Positive, the tool moves
from left to right. If the Total stock (see page 1525) attribute is
set, then the part is roughed using curves that are offset from
the feature's profile.
Turn cycle rough operation with Positive feed direction:
Turn cycle rough operation with Negative feed direction:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1451
Face This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding from the outside of the part to the center while
stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the negative
direction.
Back face This cycle roughs within the defined material
boundaries by feeding from the outside of the part to the center
while stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the
positive direction.
Toolpath Select from:
Turning Normal roughing passes are enabled. Each roughing pass
is cut in the same direction. For finishing, the tool traces the
contour of the feature from right to left and is withdrawn from the
part.
Roughing
If the Toolpath attribute is set to Turning, the normal roughing
passes are enabled. Each roughing pass is cut in the same direction.
1452 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feed straight down into the part. The distance is based on the
depth of cut.
Cut down the right-hand wall.
Feed straight across.
Feed up the left-hand wall.
Withdraw from the wall, retract all the way across the feature.
Finishing
If the Toolpath attribute is set to Turning, the toolpath is generated
as shown below.
The tool traces the contour of the feature from right-to left.
The tool is withdrawn from the part based on withdraw angle
and withdraw length.
Offset Roughing toolpaths are created using offsets of the Turn
feature's curve. These offsets are clipped against the stock.
For the offset toolpath type, the roughing toolpaths are created
using offsets of the Turn feature's curve. These offsets are clipped
against the stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1453
Cut-Grip Roughing with Iscar cut grip tools is bi-directional. The
cut grip finishing style is performed using a unique strategy that is
enabled by having a grooving tool that cuts in both directions.
Roughing
Roughing with Iscar cut grip tools is bi-directional. The steps of the
cuts are as follows.
Feed straight down into the part. The distance is based on the depth
of cut.
Feed straight over in Z.
Withdraw away from the wall and rapid back slightly in Z.
Feed straight down again based on the depth of cut.
Feed straight in the -Z direction.
Finishing
The cut grip style of finishing is performed using a unique strategy
that is enabled by having a grooving tool that cuts in both
directions.
Cut down the left hand wall up to the bottom radius.
Rapid up and over and plunge a relief groove.
Cut down the right-hand wall, through the bottom radius into the
relief groove.
Cut along the bottom of the groove. This move is offset by a
deflection amount.
Cut up the left-hand bottom radius. This move is offset by a
deflection amount.
1454 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If the Turn feature has multiple groove cavities, each cavity is cut in
this way and the cavities are ordered from left to right:
Round Insert Round tool roughing toolpaths are designed to ease
the tool more gently into a groove shape.
Round tool roughing toolpaths are designed to ease the tool more
gently into a groove shape. Instead of plunging straight into the
material, part entry is controlled by the Engage angle (see page
1496) turning attribute.
A round tool is required and you must manually select the tool
for this toolpath type.
Engage angle
Round insert tool finish toolpaths are the same as Turning
finish toolpaths.
Turnmilling Uses a rotating endmill tool with rotating stock.
Control the turning spindle speed on the Turn F/S tab. Control the
milling spindle speed on the Mill Speed tab.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page
1047) operation to the feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1455
Conventional The feed moves in the +X direction, followed by
the -Z direction, and so on, until it reaches the end of the stair
step.
No drag Using the Conventional finish type can reduce the tool
life and also result in chips being dragged along the face of the
part. Select the No drag finish, to cut the vertical faces first, in
the -X direction, then the horizontal -Z areas.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Cutting method
Choose an entry in the drop-down list to specify a cutting method
for the operation for each pass. Select:
1456 Features
Single turret to cut the feature using one turret.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pinch turning to cut the feature using turrets positioned above
and below the axis of rotation. The tools cut simultaneously: the
first tool leaves a spiral of material and the second tool cuts the
spiral of material left by the first tool.
Follow turning to cut the feature using turrets positioned above
and below the axis of rotation. Each turret uses a standard depth
of cut: the top tool leads the bottom tool.
TNR Comp
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1457
Strategy tab (Bore feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
1458 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Turn/bore (see page 1764) tab.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Cycle Select from:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1459
Turn This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding parallel to the part's center line along the Z axis while
stepping down in the X axis. If you select Negative, the tool
moves from right to left. If you select Positive, the tool moves
from left to right. If the Total stock (see page 1525) attribute is
set, then the part is roughed using curves that are offset from
the feature's profile.
Turn cycle rough operation with Positive feed direction:
Turn cycle rough operation with Negative feed direction:
1460 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Face This cycle roughs within the defined material boundaries
by feeding from the outside of the part to the center while
stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the negative
direction.
Back face This cycle roughs within the defined material
boundaries by feeding from the outside of the part to the center
while stepping into the face of the part along the Z axis in the
positive direction.
Toolpath Select from:
Turning
Offset
Turnmilling
Cut-Grip
Round Insert
Pre-drill Select this option to have a pre-drill operation for a Bore
feature. Enter the Dia (diameter), Depth, and Z position of your
pre-drilled hole.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1461
Semi-finish pass Enable this option to add a Semi-finish (see page
1047) operation to the feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Conventional The feed moves in the +X direction, followed by
the -Z direction, and so on, until it reaches the end of the stair
step.
No drag Using the Conventional finish type can reduce the tool
life and also result in chips being dragged along the face of the
part. Select the No drag finish, to cut the vertical faces first, in
the -X direction, then the horizontal -Z areas.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
1462 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool nose radius compensation
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1463
Strategy tab (Groove feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Feed dir This is the direction that the tool feeds for the operation.
Select Negative (-Z direction) or Positive (+Z direction). Set this
separately for the Rough, Semi-finish, and Finish operations.
Plunge center first This attribute is available for Groove features.
Plunge center first For groove features, if this option is selected,
the straight portion of the groove is roughed first and then the
angled portions are roughed separately. If Plunge center first is set,
the red region of this image is roughed first and then the yellow
regions are roughed.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Grooving (see page 1776) tab.
Output dwell on rough Select this option to have a Dwell amount
on the rough operation of a Groove feature.
1464 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Strategy tab (Thread feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Turn to diameter
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1465
Optionally create a rough and/or finish pass to turn the part down
to the diameter of the thread. The creation of these operations is
controlled by the Turn to diameter: Rough and Finish options on the
Strategy page. See How a turn feature is manufactured (see page
919) for more details.
Chamfer Enable the Chamfer option to add a chamfer to your
Thread feature.
The chamfer slopes into the thread for OD threads (turn) and away
from the thread for ID threads (bore).
You must select either Rough or Finish to access the
Chamfer option.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
Relief Groove
Optionally generate a roughing (see page 900) pass for the relief
groove. The Width controls the Z-axis dimension, the Depth controls
the X-axis dimension and the Side Wall Angle controls the angle of
the wall closest to the thread.
Thread Enable this option to have a thread operation on the
feature.
Feed This is the direction of the feed moves, select from:
Towards chuck the threading is performed in the direction
toward the chuck.
Away from chuck the threading is performed in the direction
away from the chuck.
Passes This is the number of steps to the bottom of the thread.
Select either Fixed or Calculated.
Fixed refers to a fixed rate of material removal. As the tool
cuts further into the part, the area of contact of the tool
increases. FeatureCAM reduces the infeed on each pass so that
the tool loading remains constant. Enter the number of passes in
Count.
Calculated the number of steps is calculated automatically by
FeatureCAM.
Step1 is used to specify the incremental step for the first pass
across the thread.
Step2 specifies the second pass and is used by the system to
determine subsequent passes on the thread, reducing in
depth until the Min Infeed value is reached.
1466 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spring passes A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading
pass. Enter the number of Spring passes that you want.
Strategy tab (Face feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1467
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Rough pass Enable this option to add a Rough operation to the
feature.
Finish pass Enable this option to add a Finish operation to the
feature.
Use finish tool
1468 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Tool nose radius compensation
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1469
Strategy tab (Cutoff feature) (TURN)
Below centerline Enable this option to make the tool work on the
negative X side of the spindle centerline.
Part catcher is available for Cutoff features.
If enabled, the part catcher code is output after the Cutoff
operation. The code for activating the parts catcher must be listed
in your .cnc file.
Plunge rough edge break If there is a chamfer or radius on a
Cutoff feature and Plunge rough edge break is enabled:
1 The Cutoff groove is plunged down to the depth of the
chamfer/radius
2 The chamfer/radius is plunge-roughed.
Transfer You must select Transfer to sub spindle on the
Dimensions (see page 1439) tab to access the options in this
section:
Already Supported Enable this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Push/Press Select this option to use Push/Press for the spindle
position.
1470 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1471
Strategy tab (Part Handling feature) (TURN)
Slug transfer
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Already Supported Enable this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
1472 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Reverse slug transfer
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Leave Supported Enable this option if you want to keep the part
supported.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1473
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Bar pull
Already Supported Enable this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Leave Supported Enable this option if you want to keep the part
supported.
1474 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Part catcher Enable this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1475
Part support on
Support type Select the type of support from:
Subspindle
Tailstock
Steadyrest
Jaws Only For steady rests, select this option to operate the jaws
without moving the steady rest.
Push/Press If you enable this option, the subspindle feeds slowly
until it touches the part, then grabs it at the Grab distance.
Open dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
opening the spindle.
Close dwell Optionally enter the time, in seconds, to dwell after
closing the spindle.
Spindle Action Select what you want the main and sub-spindles to
do during synchronization:
Stop spindles
Orient spindles
Keep rotating
Main Angle Enter the angle that you want the main spindle to
rotate to before the part is collected.
1476 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Spindle Speed Enter the spindle speed.
Sub-spindle feed rate Enter the subspindle feed rate.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
Turret control Click the button to open the Transfer Turret Control
dialog.
Part support off
Support type Select the type of support from:
Subspindle
Tailstock
Steadyrest
Jaws Only For steady rests, select this option to operate the jaws
without moving the steady rest.
Open dwell Optionally enter a dwell time after opening the
spindle.
Transfer turret If your machine has multiple turrets, select the
correct transfer turret.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1477
Strategy tab (Air Blast feature) (TURN)
Use the Strategy tab of the Feature Properties dialog to control air
blast features.
1478 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Right Angle Head tab (TURN)
To display the Right Angled Head tab, you must allow right-angled
tool holders (see page 304) on the Right Angled Head page of the
Setup wizard.
Use right angle head Select to use a right-angled head tool.
Feature location is on ID Select if the feature is on the inside
diameter of the part.
Holder orientation in spindle Enter the holder orientation in the
spindle in degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1479
Misc. tab (TURN)
You can use the Misc tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see page
1433) dialog to edit machining options of a Turning feature.
Feed override % Enter a scaling factor for the feed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
calculated feed rates. A value of more than 100 increases the rates.
Spindle RPM override % Enter a scaling factor for the speed rates
generated by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the
speed rate, and a value of greater than 100 increases it.
Spline tolerance If a profile is defined as a spline, it is
approximated with arcs and lines. Enter a tolerance value for the
approximation. The smaller the tolerance, the smoother the profile.
1480 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tools tab (TURN)
You can use the Tools tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see
page 1433) dialog to select a tool to machine a feature or create a
new tool.
The table lists the default recommended tool (marked with a D) and
other tools in the current tool crib that fit the tool selection criteria.
Other tools can be selected from the table by selecting the
check-box next to the tool name. The tools that are listed in the
table are controlled by the filter settings.
The tools displayed in the table are chosen from the database based
on the criteria listed above the table. To choose from different tools,
change the filter criteria. The criteria are:
Orientation Select an orientation from among the icons. Select
Anything to see tools of all orientations.
Insert shape Select an insert shape from among the icons.
Select Anything to see tools with all insert shapes.
Presentation angle Enter a number for the presentation. Select
Anything to see tools with all presentation angles.
Regardless of the filtering criteria, the automatically selected tool
stays in the list.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1481
Select a tool in the table to see the preview image in the upper
right-hand corner of the dialog. You can pan and zoom this display
by left-clicking and dragging the mouse cursor in the tool graphic
window. Right-click in the tool graphic window and select Center all
to center the entire tool and holder.
You can sort the tools listed in the table by any column by clicking
the title of the column.
You can adjust the column widths by clicking and dragging
the borders of the column titles. FeatureCAM remembers your
width preferences.
Undo tool override Click this button to revert the selected tool
back to the default recommended tool (marked with a D).
New tool Click this button to create a brand new tool and add
it to the current crib. The tool that is selected in the table is used to
fill in the initial values for the tool.
Tool manager Click this button to open the Tool Manager (see
page 1817) dialog.
Properties Click this button to open the Tool Properties (see
page 1821, see page 1867) dialog for the selected tool.
Recent tools Select this option to filter the list and show only
recently used tools.
Turnmilling tool orientation button available when you select
Turnmilling as the turn Toolpath type on the Strategy (see page
1448) tab. Click this button to open the B-Axis Tool Orientation (see
page 1483) dialog.
To override the automatically selected tool to one of your choice:
1 Select the Orientation.
2 Select or enter the tool Insert Shape.
3 Select or enter the tool's Presentation Angle.
4 Optionally select the Recent tools option to filter your tool search
further.
5 Scroll through the table.
6 To preview a tool:
1482 Features
Select a tool in the table to view it in the small graphics
window. You can pan and zoom this view.
Select a tool in the table and click the Properties
button or
double-click a tool in the table to open its Tool Properties
dialog. You can edit the tool's properties if you want to.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
7 To change the tool, select the check box next to the Name of the
tool you want to use in the table.
8 If you cannot find the tool you want, click the New tool
button and create a new tool (see page 1821).
To revert back to the automatically selected tool, click the Undo tool
override
button. The override tool is deselected in the table and
FeatureCAM uses the default tool marked D.
B-Axis Tool Orientation dialog
Use the B-Axis Tool Orientation dialog to specify the tool orientation
for turnmilling tools.
To display the B-Axis Tool Orientation dialog:
1 Ensure the Turnmilling option is selected under Toolpath on the
Strategy (see page 1448) tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
2 On the Tools tab, click Turnmilling tool orientation
Select tool orientation Select whether to align the tool orientation
with the X Axis, Y Axis, or B Axis.
X-axis toolpaths can be used only for OD features.
Tool Y offset Enter the Y offset for the tool. The default value is
25% of the tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1483
Tool Usage tab (TURN)
You can use the Tool Usage tab of the Turning Feature Properties
(see page 1433) dialog to edit the tools usage settings for
machining a Turning feature.
The Tool Usage tab for turning features contains the following
attributes:
Tool This displays the name of the tool for the operation selected
in the tree view.
This is just for information, to change the tool, use the
Tools tab.
Coolant Choose the type of coolant to use for the selected
operation. The default coolant is Flood. If you select a different
coolant from the list and the override option is automatically
selected. To revert back to the default coolant, deselect override.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Misc (see page 1781, see page
1485) tab for Turn.
Turret If you are doing multi-turret turning, select which turret to
use to cut the selected operation.
Turret direction We recommend that you leave this as Auto so
that FeatureCAM can calculate the direction for a particular
operation. You can also set this option explicitly to CW (clockwise)
or CCW (counter-clockwise).
1484 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Misc (see page 1781, see page
1485) tab for Turn.
Feed/Speed tab (TURN)
You can use the Feed/Speed tab of the Turning Feature Properties
(see page 1433) dialog to change the feeds and speeds settings for
a Turning feature.
When using Turnmilling (see page 1448) toolpaths, this tab is
replaced by two tabs: Turn F/S (see page 1488) and Mill Speed
(see page 1491).
Spindle Direction The direction the spindle turns for the selected
operation. Select from CW (clockwise) and CCW
(counter-clockwise). If you select the option that is not the default,
the Override option is selected automatically. Deselect the Override
option to return to the default value. Set the default Spindle
direction on the Misc. (see page 1781, see page 1485) tab of
Machining Attributes.
Speed
Constant Surface Speed Select this option to specify the speed as
a constant surface speed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1485
RPM Range If your machine has explicit spindle speed ranges,
you can set this option.
Some turning centers have gear boxes that set the maximum
spindle speed of the machine. The RPM Range list sets the gear box
to a specific maximum range. If you set RPM Range to a value of
1-4, then the range is set explicitly. If RPM Range is set to Auto then
FeatureCAM sets the range for you based on the following rules:
1 If the feature is a turned Hole or another turned feature without
Constant Surface Speed set, then the range is determined based
on the Spindle Speed.
2 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set,
then the range is determined based on the Max RPM.
Surface Speed Enter the surface speed in SFM (surface feet per
minute). FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value by
default. You can optionally enter a different value and the Override
option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
Spindle speed If you want to enter the speed as a single
revolution per minute value, deselect Constant Surface Speed and
enter the Spindle speed.
Maximum speed Enter the maximum constant surface speed in
RPM. This is the maximum revolutions per minute that the machine
can generate. FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value
by default. You can optionally enter a different value and the
Override option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back
to the recommended value, deselect Override.
Approach speed Enter the constant surface speed approach in
RPM. This is the initial speed for the operation before it reaches the
part. FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value by
default. You can optionally enter a different value and the Override
option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
Feeds
The Feeds section is for setting how fast the tool moves through the
stock. The default units are IPM (inches per minute) or MMPM (mm
per minute). Optionally select Use IPR (inches per revolution) or Use
MMPR (mm per revolution) to change the units.
FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended feed value by default.
You can optionally enter a different value and the Override option is
automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
1486 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feed from start point or curve Select this option to use a feed
move from the Start point (see page 1501) or the end of the Start
curve, to the beginning of the toolpath. If you are using a start
curve, you have two further options:
Rapid on curve Select this option if you want to use a rapid
move along the start curve.
Selecting Feed from start point or curve and Rapid on
curve is the equivalent of selecting the Feed from start
option on the Turning tab in previous versions of
FeatureCAM.
Feed on curve Select this option if you want to use a feed
move along the start curve. Enter the feed rate value(s). You can
set the feed move as a single value, or use a comma separator
to enter multiple values, for example 200, 100, 50. If you enter
multiple values, the feeds are applied to the curve segments in
reverse order. So with these values, the last segment has a feed
rate of 50, the second last has a feed rate of 100 and any
remaining segments have a feed rate of 200. If you do not enter
any feed rate values, FeatureCAM uses the default feed rate.
This example turned part has a Turn, Hole, and Groove feature:
A 3D simulation with 3/4 view shows that the tool has to pass
through a narrow channel to access the Groove feature:
To control the movement of the tool through that narrow
channel, you can create curves and set them as Start point and
End point on the Turning tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1487
A Centerline simulation of just the Groove feature, shows the
approach move in green, which is a rapid move:
On the Feed/Speed tab, select Feed from start point or curve and
Feed on curve. Enter the feed value(s) and click Apply.
The Centerline simulation now shows the approach move in
purple, a feed move:
Turn F/S tab (TURN)
1488 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spindle Direction The direction the spindle turns for the selected
operation. Select from CW (clockwise) and CCW
(counter-clockwise). If you select the option that is not the default,
the Override option is selected automatically. Deselect the Override
option to return to the default value. Set the default Spindle
direction on the Misc. (see page 1781, see page 1485) tab of
Machining Attributes.
Speed
Constant Surface Speed Select this option to specify the speed as
a constant surface speed.
RPM Range If your machine has explicit spindle speed ranges,
you can set this option.
Some turning centers have gear boxes that set the maximum
spindle speed of the machine. The RPM Range list sets the gear box
to a specific maximum range. If you set RPM Range to a value of
1-4, then the range is set explicitly. If RPM Range is set to Auto then
FeatureCAM sets the range for you based on the following rules:
1 If the feature is a turned Hole or another turned feature without
Constant Surface Speed set, then the range is determined based
on the Spindle Speed.
2 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set,
then the range is determined based on the Max RPM.
Surface Speed Enter the surface speed in SFM (surface feet per
minute). FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value by
default. You can optionally enter a different value and the Override
option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
Maximum speed Enter the maximum constant surface speed in
RPM. This is the maximum revolutions per minute that the machine
can generate. FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value
by default. You can optionally enter a different value and the
Override option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back
to the recommended value, deselect Override.
Approach speed Enter the constant surface speed approach in
RPM. This is the initial speed for the operation before it reaches the
part. FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended value by
default. You can optionally enter a different value and the Override
option is automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1489
Feeds
The Feeds section is for setting how fast the tool moves through the
stock. The default units are IPM (inches per minute) or MMPM (mm
per minute). Optionally select Use IPR (inches per revolution) or Use
MMPR (mm per revolution) to change the units.
FeatureCAM uses the displayed recommended feed value by default.
You can optionally enter a different value and the Override option is
automatically selected. If you want to revert back to the
recommended value, deselect Override.
Feed from start point or curve Select this option to use a feed
move from the Start point (see page 1501) or the end of the Start
curve, to the beginning of the toolpath. If you are using a start
curve, you have two further options:
Rapid on curve Select this option if you want to use a rapid
move along the start curve.
Selecting Feed from start point or curve and Rapid on
curve is the equivalent of selecting the Feed from start
option on the Turning tab in previous versions of
FeatureCAM.
Feed on curve Select this option if you want to use a feed
move along the start curve. Enter the feed rate value(s). You can
set the feed move as a single value, or use a comma separator
to enter multiple values, for example 200, 100, 50. If you enter
multiple values, the feeds are applied to the curve segments in
reverse order. So with these values, the last segment has a feed
rate of 50, the second last has a feed rate of 100 and any
remaining segments have a feed rate of 200. If you do not enter
any feed rate values, FeatureCAM uses the default feed rate.
This example turned part has a Turn, Hole, and Groove feature:
A 3D simulation with 3/4 view shows that the tool has to pass
through a narrow channel to access the Groove feature:
1490 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To control the movement of the tool through that narrow
channel, you can create curves and set them as Start point and
End point on the Turning tab.
A Centerline simulation of just the Groove feature, shows the
approach move in green, which is a rapid move:
On the Feed/Speed tab, select Feed from start point or curve and
Feed on curve. Enter the feed value(s) and click Apply.
The Centerline simulation now shows the approach move in
purple, a feed move:
Mill Speed tab (TURN)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1491
Speed
The Speed section is for setting how fast the tool spins. The default
units are RPM (revolutions per minute). Optionally select Use SFM
(surface feet per minute) to change the units. FeatureCAM uses the
Recommended speed value by default. You can optionally enter a
different value and the override option is automatically selected. If
you want to revert back to the recommended value, deselect
override.
B-Axis tab (TURN)
To use B-axis simultaneous turning, select the finish operation of a
Turn or Bore feature in the Tree view in the Turning Feature
Properties (see page 1433) dialog, then select Use B-axis
simultaneous on the B-Axis tab.
Lead angle Optionally enter a lead angle (the default is 0).
Limit B-angle You can optionally limit the B-angle. If you choose
to limit the B-angle, enter values between a Min B-angle of -90 and a
Max B-angle of 270.
When using B-axis simultaneous, please note these points:
To use B-axis simultaneous, you must set the Tool program point
to Tool tip center on the Misc (see page 1781, see page 1485) tab
of turning Machining Attributes.
You must also turn on tool nose radius compensation by
selecting TNR Comp on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab of the
Feature Properties dialog.
It makes sense to turn undercuts off, by setting the Undercuts
option to No checking on the Turning (see page 1501) tab of the
Feature Properties dialog.
1492 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
There is no gouge checking if you turn off undercuts.
B-axis simultaneous example
The B-axis simultaneous option can be used to cut parts such as
this one:
Vertical tool
Using a vertical tool, the tool collides with the part as shown:
Neutral tool, fixed B axis
Using a neutral tool with a fixed B axis, the tool copes with the
undercut part of this example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1493
However, it collides further along:
1494 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Simultaneous B-axis tool
Using the simultaneous B-axis option, the tool can cut the entire
part without colliding, because it can move in the B-axis as it cuts:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1495
Leads tab (TURN)
The Leads tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see page 1433)
dialog applies to the finish pass of a Turn feature:
In
Select the type of lead-in from:
Arc in Select this option to use an arc ramp-in move and enter
the Arc-in angle and Arc in/out radius.
This example uses Arc in and Arc out:
1496 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
When using Arc in and Arc out with TNR Comp (see page 1448)
enabled, small linear moves are added to the toolpath before the
arc in and after the arc out. Compensation is turned on during the
linear segments:
Linear in Select this option to use a linear lead-in move and enter
the Engage angle/Lead-in angle and the Lead distance.
This example uses Linear in and Linear out:
Engage angle This attribute is available for Linear in if TNR comp is
off for the finish pass.
For the roughing pass of a Round Insert or Turnmilling Toolpath type,
part entry is controlled by the Engage angle attribute.
Engage angle
Enter the approach angle for the tool, measured away from the
part. An angle of 0 approaches along the path. An angle of 90
approaches perpendicular to the path. If the beginning of a scan line
begins with a shoulder, a value of 90 is used automatically for that
scan line. The only valid values are 0 or 90 degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1497
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
Clearance
Withdraw angle
Clearance zone
Engage angle
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
Lead-in angle Enter the angle for the lead-in move, measured
counter-clockwise away from the part. An angle of 0 approaches
along the path. An angle of 90 approaches perpendicular to the
path. This attribute is available for Linear in if TNR comp is on for
the Semi-finish and Finish pass.
Out
Select the type of lead-out from:
Arc out Select this option to use an arc ramp-out move and enter
the Arc-out angle and Arc in/out radius.
Linear out Select this option to use a linear lead-out move and
enter the Withdraw angle/Lead-out angle and the Lead distance.
1498 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example uses Linear in and Linear out:
Withdraw angle This attribute is available for Linear out if TNR
comp is off for the finish pass.
This parameter specifies the angle between cross feed movement
and the withdraw move. For both roughing and finishing passes this
angle is measured against the roughing scanlines.
Withdraw length
Boundary
Clearance
Depth
An angle of 90 retracts perpendicular to the roughing pass. An
angle of 45 pulls back away from the part and the chuck. An angle
of 135 pulls toward the chuck. The withdraw angle for finishing is
not dependent on the shape of the feature curve. Even if no
roughing pass is created, the withdraw angle for finishing pass is
measured against the roughing scanlines.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1499
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
Use clearance as finish withdraw length When selected, the
Clearance value is used as the approach and withdraw length for
finishing moves. When deselected, you can enter a separate
Withdraw length.
Lead-out angle This attribute is available for Linear out if TNR
comp is on for the finish pass. This is the angle for the lead-out
move for semi-finishing and finishing of Turn and Bore features. It
is measured clockwise. The Lead-out angle is measured away from
the part. An angle of 0 exits along the direction of path. An angle
of 90 exits perpendicular to the path.
Arc in/out radius Enter the radius of the arc to use for arc-in and
arc-out ramp moves.
Lead distance Enter the distance for linear lead-in and lead-out
moves.
1500 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turning tab (TURN)
You can use the Turning tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see
page 1433) dialog to edit the machining setting of a Turning
feature.
Auto Round
This turning attribute applies to both rough and finish passes. When
Auto round is enabled, FeatureCAM automatically inserts arc moves
to connect two non-tangent elements. The effects are:
Minimum of wasted motion by the machine; however, the posted
part program may be slightly longer in the number of blocks
used.
Burrs are removed, but otherwise the part has the same shape
and dimensions given by the feature curve because the radius of
the inserted arc is the same as the tool nose radius.
Machine motion is smoother.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1501
This is an example with Auto round turned off:
This is the same example with Auto round turned on:
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
Canned cycle X clearance Enter the tool clearance in X before the
start of a turning canned cycle. The tool location is obtained by
applying the Canned cycle X clearance and Canned cycle Z clearance
to the start point of the canned cycle.
You must enable Use canned cycle (see page 1449) to
access this attribute.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
1502 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Canned cycle Z clearance Enter the tool clearance in Z before the
start of a turning canned cycle. The tool location is obtained by
applying the Canned cycle X clearance and Canned cycle Z clearance
to the start point of the canned cycle.
You must enable Use canned cycle (see page 1449) to
access this attribute.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
Centerline overcut Used with Turnmilling (see page 1448)
toolpaths. Enter the amount that the tool cuts past the centerline
when cleaning up material against a shoulder at the end of a scan
line. The default is 0.1 inches or 3 mm.
Chamfer extend dist. applies to thread features and provides extra
space for the tool so that it does not start on the metal for the
groove finish pass.
Clearance
At the beginning of an operation, the tool rapids to a point that is a
distance away from the beginning of the toolpath. This distance is
the Clearance.
The clearance is also used to calculate the move at the end of the
operation (except for an ID Groove feature), unless Use clearance as
finish withdraw length is deselected on the Leads tab.
For an ID Groove feature, the Clearance attribute is not used for the
exit point. For safety reasons, by default the center line of the tool
(holder plus exposed insert) is withdrawn exactly along the center
line of the Groove, for example:
ID Groove feature
Entry point, determined by the Clearance attribute
Exit point
Center line of tool (holder plus exposed insert)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1503
You can override this and control the retract point precisely using
the Endpoint attribute. This image shows the same example, but
with an Endpoint set at
:
The location of these points is also controlled by the Engage Angle
and Withdraw Angle.
If you are using Tool Nose Radius Compensation, Lead In Dist
is used instead of Clearance.
Deflection This attribute applies to the finish pass of a Turn
feature when using a Cut-Grip tool.
When using a Cut-Grip tool, it is assumed that the tool deflects
during moves
and
in the image. This deflection causes the
tool to gouge. The toolpath is offset for these moves by the
Deflection amount you specify. You can obtain this amount by
cutting an initial part and measuring the deflection.
Depth of cut
Enter a step increment for each pass that the roughing routine
performs on the part. The interpretation of Depth of cut depends on
the Constant DOC setting in the Turn/Bore (see page 1764)
document-level options.
If Constant DOC is deselected, the Depth of cut value you set is the
maximum depth of cut for the feature. If the Depth of cut evenly
divides the depth of your feature, your increment is used. If it
results in a final pass that is quite shallow, the Depth of cut is
adjusted to result in even roughing passes. For example if you have
a feature that is 0.5 inches deep and specify a Depth of cut of 0.4,
the feature is roughed in two even passes 0.25 inches deep instead
of one pass of depth 0.4 inches and another pass with depth of 0.1
inches.
1504 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Constant DOC is selected, the feature is cut using this depth for
each pass. With Constant DOC selected, you can also list a series of
depths, separated by commas, to control the depth of each cut. For
example a Depth of cut specified as 0.25, 0.15, 0.1 results in the first
pass being cut at 0.25 inches, the second at 0.15 inches and the
remaining pass at 0.1 inches. If there are more cuts than depths
specified, the last depth is repeated.
Dwell Enter the number of seconds that you want the tool to
dwell after plunging. This applies during the Rough pass of a Groove
feature and also a Cutoff chamfer.
End point Set the point that the tool-tip center rapids to at the
end of the operation.
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1505
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Finish passes Normally this is set to 1 and a single pass is
generated offset by the tool tip. If set to greater than 1, then the
region to be finished is divided into equal parts and finished in
sequential passes. The region to be finished is the X semi-finish
allowance and the Z semi-finish allowance if the feature has a
semi-finish pass, and it is the full X finish allowance and Z finish
allowance if the feature has no semi-finish pass.
Lead dist Enter the distance for the lead-in and lead-out moves.
This attribute is available for the Rough pass if you have selected
TNR comp. on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab. For the Semi-finish
and Finish pass, see the Leads (see page 1496) tab.
Lead-out angle Enter the angle for the lead-out move, measured
clockwise away from the part. An angle of 0 exits along the
direction of path. An angle of 90 exits perpendicular to the path.
This attribute is available for the Rough pass if you have selected
TNR comp. on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab. For the Semi-finish
and Finish pass, see the Leads (see page 1496) tab.
Left boundary
1506 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A turning feature's boundary (shown in dark blue) encloses the
whole feature by default.
The toolpath is enclosed within the boundary:
You can edit the default leftmost boundary that is machined up to
by setting a Left boundary:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1507
The toolpath is contained within the new boundary:
You must specify the boundary so that it completely encloses
the path (for example, the path cannot start or end in the
boundary box; it must start on, or outside of the boundary).
You can also set the Right boundary and Max/Min radius boundary
attributes.
Max. radius boundary
A Turn feature's boundary (shown in dark blue) encloses the whole
feature by default.
The toolpath is enclosed within the boundary:
1508 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can edit the default outer radius boundary that is machined up
to by setting a Max radius boundary:
The toolpath is contained within the new boundary:
You must specify the boundary so that it completely encloses
the path (for example, the path cannot start or end in the
boundary box; it must start on, or outside of the boundary).
You can also set the Left boundary and Right boundary attributes.
Min. radius boundary
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1509
A Bore feature's boundary (shown in dark blue) encloses the whole
feature by default.
The toolpath is enclosed within the boundary:
1510 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can edit the default inner radius boundary that is machined up
to by setting a Min radius boundary:
The toolpath is contained within the new boundary:
You must specify the boundary so that it completely encloses
the path (for example, the path cannot start or end in the
boundary box; it must start on, or outside of the boundary).
You can also set the Left boundary and Right boundary attributes.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1511
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Post Vars. (see page 1731) button
Right boundary
A Turn feature's boundary (shown in dark blue) encloses the whole
feature by default.
The toolpath is enclosed within the boundary:
1512 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can edit the default rightmost boundary that is machined up to
by setting a Right boundary:
The toolpath is contained within the new boundary:
You must specify the boundary so that it completely encloses
the path (for example, the path cannot start or end in the
boundary box; it must start on, or outside of the boundary).
You can also set the Left boundary and Max/Min radius boundary
attributes.
Side liftoff angle Enter the angle to lift the tool off the part after
each plunge cut. This increases the tool's life and leaves a better
finish on the part. This attribute applies to a Groove feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1513
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract
move at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is
performed at the plunge feed rate. If the groove is a
round-bottomed groove, then liftoff is not used, even when
specified.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Grooving (see page 1776) tab.
Side liftoff dist Enter the distance to move the tool after a plunge
cut, in the direction opposite to the cutting direction. This increases
the tool's life and leaves a better finish on the part. This applies to a
Groove feature. See also Side liftoff angle.
1514 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract
move at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is
performed at the plunge feed rate. If the groove is a
round-bottomed groove, then liftoff is not used, even when
specified.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Grooving (see page 1776) tab.
Skip wall pass
This attribute applies to turning and boring roughing passes. On a
typical roughing pass, the tool follows these moves:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1515
1 Move straight across the part. This is the black move in the
diagram.
2 Move up the wall to remove any scallops, shown as the blue
move.
3 Withdraw from the part at an angle, shown as the small angled
move at the top of the blue move.
If Skip wall pass is enabled the second move (the blue one) is no
longer performed. If you are using a tool that does not cut well in
the upward direction, you should consider using this option. With
Skip wall pass enabled, the toolpaths appear as in the image below.
For boring features, you can select how many passes to apply the
Skip wall pass option to from the menu. For example, if you select 1,
that means that the wall move is skipped for the first roughing pass
but not for the other passes.
Start point Set the point that the tool-tip center rapids to at the
start of the operation.
1516 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Stepover % Enter the distance, as a percentage of the tool's
diameter, that the tool shifts to position itself for the next plunge
cut. This value specifies the maximum stepover distance. If this
value evenly divides the width of the feature, it is used. If it results
in a final pass that is quite shallow, the cut widths are adjusted to
result in even roughing passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1517
For example if you have a feature that is 0.5 inches wide and
specify a width of cut of 0.4 (specified as a Stepover % of 80 for a
tool with a diameter of 0.5 inches), the feature is roughed in two
even passes 0.25 inches wide rather than one pass of 0.4 inches
and another pass with a width of 0.1 inches.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Grooving (see page 1776) tab.
Tool change location Set the point where the tip of the tool moves
to before a tool change.
This location is relative to the end of the curve (see page
411).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current part in the Post Options dialog.
Total stock (see page 1525) Enter an offset distance from the
feature boundary to machine to instead of machining to the stock
boundary. This option is available only for the Rough operation of
an Offset (see page 1449) type toolpath.
Undercuts Select from No checking, Adjust to tool geometry, and
Remove all undercuts.
In the following example, the tool cutting the Turn feature has
started to descend into the Groove feature. You can see this on the
centerline simulation in the area marked:
1518 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can also see that this is happening in the 3D simulation:
To avoid this situation, select Remove all undercuts.
With this option selected, the tool does not descend into the Groove
feature, as you can see from these simulation views of the same
example part.
Centerline simulation:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1519
3D simulation:
Withdraw angle Enter the angle that the tool withdraws along
before returning for the next step. The angle is measured in
degrees, counter-clockwise from the Z axis. See also Withdraw
length.
Withdraw length Enter the distance along the Withdraw angle line
that the tool withdraws before returning for the next step.
1520 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
X finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in the X
direction after the Rough pass.
Z finish allowance
X finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X finish
allowance and Z finish allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
X leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in the X
direction after the Finish pass.
Z leave allowance
X leave allowance
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1521
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X leave
allowance and Z leave allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
X semi-finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in
the X direction after the Semi-finish pass.
Z semi-finish allowance
X semi-finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X semi-finish
allowance and Z semi-finish allowance must be both positive or
both negative.
Z finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in the Z
direction after the Rough pass.
1522 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This parameter enables you to specify a separate finish allowance in
the Z-axis direction. This is the amount of material to leave in the Z
direction after the roughing pass.
Z finish allowance
X finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X finish
allowance and Z finish allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
Z leave allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in the Z
direction after the Finish pass.
Z leave allowance
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1523
X leave allowance
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X leave
allowance and Z leave allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
Z semi-finish allowance Enter the amount of material to leave in
the Z direction after the Semi-finish pass.
Z semi-finish allowance
X semi-finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X semi-finish
allowance and Z semi-finish allowance must be both positive or
both negative.
Number of passes
This parameter specifies the number of steps to the bottom of the
thread. You can specify either Fixed or Calculate. If you select Fixed,
then you must enter the total steps required for the threading
operation in the Passes field. If you select Calculate, then the
number of steps for the threading operation is calculated by the
system. Additionally, if you select Calculate, then you must supply
data for the Step 1, Step 2, and Minimum Infeed fields.
1524 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Taper angle
Taper Angle refers to the angle, measured clockwise from horizontal,
for the thread.
Taper Angle
Total stock
The Total stock attribute changes the way that the feature is
roughed. Instead of roughing within the boundaries of the stock, the
region that is roughed is determined by offsetting the feature's
curve by the total stock amount. The toolpaths are then performed
parallel to the feature's curve.
Total stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1525
Boring tab (TURN)
You can use the Boring tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see
page 1433) dialog to edit the machining settings of a Boring
feature.
Auto Round
This turning attribute applies to both rough and finish passes. When
Auto round is enabled, FeatureCAM automatically inserts arc moves
to connect two non-tangent elements. The effects are:
Minimum of wasted motion by the machine; however, the posted
part program may be slightly longer in the number of blocks
used.
Burrs are removed, but otherwise the part has the same shape
and dimensions given by the feature curve because the radius of
the inserted arc is the same as the tool nose radius.
Machine motion is smoother.
1526 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is an example with Auto round turned off:
This is the same example with Auto round turned on:
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
Clearance
At the beginning of an operation, the tool rapids to a point that is a
distance away from the beginning of the toolpath. This distance is
the Clearance.
The clearance is also used to calculate the move at the end of the
operation (except for an ID Groove feature), unless Use clearance as
finish withdraw length is deselected on the Leads tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1527
For an ID Groove feature, the Clearance attribute is not used for the
exit point. For safety reasons, by default the center line of the tool
(holder plus exposed insert) is withdrawn exactly along the center
line of the Groove, for example:
ID Groove feature
Entry point, determined by the Clearance attribute
Exit point
Center line of tool (holder plus exposed insert)
You can override this and control the retract point precisely using
the Endpoint attribute. This image shows the same example, but
with an Endpoint set at
:
The location of these points is also controlled by the Engage Angle
and Withdraw Angle.
If you are using Tool Nose Radius Compensation, Lead In Dist
is used instead of Clearance.
Constant DOC See Depth of cut
Depth of cut
Enter a step increment for each pass that the roughing routine
performs on the part. The interpretation of Depth of cut depends on
the Constant DOC setting in the Turn/Bore (see page 1764)
document-level options.
1528 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Constant DOC is deselected, the Depth of cut value you set is the
maximum depth of cut for the feature. If the Depth of cut evenly
divides the depth of your feature, your increment is used. If it
results in a final pass that is quite shallow, the Depth of cut is
adjusted to result in even roughing passes. For example if you have
a feature that is 0.5 inches deep and specify a Depth of cut of 0.4,
the feature is roughed in two even passes 0.25 inches deep instead
of one pass of depth 0.4 inches and another pass with depth of 0.1
inches.
If Constant DOC is selected, the feature is cut using this depth for
each pass. With Constant DOC selected, you can also list a series of
depths, separated by commas, to control the depth of each cut. For
example a Depth of cut specified as 0.25, 0.15, 0.1 results in the first
pass being cut at 0.25 inches, the second at 0.15 inches and the
remaining pass at 0.1 inches. If there are more cuts than depths
specified, the last depth is repeated.
End point
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1529
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Engage angle
For the roughing pass of a Round Insert or Turnmilling Toolpath type,
part entry is controlled by the Engage angle attribute.
Engage angle
Enter the approach angle for the tool, measured away from the
part. An angle of 0 approaches along the path. An angle of 90
approaches perpendicular to the path. If the beginning of a scan line
begins with a shoulder, a value of 90 is used automatically for that
scan line. The only valid values are 0 or 90 degrees.
1530 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
Clearance
Withdraw angle
Clearance zone
Engage angle
Feed from start This attribute applies to rough and finish turn and
bore operations. If you are using a Start point, then enabling the
Feed from start option ensures that the move from the Start point to
the beginning of the toolpath is a feed move.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Skip wall pass
This attribute applies to turning and boring roughing passes. On a
typical roughing pass, the tool follows these moves:
1 Move straight across the part. This is the black move in the
diagram.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1531
2 Move up the wall to remove any scallops, shown as the blue
move.
3 Withdraw from the part at an angle, shown as the small angled
move at the top of the blue move.
If Skip wall pass is enabled the second move (the blue one) is no
longer performed. If you are using a tool that does not cut well in
the upward direction, you should consider using this option. With
Skip wall pass enabled, the toolpaths appear as in the image below.
For boring features, you can select how many passes to apply the
Skip wall pass option to from the menu. For example, if you select 1,
that means that the wall move is skipped for the first roughing pass
but not for the other passes.
Start point
1532 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Tool change location is the point where the tip of the tool moves
before a tool change.
You can set this at a global machine level in the Post
Options dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1533
Undercuts Select from No checking, Adjust to tool geometry, and
Remove all undercuts.
In the following example, the tool cutting the Turn feature has
started to descend into the Groove feature. You can see this on the
centerline simulation in the area marked:
You can also see that this is happening in the 3D simulation:
To avoid this situation, select Remove all undercuts.
With this option selected, the tool does not descend into the Groove
feature, as you can see from these simulation views of the same
example part.
1534 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Centerline simulation:
3D simulation:
Withdraw angle
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1535
This parameter specifies the angle between cross feed movement
and the withdraw move. For both roughing and finishing passes this
angle is measured against the roughing scanlines.
Withdraw length
Boundary
Clearance
Depth
An angle of 90 retracts perpendicular to the roughing pass. An
angle of 45 pulls back away from the part and the chuck. An angle
of 135 pulls toward the chuck. The withdraw angle for finishing is
not dependent on the shape of the feature curve. Even if no
roughing pass is created, the withdraw angle for finishing pass is
measured against the roughing scanlines.
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
1536 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
Withdraw length This is the distance along the withdraw angle line
that the tool withdraws before returning for the next step.
Withdraw length
Boundary
Clearance
Depth
X finish allowance
Z finish allowance
X finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1537
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X finish
allowance and Z finish allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
Z finish allowance
This parameter enables you to specify a separate finish allowance in
the Z-axis direction. This is the amount of material to leave in the Z
direction after the roughing pass.
Z finish allowance
X finish allowance
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
You can enter a positive or negative value, but X finish
allowance and Z finish allowance must be both positive or both
negative.
1538 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Threading tab (TURN)
You can use the Threading tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see
page 1433) dialog to edit the machining settings for a Thread
feature.
Some of the Threading attributes are shown on this diagram:
End clearance
Clearance
Withdraw angle
Infeed angle
Depth
Height
Start clearance
Clearance
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1539
At the beginning of an operation, the tool rapids to a point that is a
distance away from the beginning of the toolpath. This distance is
the Clearance.
The clearance is also used to calculate the move at the end of the
operation (except for an ID Groove feature), unless Use clearance as
finish withdraw length is deselected on the Leads tab.
For an ID Groove feature, the Clearance attribute is not used for the
exit point. For safety reasons, by default the center line of the tool
(holder plus exposed insert) is withdrawn exactly along the center
line of the Groove, for example:
ID Groove feature
Entry point, determined by the Clearance attribute
Exit point
Center line of tool (holder plus exposed insert)
You can override this and control the retract point precisely using
the Endpoint attribute. This image shows the same example, but
with an Endpoint set at
:
The location of these points is also controlled by the Engage Angle
and Withdraw Angle.
If you are using Tool Nose Radius Compensation, Lead In Dist
is used instead of Clearance.
1540 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
End clearance Enter the distance that the tool feeds past the end
of the thread (into the relief groove) before retracting from the
part's surface.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
End point
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1541
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Infeed angle Enter an unsigned, incremental value from the
positive Z axis.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Start clearance This value is the position to which the tool
traverses before engaging into the workpiece.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Threading (see page 1772) tab.
Start point
1542 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Start threads If set to 1, a single thread is created. If set to 2 or 3,
multiple start threads are created. The number of threads per inch
(or per mm) for each thread is divided by the number of threads.
For example, if you create a thread with 10 threads per inch with 2
start threads, then each thread is 5 threads per inch 180 apart.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1543
Tool change location is the point where the tip of the tool moves
before a tool change.
You can set this at a global machine level in the Post
Options dialog.
Cutoff tab (TURN)
You can use the Cutoff tab of the Turning Feature Properties (see
page 1433) dialog to edit the machining settings for a Cutoff
feature.
Chamfer extend dist. Enter extra space for the tool so that the tool
does not start on the metal for the groove finish pass.
Clearance
At the beginning of an operation, the tool rapids to a point that is a
distance away from the beginning of the toolpath. This distance is
the Clearance.
The clearance is also used to calculate the move at the end of the
operation (except for an ID Groove feature), unless Use clearance as
finish withdraw length is deselected on the Leads tab.
1544 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For an ID Groove feature, the Clearance attribute is not used for the
exit point. For safety reasons, by default the center line of the tool
(holder plus exposed insert) is withdrawn exactly along the center
line of the Groove, for example:
ID Groove feature
Entry point, determined by the Clearance attribute
Exit point
Center line of tool (holder plus exposed insert)
You can override this and control the retract point precisely using
the Endpoint attribute. This image shows the same example, but
with an Endpoint set at
:
The location of these points is also controlled by the Engage Angle
and Withdraw Angle.
If you are using Tool Nose Radius Compensation, Lead In Dist
is used instead of Clearance.
Depth of cut
Enter a step increment for each pass that the roughing routine
performs on the part. The interpretation of Depth of cut depends on
the Constant DOC setting in the Turn/Bore (see page 1764)
document-level options.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1545
If Constant DOC is deselected, the Depth of cut value you set is the
maximum depth of cut for the feature. If the Depth of cut evenly
divides the depth of your feature, your increment is used. If it
results in a final pass that is quite shallow, the Depth of cut is
adjusted to result in even roughing passes. For example if you have
a feature that is 0.5 inches deep and specify a Depth of cut of 0.4,
the feature is roughed in two even passes 0.25 inches deep instead
of one pass of depth 0.4 inches and another pass with depth of 0.1
inches.
If Constant DOC is selected, the feature is cut using this depth for
each pass. With Constant DOC selected, you can also list a series of
depths, separated by commas, to control the depth of each cut. For
example a Depth of cut specified as 0.25, 0.15, 0.1 results in the first
pass being cut at 0.25 inches, the second at 0.15 inches and the
remaining pass at 0.1 inches. If there are more cuts than depths
specified, the last depth is repeated.
Dwell Enter the number of seconds that you want the tool to
dwell after plunging.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Cutoff (see page 1780) tab.
End point See Start point
Peck retract dist. This is the distance the tool retracts between
plunges.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. Set it on the Cutoff (see page 1780) tab.
Priority
Enter the priority that the operation takes in the document. The
lower the number, the higher priority the operation takes.
If you use the Op List (see page 1633) to drag-and-drop
operations to the order you want, the Priority is updated
automatically.
Although you can specify the exact order of every operation
by priority, you should not do so casually because you lose
the automatic optimization sequences built into the system
and it is harder to maintain or change the part.
Start point
1546 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Start point and End Point attributes are available on all turn
operations. If the Start point
is set, the center of the tool tip
rapids to this point at the start of the operation. If the End point
is set, the center of the tool tip rapids to this point at the end of the
operation.
To set the value for Start point and End point, you can click the Pick
XYZ Location
button next to the New Value field at the bottom of
the dialog and click the location in the graphics window. You can
also type in the name of a linear curve and the tool follows this
curve on part entry or exit.
You cannot pick the curve graphically.
The image below shows an unusually shaped tool that requires a
start curve
to control precisely.
You can set FeatureCAM to feed (see page 1781, see page
1485) from the Start point (or the end of a start curve) to the
beginning of the toolpath.
Tool change location Set the point where the tip of the tool moves
to before a tool change.
You can set this at a global machine level in the Post
Options dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1547
Wire feature attributes (WIRE)
These tabs are available in the Feature Properties dialog for wire
features:
Strategy (see page 1548)
Start (see page 1561)
Misc (see page 1563)
Cutting Data (see page 1566)
Leads Style (see page 1569)
Strategy tab (WIRE)
You can use the Strategy tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog
(see page 1548) to edit the strategy attributes of a Wire feature.
Operations Choose which operation(s) (see page 702) you want
for your wire feature.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Wire EDM (see page 1789) tab.
Primary Cut/Offset Dir
1548 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For closed curves, the Primary Cut Dir attribute controls the direction
of a cut. The options are CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
For open curves the Primary Offset Dir attribute controls the
direction of a cut. The options are Left or Right. These settings are
relative to the machining-side setting.
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Settings (see page 1790) tab.
Retract Length Enter the distance that the wire retracts from the
part at the end of an operation.
The Retract Length attribute is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff
operations.
- Retract length
- Stop length
- Wire path
- Inserted end position
- Normal contour start/end po
- Contour
Use on both ends of skim passes Enable this option to apply the
Retract length to both ends of skim passes. (The wire does not
return to the start point at one end.)
The following example shows a retract and cutoff operation using
the default behavior (Use on both ends of skim passes disabled):
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1549
1. End of retract
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
2. End of retract
pass 2, wire
retracts back to the
start point:
4. End of cutoff
pass 1, wire
retracts back to the
start point:
5. End of cutoff
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
3. End of retract
pass 3, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
This is the same example with Use on both ends of skim passes
enabled:
1. End of retract
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
2. End of retract
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
4. End of cutoff
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
5. End of cutoff
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
1550 Features
3. End of retract
pass 3, wire retracts
by the Retract
Length:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stepover Enter the stepover amount between passes for
Pocketing and Zigzag operations.
Finish allowance This is the amount of material left after a
Pocketing or Zigzag pass. Even if a Cleanup Pass is used, the finish
allowance still remains.
Cut Angle This sets the cutting angle for a Zigzag operation.
The angle is defined from the X-positive axis of the current UCS.
Enter the angle in degrees.
Cleanup Pass Enable this option to create a finishing cut at the
end of a Zigzag operation.
The contour is cut with a contour parallel finishing path to remove
any rough edges left by the stepover between passes.
- Cleanup Pass
Stop length Enter the distance from the normal contour end
position to the inserted stop or end position.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1551
This parameter is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff operations.
Retract operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Stop operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Contour start/end position
Inserted stop positions
Cutoff operation (CW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Cutoff operation (CCW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Stop code For Stop operations you can choose from:
M00 is program stop. This stop is always performed.
M01 is optional program stop. There is a setting on the machine
tool to observe or skip these stops.
1552 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Overlap Enter the distance by which the normal contour end
position is overcut for Stop and Cutoff operations.
Stop operation:
- Contour
- Wire path
- Contour start/end
position
- Inserted stop
positions
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (counter-clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
The run-off back to the end position of the contour is at an
angle. On some machines (for example, Agie), an angled
run-off may not be allowable.
If the overlap is too large, a triangular piece of material is
left, which may fall and halt the machine.
Contour overlap This is used only by the Contour operation. It is
the amount by which the Contour operation overlaps.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1553
Total Stock This applies to Pocketing and Zigzag operations.
This parameter sets the amount of material removed from the
contour when using the Offset Method of Offset Toolpath. When the
value is 0, only one cutting pass is made.
The calculated wire path represents the center of the wire;
the amount remaining on the curve is dependent on the
cutter compensation values.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
Linear Approx is for 4-axis EDM. All arcs are converted into small
line segments. This parameter controls how finely arcs are refined
into lines. The smaller the number, the more points arcs will be
broken down into.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the
current document in the Machining Attributes (see page
1667) dialog. See the Settings (see page 1790) tab (where
it is called 4 axis/Rapid toolpath linear approx.).
Keep wire vertical at retract This keeps the wire vertical after
Retract and Cutoff operations for 4-axis features.
The following example shows the end of a Retract operation with
Keep wire vertical at retract selected:
1554 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This is the same example with Keep wire vertical at retract
deselected:
Skim Pass Options (see page 1555) button
You can set many of these attributes as defaults for the
current document in the Machining Attributes dialog on the
Settings (see page 1790) tab.
Skim Pass Options (WIRE)
Click Skim Pass Options at the bottom of the Strategy tab (see page
1548) to display the Skim Pass Options dialog:
The Skim Pass Options dialog used to be called Offset Options.
Offset method (see page 1559) This controls whether the
offsetting of the wire path is performed on the machine using cutter
compensation or by FeatureCAM. Select Cutter comp to perform the
offsetting on the machine, or Offset Toolpath if you want
FeatureCAM to perform the offsetting.
Total passes Enter the total number of passes to take to cut the
feature. If a feature has a Retract, Stop, or Cutoff operation these
operations are each performed Total Passes - Contour Passes. If a
feature has a Contour operation, Total Passes must be at least 2.
Total Passes must be between 1 and 9.
Contour passes This is the number of passes to take for the
Contour operation for a Retract, Stop, or Contour operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1555
Cut all operations on each curve first For features with multiple
curves, enable this option to do all operations on each curve before
moving on to the next curve. If the option is disabled, the first
operation is done on all curves, then the next operation, and so on.
Cut the first pass on each curve first For features with multiple
curves, using multiple-pass operations, select this option to cut the
first pass on each curve first rather than cut all passes on one curve
before moving on to the next.
For features with multiple curves, such as the die below, the default
behavior is to cut all the passes for one curve before moving on to
the next curve.
- curve1
- curve2
- curve3
If you want to cut the first pass on each curve first, select the Cut
the first pass on each curve first option:
This option is for 2-axis only and is available for the following
operations:
Cutoff
Stop
Contour only (not, for example, a Stop plus Contour combination)
1556 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For the example above with Retract and Cutoff operations, the
default behavior is to cut the three Retract passes on curve1, then
the three Retract passes on curve2, then the three Retract passes on
curve3. It then cuts all three Cutoff passes on curve1, then all three
Cutoff passes on curve2, then all three Cutoff passes on curve3.
With Cut the first pass on each curve first selected for the same
example, FeatureCAM cuts the Retract operation as before. It then
cuts the first Cutoff pass on curve1, then the first Cutoff pass on
curve2, then the first Cutoff pass on curve3.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1557
It then cuts the remaining two Cutoff passes on each curve.
Because the first Cutoff pass of each curve needs the attention of
the machinist to remove the core, the advantage of using Cut the
first pass on each curve first is that the machinist can remove the
cores of all the curves together, and the machine can finish cutting
the part without intervention.
Single Cutoff Pass Select this option to use one pass for the Cutoff
operation. If you are using a Cutoff operation with a Retract
operation, deselect this option to use the same number of passes as
for the Retract operation.
Leave allowance is the amount of material to leave after the Retract,
Cutoff, Stop, and Contour operations.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
A negative Leave allowance acts as an overcut.
Uni-Directional
1558 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Applies to Contour, Stop, Retract, and Cutoff operations that use
the Offset Method of Cutter Comp.
For
not
the
the
multiple passes, the cutting direction for each following pass is
reversed and all passes take place in the defined direction. At
end of each pass the wire is cut and the machine re-positions to
start point for the next pass.
Uses Macro if available
Applies to Contour, Stop, Retract and Cutoff operations that use the
Offset Method of Cutter Comp. Available for 2-axis features only.
This option activates the automatic creation of sub-programs for the
machining of operations. You must define the format and output of
sub-programs in the post processor. The use of sub-programs is
particularly useful when producing chain programs. In this case
each machining contour is written to a separate sub-program. The
main calling program then contains only the movements required to
move to the next start point.
For multiple pass, if the Uni-Directional option is enabled then only a
single macro is output containing a single pass.
Offset method (WIRE)
The Offset Method attribute controls whether the offsetting of the
wire path is performed on the machine using cutter compensation
or by FeatureCAM. Select Cutter comp to perform the offsetting on
the machine, or Offset Toolpath if you want FeatureCAM to perform
the offsetting.
To cut a workpiece to the finished size the Wire radius
compensation function on the NC-machine is normally used.
Activating this function with a particular value causes the machine
to calculate a new path for the center of the wire. The compensation
value is normally composed of the wire radius plus the spark gap
allowance plus any finishing allowance that may be required. The
compensation value is normally entered in a Compensation Register
on the machine.
Stock allowance
Wire
Spark gap
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1559
Compensation (Offset)
If the erosion of a workpiece needs to be made in several cuts
(roughing and finishing), each cut normally uses a different
compensation value or compensation register. The values for the
compensation are often given in a table supplied by the machine
builder or automatically entered in the compensation registers via
the technology tables built into the controller.
In every case you should ensure that the appropriate linear lead-in
and lead-out moves are contained within the program to enable the
compensation to be switched on and off.
The output of the commands to activate and deactivate the
compensation is automatically carried out by the software on the
first and last moves.
On the machine
When using the Wire Compensation command, the center path of the
wire is calculated and corrected directly by the nc-machine. The
compensation amount is normally entered in a Compensation
Register on the machine controller and activated by an appropriate
command within the nc-program. The format of the command to
activate the compensation and to control the compensation
direction is dependent upon the nc-machine type. The FeatureWIRE
software supports the output of these commands both for single
and multiple cuts (backwards/forwards cutting or
Main/Sub-Programs).
The following parameters, in the Skim Pass Options (see page 1555)
dialog, control the use of wire compensation on the machine:
Total Passes
Leave Allowance
Contour Passes
Uni-Directional
Uses Macro if Available
In FeatureCAM
If the wire radius compensation is carried out by FeatureCAM the
appropriate compensation value and direction is automatically used
to produce a wire path that is already corrected. The path cannot be
altered by changing the offset register of the nc-machine. This may
be necessary, for example, when cutting a contour which contains
elements or arcs which are smaller than the required compensation
amount and thus cannot be cut using the machine registers.
The following parameters control the use of wire compensation:
Total stock (see page 1798)
1560 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave Allowance (see page 1555)
Stepover (see page 1798)
Contour stock (see page 1798)
Start tab (WIRE)
You can use the Start tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog (see
page 1548) to specify the start point of a Wire feature.
Leads are non-perpendicular by default. If you want the lead
to be perpendicular, select the Pick only perpendicular lead box
before you click the Pick location button. Click the start point
and FeatureCAM highlights the corresponding perpendicular
point when you mouse-over the curve segment. Click to
accept it.
Die and Punch Features
For 2 and 4-axis Die or Punch features, a start point is automatically
calculated. You can change the start point for a Die or Punch feature
using the following procedure:
1 If the feature has multiple curves, select the appropriate curve
from the Curve list.
2 Click the Pick location
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
button.
Features 1561
3 Click the new Start point.
You must pick on the appropriate side for the feature type.
For die features, pick on the inside. For punch features, pick
on the outside. For side features pick on the machining side.
If you pick a point in the incorrect side, the approach moves
will gouge the part.
1 Select the segment of the curve to connect the start point to by
moving the mouse over the feature until the segment of the
curve you want is highlighted and then click the mouse.
2 The X and Y coordinates of the new start point are displayed in
the dialog.
If you want to force the wire to start on the curve, you cannot
simply double-click. You must move your second pick (the one that
indicates the curve segment) slightly so that you are not picking the
same point twice.
If you are creating a 4-axis feature, follow the above procedure for
both the upper and lower curves.
Side Features
For 2 and 4-axis side features, the default is to start at the first
point of the curve. To add new linear moves at the start or end of a
curve:
1 If the feature has multiple curves, select the appropriate curve
from the Curve drop down list.
2 Click the Pick point
button for either the start or end point.
A line will rubber-band from the current start of end point.
3 Click a point at the new location.
4 Alternatively, you can simple enter the new end point
coordinates.
1562 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Misc. tab (WIRE)
You can use the Misc tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog (see
page 1548) to edit machining options of a Wire feature.
Wire Cutting/Threading This offers settings to control the output of
wire threading or wire cutting commands.
Off No wire threading or wire cutting commands are output in the
NC-program.
Both The commands to thread the wire and cut the wire are
output automatically at the start and end of each operation within
the feature.
Cut The wire cutting command is output at the end of each
operation within the feature (but no wire thread command at the
start). When viewing the toolpath in centerline simulation, the Cut
location is denoted with a small circle.
Thread The wire threading command is output at the start of each
operation within the feature (but no cut wire command at the end).
When viewing the toolpath in centerline simulation, the Thread
location is shown as a small plus sign.
Modify outside corners
A radius is inserted into the wire path at each outside sharp corner.
This can be useful for reducing unnecessary movements and for
producing cleaner corners.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1563
This example shows the original toolpath:
If Modify outside corners is enabled, the toolpath rounds sharp
corners, for example:
The size of the outside corner depends on the Radius you set, for
example:
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Misc. (see page 1808) tab
Modify inside corners
Circular
A circle is inserted in the corners. The center of the circle lies on the
corner point.
This example shows the original toolpath of an inside corner:
If Modify inside corners is enabled, with an Inside corner style of
Circular, FeatureCAM inserts a circle into sharp inside corners, for
example:
1564 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The size of the circle depends on the Radius you set, for example:
Triangular
The path follows a triangular shape at an inside corner. Specify the
length and width of the triangle.
Rounded
The path rounds inside corners. Specify the radius.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Misc. (see page 1808) tab.
Modifying both inside and outside corners
Both inside and outside corners are modified as shown below.
Original path curve with
Resulting NC output
Resulting part shape:
inside corner
(shown in pink):
(shown in blue):
Auto Round
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1565
If Auto round is enabled, arcs are inserted at all sharp corners. This
applies only if Cutter comp is enabled and you have a leave
allowance or if Cutter comp is not set. If you have enabled Modify
outside corners, it does not perform any further rounding on these
corners. It rounds inside corners (even if Modify inside corners is
enabled) by inserting an arc before and after the circular corner as
shown below: The radius of the inserted arcs is equal to the radius
of the wire.
Wire radius
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Misc. (see page 1808) tab.
Cutting Data tab (WIRE)
The Cutting Data tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog (see page
1548) displays the feed, water, and cutter compensation registers
for each pass of the operation selected in the Tree view.
1566 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The use of all these settings depends on the machine and controller
type. You can set these values automatically from the current
material database, or enter them manually.
Most modern NC machines have an integrated technology database
which the machine uses to set up the optimum cutting conditions
for the workpiece. In this way the cutting is accurate and uses the
full power of the machine. These settings for the cutting conditions
are usually stored in Registers in the controller and are activated by
particular codes in the NC program. FeatureCAM enables you to
define these codes for up to nine cuts (either backwards/forwards
cutting or with sub-programs). You can also load pre-defined
settings from a database you have prepared.
Feed This is used to select the generator setting on the wire
machine. The generator setting controls the cutting speed of the
machine by setting parameters such as strength, pulse time, and
pause time between pulses of the electrical current used to produce
the spark. These parameters vary with the workpiece material,
height, and so on.
Water This is used to select the machine register that defines the
water flow during cutting. The parameters that are controlled
include the water pressure, flow rate, and so on.
Comp. Reg. This sets the number of the Compensation Register of
the NC machine, which is used for wire radius compensation. The
value held within this register is the amount by which the wire is
corrected to the left or right of the defined wire path when the
function for wire correction on the machine is switched on (normally
G41 or G42).
Comp. Val. This sets the wire radius correction value for the given
offset register on the machine. The value is normally the sum of the
wire radius + spark gap + any finishing allowance required. For
most machines, the compensation value is referenced through the
compensation register, so there is no need to set this value.
You can change the labels of these columns in the Cutting
Conditions Names dialog in XBUILD. Select CNC-Info > Cutting
Conditions Names from the XBUILD menu.
Post Vars. button displays the Post Variables dialog (see page
1731).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1567
Cutting Data example (WIRE)
In the example above, C1 is the first pass and C2 is the second
pass.
Feed is the feed rate.
Water is where you enter your EPAK values. For an EPAK value of
E1251, enter 1251.
You should have documentation with your machine that lists
the EPAK values for various materials and thicknesses. So, for
example, it should give you one EPAK value for 0.5 inch thick
aluminum, another for 0.75 inch aluminum, another for 0.5
inch titanium, and so on. Each EPAK contains settings for 'On
Time', 'Off Time', 'Dwell', 'Voltage', and so on.
Comp. Reg associates each Comp. Val with a particular pass and
appears as H11, H12, and so on in the NC code.
Comp. Val is basically the wire radius plus the wire offset. Comp.
Vals should also be in your machine's documentation.
Here is the NC code for the above example, with the values from
the table marked in bold:
N10 G90
N15 M101
N20 M106 Q-2
N25 G53 G92 X-95.956 Y-61.722 Z0
N30 M20 (WIRE THREAD LN)
N35 M78 ( FILL TANK )
N40 M78
N45 M80 ( FLUSHING ON )
N50 M82 ( WIRE FEED ON )
N55 M84 ( MACHINING ON )
1568 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
N60
N65
N70
N75
M90 ( ADAPTIVE CONTROL ON )
H11=0.006
E1251 F0.090
G01 G42 X-369.727 Y-348.437 H11
Leads Style tab (WIRE)
You can use the Leads Style tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog
(see page 1548) to edit the lead moves of a Wire feature.
This tab applies to 2-axis features with no taper.
Style There are several choices for the type of moves for leading
in and out of an operation.
Direct This style moves straight from the start point to the
contour.
- start point
- contour
There are four different ramp styles that arc onto the contour.
The ramp styles available are:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1569
Teardrop:
Bullet:
Arc:
U-Shape:
To set a ramp style, select the Style from the list and enter a
Diameter for lead moves.
Start point
Contour
Diameter
The same diameter arc is used to ramp off the contour and then the
wire returns to the start point.
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Start (see page 1803) tab.
Renaming features
When you create a feature, FeatureCAM automatically generates its
name.
To change the name of a feature:
1 Select an item in the graphics window or the Part View panel.
2 To display the Rename Object dialog:
1570 Features
Select Edit > Rename from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select Rename from the context menu.
Press the F2 key.
3 Enter the New Name in the Rename Object dialog.
4 Click OK.
Deleting features
Use one of the following methods to delete a feature:
Select a feature in the graphics window or the Part View, then
press the Delete key.
Select a feature in the graphics window or the Part View, then
select Edit > Delete from the menu.
Right-click a feature in the graphics window or the Part View and
select Delete from the context menu.
Move features to a different Setup
To move a feature to a different Setup:
1 Select Manufacturing > Process Plan from the menu to display the
Process Plan (see page 1572) dialog.
Two Setups are displayed in the dialog, with the list of features
on each Setup listed below its name. If there is only one setup it
is displayed in both lists.
2 From the left Setup list, select the Setup which contains the
feature you want to move.
The features on that setup are listed in the left field.
3 From the right Setup list, select the Setup you want to move the
feature to.
The features on that setup are listed in the middle field.
4 In the left field, select the feature you want to move.
5 Click Move item to another setup
middle field.
to move the feature to the
6 Click OK to close the dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1571
Process Plan dialog
Use the Process Plan dialog to move features between Setups,
remove features or Setups from the manufacturing plan, or add
features to the plan. The order of operations in the Process Plan
dialog is only the initial manufacturing order. Settings in the Default
Operation attributes and the Ordering (see page 1575) dialogs can
override this order.
To display the Process Plan dialog, select Manufacturing > Process
Plan from the menu.
The left and middle boxes show the features contained in the
Setups whose name is listed above the box. If you have only one
Setup in your part, both of these boxes display the operations of
your single stage. The Process Plan list contains the names of all
Setups in your process plan.
Process Plan This displays a list of Setups in the model.
Setup This lists of all the Setups in the part. Select a Setup from
the list and the features contained in the Setup are displayed in the
Feature list.
Feature This lists the features for each Setup.
Delete item
Click this button to delete the selected Setup in
the Process Plan list or Feature in the Feature list.
Move item to another setup (right)
- moves the selected
manufacturing operation(s) from the left Setup to the right Setup.
For example, if your part has a top and roughbot Setup. With the
roughbot Setup selected in the left Setup list (the first stage of the
manufacturing process), the operations assigned to this Setup are
displayed in the left field. If you select the top Setup in the right
Setup list, the operations for this setup are displayed in the middle
field. If you select an operation in the roughbot Setup and then click
Move item to another setup (right)
, the operation is assigned to
the top Setup, and is displayed in the middle field.
Move item to another setup (left)
- moves the selected
manufacturing operation(s) from the right Setup to the left Setup.
Move item up
by one place.
- moves the selected feature or Setup up in the list
Move item down
- moves the selected feature or Setup down in
the list by one place.
1572 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Including and excluding features for a process plan
When you create a feature, it is automatically included for
manufacturing in the current Setup of the process plan.
Sometimes, it is convenient to exclude a feature from the
manufacturing plan without deleting the feature.
The Include In Plan and Exclude from Plan options of the Edit menu
toggle the inclusion of the selected feature in the manufacturing
plan.
You can use the Process Plan dialog to select which features and
Setups to include in the plan, and easily correct any oversights you
might make with the include and exclude options.
Including a feature in the process plan (see page 1573)
Excluding a feature from the process plan (see page 1573)
Checking if a feature is included in the process plan (see page
1573)
If a feature is not included in the process plan, the toolpaths,
and the NC code generated by the post processor exclude that
feature entirely.
Including a feature in the process plan
To include a feature in the manufacturing plan:
1 Select a feature in the graphics window or the Part View.
2 Select Manufacturing > Include in Plan from the menu.
Excluding a feature from the process plan
To exclude a feature from the manufacturing plan:
1 Select a feature in the graphics window or the Part View.
2 Select Manufacturing > Exclude from Plan from the menu.
Checking if a feature is included in the process plan
To check whether a feature is included in the manufacturing plan:
1 Select a feature in the graphics window or the Part View.
2 Select Manufacturing from the menu. There is a black dot next to
either Include in Plan or Exclude from Plan, which shows the
current setting for the selected feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1573
Ordering features for manufacturing
You create features, and FeatureCAM splits them into operations for
manufacturing. For example, from a Hole feature, FeatureCAM
creates spotdrill, drill, and countersink operations. FeatureCAM uses
logic to ensure that operations created from a feature are
manufactured in the correct order. For example, a Hole is
spot-drilled before it is drilled and a Pocket is roughed before it is
finished.
Each Setup can contain multiple features, which are split into
operations. By default, a part is manufactured in the order it is
created. You can change the order of manufacture using the
Process Plan (see page 1572) dialog, or you can set automatic
Ordering optimizations.
You can use the following methods to order features for
manufacturing:
Op list tab (see page 1574)
Ordering optimization (see page 1575)
Using groups to determine manufacturing order (see page 1576)
Op List tab
The Op List tab of the Results panel displays all the operations in
the part and the machining order, and contains options for editing
and reordering operations.
Each row displays the operation, the feature that the operation is
created from and the tool used to cut the feature.
If there is an Error
or a Warning
icon in the left hand margin,
you have an error or warning (see page 187) for this operation.
This tab has three main functions:
Simulation control (see page 1630)
Operation ordering (see page 1633)
Operation editing (see page 1634)
1574 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ordering optimization
You can use the Ordering dialog to automatically optimize the
manufacturing process.
Clicking Play
in the Simulation toolbar displays the Ordering
dialog by default.
To stop the Ordering dialog displaying, select Don't show this
dialog next time in the Ordering dialog.
If you want the Ordering dialog to display, select
Manufacturing > Machining Attributes from the menu, then on
the Operations tab of the Machining Attributes dialog, in the
Ordering section, deselect Don't ask at tool path simulation.
The Ordering dialog displays the current Setup, CNC File, Tool Crib,
and has an option for operation ordering. There are different kinds
of automatic operation ordering that work together to speed up the
manufacturing of your part.
Depending on the type of part, click one of the following buttons to
display the dialog for changing the machining order:
Mill Ordering displays the Automatic Ordering Options (see page
1633) dialog, which contains options for setting the machining
order for Milling parts.
Turn Ordering displays the Automatic Ordering Options (see
page 1633) dialog, which contains options for setting the
machining order for Turning parts.
If the model contains a Points list Pattern, click Sorting in the Pattern
- Dimensions (see page 966) dialog to display the Point List Sorting
dialog, where you can change the machining order of the Pattern.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1575
You can also use the Op List tab (see page 1574) to change the
order of operations.
Using Groups to determine manufacturing order
You can use Groups (see page 956) to collect features together, but
they also provide a powerful level of control over the order of
manufacturing operations.
When you create a Group, select Ordered on the Dimensions tab of
the Group Properties (see page 958) dialog to specify the
manufacturing order of the Objects in the Group. If you created an
ordered Group with a Hole feature and a Pocket feature, then the
operations are performed in the following order:
spotdrill Hole
drill Hole
rough Pocket
finish Pocket
You can mix ordered and unordered Groups in your setup for more
flexibility in ordering operations. For example, perform all drilling
operations first and all milling operations last:
1 Create a mixture of Hole and Milling features (see page 719).
2 Create an unordered Group of Hole features:
a Select the Hole features in the graphics window, then select
Construct > Pattern and Group > Group from the menu to
display the Feature Group Properties (see page 958) dialog.
b On the Dimensions tab of the Group Properties (see page 958)
dialog, deselect Ordered, then click OK to close the dialog.
This creates a Group of Holes with a default manufacturing
order.
3 Rename the Group of Holes to holegroup:
a In the Part View panel, right-click the Group of Holes and
select Rename from the context menu to display the Rename
Object dialog.
b In the Rename Object dialog, enter holegroup in the New Name
field.
c Click OK.
4 Create an unordered Group of Milling Features:
a Select the Milling features in the graphics window, then select
Construct > Pattern and Group > Group from the menu to
display the Feature Group Properties (see page 958) dialog.
1576 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
b On the Dimensions tab of the Group Properties (see page 958)
dialog, deselect Ordered, then click OK to close the dialog.
This creates a Group of Milling features with a default
manufacturing order.
5 Rename the Group of Milling features to millgroup:
a In the Part View panel, right-click the Group of Milling features
and select Rename from the context menu to display the
Rename Object dialog.
b In the Rename Object dialog, enter millgroup in the New Name
field.
c Click OK.
6 Create a Group which contains the two existing Groups:
a In the Part View panel, select holegroup.
b Hold the Shift key and select millgroup.
c Select Construct > Pattern and Group > Group from the menu to
display the Feature Group Properties (see page 958) dialog.
d On the Dimensions tab of the Group Properties (see page 958)
dialog, select Ordered, then click OK to close the dialog.
7 Rename the Group to ordered:
a In the Part View panel, right-click the Group and select
Rename from the context menu to display the Rename Object
dialog.
b In the Rename Object dialog, enter allgroup in the New Name
field.
c Click OK.
When allgroup is manufactured, all the Holes are made first, then
the Milling features are made. Within each group, FeatureMILL
optimizes the order so that tool changes are minimized. For
example, in holegroup, all spotdrilling operations are done first,
followed by all drilling operations. Then all milling operations are
completed. Using Groups, you control the order of manufacturing
operations without sacrificing the help that FeatureMILL can
provide.
Paste Special dialog
The Paste special dialog enables you to replicate or transfer objects
or their settings between FeatureCAM part files.
You can display the Paste Special dialog in different ways depending
what you want to do:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1577
To duplicate features in the document:
a Select a feature in the graphics window or Part Tree.
b Select Edit > Copy from the menu to copy the selected objects
to the clipboard.
c Select Edit > Paste Special from the menu.
To insert features from the Part Library:
a Select the Construct > Part Library menu option to display the
Part Library dialog.
b Select a feature in the Part Library dialog and click Paste.
To insert Part Library features using the New Feature wizard:
a In the New Feature wizard, under From Feature, select User and
click Next.
b On the User defined feature page, select a feature and click
Next.
These options are displayed in the Paste Special dialog:
Paste the clipboard contents into the current setup This inserts
the objects in the clipboard into the current FeatureCAM part
document. This is the same as selecting Edit > Paste from the
menu.
If you paste into the same document that you copied from,
the new copy is placed on top of the original.
Paste the clipboard Select a new location This inserts the
objects in the clipboard into the current FeatureCAM part
document, and the Paste Special - Reference (see page 1579)
dialog is displayed which you can use to position the objects.
Copy attributes from feature to another feature The Paste Special
- Attributes dialog is displayed, which you can use to apply the
machining attributes of the copied feature to other features in
the model. This option is only available if the clipboard contains a
single feature.
The Undo button is unavailable after using Copy attributes
from feature to another feature.
1578 Features
Paste the clipboard contents into the current setup The Select
New Profile Curve(s) dialog (see page 1581) is displayed, which
you can use to replace the pasted feature's boundary curve with
a curve in the document.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Paste Special - Reference
Use the Paste Special - Reference page to specify a reference point
for pasting features.
1 To specify the location of a reference point, enter the coordinates
of a point in the X, Y and Z fields, or click Pick location
select a point in the graphics window.
and
2 Click Next to display the Paste Special - Location (see page 1579)
page, which you can use to specify a new location point.
The copied objects will be translated between the point specified
in this dialog and the point specified in the Paste Special Location page.
To locate the feature using polar coordinates, select Polar on
the Location page. The Reference page has no effect when
using polar coordinates.
Paste Special - Location
The Paste Special - Location page enables you to specify a new
location point for pasting features.
1 Select whether you want to locate the new feature using XYZ or
polar coordinates.
You can only use polar coordinates to locate individual features,
not groups or multiple features.
For XYZ coordinates, enter the coordinates of a point in the X,
Y, and Z fields, or click Pick location
the graphics window.
and select a point in
The copied objects are translated between the point specified
in the Paste Special - Reference (see page 1579) page and this
point.
For polar coordinates, enter the Radius and Angle to offset the
new feature from the setup location, and enter the Z value to
specify the Z height of the feature above the setup.
2 Click Preview to display a preview of the objects in the graphics
window.
3 Click Finish to create the new objects and close the wizard.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1579
Paste Special - Attributes
Feed/speed overrides Applies the values for feed and speed that
have been explicitly set on the copied feature to another feature.
This option is available only if the copied feature has feed or speed
values that have been changed from the defaults.
Tool overrides Applies the tool information from the copied
feature onto another feature. This option is only available if the tool
options used to machine the feature have been changed from the
default.
Machining attributes
Copy only the attributes that were set on the feature Applies
non default attributes from the copied feature to another
feature. This affects all tabs of the Feature Properties dialog
except the Dimensions tab.
Copy all machining attributes in effect for the feature All
attributes of the copied feature, including the default
attributes, are applied to another feature.
And set them on the following feature(s) Apply the selected
attributes to these features.
To add a feature to this list:
Select a feature in the graphics window, then click Add from
selected items
.
Click Pick feature
window.
, then select a feature in the graphics
Attributes, feeds and speeds, and tooling can be transferred
only to features of the same type.
1580 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select New Profile Curve(s)
The Select New Profile Curve(s) dialog enables you to select curves to
replace a feature's boundary curve when pasting it into the
document:
Select curves from the list that you want to replace the feature's
boundary curve with, or click Pick Curve
geometry in the graphics window.
and select curves or
Click Next to display the Paste Special - Reference dialog (see page
1579).
Part Library
The Part Library dialog enables you to create commonly used
configurations of objects and save them for easy use in FeatureCAM
parts. For example, the library could include a collection of lines and
arcs, single features with customized attributes for specific
applications, or a collection of features that you use regularly.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1581
To display the Part Library dialog, select Construct > Part Library from
the menu.
The Tree View displays the contents of a specific part library. These
libraries contain objects, which you can paste into FeatureCAM
parts, and folders which are used to organize the objects.
Above the Tree View, the dialog displays whether the current part
library is 64-bit or 32-bit.
Add Selected Click this button to add the selected objects to the
library. If multiple objects are selected, they are added to the
library as a stream and displayed in the tree view with the stream
icon. A stream is a temporary group. When these objects are
pasted into a document, the stream grouping is removed and just
the objects are added directly to the document. If you want a
permanent grouping, create a group of objects and then add the
group to the part library.
Add Folder Click this button to add a folder to the part library for
storing objects.
Delete Click this button to remove the selected object from the
part library.
Rename Click this button to renames the selected object.
1582 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Paste Click this button to apply the Paste special (see page 1577)
command to the selected objects from the part library. The name of
the pasted object is based on the name of the object in the library.
If you paste multiple copies of the same type of object, the
subsequent objects are named with a _1, _2 suffix. The only
exception is a stream object. For stream objects, the objects are
pasted directly into the document using the names of the objects
contained in the stream.
Import Click this button to import objects from a part library into
the current library.
Export Click this button to export all objects in the current library
to an external library file. These files have a .nam extension.
Open library Click this option to open a part library.
New library Click this button to create a new part library.
When you create or export a part library, you are asked to
specify the format of the part library as 64-bit or 32-bit. A
32-bit version of FeatureCAM cannot read a 64-bit part
library, but a 64-bit part library is faster and recommended.
Part Library example
FeatureCAM has a Counterdrill hole. These are the manufacturing
steps:
1 Spot-drill the top.
2 Drill the smaller diameter hole.
3 Drill the top diameter hole.
The order of these is fixed, you cannot rearrange them in the Op
List.
An alternative manufacturing strategy would be to:
1 Spot-drill the top.
2 Drill the larger hole on the top.
3 Drill the smaller diameter.
You can use the part library to create a feature that uses the
alternative manufacturing strategy.
1 Create a plain hole:
a Set the Diameter to 0.375.
b Set the Depth to 0.25.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1583
c On the Strategy tab, select the Spot drill and Drill options.
d On the Location tab, set the X, Y, and Z coordinates to 0.0.
2 Create a second plain hole:
a On the Dimensions tab, set the Diameter to 0.25 and the Depth
to 0.75.
b On the Location tab, set the Z location to -0.25
c On the Strategy tab deselect the Spotdrill option and select the
Drill option.
3 Create a group of the two holes:
a Arrange the holes so that the top hole is the first in the group.
b Select the Ordered option.
Select the group and create a library part
1 Create the objects in a FeatureCAM document. See Tips for
library part objects (see page 1584).
2 Select all of the objects you want to include in the part library.
3 Select Part library from the Construct menu.
4 Click the Add selected button to create the library part.
Tips for part library objects
If you plan on modifying the dimensions of a feature, do not
override the default tools on the library object, use the
automatically selected tools. This allows the automatic tool
selection to modify the tooling when the dimensions are
changed.
If you want to create a single library part that contains more
than one object, use a Group (see page 956). If you want to
ensure that the operations of that group are not rearranged,
select Ordered on the Dimensions tab of the Feature Group
Properties dialog.
Any object type can be added to the part library.
If you want to use a unique name for your object, rename the
object either before you put it in the library, or rename the
object in the part library.
Center the object around the origin. This makes it easier to place
the feature when you paste it into a document.
1584 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Adding objects from the part library to a FeatureCAM
document
To creating library part objects:
1 Create the objects in a FeatureCAM document. See Tips for
library part objects (see page 1584).
2 Select all of the objects you want to include in the part library.
3 Select Construct > Part library from the menu to display the Part
Library dialog.
4 Click the Add Selected button to create the library part.
To add existing library parts to a model:
1 Select Construct > Part library from the menu to display the Part
Library dialog.
2 Select an object in the Part Library dialog.
3 Click Paste to display the Paste Special (see page 1577) dialog.
Alternatively, you can use the New Feature Wizard (see page
1585) to add an object from the Part Library to the model.
Creating a single part library object
You can insert a single object from a part library by either using the
Paste Special (see page 1577) dialog, or using the New Feature
Wizard:
1 Click the Features
Feature Wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the New
2 In the From Feature section of the New Feature Wizard, select
User and click Next.
3 Select an object in the Part Library dialog, then click Next.
4 Enter the coordinates of a point, or click Pick location
select a point in the graphics window.
and
5 Click Preview to display a preview of the object in the graphics
window.
6 Click Finish to paste the object into the model.
Creating a pattern of part library objects
Creating a pattern of part library or UDF objects:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1585
These instructions assume that you already have an object in a part
library (see page 1581) or have defined a UDF (see page 944) that
you want to add to a part.
1 Click the Features
Feature Wizard.
step in the Steps panel to display the New
2 In the From Feature section of the New Feature Wizard, select
User.
3 Select Make a pattern from this feature.
4 Click Next.
5 Select an object in the Part Library dialog, then click Next.
6 Follow the instructions in the Wizard to create a pattern form the
feature.
Part Library Format
The Part Library Format dialog is displayed when you create a part
library (see page 1581). Use it to choose the format in which the
library is saved.
To specify the format for a part library:
1 In the Part Library dialog, click New Library or Export. The Part
Library Format dialog is displayed.
2 Choose a format option. Select:
64-bit to export the library in 64-bit format. Choose this option
when the library is only used with 64-bit installations of
FeatureCAM.
32-bit to export the library in 32-bit format. Choose this option
when the library is used with 32-bit and 64-bit installations of
FeatureCAM.
64-bit libraries are faster and can be larger than 32-bit
libraries, but they cannot be read by 32-bit installations of
FeatureCAM.
1586 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Click OK to save your changes and close the dialog. The format
you selected is displayed above the tree in the Part Library
dialog.
To check whether you are using the 32-bit or 64-bit version of
FeatureCAM, select the Help > About FeatureCAM menu option.
The version is shown at the top of the About FeatureCAM
dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1587
Feeds and speeds
Feeds and speeds values are calculated automatically for each
operation based on FeatureCAM's built-in feed/speed database.
Each feature is automatically broken down into a collection of
operations. Feeds and speed settings for each operation are
automatically calculated. To view the recommended feed or speed
value for an operation, click the operation in the tree view and then
click the Feed/speed tab for turned features or the Tools tab for
milling operations.
The recommended feed and speed values are extracted from a
built-in database in FeatureCAM. The combination of the stock
material, the tool material, and the manufacturing operation are
used to find the suitable values in the FeatureCAM feed/speed
tables.
You can customize this database by changing the values for an
existing table or by creating a new table for an additional material.
By customizing the database in this way, you are ensuring that
FeatureCAM makes future decisions about feed and speed values
just as you would.
You can also explicitly set the feed rate or spindle speed for an
individual operation, but these changes only affect a single feature
in a single part file.
Feeds and Speeds database
The Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables dialog displays the
information stored in the Feeds and Speeds database.
Use one of the following methods to display the Feeds/Speeds And
Cutting Data Tables dialog:
Select Manufacturing > Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables from
the menu.
Click F/S Tables on the Material page of the Stock wizard (see
page 290).
See also:
Wire EDM cut data (see page 1589)
Stock material (see page 294)
Initializing FeatureMILL databases (see page 1593)
1588 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feed rates for turn/mill features
All feed rates are specified in inches per minute (or millimeters per
minute). The post processor then translates these rates into
degrees per minute or inverse time.
Wire EDM cut data
FeatureWIRE has material databases that describe the cutting
conditions for various materials. Each database entry is uniquely
identified by the material type, material thickness, wire type, wire
diameter, and machine type. The values for each entry are the feed,
water and cutter compensation registers (see page 1589) on the
machine. The database is used to fill in the values in the Cutdata
dialog, if the current cutting conditions match. The material
thickness does not have to be an exact match. The values for the
closest thickness are used.
Feed, water and cutter compensation registers
Most NC machines have an integrated technology database, which
the machine uses to set up the optimum cutting conditions for the
workpiece. This ensures cutting is accurate and uses the full power
of the machine. These settings for the cutting conditions are usually
stored in registers in the controller and are activated by particular
codes in the NC program. The FeatureWIRE software enables you to
define these codes for up to nine cuts (either backwards/forwards
cutting or with sub-programs). You can also load pre-defined
settings from a database.
Feed
This field is used to select the generator setting on the wire
machine. The generator setting controls the cutting speed of the
machine by setting parameters such as strength, pulse time and
pause time between pulses of the electrical current used to produce
the spark. These parameters vary with the workpiece material,
height and so on.
Water
This field is used to select the machine register that defines the
water flow during cutting. The parameters that are controlled
include the water pressure, flow rate and so on.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1589
Comp. Reg.
This field sets the number of the Compensation Register of the NC
machine which is used for wire radius compensation. The value held
within this register is the amount by which the wire is corrected to
the left or right of the defined wire path when the function for wire
correction on the machine is switched on (normally G41 or G42)
Comp. Val
This field sets the wire radius correction value for the given offset
register on the machine. The value is normally the sum of the wire
radius + spark gap + any finishing allowance required. For most
machines, the compensation value is referenced through the
compensation register, so there is no need to set this value.
Other fields
FeatureCAM also contains fields that can be customized to enter
machine-specific data, such as spark on and spark off time. For
more information customizing these fields, refer to the XBUILD help.
How feedrates are scaled
Feedrates are specified for a 1" (or 20mm) tool. For tools that are
other diameters, the feedrates are scaled linearly.
For example, the feedrate for a 0.25" (or 5mm) tool is 1/4 of the
table rate.
Changing a feed or speed value for a Milling operation
1 Double-click a Milling feature in the graphics window or the Part
View panel to display the Feature Properties dialog.
2 In the Tree View on the left of the dialog, select an operation, for
example finish.
3 On the F/S tab (see page 1063), enter any values you want to
change.
4 Click OK to close the dialog.
On the F/S tab, click Reset All to return all fields to their
default values.
Changing a feed or speed value for a Turning operation
1 Double-click a Turning feature in the graphics window or Part
View panel to display the Feature Properties dialog.
1590 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 In the Tree View on the left of the dialog, select an operation, for
example finish.
3 Select the Feed/speed (see page 1485) tab.
4 If you want to specify the speed as constant surface speed:
a Click Constant Surface Speed option.
b Enter the Surface Speed.
c Optionally specify the Approach RPM (the initial speed for the
operation while still off the part).
d Optionally specify the Maximum RPM (the maximum
revolutions per minute that the machine can generate).
5 If you want to enter the speed as a single revolution per minute
value, deselect Constant Surface Speed and enter the Spindle
speed.
If your machine has explicit spindle speed ranges, you may
want to set the RPM Range.
Some turning centers have gear boxes that set the maximum
spindle speed of the machine. The RPM Range list sets the gear box
to a specific maximum range. If you set RPM Range to a value of
1-4, then the range is set explicitly. If RPM Range is set to Auto then
FeatureCAM sets the range for you based on the following rules:
1 If the feature is a turned Hole or another turned feature without
Constant Surface Speed set, then the range is determined based
on the Spindle Speed.
2 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set,
then the range is determined based on the Max RPM.
If you want to specify the Speed as feed per revolution, select
the IPR option and enter the feed rate.
If you want to specify the Speed as feed per minute, deselect
the IPR option and enter the feed rate.
3 Click OK to close the dialog.
Default feed/speed values for turning
The default values for feeds and speeds are calculated from the
feed/speed tables. If the feed is specified in Feed per minute (IPM
for inch units), then the feed rate is dependent on the speed value.
When you change the Speed value, the recommended Feed value is
changed.
To see the recommended Feed value when you have entered a
Speed value:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1591
1 Enter a Speed value on the F/S tab (see page 1590) (Milling
features) or Feeds/speeds tab (see page 1590) (Turning
features) of the Feature Properties dialog.
2 Click Apply.
The Feed value is updated to display the new value.
Show/Hide Material
You can use the Show/Hide Material dialog to remove materials from
the Material list in the Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables dialog
(see page 1588).
To display the Show/Hide Material dialog, select Manufacturing >
Materials > Show/Hide from the menu.
FeatureCAM comes with a long list of materials. Some of these
materials might not be applicable for your shop. You can delete
materials from the database, but when you upgrade to a new
version, these deleted materials reappear. The solution is to hide
unwanted material. When the materials database is updated, hidden
materials do not reappear.
To hide or show a material:
1 In the list in the Show/Hide Material dialog, select any material
you want to show.
2 Deselect any material you want to hide.
3 Click OK.
Click Exclude all items
to deselect all of the materials in
the list or Include all items
to select all of the materials in
the list.
1592 Features
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Initializing FeatureCAM databases
The tooling and feed/speed databases are created using the INITDB
Initialization program in FeatureCAM. This is the program that is run
the first time you run FeatureCAM to create your initial database.
Select where your database is located:
On my local computer Select this option to use the database on
your PC.
On another computer that I will access over a network (see page 1911)
(SND (see page 2)) Select this option to use an MS Access
shared network database. Click Browse and browse to the location
of the shared network database.
On a SQL Server (see page 1912) (SND (see page 2)) Select this
option to use an SQL Server network database. Select the Server
Name and the Database Name. To use SQL authentication, select
SQL Server in the Authentication Mode list and enter your SQL
Username and SQL Password. If you use SQL authentication, the
Database Name list only displays databases to which you have
access.
You may also want to use INITDB for the following reasons:
Adding default tools and feed/speed tables to the database (see
page 1926)
Recreating tooling and feed/speed databases if they become corrupt
(see page 1926)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Features 1593
Macro programming options
The type of macro code that is created by a specific post processor
depends on whether the post processor supports incremental
programming, local coordinate systems or both.
Incremental
Local
coordinate
File type
Code created
No
No
.fm
Pattern instances are cut
with absolute coordinates
relative to the current
Setup.
.mf with
Each FM part is cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to the global
fixture. Pattern instances
in each FM part are cut
with absolute coordinates
relative to the global
fixture.
multiple
fixture
.mf with
global
fixture
Yes
No
.fm
Each pattern instance calls
a macro with incremental
coordinates relative to the
pattern instance location.
.mf with
Each FM part is cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to the global
fixture. Pattern instances
in each FM part are cut
with incremental
coordinates relative to the
pattern instance location
based on the global fixture.
multiple
fixture
1594 Features
Each FM part is cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to its local fixture
(G54). Pattern instances in
each FM part are cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to the part's local
fixture (G54).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
.mf with
global
fixture
No
Yes
.fm
A local coordinate system
is established for each
pattern instance. A macro
is called with absolute
coordinates relative to the
pattern instance location.
.mf with
A local coordinate system
is established for each FM
part. A local coordinate
system is established for
each pattern instance. A
macro is called with
absolute coordinates
relative to the pattern
instance location which is
based on the global fixture.
multiple
fixture
.mf with
global
fixture
Yes
Yes
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Each FM part is cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to its local fixture
(G54). Pattern instances in
each FM part are cut with
incremental coordinates
relative to the pattern
instance location based on
the part's local fixture
(G54).
.fm
Each FM part is cut with
absolute coordinates
relative to its local fixture
(G54). A local coordinate
system is established for
each pattern instance. A
macro is called with
absolute coordinates
relative to the pattern
instance location which is
based on the local fixture
(G54).
Local coordinates are not
used.
Features 1595
.mf with
multiple
fixture
.mf with
global
fixture
A local coordinate system
is established for each FM
part. Pattern instances in
each FM part are cut with
incremental coordinates
relative to the pattern
instance location based on
the part's local coordinate
system.
Local coordinates are not
used.
Toolpaths
You must simulate toolpaths in FeatureCAM in order to produce the
NC code for your part.
If you are using the Student version of FeatureCAM, you
cannot post NC code.
You can use toolpath simulations to check for gouges (see page
1620) and manage tool load (see page 1625).
Click Toolpaths
toolbar:
in the Steps panel to display the Simulation
Simulating toolpaths
In FeatureCAM, you can display the following types of simulation:
1596 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Centerline Lines are drawn that represent the center of the tip of
the tool. This simulation method is usually the fastest. The default
colors are:
Rapid moves (G0)
Toolpath lines and arcs (G1, G2, G3)
Index moves
Part line program toolpaths
Ramps and leads
You can change these colors in the Default Colors (see page 67)
dialog.
For 3D and 2.5D NT toolpaths, stepovers are brown and leads
are blue.
2D For turning, this style shows a cross section of the part. For
milling this style shows a flat (from the top) view of the part, with
each tool being shown in a different color.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1597
3D (sometimes called Visicut) This style shows a
three-dimensional shaded rendering of the initial stock and
simulates material removal in 3D. You can optionally display the
holder. Any gouge caused by holder interference or the tool hitting
the part during a rapid move is displayed in pink. For turning
simulation a 3/4 cut-away view is optionally available to view ID
cuts.
3D RapidCut (see page 1604) This shows a very fast simulation of
a 3-axis milling job. You can also use it with 2.5-axis milling, but it
works best for 3-axis milling.
Machine simulation This displays the motion of the entire machine
tool (see page 224).
With all simulation methods, video-style controls (see page 1600)
are used to pause, stop, and step through the toolpath, giving you
fine control over the process.
1598 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Generating toolpaths
You can use the Simulation toolbar to simulate toolpaths.
To simulate toolpaths:
1 Click Toolpaths
toolbar:
in the Steps panel to display the Simulation
2 Select a simulation type (see page 1599).
3 Click Play
The toolpaths are simulated in the graphics window.
Simulation types
You can select the following simulation types in the Simulation
toolbar:
Show Centerline Simulates the centerline of the toolpath in
the graphics window using the current view. If Keep toolpaths upon
view change is selected on the Centerline tab (see page 1612) of the
Simulation Options dialog, you can view the part and the toolpaths
dynamically, otherwise the toolpaths are erased when you change
the view.
2D Simulation The top view of the part is displayed, and the
toolpaths are simulated in different colors. You cannot change the
view during the simulation. When the simulation is complete, you
can change the view, but the toolpaths are erased.
3D Simulation A 3D simulation of the part is displayed in the
current view. You can dynamically change the view at any point
during or after the simulation. The simulation does not have to be
recalculated, so the view change is instant.
3D RapidCut You can view this simulation dynamically. For
zooming, the image must be recalculated, but this calculation time
is quick. For panning or rotating, the image does not have to be
recalculated, but a lower resolution version is displayed while you
are transforming the part. This lets you change the view more
interactively.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1599
Machine simulation A 3D simulation of the part and the
machine is displayed in the current view. You can dynamically
change the view at any point during or after the simulation. The
simulation does not have to be recalculated, so the view change is
instant.
Video-style controls
When you generate toolpaths, they are displayed in the graphics
window using the technique (centerline, 2D, and so on) that you
selected. You can control the simulation using the video-style
buttons in the Simulation toolbar.
The Eject button removes the Simulation toolbar from the screen
and erases the simulation from the graphics window.
The Stop button cancels a simulation and clears it from the
screen.
The Play button restarts a paused simulation.
The Pause button suspends the simulation. The button changes
to the Play button after it is clicked.
The Single step button moves the simulation by one tool move.
The keyboard shortcut for this button is Alt+F3.
After stepping forward, you can also step backward by
selecting View > Simulation > Step Backward from the menu.
The Next operation button simulates until the end of this
operation. Click the triangle to the right of the button to display the
following options:
The Next rapid button simulates until the next rapid tool
move.
The Next tool change button simulates until the next tool
change.
The Next Z level button simulates the next Z of a Z level
toolpath. For other toolpaths, it plays the entire next operation.
The Clear toolpath button is for centerline simulation only. If you
have paused your simulation, or if you are using one of the
simulation tools above, this button clears all of the centerline
toolpaths simulated up to that point.
1600 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Region of interest button limits the portion of part that is
simulated (see page 1601).
The Show tool load button indicates whether or not to display a
graph of the tool load (see page 1625) when the next 3D Simulation
is performed.
To adjust the speed of a centerline, 2D, or 3D simulation, use the
Sim Speed slider on the right-hand side of the controls. Slide to the
right to speed up, and move to the left to slow the simulation down.
The slider of the simulation toolbar also affects the display for
rapidcut simulation. If the slider is all the way to the right, only the
final simulation result is displayed. Position the slider bar further to
the left to see intermediate results.
Pausing a toolpath simulation
You can use the following methods to pause a simulation:
Click Pause
Set a break point (see page 1630).
Use the Single step
tool change
in the Simulation toolbar.
, Next operation
, Next rapid
or Next
buttons in the Simulation toolbar.
Region of interest
The Region of Interest
button in the Simulation toolbar enables
you to limit the portion of the part that is rendered during a 3D
simulation or 3D Rapidcut
reasons to do this:
simulation. There are two main
The rest of the part is not simulated, so simulation time is
reduced.
If you are using RapidCut (see page 1604), the region is
simulated at a finer resolution.
There are three different types of region:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1601
Stock This is the default type of simulation where the entire stock
is rendered during simulation:
Feature Select the name of the feature from the list and a region
around the feature is selected as the region.
XYZ Location The region is defined by either a box you drag or by
two points whose coordinates you can enter.
The sides of the box are aligned with the X and Y axes.
Preview simulation button
Simulations are normally performed on all features in a Setup. To
simulate a single feature or operation:
1 Double-click a feature.
2 The Feature Properties dialog is displayed.
3 Select the feature or an operation in the tree view.
1602 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Click the Preview button. The Feature Properties dialog is
minimized. A special version of the Simulation toolbar is
displayed.
5 Click the Play Feature button. See Using simulation video-style
controls (see page 1600) for more information.
6 Click the Eject button. The Properties dialog is maximized.
Part compare
Part compare is a feature of RapidCut simulation that enables you to
compare the results of a toolpath simulation with the actual solid
part model.
Regions that are properly cut are displayed in green. Regions where
extra material remains are shown in light blue (small amount of rest
material) through to dark blue (larger amount of rest material).
Gouged regions are shown in yellow (small gouge) through to red
(large gouge), for example:
To use part compare:
1 Right-click the solid in the graphics window and select Use Solid
As Part Compare Target from the context menu.
2 Specify the part compare settings and tolerances (see page
1613) on the Part Compare tab of the Simulation Options dialog.
3 Run a 3D RapidCut simulation (see page 1604).
4 Select View > Simulation > Show Part Compare from the menu.
To view the actual part model that the simulation is compared with,
select View > Simulation > Show target part from the menu.
If you adjust the view after a part compare has been
performed, a new RapidCut simulation is performed
automatically, but you must run another part comparison.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1603
Part compare also works with the region of interest (see page
1601).
Part compare example
In the example you can see that the trough is undercut.
Examining the trough more closely, you can see that the bottom of
the trough is greatly undercut. This is indicated by the dark blue
color. The light blue regions indicate a slightly undercut region.
undercut
slight
undercut
3D RapidCut simulation
This mode is available only in FeatureCAM 3D. RapidCut simulation
does not apply to turned parts. In this mode the tool is not
animated, but rather the results of the simulation are directly
displayed. For most parts, the simulation takes only a few seconds
to complete.
1604 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To start this simulation mode, click the 3D RapidCut
button.
If you have set a break point, the result of the simulation is
performed up to the break point. If you have not set a break point,
then the whole NC program is simulated. The slider of the
simulation toolbar also affects the display. If the slider is all the way
to the right, only the final simulation result is displayed. Position the
slider bar further to the left to see intermediate results.
RapidCut simulation does not detect insufficient cutter length
or tool holder gouges.
When you have run a RapidCut simulation you can then run a part
compare (see page 1603) to see how the toolpaths you generated
compare to the final shape.
Undercuts are not supported when using RapidCut.
Indexed and 5-axis parts are not supported when using
RapidCut.
Simulation Options dialog
You can use the Simulation Options dialog to control how toolpath
simulations behave.
To display the Simulation Options dialog, select Options > Simulation
from the context menu.
You can use this dialog while a simulation is playing and edit some
options without having to restart the simulation, such as number of
colors and simulation speed. If you display the Simulation Options
dialog during a simulation, the simulation pauses until you close the
dialog. A message is displayed if you run the 3D simulation in a
display showing fewer than 256 colors.
The Simulation Options dialog contains the following tabs:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1605
General (see page 1606)
2D/3D Shaded (see page 1608)
Centerline (see page 1612)
Part Compare (see page 1613)
Wire (see page 1615)
General tab
You can use the General tab of the Simulation Options dialog (see
page 1605) to edit the settings which affect all simulation types.
Tool Colors Simulates the cuts of each tool with a different color.
This lets you graphically view which portions of the part are cut with
which tool. After you run a 3D simulation, you can toggle this
setting without re-running the simulation. This image shows an
example of tool colors.
For centerline simulation this option displays each tool in a different
color during the simulation.
Show holder Select this option to display the tool holder during
centerline and 3D simulation.
Show spindle Select this option to display the spindle during
centerline and 3D solid simulation.
1606 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You must also select Show holder in order to view the spindle.
Simulation Speed This controls the speed of the simulation.
Position the slider on the scale between the far left for the minimum
(slowest) speed and the far right for the maximum (fastest) speed.
This slider controls the speed of 2D and 3D solid simulation.
The Status section shows the information that is displayed in the
status bar during simulation. Select the check boxes for the
information you want to see in the status bar:
Feed displays the feed rate for the operation being simulated.
Speed displays the spindle speed rate for the operation being
simulated.
Time turns on the display of the machining time estimate.
Operation displays the name of the operation currently being
simulated.
Tool displays the name of the tool performing the current
operation.
Position shows the X, Y and Z positions of the tool on the screen.
If you are using indexing, the angle you are rotated around the
axis is also shown.
This option can slow the simulation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1607
2D/3D Shaded tab
You can use the 2D/3D Shaded tab of the Simulation Options dialog
(see page 1605) to edit the settings which affect 2D and 3D
simulations.
Resolution This controls the quality of the image and affects the
speed of the simulation. Set it to a positive value. The default value
is 1. If you double the value (by setting it to 2.0), the tool is
subtracted from the block half as often. If you decrease the value,
the tool is subtracted from the block more often. If the simulation is
too chunky, decrease Resolution by half. If the simulation quality is
acceptable, but it is running too slowly, double the Resolution.
Power graph samples/min The tool load graph is determined by
measuring the Tool load (see page 1625) a certain number of times
per minute. The Power graph samples/min is the number of samples
to take per simulation minute.
Pause on limits Select this option to pause the machine simulation
if a solid exceeds the limits of movement specified in the Machine
Design file.
Pause on gouge Select this option to pause 3D simulation if a
gouge is detected with the part or tool holder.
Show pause on gouge dialog Select this option to display the
Possible Gouge dialog to warn you that a gouge has taken place.
See Detecting gouges (see page 1620) for more information.
1608 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Show pause on gouge dialog Select this option to display the
Possible Gouge dialog to warn you that a gouge has taken place.
Only Play Sim Once (TURN (see page 2)) For some machines with
two spindles, the simulation plays through the simulation twice. If
you want to see the part simulated only once, select this option.
Translucent tool Select this option to change the tool of a 3D solid
simulation to be slightly transparent.
Translucent part Select this option to change the stock of a 3D
solid simulation to be slightly transparent.
Metallic If you are using graphics hardware for OpenGL shading,
you have the option to have the 3D simulation look metallic.
Tool cutting tolerance This tolerance affects the fineness of the 3D
simulation. If this is set high, the simulation appears more faceted.
The lower this tolerance is set, the smoother the simulation
appears.
Tool visual tolerance This tolerance affects the appearance of the
tool. By increasing this tolerance, the tool appears chunkier. By
decreasing the tolerance the tool looks rounder and smoother, but
the simulation uses more memory and may be slower.
Turn/mill angular interpolation If the part rotates during a
simulation, the movement of a point on the part's surface is
approximated with small linear movements instead of a true circular
movement. This setting determines how accurately the linear
movements approximate the actual movement of the part. Increase
this setting to reduce the simulation time for complex parts.
Linearization tolerance (5-AXIS SIM) This tolerance controls the
linearization (see page 1227) of the 3D simulation. If this is set
larger, the simulation of 5-axis simultaneous features is faster, but
may not be entirely accurate as the tool tip of the machine tends to
travel in arcs instead of straight lines. If this tolerance is set
smaller, the simulation of 5-axis simultaneous features is more
accurate, but the simulation is slower.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1609
Rotate view when indexing This setting applies to 4th or 5th axis
indexed parts and turn/mill parts. With Rotate view when indexing
selected, the simulation rotates the part for an A-axis or B-axis
indexing move in milling or for a C-axis rotation in turn/mill.
Although these rotations provide a more accurate simulation, they
can slow down the simulation especially with simultaneous X- and
C-axis moves in turn/mill. To speed up the simulation, deselect this
setting and the part stays fixed and the tool moves around the part.
You must deselect 3/4 view with lathe ID work to use Rotate
view when indexing with turn/mill parts.
Save result files during RapidCut Select this option to view
intermediate shaded simulations (see page 1632) in rapid cut mode
(see page 1604). This option is useful if you want to have quick
access to images of the part at the conclusion of each operation.
This option requires a lot of memory and slows down the simulation
process, so we recommend that you use it only when you want to
study the results of each operation carefully.
Save result files during 3D sim You must select this option to
enable the Use results as starting point (see page 1620) feature.
View independent Select this option to use our Visicut
engine. When using this engine you can pause a 3D simulation and
change the view at any time. This simulation method uses a solid
model and can be used for any and all 3D simulations. Deselect
View independent to use our Pixelcut engine. Pixelcut does not allow
you to rotate the model, but the simulation runs considerably
faster. Pixelcut is very fast, similar to RapidCut, but it has an
advantage over RapidCut in that it can simulate tools with
undercuts, and it can also simulate cutting from different directions
(3+2). RapidCut is great if you are cutting a long-running toolpath
in 3-axis, such as a mold. Pixelcut is great if you are cutting a
long-running toolpath from multiple directions (3+2).
Show edges Select this option to outline the edges of the machine
during machine simulation.
1610 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows the default behavior with Show edges
deselected:
This is the same example with Show edges selected:
Shadow quality If you are using graphics hardware for OpenGL
shading you can display shadows in your simulation. The image
shows an example of shadows displayed when using machine
simulation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1611
If the slider is dragged all the way to the left to None, then shadows
are turned off. As you drag the slider to the right the quality of the
shadows improves. Be aware that this option can slow down the
simulation.
Centerline tab
You can use the Centerline tab of the Simulation Options dialog (see
page 1605) to edit the settings which affect centerline simulations.
Keep toolpaths with view change Select this option to leave the
toolpaths on the screen while you change the view of the part.
Without this setting, the toolpaths are erased when the view
changes.
Saving the toolpaths for interactive viewing needs extra
memory.
Show animation Displays the tool as a line drawing as the
centerline toolpaths are displayed. This setting must be selected to
see the toolpaths in an incremental manner. If this option is
deselected, the toolpaths for the entire part are shown together at
the end of the calculation.
Show animation prior to 2D/3D simulation If the 2D or 3D
simulation button is selected without performing a centerline
simulation first, the toolpaths must be generated. If this option is
selected, a centerline simulation is shown while the toolpaths are
being generated and then the 2D or 3D simulation is then
performed. If it is deselected, then the initial toolpaths are
generated without display and then the 2D or 3D simulation is
performed.
1612 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Smooth animation This controls the display of the tool during
Centerline simulation. With Smooth animation selected, the tool is
displayed without flickering during the simulation. With this setting
deselected, the simulation needs less memory, but may flicker
during the simulation.
Only update display every This controls the display of the
centerline toolpath as it is calculated. This number controls how
often the toolpaths are displayed. This number is specified in
minutes of tool travel, that is, if the feed rate is 100 inches per
minute and Only update display every is set to 0.5 minutes, then the
screen is updated after the tool has moved 50 inches. A zero setting
causes the screen to be updated for every block of NC code. If the
speed control slider is not set to the maximum value the Only
update display every setting is ignored.
In older versions of FeatureCAM, this was called Toolpath
update.
Part Compare tab
You can use the Part Compare tab of the Simulation Options dialog
(see page 1605) to edit the settings which affect part compare (see
page 1603).
RapidCut conversion tolerance When mixing 3D solid and RapidCut
simulations (see page 1619), the images must be converted from
one type to the other by FeatureCAM. If you want to improve the
quality of the part when it switches representations, decrease this
tolerance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1613
Show rest material Regions that have extra material greater than
or equal to this value are shown in blue. The more rest material
there is, the darker the shade of blue.
Show gouge Regions with gouges greater than or equal to this
value are shown in yellow. Larger gouges are shown in red.
Regions with rest material less than the Show rest material
parameter or gouges less than the Show gouge number are shown
in green. These areas are considered correctly cut.
If either the Show rest material value or the Show gouge value
is set too small, then the part comparison is very noisy and
difficult to interpret.
Target part tessellation tolerance (see page 1614)
See also Rapidcut simulation (see page 1604) and
Generating/simulating toolpaths.
Target part tessellation tolerance
Part compare works by comparing the part cut by the toolpaths with
the actual surfaces of your part, known at the target part. The
target part is approximated by triangles for the comparison. If this
tolerance is too coarse, then the part compare reports gouges or
rest material where there actually is none and the model has
streaks, for example:
Decrease this tolerance to remove such streaks.
1614 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Wire tab
You can use the Wire tab of the Simulation Options dialog (see page
1605) to edit the settings which affect Wire EDM simulations.
Wire visual diameter The wires used in wire EDM are often quite
thin and difficult to see during a 3D toolpath simulation. Select the
Wire visual diameter option and enter a larger diameter so that the
wire is easier to see during the simulation.
The width of the actual cut being simulated is not affected
by changing this number. The cut is always simulated using
the actual wire diameter that is specified in the condition
dialog (see page 311).
Tool cutting tolerance This tolerance affects the fineness of the 3D
simulation. If this is set high, the simulation appears more faceted.
The lower this tolerance is set, the smoother the simulation
appears.
Tool visual tolerance This tolerance affects the appearance of the
wire. By increasing this tolerance, the wire looks squarer. By
decreasing the tolerance the tool looks rounder and smoother, but
the simulation uses more memory and may be slower.
Changing this tolerance does not affect the quality of the
simulation, only how the wire is displayed.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1615
Round Stock tab
You can use the Round Stock tab of the Simulation Options dialog to
edit the settings which affect Turning and Turn/Mill simulations.
3/4 view with lathe ID work This option enables a 3/4 cut-away
view for ID work for turned setups.
This image shows an example of the 3/4 view:
Roundness tolerance Reduce the tolerance to make round stock
appear rounder and less faceted.
1616 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Higher Roundness
tolerance:
Lower Roundness
tolerance:
Turn/mill angular interpolation If the part rotates during a
simulation, the movement of a point on the part's surface is
approximated with small linear movements instead of a true circular
movement. This setting determines how accurately the linear
movements approximate the actual movement of the part. Increase
this setting to reduce the simulation time for complex parts.
Show Turn Chuck Select this option to display a solid representing
the chuck during 3D simulation.
Show turn chuck enabled:
Show turn chuck disabled:
Chip Recognition size During simulation, detached pieces of the
part are removed if they are smaller than this value. For parts with
large stock, you may want to reduce this value to ensure cutoffs are
not hidden.
Display Specific Stock Length Specify the length of bar stock in
simulations.
Simulating 3D toolpaths
Due to the large number of moves in the toolpaths for a typical 3D
part, animating the entire toolpath using 3D solid simulation is often
time-consuming. Instead, consider one of the following techniques:
Mix 3D solid and RapidCut simulation (see page 1619).
Use centerline simulation and pause the simulation periodically
and erase the displayed toolpaths to clear the screen.
Use RapidCut (see page 1604) and use the Next operation
button to quickly see the results of each operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1617
Use RapidCut (see page 1604) and slow down the speed control
so that you see some intermediate results.
Use a region of interest (see page 1601) in combination with
either 3D solid simulation or rapidcut.
If you are doing a 3D simulation of a large part, you can
simulate two different views at the same time (see page
1618).
Dual view for 3D simulation
You can carry out 3D simulation with two different views at the
same time, for example:
To use dual simulation for 3D simulation, follow these steps before
you start the simulation:
1 If the current window is maximized, click Restore Down
the window's control bar (in the top-right).
on
2 Select Window > New Window from the menu.
A new window is displayed in front of the original window.
3 Arrange the windows, so that you can see them both.
To move a window, click and drag its control bar. To resize
a window, click and drag the blue borders.
4 Use one window to display a zoomed in detail view of an area,
and the other window to display the whole view of the part.
5 Play the simulation.
The simulation plays in both windows at the same time.
1618 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Simulated slug removal
In FeatureCAM WIRE, you can graphically remove a slug after the
3D simulation is finished. The region to remove must be totally
separated from the rest of the part.
To remove the slugs:
1 Perform a 3D solid toolpath simulation.
2 Click the Select button in the Standard toolbar.
3 Click the slug in the graphics window. The slug is removed.
4 Click any slugs you want to remove.
5 Click the Stop button in the simulation toolbar (see page 1600)
to clear the screen.
Before slug is
After slug is removed:
removed:
Mixing 3D simulation and RapidCut
You can switch between 3D simulation and RapidCut any time the
simulation is paused.
To switch between these two simulation modes:
1 In the Simulation toolbar, click 3D Simulation
to select a simulation type.
2 Click Play
or RapidCut
to play the simulation.
3 Pause the simulation (see page 1601).
4 Click 3D Simulation
type
5 Click Play
or RapidCut
to change the simulation
to continue the simulation.
Using this method, you can use RapidCut to fast forward to a point
and then use 3D simulation to see a part of the simulation in more
detail.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1619
Use results as starting point
You can save the results of a 3D simulation to use as a starting
point, to save calculation time during subsequent simulations.
To use the current simulation results as a starting point, select View
> Simulation > Use Results as Starting Point from the menu.
To clear the simulation results, select View > Simulation > Clear
Starting Point from the menu.
To use this feature, Save result files during 3D sim must be
selected on the 2D/3D Shaded (see page 1608) tab of the
Simulation Options dialog. This option is selected by default.
You can add the Set sim results as starting point
button
and the Clear starting point
to the Simulation (or any)
toolbar from the Simulation Category Buttons section on the
Commands tab (see page 32) of the Customize Toolbars dialog.
Detecting gouges
Using 3D simulation, you can visually detect gouges with the tool
(during rapid moves), the tool holder or the spindle. Any gouge is
displayed in pink. If you want the simulation to pause when it
detects a gouge, set the Pause on gouge simulation option. If this
option is set, the simulation pauses if a gouge is detected. Click the
Play button in the simulation toolbar to continue the simulation. See
Simulation options (see page 1605) for additional options.
1620 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Machine simulation gouges
Whenever a named part of the machine collides with another solid,
a flashing arrow is displayed and the display turns transparent, for
example:
You must enable Pause on gouge on the 2D/3D Shaded (see
page 1608) tab of Simulation Options to see this feature.
The first collision point only is marked.
The display returns to normal when you continue the
simulation.
The arrow is not shown for tools colliding with stock.
Fixture and clamp collision detection
Normally, only the part model is rendered during a 3D simulation. If
Pause on gouge is set, the simulation pauses if the tool rapids into
the part. In FeatureCAM 3D, 3D simulation can help you detect
collisions with models of clamps or fixtures that you create as solid
models. To detect these collisions:
1 Create a solid model of a fixture or clamps. It can be as
elaborate as you need it to be. You can also use an STL file as a
clamp.
2 Set the solid or solids as a clamp (see page 1622).
3 If you want the simulation to alert you to gouges, select
Simulation from the Options menu. Click the 2D/3D simulation tab
and select Pause on gouge.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1621
4 Run a 3D simulation. During the simulation both the part and the
clamp model are rendered. It may take longer for the simulation
to start up because the clamp model is being rendered.
The simulation has paused at the end of the move because it
gouged the clamp.
FeatureCAM does not come with a library of clamps, but the
3D solid modeling capabilities of FeatureCAM 3D enables you
to create these models from scratch. You can also import
clamp models for other solid modeling systems (see page
125).
If a clamp is defined in an .fm part file, this clamp is displayed
during 3D simulation in a tombstone document (see page
215).
Using solids or STL files as clamps
When machining a part, it must be held tight with clamps. The
position and shape of the clamps affect the way the part is
machined. It is useful to see the clamps during simulation (see page
1621).
In FeatureCAM, you can set any solids or STL files to be clamps.
To use solids as clamps:
1 If surfaces are not displayed in the graphics window, click Shade
Surfaces
in the Standard toolbar.
2 Select any solids you want to use as a clamp:
1622 Toolpaths
Select a face of a solid in the graphics window.
Select the name of a solid in the Part View panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Right-click the selected solid and select Use Solids as Clamp from
the context menu.
To see if a solid is used as a clamp, right-click the solid to display
the context menu. If there is a check mark next to Use Solids As
Clamp in the context menu, the selected solid is currently used as a
clamp:
If there is no check mark next to Use Solids As Clamp, the selected
solid is not currently used as a clamp.
To not use the solid as a clamp, right-click the solid and deselect
Use Solids As Clamp from the context menu.
You can set multiple solids as clamps simultaneously. If you try to
set or unset multiple solids as clamps and some of them are
currently set as clamps, the Use Solids As Clamp dialog is displayed:
Click Use All to use all of the selected solids as clamps.
Click Use None to use none of the selected solids as clamps.
Click Cancel to close the dialog.
Click Help to open this help page.
To use STL files as clamps:
1 Select any STLs you want to use as a clamp:
Select an STL in the graphics window.
Select the name of an STL in the Part View panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1623
2 Click Shade Selected
in the Display Mode toolbar to shade the
selected STLs in the graphics window.
3 Right-click a selected STL and select Use STLs As Clamp from the
context menu.
To see if an STL is used as a clamp or not, right-click the STL to
display the context menu. If there is a check mark next to Use STLs
As Clamp in the context menu, the selected STL is currently used as
a clamp:
To not use the STL as a clamp, right-click the STL and deselect Use
STLs As Clamp from the context menu.
You can set multiple STLs as clamps simultaneously. If you try to
set or unset multiple STLs as clamps and some of them are
currently set as clamps, the Use Objects As Clamp dialog is
displayed:
Click Use All to use all of the selected STLs as clamps.
Click Use None to use none of the selected STLs as clamps.
Click Cancel to close the dialog.
Click Help to open this help page.
Simulating multiple Setups
Many parts have more than one Setup.
To simulate toolpaths for multiple Setups:
1 Select a Setup in the Part View panel, or in the Setups list in the
Status bar to make it the active Setup.
2 Play a simulation (see page 1596).
Toolpaths on the selected Setup are simulated.
3 Select the next Setup in the Part View panel, or in the Setups list
in the Status bar.
The tool is displayed in its home position in graphics window.
1624 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Click Play
simulation.
on the Simulation toolbar to continue playing the
Toolpaths on the selected Setup are simulated alongside the
previous simulation.
5 Repeat for any other Setups you want to simulate.
Tool load
You can use the Tool Load dialog to show a graph of the estimated
horsepower load on the tool during 3d simulation. You can use
these estimates to fine-tune the program to improve performance.
The horsepower values are estimates. If you are approaching
the power limits of your machine, you should lower your feed
rates, or decrease the width or depth of your cuts.
To show the tool load:
1 In the Simulation toolbar, click Show tool load
dialog is displayed.
. The Tool Load
2 Run a 3D simulation. The Tool Load dialog displays a graph of the
simulation time and the load on the tool. The current simulation
time and tool load are displayed below the graph.
3 Click Settings to display the Power Settings dialog.
4 Specify the settings in the Power Settings dialog:
Max. Power This displays the maximum horsepower used so
far. Display this dialog at the end of a simulation to see the
maximum horsepower used in the entire program.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1625
Power Limit Enter a maximum horsepower displayed in the
Tool Load dialog.
Pause simulation Select this option to pause the simulation
when the Power Limit value is exceeded.
Show this dialog Select this option to display the Power
Settings when the Power Limit is exceeded.
Clear This clears the Max. Power value and clears the graph
when the simulation resumes.
5 Click OK to close the Power Settings dialog.
6 Repeat the 3D simulation to show the graph using the updated
settings.
You can control the accuracy of the graph with the Power
graph: samples/min setting on the 2D/3D Shaded tab of the
Simulation Options (see page 1605) dialog.
If you have run a feed optimization (see page 1651), the Tool Load
graph shows the optimized loads in black and the unoptimized loads
in white:
1626 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Results window
You can access the Results window in one of these ways:
Click the tab labeled Results to the top right of the Graphics (see
page 7) window.
Select View > Show Reports from the menu and select the tab you
want to view.
The Results window is to the right of the Graphics window and
contains the following tabs:
Op List (see page 1628) This tab displays a list of all of the
operations in the part, with information about each operation such
as the tool used, and feed and speed values.
Details (see page 1635) This tab contains two reports, select one
of the options at the top of the tab:
Operation List (see page 1636) details
Tool List (see page 1636) details
NC Code (see page 1637) This tab is displayed only after you
have simulated your part.
Turrets (see page 1637) (MTT (see page 2)) This tab lists the
operations assigned to each turret of the machine. It is displayed
only when using synchronized turning.
To toggle the display of the Results window, click on the tab
name to collapse or expand it.
To adjust the width of the Results window, move the cursor
over the Results window border until the cursor changes to
, then click and drag the border.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1627
Op List tab
The Op List tab contains a table of operations. The table displays the
following columns by default:
Retract
Operation
Feature
Tool
Feed
Speed
Depth
Right-click on any of the column headers to open a context menu
that lets you show or hide these columns:
Setup
Tool Slot
Turret (for multi-turret turning)
Priority
If there is a
or a
icon in the left hand margin, you have an
error or warning (see page 187) for this operation.
This tab has three main functions:
Simulation control (see page 1630)
Operation ordering (see page 1633)
Operation editing (see page 1634)
During simulation, the yellow arrow
icon moves down the
operations list to indicate which operation is currently being
simulated.
1628 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Retract The name of this column is partly hidden by default, but
you can make it wider by clicking and dragging the column divider.
This column applies to the canned cycle (see page 978) setting and
contains the following symbols:
Retract to plunge
This short green arrow indicates that the tool
clearance
retracts to the lower plunge clearance plane
(G99, "R point level return", on a Fanuc
control) after performing the operation. You
can toggle this arrow to a tall arrow
by
clicking the short arrow
with the left mouse
button and selecting Retract to Z rapid plane
from the context menu.
Retract to Z rapid
plane
This tall green up arrow means that the tool
retracts to the higher Z Rapid Plane (G98,
"Initial level return", on a Fanuc control) after
the operation. You can toggle this arrow to a
short arrow
by clicking the tall arrow
with the left mouse button and selecting
Retract to Plunge clearance from the context
menu.
Retract to Z rapid
plane
This gray arrow means that the tool retracts to
the higher Z Rapid Plane after the operation,
and you can't change it because it is typically
shown at the end of a canned cycle.
Operation This is the type of operation performed. If multiple
roughing tools are used, then the roughing passes are labeled rough
pass 1 and rough pass 2.
Feature This is the name of the feature. FeatureCAM names
features automatically, but you can rename them using the Feature
Properties dialog.
Setup Name This shows the name of the setup that the operation
is on.
Display of the Setup name column is optional. To add or
remove it from the display, right-click anywhere in the
existing column titles area and select or deselect Show Setup
from the context menu.
Tool This is the type of tool used for the operation.
Tool Slot is where the tool should be loaded in the tool changer. The
tool slot is displayed within the Tool column to the left of the tool
type.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1629
Display of Tool Slot is optional. To add or remove it from the
display, right-click anywhere in the existing column titles area
and select or deselect Tool Slot from the context menu.
Feed is the feed of the tool that performs the operation. The feed
can be in IPR or IPM units depending on the unit set on the
operation.
Speed is the speed in RPM of the current operation.
Depth is the cut depth for the operation.
Priority shows the priority of the operation.
Display of Priority is optional. To add or remove it from the
display, right-click anywhere in the existing column titles area
and select or deselect Priority from the context menu.
The Priority column appears as the last column on the right
(you may need to scroll-right to see it).
Simulation control using the Op List tab
If you display the Op List tab while simulating a part, the operation
that is currently being simulated is indicated with a yellow arrow in
the left-hand margin. You can also set break points in the
simulation. A break point pauses the simulation at a particular
operation. You can then use the video-style controls (see page
1600) to control the simulation.
Breakpoints in op list tab (see page 1630)
Display a single Z level (see page 1631)
Viewing centerlines for an operation (see page 1632)
Viewing intermediate shaded simulations (see page 1632)
Breakpoints
To set a breakpoint:
1 Select the operation that you want to pause on.
2 Click the Breakpoint
button. A maroon dot displays in the
left-hand margin. The next time you run simulation it pauses
when it reaches this operation.
To remove a breakpoint:
1 Select the operation that has a breakpoint set on it. (It has a
maroon dot in the left-hand margin.)
2 Click the Breakpoint
1630 Toolpaths
button.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The dot is removed from the margin to show that there is no
longer a breakpoint on the operation.
To remove all breakpoints, click the Clear all breakpoints
button.
To perform a centerline simulation of a single operation:
1 Click the operation that you would like to simulate.
2 Click the Preview toolpaths
button. The Preview simulation
buttons (see page 1602) are displayed on the Simulation toolbar.
Single Z level
To display a single Z level of a Z-level rough or Z-level finish
operation:
1 Click the Show Centerline
button and click the Play
button to simulate all of the toolpaths for your part.
2 Click the Clear toolpath
button.
3 Select a Z-level operation in the Op List tab. Click the arrow
button to see all of the Z-level toolpaths for that operation.
4 Select a Z level from the menu to see the toolpaths for that
Z-level.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1631
Single operation
To view all the centerline toolpaths for an operation:
1 Click the Centerline simulation
button.
2 Click the Clear toolpath
button, then click the Play
button.
3 Click any operation in the Op List tab.
Intermediate shaded simulations
To view intermediate shaded simulations:
1 Click the 3D shaded
button or the 3D Rapid cut simulation
button, then click the Play
button.
2 Click an operation to display the machined model up to that point
in the process.
3 At the end of the list of operations is the word, Result. Click this
word to view the final simulation image for your part.
1632 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You must select the Save result files during RapidCut option in
the 2D/3D Shaded tab of the Simulation Options dialog to use
this procedure for rapid cut simulations (see page 1604).
Operation ordering using the Op List tab
The OP List tab of the Results panel displays a list of operations in
the order they are performed. By default, the operations are
automatically ordered. You can change the order of the operations
automatically, by specifying rules, or manually.
For automatic ordering:
1 Select Automatic Ordering at the top of the Op List tab.
2 Click Ordering
dialog.
to display the Automatic ordering options
3 Select or deselect the following ordering options:
Minimize tool changes Groups operations together that use
the same tool. This saves time for you by eliminating or
reducing needless tool changes. You must select this check
box if you want to generate hole macros in the NC code.
Do finish cuts last Moves the finish milling operations to the
end of the Setup without altering the order of the finishing
operations. If you want to perform all rough milling operations
before finish milling operations, select the Do finish cuts last
attribute.
Cut higher operations first Affects only milling Setups. Select
this option to mill the features from the top of the stock first
and work toward the bottom. If you deselect this option, you
should graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1633
Minimize rapid distance Affects only milling Setups and is
the only ordering option that changes the order of features
specified in the part view. Minimize rapid distance moves to the
next closest feature that uses the same tool as the last
operation. You must deselected this option if you want to
generate hole macros in the NC code.
As you select ordering options, the operations are re-sorted.
4 Click OK.
If you create a new operation with Automatic Ordering selected, the
new operation is automatically sequenced using the selected
ordering options.
For manual ordering:
1 Select Manual Ordering at the top of the Op List tab.
2 To change the position of an operation:
Select an operation in the Operation List, then click Move item
up
or Move item down
Drag-and-drop an operation to move it to a new position in
the list.
Right-click one of the column names and select Show Priority
to display the Priority of each operation.
If you create a new operation with Manual Ordering selected, the
new operation is inserted at the end of the list.
Feature and operation editing from the Op List tab
You can edit features and operations directly from within the Op List
tab. Double-click in the column for the operation you want to edit.
The columns open the following tabs in the Feature Properties
dialog:
Column
Tab
Operation
Milling or Drilling tab for the operation. Here you can
modify manufacturing attributes.
Feature
Dimensions tab for the feature. Change dimensions
for the feature or click the Strategy tab to alter the
types of operations that are used to manufacture
the feature.
Tool
Tools tab for the operation. Review tooling details or
modify the tooling for the operation.
Feed
F/S tab for the operation.
1634 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Speed
F/S tab for the operation.
Depth
Dimensions tab for the feature.
Priority
Milling or Drilling tab for the operation. Here you can
edit the Priority attribute.
Retract
Single-click this column to change the retract plane
for drilling features. See Combine with similar holes
into canned cycle (see page 1677) for more
information.
If a manufacturing error is detected for an operation that would
prohibit generating toolpaths, a stop sign
icon is displayed in the
left-hand side of the row. Click this icon to try and fix the error.
You can also right-click a row of the table and a menu of
feature tabs is displayed. Select the tab name to go directly to
that tab.
See also:
Overriding the tool, feed or speed for multiple operations at once
(see page 1635)
Overrides for multiple operations
To override the tool, feed, speed, or priority for multiple operations
simultaneously:
1 Select the first operation in the Op List tab in the Results
window.
2 Hold down the Shift key and select the last operation so that a
block of operations are selected.
3 Right-click the selected group to open a context menu. It
contains items that begin with the word Override. Select the
menu item to override the tool, feed, speed, or priority of all
selected operations so that they are identical to the first selected
operation.
Details
At the top of the Details tab, there are two options.
Operation List (see page 1636) This displays a detailed report
on each manufacturing operation.
Tool List (see page 1636) This displays a report on the
automatically selected tools.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1635
Operation List details
The operation details sheet lists information for each manufacturing
step on cut type, cut depth and center point, tool details,
speed/override, feed/override, and estimated manufacturing time.
Part This shows the filename of the part. If you have not saved
your part, the default part name is FM1.
Date This shows the date and time that the NC code was
generated.
Stock This shows the dimensions of your initial stock.
Mat This shows the material name and hardness of the stock
material.
Setup This shows the name of the coordinate system that defines
this Setup.
Origin This shows the origin using the world coordinate system.
Op This shows the operation number. The operation numbers
start at 1 and are incremented by one for each operation. The
operation number is followed by the feature name, and the
operation name in parentheses.
F/S This shows the speed and feed of the operation.
Tool This shows the tool number and type.
Est. HP and Power When toolpaths are generated, the estimated
horsepower needed for each operation is calculated by using the
depth of cut, width of cut, feedrate, and stock material. The actual
shape of the feature is not taken into account. Instead, just a
simple straight cut is assumed when calculating the estimated
horsepower. This number is reported as the Est. HP. The estimated
horsepower is calculated only for operations that are cut with flat
bottom tools with a fixed depth. This includes 2.5D milling features,
and 3D Z-level roughing and other 3D features with Z increment set.
Tool List details
Whenever you simulate a part, the Manufacturing Tool Detail sheet is
automatically generated. The Manufacturing Tool Detail sheet
provides information on the following:
Tool name This shows name of the tool.
Tool slot no. This shows the tool slot (or tool pocket) that
contains the tool.
Tool offset no. This shows the tool cutter comp. offset register.
If the offset register has the same number as the Tool Slot No. it
is not reported.
1636 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
More information on changing the Tool Slot No. or the Tool Offset
No (see page 1656).
NC Code tab
To view the NC code for your part click the NC Code tab. This posts
the part program and shows the M and G-codes. It is not a report in
the normal sense, but is often reviewed as a report by those who
understand NC code. You can also display the NC code by clicking
the NC Code
icon in the Steps toolbox.
If you hold the Shift key down and then click the NC Code tab,
the underlying ACL code is displayed in the Manufacturing
Feedback window.
You cannot click the NC tab unless you have a dongle installed.
Clicking one of the report buttons shows you the documentation,
but it doesn't save it to disk. Use Save NC (see page 1648) from the
File menu to save the documentation.
If you are using the Student version of FeatureCAM, you
cannot post NC code.
Turrets tab (MTT)
The Turrets tab is displayed in the Results Window on the right of
FeatureCAM for Multi-Turret Turning documents.
To display this tab:
1 Click the Results tab in the upper right corner of the FeatureCAM
screen.
2 Click the Turrets tab at the bottom of the window.
There are two viewing options for the Turrets tab, which you select
from the options at the top of the tab:
Time view (see page 1637)
Operation view (see page 1638)
Time view
Use the Time view to show a timeline of operations for each turret in
the document.
A list of spindles is displayed on the left of the window. A list of
turrets is displayed under each spindle, and the operations are
shown by each turret. The turret names are taken from the solid
names in the Machine Design file.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1637
A Time Scale is displayed on the the top of the window which shows
the machining time in minutes. You can shorten or lengthen the
time scale by clicking an dragging it, or by scrolling the
mouse-wheel when the cursor is in the Results window.
In this example, the machine has two spindles and two turrets that
can cut parts loaded into either spindle. The main spindle has a
roughing operation that is performed simultaneously on both
turrets. The identical length of the boxes surrounding the roughing
operations shows that they will take the same time to cut.
Synchronizing operations
Assign an operation to a turret
Operations are assigned to turrets in the Turret tab.
To change the turret for an operation:
1 Select the operation in the Turret tab.
2 Right-click the mouse on the selected operation.
3 Click either Set opers to turret 1 or Set opers to turret 2. (If you
have more than two turrets, additional menu items will be
displayed to allow you to move the operation to any turret.)
Synchronization for a single operation
Operation view
Use the Operation view to show the operations in the order they are
machined.
Operations are displayed beside the feature names in two columns;
Upper turret and Lower turret.
The spindle icons show which turret controls each spindle:
This icon represents the main spindle.
1638 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This icon represents the sub-spindle.
The spindle icons show which turret has control of each spindle. For
example, if the spindle icon is displayed in the Upper turret column,
the upper turret has control of that spindle. The active operation on
that turret is responsible for setting the spindle speed and direction.
You can drag and drop operations within the grid to change their
order or turret.
Synchronizing operations
To control which operations are synchronized, that is run at the
same time, you add sync points.
If you want two operations to happen at the same time:
1 Select one or more operations in a column.
To select multiple operations, hold down the Ctrl key.
2 Press and hold the Ctrl key and select an operation from the
other column.
3 Either:
Right-click on either of the selected operations and select Set
sync point at oper start from the context menu; or
Click the Set sync at oper start
the Turrets tab.
button at the top right of
A red line is displayed in the list to show the sync point. The two
operations and all subsequent operations move below it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1639
You can also use synchronization to force one operation to run
before another.
In the example above, we want the hole2 drill operation on the
Lower turret to run before the main_off off Main spindle operation on
the Upper turret. To do this:
1 Select the operation that you want to run first, in this case hole2
drill.
2 Press and hold the Ctrl key and, from the other column, select
the operation that you want to run next, in this case main_off off
Main spindle.
3 Either:
Right-click on either of the selected operations and select Set
sync for 'radial_pattern1.hole2.drill' before 'main_off.off Main
spindle'; or
Click the Set sync for 'radial_pattern1.hole2.drill' before
'main_off.off Main spindle'
Turrets tab.
1640 Toolpaths
button at the top right of the
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
A red line is displayed in the list to show the sync point. hole2
drill is above the sync point and main_off off Main spindle and all
subsequent operations are displayed below it.
To remove a sync point, right-click on it and select Remove selected
sync point from the context menu. To remove all sync points, click
the Remove all sync points
tab.
button at the top right of the Turrets
Click the
button to access the options Reset all opers to default
turret and Remove all oper sync points.
You can also use the Undo sync code changes
button, at the top
right of the Turrets tab, to remove your most recently created sync
point.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1641
Automatic synchronized turning
Using the Turrets tab, you can manually synchronize operations. For
cutting OD turning features, FeatureCAM can automatically
synchronize operations and load the appropriate tools in each
turret. All of the automatic synchronized turning requires a lathe
with two opposing turrets.
Pinch turning
Pinch turning is also referred to as balanced turning. It can be used
for either roughing or finishing. With pinch turning, both tools cut
the same curve (although one is above the axis of rotation and the
other is below). The feed rate that is calculated for each tool is
doubled. The first tool actually leaves a spiral of material after its
finish pass and the second tool is positioned at min Z so that it cuts
the spiral of material left by the first tool. The tools cut at the same
time so that the time needed for the finish pass is halved. The tool
that is selected for the operation is automatically inserted into both
turrets.
The following image shows an example of pinch turning.
The two tools are positioned identically in both the X and Z
axes.
To set this strategy on a turning operation:
1 Bring up the Strategy tab of the turn operation
2 Make sure that the roughing or finishing pass is enabled by
selecting the Rough or Finish option.
3 Select Pinch turning from the menu after the option.
1642 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Follow turning
Follow turning is typically performed when roughing. Each turret
removes a standard depth of cut. The second turret removes a
depth of cut below the cut left by the first turret. The turrets wait or
synchronize at the start of the cut. One turret is a fixed distance in
front of turret 2. The image below illustrates follow turning. The top
tool is in front of the bottom tool and the bottom tool is cutting
deeper in X.
To set this strategy on a turning operation:
1 Bring up the Strategy tab of the turn operation
2 Make sure that the roughing or finishing pass is enabled by
selecting the Rough or Finish option.
3 Select Follow turning from the menu after the option.
4 Enter the Follow distance on the Strategy tab of the operation.
Viewing a turret's NC code
For synchronized turning, a separate NC program is created for
each turret. The Part View has an entry called Turrets. Each turret is
listed under this entry. To display a specific turret's NC code, click
the name of the turret in the Part View. The NC code will then be
displayed in the Results window.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Toolpaths 1643
Changing the fonts for the reports in the Manufacturing
Feedback window
You have a choice of three font sizes for the text in the Results
window.
To change the font size:
1 Right-click in the window.
2 Select Small Font, Medium Font, or Large Font.
You can also select Fixed Width Font, which means that the
characters line up vertically. This can be easier to read.
Turn operation order
The Turn operation order option of the Manufacturing menu displays
the general outline that is used for ordering turning operations if the
Use operation template default ordering attribute is set. The dialog
that displays lists the types of operations that are created in a
general turned part. The order of the list determines the order that
the operations in your part are cut. If your part does not have a
particular operation in it, that operation is skipped.
By selecting an operation type and using the arrow keys, you can
change the order in which the features are manufactured. After
rearranging the list, click OK. This order is remembered for all of
your parts.
Printing
You can print the tooling lists, operations sheets, NC programs, and
drawing for a part by selecting File > Print from the menu. You can
also preview these documents with Print Preview. Some options are
unavailable in the dialog if you have not generated toolpaths.
To print information from FeatureCAM:
1 Select the information you want to print in the Print Range area
of the dialog. See FeatureCAM file types (see page 94) for more
information.
2 If there is a toolpath displayed and you want to print it, click
Print tool path.
3 If you want to print so that the units of your part are honored,
click Print to scale. This means that a 1 inch line segment
measures 1 inch on the paper. If your part is larger than your
physical sheet of paper only a portion of your part is printed. If
Print to scale is deselected, your drawing is scaled to fit the
paper.
1644 Toolpaths
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
4 Set your Print Quality. The specific options depend on your
printer.
5 Set the Number of copies to print.
6 Click OK. Setup opens the standard Windows printer
configuration window.
Print Preview
Select File > Print Preview from the menu to display the active
document as it would appear when printed. When you choose this
command, the main window is replaced with a print preview window
in which one or two pages are displayed in their printed format. The
print preview toolbar gives you options to view either one or two
pages at a time; move back and forth through the document; zoom
in and out of pages; and start a print job.
Print Setup
Select File > Print Setup to open the Print Setup dialog, where you
specify the printer and its connection.
Name Select the printer you want to use from the menu.
Properties Displays a dialog where you can make additional
choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have
selected.
Size Select the paper size.
Source Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper
sources. Select the tray here.
Orientation Select Portrait or Landscape.
Network Click this button to connect to a network location,
assigning it a new drive letter.
NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1645
You must generate toolpaths before you can create NC code.
After you have generated toolpaths, the NC Code step is available to
you. Click the NC Code
Code dialog:
icon in the Steps toolbox to open the NC
The options are:
Optimize feedrates Click the
icon to open the Feed
Optimization (see page 1651) dialog.
Display the NC code Click the
icon to view the NC code on
the NC code tab of the Results window.
Save the NC code Click the
page 1648) dialog.
Re-map the tools Click the
page 1656) dialog.
1646 NC Code
icon to open the Save NC (see
icon to open the Tool Mapping (see
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating NC code
After you have run a simulation, the NC Code tab is active.
You can edit the NC Code directly in this tab.
Right-click in the code area to display the context menu.
Use Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Find, Replace, and Undo to edit the
code.
Select the size of the text displayed from:
Small Font
Medium Font
Large Font
Fixed Width Font Select this option to change the display of the
code to a fixed-width font. This means that each individual
character is the same width, which can be easier to read because
the characters line up vertically.
You cannot post without the dongle connected to the
computer.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1647
The post processors are configured using the XBUILD
program. The documentation for XBUILD, FeatureCAM's post
processor, is available in a formatted electronic version by
selecting Post Processing Guide from the Help menu in
FeatureCAM. It is available directly from the XBUILD program
in online form by selecting Using Xbuild from the Help menu in
XBUILD. The formatted electronic version is available by
selecting Post Processing Guide from the Help menu in
XBUILD. XBUILD and all of its reserved words are documented
in this separate documentation.
You can use the Post Options dialog (see page 1930) to change the
post options and select the controller.
Saving an NC part program to disk
Open the Save NC dialog in one of these ways:
Click the NC Code
the Save the NC code
icon in the Steps toolbox and then click
icon.
Select File > Save NC from the menu.
The Save NC dialog is displayed:
1 Specify the NC Output Directory.
1648 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 If you want the NC code file to have a different name that the
part name, enter a different name for the NC file name. If you
omit the file extension, it defaults to *.txt.
3 If you want to save the NC code for only the current Setup,
select Current Setup. Select All Setups if you want to save
separate NC programs for each Setup.
4 Select what you would like to save to disk from: Operations list,
Tools List of All Setups, Tools List of Each Setup, NC Program, Tool
data, F/S data, Machining Configuration. See FeatureCAM file types
for an explanation of the types of files that are saved (see page
94).
5 Click Create subfolder if you want to create an additional folder
inside the NC Output folder. This folder has the same name as
your part.
6 If you know you want to overwrite all existing folders with the
same names, select Overwrite Existing Files. Otherwise you are
asked to confirm before overwriting any file.
7 Click OK.
Milling macros
Macros can be generated in the NC code for multiple Z levels of a
milled feature. To generate these macros, your post processor must
support them, and you must turn this function on for the post.
1 Select the Manufacturing > Post Process menu option to display
the Post Options dialog.
2 Select your post processor.
3 Deselect Disable Macros.
4 Click OK.
5 Select Manufacturing > Machining Attributes from the menu.
6 Select Minimize tool changes.
You could set Minimize tool changes in the Ordering (see page
1575) dialog instead. Using the Default Attributes setting
includes macros for any parts you create.
Minimize tool changes groups operations together that use the same
tool. This saves time for you by eliminating or reducing needless
tool changes. You must select this check box if you want to
generate hole macros in the NC code.
1 Turn off Minimize rapid distance.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1649
This attribute affects only milling setups and is the only ordering
option that changes the order of features specified in the part view.
Minimize Rapid Distance moves to the next closest feature that uses
the same tool as the last operation. You must deselect this option if
you want to generate hole macros in the NC code.
1 Click OK.
Now when you generate NC code, you get macros for the milled
features that are milled at multiple Z depths.
Incremental programming and local coordinate
systems
These topics apply to the use of milling macros (also called
subprograms or subroutines) and are activated by selecting the Use
macro calls for each instance in the pattern on the pattern Strategy
(see page 960) tab.
Incremental programming means that the moves in the subroutine
are relative instead of absolute. Instead of moving to a particular
absolute location inside of the macro, the moves are relative to the
current position, such as move two additional inches in X. An
example G-code is Fanuc's G91 for relative programming.
When using local coordinate systems, the coordinate systems are
constantly being redefined outside of the macro and the moves
within the macro are absolute. Examples of this concept are Fanuc's
G92, Heidenhain's Datum Shift and Siemen's G58.
The actual G-code created for a particular pattern depends on the
macro programming options (see page 1594) that are supported by
the post processor.
Turning canned cycles
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles on
the feature level.
1650 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations will be computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options (see page
1930) dialog. You must then go to the Properties dialog for each
Turn/Bore feature, click the Strategy tab and select Use canned
cycle. Also select Reuse path in canned cycle if you want to output
the path geometry only once for both roughing and finishing. You
can also set these values in the default attributes, but remember
these values apply only to features you create after making this
change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
Feed Optimization
You can use Feed Optimization to even out the tool load by
adjusting the program's feed rates.
To optimize a program's feed rates:
1 Generate the toolpaths.
2 Set the Target horsepower (see page 1655) milling attribute for
the operations you would like to optimize. For 2.5D finish milling
operations, set the Peripheral Feed (see page 1729) options.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1651
3 Select Manufacturing > Feed Optimization from the menu. The
Feed Optimization dialog is displayed.
4 Specify the Feed Optimization parameters (see page 1652), and
click OK to close the dialog.
5 In the Simulation toolbar, click Show tool load
, and run the
simulation again to show the tool load (see page 1625) before
and after the optimization. The Tool Load graph shows the
optimized loads in black and the unoptimized loads in white:
In the image above, the tool load spikes have been reduced in
the black (optimized) curve.
6 To remove the optimized feed rates without regenerating the NC
code, select the Manufacturing > Clear Optimized Feeds menu
option.
Feed optimization parameters
These parameters are in the Feed Optimization dialog:
1652 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Increase feed when load is below % of target horsepower The
programmed power is the estimated horsepower displayed in the
Operations List. This percentage is applied to the estimated
horsepower and the feed rate is increased for any move that
requires less power.
But do not increase feed beyond % of programmed feed Enter the
maximum percentage to increase the feed rate over the operation's
initial feedrate.
Decrease feed when load is above % of target horsepower The
programmed power is the estimated horsepower displayed in the
Operations List. This percentage is applied to the estimated
horsepower and the feed rate is decreased for any move that
requires more power.
But do not decrease feed below % of programmed feed Enter the
minimum percentage to decrease the feed rate.
Perform super sampling to calculate instantaneous tool load Set this
option to create a more accurate sampling of the tool loads by
sampling the loads at a number of points along the toolpath and
then averaging these loads for each NC block. If this option is
turned off a single tool load is calculated for each block of NC code.
Number of times to measure tool load If Perform super sampling is
selected, then you can enter how many times per minute to
calculate the tool load. To calculate the load for each NC block, the
loads are averaged. The larger this number is, the longer the feed
optimization takes.
This number is relative to the running time of your NC
program. If your program runs more than an hour, we
recommend that you set this number to 100 or less.
Use different feed rates on a single block A long cut may have
varying tool loads. If you want to break up NC blocks so that you
can more finely control the feed rates, check this option.
This option increases the size of your NC program.
Distance to split toolpath If you select Use different feed rates on a
single block, then this parameter controls how often the toolpath is
broken up. It is specified as a percentage of the tool diameter.
OK Click the OK button to optimize feed rates for the part.
See also tool load (see page 1625).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1653
Feedrate optimization example
The top boss of this brake caliper is used in this example.
When cutting this feature in aluminum with the default stepover and
feed/speed table, the horsepower is estimated at 2.0 for the
roughing pass and 0.3 for the finishing pass. A 0.5" tool is selected.
Let's assume that you would like to keep the horsepower
requirements for this cut to less than 2.5. When a tool load is run
on this example, the maximum horsepower required is shown to be
5.9. In order to stay under the stated horsepower requirement, the
feedrate for the roughing pass must be reduced by 50%. Without
feedrate optimization, your only choice for lower the horsepower
requirements are to adjust the width or depth of cut for the entire
operation or change the feedrate for the entire operation.
When you examine the toolpaths of this boss there are light cuts, as
shown in the narrow cut in the first image, and heavy cuts, as
shown in the wide cuts in the second image.
Feedrate optimization looks at the tool load for each move and
adjusts the feedrate to even out the load. Instead of reducing the
overall feedrate for the roughing pass, let's keep the feedrate for
the roughing feature the same and use feedrate optimization to
adjust the feedrates of the individual moves of the toolpath. The
table below shows that feedrate optimization allowed us to reduce
the machining time by 47% while maintaining a more constant
cutter load.
1654 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Before Feedrate
Optimization
After Feedrate
Optimization
Roughing
2:57
1:21
Finishing
0:30
0:27
Total
3:27
1:49
Time
Savings
Max
Horsepowe
r
47%
2.4
2.4
Target horsepower
Target horsepower is the ideal [horse] power for the specified
width/depth of cut and feed rate on the specified stock material
type. By default, it is set on a 2.5D milling operation when a
flat-end milling tool is used. The calculation is simple. The stock
material has a property which specifies the [horse] power per unit
material removal rate. All we need is to calculate the material
removal rate from the width/height of cut and the feed rate. Then
multiply this value and the stock's [horse] power per unit material
removal rate.
During feed optimization, FeatureCAM calculates the sampled
material removal rate along the whole toolpath. If the rate is faster
than the target feed rate, it is decreased. If the rate is slower than
the target feed rate, it is increased.
Set this milling attribute to the required horsepower for the
operation. This number is then used in feed optimization (see page
1651) to even out the tool loads. This attribute is automatically set
to the estimated horsepower for 2D roughing passes performed with
flat end tools. For 3D roughing passes performed with flat end tools,
this attribute is also set to the estimated horsepower as long as the
Z increment attribute is set. For all other operations, this attribute
has no default value.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1655
When toolpaths are generated, the estimated horsepower required
for each operation is calculated by using the depth of cut, width of
cut, feedrate and stock material. The actual shape of the feature is
not taken into account. Instead just a simple straight cut is
assumed when calculating the estimated horsepower. This number
is reported in the Operations list of the Details tab as the Est HP. The
estimated horsepower is only calculated for operations that are cut
with flat bottom tools with a fixed depth. This includes 2.5D milling
features, and 3D Z level roughing and other 3D features with Z
increment set.
When toolpaths are generated, the estimated horsepower required
for each operation is calculated by using the depth of cut, width of
cut, feedrate and stock material. The actual shape of the feature is
not taken into account. Instead just a simple straight cut is
assumed when calculating the estimated horsepower. This number
is reported in the Operations list of the Details tab as the Est HP. The
estimated horsepower is only calculated for operations that are cut
with flat bottom tools with a fixed depth. This includes 2.5D milling
features, and 3D Z level roughing and other 3D features with Z
increment set.
If the Target horsepower is not set for an operation, then its
feedrates are not modified by feed optimization (see page 1651).
This means that if you do not explicitly set the target horsepower
for individual operations, feed optimization will only affect 2D
roughing operations and 3D roughing operations with flat end mills
and the Z increment parameter set.
For 2.5D finish milling operations, we recommend that you
use Peripheral feeds (see page 1729) instead.
Tool Mapping
You can open the Tool Mapping dialog in one of these ways:
1656 NC Code
Select Manufacturing > Tool Mapping from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click NC Code
in the Steps panel, then click Re-map the tools
to new tool slots in the NC Code dialog.
The Tool Mapping dialog is where you change the tool slot assigned
to the selected tool. You can change the Cutter comp. offset register
for any tool here too.
The dialog has a table at the top. Each row of the table represents a
tool. Select a tool to edit its values in the fields below the table.
Double-click on a tool name, or click the + to the left of the tool
name to see the list of operations that use that tool.
Click the Add tool slots
button at the top left of the table to
open the Number of tool slots dialog. It enables you to increase the
number of tool slots listed; you cannot reduce this number.
Tool number This corresponds to the first (gray) column in
the table and is the current tool slot number for that tool. To move
a tool to a different slot tool slot, enter a new Tool number and click
the Set button, or drag-and-drop the name of the tool in the table
onto the tool slot number in the left column. More than one turning
tool can occupy the same tool slot (see page 1663).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1657
Diameter offset register Specifies the diameter cutter
compensation offset register number for the tool. This value is
passed to XBUILD as <COMP-NUM>. It corresponds to the Diameter
column in the Tool Mapping table. Enter up to 8 digits.
Length offset register Specifies the tool length offset register
number. Most lathe controllers have a single register that contains
the length and diameter offset values. In this case, the Length offset
register is the important field to set in FeatureCAM. This value is
passed to XBUILD as <OFFSET#>. It corresponds to the Length
column in the Tool Mapping table. Enter up to 8 digits.
To set the Diameter offset register and the Length offset register
by operation, select the operation in the table. You may need
to expand the tool name to view the operation.
Most lathe controllers have a single register that contains the
length and diameter offset values. In this case, the Length
offset register number is the important field to set in
FeatureCAM.
Tool ID This corresponds to the ID column in the table and is the
tool ID register for the tool. This is a seldom-used field that is used
by Bridgeport lathes and occasionally for Cincinnati machines.
The Tool Mapping dialog has these buttons:
Same This sets the cutter comp. offset registers for all tools to
the value of their tool slot number.
Set Select a tool in the table, enter a Tool number and click the
Set button to assign this tool a number specific for this part.
This assignment is for the current part only. If you want to
assign a tool to a default tool slot for all parts, use the
Overrides (see page 1858) tab of the Tool Properties dialog.
Save in Crib This permanently assigns the tool number with the
tool in the database. The tool is then locked in this position for all
parts that use the tool.
Clear in Crib The tool number slot for the selected crib is
erased. This means you want FeatureCAM to assign a tool number
automatically.
See Tool Manager (see page 1817) for more information on
tooling databases.
Set All All tools numbers are set to their current values and are
not changed.
1658 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Reset All This returns all tool slot numbers and cutter comp offset
registers to their initial values.
Select Block Click this button to display the Tool Block Selection
dialog (see page 1660), which you can use to specify which tool
block is used to hold the selected tool.
Tool Life Tool life management enables you to limit the use of a
tool and automatically switch to another tool when that limit is
reached. It is useful when cutting hard material that may wear out a
tool during a single program run. The table in the Tool Mapping
dialog displays the number of Holes that are cut by each drilling tool
and the Time (number of minutes) that each milling tool is used
during a single run of the NC program. Select a tool in the table and
click the Tool Life button to open the Tool Life (see page 1660)
dialog.
This button is not available until after you have run a
simulation.
Tool numbering
FeatureCAM automatically selects tools from the active tool crib.
These tools are assigned a tool number (also referred to as a tool
slot or tool pocket) for an automatic tool changer. The numbering is
assigned according to these rules:
1 Use the number assigned in the Tool Mapping (see page 1656)
dialog.
This numbering is in effect for the current part only.
2 If no number has been assigned via tool mapping, then the
number assigned to the tool in the crib (the Tool number field for
milling tools or the Tool slot for turning tools), is used as the tool
number. If two tools have the same permanent number in the
crib, the first tool used is assigned the preset number and the
other tool is given a new number.
3 If no number has been assigned via tool mapping or in the crib,
FeatureCAM assigns a tool number.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1659
Tool Block Selection dialog
Use the Tool Block Selection dialog to specify which tool block holds
a tool.
To specify which tool block holds a tool:
1 In the Tool Mapping dialog, select a tool and click Select Block to
display the Tool Block Selection dialog.
2 In the Tool block list, select the tool block solid from the Machine
Design file that you want to hold the selected tool.
3 Select the sub slot in the list that you want to hold the tool.
4 Click OK to close the Tool Block Selection dialog.
The tool block you selected is displayed in the tool mapping tree.
Tool Life
To open the Tool Life dialog, select the tool you want to manage in
the table in the Tool Mapping (see page 1656) dialog and click the
Tool Life button.
The Tool Life dialog has different options depending on if the tool is
a drill or a milling tool.
1660 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Drills
The Tool Life dialog for drilling tools has these options:
Use a single tool. (Turn off tool life for this tool) Select this option
to disable tool life management for this tool. A single tool
performs all operations that are scheduled for this tool slot.
Divide the number of holes equally between a specified number of
tools This option divides the work of the tool, in terms of
number of holes, equally among the Number of tools you specify.
Limit each tool to a specified number of holes. Create as many tools
as needed For this option you specify a limit in Number of holes
and additional tools are assigned when the limit is reached. No
tool cuts more than the Number of holes you specify. Additional
tool slots are then assigned to the same tool and the work is
divided among those slots. When the NC code is created, a tool
change is inserted when the limit is reached.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1661
Milling tools
The Tool Life dialog for milling tools has these options:
Use a single tool. (Turn off tool life for this tool) Select this option
to disable tool life management for this tool. A single tool
performs all operations that are scheduled for this tool slot.
Divide the cutting time equally between a specified number of tools
This option divides the work of the tool, in terms of cutting
time, equally among the Number of tools you specify.
Limit each tool to a specified number of minutes. Create as many
tools as needed. For this option you specify a limit in Number of
minutes and additional tools are assigned when the limit is
reached. No tool cuts more than the Number of minutes you
specify. Additional tool slots are then assigned to the same tool
and the work is divided among those slots. When the NC code is
created, a tool change is inserted when the limit is reached.
Time measurements only consider cutting times. Time
spent in rapid moves is ignored.
Divide the cut distance equally between a specified number of tools
This option divides the work of the tool, in terms of cut
distance, equally among the Number of tools you specify.
Limit each tool to a specified distance. Create as many tools as
needed. For this option you specify a limit in Distance and
additional tools are assigned when the limit is reached. No tool
cuts more than the Distance you specify. Additional tool slots are
then assigned to the same tool and the work is divided among
those slots. When the NC code is created, a tool change is
inserted when the limit is reached.
1662 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Restrictions for Tool Life management
Tool life management is active for milled parts, multiple fixture
parts, and tombstone parts.
It is not active for turning, turn/mill, or wire EDM parts.
You must generate toolpaths to activate tool life management.
For milled parts, tool life management is only active for the
creation of a single program. Therefore it is active for
single-Setup parts, or 4-axis or 5-axis indexed parts. For 4-axis
and 5-axis parts, if Setup dominant is selected, you must also
select Generate single program to enable tool life management.
See the Index tab of the Stock dialog for more information on
indexing. If you have a multiple-Setup milling part without
indexing, you must deselect all but one setup in the Part View to
enable tool life management for this setup.
Tool life applies only to the use of a tool during the running of a
single program. Tool life information is not stored permanently in
the tooling databases.
Putting two tools in the same tool slot
There are situations in turning when two different tools are loaded
in the same tool slot. For example, two drills may be loaded with
one facing the main spindle and the other facing the sub-spindle.
Use the following steps to implement this tooling setup.
1 Program the part as if the tools are in separate tool slots.
2 Open the Tool Mapping (see page 1656) dialog.
3 Set the Tool number of the two tools to the same number.
4 Set the Length offset register to different values for the two tools
in the same tool slot.
Using an insert drill to drill and bore in the same
program
1 Create the Hole feature and override the tool for the drilling
operation to be an insert drill.
2 Create the Bore feature and override the tool to be the same
insert drill.
If you view the tools in the Tool mapping (see page 1656) dialog,
you see that there are two drills listed in the same tool slot, but
they each have a different Length offset register.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1663
Getting the file to the machine
Configuring HyperTerminal (see page 1664)
EZ-UTILS (see page 1664)
Cables (see page 1665)
Serial port pinouts (see page 1666)
Configuring HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal is easy to use to send and receive NC code from the
machine. The first time you use HyperTerminal, set up an icon for
communication with the machine tool. All the parameters for
machine communication are linked to the icon link you created. In
later sessions, you only have to double-click the icon instead of
re-entering the communications settings.
1 Launch Hyperterminal from the Start menu.
2 Double-click the Hypertrm.exe icon. You may or may not see the
.exe extension depending on your computer's configuration.
3 You may be prompted to install a modem. If you do not have
one, click No and set up a communications icon.
4 Enter a name for the icon and pick an icon from the group.
5 Click OK.
6 Set the list box at the bottom of the screen to Direct to COM1 (or
whichever port you communicate through). Click OK and a
communications properties box appears.
7 Your machine tool should have recommended communication
settings. If so, use those settings here.
8 Click OK. HyperTerminal is configured to communicate with your
machine.
You may also need to review how to send and receive files from the
machine.
EZ-UTILS
To run the EZ-UTILS program, double-click the EZ-UTILS icon. When
the EZ-UTILS main screen appears, there are three menus at the top
of the screen: To CNC, From CNC, and Settings. These menus
contain commands to communicate with various CNC controls.
1664 NC Code
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
EZ-UTILS is an unsupported module that is provided to
FeatureCAM users free of charge. FeatureCAM regrets that it
cannot provide customer support on this application.
To CNC menu
From CNC menu
The From CNC menu shows three commands. These are all used to
accept a file sent from a CNC control to the FeatureMILL system via
a hard-wired cable which is attached to both the CNC control and
the FeatureMILL computer.
Settings menu
Connecting to the SX15 or DX32
Connecting the EZ-UTLS system to BOSS 8, 9, or 10
Connecting to the EZ-Trak SX
Connecting to Heidenhain Interact I and II
Cables
You need an RS-232 adapter cable to connect the computer to the
communications cable leading to the CNC machine. The adapter
cable may also be used to connect the computer to a serial port
expander (ABC switch box). The adapter cable can be plugged into
the COM1 or COM2 port, at the back of the main unit.
The cable can be a 9-pin or 25-pin connector at the computer
end. The manual contains an illustration of the required wiring
pattern for the cable.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
NC Code 1665
Serial port pinouts
The necessary communications cables for connecting the computer
to any device or CNC control can be made with parts available from
most electronics supply stores. The pin functions for a standard
25-pin RS-232 port and a standard 9-pin RS-232 port are shown
below. Check your computer owner's manual for the correct
information.
Customize Manufacturing
1666 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click Customize Mfg.
Manufacturing dialog:
in the Steps panel to display the Customize
The options are:
Establish my manufacturing preferences Click
to open the
Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog. You can also open this
dialog by selecting Manufacturing > Machining Attributes from the
menu.
Setup FeatureCAM's virtual tool cribs Click
to open the Tool
Manager (see page 1817) dialog. You can also open this dialog by
selecting Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu.
Refine FeatureCAM's feed & speed tables Click
to open the
Feeds/Speeds and Cutting Data Tables (see page 1588) dialog. You
can also open this dialog by selecting Manufacturing > Feeds/Speeds
and Cutting Data Tables from the menu.
Configure post processor. Click
to open the Post Options (see
page 1930) dialog. You can also open this dialog by selecting
Manufacturing > Post Process from the menu.
Machining attributes
You control the default behavior for manufacturing with default
machining attributes. You set these attributes so that the system's
default behavior represents the practice of your shop.
To override these settings for a particular instance of a
feature, you use Feature attributes (see page 971). These
attributes are set directly on the feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1667
You can save machining attribute settings as Machining
configurations (see page 1813).
Select Manufacturing > Machining Attributes from the menu to display
the Machining Attributes dialog:
At the top of the dialog, select one of three categories of machining
attributes from Mill (see page 1673), Turn (see page 1760), and
Wire (see page 1789).
1668 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Default values (inch and mm)
The following tables show the default machining attribute values in
inches and metric for milling (see page 1669), turning (see page
1671), and wire (see page 1672).
Milling
Type
Milling
Attribute
Default value
inch
mm
Minimum tool diameter
0.125
5.000
Z rapid plane
1.000
25.000
Rough tool diameter
"0.5, 0"
"15, 0"
Spline tolerance
0.001
0.025
Wrap tolerance
0.0001
0.003
Chamfer depth
0.100
3.000
Z clearance plane
0.100
3.000
Tap Z clearance plane
0.100
3.000
Z ramp clearance
0.010
0.030
Z index clearance
1.000
25.000
Finish allowance
0.050
1.250
Finish bottom allowance
0.050
1.250
Semi-finish allowance
0.020
0.500
Semi-finish bottom
allowance
0.020
0.500
Side finish overlap
0.100
3.000
Wind fan radius
0.100
3.000
Deburr radius
0.000
0.000
Min corner radius
0.000
0.000
Helix linear approx. tol.
0.001
0.025
Face depth of cut
0.250
5.000
Face finish allowance
0.020
0.500
Tool diameter selection
tolerance
0.002
0.050
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1669
Thread
milling
Linear ramp dist.
0.100
3.000
Helix linear approx. tol.
0.001
0.025
Drilling
Bore X shift
0.000
0.000
Bore Y shift
-0.010
-0.250
Spot drill edge break
0.005
0.100
Turn spot drill edge
break
0.005
0.100
Spot drill default size
none
none
Pilot drill diameters
none
none
Turn pilot drill diameters
none
none
Rough tolerance
0.005
0.100
Finish tolerance
0.001
0.025
Scallop height
0.001
0.025
Check allowance
none
none
Stepover
0.050
1.250
Finish allowance
0.050
1.250
3D milling
1670 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turning
Type
Attribute
Default value
inch
mm
X finish allowance
0.005
0.100
Z finish allowance
0.005
0.100
X semi finish allowance
0.002
0.050
Z semi finish allowance
0.002
0.050
Rough DOC
0.200
5.000
Rough constant DOC
0.200
5.000
Withdraw length
0.025
0.500
Clearance
0.100
3.000
Cutter comp lead
distance
0.100
3.000
Cutter comp min. corner
radius
0.000
0.000
Rough DOC
0.500
12.000
Chamfer extend distance
0.005
0.100
Rough liftoff distance
0.000
0.000
Finish liftoff distance
0.000
0.000
Peck retract distance
0.050
1.250
Turn cutoff
Peck retract distance
0.050
1.250
Turn thread
Start clearance
0.250
5.000
End clearance
0.100
3.000
Step1
0.000
0.000
Step2
0.000
0.000
Groove additional depth
0.005
0.100
Feed rate
50.000
1250.00
0
Turn
Turn groove
Turn bar
feed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1671
Wire
Type
Wire
1672 Customize Manufacturing
Attribute
Default value
inch
mm
Stop length
0.500
15.000
Overlap
0.000
0.000
Contour overlap
0.000
0.000
Retract length
0.020
5.000
Finish allowance
0.000
0.000
Offset total stock
0.150
4.000
Contour total stock
0.050
1.250
Leave allowance
0.000
0.000
Cutoff leave
allowance
0.010
0.250
Lead length
0.100
3.000
Side lead length
0.250
5.000
Inside corner radius
0.050
1.250
Outside corner radius
0.050
1.250
Corner options
length
0.250
5.000
Corner options width
0.050
0.250
Upper guide
10.000
250.000
Lower guide
-2.000
-50.000
4th axis linear
approx.
0.010
0.250
2 axis pocket total
stock
0.000
0.000
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling default machining attributes
The Machining Attributes dialog for Mill parts has these tabs:
Drilling (see page 1674, see page 976)
Pecking (see page 1681)
Milling (see page 1683)
Stepover (see page 1693)
Lead/Ramp (see page 1712)
Misc. (see page 1722)
Operations (see page 1732)
Thread Mill (see page 1735)
Surface Mill (see page 1741)
Surface Leadin (see page 1747)
Tool selection (see page 1751)
Facing (see page 1756)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1673
Drilling tab
Spot drill Enable this option to add a spot drill operation to the
Hole feature.
This operation has some wide-ranging effects, however, especially
when used with the Attempt chamfer w/ spot and tool optimization.
Of those three settings, tool optimization has the highest priority
and its decisions override settings with a lower priority.
For example, a spot drill operation could be performed with either a
spot drill or a center drill. Spot drills with a tip angle of 90 can also
perform a chamfering operation. You specify a specific tool to cut
the hole's chamfer and also turn on Attempt Chamfer /w Spot and
tool optimization. If there is an appropriate spot drill in the tool crib,
FeatureCAM optimizes things and use this tool in spite of your lower
priority override. Even though you selected a specific tool, your
other settings conflicted with and superseded your choice.
This is the advantage of the optimization and simulation functions in
FeatureCAM. As you work through the optimization settings, and
see where you can optimize automatically and where you cannot,
you can find ways to group your parts for faster production, but still
use specific tools for specific effects when needed.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 976) tab.
1674 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spot drill edge break To create an edge break or chamfer using
the spot drill tool, enter the radial distance of the edge
break/chamfer. The spot drill creates an edge break/chamfer by
cutting deeper than it normally would to create the spot drill
operation alone. The default value 0.0050" or 0.1 mm results in a
chamfer 0.0100" or 0.2 mm greater than the hole size. The angle of
the chamfer depends on the spot drill tool used.
Attempt chamfer w/ spot Enable this option to try to cut the
chamfer during spot drilling. If no available tool can spot and
chamfer without gouging the hole, a separate chamfer operation is
created.
Spot drill diameter % This percentage is used to select a spot
drilling tool. A value of 100 specifies that the spotdrill should be the
same diameter as the hole. A smaller value creates only a starter
hole.
Use L/D compensation This reduces speed and feed for holes that
have a ratio of hole depth (L) to hole diameter (D) of greater than
2.5. The greater this ratio, the greater the speed/feed reduction.
Combine similar holes into canned cycle (see page 1677) By
default, a tool retracts to the Z rapid plane between operations.
Enable this option and then select whether to Retract to the Z rapid
plane or the lower Plunge clearance plane after drilling each hole.
This option also creates more efficient NC code by entering the
canned cycle mode only once.
Retract to
Z rapid plane:
Plunge clearance:
Drill large counterdrill first For Counter Drill holes, select this
option to do the counterdrill operation before the drill operation.
Ream before chamfer Enable this option to do the Ream operation
before the Chamfer operation. This avoids pushing any kind of burr
or edge back up onto the chamfer if the chamfer is a sealing
surface.
Machining Type Select from:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1675
Drill only All Hole features are drilled in the traditional way
using a drill that is the same size as the hole diameter.
Drill/Mill This option allows Hole features to be drilled or milled,
to minimize the number of tools needed.
Click the Drill/Mill Options (see page 1680) button to set drill/mill
parameters.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Strategy
(see page 976) tab.
Dwell Enter the amount of time, in seconds, for the spot drill to
dwell for a feed-dwell-feed cycle.
Max. tap spindle RPM This is the maximum speed (in RPM) for
tapping.
Drill cycle This affects how FeatureCAM performs a drill operation.
Select one of the following from the menu:
Deep Hole The tool pecks and retracts to the Plunge clearance
and returns to the previous depth. This cycle is posted using the
Deep Hole format in XBUILD.
Chip Break The tool stops feeding only to break the chip. This
cycle is posted using the Chip Break format in XBUILD.
Tap cycle affects how a tap operation is performed. Select from:
Floating Floating and tension-compression holders
Rigid This is most commonly available on current machines
Deep Hole The tool pecks and retracts to the Plunge clearance
and returns to the previous depth.
Chip Break The tool stops feeding only to break the chip.
All cycles use the same Tap program format, but logical reserved
words exist in XBUILD to distinguish the tap type.
Ream cycle This affects how a ream is performed. The choices are
FDF (feed-dwell-feed), FF (feed-feed), and FSR (feed-stop
spindle-retract).
If you select FF, the cycle is posted using the Bore (F-F) format in
XBUILD. FDF uses the Bore (F-D-F) format, and FSR uses the Bore
(F-S-R) format.
Bore cycle This affects how a bore is performed. Select one of the
following from the menu:
FF The cycle is posted using the Bore (F-F) (feed-feed) format
in XBUILD.
1676 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FDF The cycle is posted using the Bore (F-D-F)
(feed-dwell-feed) format in XBUILD.
FSR The cycle is posted using the Bore (F-S-R) (feed-stop
spindle-retract) format in XBUILD.
No Drag The cycle is posted using the Bore (No Drag) format in
XBUILD.
No drag X shift and No drag Y shift These attributes affect the
amount that the boring tool shifts prior to retracting in No-drag
boring.
Pilot diameter(s) This enables and sets a list of drill sizes used to
drill pilot holes. Enter a comma-separated list of drill diameters. For
example, entering 0.5, 1, 1.5 in inches, causes holes to be pilot drilled
with the half inch drill for final hole sizes up to an inch. A hole in
excess of 1.5" is pilot-drilled with all three of the specified drills
before being drilled to size. No list of drill sizes turns off pilot drilling
for the feature, although this attribute can also be set up as a
default for all parts.
Combine similar holes into canned cycle
The Combine similar holes into canned cycle attribute applies to
drilling operations.
In previous versions of FeatureCAM this attribute was called
Retract to Plunge Clearance. The Retract to Plunge Clearance
attribute still applies to milling operations.
By default, FeatureCAM retracts the tool to the higher Z rapid plane
between operations. Although this is a safe assumption, it can result
in inefficient NC part programs because between each operation the
program cancels (G80) and then re-establishes (G81, G83, and so
on) the canned cycle mode. The figure below shows such an
inefficient program.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1677
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S38
19M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N60G80
N65Z1.0
N70X0.5
N75Z0.1
N80G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N85G80
N90Z1.0
N95X1.0
N100Z0.1
N105G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25
F14.3
N110G80
N115Z1.0
N120G0G91G28Z0M09
N125G49G90
N130M30
Tool change location
Z rapid plane
The Combine with similar holes into canned cycle attribute serves two
functions. First it creates more efficient NC code by entering canned
cycle mode only once. It also causes the tool to retract to the lower
Plunge Clearance plane after drilling each hole.
If the Disable Macros is deselected in the Post Options dialog, the
hole locations are included in a macro as shown in the Fanuc NC
code sample below.
1678 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S38
19M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F
14.3
N60P1001M98
N65G80
N70G00Z1.0
N75G0G91G28Z0M09
N80G49G90
N85M30
:1001
N90G91
N95X0.5
N100X1.0
N105G90
N110M99
Tool change location
Z rapid plane
Plunge clearance
If Disable Macros is selected, the NC code is still efficient, because
canned cycle mode is entered only once. The code sample shown
below is Fanuc NC code for a hole pattern with Combine with similar
holes into canned cycle enabled, but without macros.
:10
(9-13-2001)
N25G00G17G40G49G80
N30G30G91Z0
N35T1M6
N40G00G54G90X0.Y0.S3819M03
N45G43H1Z1.0M08
N50Z0.1
N55G83R0.1Z-1.0Q0.25F14.3
N60X0.5
N65X1.0
N70G80
N75G00Z1.0
N80G0G91G28Z0M09
N85G49G90
N90M30
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1679
Drill/mill options (machine level)
You control machine-level drill/mill in the machine-level Drill/Mill
Options dialog:
Select the strategies that you want to enable. The options are:
Drill full diameter
Rough with Drill, Finish with Bore
Rough with Drill, Finish with Ream
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Bore
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Ream
Rough with Endmill, Finish with Endmill
Finish Bottom
Rough with Endmill to full diameter this option lets FeatureCAM
rough to the final hole diameter without having a finish pass.
Use hole milling canned cycle if available ( ) For machines that
support hole/bore milling, such as Heidenhain Cycle 208,
Siemens POCKET4, Fagor G88, and Haas G12/13. The hole
milling canned cycle is posted using the hole milling format in
XBUILD. If you enter a G code, for example G208, for the Hole
Milling cycle in the NC Codes dialog in XBUILD, that code
displays in the brackets after this attribute name, for example
Use hole milling canned cycle if available (G208).
If you select more than one strategy, FeatureCAM works down the
strategy list in the dialog until it finds a strategy that can complete
the hole.
1680 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use continuous spiral Select this option to use an NT Continuous
Spiral toolpath, which eliminates nearly all stepovers.
Use continuous spiral
Use continuous spiral
deselected
selected
You can use Helical ramping with Use continuous spiral, for example:
Traditional spiral toolpaths can produce spikes in tool load. Another
advantage of NT continuous spiral is that the tool load increases
gradually.
Pecking tab
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1681
Pecking applies to Deep Hole, Chip Break, and Tap operations.
FeatureCAM supports four styles of pecking. These styles are listed
in the post processor. Three different attributes control the pecking
and they are used differently depending on the style of pecking.
FeatureCAM checks the pecking type in the currently loaded post
processor to duplicate canned cycles when simulating toolpaths. Set
these attributes separately for Drilling and Tapping operations:
First peck This is the depth of the first peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. If the depth of the hole is less than First peck, the hole
is drilled in a single peck.
Second peck This is the depth of the second peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. The post handles the conversion.
Minimum peck This is the minimum step size for a peck used for
value reduction pecking methods or factor reduction pecking
methods.
The peck style is specified in the CNC file, and determines which of
the tool's pecking depth values are used to calculate the pecking
depth values for the operation:
Fixed Steps
The NC code specifies one depth (First peck) and all the steps peck
at that depth. Second peck and Minimum peck have no effect in this
case.
Two Steps
The NC code specifies two depths. The first step pecks at the first
depth (First peck) and all the subsequent steps peck at the second
depth (Second peck). Minimum peck has no effect in this case.
Value Reduction
The NC code specifies the first depth (First peck), a reducing value
(First peck - Second peck), and a minimum depth (Minimum peck).
The first step pecks at the first depth. Each subsequent step is
reduced by the reducing value until the minimum depth is reached.
Factor Reduction
The NC code specifies the first depth (First peck), a reducing factor
(Second peck/First peck), and a minimum depth (Minimum peck).
The first step pecks at the first depth. Each subsequent step is
reduced by the reducing factor until the minimum depth is reached.
1682 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling tab
Climb mill Enable this option to have the tool on the left side of
the machined edge (in the direction of tool travel). Disable it for
conventional milling, with the tool on the right side of the machined
edge.
Bi-directional rough Enable this option to mill in both directions. If
disabled, conventional roughing happens and the cutting path
moves in one direction with rapid, above-stock return movements
to set up for the next pass. Climb mill controls the cutting direction.
Use finish tool If disabled, the same tool is used for both the
Rough and Finish passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool
for finishing. This finishing tool is identical to the tool that was
selected for roughing. The name of the new tool is appended with
-finish. For example if the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the
finishing tool is called endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not
permanently assigned to a tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in
the current document only.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1683
If disabled, the same tool is used for both the Rough and Finish
passes. Enable Use finish tool to create a new tool for finishing. This
finishing tool is identical to the tool that was selected for roughing.
The name of the new tool is appended with -finish. For example if
the roughing tool is named endmill1.0, the finishing tool is called
endmill1.0-finish. This finishing tool is not permanently assigned to a
tool crib, it is a temporary tool for use in the current document only.
If you want to use different types of tools for roughing and
finishing, like different length tools or tools with a different
number of flutes, disable Use finish tool and explicitly change
the tool to use for finishing.
Finish cutter comp (see page 1690) Enable this option to use
cutter compensation for the Finish and Semi-finish passes of a
milled feature.
Rough cutter comp Select this option to enable cutter
compensation for the rough pass of all milled features in the current
document by default. See Finish cutter comp for more information.
Chamfer cutter comp Select this option to enable cutter
compensation for chamfer operations of all milled features in the
current document by default.
Partline program This is a particular kind of cutter compensation
for milled features.
Part line program is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
be sure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut your entire feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of your
finish pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on
the Ramp diameter attribute) to your finish pass to accommodate
cutter compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list
such as "Can't find ramp in/out arc" or "Can't extend end of open
profile" then correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter
attribute or changing the Pre-drill point.
Minimize tool retract Enable this option (see page 1044) to reduce
the amount of retracting that the tool does while milling a feature.
Instead of retracting, the tool continues feeding to its next location.
1684 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows normal retracting.
This is the same example with Minimize tool retract enabled.
Setting this attribute can result in more slot cutting. Study the
toolpaths carefully before cutting.
This feature is helpful for 2-axis mills.
If Minimize tool retract is selected, the setting for the default
attribute, Min. rapid distance, is ignored. The tool does not retract
unless to prevent gouging.
This attribute only affects how the tool retracts within a single
operation. It does not control how operations are ordered. For this
functionality, see Min. rapid distance.
NT toolpaths
Using the Minimize tool retract options with the NT toolpaths gives
better results than with the traditional toolpaths.
Pocket feature
For a Pocket feature, the toolpath slot cuts following the offsets
instead of just a straight line. There are fewer plunges than with
traditional toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1685
Traditional toolpath example:
NT toolpath example:
Boss feature
For a Boss feature, the toolpath has a lot fewer retracts and plunges
at the edge of the Stock.
1686 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Traditional toolpath example:
NT toolpath example:
Individual rough levels The rough pass is often performed at
multiple Z levels (see page 1042) due to the depth of the feature.
Enable this option to list them all so that you can edit the attributes
of each level separately.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1687
Depth first Enable this option to cut each region of a feature
completely before moving on to another region. The toolpaths
descend in Z.
If this option is deselected then all regions of a feature are cut at
one Z level before descending to a deeper Z-level.
This attribute has no effect if the toolpaths for your feature do
not rapid between regions of the feature.
The images below show how regions of a feature are completely cut
before moving on to another region.
If you are using Multiple roughing tools (see page 1751) or Multiple
finishing tools (see page 1076), to efficiently rough out tight
corners, Depth first is also useful. The images below show a tool
finishing tight corners in a depth first manner.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1015) tab.
Reorder
The Reorder attribute tells FeatureCAM to re-sequence the toolpaths
to minimize retractions while trying to avoid full width cuts. Use
Reorder when you have a part where several separate regions are
cut. If you want the toolpaths to move directly across a surface
without worrying about retractions, deselect Reorder.
1688 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For Z-level operations (rough or finish), the Reorder attribute
enables zone machining, where the toolpaths descend in the Z (or
-Z) direction if that is more efficient than cutting the entire part in
complete Z levels. The phone handset example below shows that
the toolpaths cut the top of the part in complete Z levels and then
cut one side and the other.
5-axis position menu (5AP (see page 2)) There is often an
alternate orientation (see page 343) option for accessing a face.
Select from:
Standard The default orientation.
Alternate The alternative orientation to the default.
Use Post preference Uses the position (Positive or Negative) set
in XBUILD in the Five Axis dialog for the Preferred orientation of
the primary rotary axis option.
Trochoidal slotting
Trochoidal cut Enable this option to use a trochoidal cut on a
Simple Groove. Select the direction of the trochoids for a trochoidal
cut, from CW (clockwise) or CCW (counter-clockwise).
Instead of a simple slotting cut, the tool uses a series of circles, for
example:
A trochoidal toolpath reduces the load on the tool.
Max tool diameter % This is the percentage of the groove width
that is used to determine the diameter of the tool that will be
selected.
Max step distance % This is specified as a percentage of the tool
diameter and represents the maximum distance between
neighboring circles of the toolpath.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1689
Cutter comp
Cutter compensation offsets the lines and arcs of a toolpath to
account for the difference between a tool's actual diameter and the
diameter specified. For example, if the specified diameter is 0.500,
the actual tool diameter, due to wear, could be 0.496. Cutter
compensation allows this difference to be accounted for at the
control so that a single NC program can be used as long as the tool
is close enough in diameter to the ideal size entered into
FeatureCAM.
The direction of the compensation depends on the value of Climb
mill. If Climb mill is on, the cutter compensation direction is left, and
if it is off, the cutter compensation is right.
If you use cutter compensation you must select Enable Cut Comp in
Post Options (see page 1930). Turning it on does not turn on cutter
compensation for every feature, however, as cutter compensation
NC code is output only for those features with the Cutter Comp
attribute selected. If the Cutter Comp option is deselected in the
Post Options dialog, then cutter compensation is disabled for the
entire part regardless of the value of the Cutter Comp attributes on
each feature.
If you select Part line program, you get a special kind of cutter
compensation known as part line programming.
If you have specified both Multiple roughing tools and Part line prog
for the roughing pass, then in most cases bad NC code is generated
because the first roughing tool is likely to be bigger than the arcs in
the part. We would consider this to be a fact of life and you need to
turn off one or the other in order to get workable NC code.
If cutter comp is not chosen for the roughing, then no cutter comp
is output at all.
Cutter compensation for the roughing pass results in only the
passes closest to the wall being compensated. The interior passes
are not compensated because there is no need.
1690 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Clamp Avoidance dialog
To open the Clamp Avoidance dialog, click the Clamp avoidance
button on the Milling (see page 1683) tab of the Machining Attributes
dialog.
Automatic clamp avoidance Select this option to automatically
avoid solids that are marked as a clamp. To mark a solid as a
clamp, right-click its name in the Part View and select Use Solids as
Clamp in the context menu.
This option applies to 2.5D NT-style toolpaths and 3D
toolpaths. You must use NT-style toolpaths for both the
Rough and Finish operations to use this option for a 2.5D
part.
Allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to leave
around clamps.
Axial allowance To set separate axial and radial allowances, select
this option and enter the minimum axial (XY) distance that you
want to leave around clamps. If you enable Axial allowance, the
Allowance value is applied to the radial (Z) distance only.
Example:
This example bracket part is held in place by four clamps:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1691
With Automatic clamp avoidance disabled, there is a collision with the
clamps in the bright pink areas:
Here is the back clamp in more detail, the front of the clamp has
been machined away:
With Automatic clamp avoidance enabled, the clamps are avoided:
You can see the upstands of material, which have been left around
the clamps:
1692 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stepover tab
Rough pass Select this option to have a rough pass by default for
all milling features.
Depth % Enter the percentage of the tool Diameter to use for the
Rough depth of cut. You can override the depth of cut (see page
1106) value in several places.
Equal depth of cut Enable this option to make each Z step equal
depth.
If Equal depth of cut is selected, FeatureCAM calculates the depth of
cut like this:
1 Divides the feature depth, for example 10 mm, by the depth of
cut (see page 1106) you set to get the number of steps.
2 Divides the depth by the number of steps to get the actual depth
of cut (the depth of cut for each step is equal).
For example:
If the feature depth is 10 mm and you set a depth of cut of 3 mm,
the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4 steps. The
actual depth of cut is 10 / 4 = 2.5 mm. The steps are cut at 2.5
mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm.
If the second to last pass is within 10% of the depth of cut, it
is ignored.
For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.3 mm, the
steps are cut at 3.3 mm, 6.6 mm, and 10.0 mm.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1693
For a feature depth of 10 mm with a depth of cut of 3.2 mm, the
steps are cut at 3.2 mm, 6.4 mm, 9.6 mm, and 10 mm.
To set an exact depth of cut, deselect Equal depth of cut.
Using the same example, with Equal depth of cut deselected:
If the feature depth is 10mm and you set a depth of cut (see page
1106) of 3mm, the number of steps is calculated as (10/3) + 1 = 4
steps. FeatureCAM uses the actual depth of cut you set (3 mm) for
each pass, then cuts any remainder depth. The steps are cut at 3
mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.
These features support exact depth of cut:
Profile boss
Rectangular pocket
Profile pocket
Step bore
Profile side
Counter bore hole
Profile groove (Face groove
Plain hole with drill/mill
only)
roughing
Slot
Tapped hole with drill/mill
roughing
Stepover Options button Click this button to open the Rough
Stepover Options (see page 1695) dialog.
Semi-finish pass Select this option to have a semi-finish pass by
default.
Allowance This is a facing parameter for the amount of material
to leave after the roughing pass.
Bottom allowance Enter the amount of material to leave on the
floor of a milled feature. It applies only if Finish bottom is selected.
The attribute, Finish allowance, controls the allowance on the walls
of a feature.
Zig-zag angle this controls the angle (measured from the X axis)
of the direction of the facing passes. A setting of 0 cuts parallel to
the X axis and a value of 90 cuts parallel to the Y axis.
Finish pass Select this option to have a finish pass by default.
Allowance Facing parameter for the amount of material to leave
after the roughing pass.
No. of Passes The number of duplicate finish passes to take. If
you want to compensate for tool deflection, set No of Passes to
more than 1.
Overlap This applies to features defined by closed profiles and is
the distance that the tool overlaps its starting point on the finish
pass. The toolpath runs counter-clockwise.
1694 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Bottom Finishing Click this button to open the Bottom Finish
Options (see page 1703) dialog.
Rough Stepover Options dialog
Click the Stepover Options button on the Stepover tab to open the
Rough Stepover Options dialog:
For Pocket, Rectangular Pocket, and Boss and features, FeatureCAM
provides several different milling methods for roughing:
Stepover Select the Stepover type in the list.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1695
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
1696 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1697
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
1698 Customize Manufacturing
Path
Path
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
90
No
-90
Yes
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1699
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
1700 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1701
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Spiral % Enter the percentage of the tool diameter to use for the
radial depth of cut for machining the bottom of a milled feature
when using the spiral method.
Zigzag % This is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial
depth of cut for roughing the bottom of a milled feature when using
the zigzag method.
1702 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Bottom Finish Options dialog
Open this dialog by clicking the Bottom Finishing button on the
Stepover (see page 1693) tab of Milling Machining Attributes (see
page 1673).
Finish bottom
Wall pass Enable this option to finish the bottom of the feature up
to the Finish allowance on the wall, then finish the walls in a
separate pass.
Wall pass applies only to the finishing passes of milling
features where the bottom is finished.
Finish allowance
Wall pass
Floor pass
If Wall pass is disabled, then the floor is finished all the way out to
the wall in a single pass. The wall is not finished separately.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1703
For OD/ID grooves if this attribute is selected, then the bottom is
finished separately from the walls of the groove.
Finish allowance
Bottom
Wall
Wall finish allowance
Stepover Select the stepover type for finishing the bottom of a
milled feature.
Traditional toolpaths
Spiral This toolpath type is based on a series of offset curves.
For a Boss feature, the curves of the Boss are offset and then
clipped against the shape of the stock. When using a square piece
of stock the toolpaths tend to cut the four corners first, and then
work their way inward. You can alter the extent of the toolpaths by
using a stock curve of total stock.
1704 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For a Pocket feature, the boundary of the Pocket is offset and the
toolpaths are cut starting from the center of the pocket. The shape
of the stock does not affect the toolpaths.
Zigzag This toolpath type uses straight toolpaths that are
parallel to each other.
For a Boss feature, the toolpaths are laid in parallel lines across the
stock and clipped against the boundaries of the Boss.
The starting point is one of the four corners of the stock. You can
change the angle of the toolpaths, but the neighboring toolpaths are
always parallel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1705
For a Pocket feature, the parallel toolpaths are laid inside the Pocket
boundary.
After the parallel paths, a clean-up pass is then performed around
the boundaries of Bosses, Pockets, and Pocket islands.
The Zigzag roughing pass has two phases, the parallel roughing
phase and the boundary clean-up phase. The clean-up phase,
marked
, cleans up the boundaries of the feature to ensure a
uniform finish allowance:
The tree view for the feature only shows a single feature, so the
clean-up phase uses the same feed and speed values as the
roughing pass. The number of clean-up passes is determined by the
Cleanup passes (see page 1240) attribute. If Cleanup passes is set
to 0, the clean-up pass is not performed. If set to 1, a single pass is
performed along the boundaries of the roughing region:
1706 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Roughing region
- Finish allowance
The roughing region is determined by offsetting the boundaries of
the feature by the Finish allowance.
If set to a number larger than 1, multiple clean-up passes are
performed. The default spacing of these passes is controlled by the
Cleanup stepover (see page 1240) attribute. To more finely control
the spacing of multiple clean-up passes, set the Cleanup stepover
attribute.
The ramping onto the clean-up pass is controlled by the Ramp
diameter (see page 1064) attribute.
The direction of the Zigzag path is controlled by the relationship
between the Zigzag angle (see page 1076) and the Climb mill (see
page 1015) attributes.
The table shows the relationship between the zigzag angle and the
Climb mill setting. The image in the Path column indicates the
direction, the start point, and the sequencing of the toolpaths.
For example,
indicates toolpaths that are parallel to the X
axis. The start point is the lower left and the paths are sequenced
from the bottom to the top. In the images, the X axis of the Setup
is the horizontal axis, and the Y-axis is the vertical axis.
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
Path
Zigza
g
Angle
Climb
Mill
No
180
Yes
Yes
180
No
90
Yes
-90
No
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Path
Customize Manufacturing 1707
90
No
-90
Yes
If the Bi-directional cut (see page 1015) or the Reorder (see page
1683, see page 1735) attribute is selected, the toolpath is
reordered so that it completes one region before moving on to the
next.
For example, with this Boss feature the toolpaths finish the region
on the right of the Boss before moving on to the region on the left
side.
If Bi-directional cut and Reorder are deselected, the toolpaths move
across the part without any reordering.
When roughing a Boss with the Zigzag method, the amount that the
tool overlaps the stock boundary is controlled by the Finish
allowance (see page 1076).
The Zigzag technique applies to a finishing pass only if the bottom
of the feature is being finished. In this case, it behaves just like a
single roughing pass.
NT (New Technology) toolpaths
NT Spiral (see page 809) This toolpath is similar to the
traditional Spiral toolpath, but can use stepovers larger than
50%.
NT Zigzag This toolpath is similar to the traditional Zigzag
toolpath, but uses an angle that is calculated automatically, to
cut the longest toolpaths.
NT Continuous Spiral This toolpath is similar to the traditional
Spiral toolpath, but eliminates nearly all stepovers.
1708 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Vortex (see page 811) (REC/3D MX (see page 2)) An offset
toolpath, which is machined at the specified cutting feed rate
almost all of the time. The optimum tool engagement angle is
never exceeded, by replacing difficult toolpath segments with
trochoids. This works well for solid carbide tools.
Set the default type in Machining Attributes on the Stepover tab
using the Stepover Options button.
Click the Stepover Options button to open the Rough Stepover
Options dialog:
The NT toolpaths are available in the Stepover menu along with the
traditional Spiral and Zigzag toolpaths.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1709
At feature level, you can override the default Stepover type in the
menu on the Strategy tab of the feature's Properties dialog.
1710 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can override this at operation level on the Stepovers tab. If you
are using Individual rough levels, you can set the Cut type for each
individual rough pass.
Regardless of the roughing method selected, the feature is roughed
to within the Finish allowance (see page 1240) of the boundary.
There are some key differences between Traditional and NT
toolpaths (see page 813).
Spiral % This is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial
depth of cut for finishing the bottom of a milled feature when using
the spiral method.
Zigzag % This is the percentage of tool diameter to use for radial
depth of cut for finishing the bottom of a milled feature when using
the zigzag method.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1711
Lead/Ramp tab
Horizontal lead/ramp
Extension distance
Enter a distance if you want to move the tool off the part by that
distance at the end of each pass.
In this Side feature example, we used an extension distance of 1
inch:
1712 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Compare it to the same example with no extension distance added:
Lead distance
Lead distance in/out is the linear distance that a tool path extends
beyond the ends of an open toolpath or toolpaths that are clipped
against the stock profile. This parameter is specified as a
percentage of the tool's diameter. If Lead Distance is set to 0.0, the
toolpath starts or stops exactly at the ends of the profile.
- Lead-in/out angle
- Lead distance in/out
The Lead-in angle applies only over the Lead-in distance, so if the
Lead-in distance is 0, the Lead-in angle has no effect.
The Lead-out angle applies only over the Lead-out distance, so if the
Lead-out distance is 0, the Lead-out angle has no effect. The Lead-out
angle is applied to the end of the finish pass for an open toolpath. It
also applies to the last toolpath of a roughing pass if the Finish
allowance is set to 0.
All stepover
The All Stepover attribute adds a lead-in and lead-out to each
stepover move for an open feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1713
This example shows the behavior with All Stepover deselected.
And with All Stepover selected:
Ramp type Select the stepover style from the list.
Direct
The Direct stepover connection type creates a straight linear
transition that is perpendicular to the toolpath.
1714 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Arc
The Arc stepover connection type creates an arc transition. Set the
Diameter parameter to specify the radius of the arc as a percentage
of the tool diameter. This example has the Ramp diameter set to
55%:
This example has the Ramp diameter set to 600%:
Line
The Line stepover connection type creates a linear stepover at an
angle. The length of the line is determined by multiplying the
diameter of the tool by the Ramp diameter parameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1715
S-shape
The S-shape stepover connection type creates a stepover move that
consists of two arcs. As a result this transition makes a smooth exit
from the existing contour to the new contour. The diameter of the
arcs is determined by the Ramp diameter parameter.
Ramp diameter See Ramp type.
Minimum ramp distance This attribute applies to the Finish
operation. Enter the minimum horizontal distance for ramping. If
the computed horizontal ramp distance is less than this, the tool
plunges instead of ramping. Enter the value as a percentage of the
tool's diameter.
Wind Fan Click this button to open the Wind Fan Finish Options
(see page 1718) dialog.
Vertical ramp
Minimum Z ramp distance This is the minimum vertical ramp
distance allowed. If Minimum Z ramp distance is greater than the
calculated ramp distance or Max ramp distance, the tool plunges.
Enter the value as a percentage of the tool's diameter.
Max. ramp angle This controls the angle of the ramp.
Max. finish ramp angle This is the same as Max. ramp angle, but for
the finish pass.
Ramp from top
Disable this option to avoid ramping to depth on the Finish and
Semi-finish pass of a 2.5D feature. This saves machining time.
This example shows the Finish operation for a Side feature.
1716 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ramp from top on:
Ramp from top off:
You must deselect the NT toolpaths option to access this
option.
Helical ramping Enable this option to use helical ramping. Disable
it to use zigzag ramping.
Helical ramping is not available for zigzag (see page 802)
milling.
Helical Options Click this button to open the Helical Ramp Options
(see page 1721) dialog.
Arc lead
Arc Lead
Arc Lead changes the lead-in or lead-out move to be an arc. The
endpoint of the arc is determined by the Lead distance and either
the Lead-in angle or Lead-out angle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1717
- Lead in/out
angle
- Lead distance
Wind Fan Finish Options dialog
Open the Wind Fan Finish Options dialog by clicking the Wind Fan
button on the Lead/Ramp (see page 1712) tab of the Milling
Machining Attributes (see page 1673) dialog, or on the Strategy (see
page 1015) tab in the Feature Properties dialog.
Wind fan finish Select this option to have a single point that is
used as both the start and end point of the Finish path. This is
useful for machines which require large lead moves to enable cutter
compensation.
Wind fan radius Enter the radius to use for the wind fan shape.
Increasing the Wind fan radius moves the toolpath's start point
further from the feature boundary.
1718 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Wind fan angle Enter the angle to use for the wind fan shape. The
wind fan angle is a combination of the lead-in and lead-out arc
angles.
By changing the Start point (see page 1110), you can move
the starting and ending points of the toolpath. FeatureCAM
uses the nearest point to your Start point that is consistent
with the angle and radius you specify for the wind fan.
Wind fan example
This example shows you how to create a wind fan finish toolpath,
and change the start and end points.
To use wind fan finishing to cut the Boss feature:
1 Create the Boss feature.
2 Enable wind fan finishing:
a In the Boss Properties dialog, on the Strategy tab, click Wind
Fan.
The Wind Fan Finish Options dialog is displayed.
b Select Wind fan finish to make the finish path start and end at
the same point.
c Specify the Wind fan radius and Wind fan angle, then click OK
to close the dialog.
d Click OK to close the Boss Properties dialog.
3 Run a 2D simulation.
To machine the Boss finish pass, the tool:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1719
a starts in the top-right corner of the part and cuts the feature.
b returns to the start point.
The part is complete, but you can edit the toolpath. For example,
you may want the tool to start cutting on a straight edge, rather
than on the corner.
To change the starting and finishing point of the toolpath:
1 In the Geometry toolbar, click Point
one of the edges of the feature.
, and create a point near
2 In the Boss Properties dialog, on the Plunge tab, specify the Start
point as the position of the point you created.
1720 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Run a 2D simulation:
The point's location along the curve is used to place the start
point, but the point's distance from the feature boundary is
ignored.
Helical Ramp Options dialog
Select the direction for helical ramping from CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
Linear approximation Select this option to approximate arc moves
with linear moves.
Linear approximation tolerance Enter a tolerance to control the
accuracy of Linear approximation relative to the theoretical helix. The
lower the value, the more accurate the approximation.
Ramp diameter Enter the diameter of the helix to use for helical
ramping.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1721
Misc. tab
Z rapid plane Enter the minimum safe distance in Z above your
part.
Before performing a rapid move away from a feature, the tool
retracts to the Z rapid plane setting for that feature. The rapid move
to the next feature changes in Z height, that is, changes Z
coordinates, if the next feature has a different Z rapid plane setting.
So that when it arrives at the next feature it is at the Z rapid plane
for that next feature.
This value is relative to the top of your stock in the current user
coordinate system. Compare with Plunge clearance.
Plunge clearance Enter the distance above the operation at which
the tool feeds.
This is marked as L1 in the diagram.
1722 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For deep hole drilling, the drill retracts to this distance between
pecks. For milling features, the default is to use the same value for
roughing and finishing. As a result, the tool feeds from the top of a
feature to the floor before cutting. To make the tool feed down into
the feature, set the Plunge clearance for an operation to a negative
value, but ensure the value is above the floor of the feature.
Z ramp clearance Enter the distance above the operation at which
ramping starts. Z ramp clearance is bound by Plunge clearance.
This is marked as L2 in the diagram.
Spline tolerance This approximates the profile with arcs and lines
if a profile is defined as a spline. The smaller the value of the
parameter, the smoother the profile. This machining attribute is
used in Feature Recognition to determine whether a surface is a
Hole.
Posting tolerance Enter the tolerance with which the toolpaths are
created. Reduce the Posting tolerance value for small parts to create
more precise toolpaths.
You must also adjust your post processor to output more digits. For
example, if you adjust the posting tolerance from 0.001 to 0.0001,
then you must adjust the digit format in the post processor so that
the extra decimal place is used in the NC code. Reducing the
posting tolerance creates additional lines of NC code, so you should
only do this for high-precision NC machines that can use the
high-precision coordinates, when required for an application.
Z index clearance This is the clearance distance above the stock
bounding cylinder.
This can result in a Z value for indexing that is outside the
valid range for the machine. It can also result in
less-efficient retract moves if the part is an irregular shape.
You can set absolute X, Y, and Z coordinates to use for the
index retract move at feature-level (see page 987) or
Setup-level.
Wrap tolerance
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1723
Arcs that are wrapped must be converted to small 3D line
segments. The Wrap tolerance is used to determine the acceptable
distance between the line segments and the initial arc. The figure
on the left shows a lower tolerance for a wrapped circular groove.
The right-hand figure shows a large tolerance. In this case the circle
is approximated by a square.
The Wrap tolerance is also used to calculate toolpaths which are on a
cylinder, given a linear toolpath in unwrapped space. That is, if the
toolpath without wrapping is a straight line, then the wrapped
toolpath is an arc around the index axis. The Wrap tolerance controls
the accuracy of this arc.
This attribute is also used to control the polar interpolation on face
cuts for turn/milling. If FeatureCAM is performing the polar
interpolation, any linear move or off center arc move on the face of
the part must be interpolated by linear moves and rotations about
the C axis. Wrap tolerance is used to control the fineness of this
linear interpolation. The figure on the left shows a straight face cut
with loose wrap tolerance. The right-hand figure shows the same
cut with a tighter tolerance.
1724 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
When circular interpolation is turned off in post, then Wrap tolerance
is used to control fineness of toolpath.
Chamfer depth
For milled chamfers, Chamfer depth controls the depth of the tool
and therefore the contact point. The default Chamfer depth for a
chamfer is 0.1 inches or 3 mm. This means that the tool extends 0.1
inches or 3 mm below the bottom of the chamfer. A setting of 0.0
places the bottom of the tool at the bottom of the chamfer. A larger
value moves the contact point down the tool.
Through depth
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling (see
page 1076) tab.
Deburr radius Enter a radius to automatically round sharp outside
corners of the feature by the specified radius. The feature shape
does not change, but the toolpaths are modified to reflect the
rounding.
To automatically round inside corners, use Min. corner radius.
Be wary of setting a default Deburr radius value, because
small part details (less than 2*Deburr radius) can be
mistakenly eliminated. You can set a Deburr radius at
feature-level in the Feature Properties dialog on the Misc. (see
page 1052) tab.
Min. corner radius Enter a radius to automatically round the inside
corners of a feature by the specified radius. The feature shape does
not change, but the toolpaths are modified to reflect the rounding.
To automatically round outside corners, use Deburr radius.
Min. rapid distance % Enter the minimum distance, as a
percentage of the tool diameter, that the tool can use a rapid move
for. Moves smaller than this distance use a feed move.
Minimum rapid distance applies to 2.5D milling. Specify the value as
a percentage of tool diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1725
This example shows a feature cut with a value of 400%:
As the tool moves inward, there are few rapid moves.
Instead, the tool is fed between passes.
This is the same example with Min rapid distance set to 10% and the
tool retracts and rapids between passes.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Milling
(see page 1076) tab.
Back clearance Used when machining a backbore Hole, Back
clearance is the distance the backbore tool is from the bottom of the
Hole when cutting the bore section.
1726 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use edge-based stock curve finder If you are unable to find a stock
curve from a solid, select this option to find the curve based on the
body outline of the solid instead of the faces. This may give you a
better result, but it is slower than the other method.
Coolant type
Select the type of coolant to use. The default choices are:
None no coolant
Flood a continuous stream of coolant
Mist coolant mixed with air
Coolant 3 - Coolant 10 you can define these other coolant
options in the post processor.
You can enter up to ten types of coolant in the Coolant dialog in
XBUILD (select CNC-Info > Coolant to open it). After you have saved
them in XBUILD, they are available to choose in this list in
FeatureCAM.
Speed % This is a scaling factor for the spindle speeds generated
by the system. A value of less than 100 reduces the calculated
speed rates. A value of more than 100 increases the rates.
Feed % This is a scaling factor for the feeds generated by the
system. A value of less than 100 reduces the calculated feed rates.
A value of more than 100 increases the rates.
Plunge feed % The percentage of the Feed % attribute to use
during the initial plunge into the material. For example, if the Feed
% attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the Plunge feed % to 50, the
resulting feed rate for the initial plunge is 1000 MMPM. See also First
plunge feed %.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Milling
(see page 1076) tab.
First plunge feed % You can specify a slower feed rate for the first
plunge move (the initial approach to the Stock) than for subsequent
Z plunge moves to depth. This is a percentage of the Plunge feed %.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1727
For example, if the Feed % attribute is 2000 MMPM and you set the
Plunge feed % to 50, and the First plunge feed % to 20, the resulting
feed rate for the first plunge move is 200 MMPM. Setting the First
plunge feed % at a slower feed rate can protect your tool from a
hardened crust on the surface of the material.
Plunge clearance
Z ramp clearance
First Z depth
First plunge move
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Milling
(see page 1076) tab.
Feed unit This changes the default feed rate units.
Select the units that you want to be FeatureCAM's global feed rate
units in the Feed unit menu:
Use IPM (inches per minute)
Use IPR (inches per revolution)
Use IPT (inches per tooth)
Use MMPM (mm per minute)
Use MMPR (mm per revolution)
Use MMPT (mm per tooth)
This global setting is reflected locally on the Feed/Speed page of the
New Feature wizard and the F/S (see page 1063) tab of the feature
Properties dialog.
Proportional plunge feed
1728 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Proportional plunge feed is selected, the feed rate of the ramping
move is scaled based on the Max ramp angle. A Ramp angle of 1
sets the feed rate of the plunging moves to approximately the
milling feedrate. An angle of 90 sets the feed rate of the plunging
moves to the value determined by Plunge feed override %. If
Proportional plunge feed is not selected, then the feed rate of
plunging moves is determined by Plunge feed override % regardless
of the ramp angle.
Enter the maximum angle, in degrees, for ramping down to depth.
It applies to helical or zigzag ramping. Set this value to 0 to cause a
plunge cut.
Peripheral Feed (see page 1729) dialog.
Post Vars Click the Post Vars button and the Post Variables dialog
is displayed. This contains a list of variables that are passed straight
to the post processor. You can use these variables to pass strings
directly to the post processor.
Use new stock curve finder In certain cases, the Parasolid kernel
does not compute a Stock curve correctly. If you have problems
trying to compute a Stock curve from a Parasolid file, try selecting
this option.
This option is deselected by default because the alternative
method is slower.
Peripheral Feed dialog
These parameters let you adjust the feedrates of arc moves for
2.5D milling features. The concept is that by slowing the feedrate
on internal arcs and increasing the feedrate on external arcs, you
get a more consistent finish.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1729
Select Decrease feed on internal arcs to slow down on concave
moves. Set the lower limit by entering a percentage of the linear
feed.
Select Increase feed on external arcs to speed up on convex moves.
Set the upper limit by entering a percentage of the linear feed.
There is a section for roughing and finishing and the options are
identical. The finishing section applies to semi-finishing and finishing
2.5D milling operations. The roughing section applies to 2.5D
roughing operations.
Internal arc
External arc
We recommend that you use these adjustments for finishing and
leave the settings for roughing deselected. Use feed optimization
(see page 1651) for roughing instead.
In earlier versions of FeatureCAM, this functionality was called
Corner feedrate reduction and only allowed you to slow down
concave corners.
1730 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Post Variables dialog
The Post Variables dialog contains a list of variables that are passed
straight to the post processor. You can use these variables to pass
strings directly to the post processor.
You can access this dialog at machine level from the Misc. tab
in Machining Attributes dialog for Mill (see page 1722), Turn
(see page 1781, see page 1485), and Wire (see page 1808).
You can also access it at a feature level on the Milling (see
page 1076), Drilling (see page 987), Turning (see page 1501),
or Cutting Data (see page 1566) tab of the Feature Properties
dialog.
You can change the names of post variables to make them
easier to use. In the XBUILD dialog, select CNC-Info > Post
Variable Names from the menu to display the Post Variable
Names dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1731
Operations tab
Automatic Options (see page 1733)
Base priority
Features are sorted by their Base priority to determine the order in
which they are manufactured. For features that have the same Base
priority value, the system uses the Automatic Ordering settings.
To ensure that an individual feature is cut before anything else, you
can set its Base priority attribute. All features have a default Base
priority of 10. To ensure that a feature is manufactured first, set its
priority to a lower value. To make a feature last, set its priority to a
higher value. For example, if you set the Base priority of a pocket to
8, its roughing pass is the first operation performed, its finish pass
is second, and the rest of the operations are ordered according to
the Automatic Ordering or Manual Ordering settings.
Although you can specify the order of every feature by
priority, you should not do so casually because you lose the
automatic optimization sequences built into the system and it
is harder to maintain or change the part.
The order of operations in the document is controlled by the
operation-level Priority attribute. If you use the Op List (see
page 1633) to drag-and-drop operations to the order you
want, the Priority is updated automatically.
Don't ask at tool path generation This is a toggle for whether you
are prompted with the dialog when you run a simulation. The
Ordering dialog settings override the operation defaults set on this
tab.
1732 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Time estimation attributes Set these attributes to fit the behavior
of your particular machine. These attributes affect the machining
time estimates printed in the operation sheets.
Rapid traverse This is the feed per minute of rapid moves.
Tool change This is the time in seconds it takes to change a tool
(not including the rapid to get to tool change location).
Go to start This is the time it takes for the tool head to move to
the start location and the spindle or tool head to come to a stop.
X-Y acceleration This is used in the formula (see page 1734) to
calculate the time for a particular tool move.
Z acceleration This is used in the formula (see page 1734) to
calculate the time for a particular tool move.
Rotary rapid This is the rotation per minute of the indexing axis.
Automatic Options
The following settings control the ordering of milling operations.
Minimize tool changes This option groups operations together that
use the same tool. This saves time for you by eliminating or
reducing needless tool changes. You must select this option if you
want to generate hole macros in the NC code.
Do finish cuts last This option moves the finish milling operations
to the end of the Setup without altering the order of the finishing
operations. If you want to perform all rough milling operations
before finish milling operations, select this option.
Cut higher operations first This option affects only milling Setups.
Select this option to mill the features from the top of the stock first
and work toward the bottom. If you deselect this attribute, you
should carefully graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your
part.
Sorting by Z coordinate is controlled by the Cut higher
operations first attribute. If you deselect this attribute,
graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your part.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1733
Minimize rapid distance This affects only milling Setups and is the
only ordering option that changes the order of features specified in
the part view. Minimize Rapid Distance moves to the next closest
feature that uses the same tool as the last operation. You must
deselect this option if you want to generate hole macros in the NC
code.
If you have selected all of the optimization options, the
manufacturing order for operations that were derived from different
features is determined like this:
1 The operations are sorted by their top Z coordinate.
2 Among operations with the same top Z coordinate, operations
are grouped by the tool with which they are cut.
3 After an operation is cut, FeatureCAM moves to the next
operation performed with the same tool that is the closest to the
current operation.
Formula for particular tool move
The formula for the time estimate for a particular tool move is:
time = dist/fpm + fpm * (1 + zdist/dist * (1/z-accln - 1))
/ xy-accln
where:
fpm is feed per minute (Rapid Travers for rapids, feed rate for
cutting moves)
xy-accln is X-Y Acceleration
z-accln is Z Acceleration
dist is the total distance of tool move
zdist is the total distance that the tool moves in the Z-direction
Acceleration conversions
If the acceleration rates for your machine are reported in different
units, use the following conversions:
Current Units
Desired Units
Multiply by
Meter per second
squared
Millimeters per
minute squared
3,600,000
Feet per second
squared
Inches per minute
squared
43,200
Inches per second
squared
Inches per minute
squared
3,600
1734 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Assumptions used
Most often, because of change of direction (and/or several other
factors), the tool must effectively accelerate to final fpm from a
stop. So the acceleration is calculated as if the tool head must
always accelerate to final fpm from 0.
Also, most mills take longer to accelerate in the Z-direction than in
either X or Y (and that X and Y acceleration are equal).
Thread Mill tab
Wind fan Select this option to have a single point that is used as
both the start and end point of the Finish path. This is useful for
machines which require large lead moves to enable cutter
compensation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1735
Wind fan radius Enter the radius to use for the wind fan shape as
a percentage of the thread-milling tool radius. Increasing the Wind
fan radius moves the start point of the toolpath further from the
feature boundary.
Wind fan angle .Enter the angle to use for the wind fan shape. The
wind fan angle is a combination of the lead-in and lead-out arc
angles.
Linear ramp distance Enter the length of the linear approach move
to a Thread feature.
To activate this attribute, you must set Ramp diameter % to
0.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
Ramp diameter % This attribute controls the diameter of the arc
along which the tool ramps on and off the Thread Milling feature.
Enter a percentage of the tool diameter.
Negative angles create a ramp on a clockwise arc. If set to a value
greater than 1000, the tool moves in on a straight line tangent to
the initial cutting move. If set to 0, the tool approaches
perpendicular to the initial cutting move.
1736 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
Ramp angle offset
This angle controls the starting and ending points of the ramp
moves of a Thread Milling feature. The tool starts ramping along the
arc of radius Ramp diameter % using the Ramp angle offset to
determine the start point of the ramping move. If positive, the arc
is counter-clockwise.
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
Spring passes A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading
pass. Spring passes indicates the number of spring passes that are
to occur at the completion of the thread.
Starts Enter a value greater than 1 for multiple start threads.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1737
Start angle Measured counter-clockwise, the Start angle
determines the starting point of the thread.
Ramp diameter
Start angle
Thread mill feature
Ramp angle offset
Tool
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
Tooth overlap Enter the number of threads that one revolution of
a multi-thread tool overlaps the previous revolution. An overlap of
at least one thread is recommended.
Thread feature
Tool revolution 1
Tool revolution 2
Tooth overlap
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Milling tab.
Tooth outside Enter the number of teeth that are above (if
feeding in negative Z) or below (if feeding in positive Z) the thread
mill feature for the first pass.
Taper approx. angle For tapered threads the toolpath is increasing
in diameter as well as moving in Z. These moves are approximated
with 3D arcs. The Taper approx. angle is the angle around the thread
that will be approximated by a single arc. A 360 must be evenly
divisible by the Taper approx. angle. For example, if set to 90, a
single revolution of the tool is broken into 4 arcs.
1738 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
OD Depth % The default ratio of Pitch to Thread Height for OD
Thread Milling features.
ID Depth % The default ratio of Pitch to Thread Height for ID
Thread Milling features.
Helical Ramping
Cutter comp (see page 1015)
Partline program This is a particular kind of cutter compensation
for milled features.
Part line program is a particular kind of cutter compensation for
milled features. If enabled, the actual drawing dimensions of the
feature are output as the toolpath instead of the center line of the
tool. The tool selected to cut the feature is still important even when
using part line programming. If the same tool is used for roughing,
be sure that the actual tool diameter does not deviate too far from
the diameter of the tool used by FeatureCAM to ensure proper area
coverage for the roughing passes. Also ensure that the diameter of
the selected finishing tool is small enough to cut your entire feature.
If you have selected a tool too large to fit into a tight corner, you
cannot correct the toolpath with just cutter compensation.
FeatureCAM automatically calculates the entrance point of your
finish pass and adds a linear move and a ramping move (based on
the Ramp diameter attribute) to your finish pass to accommodate
cutter compensation. If you receive a warning in the operations list
such as "Can't find ramp in/out arc" or "Can't extend end of open
profile" then correct the problem by decreasing the Ramp diameter
attribute or changing the Pre-drill point.
Through Select Through to increase the hole length by 10% of the
hole diameter to account for the drill tip and prevent burring. If
Through is deselected, the toolpaths are generated to ensure that
the tool does not cut past the end of the thread.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1739
Use Finish tool (see page 1015)
Rough
Select the Rough attribute to include a roughing operation when you
create a thread milling feature.
Enter a Stepover in % for the roughing operations.
You can edit the attributes of the roughing operations using the
Milling tab of the Thread Milling Properties dialog when the roughing
operation is selected in the Tree View.
Finish
Select the Finish attribute to include a finishing operation when you
create a thread milling feature.
Enter an Allowance and number of Spring passes for the finishing
operations.
A 'spring pass' is a duplicate of the final threading pass. Spring
passes indicates the number of spring passes that are to occur at
the completion of the thread.
You can edit the attributes of the finishing operations using the
Milling tab of the Thread Milling Properties dialog when the finishing
operation is selected in the Tree View.
1740 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surface Mill tab
Tolerance (Finish) and Tolerance (Rough) Set how close the milling
is to the mathematically ideal surface. This does not guarantee that
your feature is machined to this tolerance in all locations if the tool
you select is incapable of cutting within that tolerance in
constrained areas. If your part shows a faceted appearance, set the
tolerance to a lower value.
Scallop stepover Select this attribute to set the default stepover
type for projection milling finishing and Z-level finishing to be
specified by scallop height instead of a linear stepover distance.
Scallop height This sets the default scallop height allowed for
surface milling features. You can override it on individual features.
Parallel angle is a numeric attribute for X and Y parallel roughing
only.
The value can be anywhere from -360 to 360 degrees, the default is
0.0. A positive value rotates counter-clockwise from the principle
axis, and a negative value rotates clockwise from the axis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1741
X parallel, Parallel angle 20
Y parallel, Parallel angle 20
Setting the angle to 90 on an X-parallel operation causes it to
effectively become a Y-parallel operation.
Setting the angle to 180 causes the toolpaths to be cut from the
opposite side of the part. For example, an X-parallel operation
with the angle set to 0 starts at the minimum Y coordinate. With
the angle set to 180, the toolpaths start at the maximum Y
coordinate.
Tool diameter This sets the default tool diameter for 3D surface
milling features.
Tool end radius
Select the type of Tool end radius from:
Ball end sets the default tool to a ball-end tool to be chosen
automatically from the tool database. If there are no ball-end
tools in the database, a flat-end tool is chosen as a template and
a new ball-end tool is automatically created from it. The new tool
is given a name with a suffix of -ground, implying that you must
grind the tool as needed. If there are no flat-end mill tools in the
database, a tool-selection error is displayed.
Flat sets the default tool to a flat-end mill to be chosen
automatically from the tool database. If there are no flat-end mill
tools in the database, a tool-selection error is displayed.
Bull nose sets the default tool to a bull-nose tool to be chosen
automatically from the tool database. If there are no bull-nose
tools in the database, a flat-end mill tool is chosen at a template
and a new bull-nose tool is automatically created from it. The
new tool is given a name with a suffix of -ground, implying that
you must grind the tool as needed.
You can override the tool on individual features as needed.
Steep and Shallow Options Click this button to open the Steep and
Shallow Options dialog.
1742 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Finish allowance This is the amount of material left after a 3D
roughing pass.
Check allowance This is the minimum distance that you want to
leave around check surface(s). Select from:
Finish/leave allowance FeatureCAM uses the Finish allowance
value for rough operations and the Leave allowance value for
finish operations, by default. You can override this by entering a
Check allowance value at operation level.
Fixed allowance Enter a specific Check allowance value to use
by default for both rough and finish operations. You can override
this by entering a Check allowance value at operation level.
Slope limitation angles
Horizontal only The default Maximum surface slope (see page
1213) angle for the current part document.
Vertical only The default Minimum surface slope (see page
1213) angle for the current part document.
Steep slope The default Steep slope angle (see page 1141) for
parallel operations in the current part document.
Swarf axial tol. This helps to stabilize the tool axis and reduce tool
load.
For a relatively rare number of geometries, the tool axis can waver
slightly as it positions accurately on the surfaces to be machined.
This can be due to small but significant changes in the geometry as
the tool moves from one position to another. This tolerance can be
larger than the machining tolerance to stabilize the tool axis as it
moves across this geometrically varying region. As a consequence
excess material may be left on the surface but the load on the tool
may be reduced.
No Axial tolerance set:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1743
Axial tolerance set to 0.5 (mm):
Edges The default Edges (see page 1195) setting for the current
part document.
Steep and Shallow Options dialog
Order This determines the order in which the steep and shallow
portions are machined.
Top first Select this option to machine from the top regions
downwards. If you have a boss, the shallow regions at the top of
the boss are machined before the steep regions down the sides.
Steep first Select this option to machine the steep sections
before the flat. If you have a boss, the steep regions are
machined before the shallow regions.
1744 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Options
Threshold angle Enter the angle of the surface slope, measured
from the horizontal, that determines the split between constant Z
(steep) and shallow machining.
Overlap distance Enter the size of the overlap area between steep
and shallow machining. This reduces marks on the model caused by
a sudden switch between steep and shallow machining.
Steep
Spiral Select this option to create a spiral path between two
consecutive closed contours.
Shallow
Select from:
Parallel
Optionally enter a Wall Clearance and Raster Angle.
3D Spiral
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1745
Smoothing Select this option to smooth offsets of toolpath
segments over the model.
Selecting the Smoothing option converts this:
to this:
As a general rule, use raster on open-edged parts and 3D
offsets at the bottom of a pocket.
1746 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Surface Leadin tab
Stepover type This controls the moves between toolpaths.
Stepover type controls the type of transition move that is inserted
between toolpaths. The options are:
Direct - The tool moves straight over to the next position. The
tool can move in all 3 axes. This figure shows a direct stepover
move on a flat surface feature.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1747
Stair step: The tool moves up in Z and then over in X and Y. This
figure shows a stair step transition move on a spherical surface.
This figure shows the same surface feature using a direct
stepover.
Loop: The tool makes an arc move out of one toolpath and an
arc move into the next toolpath. These transitions are actually
programmed from linear moves and may move all three axes.
This figure shows a loop move on a flat surface feature.
Use lead-in/out This controls when lead-in/out moves are applied.
The Use lead in/out menu controls when lead moves will be applied.
The options are:
Never: Do not use lead moves on this operation.
1748 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
On all plunges/retract: Apply the leads on all plunge and retract
moves for this operation.
On first plunge/last retract: Apply on the first plunge and last
retract move only for this operation.
On all stepovers, plunges and retracts: Apply the leads on all
stepovers, plunge and retract moves for this operation.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Leads (see
page 1424) tab.
Normal to surface If you select Normal to surface, the lead in/out
moves are performed with respect to the surface normal. If you
deselect it, the moves are performed in the plane of the toolpath.
Lead moves are either performed as arcs or linear moves by
selecting one of the following:
Use arc ramp-in/out
If you select Use arc ramp in/out, the following parameters are used
to control the ramping on and off the part feature:
- Ramp-in angle - The angle
of the ramp in move.
- Ramp diameter - The
diameter of the ramp move.
- Ramp-out angle - The angle
of the ramp out move.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Leads (see
page 1424) tab.
Use linear lead-in/out
If you select Use linear lead-in/out, the following parameters control
the move off the feature:
Lead-in angle - Angle measured away from the toolpath for the
lead-in move. Note this angle can be negative.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1749
Lead-out angle - Angle measured away from the toolpath for the
lead-out move. This angle can be negative.
Lead-in length - Length of the linear lead-in length.
Lead-out length - Length of the linear lead-out length.
- Lead-in angle
- Lead-in length
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Leads (see
page 1424) tab.
1750 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool Selection tab
The Counter bore options control the default behavior for tool
selection for counter bore operations. Select Use counter bore to
default to a counter bore tool or select Use endmill to make circular
interpolation with an endmill the default. Select Automatic to have
FeatureCAM first attempt to select a counter bore and to use an
endmill as a secondary choice.
Spot drill Select from:
Prefer spot drill Use a spot drill tool for spot drill operations if
possible.
Prefer center drill Use a center drill tool for spot drill operations
if possible.
Tool diameter tolerance This is the tolerance used when selecting
a tool for an operation. If the tool diameter is within the tolerance of
the tool, the tool is selected.
Drill % of ream/bore This is the percentage of the Hole diameter to
use for selecting tooling for undersize drilling operation. For
example, if set to 95, a drilling operation is created with a diameter
that is 95% of the nominal Hole diameter.
Thread % for tap drill
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1751
Thread % for tap drill (cutting, helicoil, user-defined) and Thread % for
tap drill (rolled) represent the percentage of the thread form that is
cut with the tap. By default the cutting percentage is greater than
the rolled percentage indicating that a greater percentage of the
thread is manufactured by the cutting tap. This parameter is used in
determining the size of the drill to use for cutting and rolled tapping
operations. The larger the percentage, the smaller the size of the
drilled hole.
Thread % for tap drill
(cutting, helicoil,
user-defined)
Thread % for tap drill
(rolled)
Tap type Select the type of tap from:
Cutting The tool cuts the threads into the material.
Rolled The tool presses or forms the threads into the material.
Helicoil The size of the Drill and Tap operations are larger to fit
the helicoil insert.
Default auto-chamfer tool Select the default tool for chamfer
operations. The selected tool is used for any new chamfer
operations you create, and any existing chamfer operations which
use the default tool are updated.
Tool % of arc radius controls the size of the tool that FeatureCAM
automatically selects.
If Tool % of arc radius is set to 100 then a tool equal to the smallest
corner radius is selected for a feature such as a pocket, and the
finish tool path for the pocket looks like the toolpath shown below.
With Tool % of arc radius set to 100 the tool dwells in the corners as
it changes direction. This can sometimes nick the part. To avoid this
problem, set Tool % of arc radius to a slightly smaller number, such
as 98.
1752 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
In earlier versions of FeatureCAM Tool % of arc radius was
called Default tool %.
Preferred spot drill diameter This is the diameter of the spot drill
(or center drill) that is preferred for all holes.
Optimize spot drill tool selection Select this option to automatically
spot drill all Holes with the largest spot drill that would be used for a
collection of Holes.
For example if you have 0.25, 0.375 and 0.5 inch holes, a 0.5 inch
spotdrill is used for all holes. It is possible that you could get a
gouge with this setting turned on, if a large spotdrill might gouge
neighboring features. The following image shows a situation that
would gouge:
This image shows the proper result with Optimize spot drill tool
selection deselected:
Optimize chamfer tool selection Select this option to automatically
chamfer all Holes with the largest chamfer that would be used for a
collection of Holes.
Tool diameter tolerance This is the tolerance used by tool
selection.
Multiple Roughing Tools Displays the Multiple Roughing Tools for
Milling (see page 1754) dialog.
Tool Holder Clearance Displays the Tool Holder Clearance dialog
(see page 1755).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1753
Multiple Roughing Tools for Milling dialog
FeatureCAM has the option of roughing a 2.5D milling feature with a
single tool or using a sequence of tools.
If you use multiple roughing tools, FeatureCAM cuts all the parts of
a feature that it is capable of cutting with the larger tool, and cuts
only the remaining portions of the feature with the smaller tool. You
do not have to manually create these separate regions. FeatureCAM
automatically calculates them for you.
The default behaviors available are:
Use a single tool that is automatically selected FeatureCAM selects a
tool based on the smallest radius of the feature and use that tool to
cut the entire feature. If your part has broad corners or you need to
minimize the number of tools you are using, this is a good option to
pick. If you have features with tight corners, you should not choose
this option. If you are using automatic feature recognition, this
option can result in a number of tool selection errors for parts with
sharp corners.
Use Multiple roughing tools This option cuts the part with a list of
tools you supply. Each tool cuts only in the regions that have not
been cut previously. As soon as the part has been cut completely,
no more operations are created with the smaller tools. This is a
good option to select if your part has sharp corners, but be aware
that your part needs more tools and tool changes. You should enter
the tool diameters you want to use. Separate each diameter with a
comma. As part of this option, you can select Automatically select an
additional tool that fits the smallest radius of the contour. If you select
this option, you should list some larger diameters for multiple
roughing and then let FeatureCAM select the tool for the final
roughing pass.
As a separate option, you can limit the smallest tool FeatureCAM
chooses by selecting The minimum tool diameter of an automatically
chosen roughing tool and entering a diameter. Because many CAD
models have sharp corners, we recommend that you use this option
when working with imported models with Feature Recognition.
1754 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool Holder Clearance dialog
Use the Tool Holder Clearance dialog to specify an additional
clearance for FeatureCAM's automatic tool selection to prevent tool
holder gouges.
To display the Tool Holder Clearance dialog, click Tool Holder
Clearance on the Tool Selection tab of the Machining Attributes
dialog.
To specify a tool selection clearance:
1 In the Clearance Requirement list, select the clearance you want
between the tool holder and the part. Select from:
None Select this option to leave no additional clearance.
Old part files select the same tools as before.
Feature Select this option to ensure the tool is long enough
for the tool holder to clear the feature.
Setup Select this option to ensure the tool is long enough
for the tool holder to clear the total depth below the setup.
Stock Select this option to ensure the tool is long enough
for the tool holder to clear the total depth into the stock.
2 Enter an Extra allowance as a % of feature or setup depth to leave
extra clearance of the tool holder above the feature, setup, or
stock
3 Select how tool selection is affected if no matching tool is found:
Give an error if no tool meets requirements FeatureCAM does
not select a tool for the operation, so an error is shown during
NC code generation. In the Operation List, a red exclamation
point is displayed beside operations with no tool selected.
Select tool closest to requirements if none match this enables
you to generate NC code, but it may result in tool holder
gouges because a smaller tool may be used.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1755
4 Click OK to close the dialog.
Facing tab
Rough pass Select this option if you want to have a rough
operation on face features by default. You can override this
selection at an individual feature level.
Finish pass Select this option if you want to have a finish
operation on Face features by default. You can override this
selection at an individual feature level.
Finish allowance This is a facing parameter for the amount of
material to leave after the rough pass. You can enter a positive
or negative value.
Facing stepover % This is the width of cut for a facing operation
specified as a percentage of the tool diameter.
Lateral overcut % Enter the distance, as a percentage of the tool
radius, that the tool cuts past the stock boundary in the direction of
the cut, on the X axis (unless you have changed the Zigzag angle).
The default value is 100% of the tool radius.
1756 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a Face feature top view centerline simulation
using the default Lateral overcut % value of 100% of the tool radius
(the distance marked with the arrows):
This is the same example with the Lateral overcut % value set to 150
% of the tool radius:
Last pass overcut % This attribute applies to a Face feature. Enter
the distance, as a percentage of the tool radius, that the tool moves
past the stock boundary perpendicular to the cut, in the Y direction
(unless you have changed the Zigzag angle). The default value is
20% of the tool radius.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1757
This example shows a Face feature top view centerline simulation
using the default Last pass overcut % value of 20% of the tool radius
(the distance marked with the arrows):
This is the same example with the Last pass overcut % value set to
50 % of the tool radius:
Max depth of cut This is the maximum depth of cut for facing
tools.
Connect stepovers with arc
When cutting Face features, you can optionally select Connect
stepovers with arc.
1758 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows a Face feature with Connect stepovers with arc
selected:
Compare this to the example with Connect stepovers with arc
deselected (the default setting):
Zigzag angle Enter the angle in degrees (counter-clockwise from
X) that you want to use to cut the Face feature.
An example of a Face
feature with Zigzag
angle set to the
default 0 deg:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The same example
with Zigzag angle set
to 30 deg:
Customize Manufacturing 1759
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Milling
(see page 1240) tab.
Turning default machining attributes [TURN]
The Machining Attributes dialog for Turn parts has these tabs:
Drilling (see page 1761)
Pecking (see page 1763)
Turn/Bore (see page 1764)
Threading (see page 1772)
Grooving (see page 1776)
Cutoff (see page 1780)
Bar Feed (see page 1781)
Misc. (see page 1781, see page 1485)
Operations (see page 1786)
1760 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Drilling tab [TURN]
Spot drill
This operation has some wide-ranging effects, however, especially
when used with the Attempt chamfer w/ spot and tool optimization.
Of those three settings, tool optimization has the highest priority
and its decisions override settings with a lower priority.
For example, a spot drill operation could be performed with either a
spot drill or a center drill. Spot drills with a tip angle of 90 can also
perform a chamfering operation. You specify a specific tool to cut
the hole's chamfer and also turn on Attempt Chamfer /w Spot and
tool optimization. If there is an appropriate spot drill in the tool crib,
FeatureCAM optimizes things and use this tool in spite of your lower
priority override. Even though you selected a specific tool, your
other settings conflicted with and superseded your choice.
This is the advantage of the optimization and simulation functions in
FeatureCAM. As you work through the optimization settings, and
see where you can optimize automatically and where you cannot,
you can find ways to group your parts for faster production, but still
use specific tools for specific effects when needed.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 976) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1761
Spot drill edge break To create an edge break or chamfer using
the spot drill tool, enter the radial distance of the edge
break/chamfer. The spot drill creates an edge break/chamfer by
cutting deeper than it normally would to create the spot drill
operation alone. The default value 0.0050" or 0.1 mm results in a
chamfer 0.0100" or 0.2 mm greater than the hole size. The angle of
the chamfer depends on the spot drill tool used.
Enable this option to try to cut the chamfer during spot drilling. If
no available tool can spot and chamfer without gouging the hole, a
separate chamfer operation is created.
Spot drill diameter % This percentage is used to select a spot
drilling tool. A value of 100 specifies that the spotdrill should be the
same diameter as the hole. A smaller value creates only a starter
hole.
Use L/D compensation This reduces speed and feed for holes that
have a ratio of hole depth (L) to hole diameter (D) of greater than
2.5. The greater this ratio, the greater the speed/feed reduction.
Max. tap spindle RPM This is the maximum speed (in RPM) for
tapping.
Tap cycle affects how a tap operation is performed. Select from:
Floating Floating and tension-compression holders
Rigid This is most commonly available on current machines
Deep Hole The tool pecks and retracts to the Plunge clearance
and returns to the previous depth.
Chip Break The tool stops feeding only to break the chip.
All cycles use the same Tap program format, but logical reserved
words exist in XBUILD to distinguish the tap type.
Pilot diameter(s) This enables and sets a list of drill sizes used to
drill pilot holes. Enter a comma-separated list of drill diameters. For
example, entering 0.5, 1, 1.5 in inches, causes holes to be pilot drilled
with the half inch drill for final hole sizes up to an inch. A hole in
excess of 1.5" is pilot-drilled with all three of the specified drills
before being drilled to size. No list of drill sizes turns off pilot drilling
for the feature, although this attribute can also be set up as a
default for all parts.
1762 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pecking tab [TURN]
Pecking applies to Deep Hole, Chip Break, and Tap operations.
FeatureCAM supports four styles of pecking. These styles are listed
in the post processor. Three different attributes control the pecking
and they are used differently depending on the style of pecking.
FeatureCAM checks the pecking type in the currently loaded post
processor to duplicate canned cycles when simulating toolpaths. Set
these attributes separately for Drilling and Tapping operations:
First peck This is the depth of the first peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. If the depth of the hole is less than First peck, the hole
is drilled in a single peck.
Second peck This is the depth of the second peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. The post handles the conversion.
Minimum peck This is the minimum step size for a peck used for
value reduction pecking methods or factor reduction pecking
methods.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1763
Turn/Bore tab [TURN]
Rough depth of cut
Enter a step increment for each pass that the roughing routine
performs on the part. The interpretation of Depth of cut depends on
the Constant DOC setting in the Turn/Bore (see page 1764)
document-level options.
If Constant DOC is deselected, the Depth of cut value you set is the
maximum depth of cut for the feature. If the Depth of cut evenly
divides the depth of your feature, your increment is used. If it
results in a final pass that is quite shallow, the Depth of cut is
adjusted to result in even roughing passes. For example if you have
a feature that is 0.5 inches deep and specify a Depth of cut of 0.4,
the feature is roughed in two even passes 0.25 inches deep instead
of one pass of depth 0.4 inches and another pass with depth of 0.1
inches.
If Constant DOC is selected, the feature is cut using this depth for
each pass. With Constant DOC selected, you can also list a series of
depths, separated by commas, to control the depth of each cut. For
example a Depth of cut specified as 0.25, 0.15, 0.1 results in the first
pass being cut at 0.25 inches, the second at 0.15 inches and the
remaining pass at 0.1 inches. If there are more cuts than depths
specified, the last depth is repeated.
1764 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Constant DOC (see page 1770) See Rough depth of cut.
X finish allowance
Z finish allowance
X finish allowance
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Turning (see
page 1501) tab.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Turning
(see page 1501) tab.
Z finish allowance See X finish allowance.
Engage angle
For the roughing pass of a Round Insert or Turnmilling Toolpath type,
part entry is controlled by the Engage angle attribute.
Engage angle
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1765
Enter the approach angle for the tool, measured away from the
part. An angle of 0 approaches along the path. An angle of 90
approaches perpendicular to the path. If the beginning of a scan line
begins with a shoulder, a value of 90 is used automatically for that
scan line. The only valid values are 0 or 90 degrees.
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
Clearance
Withdraw angle
Clearance zone
Engage angle
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Turning
(see page 1501) tab.
Rough withdraw angle See Engage angle.
Finish withdraw angle See Engage angle.
1766 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Withdraw length This is the distance along the withdraw angle line
in which the tool withdraws before returning for the next step.
Withdraw length
Boundary
Clearance
Depth
Use Clearance as finish withdraw length When selected, the
Clearance value is used as the approach and withdraw length for
finishing moves. When deselected, the Withdraw length value is
used.
Auto round
This turning attribute applies to both rough and finish passes. When
Auto round is enabled, FeatureCAM automatically inserts arc moves
to connect two non-tangent elements. The effects are:
Minimum of wasted motion by the machine; however, the posted
part program may be slightly longer in the number of blocks
used.
Burrs are removed, but otherwise the part has the same shape
and dimensions given by the feature curve because the radius of
the inserted arc is the same as the tool nose radius.
Machine motion is smoother.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1767
This is an example with Auto round turned off:
This is the same example with Auto round turned on:
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Turning
(see page 1501) tab.
Tool nose radius compensation
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
1768 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1448) tab.
Use canned cycle
Enable this option to perform the feature's operations using canned
cycles. You must use a post that has support for roughing and
finishing canned cycles.
For support of canned cycles in Fanuc controllers, use the
fanucez.cnc post.
Canned cycles can be generated in the NC code for nearly every
turned feature. To generate these macros, your post processor
must support them, and you must turn this function on for the post
and for some features you must also activate the canned cycles at
feature level.
Hole features
If Enable drilled canned cycles is deselected in the Post options
dialog, then all hole drilling operations are computed in the post.
This includes spotdrilling, drilling, bore, ream, and tapping
operations. If Enable drilled canned cycles is selected, then canned
cycles will be output if the post you are using has g-codes defined
for the hole canned cycles. If the post does not have these G-codes
defined, the hole operations will still be computed.
There is no way to control the output of canned cycles on an
individual feature basis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1769
Turn/Bore features
Canned cycles for Turn and Bore features must be enabled by
selecting Enable turn canned cycles in the Post options dialog. You
must then go to the Properties dialog for each Turn/Bore feature,
click the Strategy tab and select Use canned cycle. Also select Reuse
path in canned cycle if you want to output the path geometry only
once for both roughing and finishing. You can also set these values
in the default attributes, but remember these values will only apply
to features you create after making this change.
Groove features
Enable grooving canned cycles in the Post options dialog by
selecting Enable groove path canned cycle. Then turn on canned
cycles for each groove by bringing up the feature's Property dialog,
clicking the Strategy tab, and then clicking Use path canned cycle.
You can also set this attribute on the Groove tab of the default
attributes, but this will only apply to features you create after
changing this setting.
Thread features
Thread features always use canned cycles.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1448) tab.
Reuse path in canned cycle Relates to Use canned cycle. Enable
this option to output the curve to the NC file once and then
reference it in both the Rough and Finish canned cycles. This option
is enabled by default.
Canned cycle clearance X and Z These attributes control the tool
location before the start of a turning canned cycle. The tool location
is obtained by applying the X and Z clearances to the start point of
the curve.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). Set it on the Turning
(see page 1501) tab.
Constant DOC
The Constant DOC option controls how the Depth of cut attribute is
used to calculate the X depth of roughing passes.
1770 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Constant DOC is deselected, cuts are guaranteed not to exceed
the Depth of cut, but some cuts may be less than that amount. A
pass is performed at each step. The area above each step is divided
into equal regions with a depth of less than the Depth of Cut.
In the example below, the bottom three cutter paths are aligned
with the steps. The top region is divided into two equal regions with
shallow depths of cut.
Aligned with steps
Shallow cut
If Constant DOC is selected, each pass is performed at a consistent
depth of cut. If required, the pass also climbs and cleans up
previous steps. In the figure below, the first cut is performed
straight across at the specified Depth of cut.
Depth of cut
In the next pass, the tool cuts across at the specified depth of cut
and then the tool climbs up the wall and the previous step is cut to
with the finish allowance.
Cleanup of previous steps
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1771
Threading tab [TURN]
Some of the Threading attributes are shown on this diagram:
End clearance
Clearance
Withdraw angle
Infeed angle
Depth
Height
Start clearance
Rough turn and Finish turn Select these options to automatically
turn the piece down to the thread diameter. See How a thread
feature is manufactured (see page 904) for more details.
Chamfer
OD Thread feature:
1772 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
(Chamfer addl.) Depth
(Chamfer) Angle
ID Thread feature:
(Chamfer addl.) Depth
(Chamfer) Angle
(Chamfer) Angle Enter the angle of the chamfer in degrees
(between 0 and 85) measured from vertical. The default angle is 30.
(Chamfer addl.) depth Optionally enter additional depth for the
chamfer. The default depth is the same as the Thread Height. The
minimum value is 0.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1448) tab.
Relief groove A Thread feature has an option of cutting a relief
groove at the end of the thread. Enter the groove parameters in the
Feature Properties dialog on the Strategy (see page 1448) tab.
Side wall angle This is the default angle of the relief groove of the
thread.
Groove addl. depth The depth of the relief groove is the depth of
the thread plus the Groove addl. depth. This prevents the threading
tool from dragging on the bottom of the groove.
Start clearance This value is the position to which the tool
traverses before engaging into the workpiece.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1773
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Threading
(see page 1539) tab.
End clearance Enter the distance that the tool feeds past the end
of the thread (into the relief groove) before retracting from the
part's surface.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Threading
(see page 1539) tab.
Infeed angle Enter an unsigned, incremental value from the
positive Z axis.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Threading
(see page 1539) tab.
Withdraw angle
This parameter specifies the angle between cross feed movement
and the withdraw move. For both roughing and finishing passes this
angle is measured against the roughing scanlines.
Withdraw length
Boundary
Clearance
Depth
1774 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
An angle of 90 retracts perpendicular to the roughing pass. An
angle of 45 pulls back away from the part and the chuck. An angle
of 135 pulls toward the chuck. The withdraw angle for finishing is
not dependent on the shape of the feature curve. Even if no
roughing pass is created, the withdraw angle for finishing pass is
measured against the roughing scanlines.
The Engage angle and Withdraw angle are specified from the path (or
extension of the path), relative to the side of the path that the tool
is on, and the direction in which the tool is traveling. In the graphic
below, Point 1 is the calculated engage point and the Point 6 is the
calculated withdraw point.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Turning (see
page 1501) tab.
OD/ID Depth % The depth of a thread is based on the thread pitch.
The thread depth is calculated as Depth% * pitch.
Passes This is the number of steps to the bottom of the thread.
Select either Fixed or Calculated.
Fixed refers to a fixed rate of material removal. As the tool
cuts further into the part, the area of contact of the tool
increases. FeatureCAM reduces the infeed on each pass so that
the tool loading remains constant. Enter the number of passes in
Count.
Calculated the number of steps is calculated automatically by
FeatureCAM.
Step1 is used to specify the incremental step for the first pass
across the thread.
Step2 specifies the second pass and is used by the system to
determine subsequent passes on the thread, reducing in
depth until the Min Infeed value is reached.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1775
Spring passes A spring pass is a duplicate of the final threading
pass. Enter the number of Spring passes that you want.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1448) tab.
Thread depth calculations - Select how you want FeatureCAM to
calculate the Standard Threads for pre-populating the dimensions of
a Thread (see page 1434) feature. Select from:
Use tool tip radius This option takes into account the tool tip
radius. For example the standard thread designation M20 x 2.5
outputs:
OD thread: Thread Height 1.894, Major Diameter 19.791
ID thread: Thread Height 1.625, Major Diameter 17.519
Use tool tip zero radius This option outputs the nominal
diameter and actual thread depth. This method is more
commonly used in Europe. With this option selected, the
standard thread designation M20 x 2.5 outputs:
OD thread: Thread Height 1.534, Major Diameter 20.000
ID thread: Thread Height 1.534, Major Diameter 16.933
Grooving tab [TURN]
1776 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Plunge center first For groove features, if this option is selected,
the straight portion of the groove is roughed first and then the
angled portions are roughed separately. If Plunge center first is set,
the red region of this image is roughed first and then the yellow
regions are roughed.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1448) tab.
Cut type
A turned groove can be cut in two different styles. The regions in
the following figure are used to show the differences.
Width first - regions are cut in the order:
Depth first - regions are cut in the order:
If Depth First and Plunge Center First are both enabled, then the
groove is cut in the order:
,
,
,
,
,
. If the groove
were wider, the subsequent cuts would alternate from one side of
the groove until the other until the entire groove was cut.
Feed dir This is the direction the tool feeds. The choices are either
Neg (negative, -Z direction) or Pos (positive, +Z direction). For
finish, you can also set this to Opposite from rough dir.
Side liftoff dist Enter the distance to move the tool after a plunge
cut, in the direction opposite to the cutting direction. This increases
the tool's life and leaves a better finish on the part. This applies to a
Groove feature. See also Side liftoff angle.
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1777
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract
move at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is
performed at the plunge feed rate. If the groove is a
round-bottomed groove, then liftoff is not used, even when
specified.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Turning (see
page 1501) tab.
Side liftoff angle Enter the angle to lift the tool off the part after
each plunge cut. This increases the tool's life and leaves a better
finish on the part. This attribute applies to a Groove feature.
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
1778 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract
move at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is
performed at the plunge feed rate. If the groove is a
round-bottomed groove, then liftoff is not used, even when
specified.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Turning (see
page 1501) tab.
Dwell The number of seconds the tool dwells after plunging
during a groove roughing pass. It also applies to the roughing of the
Cutoff chamfer.
Stepover % Enter the distance, as a percentage of the tool's
diameter, that the tool shifts to position itself for the next plunge
cut. This value specifies the maximum stepover distance. If this
value evenly divides the width of the feature, it is used. If it results
in a final pass that is quite shallow, the cut widths are adjusted to
result in even roughing passes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1779
For example if you have a feature that is 0.5 inches wide and
specify a width of cut of 0.4 (specified as a Stepover % of 80 for a
tool with a diameter of 0.5 inches), the feature is roughed in two
even passes 0.25 inches wide rather than one pass of 0.4 inches
and another pass with a width of 0.1 inches.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Turning (see
page 1501) tab.
Chamfer extend dist. This provides extra space for the tool so that
the tool does not start on the material for the Groove finish pass.
Peck retract dist. For Cutoff and Groove features, Peck retract dist
is the distance the tool retracts between plunges.
Cutoff tab [TURN]
Peck retract dist. For Cutoff and Groove features, Peck retract dist
is the distance the tool retracts between plunges.
Dwell The number of seconds the tool dwells after plunging
during a groove roughing pass. It also applies to the roughing of the
Cutoff chamfer.
You can set these attributes for an individual Cutoff feature in
the Feature Properties dialog on the Cutoff (see page 1544)
tab.
1780 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Bar Feed tab [TURN]
Dwell The number of seconds you want the tool to dwell after
plunging during a groove roughing pass. It also applies to the
roughing of the cutoff chamfer.
Misc. tab
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1781
Plunge clearance This is the distance above an operation at which
the tool starts to feed. In the case of deep hole drilling, the drill
retracts to this distance between pecks. For milling features, the
default is to use the same value for roughing and finishing. As a
result, the tool feeds from the top of a pocket to the floor before
cutting. To make the tool feed down into the feature, set the Plunge
clearance for an operation to a negative value, but make sure the
value is above the floor of the feature.
The Starting offset number for shared tool slots is the first length
offset register to use for tools that share the same tool slot.
Tool program point Specify the program point for turning tools,
select from:
Tool tip edge Select this option to adjust the tool program
point by the insert radius in the NC code. In this case, adjust the
tool's program point by the radius compensation on the Prog. Pt
(see page 1887) tab of the Tool Properties dialog.
Tool tip center Select this option to adjust the tool program
point by the insert radius at the machine. In this case, set the
tool's program point X Coordinate and Z Coordinate to 0, 0 on the
Prog. Pt (see page 1887) tab of the Tool Properties dialog.
Turnmilling program point Specify the program point for
turnmilling tools, select from:
Tool tip edge Select this option to adjust the tool program
point by the tool radius in the NC code.
Tool tip center Select this option to adjust the tool program
point by the tool radius at the machine.
Post vars. dialog (see page 1731)
Feed from start point or curve Select this option to use a feed
move from the Start point (see page 1501) or the end of the Start
curve, to the beginning of the toolpath. If you are using a start
curve, you have two further options:
Rapid on curve Select this option if you want to use a rapid
move along the start curve.
Selecting Feed from start point or curve and Rapid on
curve is the equivalent of selecting the Feed from start
option on the Turning tab in previous versions of
FeatureCAM.
1782 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Feed on curve Select this option if you want to use a feed
move along the start curve. Enter the feed rate value(s). You can
set the feed move as a single value, or use a comma separator
to enter multiple values, for example 200, 100, 50. If you enter
multiple values, the feeds are applied to the curve segments in
reverse order. So with these values, the last segment has a feed
rate of 50, the second last has a feed rate of 100 and any
remaining segments have a feed rate of 200. If you do not enter
any feed rate values, FeatureCAM uses the default feed rate.
This example turned part has a Turn, Hole, and Groove feature:
A 3D simulation with 3/4 view shows that the tool has to pass
through a narrow channel to access the Groove feature:
To control the movement of the tool through that narrow
channel, you can create curves and set them as Start point and
End point on the Turning tab.
A Centerline simulation of just the Groove feature, shows the
approach move in green, which is a rapid move:
On the Feed/Speed tab, select Feed from start point or curve and
Feed on curve. Enter the feed value(s) and click Apply.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1783
The Centerline simulation now shows the approach move in
purple, a feed move:
Turret direction We recommend that you leave this as Auto so
that FeatureCAM can calculate the best direction for a particular
operation. You can also explicitly set this option to CW (clockwise)
or CCW (counter-clockwise).
RPM Range If your machine has explicit spindle speed ranges,
you can set this option.
Some turning centers have gear boxes that set the maximum
spindle speed of the machine. The RPM Range list sets the gear box
to a specific maximum range. If you set RPM Range to a value of
1-4, then the range is set explicitly. If RPM Range is set to Auto then
FeatureCAM sets the range for you based on the following rules:
1 If the feature is a turned Hole or another turned feature without
Constant Surface Speed set, then the range is determined based
on the Spindle Speed.
2 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set,
then the range is determined based on the Max RPM.
Remachining This automatically sets the boundaries for
subsequent operations that use the same curve. This minimizes air
cutting and works between Turn features, Bore features and
between Holes and Bore features. The same curve must be used in
both features. ID features use the results of a previous turn drill
operation if such a feature exists. The stock curve that results from
the first operation is the result of undercut clipping with the tool
geometry and nothing more than that.
Constant Surface Speed Select this option to specify the speed as
a constant surface speed.
Use IPR/MMPR The default feed units are IPM (inches per minute)
or MMPM (mm per minute). Select this option to use IPR (inches per
revolution) or MMPR (mm per revolution).
Do feed reduction for small moves This attribute helps FeatureCAM
cut small features properly. It is typically applied to small chamfers
or small radii but affects any small move. If Do feed reduction for
small moves is selected, then any move with fewer revolutions than
the Threshold, is reduced by the Feed rate %.
1784 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Calculate index radius from solid stock outline Select this option to
determine the index height directly from the stock solid, instead of
calculating it above a square bounding box.
Calculate index radius from solid
stock outline off:
Distance to bounding box
Z rapid level attribute
value
Calculate index radius from solid
stock outline on:
Distance to stock
boundary
Z rapid level attribute
value
Turret location
The Turret location is kept in the *.cnc file, because there may be
multiple turret locations.
To change the locations:
1 Select Manufacturing > Post Process from the menu.
2 In the Post Options dialog, click the Turn/Mill tab.
3 Click the Edit button and XBUILD opens. Select CNC-Info > Turrets
from the menu.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1785
Operations tab [TURN]
Automatic Options (see page 1787)
Base priority
Features are sorted by their Base priority to determine the order in
which they are manufactured. For features that have the same Base
priority value, the system uses the Automatic Ordering settings.
To ensure that an individual feature is cut before anything else, you
can set its Base priority attribute. All features have a default Base
priority of 10. To ensure that a feature is manufactured first, set its
priority to a lower value. To make a feature last, set its priority to a
higher value. For example, if you set the Base priority of a pocket to
8, its roughing pass is the first operation performed, its finish pass
is second, and the rest of the operations are ordered according to
the Automatic Ordering or Manual Ordering settings.
Although you can specify the order of every feature by
priority, you should not do so casually because you lose the
automatic optimization sequences built into the system and it
is harder to maintain or change the part.
The order of operations in the document is controlled by the
operation-level Priority attribute. If you use the Op List (see
page 1633) to drag-and-drop operations to the order you
want, the Priority is updated automatically.
Don't ask at tool path generation This is a toggle for whether you
are prompted with the dialog when you run a simulation. The
Ordering dialog settings override the operation defaults set on this
tab.
1786 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Time estimation attributes Set these attributes to fit the behavior
of your particular machine. These attributes affect the machining
time estimates printed in the operation sheets.
Rapid traverse This is the feed per minute of rapid moves.
Tool change This is the time in seconds it takes to change a tool
(not including the rapid to get to tool change location).
Go to start This is the time it takes for the tool head to move to
the start location and the spindle or tool head to come to a stop.
X-Y acceleration This is used in the formula (see page 1734) to
calculate the time for a particular tool move.
Z acceleration This is used in the formula (see page 1734) to
calculate the time for a particular tool move.
These attributes are the same as on the Operations tab for Mill (see
page 1732), with an additional option in the Automatic Ordering
Options dialog, Use template:
This attribute is applicable only to turning setups. If Use template is
selected then the order of operations is determined by the outline of
operations listed in the Feature Order dialog. Click Edit template to
open the Feature Order dialog. See turn operation order (see page
1644) for more information.
Automatic Options [TURN]
These attributes are the same as on the Operations tab for Mill, with
one additional option in the Automatic Ordering Options dialog, Use
template:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1787
Use rules:
Minimize tool changes This option groups operations together that
use the same tool. This saves time for you by eliminating or
reducing needless tool changes. You must select this option if you
want to generate hole macros in the NC code.
Do finish cuts last This option moves the finish milling operations
to the end of the Setup without altering the order of the finishing
operations. If you want to perform all rough milling operations
before finish milling operations, select this option.
Cut higher operations first This option affects only milling Setups.
Select this option to mill the features from the top of the stock first
and work toward the bottom. If you deselect this attribute, you
should carefully graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your
part.
Sorting by Z coordinate is controlled by the Cut higher
operations first attribute. If you deselect this attribute,
graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your part.
Minimize rapid distance This affects only milling Setups and is the
only ordering option that changes the order of features specified in
the part view. Minimize Rapid Distance moves to the next closest
feature that uses the same tool as the last operation. You must
deselect this option if you want to generate hole macros in the NC
code.
If you have selected all of the optimization options, the
manufacturing order for operations that were derived from different
features is determined like this:
1 The operations are sorted by their top Z coordinate.
2 Among operations with the same top Z coordinate, operations
are grouped by the tool with which they are cut.
3 After an operation is cut, FeatureCAM moves to the next
operation performed with the same tool that is the closest to the
current operation.
Use template This attribute is applicable only to turning Setups. If
you select Use template then the order of operations is determined
by the outline of operations listed in the Feature Order dialog. Click
Edit template to open the Feature Order dialog. See turn operation
order (see page 1644) for more information.
1788 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Wire default machining attributes [WIRE]
The Machining Attributes dialog for Wire parts has these tabs:
Wire EDM (see page 1789)
Settings (see page 1790)
Offset (see page 1798)
Start (see page 1803)
Misc. (see page 1808)
Operations (see page 1811)
Posting (see page 1812)
Wire EDM tab [WIRE]
2 axis Die operations This sets the default operations for a 2-axis
Die feature. Select the main operation from the menu. For some
operations you can optionally select to add an additional Cutoff and
Contour operation.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1789
2 axis Punch/Side operations This sets the default operations for a
2-axis Punch or Side feature. For some operations you can
optionally select to add an additional Cutoff and Contour operation.
4 axis Die operations This sets the default operations for a 4-axis
Die feature. For some operations you can optionally select to add an
additional Cutoff and Contour operation.
4 axis Punch/Side operations This sets the default operations for a
4-axis Punch or Side feature. For some operations you can
optionally select to add an additional Cutoff and Contour operation.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Settings tab [WIRE]
Die/Punch primary cut dir
For closed curves, the Primary Cut Dir attribute controls the direction
of a cut. The options are CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
For open curves the Primary Offset Dir attribute controls the
direction of a cut. The options are Left or Right. These settings are
relative to the machining-side setting.
1790 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Side primary offset dir
For closed curves, the Primary Cut Dir attribute controls the direction
of a cut. The options are CW (clockwise) or CCW
(counter-clockwise).
For open curves the Primary Offset Dir attribute controls the
direction of a cut. The options are Left or Right. These settings are
relative to the machining-side setting.
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
- Machining
side
- Machining
side
- Primary
offset direction
is Right
- Primary
offset direction
is Left
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Retract/Cutoff/Stop stop length This is the distance from the
normal contour end position to the inserted stop or end position.
This parameter is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff operations.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1791
Retract operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Stop operation:
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Contour start/end position
Inserted stop positions
Cutoff operation (CW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
Cutoff operation (CCW):
Contour
Wire path
Stop length
Normal contour start/end position
Inserted end position
Run-out
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Stop Code For stop operations you can choose from:
M00 is program stop. This stop is always performed.
1792 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
M01 is optional program stop. There is a setting on the machine
tool to observe or skip these stops.
Retract/Cutoff retract length This is the distance that the wire
retracts from the part at the end of an operation.
The Retract Length attribute is used for Retract, Stop, and Cutoff
operations.
- Retract length
- Stop length
- Wire path
- Inserted end position
- Normal contour start/end po
- Contour
Use on both ends of skim passes Enable this option to apply the
Retract length to both ends of skim passes. (The wire does not
return to the start point at one end.)
The following example shows a retract and cutoff operation using
the default behavior (Use on both ends of skim passes disabled):
1. End of retract
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
2. End of retract
pass 2, wire
retracts back to the
start point:
4. End of cutoff
pass 1, wire
retracts back to the
start point:
5. End of cutoff
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3. End of retract
pass 3, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
Customize Manufacturing 1793
This is the same example with Use on both ends of skim passes
enabled:
1. End of retract
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
2. End of retract
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
4. End of cutoff
pass 1, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
5. End of cutoff
pass 2, wire
retracts by the
Retract Length:
3. End of retract
pass 3, wire retracts
by the Retract
Length:
Retract/Cutoff overlap This is the distance by which the normal
contour end position is overcut.
Stop operation:
1794 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- Contour
- Wire path
- Contour start/end
position
- Inserted stop
positions
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
Cutoff operation (counter-clockwise):
- Contour
- Normal contour
start/end position
- Inserted end
position
- Run-out
- Stop length
- Overlap
The run-off back to the end position of the contour is at an
angle. On some machines (for example, Agie), an angled
run-off may not be allowable.
If the overlap is too large, a triangular piece of material is
left, which may fall and halt the machine.
Contour overlap This is used only by the Contour operation. It is
the amount by which the Contour operation overlaps.
2 axis Pocket/Zigzag total stock
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1795
This parameter sets the amount of material removed from the
contour when using the Offset Method of Offset Toolpath. When the
value is 0, only one cutting pass is made.
The calculated wire path represents the center of the wire;
the amount remaining on the curve is dependent on the
cutter compensation values.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Stepover This is the default stepover for Pocketing or Zigzag
operations. Specify this default attribute as a percentage of the wire
diameter.
2 axis Pocket/Zigzag finish allowance This is the amount of
material left after a Zigzag pass. Even if a Cleanup Pass is used, the
finish allowance still remains.
2 axis Zigzag cut angle This sets the cutting angle for a Zigzag
operation.
The angle is defined from the X-positive axis of the current UCS.
Enter the angle in degrees.
1796 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Strategy (see
page 1548) tab.
Cleanup Pass Enable this option to create a finishing cut at the
end of a Zigzag operation.
The contour is cut with a contour parallel finishing path to remove
any rough edges left by the stepover between passes.
- Cleanup Pass
4 axis/Rapid toolpath linear approx In 4-axis wire EDM, all arcs are
converted into small line segments. This attribute controls how
finely arcs are refined into lines. The smaller the number, the more
points arcs are broken down into.
This attribute is called Total Stock at feature-level on the
Strategy (see page 1548) tab
Keep wire vertical at retract This keeps the wire vertical after
Retract and Cutoff operations for 4-axis features.
The following example shows the end of a Retract operation with
Keep wire vertical at retract selected:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1797
This is the same example with Keep wire vertical at retract
deselected:
You can override many of these default attributes at feature
level on the Strategy (see page 1548) tab.
Offset tab [WIRE]
Offset method (see page 1559) This controls whether the
offsetting of the wire path is performed on the machine using cutter
compensation or by FeatureCAM. Select Cutter comp to perform the
offsetting on the machine, or Offset Toolpath if you want
FeatureCAM to perform the offsetting.
Total passes Enter the total number of passes to take to cut the
feature. If a feature has a Retract, Stop, or Cutoff operation these
operations are each performed Total Passes - Contour Passes. If a
feature has a Contour operation, Total Passes must be at least 2.
Total Passes must be between 1 and 9.
Contour passes This is the number of passes to take for the
Contour operation for a Retract, Stop, or Contour operation.
1798 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Uni-directional
Applies to Contour, Stop, Retract, and Cutoff operations that use
the Offset Method of Cutter Comp.
For
not
the
the
multiple passes, the cutting direction for each following pass is
reversed and all passes take place in the defined direction. At
end of each pass the wire is cut and the machine re-positions to
start point for the next pass.
Uses Macro if available
Applies to Contour, Stop, Retract and Cutoff operations that use the
Offset Method of Cutter Comp. Available for 2-axis features only.
This option activates the automatic creation of sub-programs for the
machining of operations. You must define the format and output of
sub-programs in the post processor. The use of sub-programs is
particularly useful when producing chain programs. In this case
each machining contour is written to a separate sub-program. The
main calling program then contains only the movements required to
move to the next start point.
For multiple pass, if the Uni-Directional option is enabled then only a
single macro is output containing a single pass.
Total stock This is the default for the total stock feature attribute.
This parameter sets the amount of material removed from the
contour when using the Offset Method of Offset Toolpath. When the
value is 0, only one cutting pass is made.
The calculated wire path represents the center of the wire;
the amount remaining on the curve is dependent on the
cutter compensation values.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
Contour stock This the default for the contour stock attribute.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1799
Contour Stock is the amount of material to leave for the contour
operation.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
Stepover This is the default attribute for the stepover feature
attribute. This default attribute is specified as a percentage of the
wire diameter.
This parameter defines the stepover between passes for Cutoff,
Stop, Retract, and Contour operations.
Cut all operations on each curve first For features with multiple
curves, enable this option to do all operations on each curve before
moving on to the next curve. If the option is disabled, the first
operation is done on all curves, then the next operation, and so on.
Cut the first pass on each curve first For features with multiple
curves, select this option to cut all the passes for one curve before
moving on to the next curve.
For features with multiple curves, such as the die below, the default
behavior is to cut all the passes for one curve before moving on to
the next curve.
1800 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- curve1
- curve2
- curve3
If you want to cut the first pass on each curve first, select the Cut
the first pass on each curve first option:
This option is for 2-axis only and is available for the following
operations:
Cutoff
Stop
Contour only (not, for example, a Stop plus Contour combination)
For the example above with Retract and Cutoff operations, the
default behavior is to cut the three Retract passes on curve1, then
the three Retract passes on curve2, then the three Retract passes on
curve3. It then cuts all three Cutoff passes on curve1, then all three
Cutoff passes on curve2, then all three Cutoff passes on curve3.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1801
With Cut the first pass on each curve first selected for the same
example, FeatureCAM cuts the Retract operation as before. It then
cuts the first Cutoff pass on curve1, then the first Cutoff pass on
curve2, then the first Cutoff pass on curve3.
It then cuts the remaining two Cutoff passes on each curve.
Because the first Cutoff pass of each curve needs the attention of
the machinist to remove the core, the advantage of using Cut the
first pass on each curve first is that the machinist can remove the
cores of all the curves together, and the machine can finish cutting
the part without intervention.
1802 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Leave allowance This is the amount of material to leave after the
Retract, Cutoff, Stop, and Contour operations.
- Leave allowance
- Contour stock
- Total stock
A negative Leave Allowance acts as an overcut.
Start tab [WIRE]
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1803
For Die/Punch
Lead length This is the default distance for the automatically
calculated lead move of die or punch features. The initial point of
the toolpath by this lead length perpendicular from the start point of
the curve. You can change the start point of the toolpath on the
Start (see page 1561) tab of the wire feature.
Connect lead to first curve piece's This is the position of the default
lead on the first curve piece, select either Beginning (default option)
or Middle.
This example shows the default Beginning option:
This is the same example with Middle selected:
For circular Die
Use the center as the start/end point Select this option to use the
center of the circle as the start/end point. Deselect this option to
use a different location for the start/end point.
Use lead angle (see page 1806) Select the option and enter the
lead angle in degrees. Deselect the option if you do not want to use
a lead angle.
2 axis lead style (for non-taper only)
Style There are several choices for the type of moves for leading
in and out of an operation. The default Diameter for lead/retract
moves is a percentage of the tool diameter.
Direct This style moves straight from the start point to the
contour.
1804 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
- start point
- contour
There are four different ramp styles that arc onto the contour.
The ramp styles available are:
Teardrop:
Bullet:
Arc:
U-Shape:
To set a ramp style, select the Style from the list and enter a
Diameter for lead moves.
Start point
Contour
Diameter
The same diameter arc is used to ramp off the contour and then the
wire returns to the start point.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1805
Use lead angle example
This example model has been pre-machined and only the circular
areas are left to finish:
Create a Die feature from the four circles, using a Contour strategy
with a Direct lead style.
After doing a 3D simulation, you can see that there is unnecessary
cutting into the model on circles
,
, and
:
Because the Die feature is made up of four circles, if you change the
default Lead angle on the Start tab of the Machining Attributes dialog,
from 0 to 90 deg., this changes the lead angle for all four circles:
So now, circle
is fine, but there is unnecessary cutting for circles
,
, and
, so changing the lead angle does not help in this
situation.
1806 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To change the lead angle for each circle individually, deselect the
Use lead angle option on the Start tab of the Machining Attributes
dialog, and FeatureCAM uses the start points of the curves as they
were defined:
You can change the start points of new or existing curves
using the Set start point option in the Curve Start/Reverse (see
page 411) dialog:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1807
Misc. tab [WIRE]
Wire Cutting/Threading This offers settings to control the output of
wire threading or wire cutting commands.
Off No wire threading or wire cutting commands are output in the
NC-program.
Both The commands to thread the wire and cut the wire are
output automatically at the start and end of each operation within
the feature.
Cut The wire cutting command is output at the end of each
operation within the feature (but no wire thread command at the
start). When viewing the toolpath in centerline simulation, the Cut
location is denoted with a small circle.
Thread The wire threading command is output at the start of each
operation within the feature (but no cut wire command at the end).
When viewing the toolpath in centerline simulation, the Thread
location is shown as a small plus sign.
Modify outside corners
A radius is inserted into the wire path at each outside sharp corner.
This can be useful for reducing unnecessary movements and for
producing cleaner corners.
1808 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example shows the original toolpath:
If Modify outside corners is enabled, the toolpath rounds sharp
corners, for example:
The size of the outside corner depends on the Radius you set, for
example:
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Misc. (see page
1563) tab.
Modify inside corners
Circular
A circle is inserted in the corners. The center of the circle lies on the
corner point.
This example shows the original toolpath of an inside corner:
If Modify inside corners is enabled, with an Inside corner style of
Circular, FeatureCAM inserts a circle into sharp inside corners, for
example:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1809
The size of the circle depends on the Radius you set, for example:
Triangular
The path follows a triangular shape at an inside corner. Specify the
length and width of the triangle.
Rounded
The path rounds inside corners. Specify the radius.
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Misc. (see page
1563) tab.
Modifying both inside and outside corners
Both inside and outside corners are modified as shown below.
Original path curve with
Resulting NC output
Resulting part shape:
inside corner
(shown in pink):
(shown in blue):
Auto round
1810 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If Auto round is enabled, arcs are inserted at all sharp corners. This
applies only if Cutter comp is enabled and you have a leave
allowance or if Cutter comp is not set. If you have enabled Modify
outside corners, it does not perform any further rounding on these
corners. It rounds inside corners (even if Modify inside corners is
enabled) by inserting an arc before and after the circular corner as
shown below: The radius of the inserted arcs is equal to the radius
of the wire.
Wire radius
You can set this attribute for an individual feature in the
Feature Properties dialog. Feature-level attributes override
Machining Attributes (see page 1667). See the Misc. (see page
1563) tab.
Post Vars (see page 1731) dialog
Operations tab [WIRE]
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1811
Click the Automatic Options button to open the Automatic Ordering
Options dialog:
This dialog contains options suitable for Wire EDM:
Do Cutoffs last All retracts are done together, then cutoffs,
then contours
Minimize rapid distance This minimizes movement of the wire
by moving to the next closest feature after the one it is currently
cutting
If the Don't ask at tool path simulation option is deselected, the
Ordering dialog is displayed when you start simulation, as a
reminder about ordering.
Posting tab [WIRE]
The Posting tab is for 4-axis features only.
By default, FeatureCAM outputs the upper and lower toolpaths at
the same planes as the feature is programmed. For example, if the
feature is at Z0 and has a depth of 1, then the upper toolpath is at
Z0 and the lower toolpath is at Z-1.
Some machines need the output to be at the Z planes of the upper
and lower wire guides, so FeatureCAM must project the toolpaths
outwards to the location of the guides. For example, if the wire
guides are at Z-2 and Z10, we need to project the upper toolpath to
Z10 and the lower toolpath to Z-2.
1812 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For these machines, select Generate 4 axis toolpath at the wire guide
planes and enter the Z planes of the Upper guide and Lower guide.
Machining configurations
A configuration is a collection of machining attributes. The defaults
for values such as for stepovers, ramping, canned cycle use, or
operation ordering are all stored as default machining attributes.
Default attributes are stored in collections called configurations.
Select Manufacturing > Machining Configurations to open the
Machining Configuration dialog.
This dialog lists all of the available configurations. Configurations
are listed with the following icons:
File (f) Configurations for files that are currently open.
Personal (p) Configurations that are independent of a particular file
and are stored only on your PC.
Workgroup (w) Configurations that are independent of a particular file
and are stored on a network for sharing with colleagues.
Selecting a configuration from the Available configurations list
does not have any affect unless you then select one of the
actions below.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1813
New Click this button to open the New Configuration dialog:
Use this dialog to create a new configuration that is independent of
any part file.
Enter the name of the new configuration.
Select an existing file to copy and base the new configuration on.
Select the Configuration type.
To create a Workgroup configuration, you must first enter a
valid network path on the Database (see page 77) tab of the
File Options dialog.
Configurations are saved in a file called EZFM_mfg.ini.
If you have several Personal configuration files that you
want to share as Workgroup files, you can copy your local
EZFM_mfg.ini file to the network location specified on the
Database (see page 77) tab in the File Options dialog.
Rename Click this button to rename a configuration that is
independent of a part file.
Copy Click this button to copy attributes from one configuration
to another. Select the configuration you want to copy to in the
Available configurations list before clicking the Copy button. You are
then prompted for the configuration to copy from.
Delete Click this button to delete the selected machining
configuration. You can remove only configurations that are not
associated with an open file. You are not allowed to delete the last
configuration that is independent of opened files.
Import Click this button to import a .cdb configuration file into
FeatureCAM.
These attributes are not applied to a file unless they are
copied or unless these attributes are used as an initial
configuration for a document.
1814 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Export Click this button to export configurations to a .cdb file. A
dialog is displayed in which you can select the configurations to
export and to specify the name of the file to be exported.
Edit Select a configuration from the list of Available configurations
and then click the Edit button to modify the attributes of the
configuration.
To modify the attributes of the current document, it is easier
to select Machining attributes from the Manufacturing menu.
Use the Initial configuration list at the bottom of the dialog to specify
the configuration to use as the initial configuration for new
documents. New documents copy the attributes from this
configuration when the document is created.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1815
Tooling
FeatureCAM has extensive tooling databases and automatically
selects tools for each manufacturing operation.
Overview of tooling (see page 1816)
Tooling database (see page 1817)
How to import tooling (see page 1903)
How to export tooling (see page 1905)
Assigning tool numbers (see page 1656)
Spindles and toolholders (see page 1913)
Tool life management (see page 1660)
Overview of tooling
For each manufacturing operation created for the features of a part,
a tool must be selected from the internal tooling database. This
database is broken into separate tool cribs to represent individual
collections of tools that your organization might have. The image
below shows the structure of the tooling database.
Tooling database
Tool cribs
Tool groups for
example drills, taps, or
mills
Tools
FeatureCAM comes with two different built-in tool cribs. The Basic
crib is the default crib that contains standardly available tools that
most shops own. The Tools crib is a large crib containing thousands
of tools. This crib is most often used as a source to copy from into
custom tool cribs or into the basic tool crib. Only one tool crib is
available at a time and all tools are selected for a part from only the
current tool crib. Tool cribs contain individual tools and they are
classified into tool groups such as drills, end mills, and boring bars.
You cannot create new tool groups, but you can create new tools to
reflect the specific tools that your shop owns.
Each feature type has rules for tool selection.
1816 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Double-click a feature in the graphics window or the Part View panel
to display the Feature Properties dialog, then select an operation
from the Tree View on the left of the dialog.
On the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog, you can:
see which tool is currently selected to perform the operation; or
change the tool used to perform the operation.
Tooling database
The tooling database defines the set of tools from which
FeatureCAM selects tools to perform manufacturing operations.
These tool sets are called cribs. FeatureCAM comes with two
standard tool cribs, the Tools tool crib and the Basic tool crib. The
Tools tool crib is a comprehensive tool crib that contains more tools
than your shop probably owns. The Basic tool crib contains a
smaller set of tools such as HSS endmills and standardly available
drills. By default FeatureCAM is set to use the Basic tool crib. You
should modify the cribs to reflect the tools your shop has. You can
create a crib containing tools you commonly use, which can simplify
setting up a part for machining.
The name of the active tool crib is displayed on the status bar. To
change the current tool crib you are currently using, click the crib
name on the status bar. A list of tool cribs is displayed that you can
select from.
To create or modify a tool crib, you must have a part file open, then
select Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu to display the
Tool Manager (see page 1817) dialog.
Tool Manager
To display the Tool Manager dialog, select Manufacturing > Tool
Manager from the menu.
Use the Tool Manager to view, edit, or add tools to a tool crib. Tools
are separated into groups. Tool Group (see page 1823) contains a
list of the groups supported by FeatureCAM.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1817
The Tool Manager shows only one type of tool at a time. The dialog
is arranged so it's convenient to move tools from one crib to
another. In general you want to have the Tools tool crib selected in
From Crib and the basic or basicmetric tool crib selected in Current
Crib.
From Crib Select the tool crib from which you want to take tool
definitions to copy to the tool crib selected in the Current Crib.
Tool Group This menu lists tools in related groups, according to
the type of manufacturing operation that class of tools typically
performs.
Current Crib Select the tool crib into which you copy tools from
the crib selected in From Crib.
Sort by You can sort the tools by selecting one of the following:
Name The tool name.
Unit The tooling unit. All inch tools are grouped together and
all mm tools are grouped together.
Material Sort by the tool material.
Diameter The diameter of the tool. The units of the tool are
ignored.
Show only You can filter which tools are displayed by selecting
Name, Unit, Material, or Diameter and entering a value.
1818 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To limit the tools by name, type in the initial characters of the
name.
You cannot use other string wildcards like the "*".
Available Tools This shows the tools that are in the tool crib
selected under From Crib for the selected Tool Group.
Select All Click the left arrow button to copy all the tools listed
under Current Tools to Available Tools. Click the right arrow button
to copy all the tools listed under Available Tools to Current Tools.
Add Copies the selected tool(s) in the Available Tools list to the
Current Tools list, thus building a set of tool definitions for the tool
crib selected under Current Crib.
Remove Removes the selected tool(s) from the Current Tools list.
Use the Shift and Ctrl keys to select more than one tool.
Current Tools This shows the tools that are already in the Current
Crib for the selected Tool Group.
Double-click a tool name under Current Tools to open the Tool
Properties (see page 1821, see page 1867) dialog for that
tool.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
New Tool Click this button to create a new tool for the selected
Tool Group. Click the New Tool button and the Tool Properties (see
page 1821, see page 1867) dialog is displayed for the selected Tool
Group.
The Tool Properties dialog is displayed with a copy of the
tool selected in the Tool Manager, or if no tool is selected, it
uses a copy of the first tool in the Current Tools list.
If the new tool that you want to create is similar to an
existing tool, select that tool in the Tool Manager before
clicking New Tool and you have fewer attributes to edit.
New Crib Click this button to create a new tool crib. Click New Crib
and the New Tool Crib dialog is displayed. Enter a unique name for
your new tool crib. Click OK to create the new, empty, crib. The new
crib is selected under Current Crib ready for you to add tools to it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1819
Delete Crib Click this button to delete the tool crib selected under
Current Crib. FeatureCAM asks you to confirm before deleting the
tool crib.
Copy Crib Click this button to bulk-copy tools by whole Tool Group
from one crib to another. Select the destination crib you want to
copy into under Current Crib and click the Copy Crib button. The
Copy Tool Crib dialog is displayed. Select the Tool crib to be copied,
select the Tool Groups that you want to copy and click Copy, then
Close.
Tool Grades button - opens the Turning Tools Grades dialog. See
Adding a new tool grade for turning operations (see page 1922) for
more information.
Import Click this button to import tools from other FeatureCAM
users. Click the Import button to open the Tool Import dialog. Browse
to where the import file is saved, select the tool crib you want to
import into and select what to do if the tool name already exists.
Export Click this button to export tools so that you can share
them with other FeatureCAM users. Click the Export button to open
the Tool Export dialog. Two file types are supported, .xml and .tdb.
We recommend that you use the .xml format as it supports
exporting custom-drawn holders. Click the browse button and
specify the location and File Name for your file, and click OK. Select
the Tool crib to be exported and the Tool Groups that you want to
export. Click Export and wait for FeatureCAM to confirm how many
tools were exported. Click OK to confirm and click Close in the Tool
Export dialog to return to the Tool Manager.
Properties Select a tool in the Current Tools list and click
Properties to see more details of the tool. You can also double-click
a tool in the Current Tools list to open its Properties dialog.
Tool Parameters Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it.
The orientation of the preview is determined by the Machine tab
settings of the Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to
access a context menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
1820 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
left-handed
Automatic Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool
automatically when you move the mouse pointer over the image.
Milling Tool Properties dialog
Use the Tool Properties dialog to:
View a tool's details.
Edit a tool's details.
Create a new tool.
To display the Tool Properties dialog:
Double-click the name of a tool on the Tools tab of the Feature
Properties dialog (see page 971).
Select a tool on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog and
click Properties
.
Double-click the name of a tool on the Op List tab (see page
1628) of the Results window.
Select a tool on the Op List tab of the Results window and click
Properties
Double-click the name of a tool in the Current Tools list in the
Tool Manager dialog (see page 1817).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1821
Select a tool from the Current Tools list in the Tool Manager dialog
and click Properties.
The Tool Properties dialog has four tabs for milling tools.
Tool Group (see page 1823)
Overrides (see page 1858) Use this tab to set the tool number,
cutter comp register and offset register for the tool. These settings
are used for this tool whenever it is used to cut a part.
Holder (see page 1861)
Feed/Speed (see page 1863) Use this tab to set speed and feed
overrides for a particular tool. Whenever this tool is used, the feed
and speed values are scaled by this percentage value.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog.
1822 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool Group tab
The first tab of the Milling Tool Properties dialog (see page 1821)
has the name of the tool group that the tool belongs to.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to display the context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1823
2 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
left-handed
Automatic Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool
automatically when you move the mouse pointer over the image.
These tool groups are available for milling:
1824 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Backbore (see page
1825)
Boring Bar (see
page 1827)
Chamfer Mill (see
page 1828)
Counterbore (see
page 1829)
Countersink (see
page 1831)
End Mill (see page
1832)
Face Mill (see page
1834)
Plunge Mill (see
page 1838)
Probe (see page
1840)
Ream (see page
1842)
Rounding Mill (see
page 1843)
Side Mill (see page
1845)
Spot and Center Drill
(see page 1847)
Tap (see page 1849)
Thread Mill (see
page 1852)
Twist Drill (see page
1853)
Backbore
Backbore tools are used for drilling Backbore Hole features.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1825
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Cutter Length See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Tip Radius See diagram.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Cutter Length
Overall Length
Shank Diameter
Tip Radius
1826 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Boring Bar
Boring Bar tools are used in milling for the boring operation of a
Hole feature or for a step of a Step Bore feature.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Tip Radius See diagram.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
The Tip Radius is taken into account only for step bores.
FeatureCAM assumes that you have an adjustable boring bar. For
boring operations, if there is not an appropriate tool in the tool crib
FeatureCAM creates a tool with the name user_adjust.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1827
Diameter
Length
Tip Radius
Chamfer Mill
Chamfer Mill tools are used for chamfer features or for chamfering
large diameter holes.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Inner Diameter See diagram.
Outer Diameter See diagram.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
1828 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Inner Diameter
Outer Diameter
Shank Diameter
Overall Length
Counterbore
Counterbore tools are used for the counterbore operations of
counter bored holes.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1829
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Pilot Diameter See diagram.
Pilot Length See diagram.
Flutes Enter the number of grooves on the tool.
Touch off at the shoulder Select this check box to position the tool
z-zero at the end of the flutes (the tool shoulder). Deselect the
check box to position the tool z-zero at the end of the pilot (the tool
tip).
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Diameter
Length
Pilot Length
Pilot Diameter
1830 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Countersink
Countersink tools are used for counter sink operations on holes.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Body Diameter See diagram.
Flat Diameter Countersink tools can optionally have a flat end. See
diagram.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Angle See diagram.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1831
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Shank Diameter
Body Diameter
Overall Length
Angle
Flat Diameter
See also Hole: Tool Selection (see page 732).
End Mill
1832 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
End Mill tools are used to represent flat end mills, ball end mills,
bull-nose mills, and tapered end mills.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Cutter Length See diagram.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
End Radius See diagram.
Use curve to describe tool shape Select this option to create a form
tool. Select a curve in the Curve list to define the profile of the tool.
Taper See diagram.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Overall Length
Cutter Length
Shank Diameter
End Radius
Diameter at Bottom
Cutting Type: Non-center
Cutting Type: Center
For ball end tools, enter the diameter, select Ball-end and the radius
is calculated.
For flat end tapered tools there are three different ways to specify
the taper angle, cutter length and diameters:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1833
Enter the Taper angle, Diameter (which is the diameter of the tool
at the top of the taper) and the Cutter length.
Enter the Taper angle, select Diameter at Bottom, enter the Bottom
diameter and enter the Cutter length.
Enter the Taper angle, select Diameter at Bottom, enter the Diameter
(which is the diameter at the bottom of the taper) and click the
Compute from shank button to have the Cutter Length computed for
you.
Face Mill
Face Mill tools are used for facing features.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Height See diagram. If you selected Chamfer as the corner type,
ensure that the Height is >= (Diameter - Effective diameter)/2.
Corner Select either Round or Chamfer (45 ) as the corner type.
You can use a Face Mill with a Chamfer to cut a Chamfer
feature to reduce the number of tools used to cut a part.
1834 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This example part has a Face and Chamfer features on the top and
on the side:
By default, this part uses three tools:
a Face Mill to cut the top Face, then indexed around to cut the
side Face.
a Chamfer tool to cut the Chamfer around the top Face
a Chamfer tool to cut the Chamfer around the side Face
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1835
Instead of the default Face Mill, you can create a new Face Mill with
a Chamfer, for example:
Set this new tool as the override for the Face feature, and then use
it to cut the Chamfer features, by overriding the default tools in the
Op List.
After simulating the part again, you can see that the new Face Mill
tool cuts both the Face features and the Chamfers:
1836 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
In this example, the chamfered Face Mill tool is too large to cut the
Chamfer on the side of the part:
FeatureCAM give a warning and you can change the tool for this
Chamfer back to the default tool.
Using a chamfered Face Mill tool, you can cut this particular part
with two tools instead of three:
a chamfered Face Mill to cut the top Face, the top Chamfer, then
indexed around to cut the side Face
a Chamfer tool to cut the Chamfer around the side Face
Effective diameter See diagram. If you selected Chamfer as the
corner type, enter an Effective diameter greater than 0. The Effective
diameter must not be less than Diameter - 2*Height and must not be
greater than Diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1837
Corner Radius See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Round
Chamfer
Height
Diameter
Corner Radius
Effective
Diameter
Plunge Mill
Plunge Mill tools are used in plunge roughing operations.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
1838 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Diameter See diagram.
Cutter Length See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Insert Tip Radius See diagram.
Insert Length This parameter is for tooling documentation only. It
is not used for toolpath generation.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Cutter Length
Overall Length
Shank Diameter
Insert Tip Radius
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1839
Probe
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
1840 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ball Diameter
Stem Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Length
Lower Shank Diameter
Upper Shank Diameter
Taper Length
Taper Shank Deselect this option to have a shank with a constant
diameter and enter the Shank Diameter instead of Lower Shank Diameter and
Upper Shank Diameter.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1841
Ream
Ream tools are used for reaming operations on holes.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Cutter Length See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Shank diameter See diagram.
Drill diameter Enter the default diameter of all drill and bore tools
used in the feature. If Calculated is selected, the Drill diameter is
calculated from the Drill % of ream/bore attribute on the Tool
Selection tab (see page 1751) of the Machining Attributes dialog.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
1842 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Diameter
Cutter Length
Rounding Mill
Rounding Mill tools are used for Round features.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1843
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Inner diameter See diagram.
Outer diameter See diagram.
Shank diameter See diagram.
Radius See diagram.
Overall length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
When Touch off at the shoulder is selected, the Exposed length
value does not include the tip. When it is deselected, the
Exposed length value includes the tip length.
Tip-To-Shoulder Length Enter the length between the shoulder
and the tip of the tool. This length is the same as the arc Radius by
default, but you can increase it.
Touch off at the shoulder Rounding Mill tools touch off at the
shoulder by default. Deselect this option to move the touch-off point
to the tip of the tool.
This example shows the default behavior with Touch off at the
shoulder selected. The toolpath is at the top of the Round feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is at the bottom of the Round
feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected and a
Tip-To-Shoulder Length that is double the Radius value. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is below the bottom of the
Round feature.
When Touch off at the shoulder is selected, the Exposed length value
does not include the tip. When it is deselected, the Exposed length
value includes the tip length.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
1844 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Inner Diameter
Outer Diameter
Shank Diameter
Radius
Exposed length
when Touch off at the
shoulder is selected.
Exposed length
when Touch off at the
shoulder is
deselected.
Tip-To-Shoulder
Length
Side Mill
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1845
Side Mill tools are used for OD and ID grooves.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Slitting Saw This parameter is used only as documentation on the
tool.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Cutter Width See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Neck Diameter See diagram.
Arbor Tip Length See diagram.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
1846 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Diameter
Cutter Width
Exposed Length
Shank Diameter
Neck Diameter
Arbor Tip
Length
Spot & Center Drills
Spot Drills are used for spot drilling starter holes.
Center Drills are preferred for spot drill operations.
Center Drills are used to drill starter holes. They are preferred over
spot drills for spot drilling operations. Spot Drills can also be used
for spot drill operations.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1847
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Type Select Center or Spot.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagrams.
Body Diameter See diagrams.
Overall Length See diagrams.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Tip Angle See diagrams.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Spot drill diagram:
Diameter
Overall Length
Tip Angle
Cutter Length
Center drill diagram:
Diameter
Body Diameter
Overall Length
Cutter Length
1848 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Tap
Tap tools are used to tap holes.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Length See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
TPI/Pitch For inch tools, you specify the threads per inch (TPI),
and for metric tools, you specify the Pitch of the threads.
Drill Diameter If this is set, that tap always uses a twist drill of
that diameter. If you select Calculate, the drill is calculated using
the product's formulas. FeatureCAM uses one of two formulas for
calculating Drill Diameter. One formula is used for Cutting, Helicoil,
and user-defined tap types. The other formula is used for Rolled
types. You can control these two formulas by using the Thread % for
tap drill (cut) and Thread % for tap drill (rolled) attributes on the Tool
Selection (see page 1751) tab of Machining Attributes.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1849
If no Drill Diameter is set for helicoil or user-defined tap types, then
the cutting tap formula is used to calculate the drill diameter.
Taper If you want a tapered tap, enter the angle in
degrees. Holes with tapered threads automatically select tapping
tools with the same taper angle.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Point Bottom taps have a flat bottom, and Plug taps come to a
point. If a bottom tap is required for a blind hole, a warning is
issued in the operations sheet. Regardless of the type of tool used
for tapping, the hole must allow enough clearance for the tap. If the
hole breaks this rule, an error message is generated when you enter
the hole dimensions.
Style Spiral-style taps have twisted flutes while Gun-style taps
have straight flutes.
Limit This attribute is ignored for tool selection. It is used only to
document the tool.
Type A tapped hole is classified by its Type. When selecting taps,
FeatureCAM searches for a tapping tool that matches the Type of
the threaded hole.
1850 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Cutting These tools cut the threads into the material. The
diameter of the drilling operation is typically calculated.
Rolled These tools press or form the threads into the material.
The diameter of the drill operation for rolled (or formed) taps is
typically larger than for cutting taps and is typically calculated
using a formula.
Helicoil These operations are performed within a cutting-style
taps, but the size of the drill and tap operations are larger to fit
the helicoil insert. For these holes, specify the TPI and Diameter
of the helicoil that you want to insert and FeatureCAM selects the
appropriate drill size and helicoil tap.
Add New New types can be created when a tapping tool is
defined. Any new tapping tool type is displayed as a potential hole
tap type. Automatic tool selection is limited to looking for tools of
this new type.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Length
Overall Length
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1851
Thread Mill
Thread Mill tools are used for OD and ID thread milling operations.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Pitch See diagram.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Cutter Length See diagram.
Body Length See diagram.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
1852 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Pitch
Shank Diameter
Cutter Length
Body Length
For single point tools, set Max Pitch equal to Cutter Length.
Hand Select whether the tool is a Right Hand or Left Hand tool
Twist Drill
Twist Drill tools are used for drilling operations.
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Diameter See diagram.
Overall Length See diagram.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1853
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Shank Diameter See diagram.
Angle See diagram.
Class For insert drills, select Insert and enter the Insert Depth
instead of the Angle. If an insert drill is initially chosen for a drilling
operation, the spot drill operation is omitted. See Hole: Drill to
depth (see page 731) for more information on drill depths. See also
Hole: Tool Selection (see page 732).
Use curve to describe tool shape Select this option to create a form
tool. Select a curve in the Curve list to define the profile of the tool.
Material This indicates what the tool is made of. This information
is important when calculating the feeds and speeds (see page
1588).
Tool Finish This is the coating, or finish, on the tool. This
information is also used in feed/speed calculations. If a feed/speed
table exists for a material cut with a tool with a Bright finish, but not
for TI_N or Black Oxide tool finishes, then the speed values are
derived from the Bright table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the
BRIGHT speed. The speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the
BRIGHT speed. The feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed
rates.
Hand Set whether the tool is Right-handed or Left-handed.
Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Diameter
Angle
Cutter Length
Using a form tool or insert drill for drilling operations
When drilling with a standard twist-drill, extra depth is added to the
operation to account for the drill tip geometry. When a form tool or
insert drill is used for drilling, no extra depth is added automatically.
You can use the Drill depth (see page 987) attribute to manually add
extra depth if required.
1854 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Form tools
The FeatureCAM tool cribs contain thousands of industry-standard
tools in a wide variety of types. Custom-shaped form tools are not
included in the default tool cribs, but you can create these tools and
use them to cut features.
Examples of form tools:
Concave cutter
Tripan cutter
Port-entrance tool
Using these tools does not change the toolpaths generated for
features, but the 3D simulation does simulate the proper shape of
form tools. Form tools are never automatically selected, but you can
select them manually.
Form tools have unique shapes, but their type must be endmill,
twistdrill, or sidemill. If you want to use the form tool to perform a
milling operation it must be an endmill form tool. Drilling operations
can be performed with endmill form tools or twistdrill form tools.
OD/ID grooves can be performed only with sidemill form tools.
Creating a form tool
To create a form tool:
1 Create a curve in the graphics window that you want to be used
as the 2D turned profile of the tool. There are some
requirements which the curve must meet.
2 The curve must lie in the XZ plane of the Stock axis.
3 One endpoint of the curve must be on the origin (0,0,0) of the
stock axis and the other must lie on the Z-axis.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1855
.
You can display the profile of an existing tool (see page 1856) in
the graphics window to help you create this curve.
1 In the Tool Manager (see page 1817) dialog or on the Tools tab of
the Feature Properties dialog, select either an endmill, sidemill, or
twistdrill tool.
2 To create a new tool:
click New tool in the Tool Manager (see page 1817) dialog; or
click New tool
dialog.
on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties
3 Select Use curve to describe tool shape in the Tool Properties
dialog.
4 Select the curve you created from the Select curve list.
5 Click OK to close the Tool Properties dialog.
When you use a curve to define the shape of a tool, many of
the dimensions in the Tool Properties dialog are not used, but
the Diameter is still used for calculating stepovers and
generating the paths.
Displaying a profile of an existing tool
You can display the profile of an existing tool in the graphics window
to use as a reference when creating a curve for a form tool.
To display the profile of a tool in the graphics window:
1 Double-click a tool on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties
dialog (see page 990) to display the Tool Properties dialog
2 Click Paste copy of curve in the Tool Properties dialog.
1856 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Click Cancel to close the Tool Properties dialog without making
any changes to the tool.
Using a form tool or insert drill for drilling operations
When drilling with a standard twist-drill, extra depth is added to the
operation to account for the drill tip geometry. When a form tool or
insert drill is used for drilling, no extra depth is added automatically.
You can use the Drill depth (see page 987) attribute to manually add
extra depth if required.
Using an insert drill for drilling and boring
To use an insert drill for drilling and boring:
1 Create the drilling and boring operations.
2 Override the tool for the drilling operation to use an insert drill.
3 Override the tooling for the boring operations to use the same
insert drill.
In the Tool Mapping dialog, the insert drill is listed twice. Each listing
has the same tool slot, but the Length offset registers are different.
See also:
How to put two tools in the same tool slot (see page 1663)
Changing the Tool number and Cutter comp
On the Overrides tab of the Tool Properties (see page 1821) dialog,
the tool slot number and cutter comp offset register are displayed in
the Tool number and Diameter offset register fields.
1 If the Diameter offset register field is unavailable, deselect Same.
2 Enter the new values in the Tool number and Diameter offset
register fields.
3 Click OK to close the Tool Properties dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1857
Overrides tab
Use the Overrides tab of the Milling Tool Properties dialog (see page
1821) to set the tool number, cutter comp register, and offset
register for the selected tool.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to display the context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
1858 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
2 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
left-handed
Automatic Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool
automatically when you move the mouse pointer over the image.
Name Specifies the name of the current tool. You can edit the
Name of the tool on the Tool Group (see page 1823) tab.
Only set turret 1 Select this option to set the tool registers for only
one turret.
Set all turrets Select this option to set the tool registers for each
turret of a multi-turret machine. Select an entry in the Turret and
spindle list to choose the turret you want to work with.
The turret options are only displayed when the Turning
component (see page 2) of FeatureCAM is activated. The
turrets you can select are determined by the current post file
Default tool registers Specify the register settings for the tool:
Tool number Specifies the slot number for the tool. Enter 0 to
allow FeatureCAM to assign a value when the tool is used.
Tools can occupy the same tool slot (see page 1663).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1859
Same Select this check box to use the Tool number value for all
the registers. Deselect the check box to set the registers
individually.
Diameter offset register Specifies the diameter cutter
compensation offset register number for the tool. This value is
passed to XBUILD as <COMP-NUM>.
Length offset register Specifies the tool length offset register
number. Most lathe controllers have a single register that
contains the length and diameter offset values. In this case, the
Length offset register is the important field to set in FeatureCAM.
This value is passed to XBUILD as <OFFSET#>.
Tool ID Specifies the identification number of the tool. This is
used by Bridgeport lathes and some Cincinnati machines.
To override the register values for individual parts, use the
Tool Mapping (see page 1656) dialog.
Operations Select an entry in the list to specify the type of
operation for which FeatureCAM can select this tool. You can
override this setting by selecting the tool manually (see page 1060).
Coolant Select an entry in the list to specify the coolant for the
tool.
Select the type of coolant to use. The default choices are:
None no coolant
Flood a continuous stream of coolant
Mist coolant mixed with air
Coolant 3 - Coolant 10 you can define these other coolant
options in the post processor.
You can enter up to ten types of coolant in the Coolant dialog in
XBUILD (select CNC-Info > Coolant to open it). After you have saved
them in XBUILD, they are available to choose in this list in
FeatureCAM.
Cycle Select the type of drilling cycle to be used with the tool.
Spotdrill This enables the spotdrill operation for insert drill tools.
This is useful for high-speed drilling.
Depth of cut (see page 1106) Select the check box and enter a
value to specify a depth of cut (Z-step increment) override for the
tool.
Stepover Select the check box and enter a value to specify the
stepover distance override for the tool.
RampAngle Select the check box and enter an angle to specify a
ramp angle override for the tool.
1860 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Comments Enter any comments for the tool. The post can be
configured to output these comments.
Holder tab
Use the Holder tab of the Milling Tool Properties dialog (see page
1821) to change or edit the Tool Holder for the selected tool.
The Holder tab enables you see the tool holder that has been
automatically selected for the tool and to permanently assign a
holder to the tool.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to display the context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1861
2 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
right-handed
4 flutes,
left-handed
Automatic Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool
automatically when you move the mouse pointer over the image.
Tool name This displays the name of the tool.
Current spindle This displays the spindle type that matches the
current holder.
Tool holders are shown in the table at the bottom of the dialog.
Select Only show holders that match the current spindle to hide
holders that do not fit in the current spindle. Select Show all holders
to show them all.
The holder that was selected automatically for the tool is shown
with a D in the check box. To explicitly select a holder to use with
this tool any time the tool is used, select the check-box next to the
tool name. To remove an association of the tool with a holder, click
the Undo holder override
button.
1862 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Create new toolholder Click this button to open the Tool Holder
Properties (see page 1915) dialog, where you can create a new tool
holder for the current spindle. The dimensions of the current tool
holder are used as initial dimensions.
Edit toolholder definition Click this button to open the Tool
Holder Properties (see page 1915) dialog, where you can edit the
properties of the selected toolholder.
Feed/Speed tab
Use the Feed/Speed tab of the Milling Tool Properties dialog (see
page 1821) to specify Feed and Speed overrides for the selected
tool.
This tab is where you override the feed and speed values if you
want to always use specific speed and feed values for this tool, or
this tool with a specific material.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to display the context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1863
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Automatic Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool
automatically when you move the mouse pointer over the image.
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
You can edit the Name of the tool on the Tool Group (see
page 1823) tab.
The table displays any overrides that have been set for this tool
with specific materials.
Material is the list of materials that you choose to override the feed
and speed values for.
1864 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
% Speed override is the percentage to adjust the speed value
whenever this tool is used; 100% means that the values chosen by
FeatureCAM or overridden by the user are not scaled.
% Feed override is the percentage to adjust the feed rate whenever
this tool is used; 100% means that the values chosen by
FeatureCAM or overridden by the user are not scaled.
Create new item Click this button to open the Tool Specific
Feeds and Speeds (see page 1865) dialog, where you can add a new
Material and its corresponding feed and speed values to use with
this specific tool.
Properties Click this button to open the Tool Specific Feeds and
Speeds (see page 1865) dialog for the selected material, where you
can edit the material's feed and speed values to use with this
specific tool.
Delete item Click this button to remove the selected material.
You can override the depth of cut (see page 1106) value in
several places.
Tool Specific Feeds and Speeds dialog
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
You can edit the Name of the tool on the Tool Group (see
page 1823) tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1865
To add a material:
1 Select the Material from the list.
2 Change any Feed, Speed, Depth (of cut), and Stepover values and
click OK.
The material is added to the table on the Feed/Speed (see page
1863) tab.
To edit values for a material:
1 Ensure that the Material is the one that you want to edit the
values of.
2 Change any Feed, Speed, Depth, and Stepover values and click
OK.
The material is updated with the new values in the table on the
Feed/Speed (see page 1863) tab.
Pecking tab
You can use the Pecking tab to override the Pecking depths for
individual tools. The global pecking depth values are specified on
the Pecking tab of the Machining Attributes dialog.
1866 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Pecking applies to Deep Hole, Chip Break, and Tap operations.
FeatureCAM supports four styles of pecking. These styles are listed
in the post processor. Three different attributes control the pecking
and they are used differently depending on the style of pecking.
FeatureCAM checks the pecking type in the currently loaded post
processor to duplicate canned cycles when simulating toolpaths. Set
these attributes separately for Drilling and Tapping operations:
First peck This is the depth of the first peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. If the depth of the hole is less than First peck, the hole
is drilled in a single peck.
Second peck This is the depth of the second peck of a
drilling/tapping operation specified as a percentage of tool
diameter. The post handles the conversion.
Minimum peck This is the minimum step size for a peck used
for value reduction pecking methods or factor reduction pecking
methods.
For each attribute, leave the value as 0% to use the global setting,
or enter a new value to override the global setting.
For example, if the tool diameter is 1", and the tool's First peck
depth is 80% of the tool diameter, the operation's First peck depth
is 0.8", regardless of the global First peck depth specified in the
Machining Attributes dialog.
Turning Tool Properties dialog
Use the Tool Properties dialog to:
View a tool's details.
Edit a tool's details.
Create a new tool.
To display the Tool Properties dialog:
Double-click the name of a tool on the Tools tab of the Feature
Properties dialog (see page 971).
Select a tool on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog and
click Properties
.
Double-click the name of a tool on the Op List tab (see page
1628) of the Results window.
Select a tool on the Op List tab of the Results window and click
Properties
Double-click the name of a tool in the Current Tools list in the
Tool Manager dialog (see page 1817).
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1867
Select a tool from the Current Tools list in the Tool Manager dialog
and click Properties.
The Tool Properties dialog has these tabs for turning tools:
Holder Drawing
Insert/Type (see
(see page 1889)
page 1868)
Overrides (see
Holder (see
page 1898)
page 1875)
Feed/Speed (see
Orientation (see
page 1900)
page 1885)
Prog. Pt. (see
page 1887)
Insert/Type tab
For most turning tools, the first tab in the Tool Properties dialog (see
page 1821, see page 1867) is the Insert tab.
The parameters on the Insert tab are different depending on the
turning tool type:
Lathe - Turning (see page 1869)
Lathe - Boring (see page 1869)
Lathe - Groove/Cutoff (see page 1871)
Lathe - Thread (see page 1873)
Lathe - Bar Feed (see page 1874)
1868 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
For Bar Feed tools, the first tab in the Tool Properties dialog is the
Type tab.
Turn, Bore
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1869
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Insert Shape Select the insert shape. For the Cust. diamond shape,
you must enter the Tip Angle.
80 Diamond:
Square:
Triangle:
35 Diamond:
55 Diamond:
Round:
80 Trigon:
Cust.
Diamond:
Tip Radius is the radius of the cutting tip of the insert.
For threading tools, 3D simulation simulates the tool with a
tip radius of 0.0. This is just for visualization purposes only.
The NC code or tool selection is not affected in any way.
Tip Angle is the included angle of the insert.
Inscribe Circle Diam is the diameter of a circle that fits inside the
insert shape.
Tip radius
Tip angle
Inscribe circle diam.
1870 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Groove/Cutoff
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1871
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Tip Radius is the radius of the cutting tip of the insert.
For threading tools, 3D simulation simulates the tool with a
tip radius of 0.0. This is just for visualization purposes only.
The NC code or tool selection is not affected in any way.
Tip Angle is the included angle of the insert.
Width is the width along the Z axis of a grooving/cutoff tool.
Length (C)
Shaft height
Tip Angle
Width
Tip Radius
Cutgrip grooving tool
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
1872 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Thread
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1873
Tip Radius is the radius of the cutting tip of the insert.
For threading tools, 3D simulation simulates the tool with a
tip radius of 0.0. This is just for visualization purposes only.
The NC code or tool selection is not affected in any way.
Tip Angle is the included angle of the insert.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Bar Feed
The Bar Feed tool group represents both bar feeders and bar pullers.
This tool group has a Type tab instead of an Insert tab.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
1874 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Type Select Bar Feed or Bar Pull.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Bar Pull tools have additional options:
Depth is the depth of the puller
Max. Diameter is the maximum diameter of the puller
Holder tab
The Holder tab describes the characteristics of the tools holder and
how the insert is oriented relative to the holder. The parameters on
this tab depend on the type of tool:
Turn (see page 1876)
Bore (see page 1878)
Groove/Cutoff (see page 1880)
Bar Feed (see page 1882)
Thread (see page 1884)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1875
Turn
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
1876 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
End Cut The tool cuts in a direction parallel with the length of the
holder.
Side Cut The tool cuts in a direction perpendicular with the length
of the holder.
End angle
End clearance
Side angle
Side clearance
Shaft Width (A)
Length (C)
Tip to Back (F)
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1877
Bore
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
1878 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
End Cut The tool cuts in a direction parallel with the length of the
holder.
Side Cut The tool cuts in a direction perpendicular with the length
of the holder.
End angle
End clearance
Side angle
Side clearance
Z axis
Min. Diameter (MD)
Length (C)
Shaft Diam. (D)
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1879
Groove/Cutoff
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
The Holder tab for Groove/Cutoff tools, contains these attributes:
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
1880 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Holder Type For grooves possible holder types are:
OD Groove Select this option for outer diameter grooving tools.
ID Groove Select this option for inner diameter grooving tools.
Face Groove Select this option for face grooving tools.
Cutting Select this option for cutoff tools.
End Cut The tool cuts in a direction parallel with the length of the
holder.
Side Cut The tool cuts in a direction perpendicular with the length
of the holder.
End angle
End clearance
Side angle
Side clearance
Shaft Diam. (D)
Length (C)
Tip angle
Width
Tip radius
Min/Max plunge dia.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1881
Many Face Groove tools have curved holders. Due to the curvature
of the holders the tools have a limited set of diameters at which
they can plunge. The image below shows the curved shape of the
supporting holder.
These two diameters are the minimum and maximum diameters
between which the tool can plunge.
The tool inside edge of the groove must be between the Min plunge
diameter and Max plunge diameter if the Groove is being cut in the
positive direction. The outside edge must be between these two
diameters if the Groove is being cut in the negative direction.
Cut Depth This is the maximum depth of cut.
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of the holder
if the holder is simulated.
Bar Feed
1882 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
The Holder tab for Bar Feed and Bar Pull tools contains these
attributes:
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Shaft width
Head width
Length
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1883
Thread
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
1884 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Holder Type For threads possible holder types are:
OD Threads Select this option for outer diameter threading
tools
ID Threads Select this option for inner diameter threading tools
End Cut The tool cuts in a direction parallel with the length of the
holder.
Side Cut The tool cuts in a direction perpendicular with the length
of the holder.
Shaft Diam. (D)
Length (C)
Exposed length This is the amount of the tool that sticks out of
the holder if the holder is simulated.
Orientation tab
On the Orientation tab, you can set the orientation of the holder in
the machine and the handedness of the tool.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1885
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Insert Select the handedness of the tool from Right Hand and Left
Hand.
Select holder orientation:
Select whether the holder is for an OD Turning tool or ID Boring
Bar.
Set the orientation of the holder by clicking one of the buttons:
SE
, SW
, NE
, or NW
The images on the buttons do not necessarily show the
shape of the actual insert. The insert of the tool can be any
shape.
1886 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Prog. Pt. tab
On the Prog. Pt. (program point) tab you set the point of the insert
that is programmed. You can set both the X Coordinate and the Z
Coordinate.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1887
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Tool tip centre If both X Coordinate and the Z Coordinate are set to
0.0 then the center point of the tip arc is programmed. In this case
it is expected that you perform insert radius compensation at the
machine tool.
Tool tip edge To perform insert radius compensation in
FeatureCAM, set the X Coordinate and Z Coordinate to the radius
compensation values provided with your tool.
X/Z Gauge length This is the distance between the tool program
point and the origin/part program zero in the X and Z directions,
when the tool is at the tool home/tool change location position:
Turre
Holde
Origin
program
X Gau
Z Gau
Tool p
point
X Gauge length corresponds to the <X-PRESET> reserved word in
XBUILD.
Z Gauge length corresponds to the <Z-PRESET> reserved word in
XBUILD.
You should also set the default Tool program point (see page 1781,
see page 1485) attribute to Tool tip center or Tool tip edge.
1888 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Holder Drawing tab
You can use the Holder Drawing tab to create a custom Tool Holder
from a curve or solid.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1889
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
No Custom Holder A default rectangular holder is used based on
the Holder dimensions.
Curve You can select a curve to define the shape of the Holder.
This enables you to specify the exact shape of your Tool Holder, so
you can check for Holder collisions during simulations.
Paste example Creates a curve in the shape of the current Holder
in the graphics window, which you can use as a guide to create a
new curve.
Regardless of the eventual orientation of the holder in the
machine, draw the holder curve in the XZ plane with the
length of the tool holder in the +Z direction and the leading
edge of the insert at the origin. The curve you draw must be a
closed curve.
Select a curve from the Select custom drawn list, then click Set
selected to save it. The curve is saved in the tooling database
independently from the part file. Any subsequent use of this tool in
any part file uses the custom holder.
Solid You can select a solid to define the shape of the Tool
Holder. This is the most accurate way to represent the tool holder.
After you have imported and positioned the solid (see page 1891)
so that the point zero is in the correct place, select Solid, then
select it and select it from the Select custom drawn list, then click
Set selected to save it. The solid is saved in the tooling database
independently from the part file. Any subsequent use of this tool in
any part file uses the custom holder. the solid name in the Set
menu. Click Set selected to save the solid.
1890 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Solid tool holder example
Here is an example of a FeatureCAM turning tool holder:
To use a solid model to accurately define the shape of the tool
holder:
1 Import the solid model file of the tool holder:
a Select File > Import from the menu to display the Import dialog.
b Select the solid model in the Import dialog, then click Open.
c Click Cancel to close the Import Results dialog.
In this example, a *.x_t solid model of the tool holder is used:
2 Optionally rename the solid in the Part View panel:
a Right-click the solid in the Part View panel and select Rename
to display the Rename Object dialog.
b Enter a New Name, then click OK.
3 Find the zero point (mounting point) of the solid model holder:
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1891
a Select the two faces that point towards the zero point, for
example:
b Click Hide Unselected
in the Hide Menu on the Advanced
Toolbar. Only the selected surfaces are displayed in the
graphics window:
c On the Geometry toolbar, click Line from 2 Pts, and create a
line along the mounting edge of each face, for example:
d Select the two faces in the graphics window, then right-click
on the selection and select Hide Selected from the context
menu.
e Click Trim/Extend
in the Geometry toolbar and use the
Trim/Extend tool (see page 397) to extend the lines until they
intersect:
1892 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click Clip
in the Geometry toolbar and use the Clip tool
(see page 397) to clip the ends of the lines beyond the
intersection:
The intersection is the zero point which you can use to
position the holder:
g
4 Create a reference point to move the holder to:
a On the Holder Drawing tab of the Tool Properties dialog (see
page 1821, see page 1867), select Curve, then click Paste
example:
A curve is created in the graphics window.
b Click Show All Solids
toolbar.
c Click Unshade All
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
in the Show Menu in the Advanced
in the Display Mode toolbar.
Customize Manufacturing 1893
An outline of the solid is displayed in the graphics window:
5 Use the Transform tool to move the zero point of the solid holder
to the zero point of the pasted holder curve
:
a Select the solid holder in the Part View panel.
b Select Edit > Transform from the menu to display the
Transform dialog.
c Select Translate and Move and under Distance from 2 points,
click From Pick Location
and select the zero point you
sketched earlier in the graphics window:
d Click To Pick Location
and select the zero point of the
pasted holder curve in the graphics window:
e Click Preview to display a preview of the solid holder's new
location of the in the graphics window. The preview is shown
in blue:
1894 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Click OK to accept the new location and close the Transform
dialog.
6 Click Shade Surfaces
in the Standard toolbar:
7 Select the holder curve you pasted earlier and press the Delete
key to delete it.
8 If you look at the solid holder from the front, there is a recess
where the insert sits:
9 You must take this recess into account to achieve accurate
simulation. To do this:
a Using the Linear Distance tool (see page 373), create a
measurement of the depth of the recess:
In this example, it is approximately 2mm.
b Select the solid holder in the Part View panel.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1895
c Select Edit > Transform from the menu to display the
Transform dialog.
d In the XYZ Distance section, enter 0 for X, -2 for Y, and 0 for Z
to move the holder down by 2mm in the Y direction.
e Click OK.
The solid holder is now in the correct position.
10 Set the solid as the holder for the tool:
a On the Holder Drawing tab of the Tool Properties dialog (see
page 1821, see page 1867), select Solid, then select the solid
from the Select custom drawn list.
b Click Set Selected.
1896 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
c The solid holder is displayed in the preview window on the tab
and you can see the insert position relative to the holder:
d Click OK to accept the solid holder.
The preview on the Tools tab is updated:
e Click OK to continue.
11 Hide the imported solid and show the part solid.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1897
12 Run a 3D simulation. The solid model that you imported is now
used as the tool holder and the simulation is more accurate:
Overrides tab
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
1898 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
Only set turret 1 Select this option to set the tool registers for only
one turret.
Set all turrets Select this option to set the tool registers for each
turret of a multi-turret machine. Select an entry in the Turret and
spindle list to choose the turret you want to work with.
The turret options are only displayed when the Turning
component (see page 2) of FeatureCAM is activated. The
turrets you can select are determined by the current post file
Default tool registers Specify the register settings for the tool:
Tool number Specifies the slot number for the tool. Enter 0 to
allow FeatureCAM to assign a value when the tool is used.
Tools can occupy the same tool slot (see page 1663).
Same Select this check box to use the Tool number value as
the Default offset register, Length offset register, and Tool ID
number. Deselect the check box to set the register values
individually.
Diameter offset register Specifies the diameter cutter
compensation offset register number for the tool. This value is
passed to XBUILD as <COMP-NUM>.
Length offset register Specifies the tool length offset register
number. Most lathe controllers have a single register that
contains the length and diameter offset values. In this case, the
Length offset register is the important field to set in FeatureCAM.
This value is passed to XBUILD as <OFFSET#>.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1899
Tool ID Specifies the identification number of the tool. This is
used by Bridgeport lathes and some Cincinnati machines.
To override the register values for individual parts, use the
Tool Mapping (see page 1656) dialog.
Operations Select an entry in the list to specify the type of
operation for which FeatureCAM can select this tool. You can
override this setting by selecting the tool manually (see page 1060).
Coolant Select an entry in the list to specify the coolant for the
tool.
Select the type of coolant to use. The default choices are:
None no coolant
Flood a continuous stream of coolant
Mist coolant mixed with air
Coolant 3 - Coolant 10 you can define these other coolant
options in the post processor.
You can enter up to ten types of coolant in the Coolant dialog in
XBUILD (select CNC-Info > Coolant to open it). After you have saved
them in XBUILD, they are available to choose in this list in
FeatureCAM.
Max. depth of cut This is the maximum cut depth that is allowed
for this tool.
Comments Optionally enter comments associated with the tool. A
post processor can be configured to output these comments.
Feed/Speed tab
1900 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This tab is where you override the feed and speed values if you
want to always use specific speed and feed values for this tool, or
this tool with a specific material.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog. Right-click the image to access a context
menu.
Center Tool Select this menu option to center the tool in the
preview image.
Center All Select this menu option to center the tool and tool
holder in the preview image.
Redraw Tool Select this menu option to recreate the preview
image after making changes to its attributes.
Show Tool Holder Select this menu option to display the tool
holder with the tool. The tool holder is displayed by default.
Show Flutes on End Mills Select this menu option to display a
representation of an end mill tool's flutes in the preview image.
2 flutes,
4 flutes,
4 flutes,
right-handed
right-handed
left-handed
Name Specifies the name of the current tool.
To edit the Name of the tool, use the Insert/Type (see page
1868) tab.
The table displays any overrides that have been set for this tool
with specific materials.
Material is the list of materials that you choose to override the feed
and speed values for.
% Speed override is the percentage to adjust the speed value
whenever this tool is used; 100% means that the values chosen by
FeatureCAM or overridden by the user are not scaled.
% Feed override is the percentage to adjust the feed rate whenever
this tool is used; 100% means that the values chosen by
FeatureCAM or overridden by the user are not scaled.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1901
Create new item Displays the Tool Specific Feeds and Speeds
dialog, where you can add a new Material and its corresponding feed
and speed values to use with this specific tool.
Properties Displays the Tool Specific Feeds and Speeds dialog
for the selected material, where you can edit the material's feed and
speed values to use with this specific tool.
Delete item Removes the selected material.
Tool selection for turn/mill features
Turn/mill features use the same tools as the normal milling
features, but they are renamed with -rotaryX appended to the name
to indicate that it is a powered rotary tool. For example, if a tool
called center_4 is selected for a turn/mill center drill operation, the
tool is copied and the copy is called center4-rotaryX.
Rotary tools cannot be explicitly created, but if you manually select
a tool for a turn/mill operation, it is copied and the copy is
designated as a rotary tool.
Rotary tools cannot be used for turning operations.
Turret location
The Turret location is kept in the *.cnc file, because there may be
multiple turret locations.
To change the locations:
1 Select Manufacturing > Post Process from the menu.
2 In the Post Options dialog, click the Turn/Mill tab.
3 Click the Edit button and XBUILD opens. Select CNC-Info > Turrets
from the menu.
Adding tools to an existing tool crib
You can copy a tool definition directly from an already defined tool
crib (such as Tools) to a new tool crib, or create a new tool.
See Adding tools or New tools.
To add a tool from a tool crib to another tool crib:
1 Select the tool crib that contains the tool definition in the From
Crib list.
2 Select the name of the destination crib in the Current Crib list.
3 Select a tool from the Available Tools list.
1902 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You can select multiple tools by pressing the CTRL key, or
you can select a tool group's entire tool list using the left
Select All arrow.
4 Click Add.
Importing tools into a tool crib
To import a tool into the tool crib:
Select Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu to display the
Tool Manager dialog.
1 Click Import to display the Tool Import dialog:
2 Under Tool import file name, enter the name and path of the file
you want to import, or click Browse
and select it in the Import
dialog.
You can import TDB or XML files, and you can import tools saved
in Excel documents (see page 1904).
3 In the Import into tool crib list, select the tool crib you want to
import the tools into.
4 Under If tool name already in crib, select and option to determine
what happens to tools with the same name as existing tools:
Select Overwrite with new tool to replace the old tool with the
new tool.
Select Add 2nd copy of tool to add the new tool under a
different name.
Select Skip tool to ignore any new tools with the same name
as old tooling.
5 Click Import to import the tools.
A message dialog is displayed that tells you how many tools have
been imported.
6 Click Close to close the dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1903
Importing tools from Excel
You can import Excel documents that contain tool information by
converting them to TDB files.
TDB files do not support form curves.
To import tools saved in an Excel document:
1 Create a backup of your Excel document before starting.
2 Export tools (see page 1905) from FeatureCAM into a TDB file.
3 Open the TDB file in Excel to see how it is formatted.
4 Edit the Excel document that contains your tools so it is
formatted the same as the exported TDB file.
5 Save your Excel document as a TDB file.
A TDB file is similar to a CSV (Comma Separated Value)
file. You can create a TDB file from Excel by saving as a
CSV file and changing the file extension.
6 Import (see page 1903) your TDB file into FeatureCAM using the
Tool Import dialog.
Changing the active tool crib
FeatureCAM selects tools from only the active tool crib to create
toolpaths.
You can use these methods to change the active tool crib:
Select the Manufacturing > Set Tool Crib menu option. In the
Select Active Tool Crib dialog, select the tool crib you want to use
and click OK.
1904 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
In the Status bar (see page 37), click the name of the active tool
crib, and select the tool crib you want to use in the menu.
In the Tool Manager dialog, select the tool crib you want to use in
the Current Crib list, and click OK to close the dialog.
A message is displayed asking if you want to change the current
tool crib.
To create or edit a tool crib, use the Tool Manager dialog (see page
1817).
Exporting tools
To export tools from a tool crib:
1 Select Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu to display the
Tool Manager dialog.
2 Click Export to display the Tool Export dialog:
3 Enter the file name and location under Export file name, or click
Browse
, browse to the location and enter the File name in the
Export dialog.
Two file types are supported: .xml and .tdb. We recommend that
you use the .xml format as it supports exporting form tools and
custom drawn holders. To change the type, click the Browse
button and select the file type in the Save as type menu.
4 Select a tool crib from the Tool crib to be exported list.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1905
5 In the Tool Groups list select the groups you want to export, and
deselect the groups you do not want to export.
Use the Include all items
button to select all groups. Use
the Exclude all items
button to deselect all groups.
6 Click Export.
7 Click Close.
The file created is tab delimited text. You can edit the file in a
spreadsheet. This file can now be imported into FeatureCAM.
Editing multiple tools at the same time (bulk editing)
If you want to edit many tools, editing them individually in the Tool
Properties dialog may be time-consuming.
There are several ways to bulk-edit tools:
Export the tools (see page 1905) to a .tdb file, edit them in Excel,
then reimport (see page 1903) them.
You must select Overwrite with new tool in the Tool Import
dialog when reimporting, otherwise you lose form curve
information. By selecting Overwrite with new tool, the
numeric information is overwritten, but the form curve is
not lost.
Export the tools (see page 1905) to an .xml file, edit them in
Notepad, then reimport (see page 1903) them. This method
keeps the curve/holder information regardless of your overwrite
choice upon import. The disadvantage with this method is that it
is not so easy to edit an .xml file.
Use a BASIC macro to do your edits. This is useful if you have
many edits to do of a similar type and you are adept at writing
BASIC.
Using MSACCESS is possible, to directly edit a network database,
but the database structure is convoluted and confusing and easy
to break. We do not recommend this method.
Moving a tool database without exporting and importing
FeatureCAM can use either a local or a network database. This
topic applies only to local databases.
1906 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
You cannot move a local database between computers simply by
transferring the database files. To move a local database between
computers, export (see page 1905) tools and materials from the
source computer and import (see page 1903) them on to the target
computer.
Sometimes this is not possible due to hardware problems, or if you
cannot export information from FeatureCAM, for example:
the source computer is damaged but you can access the
hard-drive where the database is stored.
there is a fault and you cannot open FeatureCAM.
In this situation you can move the database manually.
To manually move a database between computers:
1 Identify the location of the source database:
The following points describe the database:
It is a folder with a lot of files in it.
If you have the 32-bit version of FeatureCAM, the folder is
called DATABASE.
If you have the 64-bit version of FeatureCAM, the folder is
called DATABASEX64.
A FeatureCAM databases folder contain the following files:
object.idx
domain.num
several .a1 files
Problems which make it difficult to find the database:
If you have installed multiple copies of FeatureCAM, there are
multiple databases.
The database is stored in different places on different versions
of Windows.
The database is stored in different places on different versions
of FeatureCAM.
The database may be stored in a different place or with a
different name depending on the language of Windows or
FeatureCAM.
Use the following tips to distinguish between different databases:
You can compare time stamps to distinguish between an older
database and a newer one.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1907
You can compare file sizes to distinguish between a database
that you have not used (such as from a trial download), and
one you have used a lot.
2 Identify the location of the target database:
You need to identify the target database that you want to replace
with your source database. You must have already installed
FeatureCAM on the source computer with a local database.
a Use the information in step 1 to find the database on the
target computer, and note the full pathname to the database
folder, for example:
C:\programdata\featurecam\featurecam188\database.
b From the target database folder, open object.idx in a text
editor. It contains the folder name repeated many times.
c From the target database folder, open domain.nam in a text
editor. It contains the folder name repeated many times.
3 Create a copy of the source database in a neutral location:
Copy the source database folder and all its contents (the
domain.nam, object.idx, and .a1 files) to a neutral location.
You will edit this copy of the database instead of the original. If
you make a mistake you can start again by recopying the original
folder.
4 Edit the neutral copy of the database:
a In the neutral database folder, open object.idx in a text editor.
b Replace all instances of the source database pathname with
the target folder pathname.
For example, if the source database pathname is:
c:\foo\bar\featurecam\featurecam184\database
and the target pathname is:
c:\programdata\featurecam\featurecam188\database
Replace all instances of
c:\foo\bar\featurecam\featurecam184\database with
c:\programdata\featurecam\featurecam188\database.
c Repeat steps a and b for domain.num.
d Optionally repeat steps a and b for object.bak (this is a backup
file).
Be careful not to make any other accidental changes when
editing the files.
1908 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Do not edit .a1 files, they are binary and cannot be edited
with a text editor.
5 Delete all files in the target database folder.
Any tools or materials in the target database are deleted. If
you want to keep them, export them before you delete the
target database and import them later.
6 Copy all files from the neutral database folder into the target
database folder.
The next time you use FeatureCAM on the target computer, you can
access the tools and materials you copied from the source database.
Displaying a profile of an existing tool
You can display the profile of an existing tool in the graphics window
to use as a reference when creating a curve for a form tool.
To display the profile of a tool in the graphics window:
1 Select a tool in the Tool Manager (see page 1817) dialog and click
Properties to display the Tool Properties dialog.
2 Click Paste copy of curve in the Tool Properties dialog.
3 Click Cancel to close the Tool Properties dialog without making
any changes to the tool.
Deleting a tool crib
To delete a tool crib:
1 Select Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu to display the
Tool Manager dialog.
2 Select the crib you want to delete in the Current Crib list.
3 Click Delete Crib.
4 Click Yes in the message dialog to delete the tool crib.
5 Click OK to close the Tool Manager dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1909
Tool and Material Setup
The tooling and feed/speed databases are created using the INITDB
Initialization program in FeatureCAM. This is the program that is run
the first time you run FeatureCAM to create your initial database.
Select where your database is located:
On my local computer Select this option to use the database on
your PC.
On another computer that I will access over a network (see page 1911)
(SND (see page 2)) Select this option to use an MS Access
shared network database. Click Browse and browse to the location
of the shared network database.
On a SQL Server (see page 1912) (SND (see page 2)) Select this
option to use an SQL Server network database. Select the Server
Name and the Database Name. To use SQL authentication, select
SQL Server in the Authentication Mode list and enter your SQL
Username and SQL Password. If you use SQL authentication, the
Database Name list only displays databases to which you have
access.
You may also want to use INITDB for the following reasons:
Adding default tools and feed/speed tables to the database (see
page 1926)
Recreating tooling and feed/speed databases if they become corrupt
(see page 1926)
1910 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
MS Access shared network database (SND)
The shared network database is provided as an empty MDB format
database, created by Microsoft Access and accessed using the
Microsoft Jet database driver.
The database must be set up properly before it can be used:
1 Establish a location on your network for the database and copy a
blank database from the FeatureCAM DVD to that location.
2 Fill the database with default tooling and feed/speed information.
Do this by running INITDB on any computer that has access to
the database and point INITDB to the database.
3 Set the location of the database for each user using the Browse
button during installation (see page 1910), or after installation
on the Database tab (see page 77) of the File Options dialog.
To set up a network database on a 64-bit machine:
1 Download the 32-bit Microsoft Access Database driver from
internet. The 32-bit driver needs to be used on both 32 and
64-bit machines.
2 If a 64-bit driver is already installed on the machine (for
example, if you have 64-bit MS Office installed), you must
uninstall it.
Uninstalling the 64-bit driver and installing the 32-bit
driver, could break 64-bit MS Access.
3 Install the 32-bit driver you downloaded in step 1.
4 Open the folder C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
5 Find and run the file odbcad32.exe. The ODBC Data Source
Administrator dialog is displayed.
6 Click Add on the User DSN tab. The Create New Data Source dialog
is displayed.
7 Scroll down, select Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *.accdb) and
click Finish. The ODBC Text Setup dialog is displayed.
8 For the Data Source Name option, enter MS Access Database and
click OK. The database is displayed in the list of User Data
Sources on the User DSN tab.
9 Restart FeatureCAM.
Network database configuration is user-based. If there are
multiple users on the machine, each user must go through the
process above and configure it.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1911
SQL Server shared network database (SND)
You can use SQL Server for your network database. This gives
better performance and reliability for your network database.
Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express is a free edition of SQL Server
that you may use to host your Delcam tools and materials database
used by FeatureCAM. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and
in these languages:
Chinese
Japanese
(simplified)
Korean
Chinese
Portuguese
(traditional)
(Brazil)
English
Russian
French
Spanish
German
Italian
When using Microsoft SQL Express to host your FeatureCAM tools
and materials you need a server computer to host the SQL Server
software and the tools/materials database. This server computer
should be a different computer from the client workstations where
users are running FeatureCAM.
The database server can host tools and materials databases
from different versions of FeatureCAM, or different parts of
your organization.
Installation
1 Pick a computer at your facility that you want to host the
FeatureCAM tools and materials database. We'll call this the
database server. The database server must meet these criteria:
It must be running Microsoft Windows.
It must be connected to your network.
It must be able to run Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014.
You can see system requirements at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx)
2 Find out the hostname of the database server.
1912 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
3 Download either the Express (Database Only) or Express with
Tools from
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=422
99
(http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=422
99). If your database server is a 32-bit Windows, then you'll need
to download the 32-bit version of SQL Server Express. If 64-bit,
then download the 64-bit version instead.
The bitness of your download must match the bitness of the
database server computer, and has nothing to do with the
bitness of your client workstations. You may download the
language of your choice.
4 Install Microsoft SQL Server Express on your database server.
5 From any client workstation using FeatureCAM 2015 R3, find
INITDB in the Start menu and run it.
6 In the Tool and Material Setup dialog, select On a SQL Server and
enter the hostname of the database server computer as the
Server Name.
7 After entering the Server Name, you can select an existing
database on the database server in the Database Name menu, or
create a new one.
8 The first time you run INITDB you can do one of the following:
Initialize a new database with all the default tools.
Import tools from another database elsewhere on your
network
Upgrade an existing database to the latest version of
FeatureCAM and load it with all of the default tooling.
Subsequent client installations default to this choice.
Spindles and tool holders
You can display spindles and tool holders in toolpath simulations to
see how they interact with the part and check for collisions and
gouges (see page 1620).
Use the Simulation Options dialog to display spindles and tool
holders in simulations.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1913
To display spindles or tool holders during simulation:
1 Select Options > Simulation from the menu to display the
Simulation Options dialog.
2 On the General tab, select Show Holder to display the tool holder
during simulation.
3 Select Show Spindle to display the spindle during simulation.
You cannot select Show Spindle without unless Show Holder is
selected.
4 Click OK to close the Simulation Options dialog.
You can change these settings while a simulation is playing,
but you must restart the simulation for the changes to take
effect.
Use the Spindles and Toolholders dialog (see page 1914) to manage
spindles and toolholders. You can open these dialogs:
Use the Tool Holder Properties dialog to view, edit, and create
toolholders.
Use the Spindle Properties dialog (see page 1918) to view, edit,
and create spindles.
The length of tool extending past the tool holder is determined by
the Exposed length attribute in the Tool Properties dialog.
Spindles and Tool Holders dialog
Use the Spindles and Toolholders dialog to view, edit, and create
new spindles and toolholders.
To display the Spindles and Tool Holders dialog, select Manufacturing
> Spindles and Toolholders from the menu.
These options are the same as on the Holder tab (see page
1861) for a specific tool.
1914 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
The Spindles and Tool Holders dialog displays the current spindle and
the holders that are defined for it. To change the current spindle,
select the spindle from the Current Spindle list. Select a toolholder to
display the spindle and toolholder combination in the preview area.
Click the tool preview image to pan and zoom it. The orientation of
the preview is determined by the Machine tab settings of the
Viewing Options dialog.
The spindle buttons are:
Create new spindle Displays the Spindle Properties (see page
1918) dialog. The dimensions of the current spindle are used as
initial dimensions.
Edit spindle definition Displays the Spindle Properties (see
page 1918) dialog where you can view and edit the dimensions of
the current spindle.
Delete spindle definition Deletes the current spindle and its
tool holders.
The tool holder buttons are:
Create new toolholder Displays the Toolholder Properties (see
page 1915) dialog. Creates a new tool holder for the current
spindle. The dimensions of the current toolholder are used as initial
dimensions.
Edit toolholder definition Displays the Toolholder Properties
(see page 1915) dialog where you can view and edit the properties
of the current toolholder.
Delete toolholder definition Deletes the current tool holder.
Tool Holder Properties dialog
The Tool Holder Properties dialog enables you to view, edit, and
create tool holders.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1915
To display the Tool Holder Properties dialog, click
Create new tool
Holder or
Edit tool Holder definition on the Holder tab (see page
1861) of the Milling Tool Properties dialog or the Spindles and Tool
Holders dialog (see page 1913).
Holder Name Each toolholder must have a unique name.
Measure Select the Inches check box if the toolholder dimensions
are in inches. For millimeter dimensions deselect this box.
Holder type Holders are either Endmill or Collet. The major
difference between these two types of holders is that collets are
adjustable to fit a range of tool diameters.
Tool Groups This button displays a list of tooling types that use
this holder.
Use curve as revolved holder shape If you want to make a custom
holder shape, select this option and select a curve in the menu that
describes the shape. This curve must be in the XZ plane with one
endpoint at the origin.
1916 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use solid to describe holder shape If you want to use a solid for
the custom holder shape, select this option and select a solid in the
menu.
Paste example into graphics window Click the Paste button to copy
into the graphics window a set of lines and arcs for the current
holder shape. This can be useful as a reference if you are going to
draw a custom holder shape.
Tip Dia This is the outer diameter of the holder at the tip for
collets. For convenience, you can set the Tip diameter for endmill
holders to Based on tool dia so that the holder is scaled to fit a tool.
Tool Dia The diameter of the tool. For collets this can be specified
as a minimum and maximum value, to accurately reflect actual
collets, or it can be set to Fit any tool so that the diameter is
adjusted to fit any tool with a diameter less than the Tip Dia.
Dimensions The other dimensions of the holders are shown
below.
Endmill toolholder dimensions:
Flange length
Step diameter
Tip diameter
Tool diameter
Tip length
Length
Diameter
Collet toolholder dimensions:
Flange length
Step diameter
Tip diameter
Tool diameter
Tip length
Length
Diameter
Angled Head Select this option if you want to create a
right-angled tool holder. This option is only available when you are
using a solid to describe the holder shape.
Azimuth angle Select whether the tool has a Variable or Fixed
azimuth angle. If Fixed is selected, enter the angle in degrees.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1917
Spindle Properties dialog
The Spindle Properties dialog lets you view, edit, and create
spindles.
To display the Spindle Properties dialog, click Create new spindle
or Edit spindle definition
(see page 1913).
in the Spindles and Tool Holders dialog
Spindle Name Each spindle must have a unique name.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for the spindle's
dimensions. Select Inches to use inch units or deselect the box for
millimeters.
Diameter This is the diameter of the spindle (see diagram)
Height This is the height of the spindle (see diagram)
Gage Diameter This is the diameter of the gage (see diagram)
Diameter
Height
Gage Diameter
OK Click OK to save any changes to new or existing spindles.
Cancel Click Cancel to discard any changes (if you have made
any) and return to the Spindles and Toolholders dialog.
Tool holder selection
When you select a tool for an operation, FeatureCAM automatically
selects a tool holder.
If there is no tool holder that matches the tool, FeatureCAM creates
a new tool holder by scaling up the dimensions of an existing
holder.
Tool holders have a Holder Type of either Endmill or Collet.
1918 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
When you select a Holder Type on the Holder Properties dialog,
FeatureCAM selects a holder to match the diameter of the tool. For
Endmill holders, the smallest tool holder with a Tool Diameter value
greater than or equal to the tool's diameter is selected. For Collet
holders, the tool's diameter must be within the Min and Max values.
You can specify which tool holder is used for a tool on the Holder tab
(see page 1861) of the Tool Properties dialog.
Creating/editing a spindle
To create or edit a spindle:
1 Select Manufacturing > Spindles and Tool Holders from the menu
to display the Spindles and Tool Holders dialog.
2 To modify a spindle, select it from the Current Spindle list and
click Edit spindle definition
page 1918) is displayed.
. The Spindle Properties dialog (see
3 To create a new spindle, select an existing spindle from the
Current Spindle list and click Create new spindle
. The spindle
properties dialog (see page 1918) is displayed. The dimensions
of the selected spindle are used as the initial dimensions for the
new spindle.
Creating/editing a toolholder
To create or edit a toolholder:
1 Select Manufacturing > Spindles and Tool Holders from the menu
to display the Spindles and Tool Holders dialog.
2 Select a spindle from the Current Spindle list. The tool holders for
the selected spindle are displayed.
3 To modify a toolholder, double-click the toolholder name in the
Tool Holders list, or select the toolholder name and click Edit tool
holder definition
to display the Tool Holder Properties (see
page 1915) dialog.
4 To create a new tool holder, select an existing toolholder name
from the Tool Holders list and click Create new tool holder
to
display the Toolholder Properties (see page 1915) dialog. The
dimensions of the selected tool holder are used as the initial
dimensions for the new holder.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1919
Feeds/Speeds and Cutting Data Tables
Use one of the following methods to display the Feeds/Speeds and
Cutting Data Tables dialog:
Select Manufacturing > Feeds/Speeds and Cutting Data Tables from
the menu.
Click Customize Mfg.
in the Steps panel, then click Refine
FeatureCAM's feed & speed tables to suit my particular requirements
in the Customize Manufacturing dialog.
Click F/S Tables on the Material page of the Stock wizard.
Material Select the material you want to edit. The selected
material's table of speed and feed values is displayed.
Tool Grade and Tool Finish Select a tool grade and tool finish. A
material can have multiple data tables, to account for the different
combinations of tool grade and finish.
If a feed/speed table exists for a material cut with a tool with
a BRIGHT finish, but not for TI_N or BLACK_OXIDE tool
finishes, then the speed values are derived from the BRIGHT
table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the BRIGHT speed. The
speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the BRIGHT speed. The
feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed rates.
1920 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use Range Some materials have two tables, each associated with
a hardness value. For these, you must select either Hardness 1 or
Hardness 2 to see the table.
Feedrates are specified for a 1" (or 20mm) tool. For tools that
are other diameters, the feedrates are scaled linearly. For
example, the feedrate for a 0.25 tool is 1/4 of the table rate.
Dialog buttons
New Stock Material
Add a new stock material (see page 1921).
Delete Delete the table for the selected material.
Copy Values Copy the speed and feed values from one material to
another. This saves time if two materials have similar values.
Import Import a feed and speed data file.
Export Export the feed and speed data.
Adding a new stock material
To add a new stock material:
1 Click New Stock Material
in the Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data
Tables dialog to display the New Stock Material dialog.
2 Enter the name of the new material in the New Stock Material
dialog and click OK.
The name can contain characters in the ranges A-Z and 0-9,
plus underscores (_) and dashes (-).
3 Click New to create a Feed/Speed table for the new material.
4 Select the Tool Grade and Tool Finish from the lists.
5 Enter speeds and feed values for each operation type.
To copy the values from an existing material, click Copy
Values; select a material in the Copy Feed/Speed Values
dialog; and click OK.
6 If the feed or speed are dependent on the hardness:
a Select Use Range and enter the lower hardness value in the
Hardness 1 field.
b Enter the upper hardness value in the Hardness 2 field.
7 Click OK to close the Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1921
If a feed/speed table exists for a material cut with a tool with
a BRIGHT finish, but not for TI_N or BLACK_OXIDE tool
finishes, then the speed values are derived from the BRIGHT
table. The speed for TI_N is 1.5 times the BRIGHT speed. The
speed for BLACK_OXIDE is 1.05 times the BRIGHT speed. The
feed rates are the same as the BRIGHT feed rates.
Adding a new tool grade for turning operations
To add a new tool grade for turning operations:
1 Click Tool Grades on the Turning tab of the Feeds/Speeds And
Cutting Data Tables dialog.
The Turning Tool Grades dialog is displayed.
2 Click New, then enter the new Tool Grade Name and click OK.
3 Under When F/S table is undefined select either:
Generate toolpath error if you want to define all table entries.
Scale existing material to get values from another material.
Select the existing material from the list and enter the scaling
values for Speed and Feed.
4 Click OK to close the Turning Tool Grades dialog.
5 If you selected Generate toolpath error, enter values in the fields
in the Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables dialog.
6 Click OK.
Feeds and Speeds database
The Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables dialog displays the
information stored in the Feeds and Speeds database.
Use one of the following methods to display the Feeds/Speeds And
Cutting Data Tables dialog:
Select Manufacturing > Feeds/Speeds And Cutting Data Tables from
the menu.
Click F/S Tables on the Material page of the Stock wizard (see
page 290).
See also:
Wire EDM cut data (see page 1589)
Stock material (see page 294)
Initializing FeatureMILL databases (see page 1593)
1922 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use Range
For a rangeless table, deselect Use Range. The stock hardness value
is ignored and a single feed/speed table is used.
For a ranged table, select Use Range. You must enter two values of
hardness and two separate feed/speed tables are created. You must
enter the values for both tables.
For a stock hardness below the first value in the range, the
table for the first hardness is used. For a hardness between
the two range values, a table of interpolated values is used.
Hardnesses above the last hardness value are invalid.
Importing feeds/speeds or cutting data tables
1 Click Import in the Feed/Speed And Cutting Data Tables dialog to
display the Feed/Speed And Cutting Data Import dialog.
2 Enter the path to the file or click Browse for file location
select it in the Import dialog and click OK.
and
.fdb files have been previously exported from FeatureCAM.
.dxx files are text files containing Wire EDM cut data.
3 Click Import.
4 If you are importing a .dxx file, you are prompted to enter the
wire type, machine name and unit before the file is imported.
5 Select an option for handling new materials with the same name
as existing materials:
Select Overwrite material if you want the new material to be
copied over the old one.
Select Skip material to ignore any new materials with the same
name as an existing material.
6 Click Import.
7 Click Close.
See also How to export feed/speed tables (see page 1923).
Exporting feeds/speeds or cutting data tables
1 Click Export in the Feed/Speed And Cutting Data Tables dialog to
display the Feed/Speed And Cutting Data Export dialog.
2 Enter a pathname in the Export file name field, or click Browse
and select a file location in the Export dialog.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1923
3 In the Materials to be exported list, select any materials you want
to export and deselect any materials you do not want to export.
Click Include all items
to select all materials, or click
Exclude all items
to deselect all materials.
4 Select Milling to export milling tables.
Select Turning to export turning tables.
Select Wire EDM to export the cutting data for FeatureCAM.
5 Under Export F/S values in, select the units to export the tables
in, from either Inch units or Metric units.
6 Click Export.
7 Click Close.
The file created is tab delimited text. You can edit the file in a
spreadsheet if you want to. This file can now be imported (see page
1923) into FeatureCAM.
Creating a text file for wire material databases
A material database can be imported as an ASCII (readable text)
file that can be created using a text editor (Notepad, Wordpad and
so on). When you have written the file you should save it as plain
ASCII text (if your editor offers more than one option) with a name
that has the extension *.dxx such as Copper.dxx. You can import the
file into the Feed/Speed and Cutting Data Tables dialog.
Format of the file:
2.0
This value is a version number. It has no
special function but should always be entered
to maintain the file format
COPPER 10.0
0.25 3
This line is the first line of a new material
definition. The fields have the following
functions:
COPPER - the name of the material
10.0 - The material thickness
0.25 - The wire diameter
3 - the number of cuts
1924 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
1 1 1 0.1
This line specifies the generator and water
settings, and so on, for the first cut. The fields
are as follows:
1 - the generator setting register number
1 - the water setting register number
1 - the compensation register number
0.1 - The value of the compensation
2 2 2 0.2
The parameters as above but for the second
cut
3 3 3 0.3
The parameters as above but for the third cut
COPPER 20.0
0.25 3
New Material
11 11 11 0.11
12 12 12 0.12
13 13 13 0.13
COPPER 30.0
0.25 3
21 21 21
0.183
22 22 22
0.173
23 23 23
0.163
COPPER 40.0
0.25 3
31 31 31
0.184
32 32 32
0.174
33 33 33
0.164
STEEL 20.0
0.25 4
41 41 41
0.185
42 42 42
0.175
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1925
43 43 43
0.165
44 45 46
0.155
Adding default tools and feed/speed tables to the
database
Each tool is identified by a tool name and each feed/speed table is
defined by a combination of the stock material name, tool material,
and tool grade.
Any tool or feed/speed table that you add to the database remains
even if you re-run the INITDB program. INITDB does not overwrite
any existing tools or feed/speed table in the database.
The only way to remove them is to explicitly delete them in the
Feed/speed table dialog or the Tool Manager dialog. See Deleting a
tool from a tool crib for more information.
The two most common reasons for re-running INITDB are:
Restoring default tools or default feed/speed tables that you
have deleted.
Adding tools specified in other units. You may have chosen to
load only the inch tools the first time and you may now want to
add the metric tooling.
To perform these tasks:
1 Exit FeatureCAM if it is open.
2 Run INITDB from the FeatureCAM group in the Start menu.
3 Select the units of tools you want to add. FeatureCAM does not
alter any items that you changed or delete any items that you
added.
4 Click OK.
5 If you added tooling of both units, you prompted to select which
unit you use most often to model parts.
Recreating tooling and feed/speed databases if they
become corrupt
If your tooling or feed/speed database becomes corrupt, you can
recreate the databases using the INITDB program.
1926 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
This procedure erases any changes you have made to existing
tools or feed/speed tables and deletes any custom tooling or
new feed/speed tables that you have created. Contact your
FeatureCAM support person before performing this task.
To remove your database and recreate it:
1 Exit FeatureCAM if you are running it.
2 Run Windows Explorer.
3 Open the directory in which you installed FeatureCAM.
4 Open the database directory.
5 Click in the right-hand contents window.
6 Click Select All from the Edit menu.
7 Press the Delete key on the keyboard.
8 In Windows, select Start > All Programs > FeatureCAM > INITDB.
9 Select the units of tools you want to add. FeatureCAM does not
alter any items that you changed or delete any items that you
added.
10 Click OK.
11 If you added tooling of both units, you are asked which unit you
use most often to model parts.
Cutting data by tool
You can associate cutting data with individual tools in the tool
database at two levels:
On the Overrides tab of the Tool Properties dialog. You can set
cutting data for the tool for all materials and operations.
On the Feed/Speeds tab of the Tool Properties dialog. You can set
cutting conditions by material, operation, and cut type. These
override any settings on the Overrides tab.
You can override these settings at feature operation level.
Tool overrides for all materials and operations
The new parameters on the Overrides tab of the Tool Properties
dialog are Depth of cut (Z-step increment), Stepover distance, and
Ramp angle.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1927
Enter values to use with the current tool for all materials, except
those overridden on the Feed/Speed tab, for example:
Tool overrides by material, operation, and cut type
As well as the previously available Speed and Feed settings, you can
set Depth (of cut) and Stepover by Material, operation (Rough and
Finish) and type of cut (Profile, Slot, Face, and Plunge Mill).
To do this, select the Feed/Speed tab of the Tool Properties dialog
and click the Create new item
button:
The Tool Specific Feeds and Speeds dialog is displayed.
1928 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Select the Material name from the list and enter any Depth and
Stepover overrides by operation and type of cut, for example:
Click OK. The material is listed on the Feed/Speed tab:
These material-based settings take priority over any on the global
Overrides tab.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1929
Post Options
The Post Options dialog controls the type of CNC machine that
FeatureCAM targets for NC output.
The dialog contains some auxiliary parameters used in post
processing.
You can open the Post Options dialog in one of these ways:
Select the Customize Mfg.
step from the steps panel and
select Configure post processor by clicking the Post Process
Options
icon.
Select Manufacturing > Post Process from the menu.
Click the name of the current CNC in the Status (see page 37)
bar.
In the Post Options dialog, select the tab you want from:
Milling (see page 1931)
Turning or Turn/Mill (see page 1937)
Wire EDM (see page 1942)
1930 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Milling
CNC File This is the file name and location for the type of
machine. The file is either one that comes as standard with
FeatureCAM or one that you created with the XBUILD program. Click
Browse to select your CNC file from the list of available files. Browse
presents a list of files on disk. You may put your files anywhere on
disk, but look in the Posts subdirectory of the FeatureCAM directory
to find the CNC files that come as standard with FeatureCAM.
For example, if you installed FeatureCAM in C:\FeatureCAM, the
pre-defined CNC files are in the following directory:
C:\FeatureCAM\Posts\Mill
See a description of some of the most-used CNC files for milling
(see page 1933).
You can also use the Delcam post processor files *.pmopt and
*.pmoptz with XBUILD.
Some XBUILD reserved words have no equivalent in PMOPT.
However these are available as PMOPT user-defined parameters:
XBUILD
reserved word
PMOPT
user-defined
parameter
<P1>
udp_P1
<P2>
udp_P2
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1931
<P100>
udp_P100
<FIXTURE>
udp_FIXTURE
Some PMOPT capabilities are not supported by XBUILD. For
example, XBUILD supports much wider variety of NC output
for 2-axis milling than is currently unavailable in
PMOPT. So if you choose PMOPT you lose such control of
your NC code. PMOPT files do not support Turning and Wire
EDM.
Select the file name and click Open to use a file.
Edit This opens the post processor, XBUILD, for the current CNC
file.
Defaults Click this button to return all the Post Options attributes
to their default values.
Min Arc This defines the limit for any arc whose radius is
transferred to the CNC machine as a line. Arcs greater than this
limit are sent as arcs.
Max Arc This defines the maximum arc radius. Arcs greater than
this limit are translated into lines.
Block Start This sets the starting line number for your CNC
programs.
Block Increment This sets the increment between line numbers in
your CNC programs.
Disable Macros This turns off macro generation for the NC code.
This option is not available for all posts. Refer to Hole macros (see
page 728) for more information about setting up macros.
Enable Cut Comp This enables output of cutter compensation NC
code.
1932 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Force segment start for each operation Enable this option to force a
Segment Start format for each operation. You can also set this option
to ON or OFF in XBUILD in the General Information dialog.
If you have set this option in XBUILD, the Post Options dialog in
FeatureCAM displays a message, either Force segment start for each
operation is set to on in the current post or Force segment start is set to
off in the current post.
You must close and reopen the Post Options dialog to see
any changes.
Non-Modal Decel. override This is an optional setting for the
G-code for overriding the automatic deceleration of a control.
Tool Change Location This is the point where the tip of the tool
moves to prior to a tool change.
OK Click the OK button to save your settings and close the
dialog.
Cancel Click the Cancel button to close the dialog without saving
any changes.
Milling Post Processors
Post
Description
INMTCI/
M
Interact Manual Tool Change (Inch/Metric).
Bridgeport Machines with Heidenhain
150,151,155 controls.
INATCI/
M
Interact Automatic Tool Change (Inch/Metric).
Bridgeport Machines with Heidenhain
150,151,155 controls.
TN145I/
M
Heidenhain TNC 145 (Inch/Metric). Bridgeport
machines using the TNC 131,135,145
controls.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1933
BP320I/
M
Bridgeport 320 Machining Center
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport 320 series
horizontal machining centers with Fanuc
6M/11M controls.
BP380I/
M
Bridgeport 380 Machining Center
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport 380 series
horizontal machining centers with Fanuc
6M/11M controls.
BP520I/
M
Bridgeport 520 Machining Center
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport 520 series vertical
machining centers with Fanuc 11M controls.
R2G4I/
M
Bridgeport Series II Mill (Inch/Metric).
Bridgeport Series II vertical knee mills with
Fanuc G4 controls.
BOSS3I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 3
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport machines with
BOSS3 control software.
BOSS4I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 4
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport machines with
BOSS4 control software.
BOSS6I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 6
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport machines with
BOSS6 control software.
BOSS7I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 7
(Inch/Metric).Bridgeport machines with
BOSS7 control software.
BOSS8I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 8
(Inch/Metric).Bridgeport machines with
BOSS8 control software.
BOSS9I/
M
Bridgeport Operating Software Systems 9
(Inch/Metric). Bridgeport machines with
BOSS9 control software.
BPSER2
Bridgeport Series II NC (Inch). Series II
incremental controls.
BTC2I/M
Bridgeport BTC II (Inch/Metric). BTC II
controls.
ABS7DI/
M
Allen Bradley S7D3 (Inch/Metric). Bridgeport
Series II CNC S7D3 (Manual tool change)
with an Allen Bradley 8200 control.
1934 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
AB845I/
M
Allen Bradley 7-845 (Inch/Metric). Bridgeport
Series II BMC 7-845 (Automatic tool change)
with an Allen Bradley 8200 control.
GES7DI/
M
General Electric S7D3 (Inch/Metric).
Bridgeport Series II CNC S7D3 (Manual tool
change) with a General Electric Mark Century
2000 control.
GE845I/
M
General Electric 7-845 (Inch/Metric).
Bridgeport Series II BMC 7-845 (Automatic
tool change) with a General Electric Mark
Century 2000 control.
OKUMA5
Okuma OSP5000 (Inch). General post for
Okuma vertical mills using the OSP5000
control.
OK5MGI
Okuma OSP5000 (Inch). General post for
Okuma vertical mills using the OSP5000
control.
FANU6M
Fanuc 6M (Inch). General post for mills using
the Fanuc 6M control.
CINACR
Cincinnati Acramatic CNC-MC 2200B (Inch).
General post for Cincinnati Milacron mills
using the Acramatic CNC-MC 2200B control.
This post is setup for vector type cutter
compensation.
ACLOC
Acraloc CNC (Inch). General post for Acraloc
mills.
MAZAK
Mazak CNC (Inch). General post for Mazak
mills.
BANDIT
Bandit CNC (Inch). General post for mills
using the Bandit control.
SYS10
Bendix system 10 (Inch). General post for
mills using the Bendix system 10 or 20
controls.
MAHO60
Maho Model 600 (Inch). This post is
specifically designed for the Maho Model 600
horizontal machine center with the Phillips
CNC 432 Control. It will support the model
500 with a minimal amount of changes to the
output.
ANILAM
Anilam (Inch). General post designed for mills
using the Anilam control.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1935
EZTRAK
Bridgeport EZ-Trak (Inch)
FADALI
Fadal Controls (Inch) Compatible with all
Fadal Machines.
BOSS15
I V2XT
KNEE
MILL
(INCH)
Bridgeport BOSS 15 (SX) based control. This
post generates M26 for tool changes & M22
for program rewind.
DSC300
I
Discovery 300 (Inch) Bridgeport BOSS 15(SX)
based control. This post generates M6 for tool
changes & M22 for program rewind.
DSC308
I
Discovery 308 (Inch) Bridgeport BOSS 15(SX)
based control. This post generates M6 for tool
changes & M22 for program rewind.
HD2500
MI
Heidenhain 2500 Manual Tool Change (Inch)
Interact I Mark II knee mills with Heidenhain
2500 control. This post uses tool change
positions and M25 code to change tools.
HD2500
AI
Heidenhain 2500 Automatic Tool Change
(Inch) General post for machining centers
with Heidenhain 2500 control. This post does
not use tool change positions and uses M6 to
change tools.
INT300I
Heidenhain 2500 (Inch) Interact 300
Machining Center with Heidenhain 2500
control.
INT308I
Heidenhain 2500 (Inch) Interact 308
Machining Center with Heidenhain 2500
control.
INTGI
Heidenhain G-Code (Inch)
OM550I
Bridgeport 550 Machining Center (Inch).
Bridgeport 550 series horizontal machining
centers with Fanuc -0-M controls.
FAN0M
Fanuc -0- M General post designed for mills
using the Fanuc 0 M control.
PTRAKM
X3
Proto Trak MX3 This post will generate 3 axis
G-Code format programs.
850SXM
Cincinnati Avenger 850 Machining Center
1936 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
DI308I4
X
Discovery 308 with DX-32 Control & Rotary
Axis This post will support G97 origin
translation without turning on indexing or
wrapping. It also supports indexing and
wrapping in both milling and drilling cycles.
BOSSSX
This post for the BOSS SX15 controls
supports a pneumatic indexer using an M51
code. Wrapping is not supported.
INMTCI
4X
This post supports the rotary axis on
Heidenhain 150, 151, and 155 controls.
Indexing and wrapping are supported.
EZTRAK
SX
Bridgeport EZ-Trak 2 or 3 AXIS
conversational post; no cut comp.
TORQCU
TI
Bridgeport TORQ CUT 22 CNC uses 4th axis
and MCSID
Turning or Turn/Mill
Post Options in the Manufacturing menu controls the type of CNC
machine that FeatureCAM targets for NC output.
The dialog contains some auxiliary parameters used in post
processing.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1937
CNC file is the file name for the type of machine. The file is either
one that comes standard with FeatureCAM or one that you created
with the XBUILD program. Click Browse to select your CNC file from
the list of available files. Browse presents a list of files on disk. You
may put your files anywhere on disk, but look in the Posts\Turn
folder to find the CNC files that come standard with FeatureCAM.
For example, if you installed FeatureCAM in "C:\FeatureCAM", the
pre-defined CNC files are in the following directory:
C:\FeatureCAM\Posts\Turn
Select the file name and click OK to select a CNC file.
See a description of some of the most-used CNC files for turn (see
page 1939).
Defaults returns all the Post Options to their default values.
Max. speed is the maximum spindle speed of your machine.
Min. Arc defines the limit for any arc whose radius is transferred to
the CNC machine as a line. Arcs greater than this limit are sent as
arcs.
Block Start sets the starting line number for your CNC programs.
Block Increment sets the increment between line numbers in your
CNC programs.
A number of system features are enabled at the bottom of the
dialogs. These settings allow these options to be individually set on
features. Note that these settings must be set on the feature to be
activated. By turning off these settings, the options is turned off
system-wide. These options include:
Enable Tool Nose Radius Comp
Enable this option to ignore the tool radius when generating passes
for Turn, Bore, and Face features. The actual part geometry is
output as the toolpath. It is assumed that the tool radius
compensation will be performed by the operator at the machine tool
when this option is enabled.
Select whether you want TNR comp for Rough, Semi-Finish, and
Finish operations. Enter the Lead-in angle, Lead-out angle, and Lead
distance parameters for TNR comp.
Turn feature example
Lead-in
angle
Lead-out
angle
Lead
distance
1938 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
If you select TNR comp on the Strategy tab, the related attributes
Lead distance, Lead-in angle, and Lead-out angle become available on
the Turning (see page 1501) tab (for a rough pass) or the Leads
(see page 1496) tab (for a finish pass).
You can set the default value of this attribute for the current
document in the Machining Attributes (see page 1667) dialog.
See the Turn/Bore (see page 1764) tab.
Disable Macros This turns off macro generation for the NC code.
This option is not available for all posts. Refer to Hole macros (see
page 728) for more information about setting up macros.
Enable Hole Canned Cycle activates canned cycles for drilling. This is
a global setting and cannot be set on individual hole features. Note
the post processor must support canned cycles.
Enable Groove canned cycle activates canned cycles for grooving.
This is a global setting and cannot be set on individual groove
features. Note the post processor must support canned cycles.
Enable Part catcher
If enabled, the part catcher code is output after the Cutoff
operation. The code for activating the parts catcher must be listed
in your .cnc file.
Enable Turn Canned Cycle activates canned cycles for turning and
boring. It must also be turned on for individual features. See Use
canned cycle for more information.
Tool Change Location Enter the point where the tip of the tool
moves to before a tool change. This location is absolute.
Turning Post Processors
Post
Description
850SXT
Cincinnati 850 Talon Lathe
850TC
Acramatic 850TC control. Inch format, OP
STOP after tool changes, BLOCK DELETE
(SKIP) at sync blocks. Turn off BLOCK
DELETE to access sync block when restarting
at other than start of program. Uses TOOL
CHANGE location as positioning move in sync
blocks.
ANILAM
T
Anilam Lathe
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1939
FAN0TC
Fanuc 0TC controller. Inch format. Supports
multiple repetitive cycles (G70/G71) and
threading canned cycles (G76).
FAN6TI/
M
Fanuc6T Control (Inch/Metric). General post
for Lathes using the Fanuc6T control. The
post is designed for computed threading and
drilling cycle output, with canned grooving
cycle output.
FANUC1
1T
Fanuc 11T Lathe
FANUC3
T
Fanuc 3T Lathe. This post is for a Fanuc 3TD
control on a Mori Seiki SL - 1. G50's are used
on every tool and after completion of the
segment it is returned to the Home position
by a G28 on the X axis first followed by the Z
axis. X axis output is negative for all values
since all cutting is done on backside of part.
G10_CY
C
G10 Romi lathe with Fanuc 21i control.
Supports Fanuc Canned Cycles: G83 Drilling,
G84 Taping G70 Finishing Cycle, G71/72
Roughing Cycles, G76 Threading Cycle.
G30_CY
C
G20 & G30 Romi lathes with Fanuc 21i
control. Supports Fanuc Canned Cycles: G83
Drilling, G84 Taping G70 Finishing Cycle,
G71/72 Roughing Cycles, G76 Threading
Cycle.
GE1050
General Electric 1050T Control. This is a
general post designed for lathes using the
General Electric 1050T control.
HARD6T
Hardinge Fanuc6T Control (Inch). General
post for Hardinge Lathes using the Fanuc6T
control. Instead of using G0 for rapid
movements it uses feed rates of 200 inches
per minute. The post is designed for
computed threading, with canned drilling and
grooving cycle output.
JLAB73
Jones & Lamson Allen Bradley 7365 Control.
Jones & Lamson TNC lathes with the Allen
Bradley 7365 control.
MAZAK
2TI
Mazak lathe with radius output. Computed
thread and groove. G41 left compensation.
G42 right compensation.
1940 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
MAZAK
TI
Mazak lathe with diameter output. Computed
drilling and canned thread and groove. G42
left compensation. G41 right compensation.
MORSE
K
Moriseki (Inch). General post for Moriseki
lathes. The post is designed for computed
drilling, threading and grooving output.
MSL200
Moriseki SL200 Lathe. Inch format
NC-RUN
This is a special post created just for NC-RUN
verification, it is based on the okuma
OSP5000 control.
NEW6T
New Hardinge Fanuc6T Control (Inch). This is
a modified version of the HARD6T post for
Hardinge, It uses G0 for all rapid
movements. The post is designed for
computed threading, drilling and grooving
cycle output.
OK500I
/M
Okuma OSP5000 Control (Inch/Metric).
General post for Okuma lathes using the
OSP5000 control. The post is designed for
canned cycle drilling, threading and grooving
output.
OKLC3I
/M
Okuma LC30 Lathe OSP3000
Control(Inch/Metric). General post for Okuma
lathes using the OSP3000 control. The post is
designed for canned cycle drilling, threading
and grooving output.
PATH
*Bridgeport EZ-Path Lathe (without CSS).
This post generates native conversational
format programs.
PATH_C
YC
Bridgeport EZ-Path Lathe (without CSS) with
canned cycles. Conversational format
programs. Supported Canned Cycles:
ROUGH, PROFIL, GROOVE, THREAD, and
DRILL.
PATHG
Bridgeport EZ-Path Lathe (without CSS). This
post generates G-Code format programs.
PATHS
*Bridgeport EZ-Path S Lathe (with CSS). This
post generates native conversational format
programs.
PATHSG
Bridgeport EZ-Path S Lathe (with CSS). This
post generates G-Code format programs.
(with CSS)
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1941
PP15_C
YC
Bridgeport PowerPath 15 Lathe with canned
cycles. Supported Canned Cycles: ROUGH,
PROFIL, GROOVE, THREAD, and DRILL.
PPATH
*Bridgeport Power-Path-15 Lathe. This post
generates native conversational format
programs.
PPATHG
Bridgeport Power-Path-15 Lathe. This post
generates G-Code format programs.
PTHS_C
YC
Bridgeport EZPath S Lathe (with CSS) with
canned cycles. Supported Canned Cycles:
ROUGH, PROFIL, GROOVE, THREAD, and
DRILL. (with CSS)
ROMI35
I
Romi Lathe. This post is designed for the
Romi
SBLI
South Bend Lathe (Inch) This post is
designed for the Magna Turn Slant Bed
CNC2000 lathe.
For Plain Language Dialog Post (P1 = Tool I.D.)
Wire EDM
Block Start This sets the starting line number for your CNC
programs.
Block Increment This sets the increment between line numbers in
your CNC programs.
1942 Customize Manufacturing
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Block Maximum This is the maximum block number for the CNC
program.
Reorder cut comp moves for old Agie controls Select this option if
you are posting to a machine with a control from Agie. If selected,
the lines of NC code that correspond to cutter compensation are
output in a different order.
Skip moves that travel less than n % of wire diameter This prevents
moves that are too small from being sent to the EDM control. If a
move is too small, it is not output. As soon as the program
advances the wire to a point that is more than this threshold, then a
move is output directly to that position.
In this example, if move
is too short, it is not output. If the
distance from the end of move
to the end of move
is long
enough, move
is inserted between moves
and
.
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Customize Manufacturing 1943
Index
#
# of tools 245, 280
.
.md file protection 259
.prn files 82
<
3D milling attributes 1742
3D milling feature attributes 1128
3D Milling tab 1241
3D operations 1128
3D pocket 1143
3D product differences 3
3D RapidCut simulation 1597, 1605,
1620
3D simulation 1597, 1618, 1620
3D spiral finish 1101, 1190
3D Strategy tab 1136
3Dconnexion 58
<SUBFIXTURE> 1053
4-axis
4-axis Die feature (Wire) 952
4-axis match curve 699
4-axis Punch feature (Wire) 953
4-axis Side feature (Wire) 954
4th axis indexing
4th axis indexing - How the clearance
plane is calculated 325
4th axis indexing - Specifying the tool
change position 324
4th axis indexing with a single setup Positioning features 322
4th axis indexing with multiple setups
320
2.5D 2
Milling features 720
Roughing toolpaths overview 803
2D chamfer 369, 1132
2D simulation 1597
3
32-bit files 92
3axFerarriMachine Notcomplete.md
262
3D 2
3D Attributes 1128
3D boss 1143
3D cutter comp 1140
3D leads/step tab 1425
3D Lite 2, 1128, 1131, 1136, 1138,
1140, 1142, 1196, 1204, 1239, 1241,
1243, 1259, 1267, 1274, 1282
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
5
5 axis engraving 840
5AP 2
5-axis positioning 338
Index 1945
Using a single coordinate system
345
Using fixture offsets 347
5-Axis tab 1216
6
64-bit files 92
A
A and 45 degree angled B tilting head
figure 338
A difference B (SOLID) 562
A intersection B (SOLID) 562
A table B tilting head figure 338
A union B 562
Accelerated feature creation 615
Accelerators 39
ACIS files 125, 137
ACL code 1638
Across curves 1142, 1170
Across option 1185
Active setups (TOMB) 222
Add 204, 541
Add a new material 1922
Add a new tool grade for turning
operations 1923
Add button to toolbar 32
Add default tools and feed/speed
tables to the database 1927
Add new operation 1136
Add objects from the part library to a
document 1586
Add part (TOMB) 220
Add perpendicular remachining pass
1142, 1151
Add stock model 348
Add surface curve 525
Add to all (TOMB) 220
Add tool location 245, 262, 280
Add tools to a tool crib 1903
Add-ins 148, 149, 150, 176
Additional trimming restrictions 507
Adjust to tool geometry (undercuts)
1502, 1527
Advanced part boundary options 1199
Advanced toolbar 17
AFR 582
1946 Index
Air blast 942
Align (UCS) wizard 103
Align to revolved surface 104
Alignments for interrogation 377
All Stepover 1065, 1713
Allowance 1204
Along curves 1142, 1170
Along option 1185
Always
Always save (toolpath) 92
Always save as 32-bit 92
Always show 380
Always unshow 380
Always update 71
Always use this one 225, 262
Ambient 54
Angle 373
Angle end 1310
Angle line 361
Angle start 1310
Approach outside 1431
Approach RPM 1591
Approach speed (TURN) 1489
Approximate linear moves 1101
Arbor tip length (tooling) 1846
Arc 1065, 1570
Arc fitting 1101
Arc from center, radius, begin, and
end points 372
Arc from three points 370
Arc from two points and center 371
Arc from two points and radius 371
Arc Lead 1065, 1713
Arc/line approx. 1101
Arcline fitting tolerance 1101
Arcs 370, 371, 1065, 1101, 1570, 1597
From 2 points and radius 371
From 3 points 370
From center
radius
begin and end points 372
From center begin and end points
371
Area removal (3D HSM) 1143, 1157
As add (SOLID) 541
As cut (SOLID) 541
As new base solid (SOLID) 541
As on setup 46
As on UCS 46
As on world 46
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ask before update (op list) 71
Ask me (saving toolpath) 92
asm files 125, 139
Assign keyboard shortcut 35
Assign shortcut 35
Assigning a macro to a custom toolbar
button 34
Assistance bar 7, 34
Attempt chamfer w/ spot 977, 1675
Attributes 972, 1668
Auto Path
Auto Path Cut Off Option
Contouring Cycle 714
Auto Path Retract Option
Contouring Cycle 708
Auto Path Stop Option 709
Auto round 1502, 1527, 1564, 1765
AutoCAD 131, 135
Export settings 135
Importing AutoCAD files 131
Mechanical Desktop Import 137
Simplifying 3D AutoCAD data for 2D
import 133
Solid Import 137
Automatic
Automatic boss recognition on solid
models 605
Automatic Feature Recognition 582
Automatic feature recognition error
598
Automatic flipping 1140
Automatic grid 380
Automatic options 1734
Automatic ordering 1634
Automatic pocket recognition on solid
models 606
Automatic side recognition on solid
models 608
Automatic synchronized turning
1643
Automatic tool selection 1756
Avoid sharp corners 406
Away from chuck 1449
Axial offset 1349, 1410
Axial tolerance 1349
Axis (stock) 293
Axis Length (TOMB) 217
Axis of rotation (TOMB) 217
Azimuth angle 1229
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
B
B and 45 Degree angled A tilting head
figure 338
B table and A tilting head figure 338
Back clearance 1723
Back to top 13
Back view 46
Backface lighting 54
Backfaces removed 54
Backups 92
Bad solid (SOLID) 536
Bad surfaces (SOLID) 537
Balanced turning 1643
Ball end (tooling) 1833
Bar Feed tab 1782
Barrel Cams 331
How to create a cylindrical cam 332
Base (SOLID) 534
Base priority 1140, 1733
BASIC IDE 150
BASIC script 279, 280, 286
B-axis
B-axis fixture location 1053
B-axis simultaneous example (TURN)
1494
B-axis support 285
B-axis tab 1493
Bi-directional cut 1016
Bi-directional rough 1016, 1684
Blend surface 527
Block Stock 292
Body diameter (tooling) 1832, 1848,
1853
Body length (tooling) 1853
Boolean (SOLID) 273, 562
Bore 977, 986
Bore cycle 1675
Bore FDF 986
Bore feature 928, 930
Bore FF 986
Bore FSR 986
Bore NoDrag 986
Boring bars for milling 1828
Boring tab (TURN) 1527
Boss recognition 604
Bottom radius 1058
Bottom semi-finish allowance 1077
Bottom up 1058, 1157
Bottom view 46
Index 1947
Boundaries for spiral toolpaths 837
Boundaries for techniques other than
spiral 1210
Boundaries tab 1204
Boundary Curve allowance 839
Box zoom 45
Breakpoints in op list tab 1631
Bridgeport 125
Browser 7, 13, 81
Bullet 1570
Button size 29, 34
C
C rotary A tilting figure 338
C rotary B tilting figure 338
Cables 1666
Cam Performance at high speeds 449
CAMplete 179
Cams 331, 447
Barrel 331
Edit Cam Segment 450
General tab 447
Roller tab 448
Segment tab 449
Canned cycle 977, 979, 1675
Canned cycle X clearance 1502
Canned cycle Z clearance 1502
Cap surface 533
Catia files 125, 138, 139
Center all 45
Center point 1310
Center selected 45
Centerline options 1613
Centerline overcut 1502
Centerline simulation 1597
Chain only on-screen geometries 406
Chaining 401
Chamfer 569, 1132
Chamfer depth 1077, 1723, 1733
Chamfer extend dist 1502, 1777
Chamfer extent distance (TURN)
1502, 1545
Chamfer mills 1829
Chamfer, 2D 369
Change Layer dialog 385
Change link to arc 524
Change link to line 524
Change point 523
Change selected menu option 66
1948 Index
Changing the active tool crib 1905
Check include or exclude 1574
Check surfaces 1131
Child solids 275
Chip Break 986, 1675
Chuck 275, 279, 286
Circle 363
From center and edge 364
From diameter 365
From radius and center 364
From two points and radius 366
Snapping to centers 377
Tangent to two entities 365
Through three points 366
Circular inside corner (WIRE) 1564
Circular text 454
Clamps 1622, 1623
Classic style 29
Classify slices 1142, 1143
Cleanup Pass (WIRE) 1549
Clear Starting Point 1621
Clear toolpath button (simulation) 1601
Clearances 273, 1502, 1527, 1540,
1545
Climb Mill 1016, 1684
Clip geometry 397
Closed areas only (3D HSM) 1143,
1157
Closed curve 402
Closed toolpaths 1077
cnc file 224, 228
Collate copies 82
Collisions 273, 1622
Colors 66, 67, 70, 272
Combine similar holes into canned cycle
1675
Combine solids 228, 273, 562
Combine with similar holes into canned
cycle 977, 979
Combo along and across 1185
Comparison of surface and solid
modeling 533
Comparison of surface surface
intersection and trim a surface with a
curve 521
Compensation
Compensation register 1567
Compensation value 1567
Completing the multiple fixture part 213
Compress file 92
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Condition dialog box 311
Configuration 208
Connect attribute 1065
Connect stepovers with arc 1016
Connected lines 360
Connection moves for cuts with closed
ends 1065
Construct solid (SOLID) 538
Contact Delcam 13
Contact point 1142, 1170
Context menus 7
Continuous spiral (3D LITE) 1143,
1157, 1182
Contour operation (WIRE) 1549
Contour Overlap 1549, 1791
Contouring - wire radius compensation
1560
Contouring Cycle 714
Contouring Cycle Cut Off Option Auto Path 714
Contouring Cycle Retract Option Auto Path 708
Contouring Cycle Stop Option - Auto
Path 709
Convert arcs to linear 1101
Coolant 1064, 1065, 1485, 1723, 1733
Coons 479, 480, 481
Coordinate systems 100
Copies 82
Copy solid (SOLID) 538
Core usage 38
Core/Cavity (SOLID) 572
Corner blend surface 527
Corner correction 1289
corner feedrate reduction 1730
Corner fillet 368
Counter bores 1830
Counter-bore hole 721
Counterdrill first 977, 1675
Counter-drill hole 721
Counter-drilled Tapped hole 721
Counter-sink hole 721
Countersink tab 1832
Creating
Creating a bore feature 929
Creating a chamfer feature 772
Creating a cutoff feature 914
Creating a face feature 761
Creating a form tool 1856
Creating a groove feature 783
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Creating a new part 86
Creating a new part while in
FeatureMILL 86
Creating a new setup 105
Creating a pattern of part library
objects 1586
Creating a pocket feature 787
Creating a rectangular pocket 740
Creating a round feature 794
Creating a side feature 799
Creating a single part library object
1586
Creating a solid (SOLID) 538
Creating a step bore feature 752
Creating a thread feature 905
Creating a tombstone machined part
216
Creating a turn feature 927
Creating a turned face feature 911
Creating a User Coordinate System
101
Creating a user defined feature (UDF)
945
Creating an STL file 1206
Creating multiple features 615
Creating shortcuts 35
Creating the fixture zero relative to
one of the faces of the tombstone
(TOMB) 219
Creating toolbar buttons for macros
33
Creo files 125
Cross section for Boss, Side, or Pocket
802
Cube (SOLID) 552
Curly Corner dialog 1077
Current UCS 262
Curvature 373
Curve 9, 400
Adjusting 182
Approximating with lines and arcs
419
Fineness 49
From curve 409
From function 439
From surfaces 425, 434
Join 409
Offset 414
Project to UCS 415
Splines 450
Index 1949
Start/End Point (WIRE) 1562
Start/reverse 411
Text 455
To geometry 463
Unwrap 421, 422
Wizard 407
Custom setup sheets add-in 180
Custom toolbar 29
Customize colors 66
Customize manufacturing 1667
Customizing toolbars 28, 36
Cut
Cut all operations on each curve first
(WIRE) 1556
Cut angle (WIRE) 1549
Cut data dialog box 1567
Cut direction 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1349, 1374, 1382, 1391, 1397, 1420
Cut from curves 541
Cut higher operations first 1634
Cut Off Option Auto Path Contouring Cycle 714
Cut selected surfaces 1196
Cut sides perpendicular to index axis
333
Cut the first pass on each curve first
(only for Cutoff) (WIRE) 1556
Cut to bottom 1196
Cut top edge 1196
Cut type 803, 1065
Cut type overview 803
Cut using Y-axis coordinates 944
Cut with parting surface 273
Cut with surface (SOLID) 560
Cutoff
Cutoff feature feeds and speeds 913
Cutoff feature finishing operation
915
Cutoff feature tool selection 915
Cutoff Leave Allowance (WIRE)
1556
Cutoff operation (WIRE) 1549
Cutoff tab 1545, 1781
Cutter compensation 1016, 1140,
1556, 1560, 1684, 1736
Cutter length 1107, 1826, 1828, 1830,
1833, 1839, 1843, 1848, 1853, 1854
Cutting Data tab (Wire) 1567, 1569
Cycle contouring 714
1950 Index
Cycle overview pocketing cycle 709
Cycle overview zig-zag cycle 711
Cycle tab 986
Cylinder example 494
Cylindrical Cams 331
D
Database tab 77
Date 1637
ddx files 125, 131
Deassign keyboard shortcut 35
Deburr (TURN) 1442, 1443
Deburr radius 1053, 1723
Decimal places dialog 399
Deep Hole 986, 1675
Default
Default attributes 1668
Default browser content 13
Default color list [FC] 68
Default colors 67
Default conical corner 697
Default feed/speed values for turning
1592
Default keyboard shortcuts 35
Default ramping for milled finish
passes 1077
Default tool 648, 1053
Default toolbars 29
Default values for inches and metric
1670
Define Custom Colors 66, 67, 70
Degouge tolerance 1349
Delcam Exchange 131
Delcam PowerSHAPE files 125, 131
Deleting
Deleting faces 576
Deleting features 1572
Deleting keyboard shortcuts 35
Deleting solids (SOLID) 536
Deleting surface curves 525
Deleting tool locations 257
Deleting toolpaths 1601
Depth 1107, 1694, 1773
Depth column 1629
Depth cue 54
Depth first 1016
Depth of cut 1053, 1107, 1527, 1694
Depth-first machining 1684
Derive surface from feature 495
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Details tab 1628, 1636
Detect material thicker than (3D LITE)
1148
Detecting gouges 1621
Detection angle 1185, 1188
Diameter 373, 1107, 1826, 1828, 1830,
1833, 1835, 1839, 1843, 1846, 1848,
1850, 1854
Die feature (Wire) 947
Difference (SOLID) 562
Diffuse lighting 54
Dimension dialog bar 374
Dimension text size 49
Dimensions 373, 1131
Angle dimension 373
Annotation 373
Dialog bar 374
Diameter dimension 373
Dimensions tab (feature properties)
306, 993, 1131, 1435
Horizontal 373
Label 373
Linear 373
Radius dimension 373
Stock 292
Vertical 373
Direct 1065, 1570
Direction button (3D Lite) 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391, 1397
Disconnected design feature (SOLID)
535
Display
Display a single Z level 1632
Display Assistance Bar 34
Display grid 380
Display properties 258
Display settings 49
Curve Fineness 49
Depth Cueing 49
Surface Fineness 49
Toolpath Update 49
Display shortcuts list 35
Display snap mode dialog 379
Display Status Bar 34
Display the profile of a tool 1910
Display toolbars 29
Display toolbox 34
Distance between cuts 1065
Dither 54
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Do feed reduction 1782
Do finish cuts last 1634
Dogleg rapid moves 285
Don't ask at tool path simulation 1733
Don't roll over edge 1196
Double-click depth 406
Draft angle 819, 1058
Draft face 580
Draft flat scallop height 1077
Draft radius scallop height 1077
Drill 977, 986
Drill cycle 986, 1675
Drill depth 988
Drill diameter 1431, 1850
Drill large counterdrill first 977, 1675
Drill only 974, 1675
Drill selection for tapped holes 731
Drill/Mill 977, 1675
Drilling feature attributes 974
Drilling tab 1675, 1762
Dual view 1618, 1619
Dwell 1502, 1545, 1675, 1777, 1781
dwf files 131
dwg files 125, 131
DX DY 374
dxf files 145
Dynamic tab 51
Dynamic viewing choice upon
FeatureCAM start-up 49
E
Edge 532, 1742
Edge chamfer (solid) 569
Edge performance 1202
Edge tolerance 1199, 1318
Edges tab 1196
Edit
Clip 396
Edit cam segment 450
Edit colors 66
Edit tools 396
Infinite 396
Trim/extend 396
Editing a multiple fixture design 213
Editing drawings 391
Editing solids (SOLID) 538
Effective diameter (tooling) 1835
Eject button (simulation) 1601
Elevation angle 1229
Index 1951
Ellipse curve 457
Email Delcam 13
Enable 3D cutter comp 1140
End
End Clearance 1540, 1773
End curve 1142
End points 377, 1502, 1527, 1540,
1545
Endmill tools 1833
Endpoint tolerance 406
Engage Angle 1502, 1527, 1765
Engraving 840
Entities dialog 48
Equal depth of cut 1053, 1107, 1694
Equations 386, 391
Erase toolpath 1601
Error (SOLID) 535
Estimated horsepower 1637
Evaluating other FeatureCAM
components 3
Even sections 377
Exact depth of cut 1053, 1694
Examples 13
Excel document 1905
Exchange 131
Exclude features 9
Exclude steps 1574
Existing UCS 241, 245, 249, 262, 280
Exit geometry 358
Exiting a geometry mode 358
Expand area by (3D LITE) 1148
Explode solid 228, 578
Export 127
Exposed length (tooling) 1826, 1828,
1829, 1830, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1839,
1841, 1843, 1844, 1846, 1848, 1850,
1853, 1854
Extcut (SOLID) 534
Extend example 502
Extend geometry 397
Extend surface 501
Extension dist 1065, 1713
Extract font curve 416
Extract with FeatureRECOGNITION
615
Extracting geometry from solid models
of turned parts 437
Extrude 468, 554
ezfm.ini 96
ezfm_mfg.ini 59, 96
1952 Index
ezfm_ui.ini 59, 96
EZ-UTILS 1665
F
F/S tab 1064, 1065
Face dimensions 616
Face mills 1835
Face recognition 609
Facing attributes 1077
Facing tab 1757
Fan at ends 1349
FDF 986
Feature 9
Feature and operation editing 1635
Feature attributes (WIRE) 1549
Feature column 1629
Feature default tool 648
Feature feed/speed 651, 689
Feature from curve 615
Feature from dimensions 615
Feature from feature 615
Feature from surface 615
Feature location 658
Feature operations 648
Feature parameters and attributes
972
Feature recognition 582
Feature recognition - surface selection
598
Feature recognition examples 584
Feature recognition surface
requirements 590
Feature recognition methods 587
Feature simulation 1603
Feature step 614
Feature summary 651
Feature to surface example 496
Feature tool search 1061
Feature tool usage 690
Feature wizard 614
Fineness 49
Feature Properties (WIRE) 1549
Feature/geometry edit bar 7
FeatureCAM file types 94
FeatureCAM interface 7
FeatureCAM options 65
FeatureCAM Product Family 2
FeatureCAM to CAMPlete 179
FeatureCAM to Vericut add-n 166
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
FeatureCAM website 13
FeatureCAMToNCSIMUL 176
Feature-level attributes 972
Feature-level tabs 974, 991, 1128
Features appropriate for turn/mill 944
FeatureWIRE feature types 946
Feed 1064, 1567, 1607, 1723
Feed column 1629
Feed from start 1527
Feed optimization 1626, 1652, 1653
Feed override % 1053, 1140
Feed rates for millturn features 1590
Feed unit 1723
Feed/Speed tab (tooling) 1107
Feedrate optimization example 1655
Feeds and speeds 1064, 1065, 1589,
1637, 1927
FF bore cycle 986
File Options dialog 73
Fillet
2D chamfer 369
Corner 368
Fillet and Chamfer Limit dialog 182
Fillet radius (TURN) 1442, 1443
Fillet restrictions 515
From 3 points 369
From two points 368
Surface 512
Filter linear moves 1101
Fineness 49, 258
Finish 1016, 1741
Finish allowance 1077, 1243, 1259,
1374, 1549, 1742
Finish bottom 615, 1016
Finish depth of cut 1107
Finish geometry 358
Finish overlap 1077
Finish pass 1757
Finish pass allowance (TURN) 1502
Finish pass Z increment 1077, 1107
Finish Passes 1077, 1502
Finish turn 1773
Finish walls 1048
Finishing attributes 1077
Finishing features 1741
Finite lines 359, 360, 398
First plunge feed % 1723
Five axis machine types 338
Fixed-width font 1645
Fixing solids (SOLID) 537
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Fixture and clamp collision detection
1622
Fixture collision detection 1622
Fixture ID (TOMB) 218, 219
Fixture Location wizard (TOMB) 218,
219
Fixture Offset Locations dialog (TOMB)
218, 219
Fixture Zero Location (TOMB) 219
Fixtures 1622
Flat 494
Flat diameter (tooling) 1832
Flat example 495
Flat surface 494
Flat surface support 1243
Flat-end mill 1058
Flowline 860
Flutes (tooling) 1830, 1832, 1833,
1843, 1850, 1853
fm file 224, 228
Follow distance 1643
Follow surface laterals (3D MX) 1177
Follow turning 1643
Font 1645
Font curve 416
For OD mounted tools 245
For turning turrets 245, 280
Form Tools 1856
Formula for tool move 1735
Forum 13
Fourth axis rotation 319
From feature (SOLID) 553
From line 1216
Front view 46
FSR 986
Full machine simulation 224
Function curve 439
Functions 389, 439
G
G0 1597
G1 1597
G2 1597
G28 257
G3 1597
G53 Z0 before indexing 257
G74 986
G76 986
G81 986
Index 1953
G82 986
G83 986
G84 986
G85 986
G86 986
G87 986
G88 986
G89 986
G98 1629, 1678
G99 1629
Gear curve 460
Gears 460
General simulation options 1607
General viewing options 49
Generate Single Program with program
stop between each setup 312, 313
Generating toolpaths 1600
Generic Z tool 280
geo files 125
Geometry 355
Geometry Constructors dialog 357
Geometry edit bar 7
Geometry from curve 463
Getting Started Guide 4
Gimbal head figure 338
Glass style 29
Go to start 1733
Gouge 228
Gouge check (3D MX) 1177
Gouge detection 1621
Graphics window 7
Grid 378
Grid display 380
Grid points 377
Grid resizes to match 380
Grooving tab 1777
Groups 9, 615, 961
Groups of features 959
GUI 7
H
Hardness (stock) 294
Hardness units 294
Head 275
Helical (3D) 1425, 1431
Helical ramping 1077, 1425, 1431,
1723, 1736
Helical side finish 1077
Helix linear approx tol 1077
1954 Index
Hide flyout 44
Hide grid 380
Hide menu 44
Hide Status Bar 34
Hide toolbar 29
Hide toolbox 34
Hierarchy 275
Holder tab 1876
Hole attribute table 735
Hole dimensions 616
Hole features 721
Hole figures 721
Hole macros 729
Hole recognition 599
Hole recognition on imported parts 141
Honeycomb pattern 1142, 1180
Horizontal + vertical strategy 865
Horizontal distance 373
Horizontal line 361
Horizontal milling machine 54
Horizontal only 1214, 1742
Horizontal Tombstone Machining 215
Horsepower 1077, 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1349, 1374, 1382, 1397, 1626
Hot keys 35
How
How a barfeed/barpull is performed
916
How a bore feature is manufactured
919
How a cutoff feature is manufactured
913
How a thread feature is manufactured
905
How a turn feature is manufactured
920
How a turned face feature is
manufactured 910
How a turned groove feature is
manufactured 894
How chamfers are machined? 768
How do setups relate to UCSs? 116
How feedrates are scaled 1591
How holes are manufactured 730
How is a face groove machined?
776
How is a round machined? 790
How is a simple face groove
machined? 778
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
How rectangular pockets are
manufactured 743
How sides are manufactured 796
How slots are manufactured 747
How step bores are manufactured
750
How to chain lines and arcs into
curves 401
How to change the start point of a
curve 412
How to change User Coordinate
systems 102
How to create a 3D boss from font
curves 840
How to create a barfeed feature 917
How to create a barpull feature 918
How to create a fillet surface 514
How to create a NC program using
4th axis wrapping 327
How to create a pencil mill operation
864
How to create a remachining
operation 878
How to create a sub-spindle feature
934
How to create a surface from a curve
mesh 483
How to create a User Coordinate
System 101
How to create a Z level roughing
operation 846
How to create an indexed program
318
How to create an intersection curve
428
How to create blend surfaces 529
How to create linear text 452
How to create text along a circle 454
How to create text along a curve
455
How to delete a tool crib 1910
How to export feed/speed tables
1924
How to export tooling 1906
How to extract curves from 3D data
432
How to import feed/speed tables
1924
How to import tooling 1904
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
How to modify a User Coordinate
System 102
How to put two tools in the same tool
slot 1664
How to recognize all holes in a setup
600
How to recognize drafted features
594
How to recognize features from
surfaces 587
How to recognize features from
surfaces using curve chaining 589
How to recognize pockets and bosses
from top or bottom surfaces 590
How to recognize pockets
automatically from solids 607
How to reverse a curve 411
How to trim surfaces against other
surfaces 519
How to untrim a surface 508
How to use an insert drill to drill and
bore in the same program 1664
html files 13
HyperTerminal 1665
I
iam files 125, 139
IDE 150
iges files 125, 133, 135, 136, 146
Import 125
Import formats 127
Import Results dialog 128
Import Using Exchange 131
Import wizard 128
Import/Export 118
Import/Export Options 118
Imported solid models (SOLID) 534
Importing 125
ACIS 137
AutoCAD 131
Autodesk Inventor files 125, 139
Catia 138, 139
Delcam PowerSHAPE files 131
Dimensions from DXF and DWG files
131
DMT files 141
dwg and dxf files 131
iges files 133
Mechanical Desktop 131
Index 1955
NX (Unigraphics) files 140
Parasolid 136
Pro/E files 139
SolidEdge 136, 140
SolidWorks 136, 137
Solidworks assemblies 138
STEP files 140
STL files 141
Tools 1904
Unigraphics 136
In to out 1182
Inches per minute 1064, 1723
Inches per revolution 1064, 1723
Inches per tooth (feed) 1064, 1723
Include features 9, 1574
Include steps 1574
Increase feed for intermediate steps (3D
LITE) 1148
Increment the fixture ID for each
orientation (TOMB) 218, 219
Index axis UCS 312
Index X coordinate (5AP) 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1327, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391,
1397, 1403, 1410
Index Y coordinate (5AP) 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1327, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391,
1397, 1403, 1410
Index Z coordinate (5AP) 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1327, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391,
1397, 1403, 1410
Indexing 316
Individual blocks 210
Individual levels 1016, 1043
Individual rough levels 1684
Infeed angle 1540, 1773
Infeed angle (TURN) 1540
Infinite and finite lines 398
Infinite geometry 398
Infinite lines 361, 398
ini files 59, 96
Initial orientation 313
Initial viewing mode 49
Initializing FeatureCAM databases
1594
Inner diameter (tooling) 1829, 1844
Insert length (tooling) 1839
Insert shape (TURN) 1482
1956 Index
Insert tip radius (tooling) 1839
Inside corners (WIRE) 1564
Inside edge 1189
Instructions 7
Integrated Development Environment
150
Interface 7
Interleave spiral paths 1142, 1157,
1162
Interrogation 374
Interrogation dialog 375
Intersection (SOLID) 562
Intersections 273, 377
Introduction 1
Inventor files 125, 139
Inventor hole recognition 141
Invoking the automatic feature
recognition wizard 595
Invoking the automatic option of new
feature wizard 587
IPM 1064, 1723
IPR 1064, 1723
IPT 1064, 1723
ipt files 125, 139
Iscar CUT-GRIP tooling 1872
ISO cylindrical corner 697
Isoline curve 430
Isoline milling 859
Isometric 46
Isometric 2 46
Isometric 3 46
J
Jaws 275, 279, 286
Join curves 409
K
Keep toolpaths upon view change
1613
Keep wire vertical at retract (WIRE)
1549
Keyboard shortcuts 39
Keyboard Shortcuts tab 35
ksi 294
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
L
L/D compensation 1675
Large buttons 29
Large font 1645
Last pass overcut % 1077
Lateral Overcut % 1077
Lathe - barfeed tool group 1875
Lathe design 231
Layers 381, 385
Changing layers 385
Layout 9, 208, 209
LCS 230, 249, 276, 279
Lead and lean 1216
Lead angle 1216, 1224, 1493
Lead distance 1065, 1713
Lead in angle 1425, 1502, 1713, 1748,
1765
Lead moves for cuts with open ends
1065
Lead out angle 1425, 1502, 1713,
1748, 1765
Lead/Ramp tab 1713
Lead-in 1065
Lead-in distance 1502, 1765
Lead-in length 1425, 1748
Lead-in/out plane (3D) 1425
Lead-out 1065
Lead-out length 1425, 1748
Leads 1597
Leads style tab 1570
Leads tab (3D) 1425
Lean angle 1216, 1224
Leave allowance 1267, 1274, 1282,
1289, 1303, 1310, 1318, 1349, 1382,
1391, 1397, 1502, 1556
Left boundary 1502
Left view 46
Left-arrow button 1573
Lengthen Sim Speed slider 25
Library part objects 1585
Light vector 1 54
Light vector 2 54
Limit B-angle (TURN) 1493
Limit linear moves 1101
Limitations of planar remachining 880
Limits of movement 235
Line at angle through point 361
Linear approximation 1425, 1713
Linear distance 373
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Linear moves 1101
Linear pattern 962
Linear ramp distance 1077, 1736
Linear text 452
Linearization tolerance 1609
Lines 359, 1065, 1597
Angle 361, 373
Connected 360
From 2 points 359
Horizontal line 361
Offset 362
Vertical 361
Local Coordinate System 232, 249,
279, 280
Lock Machine Design documents 259
Loft (SOLID) 548
Lofted example 486
Lofted solid design feature 548
Lofted surface 484, 533
Lofting 484
Lower Curve Start/End Point (WIRE)
1562
M
M00 1549
M01 1549
Machine can do helix 1077
Machine design 224, 269
Machine Design document protection
259
Machine design handbook 269
Machine design tutorial 262
Machine doors 271
Machine hierarchy 228, 275
Machine simulation 179, 224, 225,
269, 1597
Machine solid 224, 275
Machine tab 54
Machine tool simulaiton 1597
Machine Z coordinate at sub-spindle
home 285
Machine Z coordinate at sub-spindle
max (left) 285
Machining
Maching attributes 1668
Mill machining attributes 1674
Turn machining attributes 1761
Wire machining attributes 1790
Machining Contouring Cycle 714
Index 1957
Machining - Overview of Strategies
703
Machining Overview Pocketing
Cycle 709
Machining Overview Zig-Zag Cycle
711
Machining - Start point for Zig-Zag
Cycle 713
Machining - Wire radius
compensation 1560
Machining - Wire radius
compensation via Software 1560
Machining configurations 1814
Machining side 618
Machining Side tab 1138
Machining type 977, 1675
Macro buttons 33
Macros 148, 150, 279
Main lower (turret) 245
Main spindle (face mounted) 245
Main upper (turret) 245
Make a pattern from this feature 615
Managing your settings 59
Manual ordering 1634
Manufacturing 569
Manufacturing Attributes
Climb Mill 1016, 1684
Feed Override % 1140
Finish Passes 1077, 1502
Plunge Clearance 1140
Plunge Feed Override % 1053, 1140
Pre-drill Diameter 1077
Priority 1077, 1140
Retract to Plunge Clearance 977,
1053, 1140, 1422, 1629, 1675
Spindle RPM Override % 1140
Spline Tolerance 1140
Spot Drill 977, 1431, 1675
Tool diameter override % 1140
manufacturing databases 1818
Manufacturing hints for a side 796
Manufacturing hints for a step bore
750
Manufacturing hints for turn features
919
Manufacturing milled features with
tapered walls 1059
Manufacturing operations 1636
Manufacturing operations sheet
1629
1958 Index
Manufacturing steps for milled
features with bottom radius regions
820
Manufacturing steps for milled
features with bottom radius regions or
cross sections 1060
Manufacturing Tool Detail 1629
Manufacturing tool detail sheet 1637
Manufacturing Feedback window,
Changing fonts 1645
Mat 1637
Matching .md file 285
Mate 230, 232
Material (stock) 294
Math 385
Maximum B-angle (TURN) 1493
Maximum feed increase (3D LITE)
1148
Maximum length 1101
Maximum power 1626
Maximum radius boundary 1502
Maximum ramp angle 1077, 1713
Maximum ramp distance 1077, 1243,
1259
Maximum speed (TURN) 1489
Maximum spindle RPM 1053, 1140
Maximum step distance 1684
Maximum stepover 1318
Maximum surface slope 1214
Maximum tap spindle RPM 988, 1675
Maximum tool diameter 1684
MD file protection 259
md files 224, 228
Measure (tooling) 1826, 1828, 1829,
1830, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1839, 1841,
1843, 1844, 1846, 1848, 1850, 1853,
1854
Measure Boss/Bore 153, 155
Measure Corner (Probing) 157
Measure Single Surface (Probing) 158
Measure Web/Pocket (Probing) 160
Menu bar 7
Merge curves 423
Merge surfaces 516
Metallic 1609
Middle mouse button 49, 51
Mid-points 377
Mill machining attributes 1674
Facing tab 1757
Lead/Ramp tab 1713
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Operations tab (25D) 1733
Pecking tab 1682
Stepover tab 1694
Surface Lead-in tab 1748
Surface Mill tab 1742
Thread Mill tab 1736
Tool Selection tab 1752
Mill s 1492
Millimeter 89
Milling feature attributes 991
Milling macros 1650
Milling Post Processors 1934
Milling tab 1077, 1107, 1241, 1684
Min radius boundary 1502
Minimize rapid distance 1634
Minimize tool changes 1634
Minimize tool retract 1684
Minimum B-angle (TURN) 1493
Minimum corner radius 1053, 1723
Minimum fanning 1349
Minimum rapid distance 1723
Minimum rapid distance % (3D Lite)
1243, 1259, 1267, 1274, 1282, 1289,
1303, 1310, 1318, 1327, 1349, 1374,
1382, 1391, 1397, 1403, 1410
Minimum rest material 1142
Minimum retract 1016
Minimum surface slope 1214
Minimum Z increment 1289, 1403
Minimum Z ramp dist % 1713
Misc attributes 1140
Misc tab 34, 1053, 1107, 1140, 1564,
1723, 1782
Mixing 3D simulation and rapid cut
1620
MODEL files 125, 138
Modify example 526
Modify inside corners 1564
Modify surface 522, 533
Modifying geometry 391
Modifying patterns 961
Modules 2
More colors 66, 67, 70, 272
More Simulation toolbar 27
Motion controller support 58
Mouse options 49
Move features to a different setup 1572
Move solid (SOLID) 538
Movement 230
Moves as Turn spindle 233
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
MSIM 2
MTT 2
Multi-finish diameters 1077
Multi-pencil 1185
Multiple cuts 1349, 1410
Multiple features 615
Multiple fixture part 202
Multiple operation overrides 1636
Multiple regions 396
Multiple rough 1142
Multiple roughing tools for milling 1755
Multiple select 9
Multiple Setups simulation 1625
Multiple tool diameters (3D LITE) 1148
Multi-rough diameters 1077, 1100
N
Name (tooling) 1826, 1828, 1829,
1830, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1839, 1841,
1843, 1844, 1846, 1848, 1850, 1853,
1854
Name Layer dialog 384
Naming solids 271
NC code 1597, 1628, 1638, 1644
NC part program 1637
NC program names 114
NCSIMUL add-in 176
Neck diameter (tooling) 1846
Nested 211, 212
Net 2
Network printer 84
Never save (toolpath) 92
New Crib 1818
New feature strategy 1142
New Feature wizard 614, 656
New Feature - Curves page 617
New Feature - Default Tool page
648, 686
New Feature - Dimensions page
616, 657
New Feature - Feed/Speed page
651, 689
New Feature - Location page 618,
658
New Feature - Machining Side page
618
New Feature - Operations page 648
New Feature - Strategies page 621,
658
Index 1959
New Feature - Summary 651
New Feature - Tool Usage (TURN)
690
New Feature - Type (TURN/MILL)
690
New features 4
New Files tab 74
New FM document 88
New keyboard shortcut 35
New Object Color Override dialog 70
New part 86
New part document 269
New Part Document dialog 88
New Part Document Wizard 86
New shortcut 35
New solid (SOLID) 538
New strategy Finish 827
New strategy Rough 826
New strategy Semi-finish 827
New Technology (NT) toolpaths (25D)
803
New tool 1061, 1482, 1818
New toolbar 29
New Window 1619
Next operation button (simulation)
1601, 1602
Next rapid button (simulation) 1601,
1602
Next row stepover % 1374
Next tool change button (simulation)
1601, 1602
Next Z level button (simulation) 1601
No checking (undercuts) 1502, 1527
No drag X shift and No drag Y shift
1675
Normal to surface 1748
N-sided stock 292
NT Continuous Spiral (25D) 803
Pattern 615
NT Spiral (25D) 803
NT Toolpaths (25D) 803
NT Zigzag (25D) 803
Number of copies 1645
Number of copies to keep 92
Number of faces (TOMB) 217
Number of passes 1525
Number of steps 1053, 1694
Numeric attributes 1077
NX files 125, 140
1960 Index
O
Object color 66
Objects 377
OD turning (LH) 280
OD turning (RH) 280
Offset (solid) 273
Offset (SOLID) 566
Offset boundary tolerance 1199
Offset curve 414
Offset line 362
Offset Method (WIRE) 1556, 1560
Offset Options dialog (WIRE) 1556
Offset tab 1799
Offset Toolpath (WIRE) 1556, 1560
Offset/spiral 1142, 1143
Offsetting Tab (Machining Attributes)
1799
Only update display every 1613
Op 1637
Op List 71, 1629
Opacity 54
Open and closed portions of toolpaths
1077
Open toolpaths 1077
Operation 1607
Operation column 1629
Operation details 1637
Operation list 71, 1628, 1636
Operation order 1634
Operation ordering 1634
Operation simulation 1603
Operation view 1639
Operation-level tabs 974, 991, 1128
Operations (WIRE) 1549
Operations tab (25D) 1733
Operators 387
Operators table 387
Optimize parallel pass 1151
Options 65, 96
Options (printing) 82
Order of operations 1634
Ordering 1733
Ordering optimization 1576
Orientation (printing) 84
Orientation (TURN) 1482
Orientation tab 1886
Origin 1637
Other side 1442, 1443
Outer diameter (tooling) 1829, 1844
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Output filter tolerance 1101
Output options 1101, 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1349, 1382, 1391, 1403, 1410
Outside corners (WIRE) 1564
Outside edge 1189
Outside of Limits dialog 235
Overall length (tooling) 1826, 1829,
1830, 1832, 1833, 1839, 1843, 1844,
1846, 1848, 1850, 1853, 1854
Overcut percent 1142, 1193, 1204
Overlap (WIRE) 1549
Overlap angle 1190
override 1064, 1065
Override multiple operations 1636
Overrides tab (tooling) 1107
Overriding the tool feed or speed for
multiple operations at once 1636
Overview - Machining strategies 703
Overview Pocketing Cycle 709
Overview Zig-Zag Cycle 711
Overview of blend surfaces 528
Overview of chaining 401
Overview of combine solids 562
Overview of cut solid with parting
surface 560
Overview of feeds and speeds 1589
Overview of fillets 512
Overview of isoline milling 859
Overview of shell solid design feature
564
Overview of solid fillets 557
Overview of solid from 2.5D feature
553
Overview of stepover types 803
Overview of stitching 550
Overview of surface from curve mesh
482
Overview of surface surface trimming
518
Overview of the feature rerecognition
wizard 611
Overview of tooling 1817
Overview of trimmed surface 504
Overview of untrimming surfaces 507
P
Pan and zoom 45
Paper size (printing) 84
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Paper source (printing) 84
Parallel 1171, 1190
Parallel angle 1101, 1142, 1143, 1151,
1180, 1742
Parallel toolpaths 832
Parameters 1668
Parameters (feature level) 972
Parametric modeling 391, 392
Parasolid files 125, 136
Parent/child relationships 228, 230,
239, 262, 279
Part 1637
Part boundary options 1199
Part boundary tolerance 1199
Part catcher 1449
Part compare 1604
Part compare example 1605
Part compare options 1614
Part compare rest material > 1614
Part Documentation 95
Part library
Adding objects 1586
Importing objects 1586
Part library example 1584
Part line program 1016, 1684, 1736
Part Location page (TOMB) 222
Part Name 114
Part surfaces 1131
Part Tree 9
Part View 7, 9, 534
Part-catcher 286
Parting surface 578
Parts List 205, 211
Pass-level tabs 991
Past special - reference 1580
Paste special attributes 1581
Paste special location 1580
Pattern 9
Pattern dialog 961
Pattern Properties 963
Linear 373, 963, 1101
Point List 966
Rectangular 962
Patterns 962
Pause button (simulation) 1601, 1602
Pause on limits 235
Pause simulation 1602, 1626
Pausing a toolpath simulation 1602
Peck retract distance 1545, 1777, 1781
Pecking tab 1682
Index 1961
Pencil milling 863
Per minute (feed) 1064, 1723
Per revolution (feed) 1064, 1723
Per tooth (feed) 1064, 1723
Performance 1202
Perpendicular remachining pass 1142
Pick curve pieces 403
Pick point 357
Pick types and pick filters for
interrogation 376
Picking profiles 401
Pilot diameter (tooling) 1830
Pilot drill 977
Pilot drill diameter 1675
Pinch turning 1643
Planar remachining operation 875
Plunge 1422, 1431
Plunge (relative) 1053
Plunge center first 1449
Plunge clearance 1053, 1077, 1422,
1675, 1723, 1782
Plunge feed % 1723
Plunge Feed Override % 1053, 1140
Plunge feed override % (3D Lite)
1053, 1077, 1243, 1259, 1267, 1274,
1282, 1289, 1310, 1318, 1349, 1374,
1382, 1391, 1397, 1403, 1410
Plunge feed override (1st step) %
1077
Plunge points 1077
Plunge roughing 866
Plunge to depth 1431
Plunge to pre-drill location 1431
Pocket and boss horizontal surfaces
590
Pocket recognition 605
Pocketing Cycle Overview 709
Pocketing operation (WIRE) 1549
Point input 357
Point input for geometry creation 357
Points 358, 377, 1101
Points controlling a finish pass 1077
Polar coordinates 389
Polar on the face location 618
Polar on the OD location 618
Polygon curve 459
Position 1607
Post options FeatureWIRE 1943
Post options for Milling 1932
Post processor 224, 285
1962 Index
Post Vars 1077, 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1327, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391, 1397,
1403, 1410, 1502, 1567, 1723
Post vars. 988, 1077, 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391, 1397,
1502
Posting tab (WIRE) 1813
Power 1637
Power graph 1609
Power limit 1626
Power Settings 1626
PowerMILL viewing settings 49
PowerSHAPE files 125, 131
Pre-drill 1016, 1431
Pre-drill Diameter 1077
Pre-drill point 1077
Prefix 374
Presentation angle (TURN) 1482
Preview picture 92, 96
Preview simulation 1603
Previous tool diameter 1142, 1193
Primary cut direction. (WIRE) 1549
Primary offset direction (WIRE) 1549
Primary Setup dialog (TOMB) 222
Primitive surface 490
Principal View menu 46
Prinicipal views flyout 46
Print 1645
Print comments 83
Print dialog 82
Print Graphics window 83
Print NC program 83
Print operations list 83
Print preview 1646
Print quality 82, 1645
Print range 1645
Print resolution 82
Print setup 84, 1645
Print to file 82
Print to scale 83, 1645
Print tool list 83
Print toolpath 1645
Print white background 83
Printer 82, 84
Printing Options dialog 83
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Priority 1077, 1140, 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1349, 1374, 1397, 1403, 1410, 1502,
1527, 1540, 1545, 1629
Priority Attributes 1576
Priority of depth of cut 1107
Probe tool properties 1841
Process plan 1573
Process tab 1136
Product family 2, 3
Profile contour 1143
Profile side feature 796
Profile stock 307
Program Options 1649
Program point tab 1888
Project curve to UCS 415
Project to UCS 415
Project to XY plane 1229
Projected onto surface curve 431
Proportional plunge feed 1723
Protecting Machine Design files 259
prt files 125, 139, 140
Punch feature (Wire) 948
Q
Quadrant 377
R
r = F(a) 441
r = F(a), z = G(a) 444
r=F(a) 441
r=F(z) Z=G(a) 444
Radial
Radial about X 618
Radial about X axis 1014
Radial about Y 618
Radial about Y axis 1014
Radial offset 1349, 1410
Radial pattern 963
Radial toolpaths 846
Radius 373
Radius end 1310
Radius mill 1058
Radius start 1310
Radius tool scallop height 1077
Ramp angle (3D) 1425, 1431
Ramp angle offset 1077, 1736
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Ramp diameter 1077, 1425
Ramp diameter % 1077, 1713, 1736,
1748
Ramp styles 1570
Ramp to depth (3D) 1425, 1431
Ramp type 1713
Ramp-in angle 1425, 1748
Ramping (3D) 1425, 1431
Ramping attributes 1077
Ramping for milled finish passes 1077
Ramp-out angle (3D) 1425
Rapid moves 1597
Rapid traverse 1733
RapidCut conversion tolerance 1614
RapidCut simulation 1597, 1605, 1620
Raster angle (3D HSM) 1190
Ream 977, 986
Ream before chamfer 977, 1675
Ream cycle 1675
Ream FDF 986
Ream FF 986
Ream FSR 986
Reams 1843
RECOG 2
Recreating tooling and feed/speed
databases if they become corrupt
1927
Rectangle curve 458
Rectangular pocket 616
Redistribute points 1101
Redo 391
Reduce curve 417
Reducing curve data 420
Reflect geometry 395
Reflect solid (SOLID) 538
Refreshing the view 58
Region example 498
Region of interest 1601, 1602
Registers 1567
Relative plunge 1053, 1422
Relative retract 1422
Release center 13
Relief groove 1449, 1773
Reload settings 59, 96
Remachining 1142, 1148, 1782
Remove
Remove all sync points 1639
Remove all undercuts 1502, 1527
Remove area less than (3D HSM)
1143, 1157
Index 1963
Remove button from toolbar 32
Remove deep cuts 1185
Remove object from simulation 226
Remove selected sync point 1639
Remove shortcut 35
Remove slugs (simulation) 1620
Remove unsafe areas (3D HSM)
1143, 1157
Rename object 271
Renaming features 1571
Reorder 1243, 1274, 1684
Reports 1636
Reset all opers to default turret 1639
Reset normals 1138
Reset selected opers to default turret
1639
Reset settings 49
Reset viewing options 49
Resize grid 380
Resolution 1609
Restrictions
Restrictions of 4th axis wrapping
335
Restrictions of indexing 325
Restrictions of plunge roughing 867
Restrictions of projection milling
techniques 834
Restrictions of surface from curve
mesh 483
Restrictions of using pick pieces
(chaining) for creating curves 404
Restrictions on blend surfaces 530
Results window 7, 1628
Retract 1422
Retract 1016
Retract and Plunge dialog 1422
Retract column 1629
Retract Length (WIRE) 1549
Retract operation (WIRE) 1549
Retract options 708, 1422
Retract point 1077
Retract to 1216, 1675
Retract to Plunge Clearance 977,
1053, 1140, 1422, 1629, 1675
Retract to Z rapid plane 977, 1422,
1629, 1675
Retract/plunge 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1327, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1397, 1403,
1410
1964 Index
Reuse path in canned cycle (TURN)
1449, 1765
Reverse Cutoff (WIRE) 1549
Reverse scroll wheel zoom 51
Reverse surface 499
Reverse tap cycle 986
Reverse tool axis (3D MX) 1177
Revolve (SOLID) 543
Revolve a surface (SOLID) 556
Revolved boundary curve 435
Revolved example 471
Revolved solid design feature 543
Revolved solid from surface design
feature 556
Revolved surface 262
RH Command line options 98
Right boundary 1502
Right view 46
Rockwell 294
Roller tab (cams) 448
Rotary rapid 1733
Rotate 45
Rotate geometry 394
Rotate solid (SOLID) 538
Rotate view when indexing 1609
Rotate X 45
Rotate Y 45
Rotate Z 45
Rotating construction grid 378
Rotation axis (TOMB) 217
Rotation of primary axis 348
Rough 1016, 1741
Rough cutter comp 1684
Rough depth of cut 1107
Rough pass 1694, 1757
Rough pass stepover % 1259
Rough pass Z increment 1077, 1107
Rough turn 1773
Roughing methods 803
Roughing toolpaths (25D) 803
Round corners (TURN) 1442, 1443
Round stock 292
Rounded inside corner 1564
Rounding mills 1844
RPM 1064, 1065
Ruled example 477
Ruled surface 476, 533
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
S
sab files 125, 137
Safe Area dialog 1216
sat files 125, 137
save 91
Save .stl dialog 146
Save as 32-bit 92
Save combined boundary 1196,
1204
Save computed toolpath 92
Save Holes 1609
Save NC 1649
Save on Exit 96
Save options 92
Save preview picture in file 92
Save result files during 3D Sim 1609
Save result files during rapid cut
1609
Save settings now 59, 96
Save simulation results 1206
Save STL dialog 146, 1206
Save toolpath 92
Save view 47
Saving a part file 91
Saving an NC part program to disk
1649
Saving and opening multiple fixture
parts 214
Saving your settings 96
Scale geometry 394
Scale solid (SOLID) 538
Scallop height 1289, 1327, 1391, 1403,
1742
Scallop stepover (3D MX) 1289, 1327,
1403
Section 380
Segment adjustment 182
Segment tab (cams) 449
Select Active Tool Crib dialog 1905
Select button 226
Select circles 972
Select Core/Cavity (SOLID) 572
Select Fixture Setup (TOMB) 218
Select Fixtures (TOMB) 222
Select Part dialog (TOMB) 222
Select tool block 1661
Selected object color overrides 66, 272
Selection radius 49
Semi-finish 1016
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Serial port pinouts 1667
Set sync at oper start 1639
Settings 96, 1791
Setup 9, 82, 224, 225, 1637
Setup - Simulation Information 225
Setup column 1629
Setup layer 381
Setup Name column 1629
Shade stock by default 54
Shaded gray style 29
Shading options 54
Shading Options dialog 54
Shadow quality 227, 1609
Shadows (simulation) 227
Shank diameter (tooling) 1826, 1829,
1830, 1832, 1833, 1839, 1843, 1844,
1846, 1853, 1854
Shape modifiers (SOLID) 557
Sheet (SOLID) 532
Shell (SOLID) 564
Shininess 54
Shortcut keys 35
Show
Show 1604
Show animation 1613
Show flyout 42
Show gouge 1614
Show grid 380
Show holder 1607
Show menu 42
Show pause on gouge dialog 1609
Show rest material 1614
Show spindle 1607
Turret column 1629
Show surface boundaries only 49
Show this dialog 1626
Show tool load 1601, 1626
Show toolbar 29
Show Toolbox 34
Show Turn chuck 1609
Show/Hide Material 1593
Status Bar 34
Side feature (Wire) 949
Side finish bottom up 1684
Side finishing 1058
Side leave allowance 1077
Side liftoff distance 1502
Side mills 1846
Side recognition 608
Side roughing 1058
Index 1965
Side roughing bottom up 1684
Significant digits 374
Silhouette (SOLID) 570
Silhouette Curves 570
Simulate feature 1603
Simulate operation 1603
Simulated slug removal 1620
Simulating 3D toolpaths 1618
Simulating multiple Setups 1625
Simulating toolpaths 1597
Simulation 179
Simulation (machine) 224, 225
Simulation C angle offset 245
Simulation control 1631
Simulation controls 1601
Simulation machine design file 225,
228
Simulation Options dialog 1606
Simulation speed 1601, 1607
Simulation toolbar 1601
Simulation types 1600
Single block 210
Single Cutoff Pass (WIRE) 1556
Single step button (simulation) 1601,
1602
Single-click depth 406
Size of buttons 29
Skim Pass Options dialog (WIRE)
1556
Skin (user interface) 29
Skip wall pass 1502
Slant bed lathe 54
Slant-bed turning machines 277, 286
sldasm files 125, 138
sldprt files 125, 137, 138
Slices 1142
Slop limits tab 1214
Slope boundary 1142, 1171
Slope limitation angles 1742
Slope overlap 1171
Slot 602, 616, 745
Slug removal simulation 1620
Small buttons 29
Small font 1645
Smart dialogs 58
Smooth animation 1613
Smooth line 54
Smooth shading 54
Smooth/reduce curve 417
Smoothing 1182, 1190, 1349
1966 Index
Smoothing distance (5-axis Sim) 1216
Snap Discrimination dialog 379
Snap modes 20, 377
Snapping 377
Snapping grids 71, 378, 380
SOLID 2
Solid (SOLID) 532, 533, 534
Solid colors 272
Solid design features (SOLID) 534,
535
Solid error (SOLID) 535
Solid from curves (SOLID) 541
Solid Import tab 120
Solid model 1204
Solid offset 228
Solid simulation 1597
Solid source file 138
Solid Source File dialog 138
Solid toolbar 27
Solid wizard 539
SolidEdge files 125, 140
SolidEdge hole recognition 143
SolidEdge Import 136
Solids 9
SolidWorks 136, 137
SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor
automatic hole recognition example
144
SolidWorks Export settings 136
SolidWorks files 125, 136, 137, 138
SolidWorks hole recognition 142
SolidWorks IGES Export settings
136
SolidWorks Import 136, 137
Source file 138
SpaceBall 58
SpaceMouse 58
SpaceTraveler 58
Spacing 380
Specify limits 235
Specify movement 232, 233, 262, 277,
279
Specular 54
Speed 1064, 1607, 1723
Speed column 1629
Sphere 490, 492
Spindle direction 690
Spindle list 1638
Spindle properties dialog 1919
Spindle RPM override 1053, 1140
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Spiral 803, 1065, 1154, 1190, 1282,
1289, 1303, 1382, 1694
Spiral in 1142, 1154, 1171
Spiral out 1142, 1154, 1171
Spiral stepover (25D) 803
Spiral toolpath (25D) 803
Spiral toolpaths 836
Spiral Z-roughing (3D) 1142
Spline curve 450
Spline Tol 1053, 1140, 1723
Splines 450
Split face 575
Split surface 509
Spot Drill 977, 1431, 1675
Spot drill depth 988
Spot drill diameter % 1675
Spot drill edge break 1675
Spot face 986
Spotdrills 1848
Spring Passes 1050, 1449, 1736, 1773
SQL Server 1913
S-shape 1065
Standard toolbar 16
Start
Start angle 1077, 1736
Start Clearance 1540, 1773
Start curve 1142
Start point (TURN) 1502, 1527,
1540, 1545
Start points 1077, 1289, 1318, 1349,
1382
Start tab 1804
Start threads 1077, 1540
Starting Point (simulation) 1621
Starts 1736
Status bar 37
Steady-rest 279, 286
Steep and shallow strategy (3D HSM)
1403
Steep first 1190
Steep slope 1742
Steep slope angle 1142, 1151
Step 1 1449, 1773
Step 2 1449, 1773
Step backward (simulation) 1601
Step Bore dimensions 616
Step cutting (3D LITE) 1148
step files 125, 140
Step size 348
Step up (3D LITE) 1148
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Stepover 1267, 1274, 1282, 1303,
1318, 1382, 1597, 1742
Stepover % 1077, 1502, 1777
Stepover (WIRE) 1549
Stepover rapid distance (3D Lite)
1243, 1259, 1267, 1274, 1282, 1289,
1303, 1318, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1410
Stepover tab 1694
Stepover type 1748
Stepover type (3D) 1425, 1431
Stepover type overview 803
Stepovers tab 1065, 1107
Steps 1053, 1058, 1694
Steps buttons 34
Steps panel 7
Steps toolbar 27
Steps Toolbox buttons 34
Stitch (SOLID) 550
Stk (SOLID) 534
STL 9, 228
stl files 9, 1204
Stock 9, 212, 280, 307, 1637
Stock axis 293, 317
Stock curve 307
Stock indexing tab 312
Stock layer 381
Stock material 294
Stock models 348, 1204
Stock opacity 54
Stock overcut % 1349, 1410
Stock tab 1204
Stock wizard 290
Stock wizard - Align Part Program
Zero with UCS 302
Stock wizard - Align with Index Axis
301
Stock wizard - Definition 297
Stock wizard - Dimensions 292
Stock wizard - Material 294
Stock wizard - Multi-axis options 296
Stock wizard - Multi-axis positioning
296
Stock wizard - Part Program Offset
303
Stock wizard - Part Program Zero
299, 300
Stop button (simulation) 1601
Stop Code 1549
Stop Length (WIRE) 1549
Stop operation (WIRE) 1549
Stop option 709
Index 1967
stp files 125, 140
Strategy tab (feature properties) 977,
1016, 1142, 1449, 1549
Strategy-level tabs 1128
Student version 2
Style 29, 1570
Styles of automatic feature recognition
583
Sub slot 1661
Subfixture ID 1053
Sub-spindle (face-mounted) 245
Sub-spindle location tab 935
Sub-spindle transfer 286
Sub-spindles 243, 279, 280, 932, 1638
Sub-upper turret 245
Suffix 374
Summary of ways you can make holes
in FeatureCAM 733
Support forum 13
Surface 532, 533
Surface boundary 425
Surface control tab 1239
Surface design tips 465
Surface edges curve 432
Surface editing 466
Surface editing tips 466
Surface fineness 49
Surface from feature 495
Surface from multiple surfaces 511
Surface from one surface 497
Surface intersection curve 428
Surface join tolerance 1349, 1410
Surface Lead-in tab 1748
Surface Mill tab 1742
Surface milling feature dimensions
tab 1131
Surface Milling Properties dialog
1128
Surface Normal offset 500
Surface of revolution 469
Surface offset 500
Surface projection curve 434
Surface region 497
Surface Region 497
Surface Reverse 499
Surface speed (TURN) 1489
Surface surface trimming restrictions
520
Surface triangle tolerance 1101
Surface wizard 464
1968 Index
Surface/surface trimming 517
Surface-surface trimming 517
Surfaces 33, 464, 527
Blending 527
Cap 489
Coons 480
Cylinders 493
Editing 466
Extending 501
Extruded 468
Fillet 512, 534, 557
Flat 494
From 2.5D feature 495
From surface region 497
Lofted 484
Merging 516
Modifying 522
Offset 500
Reversing 499
Revolved 469
Spheres 490
Splitting 509
Surfaces from curves 467
Sweep 472
Trimming 503
Trimming with another surface 517
Untrimming 507
Swarf axis tol 1742
Swarf milling 881
Sweep 475, 546
Swept surface 472
Switch machining side 618, 1138
Synchronizing operations (multi-turret)
1639
System units 89
T
Table 233, 262
Tabs 991
Threshold angle 1190
Through 1077
Tailstock 279, 286
Tangent 377
Tap 986
Tap cycle 1675
Tap depth 988
Tap plunge clearance 1723
Taper (tooling) 1833, 1843, 1850, 1853
Taper angle 1526
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Taper approx angle 1077, 1736
Tapered mill 1058
Taps 1850
Target horsepower 1077, 1243, 1259,
1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310,
1318, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391, 1397,
1403, 1410, 1656
Target part tessellation tolerance 1614,
1615
Teardrop 1570
Teeth (tooling) 1829, 1835, 1844, 1846
Tensile Strength 294
Text 451
Text curve 451
Text Label 373
Thread 616
Thread mill attributes 1077
Thread Mill tab 1736
Thread mills 1853
Thread tool selection 909
Threading (WIRE) 1564
Threading operation 909
Threading tab 1773
Three point fillet 369
Through depth 1077
Through option 1077, 1736
Thumbnail pictures 90
Tilt axis for gouge avoidance 1216,
1225
Time 1607
Time estimation 1733
Time view 1638
Tip angle (tooling) 1848
Tip offset 1132
Title bar 7
Tolerance 182, 348, 374, 1101, 1243,
1259, 1267, 1274, 1282, 1289, 1303,
1310, 1318, 1349, 1374, 1382, 1391,
1397, 1403, 1410, 1742
Tolerance of Turned Segments dialog
182
TOMB 2
Tombstone 222
Adding a part to the tombstone 222
Coordinate systems from already
placed parts 218
Creating global fixture coordinate
systems on the tombstone 219
Creating tombstone document 216
Delete button 220
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Edit button 220
Fixture 216
Overview 215
Reload button 220
Specifying tombstone physical
dimensions 217
Thickness 217
Tombstone Process Plan dialog
218, 219
Tool 648, 1607, 1637
Tool % of arc radius 1053, 1140
Tool (TURN) 1485
Tool axis limits 1216, 1229
Tool blocks for turrets 249, 252, 280
Tool center 1142, 1170
Tool change 1733
Tool colors 1607
Tool column 1629
Tool cutting tolerance 1609, 1616
Tool details 1637
Tool diameter 1107, 1742
Tool end radius 1742
Tool groups 1061, 1818
Tool holder selection 1919
Tool life management overview
1661
Tool List 1628, 1636, 1637
Tool load 1601, 1626
Tool location 245, 280
Tool Manager dialog 1818
Tool Mapping 1657
Tool nose radius compensation
1449, 1765
Tool programming point 1782
Tool quill 233, 262, 277
Tool selection for 3D milling features
828
Tool selection for MillTurn features
1903
Tool Selection tab 1752
Tool Slot 1629
Tool Usage tab (TURN) 1485
Tool visual tolerance 1609, 1616
Tool Block Selection dialog 1661
Tool crib 1905
Tool holder clearance 1756
Tool selection 1756
Tool slot numbers 245
Toolbars 7, 15, 37
Toolbar display 29
Index 1969
Toolbar name 29
Toolbar view 29
Toolbox 7, 34
Toolholder properties dialog 1916
Tooling database 1818
Toolpath 377, 1597, 1613
Toolpath colors 1597
Toolpath corner % 1077, 1243,
1274, 1684
Toolpath end/start 1267
Toolpath feature 615
Toolpath type 803
Tools tab 1061, 1064, 1482
Tooth outside 1077, 1736
Tooth overlap 1077, 1736
Top 15
Top first 1190
Top view 46
Top-most table 230, 241, 262, 279,
280
Total Passes (WIRE) 1556
Total stock 1077, 1243, 1526
Touch off at the shoulder (tooling)
1854
Towards chuck 1449
TPI (tooling) 1850
Trackball 45
Traditional toolpaths 803
Transform solid (SOLID) 538
Transforming a solid 538
Transforms 228, 392
Reflect 392
Rotate 392
Scale 392
Translate 392
Transitions for 2.5D milling toolpaths
1075
Translate 262, 393
Translucent part 1609
Translucent tool 1609
Transparent 54, 258
Tree view 9, 991
Triangular inside corner (WIRE) 1564
Trim 503
Trim geometry 397
Trim surface 503
Trimmed surface edge 427
Trimming a surface with a curve 505
Trimming restrictions 506
Trochoical cut 1077, 1243, 1684
1970 Index
Trochoidal stepover 1077
Troubleshooting isoline milling 859
Troubleshooting pencil milling 864
Troubleshooting pick pieces
(chaining) 404
Troubleshooting planar remachining
880
Troubleshooting projection milling
methods 834
Troubleshooting Z level finishing
858
Troubleshooting Z level roughing
847
tsf files (TOMB) 215
Turn 3
Turn F/S tab 1489
Turn feature feeds and speeds 921
Turn feature finishing 927
Turn feature roughing 922
Turn feature semi-finishing 926
Turn feature tool selection 921
Turn features (TURN) 656
Turn groove finishing 902
Turn groove roughing 901
Turn machining attributes 1761
Bar Feed tab 1782
Cutoff tab 1545, 1781
Grooving tab 1777
Pecking tab 1682
Threading tab 1773
Turn/Bore tab 1765
Turn operation order 1645
Turn to diameter 1449
Turn format feature 942
Turn/Bore tab 1765
TURN/MILL 2
Turn/mill angular interpolation 1609,
1617
TurnCurveTolerance.bas 182
Turned groove feature 894
Turned groove tool selection 895
Turning canned cycles 1651
Turning Features 891
Turning Input Modes 386
Turning Post Processors 1940
Turning tool overrides tab 1859
TurnMill location dialog 618
Turnmill Overview 944
Turnmilling 1449
Turret (TURN) 690, 1485
Turret control 942
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Turret direction 690, 1485, 1782
Turret location 1786
Turret names 1638
Turret NC code 1644
Turret rotates when changing tools 245
Turrets 9
Turrets tab 1628, 1638
Tutorial - machine design 262
Twist drills 1854
Twists in surfaces or solids with closed
cross sections 479
Two lights 54
Two point fillet 368
Two points line 359
Types of features that can be
recognized 598
Types of wire EDM tapers 696
U
UCS 101, 230, 232, 262, 276, 279, 312
UDF 279
Unable to construct object with these
inputs 273
Unattached design features 535
Unconnected design feature (SOLID)
535
Undercuts 1157, 1502, 1527
Undo 391
Undo sync code changes 1639
Ungrouping objects 960
Uni-directional (WIRE) 1556
Unigraphics files 125, 136, 140
Union (SOLID) 562
Unit horsepower 294
Units 228, 269
Unpick curve pieces 406
Untrim surface 507
Unwrap curve 421
Up/down smoothing % 1349
Update operation list 71
Upper Curve Start/End Point (WIRE)
1562
Use
Use 90 deg comp 1713
Use alternative 5-axis position (5AP)
1243, 1259, 1267, 1274, 1282, 1289,
1303, 1310, 1318, 1327, 1349, 1374,
1382, 1391, 1397, 1403, 1410
Use arc ramp in/out 1748
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Use arc ramp-in/out (3D) 1425
Use B-axis simultaneous 1493
Use Blank 13
Use canned cycle (TURN) 1449,
1765
Use curve to describe tool shape
1833, 1846, 1854
Use finish tool 1016, 1449, 1684,
1736
Use graphics hardware 54
Use IPR 651, 1064, 1723
Use IPT 1064, 1723
Use L/D compensation 1675
Use lead and lean 1216
Use lead in/out 1425, 1748
Use linear approximation (3D) 1425
Use linear lead in/out 1425, 1748
Use MMPR 1064, 1723
Use MMPT 1064, 1723
Use on both ends of skim passes
(WIRE) 1549
Use operation template 1645
Use part surface dimensions 1204
Use Results as Starting Point 1621
Use separate wall tolerance 1199
Use SFM 651, 1064, 1065
Use Solid As Part Compare Target
1604
Use solid model 1204
Use Solids As Clamp (SOLID) 1623
Use stock dimensions 1204
Use the same fixture ID on each
orientation (TOMB) 218, 219
Use white background (printing) 83
User Coordinate System 100, 276, 279
User guide 4
User interface 9
User interface style 29
User views 47
User-defined features (UDFs) 615, 945
User-defined stock 307
Uses Macro if Available (WIRE) 1556
U-Shape 1570
Using
Using a form tool or insert drill for
drilling operations 1855
Using an insert drill for both drilling
and boring 1858
Using groups to determine
manufacturing order 1577
Index 1971
Using multiple UCS and setups 104
Using simulation video-style controls
1601
Using the Integrated Development
Environment (IDE) 150
Using zig-zag ramping to mill a helical
path for a simple groove 779
V
Valid solids (SOLID) 536
Variable taper table 698
Variables 1077, 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1303, 1310, 1318, 1349,
1374, 1382, 1391, 1397
Vericut files 166
Verify solid (SOLID) 536
Verifying that a solid is valid 536
Vertical 361
Vertical (Z) 1216
Vertical Distance 373
Vertical line 361
Vertical milling machine 54
Vertical only 1214, 1742
Vertical turret lathe 54
Videos 13
View
View animation 49
View Entities 48
View independent 1609
View menu 45
View on start-up 49
View shortcuts list 35
View toolbars 29
¾ 1609
Viewing 9, 42, 49
Viewing centerlines for an operation
1633
Viewing intermediate shaded
simulations 1633
Viewing mode on startup 51
Viewing Options dialog 49
Visicut simulation 1597
W
Wall clearance (3D HSM) 1190
Wall finish allowance 1050
Wall pass 1016
1972 Index
Wall tab 1058
Wall tolerance 1199
Warnings 187, 188
Warp dialogs 58
Water 1567
Web content 13
Web pages 13
Website 15
What's New 4
White background (printing) 83
Wide face grooves 900
Width of face (TOMB) 217
Wind fan 1736
Wind fan angle 1713
Wind fan finish 1016, 1713
Wind fan radius 1713
WIRE 2
Wire Compensation (WIRE) 1560
Wire cutting/threading 1809
Wire EDM cut data 1590
Wire EDM tab 1790
Wire EDM Taper 696
Wire feature attributes (WIRE) 1549
Wire machining attributes 1790
Misc. tab (WIRE) 1809
Offset tab 1799
Posting tab (WIRE) 1813
Start tab 1804
Wire EDM tab 1790
Wire radius compensation 1560
Wire radius compensation - on the
machine 1560
Wire radius compensation via the
software 1560
Wire simulation options 1616
Wire visual diameter 1616
Withdraw angle 1502, 1527
Withdraw length 1502, 1527, 1765
Working with imported geometry 127
World layer 381
Wrap feature around Z-axis 944
Wrap tolerance 1733
X
x = F(t) 443
x = F(t), y = G(t) 443
x = F(t), y = G(t), z = H(t) 445
x = F(y) 440
X finish allowance 1502, 1527, 1765
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
X Length 380
X offset 225
X Origin 380
X parallel 1142, 1151, 1180
X semi-finish allowance 1502, 1765
X Spacing 380
X tool 280
x=F(t) 443
y=G(t) 443
x=F(t) y=G(t) z=H(t) 445
xmb files 125, 136
xmt files 125, 136
X-Y acceleration 1733
XYZ location 618
Y
y = F(x) 440
y = G(t) 443
Y Length 380
Y offset 225
Y Origin 380
Y parallel 1142, 1151, 1180
Y Spacing 380
y=F(x) and x=F(y) 440
Z-buffer 54
Zigzag 1065, 1142, 1143, 1549, 1694
Zigzag Cycle - Define Start point
713
Zigzag Cycle Overview 711
Zigzag operation (WIRE) 1549
Zigzag ramping 1077
Zigzag stepover (25D) 803
Zigzag toolpath (25D) 803
Z-level
Z-level finish 858
Z-level rough How to create 846
Z-level Rough Remachining Options
dialog (3D LITE) 1148
Z-level rough spiral (3D) 1142
Z-level roughing 846, 848, 849,
1243
Z-level simulation 1632
Z-level slice classification 1142
Zoom 45
Z
z = G(a) 444
Z boring (only) 280
Z depth 1053
Z drilling/milling (only) 280
Z end 1243, 1259, 1267, 1274, 1282,
1289, 1303, 1310, 1318, 1374, 1382,
1391, 1397, 1403
Z finish allowance 1502, 1527, 1765
Z increment 1077, 1243, 1289
Z index clearance 325, 1733
Z leave allowance 1502
Z offset 225
Z ramp clearance 1077, 1723
Z rapid plane 1053, 1140, 1422, 1675,
1723
Z semi-finish allowance 1502, 1765
Z start (3D Lite) 1243, 1259, 1267,
1274, 1282, 1289, 1303, 1310, 1318,
1374, 1382, 1391, 1397, 1403
Z steps 1053, 1694
Z-acceleration 1733
FeatureCAM 2015 R3 Reference Manual
Index 1973
You might also like
- Lean Six Sigma for Service (PB): How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and TransactionsFrom EverandLean Six Sigma for Service (PB): How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and Transactions3.5/5 (18)
- Fritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to ProductFrom EverandFritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to ProductNo ratings yet
- CNC Machining Handbook: Building, Programming, and ImplementationFrom EverandCNC Machining Handbook: Building, Programming, and ImplementationNo ratings yet
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 2.5D EN - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 2.5D EN - 2011320 pages
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 Getting Started en - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 Getting Started en - 2011180 pages
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 WhatsNew EN - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 WhatsNew EN - 201188 pages
- Programming the Photon: Getting Started with the Internet of ThingsFrom EverandProgramming the Photon: Getting Started with the Internet of Things5/5 (1)
- Programming the Intel Galileo: Getting Started with the Arduino -Compatible Development BoardFrom EverandProgramming the Intel Galileo: Getting Started with the Arduino -Compatible Development Board5/5 (1)
- Biennial Report on Operations Evaluation: Assessing the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems of IFC and MIGAFrom EverandBiennial Report on Operations Evaluation: Assessing the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems of IFC and MIGANo ratings yet
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2013 WhatsNew en - 2012No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2013 WhatsNew en - 2012108 pages
- Philosophy of Leadership - Driving Employee Engagement in integrated management systemsFrom EverandPhilosophy of Leadership - Driving Employee Engagement in integrated management systemsNo ratings yet
- Electronics from the Ground Up: Learn by Hacking, Designing, and InventingFrom EverandElectronics from the Ground Up: Learn by Hacking, Designing, and Inventing3.5/5 (2)
- Companies and Environmental Impact: Identification and Visualization of Key Ecological IndicatorsFrom EverandCompanies and Environmental Impact: Identification and Visualization of Key Ecological IndicatorsNo ratings yet
- Analyzing Food Security Using Household Survey Data: Streamlined Analysis with ADePT SoftwareFrom EverandAnalyzing Food Security Using Household Survey Data: Streamlined Analysis with ADePT SoftwareNo ratings yet
- Introduction of an Employee-Led Training System at Stage Entertainment Germany: A Qualitative StudyFrom EverandIntroduction of an Employee-Led Training System at Stage Entertainment Germany: A Qualitative StudyNo ratings yet
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Pos EN - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Pos EN - 201156 pages
- OCP Oracle Database 11g Administration II Exam Guide: Exam 1Z0-053From EverandOCP Oracle Database 11g Administration II Exam Guide: Exam 1Z0-053No ratings yet
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D Finishing en - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D Finishing en - 2011118 pages
- Austin and Boxerman's Information Systems for Healthcare Management, Seventh EditionFrom EverandAustin and Boxerman's Information Systems for Healthcare Management, Seventh EditionNo ratings yet
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Sim EN - 2011No ratings yetDelcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Sim EN - 201174 pages
- Cybersecurity for Executives: A Guide to Protecting Your BusinessFrom EverandCybersecurity for Executives: A Guide to Protecting Your BusinessNo ratings yet
- World Bank Group Impact Evaluations: Relevance and EffectivenessFrom EverandWorld Bank Group Impact Evaluations: Relevance and EffectivenessNo ratings yet
- Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches, Third EditionFrom EverandProgramming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches, Third EditionNo ratings yet
- Simulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamics: Theory and Practical ApplicationsFrom EverandSimulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamics: Theory and Practical ApplicationsNo ratings yet
- Troubleshooting Electronic Circuits: A Guide to Learning Analog ElectronicsFrom EverandTroubleshooting Electronic Circuits: A Guide to Learning Analog ElectronicsNo ratings yet
- Open Source Customer Relationship Management Solutions: Potential for an Impact of Open Source CRM Solutions on Small- and Medium Sized EnterprisesFrom EverandOpen Source Customer Relationship Management Solutions: Potential for an Impact of Open Source CRM Solutions on Small- and Medium Sized EnterprisesNo ratings yet
- Impact Evaluation of Business License Simplification in Peru: An Independent Assessment of an International Finance Corporation-Supported ProjectFrom EverandImpact Evaluation of Business License Simplification in Peru: An Independent Assessment of an International Finance Corporation-Supported ProjectNo ratings yet
- Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches, Second EditionFrom EverandProgramming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches, Second Edition3/5 (3)
- Martin Maintenance Anf Troubleshooting GuideNo ratings yetMartin Maintenance Anf Troubleshooting Guide28 pages
- TRILOGI 5.3 PLC Ladder Diagram Programmer and Simulator A TutorialNo ratings yetTRILOGI 5.3 PLC Ladder Diagram Programmer and Simulator A Tutorial24 pages
- Siject: The All-In-One System For Injection Molding MachinesNo ratings yetSiject: The All-In-One System For Injection Molding Machines2 pages
- A Group Chat Application Using Java: On Mini Project WorkNo ratings yetA Group Chat Application Using Java: On Mini Project Work33 pages
- SPSS v27 - System Requirements (Basic Info) FDSRPDF-2020!07!13No ratings yetSPSS v27 - System Requirements (Basic Info) FDSRPDF-2020!07!1360 pages
- STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION (SSC) - Department of Personnel & TrainingNo ratings yetSTAFF SELECTION COMMISSION (SSC) - Department of Personnel & Training2 pages
- Lab 01: Introduction To Assembly Language: Theory100% (1)Lab 01: Introduction To Assembly Language: Theory5 pages
- Disaster Recovery Solution For Oracle Fusion Middle Ware 11g On LinuxNo ratings yetDisaster Recovery Solution For Oracle Fusion Middle Ware 11g On Linux23 pages
- Product Offerings For Vsphere 6.x (KB 2109507)No ratings yetProduct Offerings For Vsphere 6.x (KB 2109507)1 page
- CV - Vikash - Kumar Singh - Java - Developer - 10+yrsNo ratings yetCV - Vikash - Kumar Singh - Java - Developer - 10+yrs8 pages
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016: A Beginner's Guide, Sixth EditionFrom EverandMicrosoft SQL Server 2016: A Beginner's Guide, Sixth Edition
- Lean Six Sigma for Service (PB): How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and TransactionsFrom EverandLean Six Sigma for Service (PB): How to Use Lean Speed and Six Sigma Quality to Improve Services and Transactions
- Fritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to ProductFrom EverandFritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to Product
- Complete Audio Mastering: Practical TechniquesFrom EverandComplete Audio Mastering: Practical Techniques
- CNC Machining Handbook: Building, Programming, and ImplementationFrom EverandCNC Machining Handbook: Building, Programming, and Implementation
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 2.5D EN - 2011Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 2.5D EN - 2011
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 Getting Started en - 2011Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 Getting Started en - 2011
- ChatGPT for Business: Strategies for SuccessFrom EverandChatGPT for Business: Strategies for Success
- Teardowns: Learn How Electronics Work by Taking Them ApartFrom EverandTeardowns: Learn How Electronics Work by Taking Them Apart
- Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with SketchesFrom EverandProgramming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches
- Programming the Photon: Getting Started with the Internet of ThingsFrom EverandProgramming the Photon: Getting Started with the Internet of Things
- Programming the Intel Galileo: Getting Started with the Arduino -Compatible Development BoardFrom EverandProgramming the Intel Galileo: Getting Started with the Arduino -Compatible Development Board
- Biennial Report on Operations Evaluation: Assessing the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems of IFC and MIGAFrom EverandBiennial Report on Operations Evaluation: Assessing the Monitoring and Evaluation Systems of IFC and MIGA
- Philosophy of Leadership - Driving Employee Engagement in integrated management systemsFrom EverandPhilosophy of Leadership - Driving Employee Engagement in integrated management systems
- Electronics from the Ground Up: Learn by Hacking, Designing, and InventingFrom EverandElectronics from the Ground Up: Learn by Hacking, Designing, and Inventing
- Facility Management: Business Process IntegrationFrom EverandFacility Management: Business Process Integration
- Companies and Environmental Impact: Identification and Visualization of Key Ecological IndicatorsFrom EverandCompanies and Environmental Impact: Identification and Visualization of Key Ecological Indicators
- Programming Arduino: Getting Started with SketchesFrom EverandProgramming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches
- Analyzing Food Security Using Household Survey Data: Streamlined Analysis with ADePT SoftwareFrom EverandAnalyzing Food Security Using Household Survey Data: Streamlined Analysis with ADePT Software
- Analyzing Food Security using Household SurveysFrom EverandAnalyzing Food Security using Household Surveys
- Introduction of an Employee-Led Training System at Stage Entertainment Germany: A Qualitative StudyFrom EverandIntroduction of an Employee-Led Training System at Stage Entertainment Germany: A Qualitative Study
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Pos EN - 2011Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Pos EN - 2011
- OCP Oracle Database 11g Administration II Exam Guide: Exam 1Z0-053From EverandOCP Oracle Database 11g Administration II Exam Guide: Exam 1Z0-053
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D Finishing en - 2011Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D Finishing en - 2011
- Austin and Boxerman's Information Systems for Healthcare Management, Seventh EditionFrom EverandAustin and Boxerman's Information Systems for Healthcare Management, Seventh Edition
- Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Sim EN - 2011Delcam - FeatureCAM 2012 FeatureMILL 3D 5axis Sim EN - 2011
- Cybersecurity for Executives: A Guide to Protecting Your BusinessFrom EverandCybersecurity for Executives: A Guide to Protecting Your Business
- Troubleshooting and Repairing Commercial Electrical EquipmentFrom EverandTroubleshooting and Repairing Commercial Electrical Equipment
- Microsoft SQL Server 2005: A Beginner''s GuideFrom EverandMicrosoft SQL Server 2005: A Beginner''s Guide
- World Bank Group Impact Evaluations: Relevance and EffectivenessFrom EverandWorld Bank Group Impact Evaluations: Relevance and Effectiveness
- Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches, Third EditionFrom EverandProgramming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches, Third Edition
- Simulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamics: Theory and Practical ApplicationsFrom EverandSimulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamics: Theory and Practical Applications
- Simulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamicsFrom EverandSimulating Distributional Impacts of Macro-dynamics
- Troubleshooting Electronic Circuits: A Guide to Learning Analog ElectronicsFrom EverandTroubleshooting Electronic Circuits: A Guide to Learning Analog Electronics
- Open Source Customer Relationship Management Solutions: Potential for an Impact of Open Source CRM Solutions on Small- and Medium Sized EnterprisesFrom EverandOpen Source Customer Relationship Management Solutions: Potential for an Impact of Open Source CRM Solutions on Small- and Medium Sized Enterprises
- Tanmay Teaches Go: The Ideal Language for Backend DevelopersFrom EverandTanmay Teaches Go: The Ideal Language for Backend Developers
- Impact Evaluation of Business License Simplification in Peru: An Independent Assessment of an International Finance Corporation-Supported ProjectFrom EverandImpact Evaluation of Business License Simplification in Peru: An Independent Assessment of an International Finance Corporation-Supported Project
- Programming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches, Second EditionFrom EverandProgramming Arduino Next Steps: Going Further with Sketches, Second Edition
- TRILOGI 5.3 PLC Ladder Diagram Programmer and Simulator A TutorialTRILOGI 5.3 PLC Ladder Diagram Programmer and Simulator A Tutorial
- Siject: The All-In-One System For Injection Molding MachinesSiject: The All-In-One System For Injection Molding Machines
- A Group Chat Application Using Java: On Mini Project WorkA Group Chat Application Using Java: On Mini Project Work
- SPSS v27 - System Requirements (Basic Info) FDSRPDF-2020!07!13SPSS v27 - System Requirements (Basic Info) FDSRPDF-2020!07!13
- STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION (SSC) - Department of Personnel & TrainingSTAFF SELECTION COMMISSION (SSC) - Department of Personnel & Training
- Disaster Recovery Solution For Oracle Fusion Middle Ware 11g On LinuxDisaster Recovery Solution For Oracle Fusion Middle Ware 11g On Linux
- CV - Vikash - Kumar Singh - Java - Developer - 10+yrsCV - Vikash - Kumar Singh - Java - Developer - 10+yrs