Important Notice

This document is supplied as part of a Delcam Training Course. It is not intended to

be distance-learning material: rather as an aid for Tutors when presenting material
to course delegates and as a subsequent aid memoir to those delegates.

Delcam does not accept responsibility for any personal belongings / valuables whilst
on the premises. Delegates are advised to keep their belongings on their person at
all times.

Delcam plc. has no control over the use of the software described in
this document and cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or
damage howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users
are advised that all results from the software are checked by a
competent person in accordance with good quality control
procedures.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and
may be used only in accordance with the terms of this license.

Copyright 2013 – Delcam plc. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Delcam UK Page 1

Welcome to Delcam UK

Daily training schedule

9:00 am Morning session (times may vary)

10:30 am Coffee break
12:25 pm Lunch
A range of complimentary hot and cold meals are available in the on-site restaurant.
1:00 pm Afternoon session
2:30 pm Coffee break
5:00 pm Finish (4pm Fridays)

Refreshments are provided and include drinks and biscuits. Breakfast is available
from 8:30 am at extra cost.

Contact us

UK Training Centre UK Customer Support

Tel: 0121 6831050 Tel: 0121 6831010
Fax 0121 7665511 Fax: 0121 7665565
[email protected] [email protected]

Delcam UK, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ

For the latest UK training schedule and booking form, please visit
http://www.delcam.co.uk/general/about/training.asp

Welcome to Delcam UK Page 2

Fire Procedures
When the fire Alarm sounds make your way out of the building quickly and calmly
via the nearest Fire Exit.
Do not go back to your desk to collect belongings.
Once out of the building, make your way to the grass verge outside the main
reception area and await instructions.

Welcome to Delcam UK Page 3

 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Contents

Contents
Chapter Headings

 Introduction to FeatureCAM Turning.

 How Features are created.
 From Dimensions.
 From Curves.
 Automatic Feature Recognition.
 Interactive Feature Recognition.
 CAM Software Strategies.
 Built in Intelligence.

FeatureCAM Basic Turn Page #

 Evaluation Options. 1.1
 Setting up FeatureCAM for the first time. 1.1
 FeatureTURN Basic. 1.4
 The User Interface. 1.5
 Mouse buttons. 1.6
 Viewing Options. 1.7
 Middle Mouse Button. 1.8
 Display Options. 1.9
 Principle Views. 1.9
 Keyboard Shortcuts. 1.11
 Commonly used Ctrl Keys. 1.12
 User interface: Keyboard shortcuts. 1.13
 Blanking Model entities. 1.14
 Show Menu. 1.14
 Hide Menu. 1.15
 Snapping and Geometry. 1.16
 Drawing conventions when using Delcam products. 1.19
 User Interface. 1.20
 Line. 1.22
 Circle, Fillet, Arc. 1.23
 Curve, Dimensions. 1.24
 Curvature, Surface. 1.25
 Solid, Edit Geometry. 1.26
 Turning Setups Explained. 1.27

Copyright @ Delcam.PLC
 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Contents

 How do Setups relate to UCSs? 1.27

 Setups – Dialog. 1.27
 Setup - Definition. 1.28
 Specifying the machine simulation file. 1.31
 Setting up a part for multi- Spindle turning – Setups. 1.32
 Associating features with setups. 1.32
 Moving the Part. 1.33
 Machine Simulation. 1.32
 Sub spindle overview. 1.32
 Creating a Sub spindle feature. 1.33
 Setting up a part for multi-turret turning. 1.34
 Creating a Basic Program. 1.36
 Basic Turning Exercise. 1.37

Chapter Headings Page #

 Setting up a part for Single Spindle turning. 1.37

 Basic Turning Exercise. 1.42
 Creating a Bore Feature. 1.48
 Part View Operations. 1.54
 Results. 1.54
 NC Code. 1.55
 2D Simulation. 1.55
 3D Simulation. 1.56
 Rapid Moves to home position. 1.56
 Part Documentation. 1.56
 Changing Post Processor and Saving NC Code. 1.57
 Saving the FeatureTURN Part. 1.58
 Exercise 2. 1.58
 Exercise 2 Dimensions. 1.62
 Drawing the Geometry. 1.62
 Chaining the curves. 1.63
 Turn Feature. 1.64
 Cut – Grip. 1.76
 Large Groove Feature machined using Cut-Grip. 1.76
 Pre – Drill Dia 40. 1.83
 Boring. 1.87
 Face Boring. 1.88
 Offset Boring. 1.88

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Contents

 Boring Below Centreline. 1.88

 Tool Nose Radius Compensation. 1.88
 Back Face Boring. 1.88
 Back Boring. 1.88
 Boring with a groove tool. 1.88
 Boring using Face Strategy. 1.89
 Cut-off. 1.90
 Warning cut-off Tool not found *****. 1.92
 3D Simulation of the finished part. 1.93
 Boring with Canned Cycles. 1.93
 Tool nose Radius Compensation. 1.93
 Back Face Boring. 1.94
 Back Boring. 1.94
 Boring with a Groove tool. 1.94
 Turning exercise 3 no undercuts. 1.95
 Turning exercise 3. 1.96
 Stock Curve. 1.99
 Turning Exercise 4 Light bulb. 1.100
 Light bulb drawing exercise in detail. 1.101

Basic Turning Attributes / Configurations Page #

 Basic Turning Attributes/Configurations. 2.1
 Introduction. 2.1
 Machining Configurations. 2.1
 What are Machining Attributes? 2.2
 Creating Machining Configurations. 2.3
 The Attributes. 2.4
 Drilling Tab. 2.4
 Pecking Tab. 2.5
 Turn/Bore. 2.5
 Threading. 2.5
 Grooving. 2.5
 Cut-Off and Bar Feed. 2.5
 Miscellaneous. 2.5
 Operations. 2.5
 Help Contents. 2.6

Copyright @ Delcam.PLC
 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Contents

Tooling Reference Guide Page #

 Tooling Reference Guide. 3.1
 Setting a Tools Operation Type. 3.5
 Endmill – Tool Operations example. 3.7
 Facemill – Tool Properties example. 3.8
 Lathe – Turning Tool Properties example. 3.9
 Machining Attributes. 3.12
 Lathe - Bore Tool Properties example. 3.15
 Lathe – Groove/Cut Tool Properties example. 3.18
 Lathe - Thread Tool Properties example. 3.19
 Tap - Tool Properties example. 3.21
 Thread Mill - Tool Properties example. 3.23

Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) Page #

 AFR Turning Example 1. 4.1
 AFR Turning Example 2. 4.11
 Solid Stock – 2 – All Models. X_t 4.27

Copyright @ Delcam.PLC
 Introduction to FeatureCAM Turning

Introduction to
FeatureCAM Turning

Introduction

FeatureCAM will show how it is advantageous over other CAM systems.

Increased shop productivity is the primary goal of all FeatureCAM products.
Traditional CAM systems are operations based and require you to program every
operation, one at a time, to create your part. All the manufacturing details are left
to the machinist. That means that you must specify the details for every process for
example face off, rough OD finish OD, spot drill, drill, ream and roughing pass of
your part.
With FeatureCAM you generate your part using features such as a tapped hole, a
boss, or a turned groove and the operations are automatically created.
FeatureCAM also manages the details of the manufacturing process such as tool
selection, speed and feed rates, and toolpaths. To modify any element of the part
program, just change a few settings on a feature and a whole new set of operations
are generated to reflect your changes.
Ease of use is another guiding principal of FeatureCAM products. Our system was
originally developed as a graphical Windows-based program. FeatureCAM
programs are full of graphical feedback, step-by-step wizards and tutorial-style
animations that run directly in the program dialog boxes. Ease of use has always
been a FeatureCAM advantage and we continue to find ways to make our system
even easier to learn and use.

Copyright © Delcam plc

 Introduction to FeatureCAM Turning

How Features are created.

There are a number of different ways in which features can be created in
FeatureCAM, which method you choose will depend upon the data available to you.
In broad terms the methods are:

From Dimensions
If you are working from a drawing then often the quickest way of creating features
is to pull the dimensions from the drawing and enter them directly into
FeatureCAM. For example you can create a turned profile simply by entering co-
ordinates for a continuous line length. Additional attributes for the feature can also
be added such as a fillet radius or chamfer.

From Curves
If you have a 2D drawing of a part in electronic format i.e. (.dxf) (.dwg) you can
simply import the file to create curves for more irregularly shaped parts and then
create the feature from the curve.

Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR)

If you are working from a solid model then FeatureCAM has the capability to
analyse the part and identify features automatically. Basically you say, “Here is the
part, go and program it”. FeatureCAM then looks for Pockets, Bosses, Sides, and
Holes and so on and prepares the necessary machining operations, selects the tools
and feeds & speeds. This can work very well on simple parts but on more complex
parts it may require some manual tweaking to get the optimal toolpaths.

Interactive Feature Recognition (IFR)

This also works off a solid model in a similar manner to AFR. The difference is that
you tell FeatureCAM what type of feature it is that you are looking for, for example
“Look only for Side features” or “Look for holes with a diameter of less than 16mm”.
This takes a little longer than AFR but gives you greater control over how the
features are created and often results in a shorter cycle time for machining.

CAM Software Strategies

There are three main different types of CAM software strategies for creating
toolpaths in today’s modern CAM software. These strategies are Operation based,
Processed based and Feature Based. Some of these strategies use Knowledge
Based Machining (KBM). KBM is when machining intelligence is built right into the
CAM software. KBM is used at various levels and degrees in different CAM systems.
Operations-based CAM systems require the user to go through multiple steps to
machine each part. The user must select which type of operation to use, select the
machining boundary and the type of toolpath, then manually select tools, feeds and
speeds and multiple machining options such as stepover distance and the
incremental step in Z. These multiple steps must be repeated one at a time for
every operation on a part, making it a time-consuming process that is prone to
error. These systems offer little or no KBM.
Process-based CAM systems attempt to reduce these steps by grouping operations
in standard processes. KBM is used as the program remembers the used processes
and repeats them for future operations. However, this method only works when a
shop uses the same processes over and over for the same types of parts.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM Turning

When a process is applied to different types of parts, or parts made of different

materials, the CNC programmer must still verify that the correct operations were
used and that the correct tools, stepovers and speeds and feeds were selected
because a static machining process does not automatically adapt to every part.
Feature-based CAM systems use a set of interrelated machinable features to
describe a complete part. The beauty of features is that they not only describe
shape, but these also are made up of one or more associative operations that
describe the preferred method for cutting that shape at the NC machine. A
predefined set of machining rules and user preferences are applied to a part. KBM in
these systems streamlines the manufacturing process by building the highest level
of machining intelligence right into the CAM system. Machinable features contain
information and rules describing how and where material removal should occur,
cutting depths, whether to use climb cutting, whether to spot drill or centre drill and
preferred machining strategies for roughing and finishing. The CAM system
evaluates the part geometry and part material, selects the most appropriate tools
and operations, recommends machining strategies, calculates feeds and speeds,
then automatically generates the NC code.
Below is a chart showing a comparison of the three different CAM strategies:

Feature Based CAM Operations-Based CAM Process-Based CAM

1. Draw or Import Your 1. Import or draw part. 1. Import or draw part.

Part
2. Select a rough operation. 2. Identify features.
2. Identify Features
3. Select rough boundary. 3. Select machining
3. Click Simulation processes.
4. Select type of toolpath.
You Are Done! 4. Click simulation.
5. Select roughing tool.
FeatureCAM Automatically: 5. Create NC code.
6. Select feeds and speeds
 Determines Rough and ???Are You Done? No.
7. Select stepover and Z
Finish Operations
steps. You must analyse and
 Selects ALL Tools Sizes verify:
8. Select a finish operation.
 Calculates Feeds & • Does the process have
9. Select finish boundary
Speeds the correct operations?
10.Select type of toolpath
 Determines Stepover & • Does the process use
Z Increments 11. Select a finishing tool. the correct size tools?
 Generates Toolpath 12. Select stepover and Z • Are the correct feeds
steps. and speeds used?
 Creates NC Code
13. Select feeds and speeds. • Does the process have
the correct stepover and
14. Click simulation. Z increments?
15. Create NC code

Feature-based machining has many advantages such as:

 Dramatically shorter part programming time.
 Part revisions do not require reprogramming.
 NC code is consistent and predictable regardless of the CNC programmer.
 Tools are optimized and tool changes reduced.
 Toolpath is automatically optimized for faster machining.
FeatureCAM is a Feature Based programming system with advantages listed
above. Additionally FeatureCAM is very easy to use. A programmer new to
FeatureCAM or new to programming can quickly learn the product and create G-
code with the appropriate tools, feeds and speeds.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM Turning

Below is a list of key points that make FeatureCAM very easy to use.

 User Friendly Interface (Steps & Wizards)

 Automatic Tool Selection (2D & 3D)
 Automatic Feature RECOGNITION
 Standard Databases (Tools, Materials, Feeds & Speeds)
 Customizable Post Processors
 Outstanding Technical Support

Built in intelligence
A major advantage of FeatureCAM is users' ability to define their own set of
machining preferences. FeatureCAM comes with predefined machining rules
programmed into the CAM system which are based on a standard set of material
properties and standard toolcribs. You can then customize these settings for specific
materials that you use and the tooling that you actually have available in your shop.
Once you have these defined, you simply select a material for your work piece and
the toolcrib you want to work with and FeatureCAM will then make selections of
tooling for a feature automatically. If you change the toolcrib or the material then
FeatureCAM automatically updates all of the toolpaths in the part. This means that
a part may be programmed for one machine with the tools available there and then
shifted to another machine simply by changing the toolcrib. Similarly if you wish to
cut a test part in Aluminium and then cut the final part in Stainless Steel you
program the part with Aluminium set as the material. Once you have cut the test
piece you change the material to be Stainless Steel and FeatureCAM will update
the toolpaths by changing feeds, speeds, depth of cut, stepovers etc. without any
further intervention from the operator.

By providing a set of standard machining rules already in place, it's easier for you to
customize the software to reflect the machining preferences of your Machine shop.

Setting up your own machining preferences and rules in FeatureCAM not only
reduces the time it takes to generate programs, but it also streamlines production
because the approach to machining every part is predictable and consistent.
Machine operators can rely on the fact that each job will be machined in a
predictable manner regardless of who did the programming.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Evaluation Options

Setting up FeatureCAM for the first time.

When the installation has finished, click on the shortcut that has appeared
on the Desktop. (This will start FeatureCAM) when it has finished. Cancel the new
part document wizard that is on the screen. (Shown below)

 Go up to the top left of the screen and go to

 This will open the following form.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 It is here that you need to activate the various products for which you have been
licensed.
 To find out what you have been licensed for.
 Please open the Product Authorisation File (paf) that was supplied using a text
editor such as “WordPad” and in the file you should find a list of options similar
to that shown below for example.

 DFS-2012.12-5AP This means 5 Axis Positioning

 DFS-2012.12-DFS Delcam for SolidWorks
 DFS-2012.12-3D 3D Milling Module
 DFS-2012.12-25D 2.5D Milling
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-5AS 5 Axis Simultaneous
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-WIR Wire EDM Module
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-UGI Unigraphics
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-TRN Turning Module

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 FEATURECAM-2012.12-TML Turn/Mill Module

 FEATURECAM-2012.12-TMB Tombstone
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-STP Step Translator
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-SND Network Database
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-SMD Solid Modelling
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-REC Feature Recognition
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-PRO Pro-E Translator
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-MT Advanced Turn/Mill or
Multi-Turret
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-MSM Machine Simulation
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-FEATURECAM Base Product
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-CAT Catia Import
 FEATURECAM-2012.12-CA5 Catia V5 Import

 Select the items that are listed in the .paf file and click apply. See on the
previous page. The word licensed should now appear beside any option that has
been selected, that has a matching code in the .paf file.
 Close the form by clicking on OK and FeatureCAM should now run with all of
the correct options enabled.

Please note: This will only have to be performed once! FeatureCAM will
remember these setting from now on.

Please note: The evaluation options listed are not typical for a normal
customer. This is Typical for a Delcam Applications Engineer. You will
only have the options available that you have purchased.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

FeatureTURN Basic

Introduction

 In this FeatureTurn module the user will learn basic 2-axis (X and Z) turning,
boring, and grooving along with the basic user interface and different stock
types. At the end of the module the user will be able to generate a program for
a simple part.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

The user Interface

 The user Interface as shown on the next page is the entire viewing area of
FeatureCAM and is designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and provides the
many functions to assist you in creating programs accurately and in the fastest
possible time. To identify each area of interest we have created numbered radio
buttons to highlight each menu, giving an explanation for each feature.

1 Steps Located on the left side. A systematic sequence to guide, especially the
beginner, as to the order of which needs to be completed first, second, etc.
2 Part View Located behind the Steps. This area gives a listing and provides
access to the properties of the stock, setups, features, turrets, curves, (surfaces
and solids when available)
3 Menu Bar Located at the top. Like many other Windows based software,
packages FeatureCAM includes a series of drop down menus. These menus are
unique to FeatureCAM and provide one or more functions used to facilitate the
constructing, manufacturing, viewing and editing of your part program.
4 Tool Bars usually located at the top but, may be docked in other locations. Can
consist of one or more buttons and used to create objects in the Graphics
Window such as the Geometry constructors for drawing the shape of your part.
5 Results Located on the right side. It contains the Operation list. Whereas the
Part View contains all of the features, the Operation List contains all of the hits.
It also provides the details of each operation, including a tool list. The NC code
is also here. All of the information residing in this area may be printed.
6 Graphics Window Located in the centre. This is where most of the activity is
taking place, creating stock, importing drawings, solid and surface models,
constructing geometry, chaining with curves, creating features and simulating
the tool path in 3D or using the centreline of the tool.
7 Geometry Bar Located near the bottom. This area is constantly used and is
where the dimension boxes are used to locate the geometry on your stock
material in the Graphics Window.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

8 Status Bar Status Bar Located at the very bottom of FeatureCAM. It

contains the plane you are working in (XY–XZ-YZ), the unit of measure (inch-
metric), the layer you are working in, the setup, post processor and the tool
crib.

Mouse buttons
 Each of the three mouse buttons performs a different dynamic operation in
FeatureCAM.

 Mouse button 1: Picking and selecting

 This button is used for Selecting Items off the pull down menus, options within
forms, and entities in the graphics area.
 Mouse button 2: Dynamics

 Zooming in and out: - Hold down the Shift key and mouse button 2. Move
the mouse up and down to zoom in and out.
 Pan around the model: -Click once with mouse button 2 to position in the
centre of the screen. Click and hold to zoom and then move the mouse in the
required direction.
 Zoom Box – Hold down mouse buttons 1 and then 2, drag a box around the
area to zoom Release both buttons at the same time. Rotate mode: Hold down
the Ctrl key and mouse button 2. Move the mouse up and down to zoom in and
out.

Note: All of the viewing options are available via button 3. Click in the Main
Graphics Area

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 Mouse button 3: Special Menus & FeatureCAM Explorer Options

 When this button is pressed it brings up a local menu relating to whatever the
Mouse Pointer is over, such as a named item in the FeatureCAM Explorer or a
physical entity in the graphics area. If nothing specific is selected the View
menu appears.

Viewing Options
 For those users who are already familiar with other Delcam ® products DON’T
PANIC! Just do the following
 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.
 Dynamic Viewing Options

 In the Dynamic Viewing Options tab, you have two choices to reset the
settings to:
 Reset to FeatureCAM Settings
 This button resets all the options in the dialog to FeatureCAM defaults, which
are:
 Dynamic Viewing Choice upon FeatureCAM Start-Up - Pan and Zoom

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 Middle-mouse button behaviour - Current Viewing Mode

 Middle-mouse button with Shift - Pan and Zoom
 Middle-mouse button with Ctrl - Rotate
 Middle-mouse button with Ctrl+Shift – Zoom

 Reset to PowerMILL Settings

 This button resets all the options in the dialog to PowerMILL defaults, which
are:
 Dynamic Viewing Choice upon FeatureCAM Start-Up - Trackball
 Middle-mouse button behaviour - Trackball
 Middle-mouse button with Shift - Pan
 Middle-mouse button with Ctrl - PowerMILL Pan & Zoom
 Middle-mouse button with Ctrl+Shift - Box Zoom
 This menu controls 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.

Middle Mouse Button

 In these options, you can set the behaviours to be specific viewing modes 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.
 The most commonly used mouse feature is to hold the Centre wheel down and
moving the mouse, this will rotate your part. Hold the shift key down at the
same time and you can Pan anywhere on the screen. Hold the shift key down
and where ever the mouse is it will zoom to that point by using the Wheel. This
is excellent for looking closely at your component.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Display options
 For the best Display Options for your computer set the N-Vidia ® Control
Panel options to the following.

Principle views
 Changes to a view of the part from the front with no other surfaces
visible.

 Changes to a view of the part from the back with no other surfaces
visible.

 Changes to a view of the part from the left side with no other surfaces
visible.

 Changes to a view of the part from the Right side with no other
surfaces visible.

 Changes to a view of the part from the top only. Useful for drawing
geometry, but harder to see the wireframe model of the part.

 Changes the view to the bottom of the part. No sides of the part
are visible from this perspective.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 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.
 Isometric - changes 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 (Ctrl+1)

 Isometric 2 (Ctrl+3)

 Isometric 3 (Ctrl+9)

 Isometric 4 (Ctrl+7)

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 Perspective - If selected, the view is a perspective view. If deselected, the

view is an orthographic view.
 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 UCS - changes your view to that of the current UCS.
 As on world - changes your view to that of the current UCS.

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
V for View menu, press V for Viewing Modes and press R for Rotate.

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+Enter Properties
Alt+F1 Centreline 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 Activates the second level of sorting.
sorting
Ctrl+click a viewing mode button Stay in that viewing mode.
Run 3D simulation in hidden line mode and
Ctrl+click the 3D Simulation button. do continuous looping.
Release key and click the Play button.
Stops the simulation when it encounters the
Ctrl+click Fast Forward to End next rapid (in addition to the next
operation).
Ctrl+click the Machine Simulation Run machine simulation in hidden line mode
and do continuous looping.
button. Release key and click the Play
button.
Ctrl+A Select all.
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+E Centre 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+L Centre all.
Ctrl+N New file
Ctrl+O Open file
Ctrl+P Print
Ctrl+R Opens the New Feature wizard.
Ctrl+S Save file
Ctrl+V Paste
Ctrl+X Cut

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Ctrl+Y Redo
Ctrl+Z Undo
Causes the warp status for that dialog to
Ctrl+click the Pick Curve button toggle.
Toggles between simulation of the selection
Ctrl+click the Pick Curve button while a feature and the entire setup.
Key sequence
Run simulation in hidden line mode.
Ctrl+click the Play button
Hold Ctrl while toolpath is being computed Temporarily turns off Toolpath Computation
Minimization. Toolpaths will be recomputed
for all features even if that feature did not
change.

Ctrl+Alt+click-and-drag on any toolbar Duplicate and move button around in

button toolbar.
Ctrl+Shift+click the 3D Simulation Continuous loop simulation for 3D
simulation.
button. Release keys and click the Play
button.
Ctrl+Shift+click the Machine Simulation Continuous loop simulation for machine
simulation.
button. Release keys and click the Play
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.
Middle-click-and-drag in the graphics Performs viewing based on the current
window 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 Removes the entire picked region instead of
Region is On to the nearest intersection.
Shift+right-click in graphics window Dynamic viewing using current view mode.
Shift+click the Show button in the SCL Brings up a dialog that shows the attributes
dialog of the model selected in SCL dialog.

Commonly used Ctrl Keys

 New Feature Menu or Ctrl + R
 Isometric View or Ctrl + 1
 Top View or Ctrl + 5

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User interface: Keyboard shortcuts

There is a new tab in the Customize Toolbars dialog, Keyboard Shortcuts:

 This tab lets you assign your own shortcut keys to the FeatureCAM menu
commands. To set a new shortcut key:
9 Select a category from the Categories list.
10 Select a command from the Commands list.
 If the command already has a shortcut, it is listed under Current keys.
11 To assign a new key, select the Press new shortcut key field and press the
keys that you want to use as the shortcut.
12 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.
13 A warning displays if the shortcut you entered is already assigned to a
command.
14 Click the Assign button to save the new shortcut.
15 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.

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Blanking model entities

 Use the Blank Selected (Ctrl + J) option to temporarily hide the selected
model components.
 To re-display all of the components. Right-click in the graphics area and select
Unblank (Ctrl L). The blanked model components are displayed. Please note
this option will only work if you have set this up as explained in the previous
chapter.

Show Menu
 Show functions help control what is displayed. This is useful as you place and
model intricate features in a complex part.
 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 Dimensions Tool.
 Show All Curves — Use this menu option to Show all Curves.
 Show All Surfaces — Use this menu option to Show all surfaces (available only
in FeatureCAM 3D).
 Show All Features — Use this menu option to Show all features.
 Show All Solids — Use this menu option to Show all solids
 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 icon.

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 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

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
can’t 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.
 Hide All Curves — Use this menu option to hide all curves. 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.
 Hide All Non-Vertical 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 outline. All other entities
remain visible.

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 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.

Snapping and Geometry

Introduction
This module will provide an understanding of how different Snapping Modes work
and how Geometry is created within FeatureCAM. By the end of the module the
user will be able to construct Geometry and understand how each Snapping Mode
functions.

Snapping
 Snapping Mode commands can be accessed in two different areas of the
user interface. Select the Options menu then Snapping Modes.

 Or Snapping Modes may also be accessed through the Snap Mode

Toolbar (to show the Snapping Toolbar. Go to the View menu then
Toolbars, then check the Snap Mode checkbox and select OK) (See image
on the next page).

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 Looking at each icon from left to right we will give a short summary of each
item’s function:

1 The Snap to Grid Points button displays a grid and enables snapping to
the grid. Selecting snapping grids from the options menu controls the spacing of
the grid. Grid snaps to a point on a coordinate system that is laid out on the
stock. The grid size can be modified from the Options menu.

2 The Snap to Point button snaps to a point object.

3 The Snap to Endpoint Snaps to the ends of infinite lines or arcs.

Endpoint also applies to the corners of the stock and verticals of a Solid.

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4 Snap to Midpoint Snaps to the middle points of finite lines and arcs.

5 Snap to Section Snaps equal intervals of a finite line. The number of

sections is controlled by the Sections parameter of the Snapping Grids dialog
box.

6 Snap to Intersection Snaps to the intersection of lines, arcs and circles.

7 Snap to Centre Snaps to arc and circle centres. This setting also
controls the display of circle and arc centre points.

8 Snap to Quadrant Snaps to the four points on a circle corresponding to

0°, 90°, 180° and 270°.

9 Snap to Object Snaps to a point on another object. This includes lines of

surfaces and is convenient for snapping points to locations on a surface or Solid
model.

10 Snap to Tangent Snaps the point so that the object you are creating will
be tangent to the object you snapped to.

11 Snap to Toolpath will Snap to toolpath lines.

12 The Snap Discrimination dialog button displays the Snap Discrimination

dialog box whenever there is an ambiguous pick. This dialog box will list the
possible points to snap to and ask you to pick the one you want.

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Drawing conventions when using Delcam products.

 When you start using Delcam ™ products and start to construct Geometry,
the illustration above clearly shows you the directions of the cardinal drawing
angles and positive and negative directions. This should help when creating
the exercises in this chapter.

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User Interface
Geometry constructor commands can be accessed in three different areas of the
user interface.

 Commands can be accessed by clicking the Geometry icon in

the Steps view:

 Can be accessed through the Construct Menu.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 Or may be accessed by the Geometry Toolbar

To show the geometry toolbar click on View then Toolbars, then check
the Geometry checkbox and press OK

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

The geometry toolbar uses flyout menus. The last item previously
selected is displayed as an icon in the tool bar.

 Click on the triangle to reveal the flyout menu.

These flyout menus are used throughout FeatureCAM and are useful for
easy access to many program functions.
 The following Menus show each of the Geometry creation options available.

Line

2 Pts: - Line created with two endpoints.

Connected: - Multiple lines created in succession.
Endpoint of one line becomes start point of next line.
Horizontal: - Infinite horizontal line created through a
point.
Vertical: - Infinite vertical line created through a point.
Pt. Angle: - Infinite line created through a point at an
angle specified in degrees.
Offset: - Line, Circle or Arc created offset from another.
New lines have the same length as original

 Click on the Select icon at the top of FeatureCAM on the Standard

Toolbar to cancel the line drawing. Use this button at any time to exit selection
mode.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Circle

Centre, Radius:- Creates a circle by clicking on the centre and

specifying the radius or dragging the mouse to a radius
Centre, Edge:- Creates a circle by clicking once on the centre then
again on the edge
Diameter:- Creates a circle with two points with the diameter being
the distance between the two points
Tangent Two:- Circle created by snapping the circle's edge tangent
to two objects
2 Pts, Radius:- Creates a circle by specifying two points and a radius
3 Pts:- Creates a circle from three points

Fillet

Corner Fillet: - Creates a Fillet in a corner originally defined by an

intersection of lines or arcs.
Two point Fillet: - Creates a Fillet in a corner originally defined by an
intersection of lines or arcs.
Three points: - Defines a fillet by selecting three points, similar to the
three point circle.
Chamfer: - Creates a Chamfer in a corner originally defined by an
intersection of lines or arcs.

Arc

Three points: - Constructs an arc through a start point, edge

point, and a finish point.
Two points, radius: - Constructs an arc through two points
with a specific radius.
Centre, Beg, End: - Constructs an arc from a centre point and
given beginning and end points.
Centre, Rad, Beg, End: - This selection constructs an arc with a
specific centre and radius with the starting and ending points
determined by angles.
.

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Curve

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. Open curves have end points that do not meet.
You can use open curves in the following Features Side, Groove,
Rounds and Chamfer Features.

Dimension

Horizontal: - creates dimension information based on the horizontal axis of the

part.
Vertical: - creates dimension information based on the vertical axis of the part.
Linear: - creates dimension information based on the absolute distance between
two points regardless of the angle of the dimensioned space.
Radius: - creates dimension information for the radius of the selected object.
Diameter: - creates dimension information for the diameter of the selected
object.
Angle: - creates dimension information for the angle between two selected
lines.
Text label: - creates a text label entered in the dialogue bar
Annotation: - places explanatory text, entered in the dialogue with an arrow of
what is being explained
Curvature: - samples the surface and computes the curvature in two directions
to describe how the surface behaves at the point shown in the dialog bar. 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. Knowing the smallest radius tells you the smallest tool to use to
manufacture the surface.
Interrogation: - This dialog helps you extract numbers from the graphics
window using snap modes and pick filters. You can then cut and paste these
values into other dialogs.

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Curvature
 Curvature samples the surface/Solid and computes the Curvature in two
directions to describe how the surface behaves at the point shown in the dialog
bar. 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. Knowing the smallest radius tells you the smallest tool to use
to manufacture the surface.
 Select Construct > Dimension > Curvature from the menu.
 Move the cursor over the surface, particularly in the tight constrained areas of
the surface or joints.
 Note the smallest value shown for Curvature. That is the smallest tool end
radius you need to accurately machine the surface.
 Set up rough and finish passes for the surface feature based on this knowledge,
and make sure the tool is available for production.

Please note that the example on the previous page is in Metric. If you are
using Inch Units the values will be imperial.

Surface

To build and use 3D surfaces in FeatureCAM, you need to

understand how FeatureCAM defines a surface. A surface is
defined by irregular sets 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, of the surface.

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Solid

The FeatureCAM support of solids lets you work with imported

CAD designs from solid modelling systems and create 3D solid
models using FeatureCAM’s Solid Modelling 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 modelling
tools.
 After you have created your Solid Model you can then use AFR (Automatic
Feature Recognition) or IFR (Interactive Feature Recognition) to create your
toolpaths.

Please Note that the Creation of Solid Models in FeatureCAM is an extra

cost option and will be greyed out if you have not paid for this option. Please
speak to your local sales representative for more details.

Edit Geometry

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.
Trim/Extend: - Changes the length of a line or an arc.
Trim/extend can be used to lengthen or shorten lines and
arcs as follows:
Infinite: - Changes the length of a line or an arc.

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Turning Setups Explained

Turning Setup: - for 2-axis turned parts. Your part can contain multiple setups and
these setups can mix different manufacturing techniques. Adding setups to parts
lets you work in different orientations on the same part. Or, if you have two parts
that share most of the same design, you could create the common features in one
setup, and the other different features in two other setups. Then, depending which
setups you include in the plan and manufacture, you can have two parts with only
slightly more work than one part.

How do 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
multiple USC’s on a turned part to model the features to manufacture your part.
UCS Setup

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 will be
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 as long as
their setup exists.

Setups dialog
You use the Setups dialog to set the active setup, create new setups and edit
existing setups.
You access the Setups dialog in one of these ways:
 Select Manufacturing > Setups from the menu

 Click the Setups button on the far right of the Advanced toolbar

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 To create a New setup click the New button and follow the steps in the wizard.
 To edit an existing setup select it as the Current Setup and click the Edit
button to open the Setups - Definition dialog.
 To set active setup select the setup name from the Current Setup list and click
the Close button.

You can also set or change the active setup in the Status bar. Click the
existing setup name and select a different setup from the context menu.

Setup – Definition
The Setup-Definition page lets you name the setup and specify the fixture ID.

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 Optionally enter the Setup Name. This name is used only as a label for the
setup
 Verify the Fixture ID for the setup. The default value is usually correct because
it is taken from the current *.cnc post processor template file. If the default
value is not correct, enter the correct value

Fixture IDs allow the machine to offset the fixture to correspond to the
program zero, instead of having to move the fixture to the spot where the
program is. For machines that use NC codes G54 - G59 or registers 54 -
59, the default should be 54. For machines that use NC codes H1 - H3,
the default should be 1.
 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

Setup – Definition includes Setup Name, any name may be entered or

use the default setting

A few quick notes about Part Name

The Part Name are inserted in and must be what is recognized in the NC
code (00001). The fixture ID comes from the post processor and the
call is applied to the NC code, such as G-54.
Also, the Part Name is used to identify the program text file when you
“Save NC” (Use Setup Part Name) under the File menu located upper
left.

Setup – Part Program Zero provides several methods to define the part
program zero location. Align to the face of the material, align with
another existing UCS (User Coordinate System) or accept the current
location.
 Choose Align to Stock Face
 Next
 Choose the Right hand

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 Next twice

 Setup – Spindle Location, the Main Spindle will always be selected when there is
no Sub Spindle being used.
 Select Main Spindle
 A sub spindle is a second spindle at the tailstock end of the machine opposing
the main spindle and used to run the second side of the part), covered later in
this module select Next.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

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.

 At any time, when in a FeatureCAM document and the need may arise to
specify a machine simulation file
 Open the Setups dialog in one of the following four 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.
 Click the Edit button.
 Click the Next button until the Setups > Simulation Information dialog is
displayed.
 Enter the Z Offset parameters. These represent offsets for loading the part
onto the machine. For simulating single turning setups these offsets are
applied to the setup after the part is aligned with the top-most location.
 In the Simulation machine design file section, select one of these options:
 Always use this one - if you want to identify a specific file. Browse to the
location of the Machine Design file.

Remember that the number of turrets and locations of the turrets must
match the selected post processor.
 Use the one specified in the .cnc file - to use the machine specified in the
post processor *.cnc file.

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Setting up a part for multi-spindle turning

Setups
You need at least two setups 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.

NOTE: For organizational purposes, you may want to rename your setups
with more descriptive names like Main Spindle.
The first setup will automatically be assigned to the main spindle. If you want to
perform the first operations on the sub spindle, you can do either of the following:
Drag the sub spindle setup above the main spindle setup in the Part View panel.
Go to Manufacturing > Process Plan in the menu and use the arrow buttons to
change the order of the setups in the third list.

Associating features with setups

Features are associated with the current setup. For multiple turret cutting, the setup
associated with the feature will dictate which spindle will hold the part while the
feature is being cut. You can see what setup the feature is associated with by
looking in the part view.

Moving the part

The part must be moved between the two spindles using a collection of sub spindle
features and perhaps bar feed features.

Machine Simulation
Machine simulation shows each setup cut twice if there is a sub spindle move. This
is to verify that we do not crash into the part once it is on the sub-spindle.

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.)

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Stock held by main spindle Stock held by sub spindle

Creating a Sub spindle feature

To create a sub spindle feature:

 Click the Features step in Steps panel.

If you are using the Turn/mill module, first select Turning as the
Feature type and click Next.

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 Select Sub spindle as the Feature type and click Next to open the New
Feature - Dimensions page
 Select which spindle you want to control, either the Main spindle or the Sub
spindle.

 Select the action you want to perform.

 Click Next.
 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 page for a sub spindle
opens.
 Synchronize the spindles; specify the type of synchronization to use.
 Click Finish.

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

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 With the exception of automatically synchronized features, features are

automatically associated with the first turret. To move an operation to another
turret, you must use one of the Turrets tab.

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Creating a Basic Program

 This chapter will show the user the basic steps required to create a finished
FeatureTURN Part. The following Tutorial is designed for Imperial and Metric
use. Imperial units will be in brackets and Italic (1.000”) Forms will show
wherever possible the Metric and then the imperial units. Due to space in
some forms this may not be possible.

1 Select FeatureCAM from the Start menu.

2 Click OK.

The example is a simple turned part designed to introduce you to several of the
drawing and machining tools available in FeatureTURN. The tutorial walks you
through creating the part and introduces you to FeatureTURN's automation and
ease of use.

Please note for this exercise the ID and OD grooves do not have to be
defined, this will be done automatically later.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Basic Turning Exercise

Setting up a part for single spindle turning

1 Create a New Turn, Metric or Inch document.
2 Enter OD 105mm (4.125”) and Length 147mm (5.785”). Select Finish.

3 We need to set excess stock at the front of the part after selecting finish you will
be presented with another form. See next page.

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4 Enter 2mm (0.0800”) in Z as shown in the form above. This will now set the Z
datum as shown.

5 Hide stock by selecting the material above and right click – Hide Stock.

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6 Alternatively you can select Setup1 in the PartView and follow the instructions
below.

Setup – Definition includes Setup Name, any name may be entered or

use the default setting

A few quick notes about Part Name

The Part Name are inserted in and must be what is recognized in the NC
code (O0001). The Fixture ID comes from the post processor and the
call is applied to the NC code, such as G54.
Also, the Part Name is used to identify the program text file when you
“Save NC” (Use Setup Part Name) under the File menu located upper left.

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Setup – Part Program Zero provides several methods to define the part
program zero location. Align to the face of the material, align with
another existing UCS (User Coordinate System) or accept the current
location.
7 Choose Align to Stock Face.
8 Select Next.
9 Choose the Right hand Icon as shown on the next page.

10 Select Next.

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11 In the Z Offset enter -2mm (0.0800”) this will move the Offset 2mm
(0.0800”) to the left of the material face leaving stock to be turned off later.

 Setup – Spindle Location, the Main Spindle will always be selected when there is
no Sub Spindle being used.
12 Select Main Spindle
 A sub spindle is a second spindle at the tailstock end of the machine opposing
the main spindle and used to run the second side of the part), covered later in
this module select Next.
 Select Turning input modes from Options; select the following Radius (RZ)
input mode.

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Basic Turning Exercise

There are many ways to draw this job but the following method is by far the
easiest.

1 From the Steps menu select Geometry The following menu will
appear. Select Line Horizontal as shown.

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2 Input the following Values.

3 50mm (2.000”), 25mm (1.000”), 16mm (0.630”).
4 Then Select the Line vertical and input the following values
5 0 -88mm (3.465”) -94mm (3.701”) -125mm (-5.000”)

6 Clip the surrounding lines as shown.

7 Now clip the unwanted geometry as shown on the next page.

8 Now add the chamfers by using the chamfer command, the large chamfer is
6mm x 6mm (0.250”) x (0.250”) all other chamfers are 2mm x 2mm
(0.080”) x (0.080”). That is it the geometry is now complete.

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9 Select the Curves step from the Steps Toolbar.

10 Select the Pick Curve Pieces button Click on locations 1, 2, as shown in

the figure below. Each line segment will change colour when it is selected.
Name this curve "Turn" and press the ENTER key. Chain the Bore ID curve by
clicking on locations 3 and 4. Label it "Bore" and press the ENTER key. Your
drawing should look like the one below.
11 You should now have two Curves that will be shown in the Part View.
12 There is no need to create the ID and OD grooves in the geometry as we will use
dimensions from the New feature menu.

To simplify the screen, annotations we have been added below the 9 features that
make up the basic turned part.

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1 Click Features step from the Steps Toolbar or select Ctrl + R

2 On the New Feature form, select Turn and select Next.

3 Select Next and the following form will appear.

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4 You will now pick the curve graphically. Click on the curve you have named
“Turn” earlier. Since this pick could be either the curve or the line you may see
the Select dialog box. This box helps to clarify a pick. In this case, select “Turn”
from the list and click OK and then select Next in the New Feature – Curve
dialog box. Accept the default strategy settings by clicking Finish.

5 Run the 3D simulation as shown.

6 Click the Eject button to return to the drawing view.

7 Create a Facing Feature by clicking the Features step from the Steps
Toolbar.

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8 Click Face and click Next. Click Finish to accept the default values for the rest
of the dialog boxes. Face will automatically be moved to the first operation.

9 Click the Toolpaths step in the Steps Toolbox. The Simulation toolbar is
displayed.

10 Click the 3D button and the Play button. Click OK in the Ordering dialog if it

appears. Click the Eject button to return to the drawing view.

11 Use the Features step from the Steps Toolbar to create a Hole. On the
Dimensions page set the Diameter to 24mm (0.945”), Depth to 94mm
(3.700”).

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12 Click Next and Next and then Finish.

Creating a bore Feature

13 Create a bore feature by using the same process you used to create the turn
feature. Use the curve you named “Bore”.

click on the Isometric button or Ctrl + 1

14 Select Next

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15 Select Next

Please note: - Negative machining is normal convention when Turning

towards the Chuck.
16 Select Next

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17 Select Finish.

18 Click the Toolpaths button in the Steps toolbox and view a 3D simulation
by clicking the 3D button and the Play button. Click the Eject button to clear
the screen
19 Return to the Principal Views. Select Ctrl + R New Feature

20 Select Turning and Next

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21 Click the Features step and select the Groove radio button in the From
Dimensions group. On the Dimensions page set Location to ID, Orientation
to X-axis, Diameter to 32mm (1.260”), Depth to 3mm (0.118”), Width to
6mm (0.236”). Chamfer settings at 0.5mm (0.020”). Click Next and set Z -
56mm (2.204”). Click Finish.

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22 Click the Features step and select the Groove radio button in the From
Dimensions group. On the Dimensions page set Location to OD,
Orientation to X-axis, Diameter to 50mm (1.969”), Depth to 3mm,
(0.118”), Width to 6mm (0.236”). Chamfer settings at 0.5mm (0.020”)
click Next and set Z-31mm (1.220”). Click Finish.

23 Use the Features step and select the Thread radio button in the From
Dimensions groups. On the Dimension page, check get the dimensions from
a standard thread, click OD and select the M50-1.5 thread or Imperial
equivalent. Click Next.

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24 On the Dimensions page set Thread to Right Hand, Thread Length to 24mm
(0.945”). Click Finish.

25 Click the Eject button to clear the screen.

26 Use the Features step to make a Cut-off Feature. On the Dimensions page
set Diameter to 100mm (4.000”), Inner Diameter to 0, Width to 3mm
(0.118”), Click Next and set Z-125mm (Z-5.000”). Click Finish.

27 The sample part is complete. View the 2D Centreline Simulation followed by

a 3D simulation to view the finished part.

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Part View Operations

Results

 Inch or Metric Units and Tools will be output depending on the selection.

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NC Code

2D Simulation

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3D Simulation

Rapid moves to home position

Part Documentation
FeatureTURN will automatically generate a Manufacturing Operation sheet and a
Tool list. The Manufacturing Operation sheet appears by default in the Results
window. It contains information such as machining time, tools selected, feeds and
speeds, and horsepower requirements for the various operations. A Tool list is also
created that gives all the specification and slot assignments for the tools used to
manufacture your part.

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28 Click on the Details tab at the bottom of the Results window. Each operation of
the process plan is listed in order.
29 Click on the Tool List radio button at the top of the Details tab. Now the tool
list is presented in the Results window. This document provides a summary of
all the tools required for the job as well as details of each tool.
30 You can print this documentation by selecting Print from the File menu.
31 NC Code
32 After you have simulated the part, you can generate NC code. FeatureTURN
comes with many post processors and the ability to create custom post
processors as well.
33 Before you can generate NC code for a part, you have to run a Simulation to
calculate toolpaths. Simulate your part now.

34 Click the NC code step in the Steps toolbar.

35 Click the Display the NC code button in the dialog box to generate.

3 NC code.

Changing Post Processors and Saving NC Code

36 If you are running FeatureTURN, default post processor is for a Bridgeport
machine. Follow the remaining steps to change your post processor and save the
NC code.
37 From the Manufacturing menu, select Post Processor.
38 Click Browse to view the post processors.
39 The default directory is C:\Program Files\FeatureCAM\T-library\Metric or
Imperial. Select your processor and click Open. Click OK in the Post Options
dialog box. Your processor is now selected. Run a simulation of the part to
regenerate the NC code.
40 NOTE: Clicking Close will not change your post processor.

41 Click the NC code step in the Steps toolbar. Click the Save NC button

from the dialog box.

42 Accept the default filename and directory and click OK.

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43 You are ready to machine the part.

44 Save the FeatureTURN Part

45 Select the Save button from the Standard toolbar.

46 Select the directory and then type your part name and click OK.

Exercise 2

1 Open a New part document

2 Turn/Mill, Millimetres or Inch.
3 Select OK.

4 Select Steps and 1.stock

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5 Select Round, OD 150mm (6.000”), Length 150mm (6.000”), ID 0.

6 Next. Select Stock Material to be used for the part; this is also where the
feeds and speeds F/S Tables reside for the selected materials.
7 Next.

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8 Multi-axis positioning select No

9 Next.

10 Setup – Definition includes Setup Name, any name may be entered or use the
default setting.
11 Next.

12 The Setup Name is inserted in and must be what is recognized in the NC code
(O0001). The fixture ID comes from the post processor and the call is applied
to the NC code, such as G54.
13 The Part Name is used to identify the program text file when you “Save NC”
(Use Setup Part Name) under the File menu located upper left.

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14 Setup – Part Program Zero provides several methods to define the part
program zero location. Align to the face of the material, align with another
existing UCS (User Coordinate System) or accept the current location.

15 Next.
16 Setup – Spindle Location the Main Spindle will always be selected when there is
no Sub Spindle being used. (Sub spindle is a second spindle at the
tailstock end of the machine opposing the main spindle and used to run
the second side of the part), not used in this module.

17 Next and Finish.

18 Stock Properties page contains all of the values just entered. If you need to re-
open the properties after finishing, just place your cursor on the blue wire frame
of the stock in the graphics widow and double click, it will re-open it.
19 Adjust the Z to 1.5mm (0.080”) this will allow stock in Z. Metal on condition.

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Exercise 2 Dimensions

Drawing the Geometry

4 Draw this part using the Geometry constructors under Steps and check the
box Create more than one. This allows you to create multiple features
instead of having to re-select a drawing option again after you have used it.
Create curves and features that will include, facing, turning, back turning,
and zigzag turning, grooving, drilling, boring and cut-off. Only the top half
of the geometry needs to be drawn, above the centreline.
5 One of the easiest ways to draw this part is to use Horizontal and Vertical
lines, these lines are infinite and only require one dimension. They also
create the intersections then just clip the unwanted geometry.
6 To make life easier go to options. Turning input modes and select
Diameter (DZ).

7 Draw Horizontal lines at diameters (DZ) of 125mm (5.000”), 100mm

(4.000”), 75mm (3.000”) and 50mm (2.000”).
8 Draw Vertical lines at 0, -25mm (-1.000”), -100mm (-4.000”), and
-125mm (-5.000”).

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9 Clip the geometry to achieve the result in the drawing. Above centreline
only.

Chaining the Curves

To chain multiple geometries together hold down the shift key at the
same time and pick each element in turn, after you have made your
selection press the Create key so all of the elements will be joined
together. Each selection will be given a unique name. If you select the
wrong geometry select clear pieces and then reselect the elements again.

10 On your drawing, the geometry below is the O.D. including the undercut
and will be used to illustrate several different methods of turning. On your
part, chain an open curve the full length of this geometry. Curve1

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11 On your drawing, the geometry below is the undercut and will be used for
an O.D. groove separate from the turning and will be used to illustrate
grooving strategies. On your part, chain an open curve the full length of this
geometry. Curve2

12 On your drawing, the geometry below will be used for boring the I.D. and
will be used to illustrate boring techniques including pre-drilling. Chain an
open curve on this geometry. Curve3

Turn Feature
13 Click on Feature from Steps and select Turning. Click Next.
14 Then select Turning

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15 Select Face

16 Select Next

17 Select Finish

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18 Click on Feature from Steps and select Turning. Click Next.

19 Then select Turning

20 Select Turn & Next

21 Click Next.

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22 Select curve1

23 Click Next. Finish then OK.

24 FeatureCAM defaults to an 80 degree diamond insert tool. A very common
turning tool but in this case with the undercut in the O.D. you noticed that
the integrity of the shape (curve) that you are cutting is protected so that
the trailing side of the tool does not gouge the undercut. FeatureCAM will
cut as much as it can though.

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This protection comes from the Turn Properties of this feature, Double
Click on the pink of the feature in the Graphics Window to open the
properties. Click on rough operation, turning tab and you see the heading
Undercuts. The drop down menu reveals a setting, Adjust to tool
geometry, so FeatureCAM sees the trailing edge and always prevents it
from gouging into the material, saving both the part and the tool.

The 80 degree diamond tool may be the most used style in industry
today. It is strong and allows for turning and facing with the same tool
because of the 5 degree relief on two sides of the insert. In this case
though by introducing the undercut in the turning operation this tool is
unable to even finish one end of the undercut.

FeatureCAM allows for alternative tools to be selected from the tool crib
so we can replace the 80 degree tool with a tool with more relief on the
back side and this can be done on the fly as you create the feature. We
will exchange this tool for a 35 degree tool with much more clearance.

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Again in the Properties, Click rough and then the Tools tab if this page is
not visible. This is a listing of the tool that FeatureCAM picked as a
default tool with a D in the check box and other tools that may be chosen
to replace the 80 degree tool.

25 First, in the Orientation box the tool is described as SW or South West. This
is the orientation of the current tool and will be the same for the
replacement.
26 Drop the menu down in the Insert Shape box and select 35 Diamond.
27 The presentation angle will remain the same.
28 When you Clicked on the 35 Diamond, FeatureCAM took you to the 35
Diamond tools but does not select one, you must do that manually.

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Click on each tool description until you find the right tool displayed for the
application. You must check the box to the left, highlighting it is not
enough.

The check in the box means the Default tool has been over ridden.
FeatureCAM will change the finisher also.
29 Run the 3D Simulation. It is readily visible that you can cut much more of
the undercut now then you could with the previous tool.

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30 The material in the corner on the right side of the undercut needs to be
removed to finish the O.D. of the part.
31 Create another New turned Feature in the same way as you have created
the first feature using Curve1 again.
There are two differences from the first. One is the Rough and Finish which will cut
in a positive direction, away from the headstock.

The second is that the tool will default to 80 degree SE Back Turn.
Although the 80 degree tool may fit in the undercut now, change it to 35 diamond.

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32 Select I want to search for another tool or make a new one. Select
next. Using the drop down for Insert Shape select 35 Diamond.

33 Select a 35 diamond tool that addresses the part as the 80 degree tool
did.
34 New Feature Summary

35 Select Finish.

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36 Select Rough and Turning. Select Maximum Radius Boundary. Use the
selection Icon and pick the Radius 62.5.

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37 Select Rough then Turning and select Left Boundary

38 Click on Left Boundary and either Click on the Arrow Next to the New Value
box at the bottom and then click the location on the part in the Graphics
Window where you want the finish cut to start OR enter a dimension using a
negative number measuring from the Left end of the Curve for example
-43mm. The finisher will then start in that location and blend to the
previous finish cut.

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Left Boundary as shown above Select apply and finish Run 3D

Simulation to see results

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Cut-Grip

Cut-Grip is a specially designed tool for Turning (also grooving) and looks much like
a standard grooving tool but because of the geometry of the insert and the design
of the holder it can cut parallel to the Z axis almost as fast as a standard turning
tool. In large quantity production machining, speed is of the essence and the Cut-
Grip toolpath that FeatureCAM provides is a Zigzag cut, feeding toward the chuck
and the Next pass feeds away from the chuck without retracting and starting at the
end every time. It also finishes the undercut without changing tools and having to
perform a back turning feature, again saving time. A standard grooving tool may be
used in a Turn feature but does not Zigzag and is designated in the Tool Properties,
Insert tab.
20 In this example the stock material will have to be machined to diameter prior to
using the Cut-Grip option. Create a line by snapping to the corners of the top
open groove. Remember to change this into a curve using the open chaining
option. Machine the OD to size as shown below.

Large Groove Feature machined using Cut-Grip.

The Next feature to consider is Cut-Grip. Click on New Feature and select Turn
from a curve.

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21 Click Next.

22 Select curve2. Your Curve may have a different name.

23 Click Next.

24 Click Next.

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25 New Feature Strategies

26 Select Cut-Grip
27 Click Finish.

28 Select Rough and Turning

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29 Select Maximum Radius Boundary and pick X location as shown.

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30 Pick Boundary edge.

Make sure you’re snapping Toolbar is active and snap to object is

highlighted.

31 The Boundary is now adjusted to 62.5mm (2.500”) Radius 125mm (5.000”)

Diameter
32 Boundary Adjusted

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33 The Boundary as shown above is now adjusted to 62.5mm (2.500”) Radius.

125mm (5.000”) Diameter
34 Select Finish
35 Run 3D Simulation

36 First Infeed.

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37 Second Infeed.

38 Third Infeed.

39 Cut-Grip Groove finished.

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Cut-Grip groove finished. If you need to adjust the deflection, click on the finish
toolpath and adjust the value to 0 (See Below) remember to select set to update
the value.

40 Cut-Grip Completed
41 Next Operation is Pre-Drill

Pre-Drill
If the material has a hole already through the centre then of course you would not
need to pre-drill.
1 New Feature Hole

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2 Select Next. And then enter 40mm (1.757”) Diameter and 135mm (5.320”)
for Depth.

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3 New Feature Location

4 Select Next.

5 Select Finish and then OK

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Please note that if you do not have the correct sized drill you will have to
create one (See the following menu) enter the following figures.

Inch tools will be shown if you have selected Inches.

6 Next operation is Boring on the next page.

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Boring
 Boring operations require a curve to create the feature. These passes are
parallel to Z.
1 Select Features or Ctrl + R

2 Select new feature Bore

3 Select Next and then select Curve3

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Face Boring
Face Boring is a series of facing moves from inside the drilled hole cutting parallel to
X in a positive direction.

Offset Boring
Offset boring offsets the curve shape to the beginning of the cut. Mostly used for a
casting that has a similar shape to the finished curve.

Boring below Centreline

When boring below centreline, though possible in FeatureCAM, the boring bar must
be inverted and mounted on the turret so the machine doesn’t exceed the travel
limits in the X negative direction.

Boring with 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.
Reuse path in canned cycle outputs the path geometry only once for both roughing
and finishing.

Tool Nose Radius Compensation

Tool nose radius compensation ignores the tool radius when generating semi-
finishing and finishing passes for turn, bore and facing 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 Tool nose radius
compensation is activated.

Back Face Boring

Back face boring is usually used when a previous boring operation couldn’t clean up
all of the material because of an undercut. A special bar must be used specifically
designed to cut with relief on the face. Moves are parallel to X positive.

Back Boring
Back Boring cuts parallel to the Z and is performed using a positive direction in
Strategies.

Boring with a groove tool

When there is an undercut in the bore, a groove tool can be used. If Cut-Grip is
checked in the tools properties on the Insert tab the tool path will be a zigzag
motion, alternating negative and positive directions parallel to the Z. If the box is
not checked it will be all negative or all positive cuts according to the settings in the
Strategies.

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Boring using Face Strategy

4 Select Finish and OK

5 Run the 3D Simulation

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Cut-off
1 Select new features and Cut-off.

2 Select Next. Enter inner diameter to 45mm (1.770”)

3 Select Next.

4 Cut-off location -125mm (-5.000”)

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5 Select Finish and OK

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Warning Cut-off tool not found.

After selecting OK you may get a warning in the operation list to tell you that
FeatureCAM could not find a suitable tool. ***** From the list available. You will
have to manually select a tool or create a new one.
Double click on the line as shown.

Please note this tool has a cut length of 76mm (2.992”) so this will be ok
to proceed.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

3D Simulation – Part Completed.

Boring with 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.
Reuse path in canned cycle outputs the path geometry only once for both roughing
and finishing.

Tool Nose Radius Compensation

Tool nose radius compensation ignores the tool radius when generating semi-
finishing and finishing passes for turn, bore and facing 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 Tool nose radius
compensation is activated.

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Back Face Boring

Back face boring is usually used when a previous boring operation couldn’t clean up
all of the material because of an undercut. A special bar must be used specifically

designed to cut with relief on the face. Moves are parallel to X positive.

Back Boring
Back Boring cuts parallel to the Z and is performed using a positive direction in
Strategies.

Boring with a groove tool

When there is an undercut in the bore, a groove tool can be used. If Cut-Grip is
checked in the tools properties on the Insert tab the tool path will be a zigzag
motion, alternating negative and positive directions parallel to the Z. If the box is
not checked it will be all negative or all positive cuts according to the settings in the
Strategies.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Turning Exercise 3 no under cuts

 Open a New FeatureTURN Part Document.
 Round Stock. OD 150mm (6.000”), Length 125mm (5.000”), ID 25mm
(1.000”) Z Stock 0.5mm (0.020”) Next.
 Aluminium Material. Next.
 No Multi-Axis. Next and Next again.
 Setup, Use current location. Next.
 Main Spindle. Next.
 Finish and OK.

Draw the part on the next page using geometry constructors and then chain
curves to the geometry.

Remember that the geometry only needs to be drawn above the centreline.

See drawing on the next page.

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Turning Exercise 3

 Select New Feature or CTRL + R and select Turning. Next.

 Select Turn from curve. Next.
 Select the curve. Next and Next.
 From the Strategies Select: Cycle: Turn Toolpath: Turning
 Operations: Rough and Finish/Negative

 The cuts are straight but move up the face to remove the scallops left by the
angle of the tool.

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 Depth of cut can be specified as a default in the attributes or click on the feature
to open the properties. Then click on rough>turning and select Depth of Cut. It
defaults to 5mm but may be changed by clicking on Depth of Cut>New Value
at the bottom and entering the new depth and then click Set at the right

 Constant Depth of Cut (DOC) The roughing operation leaves the specified
finish allowance on all diameters but sometimes that makes some passes come
between the 5mm depths. FeatureCAM must cut each diameter to satisfy the
leave allowance but the depth of cut might be less than 5mm. It makes this
pass but starts at the end of the part when it only needs to cut a short distance
on the affected diameter. It may also take extra full length cuts.
 Constant depth of cut always cuts at 5mm for the full length of the part and
only cuts the affected diameters surface to the finish allowance when necessary
and is a shorter cut. This will reduce the number of full length passes reducing
cycle time.
 Wall Pass moves the tool up each face that it cuts to smooth the face and can
be turned off by checking the Skip Wall Pass box in the Turn Tab located on the
right side.
 Clearance is the distance from the part that the tool rapids too off the material
and then goes into feed rate.
 End Point is a specified location (vector) that the tool can be directed to retract
to when operation is completed.
 Max Radius Boundary is used to restrict the tool from starting the cuts
from the stock boundary in the event the material has already been removed.
 Priority can be used to set the order in which feature operations are executed.
You should use this sparingly because it can affect the ordering that FeatureCAM
does automatically.
 Start Point allows you to select a location for the tool to rapid too other than
the normal clearance location it then rapids to the clearance location from the
Start Point. Another selection associated with start point is feed from Start; the
tool then feeds to the clearance location. An example is when supporting with a
tail stock, you might choose to rapid away from the tailstock and feed to the
clearance to control its approach.
 Withdraw Angle controls the angle at which the tool retracts at the end of the
cut.
 Withdraw Length controls the length that the tool retracts at the end of the
cut.
 X Finish Allowance is the amount of material left on the diameter by the
rough tool to be removed by the finish tool.
 Z Finish Allowance is the amount of material left on the face by the rough tool
to be removed by the finish tool.
 Auto Round simply rolls the tool around any sharp corner to remove the sharp
edge. If there is any radius at the corner then Auto Round is not active.
 Post Variables can pass information directly to the NC code from the feature
but the post processor must be setup for variables.

Engage Angle is under the finish operation/turning tab and controls the approach
angle of the finish tool to clearance point.

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Face Turning roughs the part in facing moves starting from the outside and cuts
toward the curve in the negative X axis direction instead of turning parallel to the Z
axis. If the last face does not go to the stock boundary in X you may need to use
the Max Radius Boundary set to the stock diameter dimension to make the tool start
outside the stock.
You may need to extend the geometry past the largest diameter above the stock
and create your Curve from this. See example below.

Offset Turning uses the shape of the curve and offsets it to the end of the part for
the tool to follow. It begins to cut the shape of the curve on the first pass and cuts
parallel until finished. Good for castings.

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Stock Curve
 A stock curve can be used to represent a specific shape of the stock rather than
bar stock. An example is when a forging or casting is used for the stock. The
shape of the material is near the finished part shape with enough extra material
to be turned down to the finish part size and shape.
 To draw a stock shape and then chain a curve, hide all features, curves and
stock. Draw a horizontal line at 25mm diameter

 Offset all geometry by 6mm as illustrated below

 Click on Stock under Part View then on the Dimension tab click on Stock Curve
button and select the curve. The stock now takes the shape of this curve and
FeatureCAM recognizes this as the stock boundary instead of the bar stock and
will rapid to the clearance distance and not cut air. Previous toolpath strategies
apply.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

Turning Exercise 4 Lightbulb

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

 We can work through this feature as a group exercise or if you feel able to do
this on your own, work through the following notes on the next page.

Lightbulb drawing exercise in detail.

Please note the following drawing exercise can be created in many different ways
This is one example and will take you through the stages to create the drawing.
Open a new Turn/Mill FeatureCAM session.
We will start by creating the outer edges and then create the inner features later on.
1 Hide the material stock to make it easier to draw. Select Alt V + Alt H + Alt T
this will hide the material using short cut commands.
2 Go to options - Turning input modes – select Radius (RZ).
3 Select construct then line and vertical line.
4 Input the following values -109mm (4.2913”) -142mm (5.5905”) -158mm
(6.2204”) -205mm (8.0708”)
5 Select construct then line and Horizontal line.
6 Input the following values 0 10mm (0.393”) 17.5mm (0.6889”) 30mm
(1.1811”) 83mm (3.2677”)
7 Draw a circle centre and radius of 40mm (1.5748”) at a position of -40mm
(-1.5748”) in the Z field.
8 Use the Clip command in Construct and Edit Geometry. Or use the short cut
keys
9 Alt C + Alt E + Alt C this will activate the Clip command automatically.
10 Clip all the unwanted geometry from the drawing.

11 Fillet R5.0 (0.1968”) in three places.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

12 Large chamfer is 10mm (0.393”) x 10mm (0.393”) small chamfer is 4mm

(0.1575”) x is 4mm (0.1575”)

13 We can now concentrate on the large Groove Use offset and the clipping tool to
create the groove features.

14 The finished groove is shown below in more detail.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

15 Offset a line from the top edge by 17.64mm (0.694”) then offset that line
22.64mm (0.891”) and while you are using offset use this to offset a line
7.56mm (0.297”). You should now have three lines like the image on the next
page.

16 Clip the geometry like the next image below.

17 Draw a line snapping from the midpoint of the line at an angle of zero 20mm
(0.787”) long, see image.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

18 Offset this line 3.385mm (0.133”) either side of that line. Then draw two
10mm (0.393”) diameter circles at the intersection of the two lines see image
on the next page.

19 Draw three lines as shown from the end point to the tangent of each circle.
Then draw a line using quadrant snap between the two circles.

20 Clip Lines as shown see finished image below.

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 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

21 Concentrate on the two grooves on the OD and ID use the same tools to create
the line using the offset and clipping commands. Remember to put a 1mm
chamfer on the corners of the 6mm groove. Create the geometry for the drilled
holes on the sub-Spindle. See image below.

22 Now work through this exercise creating new Features to complete the exercise.
Ask the tutor for help if you need to.

1.105 Copyright © Delcam plc

 Introduction to FeatureCAM – Basic TURN

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

Basic Turning Attributes /

Configurations

Introduction
This module will provide the user with an understanding of what attributes are,
(characteristics and features) and where they reside Also covering when an attribute
is chosen, where it shows up in FeatureCAM, and how it affects the feature.
By the end of the module the user will be able to select, prior to creating the
program, the machining configuration of attributes, as the defaults for the material
and/or machine to be used. This saves time in programming by not having to make
the same repetitive entries for the choices you wish to be defaults when that
particular material, or machine, is chosen. It also eliminates having to remember
the different settings.

Machining Configurations
 The Machining Configurations can be accessed from the Manufacturing drop down
menu.
 Machining Configurations are predetermined default functions that are selected,
and used in all features that are created in the document.
 A Machining Configuration contains approximately 100 settings.
 An unlimited number of Machining Configurations may be created.
 The user can name a Configuration to reference the material and/or machine to
be used.

 “Initial Configuration for new documents”, is in the drop down menu at bottom.

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

 When a Machining Configuration is selected prior to programming, the

attributes, so to speak, rain down into the new document just opened. These are
used as the default settings. They are divorced from the Machining
Configurations and become Machining Attributes, assigned to, and a permanent
part of the new document.

 These settings may be changed in the document. You can click Manufacturing
and Machining Attributes at any time. Changing any attributes will assign them
to this document only, but does not affect the original, or default, Machining
Configuration.
 In other words, these changes do not become the defaults and when a new
document is opened the old defaults are active. These settings stay with the
document and are active anytime this same .fm document is opened.

What are Machining Attributes?

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

 When an option in the Machining Attribute is selected, a box is checked or a

value is entered, it becomes a default. This means that FeatureCAM uses this
setting every time a feature requiring that particular setting is selected in a
program. There is no input required from the user during programming, as it is
now automatically set. However, it may be overridden and changed in the
feature as needed.
 Tabs are used to categorize the different operation types and necessary attribute
settings.
 Some selections are check boxes, some are numerical values, and some are
specific functions. The majority of these show up in the feature that they affect,
but some settings do not. These settings may only be changed in the attributes.
This is the reason it is so important to know where these settings reside, what
their function is, and where they are located in the features.
 To apply the changes you have made, in the Attributes for the document, to
become the defaults for any new documents they must also be changed in the
Machining Configuration that opened with the file. Once set, and the next time a
new document is opened, those changes will then take effect as the default
settings.
 Open a New Turn Document and click Manufacturing on the top menu and select
Machining Configurations
 Select the document you just opened. Usually there is only one document open
but multiple documents may be opened. In this case, you would see multiple
documents in the list
 Click Copy and select the My Configuration from drop down menu. These defaults
load into the new document

 To copy the changes from the document’s configuration into another

configuration to be set as the defaults:

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

 Select the My Configuration in the window. This is the configuration you want to
copy the attributes to
 Click Copy and select the document from drop down menu in the Copy
Configuration dialog
 OK
 This reverses the copy and places the changes, if we had made any, from the
document Attributes into the configuration selected in the window of the
Machining Configurations dialog.

Creating Machining Configurations

 Open a New Turning Document. Click Manufacturing on Menu bar then Machining
Configurations
 Click on New and type the word Aluminium in the field. OK
 Repeat these steps to create a Stainless configuration. OK
 Double click on Stainless in the window. Select the Turn/Bore Tab in the
Machining Attributes dialog. Change the Rough depth of cut to 2.5mm

The Rough Depth of cut for rough turning was 5mm per pass. It is now
2.5mm to account for the harder to machine Stainless steel.
 Repeat the steps to change the Aluminium Configuration’s Rough depth of cut to
6mm this may be more than you would want to cut, even in Aluminium, so put
whatever value makes you comfortable.

Note: You now have three separate Machining Configurations. Each has
approximately 100 settings.
 Select the Document you have open in the Machining Configurations dialog at
the top of the window
 Copy and select Aluminium from the Copy Configuration dialog
 OK twice. These settings will be used in the new document
 Open an existing file named Turning Attributes.fm, from the Beginning Data
folder, and run a 3D simulation

The Turning tool cuts in depth increments of 5mm to the shape of the
curve, to rough the material to shape. The default attribute specifies the
Rough depth of cut to be 5mm per pass.
 Click Manufacturing then Machining Configurations. Select the document in the
window on the left named Turning Attributes.fm
 Press the Copy button
 Select Stainless from the drop down list in the Copy Configuration dialog
 Press OK twice
 Using the same feature and by only changing the Machining Configuration the
Attributes automatically change to the Stainless settings.
 Run a 3D simulation

The setting for Stainless is 2.5mm Rough depth of cut, so now the tool
makes ten passes at 2.5mm depth of cut instead of five at 5mm with no
further input from the user.

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

The Attributes
 We should take a look a bit more closely at what attributes are where and what
settings are available in each grouping, or tab. Special attention will be drawn to
the more common/important settings.

Drilling Tab
 The drilling tab has settings such as whether or not a spot drill is used, and
other controls for that spot drill. There are some settings for how operations are
ordered in a hole feature and active, such as Reaming before chamfering.
 Most importantly there is a tap “cycle” setting that will be loaded as the default
when a thread is cut: Floating, Rigid, or Deep tap.

Pecking Tab
The basic peck settings for both drilling and tapping operations.

Turn/Bore
The settings in the Turn/Bore tab are the most commonly used settings in
FeatureCAM’s turning attributes.
Settings such as Rough depth of cut, the semi-finish, and finish allowance settings
and how undercuts are handled highlight the settings used in these feature types.
Additionally, cutter comp, leads, and canned cycle settings are contained herein.

Threading
Material removal settings such as rough and finish turn in preparation to cut the
threads are key settings.
Relief settings are important in threading.
Thread depth percentages and calculations also reside in this area.

Grooving
The settings here, obviously address the way grooving features are machined.
Key settings are the default way you would prefer to handle the rough cuts with or
without plunging and how those plunges are cut.
Stepover and depth of cuts as well as canned cycles usage are located here.

Cut-off and Bar Feed

The Cut-off and bar feed settings are self-explanatory.

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

Miscellaneous
The basics of turrets and spindles, as well as RPM and coolant types and offset
registers are a part of the miscellaneous settings.
CSS (constant surface speed) and the use of MMPR (Millimetres per revolution) by
default are set here.
Remachining is addressed a little later on in this module.

Operations
The way operations are handled in this tab, such as the way the automatic ordering
of features is done.
An integral part of FeatureCAM’s tools is the time estimation output in the results
window. Many users use this as a base for quoting their customers for
manufacturing of the parts. Key settings are your actual rapid traverse speeds and
time taken at the machine tool for each tool change, among others.

Help Contents
Using the Contents, Index, or Search tabs is a great way to learn more about
FeatureCAM and how to use it efficiently. The settings are found and explained in
the Help files.
 Open the file named Help File.fm

In this file you will notice there is a feature already created, turn1. There
are a couple settings in the attributes the user can take advantage of to
fine-tune the Toolpath.
Use the help file to search a few of the attributes to decide which, if any,
of the attribute settings available might be some changes you want to
make and apply to the final Toolpath.
 Double-click on turn1 in the Part View of the Toolbox to see the feature
properties
 Select Rough operation and the Turn tab

You see several attributes in the window of the dialog that may not make
any sense to you at this point. Using the help file is a great way to learn
what these settings do and how to apply them to this operation of the
feature.
 Click Help from the File Menu and Contents to access the help file

A New Window opens up that allows the user to use three methods in the
FeatureCAM Reference Help section to learn more about FeatureCAM,
including attributes.

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

 For example.
 Select the Search tab and type in the words “start point.”
 Press the List Topics button

The Select topic list shows all the topics where the key words Start and/or
Point appear. Since we know that setting exists in the Turning tab of our
feature we will want to choose that listing.
 Double click the second item in the list, Turning tab (TURN) to update the window
at the right of the Reference Help window to see how “Start Point” applies in
relation to the Turn tab of an operation
 Run a Centreline Simulation to see where the tool starts without any changes
made

HINT: Use Single Step instead of play to see the initial move to the start
point location as shown to the left
 In the rough operation Turning tab highlight Start point = and press the Pick
Arrow to pick a new position for the tool to start, see below

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 FeatureCAM Basic Turning Attributes

 Apply and OK
 Run a Centreline Simulation, single step to see the change to the Toolpath

Notice the tool starts where you picked it to then rapids over to start the
cut.

Try a few other settings after referencing the Help File.

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Turning Tool Reference

Guide

It is possible to create Tool libraries in FeatureCAM. These are called Tool Cribs.
The main reason for creating Tool Cribs is because in any machine shop there is
normally a finite amount of tooling available and by creating a custom Tool Crib,
FeatureCAM will know what tooling is available to choose from.

Please note this document is part reference, with information taken from the
help file. There is an exercise on user defined tools at the end of this
chapter.

1 Open a new FeatureCAM part by selecting File, New.

The following Menu will appear. Select Turn/Mill Set-up and click OK

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

2 Go up to the Manufacturing Menu and down to Tool Manager. This will open
the following form.

3 There are three tool Cribs loaded as standard. (Basic, Basicmetric and Tools)
and these can be used as a starting point when the user first starts to look at
setting up their own Cribs.
4 The window is divided into separate areas and at first glance can look a little
intimidating, but by applying some simple rules it becomes much easier to work
with.
5 If the user divides the form in two down the middle of the form. The left side is
used to select which Crib to copy from whereas the right hand side of the Form
relates to the Crib that is current or the working Crib
6 Tool Group. The tools can be grouped together depending upon their type or
use.

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Lathe - Turning Tool Properties example.

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

 On the Prog. Pt. (program point) tab you set the point of the insert that is
actually programmed. You can set both the X Coordinate and the Z
Coordinate.
 Tool tip centre - If both X Coordinate and the Z Coordinate are set to 0.0
then the centre 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 - If you wish to perform insert radius compensation in
FeatureCAM, set the X Coordinate and Z Coordinate to the radius
compensation values provided with your tool.

You should also set the default Tool program point attribute to Tool tip
centre or Tool tip edge.

 See Machining Attributes on next page.

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Machining Attributes

 Plunge clearance 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 - select from:
 Tool tip edge - select this option if you want to adjust the tool programming
points by the insert radius compensation. In this case adjust the tool's
programming point by the radius compensation.
 Tool tip centre - select this option if you want to adjust the tool touch-off points
by the insert radius compensation at the machine. In this case set the tool's
programming point X Coordinate and Z Coordinate to 0.0 on the tool's Prog. Pt.
tab.
 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

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

 Some turning centres 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 RPM Range is set 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:
 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.
 If the feature is a turned feature with Constant Surface Speed set, then the
range is determined based on the MAX RPM.
 Remachining - 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.
 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
%

3.7 Copyright ©Delcam plc

 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Copyright ©Delcam plc 3.8

 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Lathe - Bore Tool Properties example.

3.9 Copyright ©Delcam plc

 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Copyright ©Delcam plc 3.10

 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

 Boring Orientation

 Programming Point

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Lathe - Groove/Cut Tool Properties example.

 Holder

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

Lathe – Thread Tool Properties example.

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 Tooling Reference Guide Turning

 Name - is a string 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. See diagram.
 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. See diagram.
 Measure - indicates the units that are used for reporting the tool’s
dimensions. Select inches for inches or deselect the box for millimetres.
 Name is the name of the current tool.
 This is for reference only. If you want to edit the Name of the tool, does it on
the Insert tab.

 Holder Type - For threads possible holder types are:

 OD Threads - Select this value for outer diameter threading tools
 ID Threads - Select this value 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.

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 AFR Turning

AFR Turning Example 1

Automatic Feature Recognition recognises different features on solid models and

automatically creates toolpaths on different setups. Using the AFR Wizard, this will
guide you through the process from aligning the part to creating the stock and then
creating the features for your part. We will go through this process on an actual job
from the Turning data library. If Inch units have been set then inch tools must
be used.
We will start off with a relatively easy part assuming that we have a simple 2 axis
lathe. The part will be created in two setups.

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 AFR Turning

 We will start by importing the model.

 Go to File/Import

 Import the following part. Part4.SLDPRT

 The Wizard will guide you through the process.

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 AFR Turning

 Is the part properly aligned with the Z axis? In this case the answer is yes.

 Select Next.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next.
 The next Menu gives you the option to select the Stock Type.
 Foe our turned part select Round as shown.

 The next available menu will ask you to select the Centre of the round stock.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next.
 The next available menu will ask if you want to resize the stock.

 Enter the above coordinates. This allows 1mm on the front and back faces plus
5mm on diameter.
 Select Next.
 You will notice that the Z datum shows -1.000. FeatureCAM knows how much
material you have left on from the previous menu.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Finish. The following menu will be shown.

 Select Next.
 You will be asked if you want to recognise Hole Features now. Select Yes.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next.

 Select the Select features for Setup1 button as shown.

 For the Hole Feature. Adjust the hole roughing tool to 50mm (2.000”). You
may have to create a new tool.

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 AFR Turning

 Notice how the tool will machine as much as it can depend which tool is selected.
(see image)
 Try using select left boundary and limit the length to the back shoulder.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Turn1 by double clicking in Part View.

 Select Roughing.
 Select Pick Z Location.

 The Z Value is -116.205

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 AFR Turning

 Re-Run 3D Simulation.

We can now create Setup2. Double click on Setup1 and select new, the following
menu will appear.

 Select Next and select align to stock face.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next.

 This will set the new datum to the opposite face. This is for when you take the
job out of the chuck and turn it around.

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 AFR Turning

Copyright @ Delcam.PLC 4.12

 AFR Turning

 We are now ready to apply AFR for setup2. Select STEPS and select AFR.

 Unpick setup1 so it will only recognise setup2

This will duplicate operations. Delete as necessary

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 AFR Turning

 Untick Setup1 as shown in the part view. This will only show the operations
for setup2

 Delete Hole2 and bore2 from the list. This will leave a facing operation for
side2 and a turning OD operation which is machining material that we have
already machined. We need to adjust this operation. Eject the simulation and
do the following. Untick Face2 in part view this will the only show the Turn2
operation. Double click on the Rough pass in the Operation list this will show
the following menu.

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 AFR Turning

 This will now only allow the machining of the step for operation 2 see 3D
simulation.

 The component is now finished see image of both operations.

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 AFR Turning

Copyright @ Delcam.PLC 4.16

 AFR Turning

AFR Turning Example 2

 Exercise 2 Manipulating Model to the correct orientation ready for AFR &
Turning.

4.17 Copyright @ Delcam.PLC

 AFR Turning

 We will start by importing the model.

 Go to File/Import. C:\FeatureCAM Turning Data

 Select the Default Configuration only

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 AFR Turning

 If the part needs to be orientated then we can Use the Wizard to establish the
initial Setup location and stock size. This example needs to be rotated.

 Select Next.

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 AFR Turning

 Use Align Z with centre of Revolved Surface.

 Select revolved Surface.

 Select Next twice and then set the Stock material to Round (Default)

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next to set the Stock dimensions.

 Select Stock Size from the size of the part

 Enter 1mm (0.0400”) Extra Stock Front

 Enter 1mm (0.0400”) Extra Stock Back
 Enter 5mm (0.2000”) Extra Stock OD
 Select Next to align Setup1 to the front of the part.

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 AFR Turning

 Select the Right Hand Icon; this will set the value to Zero. Type in -1mm
(-0.040”)
 Select Finish.
 The Wizard will guide you through the Feature extraction process.

 Press Next to continue.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Yes and then Next.

Select Finish and Run 3D Simulation.

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 AFR Turning

 If you run the 3D Simulation we have two problems one the Tool that
FeatureCAM has picked is too big for the actual groove plus in the process table
we have two error messages see below. Which are related to the grooving tool

 To resolve these problems first of all we will change the grooving tool to 2mm
(0.078”) wide this will allow the tool to finish the job.
 Eject the simulation and double click on the groove tool. The following menu will
appear

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 AFR Turning

 Change the tool to the one shown and hit apply. This will update the machining
process automatically. Double click on the tool that shows the error. See menu.
Select the tool listed below. Re-run the 3D Simulation.

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 AFR Turning

 We now have to run the Cut-Off Feature, manually to finish the part. Select
Features and Cut-off. The previous tool has put the chamfer on so there is no
need to include this in the Cut-Off sequence.

 The overall length should finish at -75mm (-2.952”)

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 AFR Turning

 This is the finished part.

 The next exercise uses a Solid model to define the stock material. This method
minimises the amount of toolpaths required as it only machines where the stock
is located.
 Import: - Solid Stock-2 - All Models .x_t From Location C:/Training_Data.
FeatureCAM_Data. FeatureCAM Course Data 2013. Turning Data. Solid Stock-2
- All Models .x_t
 The following model is the Part.

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 AFR Turning

 The following model is the Stock.

 Work through the Wizard as described in the previous example. The datum will
be -8mm. Say No to the Automatic Feature recognition.
 You will be presented with another menu.

 Select Next.

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 AFR Turning

 Select Next.

 This will extract the 2D Geometry from the two solids we have imported.
 We can use this Geometry to create Curves to create Stock and machine the
Part complete.
 Select Finish.

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 AFR Turning

 The geometry shown has been created from the Solid Models.

 We have a number of ways to create Stock from the imported information.

1 We can use the larger Solid model and define this solid as stock or
2 Create a Curve from the outer shape Geometry and define this as a Stock Curve.
 In this case my stock Curve is called Curve11 your curve will be called a
different Number.
 Double click on Stock1 in Part View.

 Select Stock Curve.

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 AFR Turning

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 Or alternatively use the User Defined button and select the Stock Solid.
 From the Geometry you have extracted have a go at machining the Part.
 Once completed have a go at Solid Stock-3 - All Models .x_t

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