manufacturing print

7/28/2019 Manufacturing Print

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About Manufacturing Process

The Pro/NC process consists of the following basic steps:

Set up the manufacturing database. It may contain such items as workcells (machine tools) availabl

tooling, fixture configurations, site parameters, or tool tables. This step is optional. If you do not want

set up all your database up front, you can go directly into the machining process and later define any

the items above when you actually need them.

Define an operation. An operation setup may contain the following elements:

Operation nameWorkcell (machine tool)

Coordinate system for CL output

Operation comments

Operation parameters

FROM and HOME points

You have to define a workcell and a coordinate system before you can start creating NC sequence

Other setup elements are optional.

Create NC sequences for the specified operation. Each NC sequence is a series of tool motions with th

addition of specific post-processor words that are not motion-related but required for the correct N

output.

The tool path is automatically generated by the system based on the NC sequence type (such as Volum

Milling, Outside Turning), cut geometry, and manufacturing parameters. You can apply more "low leve

control, if you like, by:

Defining your own tool motions, that is, approach, exit, and connect motions. Tool motions inclu

Automatic Cut motions.

Inserting non-motion CL commands.

For each completed NC sequence, you can create a material removal feature, either by making the syste

automatically remove material (where applicable), or by manually constructing a regular Pro/ENGINEE

feature on the workpiece (such as Slot or Hole).

Modal Settings

Most of the machining setup elements are modal, that is, all subsequent NC sequences will use this settin

until you explicitly change it. Among those are:

Operation setup (including the workcell and Machine coordinate system)

Fixture setup

Tool (provided the tool type is compatible with the NC sequence type)

Manufacturing parameters of an activated site

NC Sequence coordinate system (for the first NC sequence, the Machine Coordinate system specified for t

operation will be implicitly used as the NC sequence coordinate system as well, unless you explici

specify another one)

Retract surface

Walk-Through Menus

Most of Pro/NC menus are designed to "walk" you through the process development. These menus u

checkmarks to select an option; more than one option may be selected at a time. When you choose Don

from such a menu, the system will invoke the appropriate user interface for each selected option in turn.

If some selection is necessary at a particular point, the checkmark will be automatically turned on. F

example, when you set up a Surface Mill NC sequence, the Surfaces and Define Cut options will ha

checkmarks next to them. You can turn other checkmarks on as well (for example, to specify the Start a

End points), but you are not required to do so. Similarly, when you start defining the first NC sequence, yo

will have a checkmark at the Tool option. For the next NC sequence, however, the Tool option will not ha

a checkmark next to it (provided the previous tool is applicable). Turn it on only if you want to spec

another tool.

Another aspect of the "walk-through" functionality in the process development user interface is that if yo

omit a step the system will prompt you for the required information. For example, if you select the N



Sequence option while the operation has not been set up, the system will bring up the Operation Setu

dialog box first (as if you have selected Operation), and then invoke the user interface for creating an N

sequence.

This allows you to reduce the time and minimize the number of menu selections involved in defining an N

sequence.

To Get Process Status and Tool Path Information

Once you choose Machining from the MANUFACTURE menu, the Manufacturing Info dialog box (In

Box) containing the current manufacturing info will appear at the top of the screen. The Info Box has twtabulated pages: Status and Tool Path Info. Click the appropriate tab (Status or Tool Path Info) at t

top of the Info Box to toggle between the pages.

The following items are listed in the Status page of the Info Box:

Operation name

Workcell name and type

Machine coordinate system and the model it belongs to

NC sequence type

Tool ID and pocket number

NC Sequence coordinate system and the model it belongs to

If you want to find out more about a particular item, click the appropriate button in the Info Box, and

corresponding Info window or subwindow will appear. The following information can be obtained by pressi

the buttons in the Info Box:

OperationThe current operation data will be displayed in the Info window.

WorkcellThe current workcell data will be displayed in the Info window.

Machine or NC Sequence coordinate systemHighlights on the screen.

NC sequenceThe current NC sequence info will be displayed in the Info window.

ToolThe system displays the Tool Setup dialog box, which allows you to set up tooling.

The information in the Info Box updates as you develop the manufacturing process.

When you display the tool path, the appropriate information appears in the Tool Path Info section of t

Info Box, such as the feedrate, the spindle speed, the current XYZ coordinates of the tool, the current IJ

coordinates of the tool axis, and so on. These values update to match the tools location.

About Operations

An operation is a series of NC sequences performed at a particular workcell and using a particular coordina

system for CL data output.

Note: You have to set up an operation before you can start creating NC sequences.

An operation is an assembly (or workpiece) feature that contains the following information:

Name

Workcell to be used

Coordinate system for CL data output

Retract surface

Comments (optional)

A set of manufacturing parameters (optional)

FROM and HOME points (optional)

When the NC sequences and material removal features are created, they contain a reference to the curre

operation name. Operation setting is modal, that is, once an operation is created, it stays current un

another operation is created or activated.

To Create an Operation

You have to create an operation before you can start defining NC sequences. When creating the operatio

the required elements are the machine tool name and the Program Zero coordinate system.

On the MANUFACTURE menu, click Machining > Operation (or Mfg Setup > Operation).

The Operation Setup dialog box opens.



Note: If you do not have any operations defined, the system automatically opens the Operation Setu

dialog box and starts creating a new operation when you click Machining or Mfg Setup.

If you already have defined some operations for the current manufacturing process, click at the top

the dialog box to start creating a new operation.

The Operation Setup dialog box displays the default settings for the operation name and outp

parameters. To change the default name, type the new name in the Operation Name text box.

Select or create a machine tool (workcell). If you have set up some machine tools prior to creating th

operation, their names appear in the NC Machine drop-down list. To create a machine tool, click

next to the NC Machine drop-down list. For more information on creating workcells, follow the link und

See Also.

Define the Program Zero. Click next to the Machine Zero text box and select or create a coordina

system. Once the Program Zero is defined, the name of the coordinate system appears in the Machin

Zero text box, and clicking next to it will highlight the coordinate system on the screen.

Use any of the other, optional, elements of operation setup, if needed. You can:

On the General tab, set up the Retract surface. The Retract surface is used for creating Milling an

Holemaking NC sequences. If you do not define it at this time, you will be prompted to do this on

you start creating the first Milling or Holemaking NC sequence. For more information on setting up th

Retract surface, follow the link under See Also.

On the General tab, click to assemble and set up the fixtures. For more information on fixture

follow the link under See Also.

On the From/Home tab, specify datum points to serve as FROM and HOME locations.

On the Output tab, change the output parameters or type the operation comments, to be output usin

PPRINT.

Click OK to finalize creating the operation and close the dialog box.

If you want to immediately create another operation, click Apply, and then click at the top of t

Operation Setup dialog box.

The Operation Setup Dialog Box

The Operation Setup dialog box contains the following elements:

Operation NameThe operation name identifies the operation within the manufacturing process. The defau

operation names have the format OP010, OP020, where the number gets automatically incremented b

the system. You can type any name.

NC MachineThe name of the machine tool (workcell) used to perform the operation. If you have set

some machine tools prior to creating the operation, their names appear in the NC Machine drop-dow

list. To create or redefine a machine tool, click next to the NC Machine drop-down list.

Fixture SetupThis section contains the icons for creating, modifying, and deleting fixture setups. The dro

down list contains the names of all the fixture setups defined for the operation, with the name of th

currently active setup displayed in the list box.

In the lower portion of the Operation Setup dialog box there are three tabs: General, From/Home, a

Output. They contain the following elements:

The General tab

Machine ZeroSelect or create the Program Zero coordinate system, to be used for NC output and for oth

machining references.

Use Rotary ClearanceThis option is available for 4-axis machines only. It allows you to define a safe

level retract height for cutting tools, to ensure safety of table rotations. The Rotation Clearance val

specifies the minimum distance by which the reference model, workpiece, and fixture components will

cleared during table rotations. The default value is 2" (in English units) or 50 mm (in metric units). Y



can type any positive value. In addition, you can specify a Safe Rotary Point for tools that are too long

be retracted to the Rotation Clearance level. Type the X, Y, and Z coordinate values in the Safe Rota

Point text boxes. In order for a tool to use the Safe Rotary Point instead of Rotation Clearance, you ha

to mark it as "long" in the Tool Manager, by selecting the Long Tool checkbox on the Settings tabb

page of the Tool Setup dialog box.

The Retract group boxSpecify how the tool retracts between the cuts:

SurfaceSet up the retract surface.

ToleranceControls maximum deviation of the tool when it moves along a non-planar retract surfacThe default is 0.1" (in English units) or 1 mm (in metric units). You can type any value.

Stock MaterialSelect a name of the stock material.

Note: You have to set up the material directory structure up front; otherwise, the only option available

the Stock Material drop-down list is Unspecified.

The From/Home tab

FROM PointCreate or select a datum point to serve as the FROM location. Once set, the name of the datu

point appears in the text box. Clicking highlights the datum point on the screen. Clicking

cancels the FROM setting.

HOME PointCreate or select a datum point to serve as the HOME location. Once set, the name of the datu

point appears in the text box. Clicking highlights the datum point on the screen. Clicking

cancels the HOME setting.

Note: If the workcell associated with the operation has two heads, you can set up separate FROM and HOM

points for the second head. In this case, a From motion will be created between the From point specified f

a head (that is, Head 1 or Head 2) and the first point of the first NC sequence that uses this head; a Hom

motion will be created from the last point of the last NC sequence that uses this head to the Home point f

the head.

The Output tab

Output NCL FileThe default name for the operation cutter location (CL) data file. You can type any nam

Clicking Use Default sets it back to the system default.

PARTNOThe part name, output with the PARTNO command, as well as using PPRINT. You can type an

name. Clicking Use Default sets it back to the system default (the name of the manufacturing assemb

for Assembly machining, and the name of the workpiece for Part machining).

Startup FileType the name of the file you want to be included at the very beginning of the operation CL f

(after the PARTNO, MACHIN, and UNITS commands). The file must be located in your current worki

directory and have the extension ".ncl".

Shutdown File Type the name of the file you want to be included at the very end of the operation CL fi

The file must be located in your current working directory and have the extension ".ncl".

CommentsType the operation comments in the text box below. These comments can be output usin

PPRINT.

To Specify Comments for an Operation

The comments for an operation can be listed in the Manufacturing info; they can also be output in the C

data files using PPRINT.

On the Output tab of the Operation Setup dialog box, type the operation comments in the Comments te

box.

Use the following buttons located to the right of the Comments text box, as necessary:

OpenRead in an existing text file containing operation comments. The contents of this file will repla

the current operation comments, if any.

InsertInsert the contents of an exiting text file containing operation comments at the cursor locatio

while preserving the current operation comments, if any.

Save AsSave current operation comments in a text file.


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Machine Tool Settings

A machine tool is identified by the following elements:

Machine NameThe machine name identifies the machine tool within the manufacturing process. Th

default machine names have the format MACH01, MACH02, where the number gets automatica

incremented by the system. You can type any name.

When you save the machine tool data on disk, the system uses the Machine Name as a filename (wi

the .gph extension).

Machine TypeThe machine type can be Mill, Lathe, Mill/Turn, or Wedm.Number of AxesDepending on the machine type, can be:

For Mill3 Axis (default), 4 Axis, or 5 Axis.

For Lathe1 Turret (default) or 2 Turrets.

For Mill/Turn2 Axis, 3 Axis, 4 Axis, or 5 Axis (default).

For Wedm2 Axis (default) or 4 Axis.

CNC ControlThe controller name (optional).

LocationThe location of the machine tool (optional).

Orientation(Available only for Lathe or Mill/Turn machine tools.) Specifies the lathe orientatio

Horizontal (default) or Vertical. This option defines the default Sketcher orientation when you lat

create Turning NC sequences in this workcell:

For Horizontal, the z-axis of the NC Sequence coordinate system will point horizontally to the righ

and the x-axisvertically upward.

For Vertical, the z axis of the NC Sequence coordinate system will point vertically upward, and the

axishorizontally to the right.

The tabs on the Machine Tool Setup dialog box enable you to specify the following parameters of

machine tool.

The Output tab

Post Processor Options

PP NameThe name of the default post-processor associated with the machine. Type the name in the te

box.IDThe post-processor ID.

The Reset button lets you change the post-processor name and ID back to the system defaults.

DefaultsLets you associate a site with the workcell.

PPRINTOpens the PPRINT menu to let you set up your PPRINT options.

CL Command Output Options

FROMSpecifies how the FROM statement will be output to an operation CL data file:

Do Not Output (default)No FROM statements are output. If a From point is specified, its location

output as a GOTO statement at positioning feed.

Only At StartA FROM statement is output at the beginning of the file. It corresponds to the locatio

of the From point, if specified, or to the first location on the tool path for the first machining featur

All other tool paths are added to the operation without a FROM statement.

At Every Tool PathFROM statements are output at the beginning of each tool path for a machini

feature. For the first tool path, this FROM statement corresponds to the location of the operation Fro

point, if specified, or to the first location on the tool path for this machining feature.

LOADTLControls the output of the LOADTL command in the operation CL data file:

Modal (default)The LOADTL command is output at the beginning of CL data for a feature tool path on

if a tool change is needed.

Not ModalOutputs the LOADTL statement at the beginning of each feature tool path, regardless

whether the tool is the same or changed.

COOLNT/OFFControls the output of the COOLNT/OFF statement.

Output (default)The COOLNT/OFF statement is output at the end of each feature tool path.



Do Not OutputCOOLNT/OFF is output only once, at the end of the file.

SPINDLE/OFFControls the output of the SPINDL /OFF statement.

Output (default)The SPINDL /OFF statement is output at the end of each feature tool path.

Do Not OutputSPINDL /OFF is output only once, at the end of the file.

Multiple Axis Output Options

These options become accessible only for a Mill type machine tool when you set Number of Axes to 4 Axi

Use Rotate OutputIf this option is not selected (default), all CL data is transformed and output in th

coordinates of the Program Zero coordinate system. When you select this option, the system outputs t

applicable TRANS and ROTABL commands to specify linear and rotational transformations. Only select th

option when indexing to a new table position is desired.

Rotation Output ModeAvailable only when Use Rotate Output is selected. Controls output of ROTA

statements. The values are: Incremental (default) and Absolute. In Absolute mode, zero position

defined by the Program Zero.

Rotation DirectionAvailable only when Use Rotate Output is selected. Allows you to specify th

rotation is performed in a particular direction (this may occur when there is an obstruction in one rotatio

direction but not another). The values are:

Shortest (default)Make the shortest possible move to the new position.

CLWAlways rotate in the clockwise direction.

CCLWAlways rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

Rotation AxisSpecify the rotation axis: A-Axis or B-Axis (default).

Milling Capability

These options become accessible only for a Mill/Turn type machine tool.

Head 1Specify whether milling is available on Head 1.

Head 2Specify whether milling is available on Head 2.

If both Head1 and Head2 are selected, the HEAD1 and HEAD2 options will appear in the MACH AUX me

when creating Milling NC sequences. Creating a Milling or Holemaking NC sequence using HEAD2 will res

in HEAD2 statement being output in the CL file.If neither Head1 nor Head2 is selected when defining the workcell, then the SEL MENU with the MILL a

TURN options will not appear when creating NC sequences. That is, once you click NC Sequence on t

MACHINING menu, you will be brought directly into the MACH AUX menu for Turning.

Note: 5-Axis Holemaking will be allowed on a Mill/Turn workcell, even if it is defined as 2- or 3-Axis. Sele

the Head1 option, and then select MILL from the SEL MENU when creating the NC sequence.

Cutter Compensation

When you expand this field, the Output cutter position options become available:

Tool CenterCutter location (CL) data is output with respect to the tool center.

Tool EdgeCutter location (CL) data is output with respect to the cutting edge of the tool. If you select th

option, type the desired value in the Safe Radius text box. This value determines the smallest conca

corner radius that can be safely machined, which must be slightly bigger than the tool radius. When t

system calculates the tool path for an NC sequence, it checks that the radius of every concave corn

being machined is no less than (Cutter Diameter/2 + Safe Radius). If a corner does not meet th

condition, the system issues an error message. You can either reduce the Safe Radius value, if possib

or use a smaller tool. If your actual cutting tool diameter is greater than the programmed cutting to

diameter, use the Comp. Oversize parameter on the Settings tab of the Tool Setup dialog box. In th

case, the smallest safe concave radius is calculated as ((Cutter Diameter + Comp.Oversize)/2 + Sa

Radius).

The Adjust Corner drop-down list gives you a choice of corner condition options for convex corners:


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Workcell Type Description NC Sequence Types

Available

Lathe 2- or 4-Axis Turning and Holemaking. Turning:

Area

Profile

Groove

ThreadHolemaking:

Drill

Face

Bore

Countersink

Tap

Ream

Mill 3- to 5-Axis Milling and Holemaking. Milling:

Volume

Local Mill

Surface Mill

Face

Profile

Pocketing

Trajectory

Thread

Engraving

Plunge

Holemaking:

DrillFace

Bore

Countersink

Tap

Ream



Mill/Turn Mill/Turn center (2 Axis Turning to 5

Axis Milling and Holemaking).

Milling:

Volume

Local Mill

Surface Mill

Face

Profile

Pocketing

Trajectory

Thread

Engraving

Plunge

Turning:

Area

Profile

Groove

Thread

Holemaking:

Drill

Face

Bore

Countersink

Tap

Ream

WEDM Wire Electric Discharge Machine (2- or 4

Axis), as well as any other type of 2D

Contouring (for example, flame cut or

laser.).

WEDM

You can create a workcell at setup time and then use it in an operation, or create a workcell directly whe

defining an operation.

Saving and Retrieving Workcells

Workcells are saved as user-defined features (groups) containing a single feature (the workcell).

The configuration file option pro_mf_workcell_dir allows you to specify a "library" directory for workcel

There, the workcell files will be available to all users for retrieval into their manufacturing processes. Th

options value is the path name (absolute path is recommended) of the directory where the workcell files w

be stored.

To Set Up a PPRINT Table

On the Output tab of the Machine Tool Setup dialog box, click PPRINT. Another way to access th

functionality is from the MANUFACTURE or MACHINING menu: click Mfg Setup > CL Setup

PPRINT.

The PPRINT menu opens with the following options:

CreateCreate a new PPRINT table.

ModifyModify the current PPRINT table.

RetrieveRetrieve an existing PPRINT table from the current working directory.

SaveSave the current PPRINT table for later use. You will be prompted for the name of the file. The f

will have an extension .ppr and will be stored in the current working directory.

ShowShow the current PPRINT settings.



If the table has not been set up, the Modify option will be grayed out. Choose Create. If you ha

previously set up a PPRINT table, you can either change your former settings using the Modify option,

start with a clean table using Create.

The Activate PPRINT dialog box opens. It contains all the items that can be output through PPRIN

Whether an item will be output or not is determined by the flag value. The default flag value for all item

is NO. Change it to YES if you want the item to be output.

To change the flag value, highlight the item or items in the PPRINT table by clicking on them once, then cli

on the appropriate action button (Yes or No), located in the lower-left portion of the dialog box. unselect an item, click on it once more. You can also use the Select All and Unselect All icons locat

in the lower-right portion of the dialog box.

To supply comments for an item, highlight it and type the comment in the Comments text box. When y

highlight an item with an existing comment, the comment is displayed in the Comments text box. Wh

editing a comment, you can revert to the previous value by clicking the drop-down arrow next to t

Comments text box.

Click OK to finish setting up the PPRINT table.

The PPRINT Table

To output some model information to the CL files, you have to set up a PPRINT table for this model. Th

table contains all the items that can be output through PPRINT. Whether an item will be output or not

determined by the flag value. The default flag value for all items is NO. Change it to YES if you want the ite

to be output. You can add an optional comment to be output along with the item.

Note: Comments are limited to 69 characters or less.

Whenever you output CL data to file, the system will check the PPRINT table. If any flag is set to YES and th

appropriate information is available, the corresponding PPRINT command will be output to the CL file.

The following items are output once per CL file:

PART_NAME

DATE_TIME

SCALE

TRANSLATE

ROTATE

The following items are output once per operation:

OPERATION_NAME

OPERATION_COMMENTS

LAYER_NAME

UDF_NAME

TOOL_TABLE

ONLY_OUTPUT_USED_TOOLS

The following items are output once per NC sequence:

NC_SEQUENCE_NAME

NC_SEQUENCE_COMMENTS

FEATURE_IDSEQUENCE_TYPE

CUTCOM_REGISTER

SPINDLE_SPEED

CUT_FEEDRATE_&_UNITS

ARC_FEEDRATE_&_UNITS

FREE_FEEDRATE_&_UNITS

RETRACT_FEEDRATE_&_UNITS

PLUNGE_FEEDRATE_&_UNITS

SCAN_TYPE



RETRACT_HEIGHT

NUMBER_OF_SLICES

The following items are output once per LOADTL or TURRET statement:

TOOL_NAME

TOOL_POSITION_NUMBER

TOOL_COMMENTS

TOOL_PARAMETERS

TOOL_OFFSET_NUMBER

CHAMFER_LENGTH

CORNER_RADIUS

CSINK_ANGLE

CUTTER_DIAM

DRILL_DIAMETER

DRILL_LENGTH

END_ANGLE

END_OFFSET

GAUGE_Z_LENGTH

GAUGE_X_LENGTH

HOLDER_TYPE

INSERT_LENGTH

LENGTH

LENGTH_UNITS

NOSE_RADIUS

NUM_OF_TEETH

POINT_ANGLE

SHANK_DIAMETER

SIDE_ANGLE

SIDE_WIDTH

TOOL_MATERIAL

TOOL_ORIENTATION

TOOL_TYPE

About Fixtures

Fixtures are parts or assemblies that help orient and hold the workpiece during a manufacturing operatio

Fixtures can be created and saved in Part or Assembly mode, and retrieved into the Manufacturing mod

during fixture setup. Creating the fixture in Assembly mode is advantageous because fixtures can be create

as needed during the intermediate process steps by referencing the workpiece. It is a simple proces

because you can build the fixture referencing the workpiece with Use Edge.You do not have to quit out of Manufacturing mode to enter Part or Assembly mode. You can open anoth

object (part or assembly) between NC sequences.

Note: If you have an appropriate license, you can use the library of manufacturing fixtures (clamps, holdi

plates, chucks and jaws) of generic sizes.

To use fixtures in the manufacturing process, you must first define the fixture setups for the manufacturi

model. Each fixture setup has a name and contains information about the fixtures that are to be present

the model when the setup is active. Only one setup can be active at a time. Setup names can be used t

manipulate fixtures within the manufacturing model. Because fixture setups contain fixture assemb

information, each manufacturing model has to have its fixture setup(s) explicitly defined; unlike sites



tools, you cannot retrieve a fixture setup from one model into another manufacturing model. Fixture setu

can be defined at the time of setting up an operation or at any time between NC sequences.

To Create a Fixture Setup

Click in the Fixture Setup section of the Operation Setup dialog box.

The Fixture Setup dialog box opens. It contains the default name for the fixture setup (for examp

FSETP1). You can change it by typing a different name.

Create or assemble components that you want to include in the fixture setup. You can also copy a previousdefined fixture setup by using the Copy icon at the top of the Fixture Setup dialog box.

When you add fixture setup components, you may find that they clutter up the screen and make

difficult to select surfaces for feature creation. In this case, you can blank the fixture components; th

is, erase them from the display but keep them in the fixture setup. When you blank a component,

visibility status in the Components list is changed to Invisible.

Click OK to finalize the fixture setup creation and close the dialog box. This setup becomes active (that is,

is used for the newly created NC sequences).

The Fixture Setup Dialog Box

The top portion of the Fixture Setup dialog box contains the following icon:

Copy a previously defined fixture setup. This brings in all the components from the setup bein

copied. You can then remove or redefine placement of some of the components, or add extra component

by using the action buttons in the lower portion of the Fixture Setup dialog box.

The Fixture Setup Name box contains the name of the fixture setup. You can type any name.

The middle portion of the Fixture Setup dialog box contains two tabbed pages: Components a

Comments. The Components tabbed page lists all the components currently included in the fixture setu

along with their visibility status. You can type information about the fixture setup in the text box on t

Comments tabbed page.

Below the tabbed pages are the following action buttons:

Create a new fixture component. The user interface is the same as creating a new part in Assemb

mode. After you create the component, its name appears in the list on the Components tabbed page.

Redefine placement of a fixture component. Select the name of the component to be reassembled

the list box on the Components tabbed page, then click this button. Specify the new assembly constrain

for the component.

Assemble a new fixture component. The user interface is the same as assembling a new compone

in Assembly mode. After you assemble the component, its name appears in the list on the Componen

tabbed page.

Remove a fixture component. Select the names of the components to be removed in the list box o

the Components tabbed page, then click this button.

Make a fixture component visible. Select the names of the previously blanked components in the lbox on the Components tabbed page, then click this button. The components are displayed on the scree

and their status in the Components list is changed to Visible.

Make a fixture component invisible. Select the names of the components to be blanked in the list b

on the Components tabbed page, then click this button. The components are erased from the screen, an

their status in the Components list is changed to Invisible. Note that making a component invisible do

not remove it from the fixture; you can blank fixture components to remove the clutter from the screen, b

the system still considers them in place for tool path computations. To remove a component from a fixtu

setup, use the Remove button.

Select all the fixture components in the list.



Cancel the selection of all the fixture components in the list.

Finalize the fixture setup and close the Fixture Setup dialog box.

Cancel changes made to the fixture setup.

To Activate a Fixture Setup

Only one fixture setup can be active at a time. This is the setup that is displayed on the screen.

To activate a fixture setup, select its name in the Model Tree, press the right mouse button and cliActivate. Another way to access this functionality is to select the fixture setup name from the drop-down l

in the Fixture Setup section of the Operation Setup dialog box.

To Modify a Fixture Setup

You can modify a fixture setup to add, remove, or change placement of some of the components, or

change their visibility status.

Select the name of the fixture setup in the Model Tree, press the right mouse button and click Redefin

Another way to access this functionality is to select the fixture name from the drop-down list in th

Fixture Setup section of the Operation Setup dialog box and click .

The Fixture Setup dialog box opens.

Use the action buttons in the lower portion of the Fixture Setup dialog box to create or assemble necomponents; redefine placement of existing components; or remove components from the fixture setu

You can also change the visibility status of the fixture components. Note that when you blank

component, it stays in the fixture setup; you can change its status back to Visible at any time. When yo

remove a component from the fixture setup, and then want to bring it back, you will have to specify

the assembly constraints again.

Click OK to finalize the fixture setup creation and close the dialog box.

To Delete a Fixture Setup

Use either of the following ways to delete a fixture setup:

Select the name of the fixture setup in the Model Tree, press the right mouse button and click Delete.

Select the fixture name from the drop-down list in the Fixture Setup section of the Operation Setup dial

box and click .

About Coordinate Systems

Coordinate systems are one of the elements of operation and NC sequence setup in Pro/NC. They define t

orientation of the workpiece on the machine and act as the origin (0, 0, 0) for CL data generation.

Coordinate systems used in Pro/NC can belong to the design model, to the workpiece, or to any oth

component of the manufacturing assembly. You can use coordinate systems created prior to bringing

component into the manufacturing model, or create them in Manufacturing mode.

To Specify a Coordinate System

The Machine and NC Sequence coordinate systems are specified in a similar way, as described in t

following procedure.

Click next to the Machine Zero text box in the Operation Setup dialog box, or select the Coord S

option in the SEQ SETUP menu.

The MACH CSYS or the SEQ CSYS menu, respectively, will appear with the following options:

CreateSelect the model that the coordinate system will belong to, then create the coordinate system.

SelectSelect the coordinate system either by selecting on the screen or using the Sel By Menu option

Use PrevAllows you to select a coordinate system used for an earlier operation or NC sequence.

If you specify separate coordinate systems, the NC Sequence coordinate system is highlighted in magent

the Machine coordinate systemin red.

Machine and NC Sequence Coordinate Systems

There are two types of coordinate systems in Manufacturing:



MachineActs as the default origin for all CL data. This coordinate system is specified at the time of operatio

setup using the Machine Zero option in the Operation Setup dialog box. All NC sequences creat

within a certain operation will use the same Machine coordinate system.

NC SequenceAffects all the NC sequence data, such as retract surface and cut feed direction. This coordina

system is specified at the time of NC sequence setup using the Coord Sys option in the SEQ SETU

menu. The NC Sequence coordinate system must be oriented in a certain way, as described in t

following sections.

The NC Sequence coordinate system setting is modal, that is, once specified, it will stay for all subsequeNC sequences until you change it. For the first NC sequence, the Machine coordinate system specified for th

operation will be implicitly used as the NC sequence coordinate system as well.

If the Machine and NC Sequence coordinate systems are different, then, upon creating an NC sequence, a

CL data will be transformed and output in the coordinates of the Machine coordinate system. If the Z axes

the NC Sequence and Machine coordinate systems are not parallel, the tool orientation vector (i,j,k) or tab

rotation will be provided. This functionality allows you to post-process 3-axis operations to be performed o

the 5-axis machines. In Turning, it can be used if the post-processor requires X-Y input.

Notes:

Using the CL_DATA_MODE parameter, you may specify that the linear and rotational transitions betwe

the NC Sequence and Machine coordinate systems be output in the CL file, instead of transforming

CL coordinates.

To output CL data with respect to the NC Sequence coordinate system, use the COORDINATE_OUTPU

parameter.

Z-Axis Orientation

Pro/NC NC Sequence coordinate systems should be oriented so that the positive Z-axis points away from t

holding fixtures of the machine. For example, on a vertical milling machine, the positive Z-axis points u

away from the table surface. The following shows the Z-axis orientation for milling.

For turning, remember that the positive Z-axis points away from the lathe headstock. If you create

coordinate system at the headstock end of the part, make sure the positive Z-axis points towards the rest

the workpiece. On the other hand, if you create a coordinate system at the tailstock end of the part, the Z

axis should point away from the workpiece, off into space. In either case, the Z-axis must be colinear wi

the turning axis. The following shows the Z-axis orientation for turning.

About NC Sequences

An NC sequence is an assembly (or workpiece) feature that represents a single tool path. The tool pa

consists of the following components:

Automatic Cut motions, that is, tool motions while actually cutting the workpiece material.

Approach, exit, connect moves.

Additional CL commands and post-processor words (for example, feedrates, PPRINT, OPSTOP).

To Create an NC Sequence

When you choose NC Sequence from the MACHINING menu, a namelist menu appears with the names

all existing NC sequences and the New Sequence option. Selecting an existing NC sequence name allow

you to redefine references for this NC sequence (that is, redefine the sequence setup elements, or chang



the tool motions). Selecting New Sequence allows you to create a new NC sequence under the curre

operation.

You have to set up an operation before creating an NC sequence. The type of workcell defines the types

NC sequences available. Once you select the type of the NC sequence, define the tool path using the N

SEQUENCE menu options:

Seq SetupSpecify geometric references appropriate to the NC sequence type, for example, select surfac

to mill, or sketch the area of the cut for turning. This option also allows you to change the modal setting

such as tool, coordinate system, retract, and specify the manufacturing parameters for the NC sequencFor most NC sequence types, the system will generate the default tool path based on the results

sequence setup.

Play PathVerify the tool path prior to completing the NC sequence.

Submit PathSubmit the tool path to Job Manager for remote calculation. For more information, follow t

link under See Also.

Abort PathCancel remote calculation of the tool path.

CustomizeCustomize the default tool path, that is, define your own tool motions and insert CL commands

Seq InfoBrings up a checklist menu of all tool motions, along with the NC Sequence option. Select t

motion(s) that you want to display info for (you can use Select All); use the NC Sequence option

display the NC sequence info. The appropriate info will be displayed in an Info Window.

Done SeqFinalize the current NC sequence and return to the MACHINING menu.Next SeqFinalize the current NC sequence and immediately start defining a new NC sequence of the sam

type and with the same initial setup (tool, parameters, cut geometry). You are brought directly into th

NC SEQUENCE menu, where you can change any of the setup elements or "tweak" the tool path usi

the Customize functionality.

Quit SeqAbort defining the NC sequence. You will be prompted for a confirmation.

Elements of NC Sequence Setup

An NC sequence setup consists of the following elements:

Name (optional)

Comments (optional)

Tool

Tool attachment

Manufacturing parameters

NC Sequence coordinate system

Retract surface (for Milling and Holemaking NC sequences)

Geometric references appropriate to the NC sequence type

Start and End points (optional)

Most of these settings are modal. You usually have to specify cut geometry and adjust the manufacturi

parameters for each specific NC sequence. If you choose Customize prior to completing the sequence setu

the appropriate interface will be invoked automatically to "walk you through" the required steps.

To Customize a Name of an NC Sequence

As an NC sequence is created, it will be given a default name corresponding to its type (for example, Volum

Milling). The Name option in the SEQ SETUP menu allows you to enter a customized name for the N

sequence. This name will then be displayed instead of the default NC sequence name in the namelist men

and messages (for example, Computing tool path for NC_Sequence_name).

To Specify Comments for an NC Sequence

The comments for an NC sequence can be listed in the Manufacturing info; they can also be output in the C

data files using PPRINT.

On the SEQ SETUP menu, click Comments.

The NCSQ COMMENT menu appears with the following options:

CreateA system window will appear to allow you to enter the comments using the system editor.



ModifyA system window will appear with the current comments. Edit the comments using the syste

editor.

To Set Up Start and End Points for an NC Sequence

At the NC sequence level, the start and end points are specified using the Start and End options in the SE

SETUP menu. When a new NC sequence is created, it will automatically use the End point of the previous N

sequence as its Start point.

On the SEQ SETUP menu, select the Start and/or End option.

The following commands are available:CreateCreate a datum point to serve as the appropriate start or end point

SelectSelect an existing datum point to serve as the start or end point.

Remove(Appears only if a point of the appropriate type has already been specified.) Delete the start

end point.

To Select an NC Sequence

NC sequence features themselves do not have geometry that you can select on to choose the NC sequen

for modification, CL data output . Whenever an NC sequence is to be selected, the NC Sequence option w

appear in the SELECT FEAT menu. When you choose it, a namelist menu of the NC sequences will appea

each NC sequence is identified by its number and type, followed by the operation name, for example:

1: Volume Milling, Operation: OP010

2: Profile Milling, Operation: OP010

and so forth.

If you have specified an NC sequence name using the Name option in the SEQ SETUP menu, this name w

appear in the namelist menu instead of the NC sequence type (for example, Volume Milling).

Note: If a line is too long to fit in the namelist menu, place the cursor over it and check the bottom li

in the message window to see the whole entry.

If more than one operation has been defined for the model, the SEL NC SEQ menu controls which N

sequences are listed in the namelist menu:

By Cur OperOnly NC sequences that belong to the current operation will appear in the namelist menu.

All OperationsAll NC sequences existing in the model will appear in the namelist menu.

Another way to select an NC sequence is to choose the corresponding material removal feature (if it has bee

created). However, this works only if the material removal feature itself can not be selected for this particul

operation. For example, this method can be used for CL data output, but will not work for suppressing

reordering.

An NC sequence can also be selected using the Sel By Menu option (as any other feature) by its featu

number, internal ID, or from a Model Tree.

About Retract Surface

The retract surface defines the level to which the tool is retracted after a cut. Depending on your machini

needs, you can specify the retract surface to be a plane, cylinder, sphere, or a custom-made surface.

You can specify the retract surface at the operation level, and then modify it at the NC sequence level,

needed.

When an operation Retract Surface is defined, the tool will traverse along this surface from the end of o

sequence to the beginning of the next sequence.

The retract surface setting is modal, that is, once specified, it will stay for all subsequent NC sequences un

you change it, as long as it is applicable to the NC sequence type. For example, if you specify a cylinder

the operation level on a 5-Axis workcell, you will have to define a planar retract surface when creating a

Axis NC sequence.

The following illustration shows various types of retract surfaces.



Retract plane

Retract cylinder

When you set a non-planar retract surface, you can control the maximum deviation of the tool from th

surface, as shown in the following illustration, by specifying a Tolerance value in the Retract group bo

located on the General tab of the Operation Setup dialog box. The default value is 0.1" (in English unit

or 1 mm (in metric units).

Tolerance

Retract surface

Tool

Tool path

To Set Up a Retract Surface

Click next to the Surface text box in Retract group box, located on the General tabbed page of t

Operation Setup dialog box, or select Retract from the SEQ SETUP menu.

The Retract Selection dialog box opens.

Select the Surface option and click one of the following buttons:SelectSelect a datum plane, a planar or revolved surface feature, or a planar surface on the model.

Create PlaneCreate a datum plane.

Create SurfaceCreate a revolved surface feature. This option is not available in 3-Axis workcells or f

3-Axis NC sequences. You do not have to use the Revolve option to create the surface, as long as t

resulting surface is a surface of revolution; for example, you can use Extrude and create a cylinder.

Along Z AxisCreate a datum plane normal to the Z-axis of either the Machine or the NC Sequenc

coordinate system (depending on whether you define retract at the operation or the NC sequen

level), by specifying an offset along this axis. Type the offset value in the Enter Z Depth text box.

The Preview button lets you display the retract surface prior to finalizing the setup. Click OK to create t

retract surface, Cancelto quit.

To Set Up a Retract Sphere

Click next to the Surface text box in Retract group box, located on the General tabbed page of t

Operation Setup dialog box, or select Retract from the SEQ SETUP menu.


Select the Sphere option in the Retract Selection dialog box.

By default, the sphere center is either the Machine or the NC Sequence coordinate system (depending o

whether you define retract at the operation or the NC sequence level). To specify a different center, us

one of the following options in the drop-down list in the Set Sphere Center group box:

DefaultUse the default center, that is, the Machine coordinate system if you define retract at t

operation level, or the NC Sequence coordinate system if you define retract at the NC sequence leve

Select CsysSelect a coordinate system.



Create CsysCreate a coordinate system.

Select Datum PointSelect a datum point.

Create Datum PointCreate a datum point.

The system displays the name of the coordinate system or datum point that is the current center of t

sphere at the bottom of the Set Sphere Center group box. It also shows, in parentheses, the name

the model that the coordinate system or datum point belongs to.

There are two ways to specify the sphere radius:

Select the Sphere Radius option and type the radius value in the text box to the right.

Select the Offset From Datum Point option. This activates the Set Offset Reference group box w

the following options in the drop-down list:

DefaultUse the sphere center as the offset reference.

Select PointSelect a datum point to be used as the offset reference.

Create PointCreate a datum point to be used as the offset reference.

The system displays the name of the reference datum point, with the model name in parentheses, at th

bottom of the Set Offset Reference group box. Type the offset value with respect to this datum point

the text box below the Offset From Datum Point option.

To Set Up a Retract Cylinder

Click next to the Surface text box in Retract group box, located on the General tabbed page of tOperation Setup dialog box, or select Retract from the SEQ SETUP menu.


Select the Cylinder option in the Retract Selection dialog box.

By default, the cylinder axis is one of the axes of either the Machine or the NC Sequence coordinate syste

(depending on whether you define retract at the operation or the NC sequence level). To specify

different reference, use one of the following options in the drop-down list at the top of the Set Cylind

Axis group box:

DefaultUse the default reference, that is, the Machine coordinate system if you define retract at t

operation level, or the NC Sequence coordinate system if you define retract at the NC sequence leve

Select AxisSelect a datum axis.

Create AxisCreate a datum axis.

Select CsysSelect a coordinate system.

Create CsysCreate a coordinate system.

The system displays the name of the reference (coordinate system or datum axis) in the middle portio

of the Set Cylinder Axis group box. It also shows, in parentheses, the name of the model that th

coordinate system or datum axis belongs to. If the reference is a coordinate system, you can sele

which axis to use as the cylinder axis using the drop-down list at the bottom of the Set Cylinder Ax

group box.

There are two ways to specify the cylinder radius:

Select the Cylinder Radius option and type the radius value in the text box below.

Select the Offset From Datum Point option. This activates the Set Offset Reference group b

with the following options in the drop-down list:

DefaultUse the sphere center as the offset reference.

Select PointSelect a datum point to be used as the offset reference.

Create PointCreate a datum point to be used as the offset reference.

The system displays the name of the reference datum point, with the model name in parentheses, at th

bottom of the Set Offset Reference group box. Type the offset value with respect to this datum point

the text box below the Offset From Datum Point option.

To Set Up a Traverse Plane

For Volume milling NC sequences, you can specify an intermediate retract plane, called the traverse plane.

On the SEQ SETUP menu of a Volume milling NC sequence, click Retract.


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Specifying the Material Removal Visibility Level

When you create an Automatic material removal feature, the Intersected Comps dialog box opens to

you specify the level (part, subassembly, or the top-level assembly) at which the feature should be visible.

you click AutoAdd, the volume of material to be removed by the NC sequence will be automatica

intersected with all the affected workpieces and the results displayed. If the intersection is performed at th

part level (that is, it will be visible in Part mode), and the assembly has several instances of the same pa

you will be prompted to select one occurrence of the part to intersect the assembly feature with; then th

material removal will be shown on all parts according to the instance selected for intersection.

Notes:

If a workpiece is a family instance, or a generic part with instances in session, Automatic material removal

part level can not be performed on it. You can use the Construct functionality.

This functionality is not available if you are working with a legacy Part Machining model. In this cas

Automatic material removal is always visible in all modes.

Automatic Material Removal in Milling

For Volume and Local milling, the amount of material removed using the Automatic option is defined by t

milling volume and depends on the PROF_STOCK_ALLOW parameter value. All material inside the volume w

be removed, with the offset equal to the PROF_STOCK_ALLOW value left on the sides and bottom.

For Pocketing, the amount of material removed automatically also depends on the PROF_STOCK_ALLO

parameter value. All material along the surfaces selected for machining will be removed, with the offset equ

to the PROF_STOCK_ALLOW value left on the sides and bottom.

When Automatic material removal is performed for a Conventional or Contouring surface milling N

sequence, as well as for Plunge milling, the surface(s) are offset by stock allowance (if applicable) and t

side walls are built towards the retract plane. Note that stock allowance is added at all the surface edges

well. This result is then subtracted from the workpiece.

The following illustration shows the tool path and automatic material removal for Conventional surfa

milling.

Automatic material removal for Profile milling is defined by the tool geometry and the trajectory of the la

profiling pass.

Automatic material removal for Face milling removes all material above the surface selected for facing.

Automatic material removal for an Engraving NC sequence will produce a line corresponding to the referen

groove. Neither the width nor the depth of the cut will be reflected.

Automatic material removal is not available for Roughing, Reroughing, Trajectory, and Thread milling.

Automatic Material Removal in Turning

For Area and Groove turning, the Automatic option will remove material from the whole area of the c

(minus PROF_STOCK_ALLOW). Convex corners can be either straight or filleted, depending on th

CORNER_FINISH_TYPE parameter value.

For Profile turning, Automatic material removal can be created if the NC sequence uses a single Turn Profil

or multiple Turn Profiles that form a continuous chain of entities. You do not have control over the directio

of material removal extensions; if they do not work for your Turn Profile, create the material removal featu

using the Construct option.

For Trajectory and Thread turning, Automatic material removal is not applicable.

Automatic Material Removal in Holemaking

When Automatic material removal is performed for a Holemaking NC sequence, the system will produce hol

in the workpiece coaxial with the holes selected for drilling. The diameter and axial cross-section of the hole

are defined by the tool parameters, and the depth of each hole is defined by the depth of drilling.



Automatic Material Removal in Wire EDM

Automatic material removal is available for No Core Wire EDM only. It is not applicable for Contouring N

sequences.

About XML Export and Import of Manufacturing Process Data

Pro/NC enables you to store the manufacturing process data in XML format and then import it into a differe

model. The manufacturing data that can be imported includes operations, workcells, tooling, and even N

sequence parameters and named references. If some of the references are missing when you import an N

sequence, the NC sequence is created as incomplete. You can then redefine the NC sequence and specify t

missing references.

To enable this functionality, set the configuration option output_mfg_xml to yes.

To Output a Manufacturing Process in XML Format

The Export command lets you store the manufacturing process data for the current manufacturing model

XML import. You can later import this data into a different manufacturing model.

Click Mfg Setup > Export. This command is available only if you set the configuration optio

output_mfg_xml to yes.

Specify the directory and file name for storing the XML data. By default, it is saved in the current workin

directory, in a file named mfg.xml, where is the name

the current manufacturing model.

Click OK. The resulting file contains all the manufacturing process data from the current model.Exported Data Types

When you export the manufacturing process data from a model, the XML file contains the following da

types:

Manufacturing assembly components

Named references, such as:

Coordinate systems

Datum planes, axes, points, curves

Mill Windows, Volumes and Surfaces

Turn Profiles

Drill Groups

Cutting tools along with their parameters

Tool setups, that is the correspondence between the tooling pocket on the machine and the name of the to

in the pocket

Fixture setups

Workcells along with their parameters and a reference to the tool setup

Operations along with their parameters

To Import Manufacturing Process Data into a Different Model

You can import the manufacturing process data saved in XML format into a different model. The data typ

include tooling, workcells, operations, and steps, that is, NC sequences.

Click Mfg Setup > Import. This command is available only if you set the configuration optio

output_mfg_xml to yes.

Select the name of the .xml file to import and click Open. The system creates the appropriate objects in t

current manufacturing model.

About Elements of Tool Setup

Pro/NC requires the following general categories of information about tools:

Tool Table informationThis set of elements defines the correspondence between a descriptive tool nam

(Name) and its location on the machine (Number). You can optionally supply a value for the gau

length register (Offset) and comments output for the tool (Comments). Each workcell has its own To

Table.

Tool TypeOne of the predefined tool types available in Pro/NC. Tool types correspond to the types of N

sequences performed in the workcell; the tool type, in turn, defines the tools cross-section and, therefor

the set of parameters you have to specify for the tool.



Geometry parametersParameters that specify all the dimensions of the tool. These dimension values a

used in calculating the tool path and material removed, and should accurately reflect the actual to

dimensions and length units. Some of the Geometry parameters are required to define the tools cros

section, others are optional. The actual parameter names in this category depend on the Tool Type.

SettingsVarious parameters, mostly optional, that define tool properties other than geometry:

Tool NumberCorresponds to the Number field of the Tool Table, which defines the tool's pock

number.

Offset NumberCorresponds to the Offset field of the Tool Table, which supplies a value for tgauge length register.

Tool gauge lengths (Gauge X Length and Gauge Z Length)Optional parameters used to crea

length qualifiers in the LOADTL or TURRET statements.

Long ToolSelect this checkbox if the tool is too long to retract to the Rotation Clearance lev

during 4-axis machining. If you mark the tool as long, the tip of the tool will move to the Safe Rota

Point (specified in the Operation Setup dialog box) during table rotations.

CommentsA text string that will be stored along with the tool parameters and output with the to

table using PPRINT. If you want the tool table to show this comment, click Edit > Table Commen

in the top menu bar of the Tool Setup dialog box, and select the Use TOOL_COMMENT paramet

option. If you want the tool table to show a comment different than the tool Comments paramet

string, click Edit > Table Comments, select New Comment, and type in a new comment string.Speeds and feedsThe cutting data (feed, speed, axial and radial depths) for roughing and finishing with th

tool, based on the stock material type and condition. This data is stored in a separate file with the sam

file name as the geometry and other tool parameters, but located in the appropriate Materials director

You have to set up your Materials directory structure first.

BOMInformation about the Bill of Materials for the tool.

Offset TableA table of the offset registeds and distances for mill tools with multiple tips. This functionality

controlled by the configuration option allow_multiple_tool_tips.

When you set up the tooling for a workcell or specify a tool to be used for an NC sequence, the syste

displays the Tool Setup dialog box. This dialog box enables you to add, modify, and delete the tools, as we

as view all the tools currently defined for the workcell.

Note: When you select a Tool Table entry in the upper portion of the Tool Setup dialog box, the systeupdates the lower portion to display this tools parameters and section sketch.

Tool Table Elements

Name is a descriptive tool name (for example, BALL125), which uniquely identifies the tool with a certain s

of parameter values. If two tools within a manufacturing process have the same Name, then all of the

parameters (geometry, material, gauge lengths) are also the same. They may, however, be located

different pockets on the machine, that is, have different Number. When you output CL data for an operati

or NC sequence to a file, the system outputs the pocket number (Number) in the LOADTL or TURR

statement. If the Tool Table line contains a value for Offset, it will be output as well.

For example, these Tool Table lines:

Number Name Offset Commen

------------------------------------------

1 BAL

2 FLAT1 4 flat end mill

produce, respectively, the following CL output:

LOADTL /

LOADTL / 2, OSETNO, 4

Comments are output with the Tool Table when you use PPRINT. To add comments to a tool, type them

the Comment field on the Settings tab.

The tool name (Name) is used throughout Pro/NC to identify the tool. You can store the tools parameters

a text file and then retrieve it to use in a different manufacturing process. Name serves as the name for th

parameter file, therefore, all the operating systems restrictions for file names apply to Name (for examp

it cannot contain spaces or periods). The name must be less than thirty-two alpha-numeric characters long.



Note: The tool name can not contain hyphens (-). Underscores (_), however, can be used.

Tool Type

When you define a tool within a workcell, tool types available for selection are consistent with the types

NC sequences performed in the workcell. For example, if you have a Mill type workcell, the tool type selectio

includes milling and holemaking tools, but no turning. If you set up a tool at the time of creating an N

sequence, the tool type selection will be limited to those applicable for the current NC sequence type. F

example, if you are creating a Standard Drill NC sequence, the tool types available for selection will includ

DRILLING, MILLING, and so on, while for a Tap NC sequence the only tool type available will be TAPPING.

Tool type is stored with the tool parameters.

To Set Up Tools in Advance

Choose Tooling from the MFG SETUP menu and select the name of the workcell where you want to set u

the tooling. Or, at the time of creating or modifying a workcell, you can choose Tooling from the CE

SETUP menu to set up tooling for this workcell. Another way to access tooling setup is to click the To

Setup icon in the Pro/ENGINEER toolbar.

The system displays the Tool Setup dialog box, with all the tools defined for the current workcell listed

the Tool Table section.

Add new tools or modify the existing ones using any combination of techniques (for more information o

using the Tool Setup dialog box, follow the link under See Also).

Choose File > Done to exit the Tool Setup dialog box.To Set Up a Tool when Creating an NC Sequence

Check off the Tool option in the SEQ SETUP menu.

The system displays the Tool Setup dialog box, with all the tools defined for the current workcell listed

the Tool Table section.

Select an existing tool in the Tool Table, modify it if necessary, or create a new tool (for more information

using the Tool Setup dialog box, follow the link under See Also).

Choose File > Done to exit the Tool Setup dialog box.

About the Tool Setup Dialog Box

The upper portion of the Tool Setup dialog box contains the Tool Table for the current machine. The To

Table defines the correspondence between a descriptive tool name (Name) and its location on the machin

that is, its pocket number (Number). You can optionally supply a value for the gauge length regist(Offset) and comments output for the tool (Comments). Each machine tool has its own Tool Table.

When you select a Tool Table entry in the upper portion of the Tool Setup dialog box, the system updat

the middle and lower portions to display this tools parameters and section sketch.

The middle portion of the Tool Setup dialog box contains the Tool Preview window, with the current to

section sketch, and the text boxes for defining the following tool elements:

NameA descriptive tool name (for example, BALL125), which uniquely identifies the tool with a certain s

of parameter values. The tool name is used throughout Pro/NC to identify the tool. You can store the too

parameters in a text file and then retrieve it to use in a different manufacturing process. The tool Nam

serves as the name for this parameter file, therefore, all the operating systems restrictions for file nam

apply to Name (for example, it cannot contain spaces or periods). The name must be less than thirty-tw

alphanumeric characters long.

Note: The tool name can not contain hyphens (-). Underscores (_), however, can be used.

TypeSelect one of the predefined tool types available in Pro/NC. Tool types correspond to the types of N

sequences performed in the workcell; the tool type, in turn, defines the tools cross-section and, therefor

the set of parameters you have to specify for the tool.

MaterialSpecify the material from which the tool is made.

UnitsLength units of the tool. The default length units of a tool are those of the stock. If you change th

Units, this affects the actual tool dimensions.

The lower portion of the Tool Setup dialog box contains four tabbed pages: Geometry, Settings, Speed

& Feeds, and BOM.

The Geometry tabbed page contains the text boxes for defining the Geometry parameters, that

parameters that specify all the dimensions of the tool. These dimension values are used in calculating th



tool path and material removed, and should accurately reflect the actual tool dimensions and length unit

Some of the parameters are required for defining the tool's cross section, others are optional. The actu

parameter names in this category depend on the tool Type.

The Settings tabbed page contains the text boxes for defining some of the tool table elements and vario

optional parameters that define tool properties other than geometry:

Tool NumberCorresponds to the Number field of the Tool Table, which defines the tool's pocket number.

Offset NumberCorresponds to the Offset field of the Tool Table, which supplies a value for the gaug

length register.Tool gauge lengths (Gauge X Length and Gauge Z Length)Optional parameters used to create leng

qualifiers in the LOADTL or TURRET statements.

Comp. OversizeRepresents the difference between the largest measured diameter of the cutting tool a

the nominal cutting tool diameter (Cutter Diameter). Set this parameter if the actual cutting to

diameter is greater than the programmed cutting tool diameter. The system will use this value for goug

checking.

Long ToolSelect this checkbox if the tool is too long to retract to the Rotation Clearance level during 4-ax

machining. If you mark the tool as long, the tip of the tool moves to the Safe Rotary Point (specified in th

Operation Setup dialog box) during table rotations.

CommentsA text string that is stored along with the tool parameters and is output with the tool table usin

PPRINT. If you want the tool table to show this comment, click Edit > Table Comments in the top mebar of the Tool Setup dialog box, and select the Use TOOL_COMMENT parameter option. If you wa

the tool table to show a comment different than the tool Comments parameter string, click Edit > Tab

Comments, select New Comment, and type in a new comment string.

The Speeds & Feeds tabbed page lets you supply cutting data (feed, speed, axial and radial depths) f

roughing and finishing with this tool, based on the stock material type and condition.

The BOM tabbed page provides information about the Bill of Materials for the tool.

The Offset Table tabbed page lets you set up mill tools with multiple tips. This functionality is controlled

the configuration option allow_multiple_tool_tips.

To Set Up the Material Directory Structure

Pro/NC lets you select the cutting tools and set up feeds and speeds based on the stock material an

condition. To use this functionality, you have to set up a certain directory structure before you start defininyour operations and tooling.

Pro/NC stores all the cutting tool data in a Tooling directory, which is specified by using the pro_mf_tprm_d

configuration option. For example, you can set this configuration option as follows:

pro_mf_tprm_dir /home/users/toolcrib

Pro/NC then places all the tool parameter files (.tpm files) in the /home/users/toolcrib directory.

To set up the material directory structure, create a subdirectory called materials in your Tooling director

Spell the directory name exactly as shown.

Under the materials directory, create subdirectories corresponding to your stock materials and condition

For example, you can create subdirectories steel20, steel30, aluminum, and so on. Your material directo

structure setup is now complete.

When you later define an operation or a cutting tool, the system lists the available material subdirectorifrom which you can choose.

When you save the cutting tool data, the system stores the tool geometry parameters in a .tpm file in t

Tooling directory, and creates a .tpm file with the same name, containing the feeds and speeds data, in t

appropriate material subdirectory. This feeds and speeds data can be used to specify the manufacturi

parameter values through relations.

Note: If you do not use the pro_mf_tprm_dir configuration option, the system uses your current worki

directory as the Tooling directory.

Example: Setting Up the Material Directory Structure

Designate your Tooling directory by setting the configuration option:

pro_mf_tprm_dir /home/users/toolcrib


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Type the desired values in the text boxes for Speed, Feed, Axial Depth, and Radial Depth. The list to t

right of each text box lets you change the units, as needed. You can also switch between the English an

metric unit systems by selecting the appropriate option in the Properties group; this changes t

options available in the units' lists.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the second Application.

Save the tool. The system stores the cutting data in the appropriate Material subdirectory, in t

.tpm file, where is the tool Name.

If you want to use the tool to cut a different material, repeat Steps 2 through 6.Using the Cutting Data Supplied for the Tool

When you use a tool in an NC sequence, the feeds and speeds stored with it are not automatically used a

the NC sequence feeds and speeds. When you set the manufacturing parameters in the Param Tree dial

box, you can click Edit > Copy From Tool and select whether you want to copy All parameters, or just t

Speed, Feed, or Depth. Finally, select whether you want the Roughing or the Finishing parameter value

You can also use the following mechanism to utilize the speed and feed data stored with the tool whe

creating an NC sequence.

All the cutting data that you specify in the Tool Setup dialog box is stored as tool parameters. For each da

type, there are two separate parameters, one for Roughing and one for Finishing. The following table lists th

tool parameters corresponding to the cutting data supplied for the tool.

Cutting Data Roughing Finishing

Speed (rev per minute) TOOL_ROUGH_SPINDLE_RPM TOOL_FINISH_SPINDLE_RPM

Speed (length units per

minute)

TOOL_ROUGH_SURFACE_SPEED TOOL_FINISH_SURFACE_SPEED

Feed (per minute) TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_RATE TOOL_FINISH_FEED_RATE

Feed (per tooth or per

rev)

TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_PER_UNIT TOOL_FINSIH_FEED_PER_UNIT

Axial depth TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH TOOL_FINISH_AXIAL_DEPTH

Radial depth TOOL_ROUGH_RADIAL_DEPTH TOOL_FINISH_RADIAL_DEPTH

When you create an NC sequence, you have to assign the values of these tool parameters to the appropria

manufacturing parameters through relations. For example, you can specify relations like:

CUT_FEED=TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_RATE

These relations can be either specified in a site file or supplied as a parameter value directly in the paramet

tree for the NC sequence. To specify the relation above, for example, type =TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_RATE as

value for the CUT_FEED parameter.

If you change the tool, or change the cutting data supplied for the tool, the value of the speed or fee

parameter driven by the relation is automatically updated.

Note: If you switch from Rough machining to Finish, you have to update the relations accordingly. Pro/N

does not automatically switch to Finish parameters from the tool cutting data. The manufacturing paramet

values are driven by whatever relations you specify.

To Provide the Bill of Materials for the Tool

When you retrieve a solid tool model, the system automatically includes all the parts and assemblies used

the tool model into the Bill of Materials (BOM) for the tool.

If the tool model is used By Reference, the tool BOM information is read-only. If you are using the to

model By Copy, you can edit the part names, if needed, or change the type; you can also add or remove th

BOM components.

For all other types of tools, you can provide the BOM information by typing the names of the components an

specifying their type and quantity.

Go to the BOM tab of the Tool Setup dialog box.

Click to insert a new component into the BOM table.



The system inserts a new line in the BOM table. The component has a default name, type GENERAL, a

quantity 1.

Place the cursor in the Component Name cell and type the name of the component.

Change the component type, if needed. When you place the cursor in the Type cell, it turns into a drop-dow

list. Select the desired type: INSERT, ADAPTER, HOLDER, or GENERAL.

Change the quantity, if needed, by placing the cursor in the Quantity cell and typing a value.

You can also place the cursor in the Comment cell and type a comment.

To remove a component from the BOM table, place the cursor in the appropriate row and click .

remove all the components, click .

To Set Up Multiple Tip Tools

To enable this functionality, set the configuration option allow_multiple_tool_tips to yes. An additional to

type, MULTI TIP, is then available in the Tool Setup dialog box for Holemaking and Trajectory Milling N

sequences, and for Mill and Mill/Turn workcells.

Note: If the manufacturing model already contains tools defined without setting this option, this functionali

is not available. Similarly, if you open a manufacturing model that contains tools defined using th

functionality, the MULTI TIP tool type appears in the Tool Setup dialog box regardless of the current val

of the allow_multiple_tool_tips configuration option.

Click in the Tool Setup dialog box to add a new tool.

Under Type, select MULTI TIP. The Geometry tabbed page displays the tool tip table for Tip 1 with t

default values for Diameter, Length, and Point Angle. It also contains the text boxes with defau

values for the Tool Length and Point Diameter parameters. These represent the overall tool leng

and the initial diameter of the tool tip. The default Point Diameter value is a dash (-), which means

diameter of 0, or a sharp point.

To edit these parameters, type the desired value in the text box.

Click to add a tool tip. The system adds another tool tip line with default values to the table a

updates the tool section sketch in the Tool Preview window.

To edit the Diameter, Length, and Point Angle values for a tool tip, click in the appropriate cell atype in the desired value.

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to add more tool tip lines. Clicking removes, after confirmation, the last to

tip line in the table.

Click OK when finished.

Multiple Tip Tools

Multiple tip tools are special tools with multiple control points of different manufacturing diameter and

offset. Multiple tip tools can be used for Holemaking, including Custom Cycles, and for Trajectory Milling.

When you set up a multi-tip tool, you can specify up to 4 tips, or stages. Each tip has a cutter diamete

length offset, and point angle associated with it. The system provides you with default values, which you c

modify.

When you select a multi-tip tool for a Holemaking or Trajectory Milling NC sequence, t

TIP_CONTROL_POINT parameter lets you specify which tip number to use for machining, and th

TLCHG_TIP_NUMBER parameter lets you select whether to use the initial or the current tool tip for going

the Start and End points of the NC sequence (if they are defined).

To Specify Multiple Tips for Milling and Holemaking Tools

To enable this functionality, set the configuration option allow_multiple_tool_tips to yes. An additional tabbe

page, Offset Table, is then available in the Tool Setup dialog box.

Note: If the manufacturing model already contains tools defined without setting this option, the Offs

Table tab does not appear. Similarly, if you open a manufacturing model that contains tools defined usin

this functionality, the Offset Table tab appears in the Tool Setup dialog box regardless of the current val

of the allow_multiple_tool_tips configuration option.



Click the Offset Table tab in the Tool Setup dialog box. By default, the offset table contains one tool t

line, Tip 1, with the columns for Offset Number, Offset Distance, and Comment. The Offset Numb

for Tip 1 is the same as the Offset Number on the Settings tabbed page. You can edit it on eith

page; the system will synchronize the values. The Offset Distance for Tip 1 is always 0.

Select the Enable Multiple Tips checkbox.

Click to add a tool tip. The system adds another tool tip line to the offset table.

To edit the Offset Number, Offset Distance, and Comment, click in the appropriate cell and type in tdesired value.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to add more tool tip lines. Clicking removes, after confirmation, the last tool t

line in the table. If you clear the Enable Multiple Tips checkbox, the system asks for a confirmation a

then removes all the tool tip lines except Tip 1.

Click OK when finished.

To Retrieve Tool Parameters

On the Tool Setup dialog box menu bar, click File > Open Parameter File.

The system displays the browser window.

The search starts in your current working directory. If you have set the pro_mf_tprm_directory

pro_library_dir by using the appropriate configuration options, you can quickly jump to these directori

by clicking the button in the top-right corner of the browser window.

By default, the browser displays files with the .tpm extension. If you have pre-Release 12.0 tool files wi

the extension .tprm, you can display them in the browser window by clicking the arrow next to the Typ

field and selecting *.tprm.

Select a file name from the browser window and click Open.

The system searches the Tool Table for the Name of the tool being retrieved:

If not found, the system appends the tool at the end of the Tool Table. Number (pocket number)

incremented by 1 with respect to the last one currently in the Tool Table. The Offset field is left blan

If the system finds a tool in the current Tool Table that has the same name and the same parameters a

the one being retrieved, it highlights the appropriate Tool Table entry and displays its paramet

values and section sketch.

If the name belongs to a tool that already exists in the current Tool Table but has a different set

parameters, the system issues a warning and queries whether you want to overwrite an existing to

If you confirm, it highlights the appropriate Tool Table entry and displays the tools new paramet

values and section sketch.

At the same time, the system looks for a .tpm file with the same name in the Materials subdirecto

corresponding to the stock material (as specified in the Operation Setup dialog box). If found,

retrieves the cutting data stored in this file into the appropriate Speeds & Feeds tab fields.

Note: When you retrieve a tool parameters file, its type must correspond to the Type value in the To

Setup dialog box; otherwise, the system issues an error message and the tool is not retrieved.

Tool Parameters Library

You can create your own tool library, where all the tool parameter files are to be stored. This way, the too

are available to all users for retrieval into their manufacturing processes, for modifying, or for setting up ne

tools. Use the following configuration file option:

pro_mf_tprm_dirpathname

Always enter the complete pathname to the tool library in the configuration file to avoid problems wh

working in different directories with Pro/ENGINEER. Example:

pro_mf_tprm_dir /usr/users/toolcrib

To Access an External Tool Database

If you have a third party tool management application, you can search for a cutting tool and transfer th

parameters and machining data associated with the tool from this external tool database into Pro/NC.

Note: To enable the search mechanism, you have to develop a Pro/TOOLKIT application that creates a

interface between the external tool database and Pro/NC.



In the Tool Setup dialog box, click . The Cutting Tool Search dialog box opens.

Select a tool type from the Tool Type list. If you leave the tool type as Unspecified, all types of tools w

be searched.

Build a search expression. Select a parameter from the list box on the left, then select an operator from th

list in the middle, and select or type a value on the right. Click Add. The search expression, such

NUM_OF_TEETH>=6, appears in the bottom text box of the Cutting Tool Search dialog box. You c

add more expressions and connect them with the logical OR or AND operators by selecting the OR

AND button in the middle portion of the Cutting Tool Search dialog box.

Click Find. The system performs the database search and opens a new window that displays the results.

Examine the search results and select the desired tool or tools.

Click Send. The system adds the selected tools and their parameters to the Tool Table in the Tool Se

manufacturing print

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